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. ••
Rhynhart details drug plan
Democratic mayoral candidate Rebecca Rhynhart held a news conference at McPherson Park in Kensington to discuss actions she would take to solve the crisis in Kensington fueled by the open-air drug market and the opioid epidemic.
“On my walk here from the Somerset station, I saw what residents and families of Kensington see every day: People injecting themselves with drugs in broad daylight, people leaned over and passed out, and trash piled up,” Rhynhart said. “This is not acceptable. Philadelphians are raising their families here. I am a mother and what I am seeing must end.”
Rhynhart’s strategies include:
• Deploying more police officers to Kensington and increasing foot patrols to provide safety for residents;
• Evaluating and improving the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion for low-level offenders, a program that has been successful in other cities;
• Breaking up the open-air drug market through a Drug Market Intervention program focused on dealers, offering them a choice between a way out of the lifestyle assisted by city services or incarceration;
• Appointing a drug czar who will report directly to the mayor to coordinate the city’s response;
• Implementing community responder teams with representatives from appropriate city departments and community-based harm-reduction organizations to offer services to those suffering from addiction; and
• Streamlining intake at city-contracted facilities to ensure that those seeking treatment receive immediate medical assistance that can serve as a bridge until they can receive long-term care.
During her remarks, Rhynhart emphasized the need to have a compassionate response for those who are suffering with substance use disorder, while holding those responsible accountable with real consequences.
“To the residents of Kensington who have continually said enough is enough, I hear you. To those suffering with addiction on the street, I see you. We cannot let this continue. I will lead with the courage necessary to fix this. As mayor, I will act immediately to restore the quality of life here in Kensington, and at the same time, help those suffering from addiction,” Rhynhart said. ••
Join MLK Day of Service
Councilman Mike Driscoll and Rep. Pat Gallagher will hold a Martin Luther King Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tacony Baptist Church, 4715 Disston St. Supplies will be provided for a cleanup, including some of the debris from when a car crashed into the church steps and railings. Refreshments will be served, and Fink’s is donating lunch. Students will be given service hours. To volunteer, call Michele Fleming at 215-683-9220. ••
3 murdered in Mayfair
Three young men were shot to death Monday night in Mayfair, while a fourth victim is in critical condition. Police said the incident happened about 9:57 p.m. on the 7300 block of Rowland Ave. Officers responded to reports of a person with a gun and found the victims on the street. All had multiple gunshot wounds to the body. None have been publicly identified, with police describing them as Hispanic. An 18-year-old and a 19-year-old were pronounced dead on the scene by a Fire Department medic unit at 10:03 p.m. A 24-year-old was taken by private vehicle to Nazareth Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:38 p.m. A 28-year-old was taken by a medic unit to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition. No weapon was recovered, and there are no suspects or arrests. ••
Flea market at St. Hubert
St. Hubert, 7320 Torresdale Ave., will be hosting its annual indoor flea market on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Tables are $20 for vendors. Admission is free for shoppers. Email [email protected] ••
Clothing sale starts Friday
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will hold its $6 clothing sale beginning Friday, Jan. 13. Fill a bag of clothing for $6. 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. ••
Health fair on Monday
Mount Zion Baptist Church, 8101 Erdrick St., will host a Health and Wellness Resource Fair Addressing Health Disparities for the MLK Day of Service on Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are welcome. There will be a variety of organizations present to share resources and answer questions about issues such as heart health and mental health. There will be a children’s book reading, community gardens, healthy eating demonstrations and information about food banks. Hearing and blood pressure screenings will be available, and light snacks will be served. All attendees are encouraged to bring at least one non-perishable food item for a local food bank. ••
Jazz series comes to St. William
The first of a three-concert series will be presented at St. William Church, 6200 Rising Sun Ave., on Sunday, Jan. 15, at 2 p.m. The Jake Kelberman Trio, featuring vocalist Joanna Pascale, will perform jazz standards and classics from the Great American Songbook. Featuring Lucas Brown on organ and Wayne Smith Jr. on drums, the group plays new interpretations of familiar repertoire. Free parking is available in the MaST II Charter School lot across from the church. Light refreshments will follow. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased in advance through Artcinia.com/concerts or at the door. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome. ••
Remembering MLK at St. James
St. James Lutheran Church, 5185 Castor Ave., will host The Preacher, a service remembering Martin Luther King, on Sunday, Jan. 15, at 3:30 p.m. There will be music, reflections and quotes, followed by light refreshments. ••
St. Jerome seniors to meet
The St. Jerome’s Senior Group will meet on Thursdays, Jan. 12 and 26, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. Meeting begins promptly at 11. ••
Bingo on Saturday
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. ••
Tacony Civic schedules meeting
Tacony Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. at Tacony Library, 6742 Torresdale Ave. (at Knorr Street). ••
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. ••
Volunteer for MLK Day
Caring for Friends, 12271 Townsend Road, is offering volunteer opportunities for Martin Luther King Day, Monday, Jan. 16. Volunteers can work at the Caring for Friends warehouse, at their job site at a school or house of worship or at home. Opportunities include cooking meals, sorting food and making caring cards. Sign up at https://caringforfriends.org/volunteer/. ••
Blood drive at Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will hold a blood drive on Wednesday, Jan. 18, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse, 7600 Central Ave. Visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter “TUH Jeanes Campus” for location. ••
Dillon gets committee assignments
State Senator Jimmy Dillon has been named minority-party chairman of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee. Dillon will also serve on the Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, the Labor and Industry Committee and the Law and Justice Committee.
