Pennepack Baptist anniversary
Pennepack Baptist Church & Historical Foundation, 8732 Krewstown Road, will celebrate its 336th anniversary with Pennepack Day on Sunday, June 2. There will be a special Communion Worship Service led by the Rev. Jerry Fortunato, pastor emeritus, at 11 a.m., followed by an open house from 1-3 p.m. At 3, there will be a presentation on the 175th anniversary of Davisville Church, in Southampton. At 4, there will be an anniversary worship service, which will include the dedication of the first-floor lobby window. There will also be light refreshments, cemetery and church tours and live music. Donations can be made to the “Pennepack Baptist Historical Foundation” and mailed to the church. Donations can also be made at pb-hf.org. Call 215-673-4410 or visit pennepackbaptist.org. ••
Church buying synagogue building
The Block Church announced recently that it is buying the Congregations of Shaare Shamayim building, at 9768 Verree Road in Bustleton.
Earlier this year, the Block Church made an unsolicited offer – rumored to be at least $5 million – to buy the synagogue building.
Shaare Shamayim members voted 152-19 to proceed with the sale. The synagogue has been on Verree Road since 1963.
The Block Church has smaller sites at Sprinkler Fitters 692 in the Far Northeast, the old FOP Lodge 5 at 1336 Spring Garden St. and in Port Richmond and Roxborough.
The church will be moving into space that is more than 50,000 square feet.
“We’re buying a building,” lead pastors Joe and Lauren Furjanic announced at a recent in-person and virtual service.
The bigger space, the pastors told the congregation, will allow for offices, events, worship nights, conferences, parking and a continuation of Shaare Shamayim’s preschool.
Shaare Shamayim will move to the site of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel – known by most as KI – at Township Line and Old York roads in Elkins Park.
The synagogue will use sale proceeds for operating costs, including payments to KI.
The Block Church told members during a recent service that it is buying the church “as is” and taking out a $5.5 million mortgage, with $1.7 million needed for renovations.
Settlement will be in July, and Shaare Shamayim will move out in September.
The church will open The Block Academy, a Christian preschool and kindergarten, with Shaare Shamayim preschool and kindergarten director Rebecca Tyer and her staff remaining on the job. ••
Make craft for Juneteenth
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host a Juneteenth craft event on Monday, June 17, at 5:30 p.m. Craft maker Pam Thomas will assist participants in making a bracelet and pen. Pre-registration is required. Call 215-685-8756. ••
Car show at Ryan
The Archbishop Ryan Annual Alumni Car Show will take place on June 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school, 11201 Academy Road (rain date June 30). Admission is free. In addition to vintage and custom cars on display, there will be food, adult beverages, merchandise vendors, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, a DJ and the classic rock band Mojo Channel.
Prizes for cars include Top 40 Awards, Principal’s Award, Hottest Ride on Campus for current Ryan students who enter a car, Father Renè Alumni Award for Ryan alums who enter a car and the Father Noel Legacy Award. To register a car, the cost is $20 online, $25 the day of the event. The cost for merchandise vendor registration is $25, to be paid online prior to the event. Registration for merchandise vendors will not be accepted the day of the event. Sponsorships are available. To register or learn more, visit: WWW.ARHS.ME/CARSHOW ••
Bingo at Marian Hall
The Pennypack Parade Committee will hold a cash bingo on Saturday, June 1, from 6-10 p.m. at St. Dominic’s Marian Hall, 8532 Frankford Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. The cost is $35 in advance and $40 at the door. There will be beer, wine, soda, coffee, tea and dessert. Call 215-331-5828. ••
Kids Fest on Saturday
State Sen. Jimmy Dillon, Rep. Pat Gallagher and City Councilman Mike Driscoll invite the community to Kids Fest on Saturday, June 1, from 2-5 p.m. at Torresdale Boys Club, 4500 Linden Ave. There will be food, family resources and kid-friendly games and activities. Call 215-695-1020. ••
