St. Jerome Seniors to meet
The next St. Jerome Seniors meeting is on Thursday, March 28, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford Street. Arrive by 10 a.m. Meeting begins promptly at 11. ••
Entertainment at Parx
Parx Casino is offering the following upcoming entertainment:
March 29: The Frontmen
April 4: Joe Conklin’s Comedy Night, with John Pizzi and Peaches Rodriquez
April 5: Buddy Guy
April 6: Nick Swardson
April 12: Anthony Rodia
April 13: Vietnamese Show – Spring of Love
April 18: Joe Conklin’s Comedy Night, with Joey Kola and Gary Delena
April 20: Psychic Matt Fraser
April 27: Andrew Dice Clay
May 11: Tracy Morgan
May 17: Femmes of Rock
May 18: Sebastian Bach
May 31: Reik
June 1: Joss Stone
June 14: Almost Queen, a tribute to Queen
June 21: Corinne Bailey Rae
July 13: Clay Walker
Aug. 3: Tyler Henry, The Hollywood Medium
Aug. 10: Dylan Scott
Sept. 7: Australian Pink Floyd
Nov. 21: Aaron Lewis
Nov. 23: Steve Trevino ••
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. ••
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. ••
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 [email protected]. ••
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. ••
Ecumenical Easter sunrise service
The Far Northeast Philadelphia Ministerium announces its annual Ecumenical Easter Sunrise Service at Glen Foerd on the Delaware estate, 5001 Grant Ave., on Sunday, March 31. The service begins at 6:30 a.m. and lasts about 50 minutes.
Clergy from All Saints Episcopal Church, St. David’s and Faith Lutheran Churches, St. Anselm Roman Catholic Church, Morning Star and Tacony Baptist Churches, and the United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd join together to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection. The service is open to everyone.
Christians from all denominations gather to watch the sun rise, sing hymns, hear scripture readings and pray. An offering will be collected for Family Promise of Philadelphia (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network), a nonprofit advocacy service for the homeless.
The service is an outdoor event, so attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. The entrance to the estate is off Fitler Street. Park on the lawn.
For information, call Pastor Owen Griffiths, Faith Lutheran Church, at 215-637-4210. ••
History fair at Cannstatter’s
Friends of Northeast Philadelphia History will present the Northeast Philadelphia History Fair on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Admission is free. All are welcome. There will be historic displays, presentations on local history, books, prints, photographs and other historical items. ••
Get SEPTA senior fare card
People 65 or older are invited to sign up for SEPTA’s Senior Fare Card program, which allows for free rides on regional rail routes in the state. For new or updated cards, call City Councilman Brian O’Neill’s office at 215-686-3422. ••
Vendors wanted
A flea market will take place on May 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Pennypack Woods Community Center, 8724 Crispin St. Vendor tables cost $25. Call 215-331-5828. ••
Free Easter Bash
Temple of Praise Assemblies of God invites the public to its Easter Bash on Saturday, March 30, from 6-8 p.m., at the Bensalem Senior Center, 1850 Byberry Road, Bensalem. There will be worship, fellowship and food. Register for a free ticket at rb.gy/0hojdj
For more information, call 267-495-4975. ••
No unattended kids in casinos
State Sens. Jimmy Dillon and Chris Gebhard announced the passage of Senate Bill 1021 by the Judiciary Committee. SB 1021 mandates casinos implement reasonable efforts to dissuade patrons from leaving minors unattended, such as clear signage, notifications during hotel registration and distribution of informative pamphlets.
“SB 1021 strengthens our commitment to child safety and responsible gaming, ensuring the industry’s continued prosperity and the well-being of our communities,” Dillon said.
Harv’s Burger Bar opens
The new Harv’s Burger Bar, 8101 Roosevelt Blvd., attached to Gallo’s Seafood, serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. There are also happy hour specials along with take-out, semi-private event space, a banquet room and themed brunches throughout the year. Call 215-333-0484 or follow Harv’s Burger Bar on Facebook. ••
2 free programs at Holy Family
Holy Family University, 9801 Frankford Ave., will host Using the RAP Strategy to Think Positively on Wednesday, April 3, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., in the Education and Technology Center, room 411.
