Freedom fest on the river
One River Alliance and State Street Events Company will present Freedom Fest on Tuesday, July 4, from 5-9 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Park, Delaware and Linden avenues. The event will feature food trucks, vendors, music and fireworks. ••
Community giveaway on Sat.
Star of Hope Baptist Church, 7212 Keystone St., will host a Women Supporting Women community giveaway on Saturday, June 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be clothing, toys, dishes, appliances, coats, shoes, pocketbooks and more. ••
Poetry at NE Regional
The 2nd Wednesdays Poetry Series at Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave., continues on June 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Curated By North of Oxford Literary Journal, the series will feature poets Cydney Brown and Evan Anders and an open mic. ••
Anniversary gala
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a 60th anniversary gala dinner with entertainment by Cracklin Diamond Band on Sunday, June 25, at 3 p.m. in the Karff Auditorium. The cost is $50. The deadline for tickets is June 16. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Federal employee meeting at PATH
Chapter 1301, of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees, will hold a meeting on June 21 at 12:30 p.m. at the PATH building, 1919 Cottman Ave. The meeting is open to members and other active and retired federal employees who want to get to know chapter members. ••
Sale at thrift shop
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will hold a half-price sale beginning from Sunday, June 18, through June 30. 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. Donations accepted. Call 215-624-9130. ••
Help clean up the Northeast
State Rep. Jared Solomon is partnering with the We Love U Foundation to clean up his district on Sunday, June 18, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Hundreds of volunteers will be meeting at the Northeast High School parking lot on Algon Avenue near the baseball fields for team assignments. Call Solomon’s office at 215-342-6340 if you want to assist the effort. ••
Mayfair Night Markets continue
The Mayfair Night Market will continue on Thursday, June 15, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Frankford and Cottman avenues. There will be food trucks, vendors, drinks and live music by Philly Heart & Soul. The remaining schedule is July 20 (Great Scott Band), Aug. 17 (The Launch) and Sept. 21 (Jumper). Vendors can apply at MayfairVendors.EventBrite.com. ••
Fantasy adventure at Holmesburg Library
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will present Roll Play: A Fantasy Adventure on Wednesday, June 21, at 4 p.m. Roll Play is a fully-improvised fantasy adventure played in full costume. The event is highly interactive, inviting audiences and volunteers throughout. It’s similar to Dungeons & Dragons, but no D&D knowledge is required. For teenagers and above. ••
2-day driver refresher course
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host an AARP Drivers 2 Day Refresher Course on Tuesday, June 20, and Wednesday, June 21. There are no tests to pass and most insurance companies provide a discount for completing the course. The cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-AARP members. Payment to AARP is needed to hold your spot. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Third Thursday in Tacony
Tacony Community Development Corporation will hold its next Third Thursday event on June 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the parking lot at 6846 Torresdale Ave. (at Longshore Avenue). The free event will feature a food truck, live music, produce and bread for sale, quality vendors, activities for the entire family and information tables from elected officials and local organizations. Future Third Thursdays are on July 20, Aug. 17, Sept. 21 and Oct. 19. ••
Events at Holmesburg Library
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host two upcoming events. Meet the Animals will take place on Monday, June 26, at 6 p.m. The Insectopia is traveling to the library to show off amazing creatures, like tarantulas and scorpions. There will be a community of care discussion on Wednesday, June 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The focus will be on youth and family wellness. Philadelphia System of Care will lead the discussion, which will include refreshments. ••
Graveyard tour
The History Committee of All Saints’ Church, Torresdale, 9601 Frankford Ave., is hosting a graveyard tour on Saturday, June 17, at 2 p.m. (rain date Saturday, June 24). Come and hear the stories in celebration of 250 years of All Saints’ contribution to the history of the area from the early Swedes to modern day. Tour begins inside the church. Wear comfortable shoes. Light refreshments will be served after the tour. Donations appreciated. Parking lot entrance is on Eden Street. Call 215-637-8787. ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host the following upcoming events: Friday, June 16 – Book Club; Friday, June 23 – Fibercraft Friends, 1-3 p.m.; Saturday, June 24 – A Very Special Storytime: It’s a Tea Party, 10:30 a.m. to noon (RSVP at [email protected] or www.eventbrite.com/e/635881357257); Friday, June 30 – Nature Kids park walk, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
For more information, call 215-685-0599. ••
Cornhole at St. Martha
St. Martha Parish, 11301 Academy Road, will host a Cornhole Tournament on June 17, at 11 a.m. The cost is $50 a team (all ages) and includes two tournament T-shirts and a chance to win a cash prize. There will be basket raffles, a 50-50, craft beer pull, food, kids crafts and T-shirt sales. Proceeds will benefit the parish Raising the Roof campaign. To register, to become a sponsor or for more information, go to the St. Martha Facebook page or call Kathy Cantz at 215-632-4742 or Mary Beth Ricks at 215-459-3430. ••
An afternoon of poetry
The public is invited for a reading of Poems of the Pennypack by poets g emil reutter and Diane Sahms on Saturday, June 17, at 1 p.m., at Pennypack Environmental Center, 8600A Verree Road. The poets will have books available for purchase. Bring your poems or antidotes to read about Pennypack or the Fairmount Park System in the open segment of the event. Proceeds from the sale of Poems of the Pennypack by g emil reutter will be donated to the environmental center. Call 215-685-0470 or email [email protected]. ••
Parkinson’s support group
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus is offering a Parkinson’s disease support group for those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their families. The group will meet on the second Wednesday of every other month from 6-7 p.m. at the Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse, 7604 Central Ave. The schedule is June 14, Aug. 9, Oct. 11, Dec. 13 (holiday party) and Feb. 14. The group is led by nurse practitioner June Ro, and will include guest speakers. To register, contact Ro at 215-707-2619 or [email protected]. ••
Congrats, BVM grads
Maternity BVM’s eighth-graders graduated last week during a Mass celebrated by the longtime pastor, the Rev. Paul Quinter.
