Coach Legion baseball
Corporal John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366 is looking for an experienced baseball coach. Interested persons can contact Conrad Kraus at 215-379-8100 or [email protected]. ••
Craft and vendor fair
Delaire Landing, 9355 State Road, will host its annual craft and vendor fair on Saturday, April 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All are invited. Email [email protected]. ••
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. ••
Poetry at NE Regional
Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave., will host its 2nd Wednesdays Poetry Series on Wednesday, April 12, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The evening will include an open mic and featured poets Diane Sahms and g emil reutter. Call 215-685-0501. ••
Location change for Roosevelt Mall flea market
As the Roosevelt Mall prepares for a major makeover, including construction of a supermarket, the flea market that is open every Sunday in the lower parking lot of the mall will relocate to the lot near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, by Macy’s. Flea Market management will concentrate on bringing in vendors that sell more used and second-hand merchandise, which is what most customers have been requesting. For vending information, call 215-625-FLEA (3532) or visit www.PhilaFleaMarkets.org. ••
Designer bag bingo
St. Hubert Alumnae Designer Bag Bingo is on Sunday, April 30, from 1-4 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Tickets cost $35 and include 15 rounds of bingo. A designer bag will be awarded to the winner of each round. Must be 18 to attend. For tickets, email [email protected]. ••
Free art classes
The Tacont LAB Arts Center, 6918 Torresdale Ave., offers free art classes for adults and kids. Email [email protected]. ••
Pancakes at Loudenslager
Corp. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., will host a pancake breakfast on April 16, from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. ••
Revitalizing historical monuments
State Rep. Jared Solomon said he is honored to be appointed by Speaker Joanna McClinton to serve on the America250PA Infrastructure Improvements and Projects Committee, which will explore infrastructure investments that will revitalize past historical monuments and chart a course of making lasting investments for the next generation of Pennsylvanians.
“I believe in preserving and celebrating our past while embracing our future,” Solomon said. “It is a privilege to serve on this committee to show off the great things Pennsylvania has done since this nation’s founding and what we will do in the years ahead.”
Solomon co-sponsored legislation to establish the infrastructure of Pennsylvania’s part in the celebration of America250. People can learn more about America250PA at www.america250pa.org. ••
Disability curriculum OK’d
State Rep. Joe Hohestein applauded the announcement by the state Department of Education of its creation of a Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program to instruct K-12 students on political, economic and social contributions of people with disabilities. Under the program, schools can apply for up to $30,000 in grant funding to implement disability-inclusive curriculum.
“I’ve been an advocate for disability-inclusive curriculum since before getting elected,” Hohenstein said. “We have to be conscious of the contributions every individual is able to make to society. We see far too often these individuals overlooked or passed over. It’s time for schools to start educating our children about these important figures in society, their contributions, and to give those who are ‘differently abled’ role models and examples of pathways to success. This creates an exciting and inviting learning environment for all of our children.”
For additional information, call Hohenstein’s district office at 215-744-2600. ••
Kidney care
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus will present How to Keep Your Kidneys Happy on Wednesday, April 19, at 6:30 p.m. at Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse, 7600 Central Ave. The discussion will be led by Dr. Michael Levin, a Temple nephrologist. To register, call 215-728-4861 or email [email protected]. ••
Music, refreshments at meeting
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a meeting on Tuesday, April 18, at 7 p.m. Cantor Don Samuels will entertain the crowd with a vocal medley, accompanied by pianist Josh Yudkin. Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Alpha House open house
Holy Family University’s Alpha House Nursery, Pre-K and Kindergarten will be hosting an open house on Saturday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Alpha House, 9801 Frankford Ave. (at Grant Avenue). For more information, call 215-632-3366. ••
Learn to make jewelry
Jewelry making for active adults will be the focus of a workshop to be held at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., on Monday, April 17, at 12:30 p.m. Jewelry-making expert Lorraine Stein will lead the workshop. Participants will take home a finished bracelet with gemstones and crystals. The public is invited to join with members. The cost is $20. Reserve a place by contacting Shelley Geltzer at 215-698-7300, Ext. 129 or [email protected]. ••
Fundraiser for church steeple
Redemption Lutheran Church, in Rhawnhurst, will hold a beef-and-beer fundraiser to save its steeple on Friday, April 14, from 6-10 p.m. at the Southampton Room, 2980 Southampton Road. Some $8,000 needs to be raised to finish paying off the roof and steeple repairs. There will be beef, beer, wine, entertainment and basket raffles. Tickets are $40 or two for $70 and can be purchased by calling the church office at 215-342-2085, visiting in person weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon or going to www.redemptionphiladelphia.org/donate. ••
