St. Jerome Seniors to meet
Upcoming St. Jerome Seniors meetings are on Thursdays, March 14 and March 28, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford Street. Arrive by 10 a.m. Meetings begin promptly at 11. ••
Support for Parkinson’s
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus will host a Parkinson’s Disease Support Group on the second Wednesday of every other month, beginning on April 10. The meetings will take place from 5-6 p.m. at the Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse, 7604 Central Ave. The group is led by nurse practitioner June Ro and attended by guest speakers, patients and caregivers.
The guest speakers are Dr. Willard Kasoff, a neurosurgeon (April 10); occupational therapist Diana Parkinson (June 12); Dr. Nancy Minniti, a neuropsychologist (Aug. 14); Dr. Molly Cincotta, a neurologist (Oct. 9); and social worker Luisa Enriquez (Dec. 11).
To register, contact June Ro at 215-707-2619 or Jungyoon.Ro@tuhs.temple.edu. ••
Bus trip to Lancaster County
St. William Travel is planning a trip to Lancaster County on June 20. There will be a Magic & Wonder Theater show, buffet lunch at Shady Maple, round trip by motorcoach, with all taxes and gratuities included. The costs $120. Bus departs from Gloria Dei Estates, 1304 Rhawn St., at 9:15 a.m. and returns 6:15 p.m. Check or money order payable to St. William Travel can be sent c/o 206 Benner St., Philadelphia, PA 19111. Call 215-745-7199. ••
Donate blood
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, is holding its annual blood drive being run by the American Red Cross on Sunday, March 17. Appointments are available starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 1:30 p.m. In addition to donating blood, you can volunteer to check people in and assist where needed. Light refreshments will be served. To reserve your time slot or for more details, call 215-677-1600. ••
Attend special Mass
St. Martin of Tours, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., invites everyone to a Mass to celebrate its pastor, the Rev. Efren Esmilla, becoming a bishop in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Mass is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 17. A reception will follow in the gym. Call 215-535-2962. ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host the following programs this weekend: Friday, March 15, 1-3 p.m. (Book Club: The Lost Apothecary by Rose Penner); Saturday, March 16, 1-2 p.m. (Victorian medicine lecture by Herb Kaufman). Call 215-685-0599 or visit ryerssmuseum.org. ••
Learn about bees
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host So You Want to Learn About Bees on Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to noon. The program will include a visit to Cranaleith’s beehive. The cost is $30. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••
Learn about Water Dept. work
The Philadelphia Water Department is inviting residents to learn about the Water Revitalization Plan, a 25-year initiative to upgrade and strengthen the city’s drinking water infrastructure. Local sessions are Tuesday, March 19, at 5:30 p.m. at Fox Chase Library, 501 Rhawn St., and Tuesday, April 9, at 7:15 p.m. at Holmesburg Recreation Center (during the Holmesburg Civic Association meeting), 4500 Rhawn St. ••
Solomon at TBYN
Take Back Your Neighborhood will meet on Monday, March 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Max Myers Recreation Center, 1601 Hellerman St. The guest will be state Rep. Jared Solomon, who will discuss his campaign for attorney general. ••
Meeting on Castor Ave.
