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. ••
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. ••
St. Jerome Seniors to meet
Meetings for November are Thursdays, Nov. 9 and 30, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. Meetings begin promptly at 11. ••
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. ••
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 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. ••
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 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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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]. ••
Energy fair on Saturday
Energy Coordinating Agency will hold a Northeast Region LIHEAP Kickoff Fair at the Northeast Services Hub (6434 Castor Ave.) on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will help residents apply for utility bill assistance and share resources for additional community support from organizations like Community Legal Services of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Corporation for Aging. There will be food, music, giveaways, community resources and raffles. Call 215-609-1478. ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave. in Burholme Park, will hold a number of upcoming events.
Here is the schedule: Friday, Nov. 3, 1-3 p.m. (Genealogy Group: How to dig up your ancestors); Saturday, Nov. 4, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (used book sale in basement); Friday, Nov. 10, 1-3 p.m. (Fibercraft Friends); Saturday, Nov. 11, 10:30 a.m. (Storytime: It’s Turkey Time!); Sunday, Nov. 12, 1-3 p.m. (Manga Club: Sailor Moon); Friday, Nov. 17, 1-3 p.m. (Book Club, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland); Friday, Dec. 1, 1-3 p.m. (Genealogy Group: How to dig up your ancestors); Friday, Dec. 8, 1-3 p.m. (Fibercraft Friends); Saturday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Ryerss annual Christmas open house); Sunday, Dec. 10, 1-3 p.m. (Manga Club); Friday, Dec. 15, 1-3 p.m. (Book Club); and Friday, Dec. 22, 1-3 p.m. (Fibercraft Friends).
Call 215-685-0599. ••
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. ••
St. Hubert seeks vendors
St. Hubert, 7320 Torresdale Ave., will host a holiday vendor fair on Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tables cost $20 and a donation to the tombola table. Visit Huberts.org/Vendor or email [email protected]. ••
McNesby leaving FOP post
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 announced that its president, John McNesby, will leave on Nov. 10 to take a job with the state. McNesby has served as president of the FOP since 2007. He began his tenure with the Philadelphia Police Department in 1989, first as a patrol officer followed by his work as a narcotics officer before being elected as FOP president. ••
Tacony history meeting
The autumn general membership meeting of the Historical Society of Tacony will be held on Monday, Nov. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Innocents-Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 7001 Torresdale Ave. A slide presentation will be featured with historian Patty McCarthy about one of the most prominent families of early Tacony — the Lardners. Light refreshments will be served. All are invited to attend and consider joining the Historical Society of Tacony. ••
History meeting tonight
The Northeast Philadelphia History Network will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. at Pennepack Baptist Meetinghouse, 8732 Krewstown Road. The topic is The Birth of Torresdale, Part II. The speaker will be historian Patty McCarthy. ••
Living with epilepsy
Temple University Health – Jeanes Hospital, 7600 Central Ave., will present Epilepsy and Living Your Best Life on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Carla LoPinto-Khoury, a Temple Health neurologist, will discuss what care is available at Temple to allow you to live your best life. Additionally, the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern PA will provide interactive seizure first aid training. To register, call 215-728-4861 or email [email protected]. ••
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. ••
Respect the Whistle passes Senate
State Sen. Jimmy Dillon announced successful passage of Senate Bill 842, known as the Respect the Whistle Act, by a 48-2 vote of the Senate. If enacted, the Respect the Whistle Act would create a separate offense for harassment against sports officials to ensure they can do their jobs without fear. The Respect the Whistle Act does not expand the definition of harassment but empowers law enforcement and the judicial system to determine the appropriate course of action when an individual is targeted within this profession. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. The House companion, House Bill 297, is sponsored by Rep. Anita Astorino Kulik of Allegheny County.
“Sadly, if you’ve spent any time on the sidelines or in the stands you’ve probably witnessed how one call can spiral into threats of violence. Almost half of our officials have said they feel unsafe due to the actions of parents, coaches, or players, and it’s a big reason they’re quitting the profession,” Dillon explained in remarks on the Senate floor. ••
Disaster emergency extended
A PA House resolution (H.R. 197) introduced by Rep. Pat Gallagher to extend the state’s disaster emergency declaration in Philadelphia was adopted by the Senate. The disaster, which was declared on June 12 in response to the collapse of the northbound bridge and compromise of the southbound bridge on Interstate 95, was set to expire on Nov. 1. The resolution extends the declaration until late February 2024.