Coffee with a Cop
Bustleton Memorial American Legion Post 810, at 9151 Old Newtown Road, will be hosting Coffee with a Cop on Friday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the post hall. Community relations officer Joe Staszak and a few other officers from the 7th District will meet with the community about any issues they may have. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided. ••
St. Jerome seniors to meet
The St. Jerome’s Senior Group will meet on Thursdays, April 13 and 27 and May 11 and 25, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m., and the meeting begins promptly at 11. ••
Don’t live with pelvic pain
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus will present You Don’t Have to Live with Pelvic Pain on Thursday, April 13, at 6 p.m. at Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse, 7600 Central Ave. The discussion will be led by Dr. Anna S. Zelivianskaia, a Temple gynecologic surgeon. To register, call 215-728-4861 or email [email protected]. ••
Local opera performances
Amici Opera Company will present two performances of J. Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann: Sunday, April 16, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive in Lansdale; and Saturday, April 22, at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
Next, Amici will present Giovanna D’Arco (Joan of Arc) on Sundays, April 23 and 30, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Sports Hall of Fame banquet at FOP
The City All Star Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame will hold its 29th awards banquet on Tuesday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road.
The class of 2023 consists of former North Catholic soccer coach Jerry Brindisi; former Northeast High football coach Harvey “Brew” Schumer; Frank “Roscoe” Natale, who has coached baseball and been athletic director at Southern and Bok and been football coach at Bok, Bartram and Southern; and former La Salle University and Archbishop Ryan baseball coach Mike Lake.
In addition, the class of 2020 will be recognized. The banquet honoring them was postponed due to COVID.
Those inductees are former La Salle University basketball player Craig Conlin; coach and youth league organizer Lou DeCree; retired longtime women’s college basketball official Dennis DeMayo; Division I football official Joe Griesser; Joe Hand, a leading TV distributor of closed-circuit and pay-per-view boxing; Mike Hawkins, the PIAA District 12 chairman and former football coach and athletic director at Germantown High School; Steve Kane, the longtime former boys basketball coach at University City who led the Jaguars to the 1995 Public League title; Mike Koplove, who pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cleveland Indians; Kathy Lonergan, a Division I women’s basketball referee; Dave Mastropietro, a baseball star at La Salle University; and Dr. Anthony Salem, a former minor league baseball player.
Tickets cost $75 in advance and $80 at the door. Tables of 10 cost $750.
Checks can be made payable to Philadelphia City All Star Chapter, and mailed to PAHOF, P.O. Box 672, Levittown, PA 19055-9998 (include email address and inductee name on check). No paper tickets will be issued. Instead, guests will go to a welcome table at the FOP to get their seat assignments.
Organizers are also looking for sponsors for an ad book.
For tickets or ads, contact Steve DiSangro at [email protected] or 215-421-7556. ••
Local players in all-star game
The Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council’s 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. Local players will be Father Judge’s Chris Brennan and Ernest Shelton, Archbishop Ryan’s Jack Dreibelbis and Zaire Paris, Little Flower’s Gabrielle Dever, Penn Charter’s Bella Toomey and Aleah Snead and Central’s Sara Hogan. 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. The Media All Star team will feature former Philadelphia Eagle Barrett Brooks and radio sports talkers Rob Ellis and Marc Farzetta. Admission is free. Concessions for purchase will be available inside and outside the gym. To learn about sponsorship opportunities or for more information, visit allstarlaborclassic.com. ••
Deadline Sunday for SMT tickets
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 by April 16 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. ••
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 215-409-5021. ••
North communion breakfast
The Northeast Catholic Alumni Communion Breakfast will take place on April 16 at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Mass will be at 8:30 a.m., followed by breakfast. Register at www.northcatholicalumni.org. ••
Laughter helps stress
Tikvah will present Dessert & Dialogue on Sunday, April 16, at 2 p.m. at KleinLife, Room 218, 10100 Jamison Ave. The presentation will be given by Dr. Joel Schwartz, an American Psychiatric Association Distinguished Fellow, author, humorist and lecturer. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required by April 13. RSVP by calling 215-832-0671 or emailing [email protected]. ••
Programs at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host PA CareerLink Job Search Assistance on Wednesday, April 19, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Meet with a community workforce connector for one-on-one job search assistance. Get individualized support with résumé development, career counseling and professional development workshops. Call 833-750-5627 to learn more.