Take Back Your Neighborhood will hold a town hall meeting about proposed construction on Castor Avenue on Saturday, March 30, at 9 a.m. at Northeast Services Hub, 6434-36 Castor Ave. State Rep. Jared Solomon and representatives from PennDOT and SEPTA will be on hand. TBYN opposes the plan to convert Castor, from Oxford Circle to Cottman Avenue, into one lane of traffic each way. ••
Free tax preparation
The city Department of Revenue and the Campaign for Working Families are partnering to provide free tax preparation services for families making less than $53,000 and individuals making less than $20,000 a year. The service is available at the Campaign for Working Families Northeast office, 1919 Cottman Ave. (PATH building), Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-in, in-person and virtual appointments are available. For more information, call the office of City Councilman Brian O’Neill at 215-685-0438. ••
Rhawnhurst Civic to meet
Rhawnhurst Civic Association will hold its next monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 20, at 7 p.m., at Pelbano Playground, 8101 Bustleton Ave. Representatives from the offices of local elected officials and the 2nd and 7th police districts will be on hand. Zoning issues to be discussed include 8200 Roosevelt Blvd., 8107 Bradford St. and 8430 Bustleton Ave. Abandoned cars and other neighborhood safety will be addressed. All residents are welcome to attend. ••
Boyle votes against Laken Riley Act
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle voted against the Laken Riley Act, named in memory of a Georgia nursing student murdered by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. The suspect crossed the Texas border in 2022, made his way to Georgia, was arrested for shoplifting, but didn’t show up for court. The Act would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take aliens into custody if they’ve been charged in the U.S. with burglary, theft, larceny or shoplifting. It passed 251-170, backed by all Republicans and 37 Democrats. The Act mourns the loss of Laken Riley and other victims of the Biden administration’s open borders policies and calls on Biden to stop releasing illegal aliens and reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy. ••
Celebrate Purim
KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., invites the community to observe and celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim on Thursday, March 21, at 11:30 a.m. There will be holiday food, music and beads and gragger giveaways. The cost is $3, payable by March 14 at the front desk. Call 215-698-7300. ••
North Catholic communion breakfast
The Northeast Catholic High School Alumni Association will hold its 93rd anniversary Communion Breakfast and Mass on Sunday April 7, at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Mass will be at 8:30 a.m., followed by breakfast. The speakers will be sports comedian Joe Conklin and Karen Hepp, of Fox 29 news. Tickets cost $30. Call 215-543-1053. ••
Bill on colorectal cancer screenings
State Reps. Pat Gallagher, Tarik Khan and Perry Warren announced plans to introduce legislation that would update state insurance laws to expand coverage for colorectal cancer screenings. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths even though it is a very treatable form of cancer when caught early. When detected in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 90%. The legislators said their legislation would update Pennsylvania’s Insurance Company Law to reduce the age when colorectal cancer screenings are covered to 45 from 50. Current law requires health insurance coverage for routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50 based on American Cancer Society standards published in 2008.
Gallagher, who is a colorectal cancer survivor, said the legislation could result in more early detections and ultimately save lives.
“As a survivor of colorectal cancer, I know firsthand the impact that early detection and proper care can have on an individual’s journey through the labyrinth of cancer,” Gallagher said. “This legislation is not just about updating insurance coverage; it’s about saving lives and ensuring that no one has to face the challenges of colorectal cancer alone and that every Pennsylvanian, regardless of their circumstances, can access the screenings that could make all the difference.”
The legislators were joined by Dr. Benjamin Abella, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; Anna Payne, a stage four colon cancer patient and Democratic legislative candidate in a key Bucks County race; and Kim Hall-Jackson, a survivor of colorectal cancer and an advocate. ••
Post-secondary info for HS juniors
The guidance departments of Father Judge and St. Hubert will host a post-secondary information night for high school juniors and their parents on Wednesday March 20, from 7-9 p.m., in the auditorium of Father Judge High School, 3301 Solly Ave. A panel of college admissions and trade/technical school representatives will be on hand to provide information about choosing a school, selection by admissions officers, the application process, benefits of summer programs and two-year schools as an option. All are welcome. ••
Job search assistance