Role play program at library
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host Role Play for Beginners on Monday, June 3, at 5:30 p.m. The program is for teens and young adults and is a kickoff to the library’s Summer of Wonder for Teens. Call 215-685-8756. ••
Magic show at library
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will present Secrets of Magic on Tuesday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m. Magician Ran’D Shine performs magic tricks from his favorite magic books, tricks that cannot be found anywhere in the world. During the show, you will witness objects appear, vanish and transform. ••
O’Neill’s upcoming events
City Councilman Brian O’Neill will host two events on upcoming Saturdays, both from 9-11 a.m. at his district offices. A shredding event, sponsored by the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, will take place on June 1 at FOP Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road. There will be a recycle bucket giveaway on June 8 at 432 Rhawn St. in Fox Chase, behind American Heritage Credit Union. ••
Meet the animals
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Who Lives Where on Tuesday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m. Meet animals from the Center for Aquatic Sciences. Learn about the best habitats and resources needed to survive in the wild. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
Help paint a mural
On June 3, the Tacony Community Development Corporation, artist Mat Tomezsko and the Tacony Library are sponsoring a Community Paint Day at the library (6742 Torresdale Ave.) from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The free event is a chance to participate in a series of collaborative murals to be installed along Torresdale Avenue. All ages and skill levels are welcome, refreshments will be provided. Visit storydaleavenue.com for more information. ••
See performance of Anything Goes
The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Cole Porter’s Anything Goes on May 31 and June 1-2 at 7 p.m. at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, at 7 Lock St. in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets are available on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at the Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, call director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714, like the group’s Facebook page, follow the group on Twitter @starplayersPPR or email [email protected]. ••
Pennypack Music Festival
The Pennypack Music Festival will take place on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. The schedule is June 5 (Street Survivor, tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd), June 12 (Crystal Ship, tribute to the Doors), June 19 (The Launch, tribute to Queen and Styx), June 26 (Saints in the City, tribute to Bruce Springsteen), July 3 (Idol Kings, tribute to Journey and REO Speedwagon), July 10 (Angry Young Band, tribute to Billy Joel), July 17 (Irish Night, Ed Kelly’s birthday celebration, Jamison and Bogside Rogues), July 24 (Black Dog, tribute to Led Zeppelin), July 31 (Starman, tribute to David Bowie), Aug. 7 (Kick it Out, tribute to Heart), Aug. 14 (Pure Petty, tribute to Tom Petty) and Aug. 21 (Romeo Delight, tribute to Van Halen). ••
Book club discussion
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host a book club discussion of And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie, on Thursday, June 6, at 11 a.m. Reading the book beforehand is encouraged but not necessary. Copies of the book to borrow will be available at the branch to library card holders. Call 215-685-0472. ••
Upcoming programs at NE Regional
Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave., will present Reach Customers Online with Google on Thursday, May 30, at 1 p.m.
Also on May 30, at noon, learn about free selected databases available to you at home and in the library. Call 215-685-0525.
Author Cynthia Kreilick will read A Lens for the Lighthouse on Monday, June 3, at 4 p.m. Participants will receive a free book. This program is for preschool and young school-age children.