Struggles in the Spiritual Life, part of the Spiritual Book Discussion Series, will take place on Thursday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to noon, in the campus chapel.
Register at www.holyfamily.edu/familycenter;, 267-341-3305 or [email protected]. ••
Car show, flea market
United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd, 10901 Calera Road, will host a spring fling car show and flea market on April 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The rain date is April 20. Show cars are free. There will be food, trophies and a DJ. The cost for flea market vendors is $25. To reserve a space, call Rosemarie at 215-868-5304. ••
Your creative potential
Cranaleith Spiritual Center will present A Healing Path to a More Creative Life on Tuesdays, April 2, 9 and 16, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $75 for the online series. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••
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 [email protected] or Sandy Vaughan at [email protected]. ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host the following programs in April:
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. ••
Preschool storytime
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host preschool storytime on Thursdays, March 28 and April 11 and 25, 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, through April 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $20 per class. Call 215-934-6206. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Ryan performing musical
Archbishop Ryan Music Theater will present three performances of the musical comedy whodunit Curtains. Show times will be 7 p.m. on April 19-20 and 1 p.m. on April 21. Curtains tells the story of a musical-loving detective who tries to solve the murder of a leading lady in 1959 Boston. For ticket information, call 215-637-1800. ••
Summer camp at KleinLife
Registration is open for the summer day camp at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. Camp will run from June 17 to Aug. 16 and is geared to kids in kindergarten to ninth grade. Camp hours will be weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Three homemade meals will be included.
For pricing or more information, contact Cierra Adams at 215-698-7300, Ext. 112 or [email protected]. ••
Guard against fraud
The city Department of Records offers Fraud Guard. Protect yourself against deed or mortgage fraud and get help if you are a victim. Call 215-MU6-2290 or visit phila.gov/deed-fraud. ••
Midget wrestling on April 4
The MicroMania Midget Wrestling Tour will come to Xfinity Live, 11th Street and Pattison Avenue, on Thursday, April 4. Doors open at 6 p.m. Matches start at 7. All ages are welcome, but must be 21 to drink. Tickets start at $25. Go to micromaniatour.com. ••
Council bans license plate flipping
City Council unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Councilman Mike Driscoll cracking down on “tag flippers,” devices allowing drivers to change or alter the license plate displayed on their vehicle.
“Tag-flipping devices belong in a James Bond movie, not on our city’s streets,” Driscoll said. “Their recent proliferation is a symptom of the sense of lawlessness that’s pervaded our city and detracted from the quality of life of Philadelphians.”
Driscoll’s bill defines a tag or license plate flipper as “a manual, electric or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle” that switches “between two or more license plates for the purpose of allowing a motor vehicle operator to change the license plate displayed on the operator’s vehicle; or hide a license plate from view by flipping the license plate so that the license plate number is not visible.”
The legislation prohibits the purchase, installation, possession for the purpose of installing, manufacture, sale, offer to sell or otherwise distribute a license plate flipping device in the city. It imposes a $2,000 fine on those found to have violated the ordinance.
“These devices are most commonly used by individuals when engaged in illegal activity like street racing, drifting or for evading tolls,” Driscoll said. “A tag flipper could be used by someone fleeing the scene of an accident, perhaps one in which there’s serious harm or injury. The vehicle is caught on camera, but a tag flipper prevents the driver from being held accountable.”
Driscoll emphasized the connection between tag flippers and efforts to protect the quality-of-life for city residents.
The legislation now goes to the mayor and will become law if approved. ••
FOP knocks Casey for ties to leftist group
FOP Lodge 27 held a news conference in response to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. joining the defund-the-police organization Indivisible Philadelphia for a campaign event and then receiving its endorsement. Indivisible Philadelphia has advocated to end cash bail.
“I represent over 1,300 law enforcement members here in Delaware County … Casey’s decision to align himself with these defund-the-police activists is alarming and extremely dangerous,” said Folcroft Deputy Police Chief and FOP Lodge 27 President Chris Eiserman. “Thankfully, Pennsylvania has a law-and-order Senate candidate that will work with the police and not against us: Dave McCormick. Delaware County FOP Lodge 27 is proud to support Dave McCormick and his run to replace Bob Casey as our senator.” ••
Groups oppose pot legalization
A group of state lawmakers and coalition leaders held a news conference to highlight what it said are the many harms of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s agenda on marijuana, which is to legalize high-potency THC for retail recreational sale in Pennsylvania.
