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. ••
Judge baseball, St. Hubert cheerleaders to be honored
The Father Judge state championship baseball team and the St. Hubert national championship cheerleading team will be honored on Thursday, July 20, at 6 p.m. at Frankford and Cottman avenues. The event will coincide with the Mayfair Night Market, featuring live music by the Great Scott Band. ••
Local opera shows
Amici Opera Company has the following upcoming performances:
Bellini’s Adelson & Salvini on Sunday, July 2, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
Verdi’s Oberto on Sundays, July 9, and July 23, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci on Sunday, July 16, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale. The show will also take place on Tuesday, July 18, at 6 p.m. at La Piovra, 7901 High School Road, Elkins Park. The cost is $54.95 (not including tax and tip) and includes dinner. Make a reservation at 215-606-3800.
Verdi’s Rigoletto on Sunday, July 30, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, and Sunday, Aug. 6, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods.
DeBussy’s Pelleas & Melisande on Saturdays, Aug. 5 and 12, at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
Call 215-224-0257 or go to the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
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. ••
Phired Up for NHL Draft
If you are Phired Up for Wednesday’s NHL Draft, then you’ll want to check out PhiredUp Sports’ live podcast breaking down all moves by the Philadelphia Flyers. Northeast Times contributor Mark Ramos will be part of the panel. You can watch on PhiredUp Sports Facebook or YouTube channels during the draft. The Flyers have two first-round picks (seven and 22). ••
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 (through 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. ••
Event at Holmesburg Library
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host 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 a Nature Kids park walk on Friday, June 30, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, call 215-685-0599. ••
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) and a half-price sale through June 30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shop will be closed in July and August. Donations accepted. Call 215-624-9130. ••
SEPTA funding option
State Rep. Joe Hohenstein held a news conference on the Capitol steps to introduce legislation that would provide local funding options for transportation.
“SEPTA has stepped up with increased services while I-95 is being repaired. Now we need to step up and give it funding flexibility and give Philadelphia and its surrounding counties the ability to fully support one of the largest people-moving transit systems in the country. Local funding options are essential to the survival of public transit, and public transit is essential for our economic growth,” he said.
Rep. Jared Solomon also spoke at the event. For more information, call Hohenstein’s office at 215-744-2600. ••
House passes Boyle bill
H.B. 1050, introduced by House Insurance Committee chairman Kevin Boyle, passed the House and is headed to the Senate for consideration. The bill would require health insurers to cover preventive health care services including mental health treatment without cost-sharing.
“Regardless of what the federal courts decide, we must ensure all Pennsylvanians have access to lifesaving preventive health care without having to pay a copay, coinsurance or deductible,” Boyle said. “I urge my Senate colleagues to do right by the millions of Pennsylvanians who need these crucial preventive care services and get this bill to Gov. Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.” ••
Fox Chase nurses unionize
Fox Chase Cancer Center nurses voted to join the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals. In a vote of 345 nurses, 62 percent were in favor of unionizing.
“Our patients need us to have a stronger voice,” said Fox Chase operating room nurse Christina Suermann. “That’s why I felt it was really important for me to be a part of this effort.”
“It became more and more apparent that we needed to have a seat at the table to advocate for safer nurse staffing ratios for our patients, who need and deserve the best care we can provide,” said Ed Hall, an ICU nurse at Fox Chase.
PASNAP said Fox Chase employed scare tactics, but the nurses received strong support from state Sens. Jimmy Dillon and Tina Tartaglione and state Rep. Kevin Boyle in the form of a letter to Fox Chase President and CEO Dr. Robert Uzzo. ••
Music and drama camp
Crescentville United Methodist Church, 412 E. Sentner St., will host a music and drama camp from July 9-14, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The camp is for kids in kindergarten (must be 5 by Sept. 1) through recent eighth-grade graduates. The registration fee is $5 per child. There will be Bible stories, crafts, T-shirts, songs and snacks. Children will learn and perform the musical The Go Tour, which teaches that God’s love and spirit is the same around the world.
Call 215-745-7115, visit http://www.crescentvilleumc.com or email [email protected]. ••
Flea market July 15
Delaire Landing. 9355 State Road, will host an outdoor flea market on Saturday, July 15, from 9 a.m. to noon, near the tennis court parking lot. The rain date is July 16. Email [email protected]. ••
Christmas in July
Prince of Peace Church, at Colgate and Comly streets, will host an indoor Christmas in July and flea market on Saturday, July 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ••
Travel solo
Starr Bus Charter and Tours is planning its next solo trip to Corning, New York on July 26-27. The trip will feature visits to the Corning Museum of Glass and the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. Travelers will explore 35 centuries of glass artistry, experience hands-on glass making, see historic aircraft and meet the craftsmen that restore them. There will be a buffet dinner and overnight hotel accommodations as well as a scenic boat ride on Seneca Lake.
Call 609-587-0626. ••
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]. ••
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. ••
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 9 a.m., at Hayes Playground (Bustleton Bengals fields), 9945 President St. The winning team will designate $500 to its charity of choice. 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]. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Program for nonprofits
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will present No Margin, No Mission: Taking Your Nonprofit to the Next Level of Success on Wednesday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Duane Carter will lead the program, which includes a light breakfast, lunch, workshop and a copy of his book, No Margin, No Mission. The cost is $97. To register or for more information, call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org/calendarofevents. ••
Nazareth technology helps treat prostate cancer
Nazareth Hospital now provides High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, a technology that uses ultrasound waves to treat certain medical conditions, including prostate cancer. HIFU offers reduced side effects compared to traditional cancer treatments and aims to help maintain quality of life for patients after treatment.
Delivered in the OR under general anesthesia, the minimally invasive HIFU outpatient procedure is typically completed within two to four hours. Following a HIFU procedure, patients can expect a recovery time of about two weeks. By comparison, radiation treatment and surgical options can require up to six weeks of recovery time.
“This is a game-changer for our patients with prostate cancer and is the latest example of Nazareth Hospital’s commitment to offering the most-advanced cancer treatment available,” said Dr. Francis Schanne, a urologist at Nazareth. “HIFU presents a win-win situation for our patients, with fewer side effects along with a much quicker recovery time compared to other treatment options.”
Similar to how a magnifying glass focuses sunlight, HIFU uses beams of ultrasound focused on an exact tissue area that requires treatment. The highly focused energy from the ultrasound causes the temperature of the tissue to rise, destroying the targeted tissue area. The ultrasound beams can pass through layers of tissue, such as your skin, leaving them unharmed during treatment.
“Any man who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is a candidate for the HIFU treatment should definitely take advantage of the procedure,” said Barry Squires, who was the first patient to undergo HIFU prostate cancer treatment at Nazareth earlier this year.
Read Squires’ full testimonial at https://www.trinityhealthma.org/blog/articles/thriving-and-surviving-the-first-patient-to-undergo-the-hifu-procedure-at-nazareth-hospital.
To schedule an appointment with Schanne, call 215-674-0301. ••
4 Fox Chase docs honored
The Pennsylvania Medical Society released its list of the 2023 Top Physicians Under 40 award recipients. Four Fox Chase Cancer Center physicians were honored:
• Dr. Danish Ahmad, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Sleep and Critical Care Medicine;
• Dr. Anthony Villano, assistant professor in the Department of Surgical Oncology;
• Dr. Austin D. Williams, assistant professor in the Department of Surgical Oncology;
• Dr. Vanessa Wookey, assistant professor in the Department of Hematology/Oncology, Division of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology. ••
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]. ••
