Charity dinner and dancing
The Leigh Leckerman Foundation will hold its annual charity dinner and dance party on Friday, Oct. 27, at Brookside Manor, 50 Bustleton Pike in Feasterville, from 7-11 p.m. There will be a performance by the Dirty Dance Band. Tickets cost $80, and there will be raffle baskets. Sponsorships are available. Proceeds will benefit the foundation, which assists those in need of financial support for substance use disorder treatment, aftercare and sober housing. For more information, call 215-377-1034 or visit leighshelp.org. ••
Halloween at local cemetery
All Saints’ Episcopal Church Torresdale, 9601 Frankford Ave., will host its annual Trick-or-Treating party in its historic graveyard on Halloween, Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m.
Parents and children will go through the graveyard and collect candy and treats from assorted costumed ghosts and goblins.
Benefit for Semper Fi Fund
A Night at the Races, in memory of Army PFC John Kihm and Marine LCpl. Louis Rotondo, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Presentation BVM Church hall, 100 Old Soldiers Road, Cheltenham. Proceeds will benefit the Semper Fi Fund, which provides financial support for injured and critically ill members of the armed forces and their families. The $25 entrance fee includes food and beer and other beverages and a chance to win door prizes. There will also be wheels of chance, card games and 10 video horse races. The event is for people 21 and older. For more information, contact Dave McCarron at [email protected] or 215-435-1293 or Ron Camp at [email protected] or 215-292-2444. ••
Shredding on Saturday
City Councilman Brian O’Neill will hold a free shredding event on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9-11 a.m. at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road. ••
Back pain relief
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, 7600 Central Ave., will host Chronic Back Pain How to Find Relief on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Anish Sethi, a Temple Health anesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician, will discuss the pain management and surgical approaches available to treat this debilitating disease, allowing lifelong back pain sufferers to return to a life with limited freedom. To register, call 215-728-4861 or email [email protected]. ••
Vaccine shots
Representatives from Giant Pharmacy will offer flu and other vaccine shots at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited. The flu and pneumonia shots are covered by Medicare Part B, while the shingles shots, Tdap and RSV vaccinations are covered by the Medicare Part D prescription plan. To reserve an appointment, call 215-698-7300, Ext. 193. ••
St. Jerome Seniors to meet
The next meeting is Thursday, Oct. 26 in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St.
Meetings for November are Thursdays, Nov. 9 and 30.
Arrive by 10 a.m. Meetings begin promptly at 11. ••
Author, advocate, speaker at KleinLife
Tikvah will present international motivational speaker Melissa Hopely Rice on Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. Rice is a mental health, anti-bullying and suicide prevention advocate and author of The People You Meet in Real Life. The event is free and open to the public. Advance registration is required. Call 215-832-0671 or email [email protected]. ••
Casino trip to AC
Holy Innocents is sponsoring a trip to Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City on Thursday, Nov. 2. A bus will depart L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 9:30 a.m. and will leave Tropicana at 4:45 p.m. The cost is $35. There will be $20 in slot cash. To reserve your seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
Trunk or Treat in Tacony
Star of Hope Baptist Church, 7212 Keystone St., will host a community trunk or treat on Oct. 29, from noon to 3:30 p.m. There will be games, pumpkins, a bouncy house and plenty of candy. Kids are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. ••
WWII program
Trish Chambers will bring the role of the women code breakers of World War II to life for seniors at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., on Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 12:45 p.m. The public is invited to join with members. Chambers will present the story of these women who were recruited from colleges and trained to work in cryptography for intelligence branches of federal agencies during the war. They worked in many roles including making and breaking codes. They listened for coded radio messages from other countries, collected names of enemy ships and commanders that were in coded forms and assisted in breaking them. Cost for the program is $3 per person. For additional information and reservations, contact Shelley Geltzer at 215-698-7300 or [email protected]. ••
Trunk or Treat