“While much progress has been made in such a quick time on the I-95 bridge collapse, there still remains work to be done,” Gallagher said. “I’m glad to see the General Assembly work in unison to address this disaster that affects not only Philadelphia, but the entire state of Pennsylvania and the northeast corridor of the United States.” ••
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. ••
Poetry at Chase’s Hop Shop
North of Oxford will present poets Thomas Devaney, Kathy Barham, John Timpane and Bob Zell at Chase’s Hop Shop, 7235 Rising Sun Ave, on Nov. 18, at 1 p.m. Admission is free. An open mic will follow the featured readers. More information is at https://northofoxfordreadingseries.wordpress.com/2023/05/04/chases-hop-shop-seasonal-reading-series/. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Happy anniversary
St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5185 Castor Ave. (at Pratt Street), will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its preschool on Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. in the church social hall. The public is invited. ••
Do you need to see a rheumatologist
Temple University Health – Jeanes Campus will present Arthritis, Joint Pain and Osteoporosis – Should You See a Rheumatologist on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Marissa Blum, a Temple Health rheumatologist, will discuss when it makes sense to see a rheumatologist for specialty care to find relief. To register, call 215-728-4861 or email [email protected].••
Attend Grand Illumination
American Heritage Credit Union invites the community to visit its main campus at 2060 Red Lion Road to enjoy more than 400,000 lights and holiday displays. Each year, the American Heritage campus buildings and trees are illuminated, and multiple light displays are featured throughout the campus grounds. Community members are welcome to stroll the campus, take photos and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season. The Grand Illumination celebration kicks off with a special event on Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. There will be a concert featuring the Philadelphia Boys Choir, the Ukrainian Children’s Choir Soloveiky and the New Jersey Fifes and Drums. Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross will be on hand, and a firework symphony will fill the night sky. Attendees are encouraged to bring a canned food item to help American Heritage reach its goal of 20,000 pounds for its annual holiday food drive. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Trip to Northern Europe
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is presenting a Northern Europe: Iceland, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium and London cruise, July 25 to Aug. 4, 2024, aboard the new “Norwegian Prima.” Rates per person are $6,261 and $6,495, which include roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia. Deposit of $350 per person double occupancy is required when booking. Final payment by Feb. 27. Call 215-788-9408. ••
Fox Chase fellow honored
Henkel Valentine, a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Dr. Philip Abbosh, in the Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Research Program at Fox Chase Cancer Center, was one of six postdoctoral researchers nationwide recently recognized as an IMPACT Fellow by the National Postdoctoral Association.
The association is a charitable and educational nonprofit organization that works to improve the postdoctoral experience by supporting a culture of inclusive connection. The organization was formed in 2003 with the goal of affecting positive change for postdoctoral scholars.
“Being selected as a 2023-2024 IMPACT fellow is an honor, and I am proud to be a part of this year’s cohort,” Valentine said. “I intend to utilize the extensive resources and network allotted to IMPACT fellows to further my development as a cancer researcher and refine my scientific method.”
Valentine’s work involves using the gene editing tool CRISPR to develop mouse models of bladder cancer to replicate mutations commonly seen in bladder cancer patients. The model will be used to nominate new therapy options on which to base clinical trials for bladder cancer patients.
The IMPACT Fellowship Program was launched in 2021. It provides exceptional early-career researchers from “under-represented” communities with opportunities for professional and personal achievement.
During the 16-month program, fellows work with experts in their field, network with peers, and make mentoring connections that will help build their professional relationships. Fellows additionally use the knowledge, tools and resources that they gain from the program to create and implement projects that benefit their home communities. These projects are discussed with peers during the program’s annual summit, where researchers receive valuable feedback from experts in the field.
“In STEM, particularly in fields like cancer research, there’s a significant lack of representation from the black community,” Valentine said. “My IMPACT project aims to inspire and educate high school students of black ancestry about the possibilities within STEM. We’ll achieve this by connecting them with professionals who share their background through career talks and interactions, demystifying scientific research, and sparking their passion for STEM.”
“We are thrilled to welcome this cohort of remarkable individuals who are not only striving to reach their full potential but committed to lift up one another along the way,” said Thomas P. Kimbis, executive director and CEO of the National Postdoctoral Association. “By strengthening themselves through the IMPACT program, they position themselves as leaders within their fields, their communities and our society.” ••
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. ••