PA CareerLink will offer job search assistance at Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., on Wednesday, March 20, from 2-4 p.m. A community workforce connector will meet with people one on one. Get individualized support with résumé development, career counseling and professional development workshops. Call 833-750-5627. ••
Spring fling
Prince of Peace Church, 6001 Colgate St., will host an indoor spring fling on Saturday, March 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be a flea market, baked goods, chances sold for gift baskets, homemade soups and lunch. All are welcome. ••
Craft fair
The Villages at Pine Valley will host a craft fair on Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its clubhouse, 900 Pine Valley Blvd. (off of 8540 Verree Road). There will be homemade candy, jewelry, wreaths, candles, artwork and more. Call Kathy at 215-722-1501. ••
Weight-loss program
The New You Program is a behavioral weight-loss program that provides support through weekly meetings and accountability. As a member, you will learn how to manage your cravings and learn how to lose weight and maintain it. A new group is starting March 25. For more information, call Sophia at 267-254-4050 or email Ilya Khaytin at Ikhaytin@verizon.net. ••
Learn to make palm
Our Lady of Consolation Church, 7056 Tulip St., invites people to learn how to make palm, from March 18-22, from 3-8 p.m. Call 215-333-0442. ••
Dinner and a show
Villa Barolo Ristorante, 1373 Easton Road in Warrington, will present Joey C’s Variety Dinner on Thursday, March 21. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6, followed by the show at 7:30. The show will feature the sounds of Frank Sinatra and entertainment by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis impersonators. Tickets are $100 and include taxes and gratuities. For tickets, call Villa Barolo at 215-491-9370. ••
Preschool storytime
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host preschool storytime on Thursdays, March 14 and 28, at 10:30 a.m. There will be stories, songs and fingerplays. Storytime is for children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
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., through 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. ••
Vendors/crafters wanted
St. Hubert Parent Association will host a vendor/craft fair on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost per table is $20 and a $20 value product donation. Venmo payment to @st-hubert-pa or mail to St. Hubert High School, 7320 Torresdale Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19136. For more information, email Sheila Picinich at s.picinich@olcalvaryschool.org or Sandy Vaughan at sacoleman@philasd.org. ••
Upcoming opera performances
Amici Opera Company will present Mozart’s Don Giovanni on Sunday, March 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale. For more information, call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Book review for charity
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is having a book review on Tuesday, April 2, at 6 p.m. at Guiseppe’s, 990 Second Street Pike, Richboro. The book being discussed is Mad Honey by Jodi Piccoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. The cost is $45 per person, which includes dinner and dessert. Call Joyce at 267-808-2022 for reservations. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Yard sale April 27
The Villages at Pine Valley will host a yard sale on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 900 Pine Valley Blvd. (between Verree and Pine roads). The yard sale is throughout the development (Easy Street, Penny Lane, Ernest Way and Tyler Court). Use the Verree Road main entrance located near CORA Services or the Pine Road entrance. Street parking is limited, but parking is available at the clubhouse. Rain date is Sunday, April 28. ••
2 senior trips
St. Katherine of Siena Primrose senior club is running two trips.
The first trip will be on Tuesday, May 14, to Lancaster to see Mystery, a variety magic show featuring illusionist John Brett Myers, at Magic & Wonder Theater. The cost is $130 and includes a buffet lunch at Miller’s restaurant.
The second trip will be on Friday, June 21, to Shawnee Playhouse for a sit-down luncheon and the musical My Fair Lady. The cost is $110.
Call Catherine Murphy at 215-919-4399 for reservations. ••
Stations of the Cross
The Medical Mission Sisters, 8400 Pine Road, invites the public to Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, March 29, at noon. Visitors can also see the Memorial to the Lost, which recalls Philadelphians who died by gun violence last year. Call Sister Vera Sheenan at 215-742-6100. ••
Support police survivors lunch
FOP Lodge 5 will host a luncheon for all families of Philadelphia police officers killed in the line of duty on Wednesday, May 1. To offset the costs associated with the event, money is raised through an ad book form. Donations are tax deductible.
The cost is $700 for the back cover, $600 for the inside cover, $500 for the center page, $450 for a full page and $400 for a half-page.
Advertisements can be emailed to shawthorn@fop5.org.
Forms, along with checks or money orders payable to FOP Survivors’ Fund, are due by April 5. They can be sent to Samantha Hawthorn, FOP Lodge 5/Ad Sponsor, 11630 Caroline Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154.
The annual Survivors’ Fund event will be held at the FOP, 11630 Caroline Road, on Saturday, May 18, from 3-7 p.m.