The Claymobile pop-up ceramics studio will be on site on Friday, June 7, at 3 p.m. It’s for teens, adults and seniors. ••
Local baseball camps
Registration is being accepted for EL1’s baseball camps at Parkwood Youth Organization and Torresdale Boys Club. Sessions at Parkwood, 3301 Mechanicsville Road, will take place on Sundays, June 2 and 9, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Sessions at Torresdale, 4500 Linden Ave., will take place on Sundays, June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost for each session is $30. The camp, under the direction of Andrew Lihotz, is geared to boys and girls ages 6-15. All fundamental skills will be taught. No experience is needed. Go to https://www.el1sportspa.com/baseball/, scroll down to Neighborhood Summer Camps, click “Register” and then “Pick an option.” ••
Overnight retreat
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, 3501 Solly Ave., is offering a short overnight retreat from Friday, May 31, at 5:30 p.m. till Saturday, June 1, at 3 p.m. The retreat is called Noticing God’s Providence in your Everyday Life, and it will be led by Sister Beth Butler, MSBT and Sister Nancy Walsh, MSBT. The program will include presentations and discussion of discernment, spiritual direction, prayer, meals and overnight accommodations. The fee is $110. To register, visit www.msbt.org/event or call 267-350-1830. ••
Glen Foerd plant sale
Glen Foerd is partnering with BloomBox for its spring fundraiser to benefit Glen Foerd’s community garden. Visit www.getblooming.com through May 29 to shop and place your order. Use code GFCG15 and BloomBox will deliver to your door in three days and donate a percentage of the sales to Glen Foerd’s community garden. ••
Strawberry festival
St. Andrew’s In-The Field, 500 Somerton Ave., will host a strawberry festival on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be strawberries, strawberry shortcake, chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberries and ice cream, an outdoor flea market, raffle baskets, a bake table, hot dogs and pretzels. Flea market spaces are available for $25. Call 215-673-5938 or Sue Bailey at 215-584-5412. ••
Learn about plastic surgery
Dr. Opeyemi Asanbe, a Temple plastic surgeon, will present Plastic Surgery – Pros and Cons on Wednesday, June 5, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Jeanes Hospital’s Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse. Asanbe, will discuss in detail the different procedures she does, and what to consider before opting for surgery yourself. To register, call 215-728-4861 or email [email protected]. ••
Buy Jeanes auction tickets
The Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus Auxiliary Chance Auction is on June 6 in the Patient Care Center Lobby from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Each participant buys a certain number of tickets for a set price and then uses those tickets to bid on a variety of donated items on auction. The item goes to the person whose ticket is drawn at random from the container. There is a sheet of 25 chances plus one grand prize chance on sale for $10 in the main lobby and gift shop. Call the Volunteer Services Department at 215-728-2131 or email [email protected] ••
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 ••
Local opera schedule
Amici Opera Company will present Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave., on Saturday, June 1, at 4 p.m.
United Methodist Church of the Redeemer will host Donizetti’s Il Paria on Sunday, June 2, at 3 p.m.
Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
3 upcoming trips
The Maternity BVM Seniors Group has three upcoming trips. The group will attend a tribute to the Platters at the Tropicana in Atlantic City on Monday, June 17. The cost is $70. The group will travel to Lancaster on Thursday, Dec. 12, for a luncheon and the show Joy to the World at the American Music Theatre. For information on both trips, call 215-338-9141.
There is a trip to the Smoky Mountain Show (Dollywood) from Oct. 7-12. For more information, call 215-964-7125. ••
Trip to New York
Friends of Fox Chase Library is holding a bus trip to New York City on Saturday, June 22. The cost is $55. The bus will depart 900 Solly Ave. at 9 a.m. Once in New York, the day is yours to do as you wish. The bus will depart for home at 6 p.m. Payment by June 11 to “Friends of the Fox Chase Library” – Att. Michele, Trips – 501 Rhawn St., Philadelphia, PA 19111. Call 215-498-5908. ••
Holy Inn traveling to A.C.
Holy Innocents is sponsoring a casino trip on Thursday, Aug. 15. A bus will depart L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 9:30 a.m., with an option to attend the Wedding of the Sea festival at Hard Rock Casino Arena. There will be a Mass at noon, followed by a procession to the sea at 1:15 p.m. and a $10 slot package at Resorts Casino. The bus will depart Resorts at 5 p.m. The cost is $40, due by Aug. 1. To reserve your seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
St. Hubert headed to A.C.
St. Hubert will hold its ninth annual summer fun day trip on Monday, June 17. A bus will depart the school, 7320 Torresdale Ave., at 8:45 a.m. and arrive back about 9 p.m. There will be a one-hour ride on an Atlantic City-based cruise ship and a four-hour stay at Resorts Casino, with $15 back in slot cash and a $15 food voucher. There will be a sit-down dinner and complimentary wine tasting at Tomasello Winery. The cost is $115. Contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or [email protected]. ••
Yoga series at Cranaleith
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra, a six-week series, on Fridays, through June 7, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per class. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••
Flea market at Delaire
Delaire Landing, 9355 State Road, will host a flea market on Saturday, June 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are invited. Parking is available in the lot near the tennis courts. The cost per spot is $10. Anyone interested can email [email protected]. ••
Sign up for basketball camp
The 18th annual Jaguar Summer Basketball Camp will take place in the air-conditioned Marian Center at St. Ephrem, in Bensalem, from July 22-26.