Evidence shows youth use and addiction rates increase in states that commercialize the recreational use of marijuana.
The American Medical Association and every other major health association is opposed to state legalization of retail marijuana for recreational use.
Additional groups opposed to marijuana legalization for recreational use include the American Automotive Association (AAA), the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police, the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association and the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association. ••
Debate over judicial nominee
A group of Democratic state and local elected officials issued a statement urging the U.S. Senate to move forward with considering President Joe Biden’s nominee, Adeel Mangi, to the Philadelphia-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. If confirmed, Mangi would become the first Muslim American to serve on a federal appeals court.
Issuing the statement were state Reps. Tarik Khan, Arvind Venkat, Patty Kim and Jason Dawkins, state Sens. Nikil Saval and Sharif Street, Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija and City Councilwoman Nina Ahmad.
They wrote, “Mr. Mangi is an excellent candidate and highly qualified individual whose nomination is now at risk due to a right-wing smear campaign tainted with Islamophobic rhetoric and outright lies. We are extremely disturbed that the nomination of a highly qualified judicial nominee would be in doubt because of the fact he is Muslim.”
Mangi will likely not be confirmed, as Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin and Catherine Cortez Masto are opposed.
Some law enforcement groups are also opposed, citing Mangi’s affiliation with the Alliance of Families for Justice, a prison reform organization that has advocated for the release of some cop killers. ••
Pancake breakfast
Corp. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., will host a pancake breakfast on Sunday, April 7, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $8 and includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, tater tots, coffee, tea and orange juice. ••
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 p.m. There are dollar hot dogs and free popcorn and refreshments. ••
Theater show and lunch trip
The Lincoln Culture Association will take a bus trip on April 24 to see Daniel at Sight & Sound, a theater in Lancaster County. The group will visit Kitchen Kettle Village and have lunch at Shady Maple. The cost is $160. Call 215-676-5423. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Brazilian music
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host a Brazilian Adventure Drumming and Singing program on Monday, April 8, at 5:30 p.m. Call 215-685-8756. ••
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. A local session is Tuesday, April 9, at 7:15 p.m. at Holmesburg Recreation Center (during the Holmesburg Civic Association meeting), 4500 Rhawn St. ••
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. ••
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected] or Jack at [email protected]. ••
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. ••
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 ••
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. ••
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 [email protected] ••
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. ••
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. ••
Annual tea in Bristol
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation will be hosting its annual tea on Sunday, April 28, from 2-4 p.m., at its headquarters at 321 Cedar St., Bristol Borough. Ticket price is $35. Tea fare will include assorted sandwiches, scones, pastries and brewed tea. Feature attractions will be an art exhibition by several members of the Artists of Bristol and musical selections by local keyboard virtuoso Francis X. Danis. Reservations will be accepted at 215-788-9408. Deadline is April 14. ••
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. ••
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 [email protected] or Mark Itzen at [email protected] for a link to participate. ••
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. ••
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 [email protected]. ••
Musical show in June
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will present John Monforto’s The Man of Many Faces, on Sunday, June 2. Lunch will be at 2 p.m., followed by the performance at 3:30. Monforto is a singer, actor, impressionist, comedian, writer and emcee. The cost is $54, payable to CSS and mailed to the office at the above address. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Photography exhibit
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will present Mohegan: Whence Light Comes into the Soul, a photography exhibit and artist talk, on Sunday, April 7, from 2-4 p.m. The recommended donation is $25. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••
Explore journey of immigrant
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will present Spring Book Circle Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora on Thursdays, April 11, 18 and 25, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $20 per session. The book is the journey of a young Salvadoran boy making his way to the United States. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••
Holistic approach to creativity
Cranaleith Spiritual Center will present Spiritual Practices for Creative Fulfillment on Tuesdays, April 23 and 30 and May 7, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $75 for the online series. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••
