July 4 fireworks on the river
One River Alliance and State Street Events will present Freedom Fest on Thursday, July 4, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Park, at Linden Avenue and the Delaware River.
There will be vendors, food trucks, live music, bounce houses and fireworks.
Vendors can apply at FreedomFest2024.EventBrite.com. ••
PA Senate passes Stand with Israel Act
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity praised the Senate for passing the Stand with Israel Act. Senate Bill 1260, sponsored by Sens. Steve Santarsiero and Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, was approved, 41-7. SB 1260 will prohibit the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, along with SERS, PSERS and PMRS, from boycotting or divesting from Israel and companies doing business with Israel. It will also prohibit state funds from going directly to an institution of higher education that engages in such a boycott or divestment.
“Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East, and it’s important for Pennsylvania to show our steadfast support,” Garrity said. “I congratulate the Senate for passing this legislation with such a strong majority, and I thank Sens. Santarsiero and Phillips-Hill for taking the lead on this important issue. I urge the House of Representatives to consider it without delay and send this bill to Gov. Shapiro for his signature.” ••
Program on presidents
The educations of United States presidents from Washington to Biden will be the theme for an adult learning program to be held at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., on Monday, July 22, at 12:30 p.m. The public is invited to join with members. Cost for the program is $6 per person, which may be made at the front desk at KleinLife or by mail at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19116. Contact Mariya Keselman-Mekler at 215-698-7300, Ext. 185 or mkeselman@kleinlife.org. ••
2 local teens are Bank of America Student Leaders
Bank of America recently announced five high school juniors and seniors were selected as Student Leaders® for an eight-week paid summer internship connecting students to employment, skills development and service. These community-minded students will gain practical work and leadership experience, and receive financial education coaching from Bank of America’s Better Money Habits curriculum, while working and earning competitive wages.
“Preparing a diverse pipeline of community-minded young students to be successful in the workforce is critical to Philadelphia’s long-term economic growth” said Jim Dever, president, Bank of America Greater Philadelphia. “The exceptional teens selected for the Student Leaders program will not only gain practical work and life experience, but the community in return gains help from local nonprofits and a diverse pipeline of talent as these young adults enter the local workforce.”
Two of the Student Leaders attend school locally.
Bridget Lu is from Northeast High School, where she founded the Youth Leadership Connection to offer accessible education advice and resources to teens. She has grown the Connection’s social reach to 8,200 followers and 1.5 million views.
Mohinur Rashidova is from George Washington, where she was the Social Justice Club president who created an event in Old City to educate Philadelphians about preserving literary freedom during Banned Books Week.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary year, the Student Leaders program recognizes 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the U.S. annually. The 2024 Greater Philadelphia Student Leaders will work at JEVS Human Services. Over eight weeks, they will contribute through activities including mentoring and content creation.
“JEVS Human Services is excited to welcome these Student Leaders who will play a vital role in shaping positive and impactful paid summer work experiences for Philadelphian youth and young adults,” said JEVS Human Services CEO and President Cynthia Figueroa. “We are extremely grateful for Bank of America’s support and continued investment in fostering future leaders. Together, we are making a profound impact in the lives of these students, which will extend throughout the greater Philadelphia community.”
Later this summer, the students will travel to Washington, D.C. for a week-long, all-expenses-paid, national leadership summit to learn how nonprofits, governments and businesses collaborate to meet local needs. ••
Concert at Holmesburg Library
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host an Ants on a Log Family Concert on Monday, July 8, at 3 p.m. The music will center on positivity, “social justice” and silliness. The concert will include humor and harmony, and is designed to be energetic, interactive and a delight for children and adults. ••
Kid crafts and storytime
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host a Craft of the Week on Tuesdays, July 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, 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. ••
Book club at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will hold a Book Club discussion on Thursday, July 11, at 11 a.m. The book will be The Dry by Jane Harper. It’s an atmospheric mystery about a small town hiding big secrets. Reading the book beforehand is encouraged but not necessary. Copies of the book to borrow will be available at the branch. Call 215-685-0472. ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host the following programs: Friday, July 5 (1-3 p.m., Genealogy Group); Friday, July 12 (1-3 p.m., Fibercraft Friends); Saturday, July 13 (10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Storytime: Pets, pets invited); Friday, July 19 (1-3 p.m., Book Club); Friday, July 26 (1-3 p.m., Fibercraft Friends); Saturday, July 27 (10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Storytime: Waterplay, bring your swimsuit).
