Dugan running for Superior Court
Municipal Court President Judge Pat Dugan, a Democrat, announced his candidacy for one of two open seats on the Pennsylvania Superior Court. Dugan has served 15 years on Municipal Court, president since 2019. He was a founder of the city’s Veterans Court, presiding since 2010 and lowering recidivism to less than 10 percent. He served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve, including a deployment alongside the Iraqi Coalition Provisional Authority as an Army Political Administration Officer then as a JAG officer. His campaign chairman is Pennsylvania Conference of Teamsters President Bill Hamilton. ••
Community Hanukkah celebration
Northeast Kehillah will hold a community Hanukkah celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 21, from 6-7 p.m. at House of Kosher, 9806 Bustleton Ave. There will be a candle lighting, live music by Ken Ulansey, latkes, doughnuts and nosh. To register, go to jewishphilly.org/celebrate. For questions, email Carrie at northeast@jewishphilly.org. ••
Local students earn scholarships
Six local students were named Neumann Scholars by the Connelly Foundation. The honor comes with a four-year, full scholarship to attend any Philadelphia Archdiocesan high school of their choosing. Tuition averages $8,700 a year. This year, 473 students from 116 parochial schools in the five-county area competed for the scholarships. The standardized test was administered in September.
Scholarship recipients include Raphael Tartari, St. Katherine of Siena; Cindy Zhang, St. Matthew; Isabella R. Roman, St. Katherine of Siena; Brandan J. Carey, St. Cecilia; Gavin T. Barlett, St. Anselm; and Victor M. DiPasquale, Holy Innocents. ••
Christmas party on Friday
Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road, will be hosting a Christmas party on Friday, Dec. 23, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. The cost is $5 and includes vendors, crafts, games and a photo with Santa. Food will be available a la cart. ••
Poll workers needed
The city is in need of election polling place workers. An election board consists of a judge of elections, who gets paid $205, and a majority-party inspector, minority-party inspector, a clerk and a machine inspector, all of whom receive $200. There is an additional $50 for attending training. Poll workers must live in the division where they work. City, state, federal and school district employees are not eligible.
For more information, call 215-685-4811 or visit seventy.org/become-a-poll-worker. ••
Storytime at Torresdale Library
Torresdale Library, 3079 Holme Ave., will host Preschool Story Time-Winter Holidays on Thursday, Dec. 22, at 10:30 a.m. The program is for children ages 2 to 5 with an accompanying adult. Older siblings welcome. ••
Buy lottery calendar
St. Martha Parish is selling 2023 lottery calendars for $25. Choose a three-digit number, and that number has 365 chances to win, based on the Pennsylvania Lottery number (straight) drawn at 7 p.m. The daily prize is $25, along with a monthly bonus of $100. Mail checks (along with contact information and your three-digit number and two alternate numbers) to St. Martha, 11301 Academy Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154. Put “2023 Calendar” in the memo section. ••
Chanukah quiz
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a Chanukah “Quiz” Bowl with Rabbi Sandi Berliner following Shabbat services on Saturday, Dec. 24. Light refreshments will be served to celebrate Chanukah. Call 215-677-1600 to RSVP or for more details. ••
Chinese food and a movie
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a Chinese dinner and movie on Sunday, Dec. 25, at 5 p.m. The dinner is being catered by the Cherry Grill kosher Chinese restaurant. The cost is $22 per person. Send your payment along with the number of people attending to the address above. Call 215-677-1600 for more details. ••
Thrift shop closed for a week
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will be closed Dec. 25 through Jan. 1, and will reopen Monday, Jan. 2, with a half-price sale. Hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shop is closed Saturdays. Call 215-624-9130. ••
Party for Ukraines
KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., will host a New Year’s party for Ukrainian refugee children and their families on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 4 p.m. There will be games, holiday treats and gifts, singing, arts and crafts and cookie decorating. Fulton Bank and Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia are co-sponsoring the event. Participants must register in advance at 215-698-7300. ••
Mass for Joseph Zarelli
Michael the Archangel Ministry Program will hold a special Mass on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 7 p.m. at St. Timothy Catholic Church, 3001 Levick St., for Joseph Augustus Zarelli and all the detectives and police officers who worked on his case. Joseph was formerly known as the “Boy in the Box” and “America’s Unknown Child.” The Mass will be celebrated in the upper church by the Rev. Michael Olivere. Dec. 28 is the Feast of the Holy Innocents. ••
No truck parking law
Legislation introduced by City Councilmen Brian O’Neill and Mike Driscoll to prohibit truck and tractor trailer parking in the 10th and 6th Council districts passed unanimously.