Passover barbecue
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will hold its annual Passover barbecue on Thursday, April 25, at 6 p.m. Cost for adults is $28 per person. The menu is chicken, hot dogs, chips, salad, gefilte fish, fruit, cake and more. Mail your check to the synagogue office by April 3. Call the CSS office, 215-677-1600, for further details or to make your reservations. ••
Watch solar eclipse at Glen Foerd
The public is invited to Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., for a solar eclipse viewing party on Monday, April 8, from noon to 4:30 p.m. The eclipse is expected to start at 2:08 p.m., reach maximum coverage at 3:23 and complete its path at 4:35. The party will feature a discussion on the science behind solar eclipses, and attendees will be able to create homemade eclipse viewers and are asked to bring their own shoeboxes and/or empty Pringles cans (or similar objects) to turn into viewers. Tickets are free with registration at glenfoerd.org/events. ••
Solar eclipse party
Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave. (at Rhawn Street), will host a solar eclipse party on April 8, from 2-4 p.m. There will be snacks, educational information and glasses to view the eclipse at 3:23. All are welcome. ••
Liberian dinner at All Saints
All Saints Episcopal Church, 1811 Loney St., will host an authentic Liberian dinner on April 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. The cost is $10. All are welcome. ••
Penny party at All Saints
All Saints Episcopal Church, 1811 Loney St., will host its annual penny party on May 4, from 2-6 p.m. Refreshments will be for sale, and bingo is $1 a game. ••
Bethel to speak locally
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel will speak on Sunday, April 7, at 1:30 p.m. at Politz Hebrew Academy, 9225 Old Bustleton Ave. ••
Learn about Alzheimer’s care
The Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures reports that, last year, 465,000 dementia family caregivers in Pennsylvania provided 822 million hours of unpaid care valued at $13 billion.
Among dementia caregivers, 76.6% reported at least one chronic condition, 32.5% reported depression and 16% reported poor physical health.
“Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia is incredibly demanding, and the act of caregiving for a loved one can impact many aspects of a care partner’s own health,” said Kristina Fransel, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter. “As disease-related symptoms worsen for the person living with dementia, caregiving responsibilities intensify. Over time, caregivers can experience increased emotional and physical stress making it more difficult to care for their loved ones, and for themselves.”
According to the new report, 83% of the help provided to older adults in the United States comes from family members, friends or other unpaid caregivers. Nearly half of all caregivers (48%) who provide help to older adults do so for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Nationwide, there are an estimated 11.5 million caregivers providing unpaid care for people living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Last year, these caregivers provided 18.4 billion hours of care valued at nearly $347 billion.
“The cost of caregiving is yet one more stressor for families,” Fransel said. “The lifetime cost of caring for someone with dementia is estimated at nearly $400,000 with 70 percent of this cost borne by family caregivers — this is often a financial burden for which very few families are prepared.”
The average life expectancy following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is four to eight years, but some individuals can live with the disease longer, up to 20 years. Caregivers are encouraged to reassess care decisions and options regularly.
The Alzheimer’s Association website has information about caregiving throughout the disease continuum, various care options and resources to help with financial and legal planning. The Alzheimer’s Association Community Resource Finder can help families find local residential care options by entering their ZIP code.
Fransel said, “The new report clearly shows that dementia caregivers need more support now and that will only increase in the coming years. The Alzheimer’s Association provides support for all caregivers through our 24/7 Helpline, local support groups, care consultations and additional local resources that can help relieve some of the burden they’re facing. And most importantly, caregivers need to know they are not alone and we are here to help.”To learn more about the resources available for caregivers and families or to learn more about the Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, visit alz.org. ••
Free jazz concerts
Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., will celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with free concerts in April. The schedule is Saturday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21, at 11:30 a.m.; and Friday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. Donations are welcome. Registration is required. Visit www.glenfoerd.org/events or call 215-632-5501, Ext. 17. ••
Hear about Frankford history
The Historical Society of Frankford, 1507 Orthodox St., invites the public to a lecture, book launch and exhibit on Tuesday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. Gail Rodgers McCormick, a retired history librarian/archivist, will present an overview on her decades-long research on Frankford. Her Charity, Change and Community: Frankford’s Swedenborgians and Their Circle, Volume I: 1817-1875 will be for sale. ••