“I’m excited to begin my work serving on these committees and tackling issues that are important to my constituents and people across Pennsylvania,” Dillon said. “Northeast Philly is going to have a voice in conversations on improving access to high-speed internet, promoting business growth, protecting consumers, reforming unemployment and supporting our police.” ••
Neilson wants Jan. 6 Day in schools
State Reps. Ed Neilson and Chris Rabb announced they are drafting legislation that would establish an observance of Jan. 6 Day in Pennsylvania schools. Sen. Art Haywood has proposed a companion bill.
“Two years ago on Jan. 6, after 9,400 rioters invaded the U.S. Capitol, five Capitol Police officers gave the ultimate sacrifice in trying to protect our democracy,” Neilson said. “This legislation would honor their heroism, bravery and devotion to the rule of law, the U.S. Constitution and our country.”
Of the five officers who died, one died of a stroke the following day and four later committed suicide. Ashli Babbitt, a military veteran and unarmed Donald Trump supporter, was shot to death by a Capitol police officer on Jan. 6. ••
Neilson thanks Wolf for speed camera dollars
State Rep. Ed Neilson thanked Gov. Tom Wolf for awarding $14.5 million for Roosevelt Boulevard projects. The money comes from motorists assessed speed camera violations on the Boulevard.
“People in our community have been asking for changes to enhance safety along the Boulevard for some time now,” Neilson said. “This will include the enforcement of fines for speeding vehicles and new engineering solutions to reduce accidents.”
The approved projects are $10 million for the design of intersection modifications; $1.5 million for the Roosevelt Boulevard Parallel Corridor Intelligent Transportation Systems and Emergency Preemption Program; $1.5 million to support alternatives analysis for Boulevard improvements; and $1.5 million for a traffic management system. ••
White remains GOP secretary
Rep. Martina White was sworn in to serve the people of the 170th District in the state House of Representatives. She is serving her fourth full term after winning a special election in 2015. In the new term, she will again serve as Secretary of the Republican Caucus.
“I will continue my work for our commonwealth, our city and the hard-working people of Northeast Philadelphia who have put their faith in me,” White said. “That means continuing our fight against criminals who have been allowed to prey on our families.”
White also plans to focus on high-quality schools, better-paying jobs and responsible state spending. She can be reached at her office at 2901 Southampton Road (215-330-3711) or followed on Facebook. ••
Celebrating 100 years of SMT
St. Martin of Tours Parish invites all school alumni, current and past parishioners and friends to a 100th anniversary Mass in the upper church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., on Sunday, April 30, at noon. The Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Edward Adams. Afterward, there will be a “Past & Present — Building Our Future” celebration at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road, from 2-6 p.m. Tickets cost $35 and include food, soft drinks, music and door prizes. The event is for ages 21-plus. Tickets must be purchased in advance in the rectory, after all Masses, through Venmo (@smotphilly) or with check to St. Martin of Tours Church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19124, Attn: Centennial Celebration. Proceeds will benefit church improvements. ••
Family night at local church
Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave., will host a free Family Learning Night on Jan. 19 and the third Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. There will be dinner, a Bible story, crafts, games and songs. All are welcome. Call 215-342-2085 or email [email protected]. ••
Club for kids
The Good News Club meets Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. at Third Reformed Presbyterian Church, at Byberry and Barbary roads in Parkwood Manor. The evening will feature games, crafts, stories, songs and refreshments. The club is for kids from age 4 to sixth grade. ••
Blood drive in Somerton
Fellowship Bible Church and Somerton Civic Association in partnership with the Red Cross are holding a blood drive on Thursday, Jan. 26, from 2-7 p.m. at Fellowship Bible Church, 13021 Worthington Road. Visit the link at https://tinyurl.com/2n286ez5 to sign up.
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 Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 4-5. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Visit www.cheltenhillsmrr.org or Facebook. ••
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. ••
Cruise the Mediterranean
Norwegian Cruise Line will host a Mediterranean cruise from Rome to Venice on Oct. 10-19. 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 [email protected]. ••
Upcoming cruise
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a fully escorted Holy Lands & Aegean Majesty cruise from Oct. 6-17, 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, 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]. ••
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. ••
Sisterhood meeting in March
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will meet on Tuesday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. The speaker will be Rabbi Sandi Berliner. Her topic will be: “What’s on your seder plate – Updating your Seder.” Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Money for the Boulevard
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. announced the City of Philadelphia will receive $78 million in Department of Transportation funding to make major safety improvements along Roosevelt Boulevard. The City will install new median barriers, realigned crosswalks, traffic signal upgrades and new Business Access and Transit lanes to make it easier for buses to travel and reduce accidents.
“This huge investment will make Roosevelt Boulevard safer for drivers and pedestrians alike, protecting the many Philadelphians who live nearby and use this major artery to get to work and school,” Casey said. “This funding will invest in the transportation backbone of the corridor, better connecting ‘marginalized’ communities and improving the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Philadelphians.”
Mayor Jim Kenney thanked Casey, the Biden-Harris administration and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for the investment. ••
Bingo on Feb. 11
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, at Trenton Avenue and Cumberland Street, will hold bingo on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 1-4 p.m. Doors open at noon. Packages are $20 and include lunch. Call 215-423-0792. ••
Show about WWI
On Sunday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m., in the headquarters of the Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation, 321 Cedar St. in Bristol Borough, professional actor Neill Hartley will present his one-man show entitled Over There: Songs and Letters of WWI. This fully staged production will feature stories of the war, told in the words of the men and women who lived it, and will include iconic songs of that era. Light refreshment will be served. A donation of $5 per adult is requested, payable at the door. No fee for students. Call 215-788-9408. ••
Tae Kwon Do competition
Red Tiger Tae Kwon Do will hold its USTC Red Tiger Cup on Saturday, May 6, at 8 a.m. at Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road in Newtown. Students will compete in sparring, patterns and special technique with trophies and medals awarded to the top three competitors in each division. Call 215-969-9962.
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. ••