The camp is for boys and girls in kindergarten through 12th grade, and will include fundamentals and competition.
The cost is $150 and includes a free basketball and T-shirt. Campers must bring their own lunch.
The camp is under the direction of former college coach Dan Williams.
For a brochure or questions, email [email protected]. ••
Third Thursdays in Mayfair
The Mayfair Business Improvement District will hold Third Thursday Night Markets from 6-9 p.m. at Frankford and Cottman avenues. The events will feature vendors, food trucks, drinks and live music. The schedule is June 20 (The Launch), July 18 (The Great Scott Band), Aug. 15 (Philly Heart & Soul) and Sept. 19 (Jumper). ••
Third Thursdays at Glen Foerd
Third Thursdays at Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., are back continuing June 20, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. There will be a happy hour, live music, food and beverages, children’s activities and art. The public is invited to bring a blanket or chairs, enjoy lawn games, roam Glen Foerd’s grounds and explore its Gilded Age mansion, which will be open for free self-guided tours. Donations are appreciated but not required, and attendees are asked to register in advance by visiting www.glenfoerd.org/events. Future Third Thursday dates are July 18 and Aug. 15. For more information, call 215-632-5330. ••
Farm stand at Jeanes
The Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus Farm Stand will be open for the 12th season on Thursdays, through the end of October, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash only. The stand is located next to parking lot C of the Jeanes and Fox Chase Cancer Center campuses. Email [email protected] or call 215-728-2131. ••
Millbrook Civic to meet
Millbrook Civic Association will meet on June 25, at 7 p.m., at the Calvary Athletic Association clubhouse, 4330 Deerpath Lane. Future meetings will be on Sept. 24, Oct. 29 and Nov. 26. For more information, email [email protected] ••
Sunday flea market returns
A flea market will take place every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November at Liberty Plaza, 90 Franklin Mills Blvd. (near Knights Road). The cost for vendors is $30 per parking space. For more information, call 215-625-FLEA (3532) or visit PhilaFleaMarkets.org. ••
Entertainment at Parx
Parx Casino is offering the following upcoming entertainment:
May 31: Reik; June 1: Joss Stone; June 14: Almost Queen, a tribute to Queen; June 21: Corinne Bailey Rae; June 28: It’s Happening w/Snooki & Joey; July 13: Clay Walker; July 19: Debbie Gibson; July 26: Kameron Marlowe; Aug. 3: Tyler Henry, The Hollywood Medium; Aug. 23: The Marshall Tucker Band; Sept. 7: Australian Pink Floyd; Sept. 21: Dustin Lynch; Oct. 4: Heather McDonald; Oct. 18: Straight No Chaser; Oct. 19: Giggly Squad Live; Oct. 25: Michael Blaustein; Nov. 9: Air Supply; Nov. 21: Aaron Lewis; Nov. 23: Steve Trevino; Dec. 7: Kathleen Madigan ••
Senior trip
St. Katherine of Siena Primrose senior club is running a trip 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. ••
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 cost is $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. ••
Bingo at Cannstatter’s
Bingo is played every Thursday at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 6:30. Call 215-322-0121. ••
Support for Parkinson’s
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus hosts a Parkinson’s Disease Support Group on the second Wednesday of every other month. 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 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]. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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, 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. Call 215-788-9408. ••
Vacation Bible School
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., is hosting a free Vacation Bible School called “Camp Firelight.” The program will run from July 29 through Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. to noon. All children ages 4 to sixth grade are welcome to join. Register at myvbs.org/mpcfc or call 215-745-2844. ••
Ukrainian Folk Festival in August
The Ukrainian Folk Festival will take place on Sunday, Aug. 25, from noon to 8 p.m., at the Ukrainian American Sport Center — Tryzub, County Line and Lower State roads, Horsham.