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., will host a Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 3-5 p.m. ••
St. Hubert craft fair
The St. Hubert Alumnae Association will host its annual craft fair on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be handcrafted items, baked goods, confections and food. The school is at 7320 Torresdale Ave. Access the cafeteria at either the Bleigh Avenue or Ditman Street entrances. Email [email protected]. ••
Fall festival in Lawncrest
Prince of Peace Church, 6001 Colgate St. (at Comly Street), is having an indoor fall festival on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be a flea market, baked goods, chances sold for gift baskets and homemade soups and lunch available. All are welcome. ••
Car wash for charity
The third annual Haunted Car Wash will take place on Oct. 27-28, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Pit Stop Car Wash, 820 Cottman Ave. The cost is $25 per car (cash only). All proceeds will benefit Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host Fibercraft Friends on Friday, Oct. 27, from 1-3 p.m., and a Wizards and Witches Party on Saturday, Oct. 28, 1-3 p.m. ••
Attend Knights at the Races
Knights of Columbus Father Ryan Council #5036 (which is made up of Resurrection, St. Cecilia and Maternity BVM parishioners) will be holding a Knights at the Races Monte Carlo Night on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 7-11 p.m. (doors open at 6) at the St. Cecilia Church auditorium, 535 Rhawn St. Those who attend can bet on video-recorded horse races and play other games of chance. People can buy a horse and name it for $5, and you don’t have to be present to win. Bets on a horse at the event start as low as $2. The $35 ticket price includes a catered dinner and soft drinks. The event is BYO, and you must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets and horse sales end Oct. 28. Tickets can be purchased at http://donorbox.org/events/486678. Proceeds benefit Council #5036 and its ladies’ auxiliary group. For more information, call 215-495-7310. ••
Activities in Tacony
The Tacony Community Development Corporation, Tacony Library and Tacony LAB Community Arts Center will hold a series of free “Fall for Tacony” activities for all ages throughout October.
An Oct. 28 celebration will include a costume contest (registration required) at Tacony Library (6742 Torresdale Ave.) from noon to 2:30 p.m. and a Halloween parade from the library to the Jack Costello (6846 Torresdale Ave.), where an old-fashioned Halloween carnival will continue until 5 p.m. The carnival will include free games with prizes, a food truck, art activities, a play area and candy giveaways.
“We’re excited to partner with the library and LAB to bring a whole month of events to the neighborhood,” said Georgeanne Huff-Labovitz, CDC board president and owner of Marie Huff Hairdressing.
A calendar of events and additional information is at FallforTacony.com. ••
Events at St. James
St. James Lutheran Church, 5185 Castor Ave., will hold a Trunk or Treat on Oct. 29, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
The church will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its preschool on Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. ••
Halloween at Ryerss
The public is invited to Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., on Saturday, Oct. 28, from noon to 3 p.m. for A Magic Halloween. There will be crafts, refreshments, games and costume making. ••
Spiritual cinema, discussion
St. Luke’s will host a spiritual cinema and discussion on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. in its parish hall, 1946 Welsh Road. The featured presentation will be Same Kind of Different as Me. Call 215-969-3645. ••
Fun and Treats Festival
McIlvain Playground, 5200 Penn St., will host a Fun and Treats Festival on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival will feature a flea market, games and candy. Call 215-685-1228. ••
Motivational speaker at KleinLife
Tikvah will present motivational speaker Melissa Hopely Rice on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 2 p.m. at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. Rice will discuss her personal experience with mental illness as well as those who have inspired her along the way. The event is free and open to the public. Advance reservations are required. Call 215-832-0671 or email [email protected]. ••
Flea market in Crescentville
Crescentville United Methodist Church, 412 Sentner St. (at Hasbrook Avenue), will host a flea market on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be household treasures, books, toys and games, clothing, baked goods and lunch. ••
Donate blood
The American Red Cross is encouraging people to donate blood. Those who give through Nov. 9 will receive a $10 gift card to a restaurant of their choice.