There were 52 graduates: Denys Abushyk, Emily Alampi, Johan Alegarbes, Dempsey Alvarez, Nicholas Arniotis, Rose Asimos, Reginna Baker, Marissa Bell, Allyson Bucio, Chase Calderbank, Layliani Castillo, Stephanie Chica, Grace Chui, Alexis Crescenzo, Isabella Falkowski, Vincent Gao, Nathan George, Julia Goodwin, Shawn Gozzi, Jason Haq, Sophia Harrigan, Angelina Hernandez-Torres, Matthew Hoppe, Allen Johnson, Paul Keno, Anna Kunishige, Marko Kuzowsky, Michelle Leshak, Ryan LoMastro, Laughlin McCormac, Cole McNicholas, Mariya Melnychuk, Scarlett Milsop, Monica Morrow, Renzia Nadeem, Mari-Bella Nieves, Braedon Parkhill, Molly Pawlowski, Jasmine Qiu, Nicholas Reed, Liam Romero, Erika Ruko, Benjamin Seiple, Aldi Shabani, Jonathan Solis, Jasmine Taimanglo, Sahil Thomas, Sade Tobey, Kevin Ton, Michael Torres, Maribel Vazhappilly and Michael Walsh.
Principal Mary Zawisza completed her 15th and final year. The teachers were Debra McDonough and Lisa Eisenhart. ••
Cracking down on illegal vehicle activities
In response to the recent acts of illegal street racing occurring across the city, City Councilman Mike Driscoll introduced legislation that expands local enforcement and imposes stricter penalties on those involved with street racing events. Driscoll’s legislation would add the term “drifting” to the city’s traffic code, defining it as any intentional act of steering a vehicle in a circle where the rear wheel or wheels lose traction and create a controlled skid sideways. The new definition also covers “doughtnuts” and “spin-outs.”
“We need to address all illegal street vehicle activities that are an inherent danger to the general public. Providing for public safety must be our top priority at all times,” Driscoll said. “Focusing on those who partake in ‘drifting’ on our city streets is not the final solution, but it is a tool we can utilize to deter the activity from happening. We want individuals to think twice about engaging in illegal street activities when they could be facing a $2,000 fine per violation or the seizure of their vehicle.”
The proposed ordinance targets illegal activity that occurs on any city street, highway, recreation center or private parking lot without the consent of the owner. Police officers or any other persons authorized to enforce ordinances would be allowed to issue violations. In addition, police officers would have the ability to seize a vehicle if they have probable cause that it is being used to “drift” on any city street or property. The police department would store the seized vehicle until there is a final adjudication of the alleged offenses. ••
English classes for Ukrainians
Holy Family University’s English as a Second Language initiative for newly arrived Ukrainian adults is accepting new applicants. The classes are free and open to members of the community who are at least 18 years old. Classes are at 9801 Frankford Ave. and online. Class days and times are online (through Aug. 24, Tuesday and Thursday, 6-7 p.m.) and in person (June 21 to July 31, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m.). Since last fall, more than 100 newly arrived Ukrainians have attended classes at no cost to help them improve their English proficiency and become familiar with the Philadelphia community. Interested applicants can register at holyfamily.edu/ukraine-esl. ••
Third Thursday at Glen Foerd
Glen Foerd, Philadelphia’s public park and nonprofit cultural site along the Delaware River, presents the return of its free Third Thursday Summer Series of live music, food, family-fun activities and art. The Thursday dates will be June 15, July 20 and Aug. 17, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The public is invited to bring a blanket or chairs, enjoy lawn games, roam Glen Foerd’s grounds and explore its Gilded Age mansion, which will be open for free self-guided tours. Donations are appreciated but not required, and attendees are asked to register in advance by visiting Glen Foerd’s events page at www.glenfoerd.org/events. For more information on the Third Thursday Summer Series, visit www.glenfoerd.org or call 215-632-5330. ••
Boyle health insurance bill advances
H.B. 1050, introduced by state House Insurance Committee chairman Kevin Boyle, passed the Insurance Committee and will head to the House floor for consideration. The bill would require health insurers to cover preventative health care services, including mental health treatment, without cost-sharing.