There will be Ukrainian folk art, music, dance, crafts and historical reenactments, a variety of food and refreshments and a vendors grove. Admission is $15, and a portion will be donated to relief of war victims in Ukraine. Kids under 15 will be admitted free. Parking is free. Call 267-664-3857, email [email protected] or visit www.tryzub.org. ••
Fatima Holy Hour
The World Apostolate of Fatima is sponsoring a Fatima Holy Hour for World Peace on Thursday, June 13, at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Calvary Church, 11024 Knights Road. All are welcome to participate in the devotions to Our Lady of Fatima. Devotions include procession with Fatima statue, rosary and benediction. ••
Sielski at beef and beer
The Men’s Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, is hosting its annual beef and beer on Thursday, June 20, at 6:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $30 per person. Inquirer sports columnist Mike Sielski will be the guest speaker. Send your payment to the office at the address above. Call 215-677-1600 for further information. ••
Eco-Spirituality Day
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will sponsor Eco-Spirituality Day: Forest Bathing & From Lightbulbs to Vessels, Arks and Wells Workshops on Sunday, June 9, from 12:30 to 8 p.m. The cost is $68 and includes dinner. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Renewal program for women
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host From Weary to Depressed: The ABC’s of Renewal for Women Leaders, on Friday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $53 and includes lunch and a restorative yoga session. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Free family event at Cranaleith
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, invites the community to a Home & Garden Day on Saturday, June 29, from 1-4 p.m. The event is free and for all ages. There will be historic house tours, nature-based crafts, an outdoor scavenger hunt, beehive and garden demonstrations and a family drum circle. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Healing, balance and peace
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host Tibetan Singing Bowls for Healing, Balance & Peace on Sunday, June 30, from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $30. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Book club on Zoom
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be hosting a Zoom session on Monday, June 3, at 7 p.m. The book is Beneath The Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Book club to meet
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, July 1, at 7 p.m. The book is The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Book club to meet on Zoom
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be hosting a Zoom session on Monday, Aug. 5, at 7 p.m. The book is The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristen Harmel. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Book club meeting in Sept.
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be hosting a Zoom session on Monday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. The book is Horse by Geraldine Brooks. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Book club to meet in Oct.
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. The book is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Book club meeting
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will hold a Zoom session on Monday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. The book is Blake Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Book club to meet in Dec.
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will host a Zoom session on Monday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. The book is The Bird Hotel by Joyce Maynard. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Trip to New York
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip on Tuesday, Oct. 8, to the Tenement Museum in New York, with lunch and free time in Manhattan’s Little Italy. The all-inclusive cost is $175. For a flyer and reservation form, call 215-788-9043. Reservations close on Aug. 30. ••
Kid crafts and storytime
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host a Craft of the Week on Tuesdays, June 11 and 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Aug. 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. Children in K-5 and preschoolers with an accompanying adult are welcome.
The library will host Preschool Storytime on Thursdays, June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25 and Aug. 1 and 8 at 10:30 a.m. There will be stories, songs and fingerplays for children 3-5, accompanied by an adult.
Call 215-685-9383. ••
Legislation in response to anti-Israel protests
In response to the recent anti-Israel protests that have led to Jewish students and faculty being harassed, intimidated and prevented from attending classes on college campuses, Rep. Martina White announced a piece of legislation to address these issues.
White’s bill would prohibit students convicted of ethnic intimidation, institutional vandalism, desecration, theft, sale of venerated objects or institutional trespass from receiving Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency grants. Under current law, PHEAA is authorized to deny grants to students convicted of misdemeanors involving moral turpitude or felonies. This proposal extends that prohibition to students convicted of specific unlawful actions related to protests.
“Recently, pro-Palestinian protests and demonstrations on college campuses have condemned Israel’s military response to the Hamas incursion and demanded that colleges divest investments from companies connected to Israel,” White said. “While protests are a common occurrence on college and university campuses, unlawful actions like the forceful occupation of academic buildings and the destruction of college property are not protected First Amendment activities. If students are convicted of specific unlawful actions related to protests, they will face additional consequences by being denied PHEAA grants.” ••
Endorsements for Boyle and other liberals
NextGen PAC endorsed U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle and the other eight liberal Pennsylvania House members.
