Big money for Judge welding lab
The Connelly Foundation presented the Friends of Father Judge High School $1 million for the 2023-24 academic/fiscal year. The funding will establish the Connelly Welding Lab in Judge’s $11.5 million, 20,000-square-foot Career Pathways Academy building, which will be dedicated to delivering career and technical education curriculum in high-priority occupations. The Connelly Welding Lab joins the Faulkner Automotive Institute as flagship programs offered in the CPA.
Tom Riley, president of the Connelly Foundation, said, “Father Judge is hitting on all cylinders. The Connelly Foundation is proud to support smart, practical innovations in Catholic education that lead to real-world successes.” ••
Fan Expo plans return
Fan Expo took place June 2-4 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
The event featured celebrities from movies, TV and pop culture; voice personalities; comic creators; meet and greets; children’s activities; anime stars; exhibitors; cosplayers; and artists.
This was the second year for Fan Expo, following a run by Wizard World from 2001-19.
Fan Expo will return May 3-5, 2024. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host the following upcoming events: 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. ••
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. ••
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, sweets, cold drinks and music. All are welcome. ••
New veterinary clinic
The Bridge Clinic, a nonprofit veterinary office, has opened at the Frankford Arsenal, 2275 Bridge St., Building 209. The clinic welcomes wellness and sick visits and offers dental care, diagnostics and surgeries. To book an appointment or for more information, call 215-639-3333 or visit thebridgeclinic.org. ••
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. ••
Bar Olympics
C.P. McMenamy Post 178, 8041 Frankford Ave. (near Rhawn Street), is hosting Bar Olympics on Saturday, June 24, at 5 p.m. The cost is $40 per two-person team. Games include cornhole, beer pong, ring toss, darts, broomstick pool and shuffleboard. There will also be a 50/50. Feel free to bring a dish or snack item to be shared. All ages permitted in events. Must be 21 or older to drink. ••
Bag sale at thrift shop
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will be holding a bag sale (fill a bag with clothing, shoes, handbags for $5.99) June 25-30. The half-price sale continues 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 and will be closed in July and August. Donations accepted. Call 215-624-9130. ••
Philly native writes novel
Ken Jaworowski, a Roxborough native and editor at the New York Times, has written a debut novel, Small Town Sins, that will be published by Henry Holt and Co. on Aug. 1. The novel is set in rural Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. It is available for preorder at any book store or online seller.
Laura Dave, whose book The Last Thing He Told Me is now a miniseries that broke a viewership record on Apple TV, said, “A deeply evocative thriller that lives at the intersection of bad decisions and bad luck, Small Town Sins is an extraordinary debut, which will have you riveted from page one.”
For more information, go to KenJaworowski.com. ••
Teen books, programs
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host a kickoff party for its teen reading lounge on Monday, June 26, at 4 p.m. Snacks will be available. Call 215-685-0472. ••
Boyle bill becomes law
A cybersecurity bill introduced by state Rep. Kevin Boyle was signed into law last week by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Act 2 of 2023 (formerly H.B. 739) will require insurance companies and agents to develop cybersecurity policies and report cybersecurity events to the state insurance commissioner.
“Pennsylvania’s insurance consumers deserve to have their personal data protected online, and with my bill being signed into law, we truly took the necessary step,” Boyle said. “I want to thank the governor for signing this important bill into law, and I hope to see our consumers worry a little less about their data and sensitive information being hacked.” ••
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]. ••
TBYN meeting Monday
Take Back Your Neighborhood will meet on Monday, June 26, at 6:30 p.m. at Max Myers Recreation Center, 1601 Hellerman St. The group normally meets on the third Monday of the month, but moved the meeting because Max Myers was closed for “Juneteenth.” TBYN will also meet on July 17, with representatives from the Energy Coordinating Agency, which assists with utility bills, and the District Attorney’s Public Nuisance Task Force. ••
Vacation Bible School
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., will host a Vacation Bible School called Food Truck Party from July 31 through Aug. 4, 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. All children ages 4 through sixth grade are welcome. Register at myvbs.org/mpcfc or call 215-745-2844. ••
Wasting taxpayer money
The state House last week adopted a resolution (H.R. 119), sponsored by state Rep. Leanne Krueger, a Delaware County Democrat, that designates June 1, 2023 as “Skip the Straw Day” in Pennsylvania. Krueger said she introduced the resolution because a class of fourth-graders reached out to her about the impact that plastic pollution has on sea turtles in the ocean and the overall negative impact on the environment, drinking water and air. All 102 Democrats voted for the resolution. All 101 Republicans voted against it. ••
Charity wiffle ball tournament
The sixth annual Holly Colwell Save 2nd Base Wiffle Ball Tournament, a breast cancer fundraiser, will take place on Saturday, July 22, at Hayes Playground (Bustleton Bengals fields), 9945 President St. The winning team will designate $500 to its charity of choice. Teams are made up of five to 10 players, ages 16 and up. The registration fee is $30 per player, and the deadline is June 22. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., followed by games at 9. There will be raffle baskets, a 50/50, games and food and drink available to purchase. Volunteer umpires are needed and will receive a T-shirt.
