Around Town

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. ••

New nonprofit names board

The newly formed nonprofit organization Latinos Educando Juntos has named new board members.

One of the new board members is Aliya Johnson-Roberts, executive director and owner of Bustleton Learning Center and Pratt Street Learning Center, and a business consultant pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.

LEJ provides educational advancement with English as a second language coursework, completion of GEDs, certificates for Child Development Associates and further college educational opportunities. There is workforce development, job readiness leadership and curriculum development, along with assistance with childcare funding applications and diapers from the Philadelphia Diaper Bank.

Learn more at www.latinoseducandojuntos.org. ••

Somerton not meeting this month

Somerton Civic Association will not be meeting in February.

The group typically meets on the second Tuesday of the month.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 14. ••

See Lion King Jr.

The St. Matthew Elementary School Drama Club will present five performances of Lion King Jr. in the school auditorium, 3040 Cottman Ave. The dates are Feb. 16-17 at 7 p.m., Feb. 18 at 1 and 7 p.m. and Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10, or $5 for kids and senior citizens, available at the door. ••

Experience Lenten Joy

Mother Boniface Spirituality Center (3501 Solly Ave.) will sponsor a morning of reflection, Lenten Joy, on Saturday, March 1. Sister Mary Kay McDonald, MSBT, will invite participants to discover how the Holy Spirit’s gift of Joy can lead people on a path of conversion and prepare them for the celebration of Holy Week and Easter. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It includes a breakfast snack, reflection, prayer, storytelling and lunch. The fee is $35. Visit www.msbt.org/events/lenten-joy or call 267-350-1830. ••

Teamsters 53 endorses Jeff Brown

International Brotherhood of Teamsters Joint Council 53, a council of 29 unions representing 60,000 members from the Philadelphia area, announced it is supporting Democrat Jeff Brown’s campaign for mayor. Joint Council 53 pointed to Brown’s history of supporting labor and creating jobs in neighborhoods across the city.

“Jeff Brown has been a friend and supporter of unions across the city for many years,” said Bill Hamilton, president of Teamsters Joint Council 53. “While others have done a lot of talking, Jeff has been working hard to bring and keep jobs in at-risk communities across the city. Throughout the many years that we have worked together, Jeff has shown the type of integrity, management expertise and commitment to our communities that make him the most qualified candidate. That’s why we are excited to wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy and look forward to helping make sure he becomes Philadelphia’s next mayor.”

Brown said, “It’s truly humbling to have the support of the unions and organizations with whom I’ve worked over the years. Unions are the backbone of our middle class, and they provide immeasurable benefit to their members, which is why I voluntarily unionized my stores. The challenges we face as a city will require new ideas and bold solutions, and I’m glad to count Teamsters Joint Council 53 as part of our team. Together, we will help make Philadelphia the city we all deserve.” ••

Democrats endorse

The Democratic City Committee did not endorse a candidate for mayor, leaving it up to individual wards. For Council at large, the endorsed candidates are Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Isaiah Thomas, Jim Harrity and Rue Landau. Wards can choose among Nina Ahmad, Erika Almiron and Eryn Santamoor for the fifth slot. Lawyer and ward leader John Sabatina, of Rhawnhurst, was endorsed over incumbent Register of Wills Tracey Gordon. Incumbent city election commissioners Omar Sabir and Lisa Deeley and Sheriff Rochelle Bilal were endorsed. Fox Chase’s Christy Brady, who resigned as acting city controller, was endorsed to complete the term of Rebecca Rhynhart, who resigned to run for mayor. The endorsed candidates for Common Pleas Court are Brian McLaughlin, John Padova, Tamika Washington, Wade Albert, Will Braveman, Damaris Garcia, Chesley Lightsey, Natasha Taylor-Smith, Samantha Williams and Kay Yu. The endorsed Municipal Court candidates are Cortez Patton and Barbara Thomson. ••

Trip to American Dream

St. Leo’s Knights of Columbus 1294 in Tacony is running a bus trip to the American Dream retail and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday, March 25. The bus will depart at 9:15 a.m. at St. Hubert High School, Cottman Avenue and Ditman Street, and will leave American Dream at 6 p.m. The price of the trip is $47 per person (bus driver gratuity included). Anyone interested in attending the trip can contact John McKenna at 267-242-3975 or [email protected]. ••

State money for Burholme First Aid

State Rep. Kevin Boyle announced that a $10,000 grant has been awarded to Burholme First Aid Corps Inc. This funding comes from the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner, who awarded a total of $31 million across the state for fire companies and emergency medical services through the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program.

“The men and women at Burholme play a critical role as EMS employees in our community,” Boyle said. “I’m excited to see them awarded this funding and hope it will help them respond to constituents who need emergency medical attention.” ••

Rhawnhurst Civic to meet

Rhawnhurst Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. at Pelbano Playground, 8100 Bustleton Ave. (at Solly Avenue). Follow the group on Facebook or visit Rhawnhurstcivicassociation.com. ••

Poetry series at NE Regional

A new poetry series featuring Charles Carr and John Timpane will kick off on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the community gathering area of Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave. The featured readers will be followed by an open mic.

