History meeting tonight
Northeast Philadelphia History Network will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m. at Pennepack Baptist Meetinghouse, 8732 Krewstown Road. The topic will be Byberry African American Burial Ground. The speaker will be Hannah Wallace, Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia. The ⅛-acre Byberry African American Burial Ground is located adjacent to Benjamin Rush State Park and is completely overgrown. ••
Game day at KleinLife
KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., will host a card and board game day on Wednesday, Feb. 8, beginning at 12:30 p.m. There is a $1 donation fee upon entry. Games will include Rummikub, Scrabble, Hand & Foot Canasta and Monopoly. Money collected will be put into a 50-50 drawing. Light refreshments will be served. ••
Children’s club in Fox Chase
JAM (Jesus and Me) Children’s Ministry meets on the first and third Fridays of each month from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave. Upcoming meetings are on Feb. 3 and 17. There will be refreshments, crafts, games, songs and Bible stories and lessons. All children are welcome. Call 215-745-2844. ••
Free tax help available
The City of Philadelphia and the Campaign for Working Families are partnering to provide free tax preparation services for families and individuals making less than $65,000 a year. This free tax preparation service is available at the Campaign for Working Families Northeast Office, 1919 Cottman Ave. (PATH building), Monday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call or visit Councilman Brian O’Neill’s office at 7522 Castor Ave. (215-685-0438). ••
Speed cameras in school zones
State Rep. Ed Neilson has reintroduced legislation requiring automated speed cameras in school zones.
“The city is plagued by being unable to hire police and bus drivers, and it has reduced the number of bus routes and crossing guards in our neighborhoods,” Neilson said. “The calls about these dangerous situations keep coming to my office and if the city isn’t able to fix it, as public servants, it’s our duty to introduce legislation that protects and enhances the life of our constituents, and that’s exactly what this legislation would do.” ••
Naz inducting Athletic Hall of Fame
Nazareth Academy High School’s second annual Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 3 p.m. in the gym. There will be a cocktail hour, presentation of awards and dinner. This year’s inductees will be Marguerite Culp McCay ’96 (softball), Katie Dougherty Fischer ’00 (basketball), Maureen McCandless ’01 (cross country and track), Mary Kate McDade Magagna ’05 (basketball), Diane Tyson Kelly (swimming coach) and Maryjo Kelly Morton (athletic director and coach). For tickets and more information, visit NazarethAcademyHS.org/HallofFame. ••
Author talk on Michael Crescenz
On Monday, Feb. 6, at 6 p.m., at the Vietnam Veterans of America Liberty Bell Chapter 266 post, 1517 E. Luzerne St., author John Siegfried will discuss his new book No Greater Love: The Story of Michael Crescenz, Philadelphia’s Only Medal of Honor Recipient of the Vietnam War. Siegfried will sign copies of the book. ••
Chick-Fil-A supports Catholic schools
Chick-fil-A Whitman Square and Somerton are hosting a Spirit Week through Friday, Feb. 4, in support of four local high schools: Archbishop Ryan, Father Judge, Nazareth Academy and St. Hubert. The stores will donate a portion of the week’s proceeds to celebrate Catholic Schools Week and support education in the Northeast.
“We are so proud to support our local high schools,” said Bob Fanelli, operator of both stores. “We hope our community will join in the festivities and cheer on these schools during Catholic Schools Week.”
Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the stores at 9711 Roosevelt Blvd. and 12000 Roosevelt Blvd. ••
An effort to raise Philly’s minimum wage
City Councilmen Jim Harrity and Mike Driscoll introduced a resolution calling on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to allow the City of Philadelphia to enact its own minimum wage laws, allowing the city to increase the starting hourly rate that’s been the same for the last 14 years. Since 2009, the minimum wage in Pennsylvania has been $7.25 per hour. Under the state’s Minimum Wage Act, the City of Philadelphia does not have the authority to create its own minimum wage.
“Philadelphians are subjected to higher costs of living than the rest of the commonwealth, and having the minimum wage decided by officials across the state hurts working people,” Driscoll said. “Many Philadelphians are experiencing an economic crisis as renters face record amounts of back-rent, rising costs of goods and services, and stagnant wages. The current rate is not enough for an individual to support their family, especially in a city with a quarter of the population living in poverty.” ••
Dillon on athletic oversight committee
State Sen. Jimmy Dillon has been appointed to the Pennsylvania Athletic Oversight Committee by Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa. The PAOC reviews the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association.