The Northeast Philadelphia Blood Donation Center, 1401 Rhawn St., is open Monday-Wednesday, 11:45 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, 10:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Friday-Sunday, 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Donation options are on Oct. 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Holy Family University’s Campus Center, 9801 Frankford Ave.; Nov. 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at American Heritage Federal Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road; and Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, 3252 Chesterfield Road.
Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS. ••
Free haircuts for veterans
State Sen. Jimmy Dillon invites veterans to join him for a free haircut and some refreshments this Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Torresdale Boys Club, 4500 Linden Ave. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended. Call Connie at 215-695-1020 to secure your spot. ••
Variety dinner show
Joey C’s Variety Dinner Show will take place on Friday, Nov. 17, at the Buck Hotel, 1200 Buck Road, in Feasterville. Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner at 6:30 and the show at 8. Tickets cost $80, including taxes and gratuities. There is a cash bar. Call 215-396-2002 or 215-317-7675 or go to https://thebuckhotel.com/eventscalendar. ••
Protection for acupuncturists
House Bill 1490, introduced by state Rep. Pat Gallagher, passed the House and will head to the Senate for future consideration. This bill would amend the Acupuncture Licensing Act to provide title protection for licensed acupuncturists and practitioners. It also would provide an opportunity for acupuncturists licensed in other states to attend or conduct educational events as well as volunteer in the state in an emergency. Finally, it would require continuing education for license renewal, bringing acupuncturists in line with requirements in other states and other licensed healthcare providers in Pennsylvania.
“As acupuncture has become a fast-growing therapy for people suffering from different types of pain, it’s important we modernize practices and ensure patients are getting the care they need,” Gallagher said. “Today’s House vote was a great step for this bill, now I urge my Senate colleagues to get it to the governor’s desk.” ••
VoteVets supporting Solomon
The liberal VoteVets PAC endorsed state Rep. Jared Solomon to be Pennsylvania’s next attorney general.
“VoteVets knows that Pennsylvania is on the frontline of the battle to protect voting rights, women’s reproductive rights and so many of the fundamental freedoms that veterans fought to protect,” Solomon said. “That’s why I am so grateful to have the VoteVets community’s endorsement for attorney general, because they know I am a fighter.”
Solomon is a former JAG Officer in the Army Reserve and a current Pennsylvania National Guardsman serving in a Trial Defense Services unit. He is chairman of the Pennsylvania State House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. Solomon is married with a daughter and lives in Castor Gardens. ••
Holy Family helping students in recovery
Holy Family University has been awarded additional funding from the Independence Blue Cross Foundation for its collegiate recovery efforts, in partnership with the Association of Recovery in Higher Education. The program is designed to enable recovery for students who are experiencing or believe they may have a substance use disorder, are curious about sobriety or have someone in their lives who is struggling with these issues. Holy Family’s program is directed by Patrick McElwaine, a licensed clinical psychologist and professional counselor and director of the university’s Master of Counseling Psychology program. ••
Farm stand at Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus has a farm stand that is open Thursday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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]. ••
Mass and gala for St. Martin’s
St. Martin of Tours Church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., will hold a unity Mass and 100th anniversary gala on Sunday, Nov. 12. The Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m., followed by the gala at 2 p.m. at Brookside Manor, 50 Bustleton Pike in Feasterville. Tickets cost $50. Call the rectory at 215-535-2987. ••
Pops performances
The No Name Pops will have its debut performance at the Kimmel Cultural Campus when it presents Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown and The Philly Sound. The performances will take place on Oct. 28 at 3 and 8 pm in Verizon Hall. Jim Gardner, former anchor of Action News, will host both concerts. Ticket prices begin at $41 and are available at www.kimmelculturalcampus.org.
Led by conductor Herb Smith, the musicians of the No Name Pops are mostly former members of The Philly POPS. Smith, a veteran trumpet player making his debut conducting in Philadelphia, has a strong connection to this music. He has performed with Lou Rawls, Gladys Knight, The Temptations and The O’Jays. Furthermore, many of the musicians performing have recorded on some of the original Sound of Philadelphia albums.