For more information, call Samantha Hawthorn at 215-629-3602. ••
Trip to winery
St. Hilary Travels is going to Tomasello Winery on Sunday, May 19, for the Totally Tenors Opera Gala featuring arias, songs, contemporary classics and a meal consisting of salad, soup, bread, butter, entrée and dessert. A motorcoach will depart at 12:30 p.m. at Verree Road and Solly Avenue and return at about 7 or 7:30. The cost is $120, payable by April 9 with check or money order to St. Hilary Travels, Attn: Trips, 820 Susquehanna Road, Rydal, PA 19046. ••
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. ••
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 bbjt03@gmail.com or Jack at Zupan.jack@gmail.com. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. Call 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 ’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 class on marriage
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a life cycle class on marriage taught by Rabbi Sandi Berliner on Tuesday, April 2, at 10 a.m. Light refreshments will be served. For reservations and more information, call 215-677-1600. ••
April book club
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be hosting a Zoom session on Monday, April 1, at 7 p.m. The book is The Gown by Jennifer Robson. To register or for more information, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Life cycle class
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a life cycle class on B’Nai Mitzvah taught by Rabbi Sandi Berliner on Tuesday, March 26, at 10 a.m. Light refreshments will be served. To make a reservation or for more information, call 215-677-1600. ••
Writers series at Holy Family
Holy Family University will welcome fiction and creative nonfiction novelist Liz Moore in its Distinguished Writers Series on Tuesday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the Education and Technology Center auditorium (9801 Frankford Ave.). The event is free and open to the public. Free off-street parking is available. Call 215-637-7700. ••
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 through April 12 and is available to everyone with incomes of up to $73,000 whether filing 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. ••
Donate clothes
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a clothing drive on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to noon at 604 Township Line Road, Cheltenham. Bring your gently used clothing, accessories, books and small trinkets in bags or boxed for pick-up. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Charity fashion show
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a fashion show, Couture For The Cure, on Sunday, May 5, at Spring Mill Manor, 171 Jacksonville Road, Ivyland. The cost is $68 and includes full-course lunch and fashion show. There will be raffles, boutiques and jewelry and craft vendors. BOC Productions will present Fashions from Marlene’s of Collingswood, New Jersey. Doors open at 10 a.m. for shopping. Lunch will start at 12:30 p.m. Call Lorraine at 610-277-3631 for tickets. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
First ladies and suffrage
First Ladies of the United States and Suffrage, the Fight for Women’s Rights will be the subjects for a live performance presented by Trish Chambers at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., on March 25. The show will begin at 12:45 p.m. Chambers will dress in period costumes for the show, and there will be information on first ladies from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama. Cost for the program is $3 per person. For additional information and reservations, contact Andrea Kimelheim at 215-698-7300, Ext. 176 or akimelhein@kleinlife.org. ••
Millbrook Civic to meet
Millbrook Civic Association will meet on April 30, at 7 p.m., at the Calvary Athletic Association clubhouse, 4330 Deerpath Lane. Future meetings will be on June 25, Sept. 24, Oct. 29 and Nov. 26. For more information, email millbrookcivic@verizon.net ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host the following programs in March and April:
Friday, March 15, 1-3 p.m. (Book Club: The Lost Apothecary by Rose Penner); Saturday, March 16, 1-2 p.m. (Victorian medicine lecture by Herb Kaufman); Friday, March 22, 1-3 p.m. (Fibercraft Friends); Saturday, March 23, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Storytime: Welcome Spring); Friday, April 5, 1-3 p.m. (Genealogy Group); Saturday, April 6, 1-3 p.m. (Watercolor Workshop with Lucy Roehm, for adults, registration required); Sunday, April 7, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (Book Talk: Final Touchstones by Linda Romanowski); Friday, April 12, 1-3 p.m. (Fibercraft Friends); Saturday, April 13, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Storytime); Sunday, April 14, 1-3 p.m. (afternoon tea with Mary Ann); Friday, April 19, 1-3 p.m. (Book Club).
The museum will be closed March 29-31.