“I’m honored to accept this appointment and excited to collaborate with the other committee members to ensure that high school athletics in the commonwealth empower our student-athletes to develop the skills they need to reach their full potential and succeed in life,” Dillon said.
Dillon was a star basketball player at Holy Ghost Prep before going on to play at Notre Dame and briefly in Europe. ••
Bucks senior softball registration
Registration is open for the Bucks 65+ Senior Softball League. Indoor practices are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at PRAC, 375 W. Trenton Ave., Morrisville. Teams will form in April. For information, go to www.bucksseniorsoftball.com or email Bill at [email protected] or Jack at [email protected]. ••
Read about the heroes of Frankford HS
The Heroes of Frankford High School is a new book by authors Robert Smiley and Patricia Smiley that takes an in-depth look at the history of this historic school. For 110 years, Frankford High has been a cornerstone of the community, and it is a source of pride for its alumni. The school has a rich history, and this book captures it in a way that is both informative and inspiring. The book talks about the sacrifice of the 204 former students who have died in military service. The Smileys wrote the book with help from the Frankford Alumni Association. Order your copy at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSJG7TQ9 or Kindle at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSVLKC29. ••
Join teen art class
Tarken Recreation Center, 6250 Frontenac St., will hold an art class for ages 13-17. The class will meet Thursdays from 6-8 p.m., from Feb. 2 to March 30. All artistic abilities are welcome. Classes will be taught by a lifelong teaching artist with a colorful background in drawing, painting and sculpting. The registration fee is $40. To register, stop by the office weekdays from 4-8 p.m. ••
Visit Christ statue
The public is invited to visit the pilgrim Statue of the Scourged Christ, which will be at St. John Neumann Nursing Home, 10400 Roosevelt Blvd., through Feb. 16.
Here is the schedule: Feb. 6-7 and 13-14, 9-11 a.m.; Feb. 4 and 11, 10-11 a.m.; Feb. 5 and 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Feb. 1, 8 and 15, 1-3 p.m.; and Feb. 2, 9 and 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
For more information, call 215-698-5600 or visit passionofjesus.com. ••
St. Jerome Seniors to meet
St. Jerome’s Senior Group will meet on Thursdays, Feb. 9 and 23 and March 9 and 23, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. Meeting begins promptly at 11 a.m. ••
Book discussion series
The Northeast Regional Library Friends’ Group’s book discussion series will take place on Fridays in February at 2 p.m. The series will focus on the immigrant experience, ethnicity and being an American. The schedule is Feb. 3 (We Came to America by Faith Ringgold and All the Way to America by Dan Yaccarino), Feb. 10 (Watercress by Andrea Wang), Feb. 17 (Brothers in Hope: The Lost Boys of Sudan by Mary Williams and A Place Where Sunflowers Grow by Amy Lee-Tai) and Feb. 24 (Dreamers by Yuyi Morales). Books can be borrowed from Northeast Regional’s children’s department. Adults, including senior citizens and their caregivers, are encouraged to participate. Participants are welcome to bring family history items for show and tell. Northeast Regional Library is at 2228 Cottman Ave. Call 215-685-0522. ••
Thrift shop closed for a week
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will reopen Feb. 4 after a week closed. 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. ••
North communion breakfast
The Northeast Catholic Alumni Communion Breakfast will take place on April 16 at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Register at www.northcatholicalumni.org. ••
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]. ••
Trip to the Tropicana
Holy Innocents is planning a trip to the Tropicana Casino on Tuesday, Feb. 21. A bus will depart L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 9 a.m., and will leave the Tropicana at 4:30 p.m. The cost is $35, due by Feb. 13, and includes $20 in slot cash. To reserve a seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
Wine tasting at St. Hubert
St. Hubert Alumnae Association is holding a wine tasting on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 6-8 p.m., in the school cafeteria. The cost is $35 per person and includes wine pairings with cheese and chocolate. The event is presented by Main Street Wine Cellar featuring wines from Crossing Vineyards and Winery. Must be 21 to attend. For tickets, email [email protected]. ••
White chairing LNG task force
State Rep. Martina White has been selected to chair the Philadelphia LNG Export Task Force. The task force will be charged with creating a report and recommendations to be presented to the General Assembly and the administration including any actions that should be taken to facilitate the recommendations. The task force will be made up of members from the General Assembly, natural gas industry, Philadelphia building trades and the Port of Philadelphia. Natural gas is cheaper to produce than other forms of energy. The most efficient gas-fired plant has investment costs of $1,100 per kilowatt compared with $3,700 for the most efficient coal-fired plant.