“We must ensure all Pennsylvanians have access to lifesaving preventive health care without having to pay a copay, coinsurance or deductible,” Boyle said. “It’s good to see this bill pass the Insurance Committee, now I hope to see my colleagues do right by the people of Pennsylvania and pass it out of the House.” ••
Boyle’s cybersecurity bill passes
The state Senate passed legislation, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Boyle, that would require insurance companies and agents to develop cybersecurity policies and report cybersecurity events to the state insurance commissioner. The bill goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk.
“I want to give gratitude to my colleagues in the Senate for passing this important piece of legislation that will go a long way in ensuring insurance consumers’ data is protected online from hackers,” said Boyle, chairman of the House Insurance Committee. “I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law to protect our consumers every day who purchase insurance products in the commonwealth.” ••
Retirement savings plan
State Rep. Pat Gallagher celebrated the passage of his legislation that would establish Keystone Saves, a voluntary employee retirement savings program that would expand access to private sector individual retirement accounts to the more than 2 million Pennsylvania workers who have no opportunity to save for retirement at their place of employment.
“Unfortunately, more and more Pennsylvanians are reaching retirement age without enough savings to age gracefully after a lifetime of hard work,” Gallagher said. “We’re working in a bipartisan manner to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to save for retirement. With many employees lacking employee-sponsored retirement plans, there have to be more options for retirement. This is one more step to giving Pennsylvanians more independence and preparing them for life on a fixed income.”
For more information, call 215-281-3414. ••
Ryan at the shore
Archbishop Ryan High School will hold an alumni summer social on July 29, from 2-7 p.m., at the Seaport Inn in North Wildwood. For more information, visit arhs.me/summersocial. ••
FCCC workers unionize
Some 125 technical specialists (including radiology technologists, surgical technologists, radiation therapists and LPNs) who practice under the Temple University Health System at Fox Chase Cancer Center voted overwhelmingly – with 74% voting in favor of unionizing – to join the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals. The technical specialists join 35 CRNAs who practice at Jeanes Hospital and Fox Chase, 360-plus nurses at Jeanes and 2,250 nurses and allied professionals at Temple who are also represented by PASNAP. A separate union election for 350 nurses who practice at Fox Chase will follow on June 20.
“This victory is as much for our patients as it is for staff,” said Nancy McIntyre, an X-ray technologist. “We formed our union so that we could have a meaningful voice in changes that will improve care and ensure that we can recruit and retain staff for years to come. We are excited about winning our union and looking forward to bargaining with Temple for our first contract.” ••
Sports HOF named
The Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2023 class, who will be inducted on Thursday, Nov. 2, at The Event Center at Live! Casino & Hotel in South Philadelphia. The annual induction ceremony is open to the public.
Inductees will be Al Holbert (motor sports), Anthony Black (horse racing), Bernard Hopkins (boxing), Bill Giles (baseball), Bill Knecht (rowing), Carlos Ruiz (baseball), Carol Lewis (track and field), Irving Fryar (football), Jay Wright (basketball), James Isaminger (sportswriter), Jeremiah Trotter (football), Joe Watson (hockey), Judy Auritt Klein (swimming), Truxton Hare (football/track), Valerie Still (basketball) and Willie Jones (baseball).
Brief career profiles are at www.phillyhall.org/2023_profiles.pdf.