The library will host One Book One Philadelphia: Old and New Ways with Instant Ramen In-Person on Wednesday, April 26, at 12:30 p.m. Join presenters La Sripanawongsa and David Dettmann for a culinary program to learn the history of instant Ramen and learn how to experiment, expand and customize your meal to suit your palate. The program is suitable for patrons of all ages. ••
John J. Nesbitt reunion
The 52nd reunion dinner of former employees of John J. Nesbitt will take place on Wednesday, May 3, at 1 p.m. at Tiffany Diner, Welsh Road and Roosevelt Boulevard. Nesbitt was a large commercial heating and air conditioning company at State Road and Rhawn Street. The cost is $30 and includes the meal. Contact Edward Apice at 215-637-2637 or [email protected]. ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, is offering a number of upcoming events.
Here is the schedule: Book Club, The Summer of ‘69 by Erin Hilderbrand, Friday, April 21, 1-3 p.m.; Storytime: Earth Day is Every Day on Saturday, April 22, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.; an interview with John A. McCabe, author of The Girl in Japan: A Young Soldier’s Story, Sunday, April 23, 2-3 p.m.; Fibercraft Friends on Fridays, April 28 and May 12, 1-3 p.m.; How to Dig Up Your Ancestors, a genealogy lecture on Friday, May 5, 1-3 p.m.; used book sale on Saturday, May 6, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the basement; and Storytime: Birds, Bees and Butterflies on Saturday, May 13, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Call 215-685-0599. ••
Blood drive on April 22
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 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 and entering ALPOST366. ••
Learn to start a business
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host Start Your Own Business: Skills for Entrepreneurs on Wednesday, April 26, at 6 p.m. Business coach and consultant Michelle Snow will provide an hour-long presentation on skills necessary to start your own business. Registration appreciated. To register, call 215-685-8756. ••
Attend Frankford HS musical
Frankford High School, 5000 Oxford Ave., invites the public to attend its spring musical production of In the Heights on Thursday, April 27, and Friday, April 28, both at 6 p.m., and Saturday, April 29, at 2 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance. Tickets cost $5 for students and $10 for adults. Children 5 and under are free. ••
Dancing at KleinLife
A line dancing program for active adults is being offered at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. Free and open to the public, the program led by Steven Mesh is being held on Monday, April 24. The time is 12:30 p.m. For further information and to register for the dance program, contact Shelley Geltzer at 215-698-7300, Ext. 129 or [email protected]. ••
Author interview at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host an interview with John A. McCabe, author of The Girl in Japan: A Young Soldier’s Story, on Sunday, April 23, from 2-3 p.m. Hardcover copies of his book will be available for $32 plus tax. Call 215-685-0599. ••
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. ••
5K for charity
Madison’s Miracles Inc. – a charity in memory of Fox Chase native Madison Klepesky – will present the Flying Angels 5K on June 10 at 8 a.m. in Beaufort, South Carolina. Sponsorships are available at $1,250, $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000. To make a donation, send checks payable to Madison’s Miracles Inc. to 4 Fox Sparrow Road, Beaufort, SC 29907. For more information, call 267-226-9500, visit https://www.madisonsmiraclesinc.org/ or email [email protected].