Call 215-685-0599. ••
Book club at Holmesburg Library
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., hosts a book club every other Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. The next meeting is July 9. The club takes part in lively discussions of some great books. For more information on how you can join and what book members are reading, email or call the Adult/Teen librarian at kochd@freelibrary.org or 215-685-8756. ••
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. ••
Farmers market to open
The Food Trust will hold a weekly farmers market at Castor Avenue and Hellerman Street, beginning July 10. The market, featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, will be open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October and will include cooking demonstrations. ••
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 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). ••
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 WilliamsD@LSCHS.org. ••
State ban on license plate flipping?
Legislation (H.B. 2426) introduced by state Reps. Pat Gallagher and Greg Scott that would explicitly ban license plate flipping devices was approved by the House Transportation Committee. This bill now heads to the full House for consideration. License plate flipping devices enable a license plate on a vehicle to be changed to another license plate either manually or electronically. When affixed to vehicles, these devices can be used to conceal a license plate, modify its appearance or switch one license plate to another. Drivers can use these devices to evade identification for purposes such as avoiding tolls, reckless driving or even more nefarious criminal activity.
“There are currently many ambiguities in our state’s law that allow individuals to use these devices as loopholes to get out of making payments they owe,” Gallagher said. “My city of Philadelphia recently took action on this issue by prohibiting these devices in the city, and now it’s time for the entire state of Pennsylvania to follow suit.” ••
White has 2 bills to fight antisemitism
Reps. Martina White, Kristin Marcell and Rob Mercuri held a news conference to announce a discharge resolution for House Bill 1986. The resolution is in response to the Democratic majority’s failure to advance any legislation to address the rise of antisemitic actions and confrontations that have been occurring on college campuses and in Pennsylvania communities. The discharge resolution is for House Bill 1986, which requires transparency in Holocaust and genocide education.
White announced she is introducing two pieces of legislation to fight antisemitism on campuses and in public spaces. The first bill would not fund higher educational institutions that support or promote antisemitism.
“Pennsylvania taxpayers should not enable or support antisemitism,” White said. “We must protect our Jewish students and hold these institutions accountable.”
The second bill from White would prohibit the wearing of face coverings and masks in public spaces, with limited exceptions.
“Too many perpetrators of antisemitic acts use masks to hide their identities,” she said. “This legislation will ensure that those who commit these crimes cannot evade justice.” ••
Continuing education for acupuncturists
The state House gave final approval to state Rep. Pat Gallagher’s bill (H.B. 1490) that would update the Acupuncture Licensure Act. The update to current law will require licensed acupuncturists to complete 30 hours of approved continuing education every two years. If an acupuncturist is also a physician, only nine hours will be required as part of the physician’s continuing education. Gallagher’s bill also will let acupuncturists from other states attend continuing education courses in Pennsylvania, helping programs based here to thrive. With prior passage in the Senate, H.B. 1490 now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature.
“As we see the practice of acupuncture continue to grow, it’s important that the people providing it are up to date on the latest information,” Gallagher said. “More and more Pennsylvanians are receiving acupuncture treatment, and they deserve to get it from well-trained providers.” ••
Rummage sale
Prince of Peace Church, 6001 Colgate St., is having a Christmas in July and rummage sale featuring new and slightly used clothes, toys and household items on Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be $5-a-bag tables (bags will be supplied), hot dogs and drinks. The room will be air conditioned. All are welcome. ••
Bingo at Oxley
William D. Oxley Post 133 Auxiliary will present bingo on Sunday, July 14, at 3 p.m. at 4637 Decatur St. (entrance on Torresdale Avenue). Bring your own daubers or buy them there. There will be a cash bar, and guests are welcome to bring snacks. The cost is $20. ••
Free vacation Bible school
Third Reformed Presbyterian Church, 3024 Byberry Road, will host The Jungle Journey, a free vacation Bible school, from July 15-19, 9 a.m. to noon. Kids ages 4 through just completed sixth grade are welcome. There will be a picnic after closing exercises on July 19. Register when you arrive or go to the website or Facebook page to register ahead of time. ••
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. ••
Donate school supplies
The 8th Police District Advisory Council and Sock for the Streets are organizing a back-to-school fundraiser. School supplies and monetary donations are being collected through July 15. Donations can be sent to Socks for the Streets, 2841 Norcom Court, Philadelphia, PA 19154. For more information, contact Jennifer Malazita at 215-939-2569 or 8thdistpdac@gmail.com. ••