Councilman Anthony Phillips, who was sworn in on Nov. 28, introduced a similar bill for the 9th District. His bill is expected to pass in the new year.
Supported by both the Philadelphia Police and Department of Streets, the regulations will make it easier for residents to request “No Truck Parking Anytime – Tow Away Zone” signs on streets where these vehicles are creating a nuisance and an eyesore, and are disrupting their communities.
Sign requests, which currently require individual Council ordinances, would now be permitted by streets department regulation upon request in the Far Northeast, Lower Northeast, River Wards and parts of Northwest Philadelphia.
“Our offices have been inundated with requests due to an increase in illegal truck and tractor trailer parking in the Northeast. These bills will help to streamline the process and cut down on the number of these vehicles parking in our neighborhoods” O’Neill, Driscoll and Phillips said in a statement.
Once the signs have been posted, any truck or tractor trailer parked in the no truck parking zone can legally be ticketed and towed away.
To request “No Truck Parking” on your block, if you have any questions about the changes, or if their office can help you regarding any other matter, contact O’Neill at Brian.ONeill@phila.gov or 215-437-9167, Driscoll at Mike.Driscoll@phila.gov or 215-683-9220 or Phillips at Anthony.Phillips@phila.gov or 215-686-3454. ••
Boyle Dem chair of Budget Committee
U.S. House Democrats voted unanimously to elect Rep. Brendan Boyle as ranking member of the Budget Committee.
“I am grateful to my Democratic colleagues for entrusting me with leading the House Budget Committee,” Boyle said. “Budgets reflect our values, and I plan to advocate for working and middle-class families in my future efforts on this committee. As ranking member, I will work toward finding common ground with the majority members of this committee so that, in the end, we hopefully can enact a budget that is fair and equitable to all. I will not stop fighting for the values we share, and an economy that works for everyone.”
Republicans took control of the House in last month’s election. Democratic Rep. John Yarmuth had been the chairman, but did not seek re-election.
Yarmuth said, “Brendan possesses keen political instincts and will be critical in pushing back against Republican disinformation. His ability to combine both the policy and politics make him the right member at the right time for this role.”
“Congressman Brendan Boyle is a remarkable legislator who has fought hard for lower costs and better-paying jobs throughout his tenure in Congress”, said incoming Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “I congratulate Brendan on his election as he leads the effort to defend our priorities on the House Budget Committee, including the protection of Social Security and Medicare from attacks by the extreme MAGA Republicans.” ••
Gift wrapping for charity
Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Board of Associates of Fox Chase Cancer Center, is running its holiday gift wrapping at Willow Grove Park, 2500 W. Moreland Road, Willow Grove, through Saturday, Dec. 24. Profits support patient care and medical research at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Celebrate new year
KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., will usher in the new year with a special holiday luncheon and entertainment program on Thursday, Dec. 29, beginning at 11:30 a.m. The public is invited to join the celebration with members of the senior center. There will be hats, horns, noisemakers and entertainment by DJ Dave Michael. Register at the center’s front desk. Cost is $3 per person. For additional information, call 215-698-7300, Ext. 129 or email sgeltzer@kleinlife.org. ••
Free help for the holidays
International School of Coaching’s Master Coach Paula Michele Boyle and her team of trained specialists are reaching out to support the community for those feeling frustrated or unsatisfied with their lives, careers and relationships. The session you will receive with a certified Life Coach is available from Thanksgiving to New Year 2023. To register or learn more, visit lifecoachphilly.com. ••
Buy from small biz
American Workers Radio is promoting December as National Small Business Month. For more information, visit NationalSmallBusinessMonth.com or AmericanWorkersRadio.com. ••
Weekly art group
Fox Chase Library, 501 Rhawn St., hosts a free art group every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Bring your supplies. Call 215-685-0547. ••
Visit model railroad club
Chelten Hills Model Railroad Club, 8010 Old York Road in Elkins Park, will be hosting open houses from noon to 4 p.m. on the following Saturdays and Sundays: Jan. 7-8 and Feb. 4-5. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.cheltenhillsmrr.org or Facebook. ••
Book club meeting
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding its January Zoom session on Monday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. The book is Montana 1948 by Larry Watson. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Feb. book club meeting
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding its February Zoom session on Monday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. The book is The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Theater show at Glen Foerd
Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., will host the world premiere theatrical staging of Langston Hughes’ The Ways of White Folks, Jan. 11-22. A champagne reception will be held on Jan. 13. Published in 1934, The Ways of White Folks is a collection of 14 short stories by American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright and columnist Langston Hughes (1901-67). The collection addresses multiple dimensions of racial issues, focusing specifically on interactions between black and white people. Performances will be held Jan. 11-15 and Jan. 19-22, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Matinee performances will be held on Jan. 15 and Jan. 21, at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $32, while the cost is $12 for students and industry professionals. Go to https://secure.egopo.org/ways-of-white-folks. Valet parking for all performances will be available. Masks are required to be worn during all performances. For more information, visit www.glenfoerd.org or call 215-632-5330. ••
Train show on Jan. 8
The Train Collectors Association Atlantic Division will hold its Fall Train Show and Sale on Sunday, Jan. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The venue is Penns Landing Caterers (Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall), 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. There will be 140 tables with a variety of vintage toy trains and repair parts for sale, test track, operating toy train layouts, kids activities and door prizes for adults and children. Admission is $5 per attendee or per family of two adults and all children 12 and under. Food is available on premises, and there is plenty of free parking. For more information, visit www.ADTCA.com or call Bob at 610-872-3309. ••
Rhawnhurst Civic to meet
Rhawnhurst Civic Association will meet on Jan. 18, 2023, at 7 p.m. at Pelbano Playground, 8100 Bustleton Ave. (at Solly Avenue). Follow the group on Facebook or visit Rhawnhurstcivicassociation.com. ••
Learn about Jewish ethics
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, announced that Rabbi Sandi Berliner will be teaching a class on “Words of Wisdom from Jewish Ethics.” The class will meet every Wednesday in January and the first two Wednesdays in February for enlightening Jewish learning. The cost for the program is $12. There will be coffee and cake at 10 a.m., with the class starting at 10:30. All are welcome to attend. Mail your check to the synagogue. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Cruise the Mediterranean
Norwegian Cruise Line will host a Mediterranean cruise from Rome to Venice on Oct. 10-19, 2023. The trip is all inclusive with round-trip airfare, a beverage package, all meals, three specialty dinners, taxes, transfers and all gratuities. The cost for a balcony sea view cabin is $3,511 per person. For more information, contact Fillmore Travel’s Kevin Fries at 215-498-8294 or fkevin910@comcast.net. ••
Upcoming cruise
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a fully escorted Holy Lands & Aegean Majesty cruise from Oct. 6-17, 2023, visiting Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and Italy. Rates, including airfare, range from $4,298 to $8,098 per person, double occupancy. Call 215-788-9408 for information and reservations. ••
South Phila. HS class of ‘68 reunion
The South Philadelphia High School Class of 1968 will hold its 55th reunion on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Waterfall Room, 2015 S. Water St. Tickets cost $60 and include buffet dinner and open bar. For tickets and more information, call Arleen Liberi [609-922-2419], Maria Leati [856-287-3734] or Stephen Michielli [267-252-2740]. ••
Baby shower at synagogue
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, is hosting its annual baby shower on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 1 p.m. There will be games and refreshments while supporting Jewish Family and Children’s Services. The group will be collecting new children’s clothing in sizes newborn to 6 and new or gently used toys and equipment. Light refreshments will be served. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Bingo on Jan. 14
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, at Trenton Avenue and Cumberland Street, will hold bingo on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 1-4 p.m. Doors open at noon. Packages are $20 and include lunch. Call 215-423-0792. ••
St. Jerome Seniors to meet
St. Jerome’s Senior Group will meet on Thursday, Dec. 22, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. Meeting begins promptly at 11. ••
VFW looking for members
Bustleton-Somerton/CTR1 Michael J. Strange VFW Post 6617 meets on the third Wednesday of every month at American Legion Post 810, 9151 Old Newtown Road. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. If you are a military veteran who served in a designated combat zone, you are eligible to join the VFW. Contact Commander Israel Wolmark at 215-725-0630 if you would like to join the post. ••
Sisterhood meeting
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be hosting a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. A representative of Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy will be speaking about the use of strength bands in therapy. Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Blood drive on Dec. 31
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Saturday, Dec. 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cpl. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave. Sign up by calling 800-RED CROSS or going to www.redcrossblood.org. ••
Broadway memories
The Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, invites the community to Together off Broadway: Merman and Martin on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at 2 p.m. Ethel Merman and Mary Martin were off-stage friends, theater royalty and iconic personalities. The show gives a peek at their personal lives while celebrating a song list including I’ve Got Rhythm, The Sound of Music and Hello, Dolly. The price of admission is $36 per person and includes a dessert reception. Mail your check to the synagogue. Call 215-677-1600. ••