The concert will also feature three singers: Chester Gregory, who played the role of Berry Gordy in Broadway’s “Motown the Musical,” and two up-and-coming artists, Brik.Liam and Ashley Jayy.
This symphonic experience presents Motown, soul, R&B and the famous hits of the Philly Sound with classic songs by artists like The Spinners, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Gamble & Huff and The O’Jays. Some of the songs included will be “Me and Mrs. Jones” sung by Billy Paul, Gamble & Huff’s “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” “Hurt so Bad” recorded by Little Anthony and Diana Ross’ “I’m Coming Out.” ••
Wedding Crashers’ Ball
Glen Foerd’s Wedding Crashers’ Ball, an interactive wedding performance and fundraising event, will be held on Friday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. Sponsorships are available, and individual tickets are on sale. The evening will include dinner, an open bar, dancing, live music and a silent auction. Guests are encouraged to wear black tie, old wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, business attire or, in the spirit of Halloween, festive/creative costumes. Valet parking is included. There will be an optional afterparty, from 11 p.m. to midnight, in Glen Foerd’s rathskeller. Proceeds from the event will go to support Glen Foerd’s efforts to preserve its 18-acre Delaware River estate, 5001 Grant Ave., that includes seven historic structures dating from the 1850s. Tickets are $175 per person or $250, including the afterparty. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased at www.glenfoerd.org/weddingcrashersball. For more information, call 215-632-5330. ••
Apply to become a cop
The Philadelphia Police Department is accepting applications through Nov. 12. Applicants must be at least 20 years old and have a high school diploma. The starting salary is $61,888. Call 215-683-COPS or apply at joinphillypd.com. ••
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 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]. ••
Donate to food drive
American Heritage Credit Union invites the community to donate food as part of its 10th annual Spirit of Giving Food Drive. All nonperishable food donations will be distributed to various food pantries and food banks throughout the region. The donations will be collected through Nov. 25 at all American Heritage branch locations. ••
Join the parade
The 46th annual Mayfair-Holmesburg Thanksgiving Parade will be on Sunday, Nov. 19, from noon to 3 p.m. Homemade floats are being accepted. Anyone in seventh grade or above who volunteers to carry a banner will receive six community service hours. To participate in the parade, call 215-624-6660, email [email protected] or visit thanksgivingparade.org. ••
Fundraising luncheon
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is hosting a luncheon at Bella Tori at the Mansion, 321 S. Bellevue Ave., Langhorne, on Saturday, Nov. 4, at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $58 per person and includes various foods including a salad table, hot table of entrees and vegetables and a dessert table plus entertainment. Cash bar available. For tickets, call 215-990-6067 or 215-742-2703. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
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. ••
Trip to Ryerss
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be hosting a cultural trip to the Ryerss Mansion/Museum, 7370 Central Ave., on Friday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m. The guided tour includes first-floor family parlors, the dining room and galleries of art and artifacts. Visitors will learn about the history of the Ryerss family and be able to visit the second-floor gallery and library, accessible only by stairs. The cost for the outing is $10. There is parking behind the building. Send your checks to CSS payable to Sisterhood. Include your phone number. For further information, call the synagogue office at 215-677-1600. ••
Happy anniversary
The public is invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church preschool on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 11:45 a.m. in the church social hall, Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. ••
Holiday craft fair
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., is hosting a holiday craft fair on Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendors can contact the church at 215-745-2844 or [email protected]. ••
Free oldies concert
The Juke Box Legends, a vocal and musical trio performing the music of the ‘50s through the ‘80s, will perform a free community concert on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m., at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. The concert also will serve as a salute to Veterans Day. Call 215-698-7300. ••
Craft show Nov. 11-18
A farmhouse craft show will take place Nov. 11-18 at Tamanend Park, 1255 Second Street Pike, in Southampton. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be wreaths, jewelry, wood items, centerpieces, antiques, candy and baked goods. Visa and Mastercard accepted. For more information, call Nancy at 215-808-3004, visit threedcrafts.com or go to the Farmhouse Craft Show page on Facebook. ••
Food and music
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will hold a fall festive fundraiser on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 12:30 p.m. There will be a hot thanksgiving feast, followed by a musical performance by Benson on Broadway. The cost is $42.50 per person. Call 215-677-1600 to make your reservation and send your payment to the above address. ••
Historical presentation
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation Inc. will be holding its annual membership meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. in its headquarters at 321 Cedar St., Bristol Borough. The public is invited. No fee. A presentation entitled The African-American Presence at Pennsbury Manor: Reconstructing Individual Stories will be made by Mary Ellyn Kunz, education coordinator at the Grundy Museum. Refreshments will be served. Call 215-788-7537. ••
New business coming
National Wholesale Liquidators will be opening on Nov. 21 at 7101 Roosevelt Blvd.