White said the invasion of Ukraine only outlined the reasons the task force must work with urgency.
“Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine made it clear the world needs to become less reliant on Russia for its energy needs,” she said. “Pennsylvania has the resources to help rectify this situation, and that will improve our national security.” ••
Move up presidential primary
State Reps. Jared Solomon and Malcolm Kenyatta and Sen. Sharif Street will introduce legislation that would move the 2024 presidential primary election date in Pa. up one month. This would set the date for the 2024 presidential primary to be on March 19. Currently, Pennsylvania’s primary is scheduled to take place on the fourth Tuesday in April, long after many states have voted for a presidential nominee.
“Pennsylvania has proved time and time again to be a pivotal state when it comes to elections,” Solomon said. “This legislation will provide Pennsylvania the political weight it deserves by giving us a voice earlier in the process.” ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
All-star games at Holy Family
The Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council announced that the Philadelphia All Star Labor Classic basketball game will be played Sunday, April 16, at Holy Family University, 9801 Frankford Ave. Proceeds will benefit the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The event pits the City Boys vs. Suburban Boys at 2:45 p.m. and the City Girls vs. Suburban Girls teams at 1:15. Every participating player receives a $500 college scholarship, thanks to sponsorships. Prior to the two main events, attendees can enjoy the Labor All Stars vs. Media All Stars at noon. Admission is free. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected]. ••
Glen Foerd awarded grant
Glen Foerd announced it has received a grant of $850,000 from the William Penn Foundation to expand environmental programs and on-water experiences and make upgrades to its infrastructure. Glen Foerd will hire additional staff and expand current staff hours, and construct a new parking lot that will create a more direct entrance to the estate. ••
Trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan
The Polish American Cultural Center Museum volunteers are sponsoring a 7-day, 6-night trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan from July 9-15. The trip consists of a ferry ride to Mackinac Island, two nights at the Grand Hotel, a horse-drawn carriage ride and visits to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the Henry Ford Museum and the National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods. The price includes bus transportation, hotels, six breakfasts, six dinners, a buffet luncheon at the Grand Hotel, admission to all attractions, baggage handling, taxes and gratuities. Call Theresa Romanowski at 215-813-2780 or 215-922-1700. ••
Green: Legalize pot, pay reparations
Mayoral candidate Derek Green called on Mayor Jim Kenney to adopt a reparations commission and to appoint board members to the Philadelphia Public Financial Authority, which would address “historic racism” and “inequities” in lending practices. Green supports funding these initiatives through the legalization of adult-use cannabis. Green, a former city councilman, authored a charter change that called on then-Gov. Tom Wolf to legalize adult-use cannabis, which could raise millions to fund reparations initiatives.
“Racial justice is not possible without economic justice,” Green said. “That’s why I spearheaded legislation to establish a Public Bank in Philadelphia, which would increase access to credit for black and brown communities.”
Green championed the legislation in 2022, and it passed 15-1, with only Councilman Brian O’Neill voting against it.
“By giving a fair share of cannabis sales licenses to black retailers, we can raise money for public banking as well as fund initiatives determined by the reparations commission,” Green said. ••
New Dollar General in Frankford
Dollar General announced its store at 4342 Frankford Ave. is open. The store will carry household essentials including food, cleaning supplies, paper products, over-the-counter medicines, hygiene products and baby items. The new store also features an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables including lettuce, tomatoes, onions, apples, strawberries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lemons, limes and salad mixes. ••
Mayoral debate at Holy Family
The Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a mayoral debate on Tuesday, April 18, in the gym at Holy Family University, 9801 Frankford Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. The debate begins at 7. The moderators will be Dan McElhatton, a lawyer, former city councilman and chair of the GNPCC’s government affairs committee; and Northeast Times editor Tom Waring. A Holy Family student will have the chance to ask a couple of questions. The public is invited. ••
Tu B’Shevat Lunch and Seder
The Congregations of Shaare Shamayim is hosting a Tu B’Shevat Lunch and Seder on Sunday, Feb. 5. Cost is $20 per person. To reserve, mail payment to the CSS office, 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115. For further information, call the synagogue office at 215-677-1600. ••
Storytime at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, located at 7370 Central Ave. in Burholme Park, will host Storytime at Ryerss at 10:30 on three upcoming Saturdays. The schedule is Feb. 11 (Will You Be My Valentine?), Feb. 25 (Out of This World) and March 11 (Happy Birthday, Robert Ryerss). Call 215-685-0544. ••