For more details, visit https://northofoxford.wordpress.com/2023/01/17/2nd-wednesdays-poetry-at-northeast-regional-library-philadelphia-february-8th/.

The spring schedule is here: https://northofoxford.wordpress.com/2023/01/02/2nd-wednesdays-poetry-northeast-regional-library/.

The summer/autumn schedule will be released in June. ••

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. ••

O’Neill running for re-election

City Councilman Brian O’Neill (R-10th dist.) announced he is running for re-election on a platform of constituent service, accessibility, fighting unwanted zoning and fighting for the Far Northeast. He’ll face Roman Zhukov in the primary. Gary Masino is expected to be the Democratic nominee.

“With our city facing so much turmoil, we need experience and integrity now more than ever,” O’Neill said. “As the son of a Philadelphia police officer and a strong supporter of law enforcement, I will continue to oppose the mayor and district attorney’s soft-on-crime policies that increasingly endanger the law-abiding residents of the Far Northeast. I’m proud to announce that I’m running to continue fighting for you as your city councilman.” ••

Dems endorse McCaffery

The Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee endorsed Superior Court Judge Dan McCaffery, of East Torresdale, in the race for Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Democrats also endorsed Timika Lane and Jill Beck for Superior Court.

Party chairman Sharif Street issued the following statement: “It was an honor to convene for this year’s State Committee Winter Meeting and celebrate the historic victories from this past cycle as well as chart a path towards even greater success in the future. I am extremely proud of all our endorsed candidates and look forward to electing them this fall.”

Meanwhile, Republicans endorsed Montgomery County Common Pleas Court President Judge Carolyn Carluccio for Supreme Court. The GOP choices for Superior Court are Maria Battista and Harry Smail. ••

Council condemns Union League

City Council passed a resolution 14-2 to condemn the Union League for presenting a Gold Medal to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The resolution criticized DeSantis for banning books; censoring teachers and professors; discouraging students from wearing masks; suspending a prosecutor for refusing to prosecute certain crimes, including providers of abortion and gender transition treatments; flying illegals from South America to Massachusetts; and rejecting a black history course for including radical views in its curriculum. Councilmembers Mike Driscoll, Anthony Phillips, Quetcy Lozada and all other Democrats, along with the Working Families Party’s Kendra Brooks, voted to condemn the Union League. Republican Councilmen Brian O’Neill and David Oh voted no. ••

Holy Family earns grant

For the sixth consecutive year, Holy Family University has been awarded the It’s On Us PA grant. The Pennsylvania Governor’s Office announced that Holy Family is among the 39 Pennsylvania institutions of higher education that will receive grants to combat sexual violence on campus. The University will be awarded $40,000 that will provide funding to implement strategies on campuses to address the goals of the Governor’s It’s On Us PA campaign and to continue to support campus safety.

Anne Prisco, president of Holy Family, said, “This funding is crucial to supporting our programs that help our students learn about protecting themselves and others from sex- and gender-based violence. Through these vital resources and conversations, our students, faculty, and staff are better prepared to protect our community.” ••

Bid for Eagles items

Caring for Friends is holding an online auction for Eagles gear. Every dollar raised goes to its mission of sharing food and friendship with homebound, homeless and hungry people in the area. Bidding ends Thursday, Feb. 9, and winners can pick up items at Caring for Friends, 12271 Townsend Road, in time for the Super Bowl. To bid, go to https://givebutter.com/c/Eagles-CFF-Auction/auction. ••

Bingo on Saturday

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. 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. ••

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. ••

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]. ••

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. 13-14, 9-11 a.m.; Feb. 11, 10-11 a.m.; Feb. 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Feb. 8 and 15, 1-3 p.m.; and Feb. 9 and 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 215-698-5600 or visit passionofjesus.com. ••

Register to attend Maternity BVM

Registration will be held for pre-kindergarten to Grade 8 at Maternity BVM, 9322 Old Bustleton Ave., on Wednesday, Feb. 8 and Thursday, Feb. 9, from 9-10 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. Financial aid is available as needed. Go to www.maternitybvm.net for registration forms and details. For more information, contact advancement director Mike McDonough at 215-908-3329 or [email protected]. ••

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. 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 reopens

The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, is open after being closed for a week. 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. ••

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]. ••

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. ••

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. ••

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]. ••

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. ••

Shredding event on Feb. 18

State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, state Sen. Tina Tartaglione and City Councilmembers Mike Driscoll and Quetcy Lozada are sponsoring a shredding and e-recycling event on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Wissinoming Park, 5773-5945 Frankford Ave. (Cheltenham Avenue entrance). Paper, TVs, computers, appliances and VCRs will be accepted. For more information, call Hohenstein’s office at 215-744-2600. ••

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. ••

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. The next meeting is on Feb. 17. There will be refreshments, crafts, games, songs and Bible stories and lessons. All children are welcome. Call 215-745-2844. ••

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]. ••

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. ••

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]. ••

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]. ••

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. ••

Train show in March

The Train Collectors Association Atlantic Division will hold its Spring Fever Train Show and Sale on Sunday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 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. ••