Call 215-685-0599 or visit ryerssmuseum.org. ••
Purim celebration
Congregations of Shaare Shamyim, 9768 Verree Road, is hosting a Purim celebration on Saturday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. There will be a seudat shlishit (third Shabbat meal), followed by a joint Megillah reading at 8:30. RSVP at at 215-677-1600. ••
Purim at Paul’s Run
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will celebrate Purim at Paul’s Run, 9896 Bustleton Ave., on Sunday, March 24, at 1 p.m. Join Rabbi Berliner and Cantor Walters for the reading of the Megillah, music, crafts, hamentashen and more. Call 215-677-1600 to RSVP. ••
Trip to Glencairn
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will visit Glencairn Museum, in Bryn Athyn, on Wednesday, May 1, at 10:15 a.m. There will be a video and tour. The cost is $18, payable to CSS Sisterhood and mailed to 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115. Include your name, email address and phone number. ••
Happy birthday, Torresdale Library
Torresdale Library, 3079 Holme Ave., will celebrate its 52nd birthday on Saturday, April 20. There will be preschool storytime at 10:30 a.m.; airbrush tattoos from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; live animals from the Center for Aquatic Sciences at noon; and the band Minas performing The Beatles in Bossa at 2:30. Light refreshments will be provided by Friends of Torresdale Library. ••
Clothing drive
The Bustleton Bengals, President Street and Conwell Avenue, will hold a clothing drive and “more” on Saturday, April 13, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Among items accepted are men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and shoes, accessories, household items and toys. All donations must be in a tied trash bag. Call Chris Tarducci at 215-906-8179 for possible pick-up. ••
Live Christian music
Christian bands will perform at a free event on Saturday, March 30, at Holmesburg United Methodist Church, 8118 Frankford Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7. There will be snacks and drinks. There is a parking lot and handicap-accessible access behind the church. All are welcome. Call 215-624-6900. ••
Trip to Hindu temple
The Chaverim of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, is planning a trip on Sunday, April 7, to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple located in Robbinsville, New Jersey. The cost is $10. Lunch is on your own following the tour. All will meet at CSS at 9:30 a.m. and carpool to the temple. Make your checks out to CSS, attention Cultural Trip, and mail to the address above. Call Lynn at 215-677-1600. ••
Blood drive
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, in partnership with the American Red Cross, is having a blood drive on Wednesday, March 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Patient Care Center Main Lobby, Multi-Purpose Room, 7600 Central Ave. Visit www.redcrossblood.org. Enter “TUH Jeanes Campus” for location. ••
Bus trip and lunch
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip on Friday, June 21, to the Morris Arboretum & Gardens and “Cliveden,” a National Trust Historic Site and the site of the 1777 Battle of Germantown. A 3-course luncheon will be served at Brittingham’s of Lafayette Hill. The all-inclusive cost is $150. For a flyer and reservation form, call 215-788-9408. Reservations close on April 17. ••
Recovery resource fair
Holy Family University, 9801 Frankford Ave., will host its second annual Collegiate Recovery Event Program and Resource Fair on Saturday, May 4. The free event is open to the public and will be held in the Campus Center gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Faculty member Patrick McElwaine will serve as the keynote speaker, presenting Dear Recovery, You Saved My Life” at 11:30 a.m. Nicholas Emeigh, the associate executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Bucks County, will moderate a panel discussion, featuring area addiction and recovery experts. Area centers dedicated to addiction and mental health counseling will offer information and resources. ••
Healthcare symposium
The Holy Family University School of Nursing & Health Sciences will present Be Informed : A Wise Way to Excel in Your Healthcare Journey on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Education and Technology Center auditorium (9801 Frankford Ave.). The free event is presented for those interested in the healthcare field, and registration is required. Nursing Continuing Education Credits will be awarded for eligible participants. Tricia Nichols, patient experience director at Jefferson Health-North, will serve as the keynote speaker. To register, call 215-673-7700. ••
Author event at Cranaleith
Ani Tuzman will speak on her book, Angels on the Clothesline: A Memoir, on Tuesday, March 26, from 5-7 at Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road. There will also be a reception and book signing. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Cick-fil-A donates to local schools
The Chick-fil-A stores at 9711 Roosevelt Blvd, and 12000 Roosevelt Blvd. donated more than $6,800 in support of Archbishop Ryan, Father Judge, Nazareth Academy High School and St. Hubert as part of a recent celebration of Catholic Schools Week.
The fundraiser challenged each school to rally their students, faculty, alumni, parents and supporters to stop into the restaurants any time during Catholic Schools Week for a chance to help their schools earn a percentage of the sales.