“NextGen PAC is proud to endorse these candidates for Congress,” NextGen PAC State Director Cortney Bouse said. “In our fight to build a better, more representative future, these races are critical. From abortion rights to climate justice, these congressmembers have worked on behalf of young people to build better communities here in Pennsylvania. NextGen PAC is thrilled to endorse these candidates for reelection so they may continue to prioritize the values of Pennsylvania’s young voters.” ••
Driscoll thanks Fetterman
City Councilman Mike Driscoll issued the following statement regarding committee passage of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024:
“I express my sincere gratitude to Sen. John Fetterman for his support of legislation authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assist with the necessary infrastructure upgrades for the Philadelphia Water Department.
“Earlier this year, PWD warned ratepayers in an online bulletin of the potential for $265 in annual rate increases because of a proposed EPA rule. In a March 7 letter, I urged PWD to explore options to mitigate these increases, including the engagement of the Army Corps. At a critical juncture, Sen. Fetterman stepped up and made sure the authorization of this work was included in the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 advanced out of the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee.
“Once enacted, the involvement of the Army Corps via the WRDA 2024 has the potential to save ratepayers almost $300 annually. Philadelphians extend our sincere thanks to Sen. Fetterman for his advocacy on their behalf.” ••
Comcast announces streaming bundle for new, existing customers
Comcast announced Xfinity StreamSaverTM, a streaming bundle of Apple TV+, Netflix and Peacock for new and existing Xfinity internet and TV customers. By bringing these premium streaming services together for the first time, Xfinity is making it easy for customers to enjoy entertainment, including thousands of hours of live sports, from streaming apps.
StreamSaver includes a subscription to Netflix Standard with ads, Peacock Premium and Apple TV+, delivering a savings of more than 30%, or nearly $100 a year.
“StreamSaver is a home run for consumers who want top-tier entertainment and live sports, and for our world-class partners Peacock, Netflix and Apple who benefit from the reach and depth of our entertainment platforms and Xfinity’s marketing engine,” said Dave Watson, CEO of Connectivity and Platforms, Comcast. “StreamSaver also reinforces the value of our broadband products, offering customers new ways to save money on streaming entertainment via the nation’s best and most reliable network in and out of the home.”
With StreamSaver, customers can enjoy popular and award-winning TV shows and movies like Netflix’s Bridgerton and Atlas, Peacock’s Bel-Air and The Traitors, and The Morning Show and Slow Horses from Apple TV+. They will also have access to thousands of hours of live sports including MLB Friday Night Baseball from Apple TV+; NFL Football and WWE (starting in 2025) from Netflix; and NFL Football, Big Ten, Premier League, FIFA World Cup, Golf, WWE, NASCAR and every minute from the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics from Peacock.
Current and new Xfinity internet or TV customers can add Xfinity StreamSaver for an everyday price of $15 per month, with no annual contracts. Customers can also combine the bundled apps with NOW TV for one all-in-monthly price of $30. Together, the NOW StreamSaver bundles offer access to programming from three of the most popular streaming apps alongside 40-plus live TV channels including, AMC, A&E, Hallmark, History Channel, Lifetime and WEtv, along with more than two dozen integrated FAST channels like AccuWeather, NBC News, TODAY All Day and Xumo Movies.
Customers can access all this programming via Comcast’s Entertainment OS platform and voice remote, where each of these apps are integrated into X1, Xumo Stream Box and Flex devices. Additionally, customers can find the StreamSaver apps everywhere they access streaming content, including Apple TV and other connected TVs and devices.To sign up for Xfinity StreamSaver or NOW StreamSaver, customers can visit Xfinity.com. Xfinity will manage billing, giving customers one simple monthly statement. Customers who already subscribe to one or more of these apps can still take advantage of the bundle pricing. ••
Summer music camp
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will hold Find Your Song: An Exploration of Storytelling and Music-Making for Children from July 15-19. The camp is for children ages 6-12 and is open from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The cost is $125 for the week, or $27 per day. Call 215-934-6206. ••