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. ••

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. ••

Book review and dinner at Maggio’s

The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is having a book review on Wednesday, March 15, at Maggio’s Restaurant, 400 2nd Street Pike, Southampton, at 6 p.m. The book being discussed is Yellow Wife, by Sadeqa Johnson. The cost is $40, which includes dinner and dessert. Call Joyce at 267-808-2022 for reservations. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••

Red Cross blood drive

Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, is holding a blood drive being run by the American Red Cross on Sunday, March 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed to check people in and assist where needed. Light refreshments will be served. To reserve your time slot or for more details, call the CSS office at 215-677-1600. ••

Magic show and dinner

The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is hosting a magic show and dinner (adults only) on Sunday, April 2, at 3 p.m. at the Smoke & Mirrors Magic Theater, 2840 Pine Road (Landmark Business Center), Huntingdon Valley. Doors open at 2:40 p.m. The cost is $55 per person and includes show and food from Ben & Irv’s restaurant. Call Bernadette at 570-401-8417 for information and tickets. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••

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. ••

Afternoon Tea in Bristol

The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is hosting a traditional Afternoon Tea on Saturday, April 15, at noon at Bricky Girl Tea Room, 236 Mill St., Bristol. There will be contests for Best Fancy Hat, Best Funny Hat and Best High Tea Look. For tickets, call Lauren at 267-304-6396. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••

Casino trip to Atlantic City

The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a casino trip to Caesars Atlantic City on Tuesday, April 18. The cost is $40 and includes round-trip motor coach and $20 in slot dollars. Bus will leave from 604 Township Line Road, Cheltenham, at 9:45 a.m. and return about 8 p.m. Call Elaine at 215-913-9237 for reservations. This event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••

Entertainer Primerano on stage

Singer/pianist John Primerano will appear at Sellersville Theater, 24 W. Temple Ave. in Sellersville, on April 22, at 8 p.m. For tickets, call 215-257-5808. For more information, visit JohnPrimerano.com. ••

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. ••

Sisterhood meeting in May

The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be hosting a meeting on Tuesday, May 16. Doors 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. ••

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. ••

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. ••

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]. ••

New urology department at Fox Chase

Fox Chase Cancer Center has formed a new Department of Urology that will be chaired by Dr. Alexander Kutikov, who is the Roberta R. Scheller Chair in Urologic Oncology at Fox Chase.

Dr. Jay Simhan, professor and director of Reconstructive Urology, will be the department vice chairman. Kristen Ragusa will be the new department’s lead administrator.

Dr. Robert Uzzo, president and CEO of Fox Chase and a urologic surgeon, said he feels “immense pride” in seeing the urology team grow and mature. “This milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our outstanding group of urologic surgeons,” Uzzo said. ••

Fox Chase hematology researcher earns award

Cihangir Duy, an assistant professor in the Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer research program and a member of the Cancer Epigenetics Institute at Fox Chase Cancer Center, has been awarded an American Society of Hematology 2023 Junior Faculty Scholar Award in basic/translational research.

“I’m very grateful to ASH for this distinguished award,” Duy said. “The funding will allow us to continue in our research, which includes investigating how certain acute myeloid leukemia cells can reinitiate leukemia after chemotherapy.”

The ASH Scholar Awards support early career investigators dedicated to careers in hematology research as they transition from training programs to careers as independent investigators.

Duy received $150,000 with the award, which funds hematologists in the United States and Canada who conduct basic, translational and clinical research that furthers the understanding and treatment of blood disorders. ••

Rhynhart’s public safety plan

Democratic mayoral candidate Rebecca Rhynhart announced her plans for addressing public safety, in particular the city’s high rates of gun violence.

“In our city, we have had three years of close to or above 500 homicides. This is double the rate of homicides that we had less than 10 years ago. This is unacceptable,” Rhynhart said.

Rhynhart’s strategies to improve public safety and reduce gun violence in Philadelphia include the following:

• Rhynhart will immediately sign an executive order activating the emergency operations center to tackle gun violence, with a specific focus on the 14 ZIP codes out of 40 experiencing the highest levels of gun violence.

• The Rhynhart administration will implement intervention strategies with a track record of success in other cities that reach the people most at risk of shooting or being shot and offer them a way out of the lifestyle with mentorship, therapy, job training and employment, working with anti-violence leaders who have been successful in the community.

• As mayor, Rhynhart will bring together the police, district attorney and courts to review illegal firearm cases and ensure all these entities are working together to prosecute those responsible.

• Make a course correction to the 2016 executive order on disorderly conduct so that police may arrest individuals to prevent escalations that may lead to violence.

• Mayor Rhynhart will move officers from desk work to patrol so that there are more officers available, implement community-first policing and address disparity in 911 response time by neighborhood.

• The Rhynhart administration will invest in neighborhoods that have experienced “historical disinvestment” to improve schools, provide localized job training and create pathways to good jobs with family-sustaining wages.

“Every resident of Philadelphia deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood and all of us deserve the peace of mind that our loved ones will come home safe at night. That’s why as mayor, public safety will be my No. 1 priority.” Rhynhart said.

The entire plan is at rebeccaforphiladelphia.com/public-safety. ••

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]. ••