Flea market on Saturday
St. Hubert High School, 7320 Torresdale Ave., will host an indoor flea market on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. Tables are $20 each. Email [email protected] or visit Huberts.org/FleaMarket. ••
Make a key chain bracelet
Professional craft maker Pam Thomas will help people make a key chain bracelet for themselves or their sweetheart at Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 5:30 p.m. Supplies are provided. Registration is required. Call 215-685-8756. ••
Nazareth ranks high in transitional care
Nazareth Hospital announced that its Transitional Care Unit has been recognized as a Best Nursing Home for Short-Term Rehabilitation for 2024 by U.S. News & World Report.
“This recognition is a testament to the incredible dedication of our colleagues to provide outstanding service to our patients and community,” said Dr. Michael Magro, president of Nazareth Hospital. “Many patients look to the U.S. News & World Report rankings for guidance on where to receive treatment — this is just one more reason for Nazareth Hospital patients to know they can depend on us for comprehensive care that meets national quality and safety guidelines.”
For the 2024 edition, U.S. News rated more than 15,000 nursing homes on patient and resident outcomes, such as infection rates; staffing levels; potentially inappropriate reliance on antipsychotic drugs; health inspection results; and other indicators of quality.To calculate the Best Nursing Homes ratings, U.S. News evaluated each nursing home’s performance using a variety of quality measures obtained from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The U.S. News methodology factors data such as resident care, safety and outcomes. Short-term ratings include data on nurse staffing, use of antipsychotic drugs and success in preventing ER and hospital visits. ••
Funnyman rabbi
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim is hosting a night of solidarity and laughter on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m., starring Rabbi Bob Alper. Cost is $27 per person. A portion of the proceeds will help support Israeli Relief Agencies. To reserve, mail payment to the CSS office, 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115. Call 215-677-1600. ••
State firefighters group chooses Solomon in AG race
State Rep. Jared Solomon, a Democratic candidate for attorney general, received the endorsement of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association, an organization representing more than 8,000 career professional firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics.
“Jared Solomon has cut through the political noise in Harrisburg to ensure that Pennsylvania’s firefighters have the resources we need to keep our neighbors safe.” said Robert Brooks, president of the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association. “As our next attorney general, we know he’ll always put public safety above politics and protect the union way of life in Pennsylvania.”
“Having the support of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association means so much to me because Pennsylvania’s firefighters are amongst the bravest men and women I know,” said Solomon, who chairs the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. “As AG, my mission will be the same as theirs: protect the public.”
Other unions endorsing Solomon are United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776, Philadelphia Firefighters’ and Paramedics’ Union IAFF Local 22 and Pittsburgh Fire Fighters IAFF Local No. 1.
Solomon has also been endorsed by VoteVets as well as 20 members of the legislature, including House Majority Leader Matt Bradford, Caucus Whip Dan Miller and Caucus Secretary Tina Davis and Sen. Tina Tartaglione.
Solomon is one of five Democrats running for attorney general. The others are former Bucks County Solicitor Joe Khan, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale and former Defender Association of Philadelphia chief Keir Bradford-Grey.
Candidates running in the Republican primary are state Rep. Craig Williams and York County District Attorney Dave Sunday. ••
Learn about King David
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, announced that Rabbi Sandi Berliner will be teaching a class on King David. The class will meet on Wednesdays, Feb. 7, 14 and 28 and March 6. The cost is $18. Coffee and cake will be served at 10 a.m., followed by the class at 10:15. All are welcome. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Preschool storytime
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Preschool Storytime on Thursdays, Feb. 8 and 22, at 10:30 a.m. There will be stories, songs and fingerplays for children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
Valentine’s Day dinner and show
The Buck Hotel will present Valentine’s Day with the Romantic Sounds of Sinatra & Friends, starring Joey C, on Friday, Feb. 9. Doors open at 6 p.m. The show starts at 6:30. The cost is $68, which includes dinner, dancing, the show and taxes and gratuities. The Buck is at 1200 Buck Road in Feasterville. Tickets are available at thebuckhotel.com/eventscalendar. For more information, call 215-317-7675. ••
Half-price clothing sale
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., will continue its half-price clothing sale through Thursday, Feb. 1. Merchandise is added daily. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 215-624-9130. ••
Program at PPH
Students from Central High School will speak about Black History Month on Thursday, Feb. 1, at 3 p.m. at the Philadelphia Protestant Home social hall, 6401 Martins Mill Road. The public is invited. ••
Valentine music class for kids
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will present Hearts Open: A Special Valentine Caregiver/Child Music Class, on Monday, Feb. 12, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Christina Klaproth will lead the class, geared toward kids 4 months to 4 years. The cost is $20 for a caregiver and child, and $5 for each additional child. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Trail to connect to river
With support from Sen. Jimmy Dillon and Rep. Joe Hohenstein, the PA Greenway, Trails and Recreation Program has awarded $114,000 to Riverfront North Partnership to design a trail connection on Magee Avenue to the Delaware River. MaST Charter School II owns the land, and the project will serve the 1,100 students who attend the school. Design is expected to start in summer 2025 and be completed in 2027. Funds came from fees associated with Marcellus Shale natural gas production.