Contact Nick Tarducci at 215-964-1944 or [email protected] or Chris Tarducci at 215-906-8179 or [email protected]. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Holy Family earns honor
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has named Holy Family as one of 208 colleges and universities to its 2023 Transfer Honor Roll in recognition of the pathways it has created to support community college transfer students.
Anne Prisco, president of Holy Family, said, “Holy Family University values an inclusive community where transfer students thrive. We achieve this by providing transfer students with the resources to succeed from generous transfer policies and affordability to flexible class scheduling, tutoring and robust student services including counseling, career planning and internships/experiential learning. This is all part of the value of a Holy Family education where each student is welcomed and made to feel that they truly belong. We are thrilled to be recognized for our work with transfer students.” ••
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]. ••
Mayfair Night Markets continue
The Mayfair Night Market will continue on Thursday, July 20, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at Frankford and Cottman avenues. There will be food trucks, vendors, drinks and live music by the Great Scott Band. The remaining schedule is Aug. 17 (The Launch) and Sept. 21 (Jumper). Vendors can apply at MayfairVendors.EventBrite.com. ••
Third Thursday in Tacony
Tacony Community Development Corporation will hold its next Third Thursday event on July 20 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 Aug. 17, Sept. 21 and Oct. 19. ••
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 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]. ••
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 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. ••
September book club
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be hosting a Zoom session on Monday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. The September book is The Matchmaker’s Gift by Lynda Cohen Loigman. For further information or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Book club in Oct.
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, Oct. 2, at 7 p.m. The October book is The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb. For further information or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Book club meeting
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a Zoom session on Monday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. The November book is The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by Jan-Philipp Sendker. For further information or to register for the book club, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Day cruise
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a day trip on Tuesday, Aug. 22, that includes a narrated luncheon cruise on the “River Lady” paddlewheel out of Toms River, cruising on the Toms River and Barnegat Bay and free time on the Asbury Park boardwalk. All-inclusive cost is $118. Reservations close on July 7. Call 215-788-9408. ••
Trip to Resorts Casino
Holy Innocents will hold a casino trip on Tuesday, Aug., 15. A bus will depart L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 9:30 a.m. There will be a Mass at noon at the Hard Rock Casino Arena, a procession to the sea for a blessing at 1:15 p.m. and a $10 slot package at Resorts Casino. The bus will depart Resorts at 5 p.m. The cost is $35, due by Aug. 1. To reserve your seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
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. Call 215-677-1600. ••
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 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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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]. ••
REUNIONS
HIGH SCHOOL
• Abraham Lincoln Class of 1958. 65th reunion. Oct. 11. 1-5 p.m. Quartett Club, 1075 Southampton Road. Elaine Funk Tatus: 609-405-2464 or [email protected].
• Abraham Lincoln Class of 1973. 50th reunion. Oct. 13. 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Brookside Manor at Somerton Springs, Feasterville. [email protected] or Abraham Lincoln HS Class of ‘73 on Facebook.
• Archbishop Ryan Alumni Summer Social. July 29. 2 to 7 p.m. Seaport Inn, North Wildwood. www.arhs.me/summersocial.
• Frankford Class of January 1963. 60th reunion. Friday, Sept. 22. Brookside Manor, Feasterville. Arlene: 215-342-6723 or Annamae: 267-583-3312.
• Northeast Class of 1974. 50th reunion. Sunday, June 23, 2024. Noon to 4 p.m. Maggio’s Restaurant, Southampton. $133. www.Northeast1974Reunion.com or www.NortheastHighSchool1974.com. Avi (Allan) S. Adelman: [email protected].
• Roman Catholic/John W. Hallahan All classes. 30th annual Day at the Bay. Saturday, Aug. 12. 2-7 p.m. Seaport Pier, 2201 Boardwalk, North Wildwood. 21 or older. $30 in advance, $40 at the door. Food, music, beer specials. Tickets: www.RomanCatholicHS.com/DayAtTheBay.
• St. Joseph’s Prep All classes, parents, friends. Thursday, Aug. 3. Icona Avalon. Charlie Van Kula: [email protected] or 215-978-1013.
• St. Joseph’s Prep Classes of 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018. Saturday, Sept. 30. Charlie Van Kula: [email protected] or 215-978-1013.
• West Catholic Class of 1968, combined boys and girls reunion. Saturday, Sept. 23. Springfield Country Club. 5-9 p.m. Dinner buffet, two hours open bar, DJ and dancing. $90. Mary Lee: [email protected]; Roseanne: [email protected].
Navy Reunions
• Visit HullNumber.com for a listing of reunions. The site is a free service enabling Navy shipmates to renew old friendships. There are currently more than 8,700 Navy ship, submarine and air squadron personnel rosters listed. ••