The company will be moving into a former Kmart, which closed in 2019. ••
Run, walk on Veterans Day
The national nonprofit PACT for Animals will hold a 10K, 5K or 1-Mile Patriotic Pup Walk on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, either virtually or at Lower Perkiomen Valley Park, in Oaks.
Check-in starts at 9 a.m., followed by the run and walk at 10. There will be prizes, giveaways and appearances by John DeBella and Eagles No. 1 fan Shaun Young.
Register at https://pactforanimals.org/veterans-day-run-and-dog-walk/. ••
Learn all about COPD
The Temple Lung Center is teaming up with the COPD Foundation to give local patients and caregivers an opportunity to learn from global experts in COPD about new treatments, medications, research, management and approaches for managing the disease. The patient session will take place on Monday, Nov. 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, 201 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. The session is being held during the 2023 GOLD International COPD Conference, the world’s foremost conference for healthcare providers involved in managing and caring for people with COPD. Attendance is free to individuals with COPD and their caregivers. Valet parking is free. Advance registration is required. Register at goldconferenceondemand.com/patient. ••
Yiddish group to meet
Kim Reddin Yiddish, with Maxine Goldman, will meet on Monday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m. at Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road. The program is co-sponsored by Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia. A light snack will be served. For transportation, call 215-320-0351. For more information, call 215-677-1600. ••
Trip to Brooklyn
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a “Brooklyn Christmas Lights” bus trip on Thursday, Dec. 7. The itinerary includes a full-course dinner at Tommaso’s Restaurant, followed by a tour of the decorated homes in the Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge sections of Brooklyn. Cost is $172. Reservations close on Nov. 1. Call 215-788-7537. ••
Trip to Bethlehem
The Polish American Cultural Center Museum is sponsoring a trip to Bethlehem, “The Christmas City,” from Dec. 14-16. The tour includes two night accommodations at The Windcreek Hotel and Casino; two $20 vouchers; $70 slot play; a visit to Pines Dinner Theater to see Holly Jolly Christmas, with lunch (BYOB); a tour of “The Lights on the Parkway;” a free day to gamble and shop at the outlets; a visit to the Christkindlmarkt (Christmas shopping and artisans craft markets); and round-trip motorcoach. The cost is $525 per person double occupancy or $700 single. For information and reservations, call Theresa Romanowski at 215-922-1700. ••
Workshops at Holy Family
Holy Family University’s Family Center invites the community to its free fall workshops, which promote the “Value of Family,” during the months of October and November on the campus at Frankford and Grant avenues.
The four sessions of the “Living Fully” series will explore contemporary issues such as finding meaning and striving from life’s difficulties; exploring your creativity as a call from God; saving money with coupons – the latest updates; and reviewing common steps to protect yourself and loved ones. Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Education Technology Center, Room 411.