Black history program for kids
Welsh Road Library, 9233 Roosevelt Blvd., will host a black history celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 4:30 p.m. School-age children can learn about black innovators George Crum, Mae Jemison and Garett Morgan, and enjoy some themed crafts and snacks. ••
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. ••
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]. ••
Book club to meet in April
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, April 3, at 7 p.m. The book is The Masterpiece by Fionna Davis. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at the synagogue office at 215-677-1600. ••
Celebrate 60 years
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, invites the public to celebrate 60 years of memories and moments on Sunday, March 26, at noon. There will be a brunch buffet, dessert station, mimosas, videos and personal recollections. The cost is $25. Checks payable to Congregations of Shaare Shamayim can be sent to 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115. The deadline is March 13. Call 215-677-1600. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Bingo on Zoom
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim is hosting a virtual bingo on Zoom on two consecutive Mondays, Feb. 13 and 20, starting at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $36 per person and includes two cards for eight games of bingo each night. There will also be a $5 50/50 that will be called on each night. Send your payment to the CSS office, 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115, attention: Bingo. Payment must be received no later than Monday, Feb. 6, and you must include your email address. The link will be emailed to you before the first bingo night. Call the CSS office at 215-677-1600 and ask for Gerry or Nancy. ••
Cultural trip to Bryn Athyn Cathedral
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will take a one-hour tour of Bryn Athyn Cathedral on Thursday, May 18, at 1 p.m. There are no steps, and restrooms are accessible. The cost is $10 per person. To register, send a check, payable to CSS Sisterhood, with Bryn Athyn on the memo line, to the CSS office, 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115, Attn: Bryn Athyn. Include the name, email address and phone number of each person registering. For questions, call Lynn Azoulay at 215-677-1600. ••
Weekly art group
Fox Chase Library, 501 Rhawn St., hosts a free art group every Thursday of the month, except the third Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Bring your supplies. Call 215-685-0549. ••
Sisterhood meeting in May
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be hosting a meeting on Tuesday, May 16. Dooors open at 7 p.m., with the program beginning at 7:30. Lynn Levin will speak about her new collection of short stories entitled House Parties. Levin is a poet, author, translator and adjunct associate professor in the Department of English and Philosophy at Drexel University. Copies of her book will be available for sale for $20. Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge for the program. Call the synagogue office at 215-677-1600. ••
Special designation for Miraculous Medal Shrine
The Miraculous Medal Shrine, a Marian devotional destination and ministry of the Vincentians of the Eastern Province in Germantown, has been elevated by the Vatican to Minor Basilica status. This designation is shared by only one other church in Philadelphia, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and 91 others across the United States. The Shrine, along with the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception that houses it, are now known as The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
The new designation followed an application process of multiple years and culminated in a decree issued by Pope Francis. The Shrine is now promoted as an exemplary site of liturgical and pastoral activity within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Minor Basilicas are given prominence among other churches and shrines, receive certain honorifics and are tasked with special responsibilities.
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez said, “I am deeply grateful to the Holy Father for bestowing this tremendous honor on The Miraculous Medal Shrine. This moment is one of great joy for the entire Church in Philadelphia. The Miraculous Medal Shrine is a great gift drawing souls closer to Christ through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. I congratulate the Vincentians and all those working to sustain the Shrine and its ministry. May their work continue to bear great fruit.” ••
Enter architectural competition
Center City-based BLT Architects announced its 12th annual Student Design Competition, which focuses on mentoring and building the next generation of architects. The two-day virtual event will take place with the competition introduction and bulk of work on March 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and presentations, judging and awards on March 26 from 9 a.m. to noon. Undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in a college or university architectural program can register.
Up to 20 teams of two students may compete, under guidance from BLTa employee mentors, on a surprise design challenge to be revealed on competition day. Each member of the winning team will receive $1,000 and a paid internship at the architectural and interior design firm in the summer.
Teams will be evaluated on their creative approach and response to the proposed site as well as their design’s sustainability and functionality.