“This will create a safe and essential trail corridor, spanning 1,250 feet, to connect the Tacony neighborhood with the Delaware Riverfront,” said Xhulio Binjaku, executive director of the Tacony CDC. “It will be an asset as we work toward a clean, green and safe Tacony.” ••
Eat at Chick-fil-A, support schools
The Chick-fil-A stores at 9711 Roosevelt Blvd, and 12000 Roosevelt Blvd. are hosting a Spirit Week through Saturday, Feb. 3, in support of Archbishop Ryan, Father Judge, Nazareth Academy High School and St. Hubert. The stores will donate a portion of the proceeds to celebrate Catholic Schools Week and support education in the Northeast. The school that brings in the most sales will earn the highest percentage of proceeds. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“We are so excited to host this event to support our local schools,” said Bob Fanelli, owner-operator of both stores. “We invite the community to join in the festivities and cheer on these schools during Catholic Schools Week.” ••
Sign up for St. Cecilia run
The second annual St. Cecilia School Legacy Run will take place on Saturday, April 20. The event is a 5K run/1-mile walk that raises money for a scholarship fund that benefits students at St. Cecilia who have a parent who is an alum of St. Cecilia or St. William. Sign up at https://runningintheusa.com/details/137457. ••
Free tax preparation
People who need help preparing their federal income tax return can take advantage of the free assistance program offered by KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. The program will run from Feb. 1 to April 12 and is available to everyone with incomes of up to $73,000 whether filling single or joint returns. Call 215-698-7300, Ext. 194 to make an appointment. Have all of your tax information, including last year’s federal tax return, W-2, 1099 and real estate tax bill. ••
Sign up for senior softball
The Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced players for its 68-and-over and 58-and-over leagues. The 58-plus teams play Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 68-plus teams play Mondays and Fridays. All games start at 10 a.m. and are played at Crispin Fields, at Holme and Convent avenues. Games start mid-April and run till the end of September. No games in July. For the 58-plus league, call Mike Bojanowski at 215-801-4869. For the 68-plus league, call Marty King at 215-409-5021. ••
Upcoming opera performances
Amici Opera Company will present Mascagni’s L’Amico Fritz on Saturday, Feb. 3, at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
There will be two performances of Verdi’s La Traviata: Sunday, Feb. 4, at 3 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 10, at 4 p.m., both at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
Donizetti’s L’Elisir D’Amore will be performed on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, in Lansdale.
La Piovra, 7901 High School Road in Elkins Park, will host a performance of L’Elisir D’Amore on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Dinner and the show cost $54.95, not including tips and tax. Arrive by 6 p.m. For reservations, call 215-606-3800.
There will be two performances of Donizetti’s La Regina Di Golconda: Saturdays, Feb. 24 and March 2, both at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
For more information, call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Bus trip to Tropicana
Holy Innocents Parish will hold a Mardi Gras casino trip on Feb. 13 to the Tropicana in Atlantic City. A bus will depart L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 9:30 a.m., and will depart the Tropicana at 5 p.m. The cost is $40, due by Feb. 6. There will be $20 in slot cash. To reserve your seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
Senior softball league seeks players
The Bucks 65+ Senior Softball League is holding registration for the upcoming season, which begins in April. Indoor practices will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Pennsbury Racquet Club, 375 W. Trenton Ave., Morrisville. For information, go to www.bucksseniorsoftball.com or email Bill at [email protected] or Jack at [email protected]. ••
Fundraiser for recovery programs
The Leigh Leckerman Foundation will present Drags & Bags on Friday, Feb. 9, from 7-11 p.m. at the Southampton Room, 2980 Southampton Road. Doors open at 6 p.m. The cost is $40 and includes dinner and a pack of bingo cards, with winners receiving designer bags. Tables of 10 are available. There will also be raffle baskets, a 50/50 and appearances by Miss Troy (aka Aunt Mary Pat) and her queens. Proceeds will benefit the foundation’s mission of helping addicts receive treatment. For more information, go to LeighsHelp.org. ••
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. ••
Bingo at Loudenslager
Corp. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., is offering community bingo every second and fourth Friday evenings. Doors open at 6:30, games start at 7:20. Refreshments available. ••
Ryan winter social
Archbishop Ryan High School will hold a winter social on March 2, from 7 p.m. to midnight, at the Philadelphia Ballroom, 2014 Hornig Road. The event will feature The Exceptions, DJ Bobby Sacco, raffles and a silent auction. All alumni, parents and supporters of Ryan are invited. Tickets, sponsorships and raffles are available at https://www.arhs.me/2024wintersocial. ••
Yoga classes
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will offer Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra classes on Fridays, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., from March 1 to April 12. There is no class on Good Friday, March 29. The cost is $15 per class, which will be led by Tiffany Cooper. Call 215-934-6206. ••
A group for moms
A Sacred Mother’s Circle will meet at Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, on Wednesdays, from March 13 to April 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $20 per class. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Millbrook Civic to meet