The “Pathways to Prayer” series will examine how to understand and work through the peaks and valleys of one’s journey with the Lord. Using the book, Struggles in the Spiritual Life: Their Nature and Their Remedies, by the Rev. Timothy Gallagher, the series strives to give participants’ spiritual life a boost, help them avoid discouragement and sharpen their awareness of God’s presence, action and communication in their lives and experiences. Sessions will be held on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon in the Campus Center Chapel, Room 104.
Participants will have the opportunity to interact with University faculty, staff and credentialed guest speakers. Register at holyfamily.edu. ••
Dining event will aid charity
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Board of Associates of Fox Chase Cancer Center, is hosting a dining-in event at Ben & Irv’s Deli, 1962 County Line Road, Huntingdon Valley, on Tuesday, Nov. 14, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mention the Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter and a percentage of all proceeds will be donated to Fox Chase Cancer Center for patient care and medical research. ••
Presentation on Titanic
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation, 321 Cedar St., Bristol Borough, will host Survivors, Victims and Legacies: The Rest of the Story on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. The presentation will be given by David J. Kaplan, a member of the Titanic Historical Society for over four decades who has met 18 survivors, including Melvina Dean, who was the last living survivor and who passed away in 2009. Reservations can be made at 215-788-9408. Attendees are asked to bring a donation for the Bristol First United Church Food Pantry of paper and sanitary products or a monetary contribution. ••
Fox Chase invests in radiopharmaceuticals company
As the first initiative of an emerging collaboration, Fox Chase Cancer Center has invested in Nucleus RadioPharma, a company specializing in the development and distribution of radiopharmaceuticals, targeted therapies that deliver radiation directly to cancer cells. The company’s technology platform is considered to be at the forefront of radiopharmaceutical research and designed to advance new therapies from clinical trials to commercialization. Fox Chase and Nucleus also have signed a Letter of Intent to potentially enable a deeper collaboration, including partnership in developing a radiopharmaceutical manufacturing site and clinical trials involving radiopharmaceuticals.
“Investing in Nucleus RadioPharma is not just about funding a company but about catalyzing an entire sector. The investment will fuel ongoing clinical trials, currently numbering over 350, and make these targeted therapies more accessible,” said Dr. Robert Uzzo, president and CEO of Fox Chase.
Fox Chase’s investment comes from the Fox Chase Cancer Center Director’s Innovation Fund, which is intended to incentivize translational research and science. This funding, along with investments from several other organizations, including the Mayo Clinic, will help accelerate Nucleus RadioPharma’s initiatives in research, manufacturing and supply chain efficiencies. The company’s 12,000-square-foot facility near the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota will serve as the cornerstone for expanding its manufacturing and supply chain capabilities. Two additional regional factory hubs are set for completion in 2026 and 2027, one of which will be in the Philadelphia area, and will allow the company to bring these lifesaving treatments to an even broader patient base.
The company’s partnerships and collaborations will not only enable rapid initiation of clinical trials and full support for formulation, but analytical method development and regulatory filing.
“This investment is instrumental in fast-tracking research and making radiopharmaceuticals more accessible, thanks to their non-patient-specific nature,” said Dr. Jonathan Chernoff, Cancer Center director.
This capital will also expedite the completion of an integrated radiopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization and supply chain facility close to the Mayo Clinic’s main hospital.
“The current radiopharmaceutical market is estimated to be $10 billion, growing to an estimated $30 billion by 2030,” said Sangeeta Bardhan Cook, chief innovation officer at Fox Chase. “As the first integrated radiopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization and supply chain network, Nucleus RadioPharma is uniquely positioned to expedite the availability of lifesaving targeted therapies to wider populations.”
Radiopharmaceuticals stand out as an effective treatment for solid tumors, which constitute about 90% of all cancer cases. Unlike cutting-edge immunotherapies like CAR-T, which are often complex and limited to certain types of cancer, radiopharmaceuticals can treat more than 50 types of cancer, including the most prevalent forms like breast, lung and colorectal. With an estimated 1.9 million new cancer diagnoses expected in 2023 alone, the potential impact of this funding is far-reaching.