Madison Klepesky, a St. Cecilia and St. Hubert graduate, was 18 when she died in a car accident caused by a speeding drunk driver in 2021 in South Carolina. She was a student at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. She would have turned 20 on June 10, the day of the 5K. ••
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. ••
Alumni Day at Northeast
The Northeast High School Annual Alumni Day will be held on Friday, May 5. The awards ceremony starts at 9 a.m. at the school, followed by a brunch at Tiffany Diner. The ceremony and brunch are open to all Northeast High alumni. To RSVP for the brunch, email [email protected]. ••
Vendors needed for flea market
A flea market will take place outside Northeast High School, 1601 Cottman Ave., on Saturday, May 6. Setup is at 6 a.m. The flea market is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The rain date is May 7. Proceeds will support unified sports, the magnet program and Northeast Alumni Association. Vendor space is $25. Bring your own table. Call the alumni office at 215-400-3200, Ext. 4 or email [email protected]. ••
Resource fair at Holy Family
Holy Family University will welcome best-selling author and addiction recovery speaker Brandon Novak on Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Campus Center Gymnasium, 9801 Frankford Ave. The event is free to the public, includes free parking and will also feature Nicholas Emeigh, associate executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Bucks County. Guests will also have access to a resource fair. For more information or to participate in the resource fair, contact associate professor Patrick McElwaine at 267-341-4014 or [email protected]. ••
Go see Mamma Mia!
The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Mamma Mia! from June 2-4 at 7 p.m. at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St. in Manayunk. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets are available at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St., or on Venmo @TheStarplayers. For more information, contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or [email protected]. ••
Trip to Franklin Institute
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to the Disney100 Exhibition at the Franklin Institute, followed by dinner at Spasso’s Italian Grill, on Wednesday, June 21. The all-inclusive cost is $148. Reservations close on April 18. Call 215-788-2106. ••
Tea in Bristol
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation will be hosting its annual tea on Sunday, April 30, from 2 to 4 p.m., at its headquarters at 321 Cedar St., Bristol Borough. Ticket price is $35. Tea fare will include assorted sandwiches, scones, pastries and brewed tea. Added features this year are an exhibition of artwork by several members of the Artists of Bristol and musical selections by local keyboard virtuoso Francis X. Danis. The deadline to register is April 19. Call 215-788-9408. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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]. ••
Shabbat dinner
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will celebrate Shabbat Across America on Friday, April 28, at 6 p.m. There will be a Shabbat dinner, followed by services and concluding with an Oneg Shabbat. The cost is $18 per person. Reservations are due by April 21. Mail your check to the synagogue. For further details, call 215-677-1600. ••
North Catholic reunion
Northeast Catholic Class of 1969 will meet on May 13 at 2 p.m. at Port Richmond Pub, 2601 E. Venango St. (at Almond Street). There will be a cash bar and food. To RSVP, contact Jack Devine ([email protected] or 215-379-3303); Tom Jordon ([email protected]); or Leo Filewicz (215-292-7193). ••
Bus trip to see Elvis
St. Katherine of Siena Primrose Senior Club is running a bus trip to the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster on Thursday, June 1. The trip will include a buffet lunch and matinee show, Elvis the Musical. The cost is $110. For reservations and more information, call Catherine Murphy at 215-919-4399. ••
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]. ••
50th reunion
Northeast Catholic High School Class of ‘73 will hold its 50th reunion on June 1, from 6-10 p.m., at Brookside Manor, 50 Bustleton Pike, Feasterville. Tickets cost $73, payable to NC-73 Reunion. Mail to Mike Kaiser, 14014 Napier St., Philadelphia, PA 19116. Deadline is May 22. Cost includes appetizers, full buffet, dessert and open bar. ••
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. ••
Senior health fair
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, 7600 Central Ave., will host a senior health and wellness fair in its lobby on Tuesday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be free blood pressure testing, stroke risk assessment, refreshments, giveaways, information and raffles. Parking is free. Call 215-728-4861 or email [email protected]. ••
May book club meeting
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, May 1, at 7 p.m. The book is Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts. To register, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Program on Streisand
Learn about the life and career of Barbra Streisand at Congregations of Shaare Shamayim Sisterhood’s High Tea on Tuesday, May 2, at 1 p.m. at 9768 Verree Road. Wear your best high tea attire. The afternoon will begin with a luncheon. Sisterhood member Maxine Goldman will present the program. RSVP by sending your check for $36, made out to CSS Sisterhood, with High Tea on the memo line, to the CSS office at the address above. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Learn about healthy diet
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, invites the public for an afternoon of cooking, eating and learning about the healthy Mediterranean diet. On Sunday, June 4, at 2 p.m., the synagogue will welcome guest chef Aliza Green and registered dietician and founder of Key Nutrition Olena Zinshtein, who together will cook and talk about the Mediterranean diet. The cost is $5 per person and reservations are required. Send your check to the synagogue office by May 26. Call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
What’s your favorite book?