Millbrook Civic Association will meet on Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., at the Calvary Athletic Association clubhouse, 4330 Deerpath Lane. Future meetings will be on April 30, June 25, Sept. 24, Oct. 29 and Nov. 26. For more information, email [email protected] ••
Feb. Zoom book club meeting
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. The February book is the historical mystery The Venice Sketchbook by Rhys Bowen. For further information or to register, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
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 Feb. 14 and the second Wednesday of every other month from 6-7 p.m. at the Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse, 7604 Central Ave. 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]. ••
Learn about the ‘Rosies’
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host The Secret Rosies of World War II – the unsung heroes of American history — on Sunday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m. This is the story of the incredible women who helped break the codes used by the Japanese and German armies during World War II. Many of these women took their stories to their graves. This is the story of where they came from, what they did and the surprising impact they had on the outcome of WWII. The cost for the program is $20. A homemade dessert reception will follow the presentation. Send your reservation and payment to the address above. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Learn Yiddish
Kim Reddin Yiddish with Maxine Goldman will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 11 a.m. at Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road. A light snack will be served. Call 215-677-1600 for details. Transportation is available through Jewish Family and Children’s Services. Call 215-320-0351. ••
History-themed bus trip
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to the historic Village of Roebling and historic Bordentown on Thursday, April 11. The itinerary will include a docent-led tour of the Roebling Museum and a leisurely walking tour of the Village, established in 1905 by Charles G. Roebling as a complete self-sustaining community for the workers of the Roebling Steel Mill, followed by lunch at the Old Town Pub in Bordentown and a visit to Point Breeze, the former estate of Joseph Bonaparte. The all-inclusive cost is $125. For a flyer and reservation form, call 215-788-2106. Reservations close on March 4. ••
Ryan ’74 reunion
The Archbishop Ryan High School Class of 1974 will celebrate its 50th reunion on Friday, May 31, from 7-11 p.m., at the Southampton Room, 2980 Southampton Road. For tickets or more information, go to https://www.arhs.me/update ••
A year of events at Jewish history museum
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, on Independence Mall, has a full schedule of events in 2024.
The exhibition, The Future Will Follow the Past: An Exhibition by Jonathan Horowitz, is on view.
Throughout the year, there will be special events, concerts, family-friendly programming, films, antisemitism lectures and book releases.
The museum is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offers free admission.For more information, go to theweitzman.org. ••
Free Valentine’s Day concert at Glen Foerd
A concert and happy hour will take place at Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, Feb. 14. Luke Staisiunas will perform romantic melodies. Glen Foerd’s recently restored 122-year-old Haskell pipe organ will be part of the concert. The event is free, though registration is required. Guests can tour the mansion, and there will be vendors, a raffle, tarot readings, a cash bar and light snacks for sale. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the concert starting at 5:30. Register at glenfoerd.org/events. ••
Seeking solutions to gun violence
City Councilwoman Rue Landau, chairwoman of the Committee on Technology and Information Services, introduced the 57+ Blocks Resolution, aiming to hold hearings that explore the most efficient implementation of local, place-based interventions, using data tools and community-centered approaches.
In 2021, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that since 2015, there were 57 blocks in the city where 10 or more people had been shot. Since then, the number of blocks has continued to rise. In response, community partners combined efforts with the District Attorney’s Office to form the 57+ Blocks Coalition. The group works to reduce violence through the reinvestment of resources and services into neighborhoods.
“I look forward to these hearings that will bring in subject matter experts, community members and urban policy thought leaders to discuss data-driven solutions to our gun violence epidemic,” Landau said. “The 57+ Blocks Coalition has given a voice to communities that have witnessed the effects of violence firsthand right outside their doors. Now, it’s time to connect their voices to the data, the technology and the strategies that will make the streets of Philadelphia safer and our communities more vibrant.”
The resolution authorizes the committee to hold hearings examining data to most effectively implement local strategies and appropriate technologies to reduce violence through the targeted investment of resources, services and environmental improvements. The hearings seek to investigate the available data and necessary analytics that will allow the city to assess conditions affecting these 57+ blocks and the potential for solutions, as well as invite subject matter experts, including those with lived experiences of violence and disinvestment.
“We are excited about this next step in the evolution of this city understanding the importance of non-law enforcement ways of creating public safety,” said the Rev. Gregory Holston, co-facilitator of the 57+ Blocks Coalition. “We thank Councilperson Landau for this resolution and all those, including our Council president, who have co-sponsored it. We look forward to a vigorous hearing and real solutions to continue to reduce gun violence in our city.”
The resolution was approved by a unanimous vote of Council. ••
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. ••