For information and registration, visit https://www.philadelphiasportshalloffame.org. ••
Anniversary Mass and celebration
St. Martin of Tours Church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., will host a 100th anniversary Mass on Friday, June 23, at 4 p.m. A reception will follow in the gym and schoolyard, with water ice, pretzels, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, soft drinks and music. ••
Farm stand at Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus has a farm stand that is open Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October. The stand is located next to parking lot C of Jeanes Campus and the Fox Chase Cancer Center Campus. Call 215-728-4861 or email [email protected]. ••
Strawberry festival in Somerton
St. Andrew’s In-The-Field, 500 Somerton Ave., will host a Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be strawberries, shortcake, an outdoor flea market, raffle baskets and hot dogs. Flea market spaces are available for $25. Call 215-673-5938. ••
Book club meeting in July
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, July 10, at 7 p.m. The book is The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan. To register, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Book club meeting in August
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, Aug. 7, at 7 p.m. The book is Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman. To register, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Pro-life baby shower
The Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia will hold a baby shower on June 24 to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling that there is no constitutional right to an abortion. There will be a Mass at 9 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, followed by a march down Race Street and a rally at Independence Mall, where there will be music and speakers such as Mark Houck, the pro-life activist found not guilty by a federal jury of shoving a Planned Parenthood volunteer he said was harassing his son outside a Center City abortion clinic. Baby donations will be accepted. ••
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. Call 215-788-2106. ••
Free art workshop
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host Ryerss History in Color: an Art Workshop on Saturday, July 15, at 1 p.m. The art workshop is free and for kids and adults. Artist Linda Fernandez will guide a hands-on art-making workshop inspired by the stained glass windows of Ryerss Museum. After viewing the stained glass windows of the house and learning about the history of the Ryerss Museum, participants will create their own faux stained glass masterpiece to take home. All materials will be provided. Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ryerss-history-in-color-an-art-workshop-tickets-639423722567?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or search Ryerss Museum and Library on Eventbrite.com. ••
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. ••
Hoops camp for boys and girls
The 17th annual Jaguar St. Ephrem Basketball Camp for Boys and Girls will take place from Monday, July 24, to Friday, July 28. The cost is $150 and includes a basketball and T-shirt. The camp is held in the air-conditioned Marian Center at St. Ephrem Parish, 5400 Hulmeville Road in Bensalem. The camp is under the direction of former college coach Dan Williams. For more information, email Williams at [email protected]. ••
Lunch and a show
St. Katherine of Siena Primrose Senior Club is running a bus trip on Thursday, Sept. 28, to Beach Haven, New Jersey to see the comedy Popcorn Falls. There will be a sitdown luncheon at Waterfront Restaurant. The cost is $110. For reservations and more information, call Catherine Murphy at 215-919-4399. ••
Trip to Ohio, Kentucky
St. Jerome’s Senior Citizens Club invites the public to join them for a five-day trip (Oct. 15-19) to the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, with a guided tour of Cincinnati, Ohio and Northern Kentucky. For reservations, questions or a brochure, call Diane McDowell at 267-496-2431. ••
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. ••
Northeast High student chosen for leadership program
Bank of America announced that Northeast High School’s Kerla Milius was one of five students selected for an eight-week paid summer internship providing them with first-hand experience in serving their communities. As part of the program, the students will develop leadership and practical workforce skills while working with the nonprofit Philadelphia Youth Network, all while earning $17 per hour.
“By providing the pathways and resources for young adults to gain the foundational work skills and leadership experience they need to succeed, we are investing in Greater Philadelphia’s long-term economic growth,” said Jim Dever, president, Bank of America Greater Philadelphia. “The teens selected for this paid summer intern program are truly extraordinary but may not have had access to opportunities like this until now. The Student Leaders program is just one example of how we connect youth to meaningful employment resources that also builds a stronger pipeline of diverse talent for our local workforce.”
Kerla Milius participates as an outreach coordinator within the citywide Philly Black Student Alliance organization, where she coordinates mutual-aid events for black students and families. She additionally takes part in the Stem Equity Collective group, advocating for minority students to join STEM afterschool programs across the city.
Later this summer, Student Leaders will travel to Washington, D.C. for a week-long, all-expenses-paid national leadership summit focused on the power of cross-sector collaboration and community advocacy. Student Leaders from across the nation will discuss the importance of civic engagement and meet with members of Congress. ••
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]. ••
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]. ••
New vet office to open
The Bridge Clinic is a nonprofit veterinary office at the Frankford Arsenal Business Center, Building 209, 2275 Bridge St. Pets can be brought for wellness, diagnostics, dentals, sick visits and surgeries. Appointments can be booked at 215-639-3333. More information is at thebridgeclinic.org. ••
Fox Chase hires professor of medicine
Fox Chase Cancer Center hired Dr. David Loren as professor of medicine and chief of the Section of Gastroenterology in the Department of Medicine.
Loren has been a practicing physician in Philadelphia for more than 20 years and specializes in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the pancreas and bile ducts, with a dedicated focus on advanced interventional endoscopy in pancreaticobiliary cancers.
Prior to joining Fox Chase, Loren spent more than 20 years in the Division of Gastroenterology in the Department of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University. During his tenure at Jefferson, Loren was appointed the Director of Endoscopy Services for Jefferson Health, Associate Director of the Pancreatobiliary Disease Center and Director of the Therapeutic Endoscopy Fellowship.
Loren received both his undergraduate and his medical degrees from Washington University in St. Louis. He pursued internship and residency in internal medicine at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston and completed his senior residency at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also completed a categorical fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology. He then completed additional training in advanced and therapeutic endoscopy at Jefferson.
He serves as president of the Foundation for Interventional and Therapeutic Endoscopy and is past president and current treasurer of the Delaware Valley Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. ••