Learn about life at sea
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will present Museum of the American Revolution: Life at Sea! on July 23, at 3 p.m. Learn about life on a privateer ship, including what, as a sailor, you might have eaten, what your job might have been, and how you would have passed the time. A program for kids up to 11 years. ••
Learn about Revolutionary War
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will present Museum of the American Revolution: Within These Walls, on July 30, at 3 p.m. Join George Washington’s Honor Guard and learn about life on campaign, and become a historian as you discover life in and around Washington’s War Tent. A program for kids up to 11 years. ••
Outdoor yoga class
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host a gentle outdoor yoga class on Friday, July 12, from 6-8 p.m. The class is appropriate for all levels. The cost is $25. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Program on architect
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host Preserving Minerva: (Re)Discovering the Work of Architect Minerva Parker Nichols, on Saturday, July 13, from 2-5 p.m. There will be a tour through the main house, which Nichols designed. The cost is $30. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Community event in Rhawnhurst
The Rhawnhurst Civic Association will hold a free community appreciation event on Aug. 10 (rain date Aug. 17), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Pelbano Playground, Bustleton and Solly avenues. There will be a bounce castle, DJ, children’s games, refreshments and face painter. ••
Millbrook Civic to meet
Millbrook Civic Association will meet on Sept. 24, at 7 p.m., at the Calvary Athletic Association clubhouse, 4330 Deerpath Lane. Future meetings will be on Oct. 29 and Nov. 26. For more information, email millbrookcivic@verizon.net ••
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 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 July 18, 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. There will also be a Third Thursday event on Aug. 15. For more information, call 215-632-5330. ••
PPH program on AM radio
The Philadelphia Protestant Home, 6401 Martins Mill Road, will host a program on AM radio of the 1960s and ‘70s on Wednesday, July 31, at 7 p.m., in its social hall. ••
Attend community resource fair
Socks for the Streets and the 8th Police District Advisory Council will hold a community resource fair on Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Christ the King School, 3205 Chesterfield Road. To register a table, call 215-939-2569 or email 8thDistPDAC@gmail.com or SocksForTheStreets@gmail.com. ••
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 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. ••
2 upcoming trips
The Maternity BVM Seniors Group has two upcoming trips.
There is a trip to the Smoky Mountain Show (Dollywood) from Oct. 7-12. For more information, call 215-964-7125.
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, call 215-338-9141. ••
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 rosemarie.schlegel@tuhs.temple.edu or call 215-728-2131. ••
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:
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 ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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 info@tryzub.org or visit www.tryzub.org. ••
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. ••
Party for West Catholic girls class of ‘69
West Catholic Girls Class of 1969 will have its 55th anniversary party on Sunday, Sept. 29, at Anthony’s Ristorante, 865 W. Springfield Road, Springfield. The cost for the luncheon is $65. Call Hannah at 610-764-3249. ••
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. ••
Events at Women’s Animal Center
Women’s Animal Center, 3839 Richlieu Road in Bensalem, will be hosting two Mini Paws Club programs for children ages 7-12. During each Mini Paws Club session, children will participate in a lesson on the day’s topic, games, hands-on crafts, a tour of the center, enrichment activities for the animals and meet and greets with animals.
The dates and topics are:
• Thursday, July 25: Art with Animals – Draw animals from real life by visiting and sketching adoptable shelter pets, set up simple art projects for animals to do, and learn about how making art can be enriching for animals
• Thursday, Aug. 15: Understanding Animals – Learn about animal behavior and body language, and when and how to approach an animal.
For more information or to register, go to
https://www.womensanimalcenter.org/our-community-programs/mini-paws-club or email education@womensanimalcenter.org ••
Fatima holy hour for world peace
The World Apostolate of Fatima is sponsoring a Fatima Holy Hour for World Peace on Friday, July 12, at 7 p.m. at Resurrection of Our Lord Church, 2000 Shelmire Ave. All are welcome to participate in the devotions to Our Lady of Fatima. Devotions include procession with Fatima statue, rosary and benediction. ••
Students in school choice schools outperforming peers
Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia, an education nonprofit providing families with financial access to K-8th-grade tuition-based schools, released a report detailing evidence that city students who utilize private school choice outperform their public school peers in both math and reading on standardized tests.