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, June 5, at 7 p.m. Members can speak about their favorite book. To register, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Become bone marrow donor
April is National Donate Life Month, and Fox Chase Cancer Center and Temple Health are kicking off the month with a Be The Match virtual event.
Be The Match is a nonprofit organization and leader in blood stem cell transplant — sometimes called bone marrow transplant — focusing on improving outcomes, support and resources for patients with cancers and blood diseases like sickle cell anemia. Cancers that typically affect bone marrow function include leukemias, multiple myeloma and lymphomas, all of which originate in the blood cells. For certain types of these cancers, transplants can be an important part of treatment.
During stem cell transplantation, a patient whose stem cells have been destroyed by cancer or its treatment will receive healthy blood-forming stem cells from a donor to replace their own. These stem cells are predominantly taken from blood; a small portion are taken from bone marrow. Only 30% of patients have a matching donor in their families, so the remaining 70% must search the Be The Match Registry to find a matching donor.
Fox Chase’s Department of Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapies is one of the leading programs in the country. Its outpatient and inpatient units occupy the entire fifth floor of the Patient Care Center at Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus.
To sign up for the registry, individuals ages 18 to 40 can text BMT to 61474 and complete a brief health history. Be The Match will send you a cheek swab kit in the mail within a few days. From there, complete your swab test and return it to Be The Match using the prepaid envelope.
Using the swab kit you send in, Be The Match determines your human leukocyte antigen type — a protein found in most cells of the body — to compare with HLA markers of patients who need a bone marrow transplant.
It may take months or even years to find a match, and being on the registry doesn’t guarantee you will ever be matched to a patient in need. A donor and recipient do not need to have the same blood type, but patients are more likely to match with donors with similar ethnic backgrounds. If you are identified as a match for a patient, Be The Match will move quickly to take the next steps in coordinating a donation, as you may be the only option for a patient seeking a life-saving stem cell transplant.
There are two ways to donate blood stem cells or marrow. The first process, which is used 90% of the time, is a nonsurgical peripheral blood stem cell collection that resembles plasma donation. The second process is marrow extraction, a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia.
Many donors say they experience little to no pain during the process of donating. There can be some discomfort during recovery that varies from person to person. Side effects can include back pain, fatigue, headache and bruising for a few days or weeks.
For further information, call Rebecca Farrell, clinical manager at Fox Chase, at 215-214-3738. ••
Free floral workshops at Glen Foerd
Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., will present the floral talents of Marcellus Armstrong and Marvin Edwards, two of four recipients of its 2022/23 Artists in Residence program.
Armstrong and Edwards will present two free floral workshops over four days as part of their residency. The first, to be held on Saturday, April 15, and Sunday, April 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., will focus on the creation of floral crowns.
The second workshop, entitled What’s Your Flower, Interactive Personality Quiz and Flower Making, will be held on Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants will learn about the history of floriography – the meaning of flowers – through an interactive personality quiz. At the end of the workshop, participants will leave with a handcrafted and unique flower to match their personality. A smartphone or computer device will be needed for the personality quiz but is not required to participate in the workshop.
Both workshops are free, but registration is required.
For more information about the workshops and to register, visit www.glenfoerd.org/events or call 215-632-5330. ••
Donate clothes
The Bustleton Bengals will hold a clothing drive on Saturday, April 22, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at President Street and Conwell Avenue. Donations accepted include usable and wearable clothing and shoes; accessories; household items; toys; and car seats (with the base) and strollers. For possible pickup, call Chris Tarducci at 215-906-8179. ••
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]. ••