“For millions diagnosed with solid tumors, existing options like CAR-T therapies have limitations. Our funding advances the reach and impact of radiopharmaceuticals, therapies that can be mass-produced and offer hope to those with few alternatives,” said Charles Conroy, CEO of Nucleus RadioPharma. ••
Oncology professorship for Fox Chase doc
Dr. Igor Astsaturov, associate professor in the Department of Hematology/Oncology and co-director of The Marvin and Concetta Greenberg Pancreatic Cancer Institute at Fox Chase Cancer Center, has been appointed inaugural holder of the Paul F. Engstrom Professorship in Oncology.
“A rare type of physician and researcher, Dr. Astsaturov dedicates himself to providing compassionate care driven by laboratory discoveries that will more accurately define the molecular makeup of a patient’s cancer and help design better treatment options in the future,” said Dr. Robert Uzzo, president and CEO of Fox Chase.
“Over the course of his career, Dr. Astsaturov has been instrumental in advancing cancer research,” added Dr. Jonathan Chernoff, Cancer Center director, “not only through his laboratory and clinical work but also through his advocacy efforts to secure increased federal funding, particularly for pancreatic cancer, and to raise awareness through community outreach and patient education events.”
Astsaturov specializes in treating gastrointestinal malignancies, including pancreatic, colorectal, esophageal, liver, gallbladder, bile duct and stomach cancers, as well as neuroendocrine tumors. He joined the Fox Chase faculty in 2008 after completing a fellowship in medical oncology at the center.
In addition to being honored by Philadelphia magazine as a Top Doctor, he is consistently highly rated by his own patients, according to patient satisfaction data, for the quality of his care and the supportive manner in which he provides it.
“It is fitting that Dr. Astsaturov now holds the Engstrom Professorship because he embodies the compassion and dedication that Dr. Engstrom so consistently demonstrated throughout his career,” Uzzo said.
The Engstrom Professorship reflects a decades-long tradition of Fox Chase recognizing significant figures in its institution’s history with a lasting tribute. It enables Fox Chase to support an outstanding leader in cancer science and medicine who represents the highest standards of excellence in keeping with the legacy of Engstrom’s work.
Engstrom joined American Oncologic Hospital in 1970 and became one of the first medical oncologists to practice at Fox Chase when AOH merged with the Institute for Cancer Research to become Fox Chase Cancer Center several years later.
For nearly 50 years until his retirement in 2018, Engstrom dedicated himself to improving the lives of those facing cancer. In his clinical practice, he focused specifically on gastrointestinal cancer and neuroendocrine tumors, often seeing patients from near and far with difficult cases. He was a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee.
“This honor presents Dr. Astsaturov with new opportunities to bring strength and focus to advancing our understanding of gastrointestinal cancers and how we treat patients with them,” Chernoff said. ••
Learn about presidential families
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Widener University will offer a five-session course for active adults centered around United States presidential families at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., beginning on Monday, Nov. 6, at 12:30 p.m. The course is open to members and the public and will also be conducted on Nov. 13, 20 and 27 and Dec. 4. Participants are invited to join with instructor David Hudiak as he explores mothers, fathers and siblings of many U.S. presidents and their relationships with the chief executive. Cost for the program is $30 per person with checks or money orders made payable to Widener University and returned to the front desk at KleinLife. Email [email protected] or call 610-499-4279. ••
Upcoming opera shows
Amici Opera Company will present Verdi’s Ernani on Nov. 4 at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave. The show will also be on Nov. 12 at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale.
Amici will present Donizett’s La Regina Di Golconda (The Queen of Golconda) on Nov. 11 and 18 at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
Amici will present Ernani on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at La Piovra Trattoria, 7901 High School Road, Elkins Park. Arrive by 6 p.m. The show and three-course dinner cost $54.95. Call 215-606-3800 for reservations.
For more information, call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company on Facebook. ••
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. ••