The CSFP family median household income is lower than Philadelphia’s, and 70% of CSFP scholarship recipients live in Philadelphia’s lowest-achieving public school neighborhoods. CSFP has 150-plus partner schools, and their median annual tuition is $4,950.
The report shows that CSFP students are more likely to be at or above proficiency in both math and reading the longer they are enrolled at a CSFP partner school and are more likely to score at or above proficient on their standardized exams compared to peers attending public school.
Among seventh-graders, 54% of CSFP students score at or above proficiency in math, compared to 19% of School District of Philadelphia students. In reading, 61% of CSFP students score at or above proficiency in reading compared to 38 percent in the school district.
Among fourth-graders, 47% of students score at or above proficiency in math compared to 23% in the school district. In reading, 59% of CSFP students score at or above proficiency compared to 30% in the school district.
“This is the first time we’ve answered the question: Do CSFP students and CSFP partner schools outperform both district counterparts and public schools within the same neighborhood? The answer, based on this report, is a resounding yes,” said Keisha Jordan, president and CEO, Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia. “We recognize standardized test scores are just one indicator of academic success, but this report provides an important perspective on how tuition-based schools are serving students from under-resourced households. It shows that CSFP scholarships change lives and private school choice provides an opportunity to set students on a pathway to long-term success.” ••
Athletic awards for local charters
Three American Paradigm Schools were recognized for athletic achievements.
The Metropolitan Philadelphia Athletic Association named Maurice Allen, Dean of Scholars (grades 3-5) and athletic director for Lindley Academy, the 2024 Sports Director of the Year, and also named Marc Jones, 7th Grade Dean of Students and athletic director for Memphis Street Academy, the 2024 Athletic Director of the Year. Tacony Academy was awarded the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Quality Program Award.
“American Paradigm Schools is incredibly honored to receive these three awards — Maurice Allen, Marc Jones and my team at Tacony Academy have shown outstanding dedication and passion to our students,” said Paul Rieser, athletic administrator for Tacony Academy. “Their hard work and commitment to excellence in our athletic programs across the charter network is truly commendable. We couldn’t be prouder of their achievements and the positive impact they’ve made on our students and APS community.” ••
Extended hours at Weitzman
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East (5th and Market streets) will offer extended hours for the July 4 holiday week.
People can watch the July 4 parade pass by the museum, then go inside with free admission.
Activities will include design your crown during a read-aloud and performance by Khalil Munir; sing and dance along with Two of a Kind, an interactive musical performance; a self-paced scavenger hunt for kids of all ages; sensory-friendly play with Adoughma Play; make-and-take 4th of July crafts; and shopping in the museum store.
The museum will be open daily through July 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. After July 7, the museum returns to Thursday through Sunday summer hours. ••
Tumor support group
Fox Chase Cancer Center will sponsor a meeting of a Neuroendocrine Tumor Support Group on July 17, from 4-5 p.m. The group is for people diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors who are receiving treatment. In the group, led by Fox Chase social workers, people can share their personal experiences, ways of coping and helpful resources. Interested patients can email Anjali Albanese at Anjali.Albanese@fccc.edu or Mark Itzen at Mark.Itzen@fccc.edu for a link to participate. ••
Cantor Don Samuels retiring
The public is invited to attend a retirement brunch party for Cantor Don Samuels on Sunday, July 28, at 11:30 a.m. at Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road. The cost is $42 per person, which includes a two-line congratulatory message in a memory book. Mail a check for $42 per person payable to Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, and include the two-line greeting Call 215-677-1600. ••
Zoom bingo
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim is hosting a virtual bingo on Zoom on Mondays, Aug. 12 and 19, starting at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $36 per person and includes two cards, for eight games of bingo each night. There will also be a 50/50. Payment can be sent to the synagogue’s new office, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, Attn: Bingo. Payment must be received no later than Aug. 5, and you must include your email address. A link will be emailed before the first bingo night. Call 215-677-1600 and ask for Gerry or Nancy. ••
Hero Thrill Show in Sept. 21
The 69th annual Hero Thrill Show will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, from noon to 5 p.m., at the Wells Fargo Center.
Tickets are $15 for individuals and $35 for a family (up to five).
Proceeds pay for the college tuition of Philadelphia police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
For more information, go to herothrillshow.org. ••