All entrants must be eligible to work in the United States but not in their final year of a professional degree. For additional information, visit blta.com/2023SDC or email Hunter Kempton at [email protected]. ••
Study ‘60s folk music
Blowin’ In The Wind, the story behind the American folk music revival of the 1960s, will be offered to active older adults in a seven-part series at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 21. The public is invited to join with members. All seven programs will be run on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and will be led by Steve Pollack, entertainer, singer, lecturer, voice teacher, actor and director. Cost for all seven sessions is $50 per person. For additional information and to register, contact Andrea Kimelheim at 215-698-7300, Exr. 176 or [email protected]. ••
Learn about Joseph and family
Joseph and His Family will be the central theme of a six-part biblical series being offered for active adults at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. The public is invited to join with members. Sessions will be conducted on Feb. 23 and March 2, 9,16, 23 and 30. All will begin at 10:30 a.m. Cost for all six sessions will be $36 per person. To register and for more information, contact Shelley Geltzer at 215-698-7300, Ext. 129 or [email protected]. ••
Trinity exec on health board
Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic announced that Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Sharon Carney has been appointed to the board of directors for The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, a statewide membership services organization that represents 235 hospitals as well as the patients and communities they serve.
HAP’s 28-member board is made up of healthcare leaders from across the state. The board sets the association’s strategic direction and priorities relating to fostering a hospital community and promoting access to high-quality care across the state. Board members serve three-year terms.
“HAP has always been grounded in its mission to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to the highest possible quality of care,” Carney said. “As our commonwealth’s health systems tackle complex challenges related to the delivery of care, advocacy is more critical than ever in making meaningful change and maintaining exceptional patient access across the entire continuum. I look forward to representing Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic as a member of the HAP board and working closely with its dynamic team of leaders.”
As Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic’s chief clinical officer, Carney provides strategic oversight for patient safety and zero-harm, value-based care through care transformation, community health and well-being, medical staff services and Graduate Medical Education across the system.
“I am proud to welcome Dr. Carney to the HAP board of directors,” said HAP President and CEO Andy Carter. “As an accomplished physician, health care leader and advocate for high-quality and safe care, she will bring valuable insight to HAP’s work improving the quality of and access to health care throughout the commonwealth, and supporting the health of Pennsylvania communities.” ••
Fox Rok holding spring signups
Fox Rok is holding baseball and softball registrations for boys ages 4 to 17 and girls ages 4-18. Registrations will be held until Feb. 28, but divisions will close once the maximum number of players have registered. For cost, additional details or to register, visit www.foxrokaa.com. ••
Sign up for senior softball
The Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced players for their 59-and-over and 68-and-over leagues. The seasons start mid-April and will go until the end of September. There will be about 30 games, plus playoffs. No games are played in July. The 59-and-over games are Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 68-and-over games are Mondays and Fridays. All games are played at Crispin Field, Holme and Convent avenues. Games start at 10 a.m. For more information on the 59-and-over league, call John Troy at 215-292-1437. For more information on the 68-and-over league, call Marty King at 215-409-5121. ••
Pre-Purim fun
Families are invited to join Northeast Kehillah for a pre-Purim event on Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. The kid-friendly evening will feature costumes, interactive storytime, crafts, activities and a light kosher dinner. To register, go to JewishPhilly.org/NEPurim. For more information, email Carrie at [email protected]. ••
Fox Chase honored for person-centered care
Fox Chase Cancer Center has been awarded Gold Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care by Planetree International, which recognizes Fox Chase’s achievement and innovation in the delivery of person-centered care. Fox Chase is one of only 98 healthcare organizations worldwide to earn this prestigious award, and only one of four organizations that focus on cancer care to be honored.
“Fox Chase Cancer Center has long been proud of the personalized, high-quality care that it offers to both patients and their families. We have a long list of honors that acknowledge that fact, but to receive an accolade like this from an esteemed organization like Planetree International underscores how committed we are to our patients and their families,” said Dr. Robert Uzzo, president and CEO of Fox Chase.
Gold Certification for Excellence in Person-Centered Care represents the highest level of achievement in person-centered care based on evidence and standards. Person-centered healthcare prioritizes the active participation of patients and their families throughout the healthcare process, with an emphasis on partnership, compassion, transparency, inclusion and quality.
“The Planetree Certification is the only award that recognizes excellence in person-centeredness across the continuum of care,” said Susan Frampton, president of Planetree International, a nonprofit organization that has been at the forefront of the movement to transform healthcare from the perspective of patients for more than 40 years.
“This Gold Certification signals to its patients and community that Fox Chase Cancer Center is an organization where staff partner with patients and families, and where patient and family comfort, dignity, empowerment and well-being are prioritized as key elements of providing top-quality clinical care.” ••
Book club’s March meeting set
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, March 6, at 7 p.m. The book is The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at the synagogue office at 215-677-1600. ••