Archbishop Ryan was named the overall winner.
“Chick-fil-A is on a bold journey to be the world’s most caring company. We’re looking to do our part to be the most caring restaurants in Philadelphia to give back to the community that has so graciously supported us since we opened in 2004,” said Bob Fanelli, owner/operator of both restaurants. “As we continue our pursuit to be Philly’s most caring, we’re excited to have opportunities like this to positively impact our community.
Ryan plans to use the funds to offset the cost for students to attend the school’s Kairos Retreat, a three-day off-campus retreat intended to bring students closer to God through the support of their friends.
Nazareth placed second and plans to use its earnings to supplement Student Council initiatives.
St. Hubert, the third-place competitor, used the funding toward Dance-A-Rama, which raised money for children with special needs within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Judge is using the winnings toward its annual Basketball Marathon for Leukemia Research. All donations from the marathon will go directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
“Our corporate purpose at Chick-fil-A is ‘to glorify God and to be a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us.’ To have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A,’ ” said Danny Clifton, the Director of Community Engagement at Chick-fil-A in Far Northeast Philadelphia. “These four schools share a very unique vision and set of values, which gives us a unique opportunity to join together and create impact through action for a greater community.” ••
Xfinity Internet speed increases
Xfinity Internet customers are getting faster speeds at no additional cost, as the need for data increases in households.
“Streaming live sports, gaming and other data-rich applications are driving internet consumption to new heights,” said Emily Waldorf, senior vice president, Consumer Internet Services, Comcast. ”We have regularly increased speeds over the past two decades to provide customers with the connectivity they need to power their increasingly connected lives. And, with the potential that funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program will not be renewed, this year we have really leaned into boosting speeds for these customers so that they can take advantage of these new capabilities.”
New and existing customers started taking advantage of speed increases on March 6.
Benefits include reliability, digital security and advanced WiFi capacity.
The federal government recently announced that the Affordable Connectivity Program could end as early as April if it does not receive additional funding.
ACP participants who are existing Xfinity customers or new to Xfinity can take advantage of current promotional offers. Customers are encouraged to call 800-Xfinity to learn more about what offers may be available in their area.
Xfinity customers benefiting from ACP are automatically eligible to enroll in Internet Essentials for as low as $9.95 a month or Internet Essentials Plus, which doubles the speed of traditional Internet Essentials for $29.95 per month. There are no credit checks or cancellation fees, and equipment is included.Visit https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service. ••
Learn about the Civil War
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Widener University will offer a five-session program for active adults about the Civil War at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. The program will meet at 12:30 p.m. on Mondays, April 1, 8 and 15 and May 6 and 13. Cost is $30. Sends checks or money orders payable to Widener University to KleinLife. Call 610-499-4279 or email olli@widener.edu. ••
Tumor support group
Fox Chase Cancer Center’s neuroendocrine tumor support group will meet on April 17, from 4-5 p.m. This is an open group for people diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors who are receiving treatment. Interested patients should email Anjali Albanese at Anjali.Albanese@fccc.edu or Mark Itzen at Mark.Itzen@fccc.edu for a link to participate. ••
Program for preschoolers
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Movement Adventure on Thursday, April 4, at 10:30 a.m. Move through a story with actions, exercise, dance and yoga. Dramatic and pretend play will keep little ones engaged, while giving them a workout for the body and mind. For preschoolers ages 2-5 accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
Support Michael Strange Foundation
The public is invited to attend two events held by the Michael Strange Foundation. On June 15, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., at American Legion Post, 9151 Old Newtown Road, there will be a live band, food and music. On June 16, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Parx horse racing track, third floor, Gold Star families will be on hand. Requested donations for each event are $40 per person. U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Michael Strange, a Wissinoming native and 2004 North Catholic graduate, died in 2011 of wounds caused when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard crashed in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was 25. ••
Get a garden plot
Benjamin Rush Garden Association is accepting applications through June for gardeners to get a garden plot. The garden opening assignment days are March 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and March 24, from noon to 3 p.m., at Benjamin Rush State Park, on Southampton Road. Details are at www.benjaminrushgardens.org ••
