Polish American festival
The 58th annual Polish American Festival at Our Lady of Czestochowa, 654 Ferry Road in Doylestown, will take place from Aug. 31 through Sept. 2 and Sept. 7-8, noon to 8 p.m. The festival features carnival rides, live music and stage shows and ongoing entertainment on the main stage and in them Polish Village, highlighting Polish traditions and customs, Polish folk dance groups and Polish and American food and refreshments. The $15 admission includes all events and carnival rides. Visit PolishAmericanFestival.org. ••
A day for women veterans
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host Wonder Women: A Retreat Day for Women Veterans, on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free. The day will include storytelling, poetry, silence and art expression. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Cornhole tournament
American Heritage Credit Union and The Kids-N-Hope Foundation will host the third annual Cornhole Tournament on Wednesday, Sept. 11, beginning at 6 p.m. at American Heritage’s campus at 2060 Red Lion Road. All proceeds will benefit the Kids-N-Hope Foundation, which aims to enhance children’s health and life services, including music therapy and music programs, at local hospitals and not-for-profit organizations. Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams in two brackets, beginners and experienced. The registration cost is $50 per team for the experienced bracket and $40 for the beginners bracket. Sign prior to Sept. 4 at AHCU.co/Cornhole. ••
Town Hall meeting
State Rep. Jared Solomon will hold a town Hall meeting on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Mayfair Community Center, 2990 St. Vincent St. ••
Ukrainian Folk Festival on Sunday
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. ••
St. Dom’s anniversary Mass
St. Dominic Church, 8504 Frankford Ave., will celebrate its 175th anniversary Mass on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 4:30 p.m. Archbishop Nelson Perez will celebrate the Mass. A dinner reception will follow at Cannstatter’s. Tickets cost $50. Call the rectory at 215-624-5502. ••
Enroll in KidSpace
KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., has opened enrollment for its KidSpace afterschool enrichment program. KidSpace is open weekdays from 3-6 p.m. and provides services during most school closings and early dismissals. Activities include homework help, swimming, art, dancing, baking, Zumba, games and sports activities taught by Mariya Ryermyen, an Olympic champion. The program also offers free transportation from Anne Frank Elementary School, Philadelphia Academy Charter School and MaST Community Charter School I, II and III. Cost for a full-time participant is $135 per child, part-time one to four days $40 per day per child and if school is closed (7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.) the cost is $65 per day per child with a half-day costing $50 per day per child. To enroll or for further information, contact Cierra Adams at 215-698-7300, Ext. 112 or [email protected]. ••
Corn roast/fall festival
St. Andrew’s-In-The-Field, 500 Somerton Ave., will host a corn roast and fall festival on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 2-8 p.m. The day will feature roasted corn, a flea market, raffle baskets, a bake table, hot dogs and pretzels. Outdoor flea market spaces are available for $25. Call Sue at 215-584-5412. ••
Art show Sept. 6
Autistic Art Coalition of Philadelphia invites the public to a silent auction fundraiser and art show exhibit on Friday, Sept. 6, from 6-9 p.m., at Tacony LAB Community Arts Center, 6918 Torresdale Ave. Visitors will meet AACOPhilly’s neurodiverse community artists of all ages. ••
Seeking bowlers
Spare Pins Mixed Bowling League is seeking bowlers. The mixed league bowls on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at Thunderbird Lanes, 3075 Holme Ave. It’s a fun league with 100% handicap. Bowling is September through May. If interested or have questions, call Jim at 267-896-7601 or Chuck at 215-744-1591. ••
Car show, flea market
The outside Misled Car Show and Flea Market will take place on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd, 10901 Calera Road. The rain date is Sunday, Sept. 15, from 1-5 p.m. There is a $20 registration charge for cars participating in the show. Flea market vendor spaces are $25. Call Rosemarie at 215-868-5304 to reserve a space and Bob Dietrich at 267-968-2736 for car show information. ••
St. Hubert going to NYC
St. Hubert will hold a day trip to New York on Saturday, Nov. 23. A bus will depart the school at 7:45 a.m. There will be an 11 a.m. showing of the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, followed by free time until the bus departs at 5:45 p.m. The cost is $220 per person, paid in full by Oct. 1. Proceeds benefit the faculty scholarship fund. To reserve your seat, contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or [email protected]. ••
Oldies singalong
The Associated Polish Home, 9150 Academy Road, will host Sing Along to the Oldies in its beer garden on Friday, Sept. 6. The beer garden opens at 6 p.m. Music by DJ Neil McGlynn from 7-10 p.m. Free admission. Cash bar and kitchen. Call John Wisniewski at 215-906-1825. ••
Tacony CDC events
The Tacony Community Development Corporation is hosting free yoga and Pilates pop-ups on select Saturdays at 10 a.m. at 6823 Torresdale Ave., second floor. Pilates classes are on Sept. 7 and Oct. 5. Yoga classes are on Sept. 21 and Oct. 12. Bring your own yoga mat. Register by calling 215-856-3029.
Monthly workshops at the Tacony Library, 6742 Torresdale Ave., will support the needs of local small business owners. Future workshops will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 16, Oct. 7 and Nov. 18.
The Block Gives Back is holding its annual Block to School event on the 6800 block of Torresdale Ave. on Aug. 24, from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The event will include games, activities, a live performance and community partners set up all along the block. One-thousand backpacks full of school supplies will be available for free distribution. Visit theblockgivesback.org for more information and for ways to contribute.
Sign up for the first Tacony Community Yard Sale, happening Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7-8, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Email [email protected] or call 267-276 2586. ••
Local author’s novel releasing next week
Tirgearr Publishing will release Mayfair author Becky Flade’s 10th romantic thriller, A Safe Place, on Aug. 27. It is the sixth book in Flade’s award-winning series of romantic thrillers set in Philadelphia. It is available for pre-order at all major digital retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and iBooks/iTunes. Flade, a Frankford High School graduate, has been writing since kindergarten, when her Brown Elementary School teacher, Miss Daniels, helped with her first book detailing her and her best friend’s first solo trip to the market for milk. ••
Apply for community grant
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, through the support of the Anna T. Jeanes Foundation, is asking for applications for its 2025 Community Grant Program. Grants are awarded annually to provide funding for projects that promote the health and wellness of community residents. Applications will be accepted until Sept. 15. Funds must be used within one year of receipt. Nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply, and must provide a copy of their tax exemption letter from the Internal Revenue Service and a current completed W-9 form. Organizations applying for grants should be located within or serve one of the following ZIP codes: 19012, 19027, 19111, 19115, 19120, 19133, 19149, 19152, 19006, 19046, 19095, 19114, 19116, 19124, 19126, 19135, 19136 and 19154. Projects receiving funding should take place within these ZIP codes.
For additional information about the program, or to request an application form, contact Rosemarie Schlegel at 215-728-2131 or [email protected]. ••
North Catholic alumni golf outing
Joe Hand Promotions and Northeast Catholic Alumni Association will hold their 34th annual golf outing on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at North Hills Country Club in Glenside. The outing funds the alumni association’s scholarship fund, which provides $500,000 each year for Catholic education. For reservations, sponsorships or more information, email [email protected], call 215-543-1051 or visit www.northcatholicalumni.org ••
Bar crawl for charity
The sixth annual Madison Bar Crawl will take place Saturday, Oct. 5 in Rockledge. The schedule is 3-5 p.m. at the Hollywood Tavern, 5-7 p.m. at the Austrian Village and 7 p.m. to ?? at Gaul & Co. Malt House. The event is in honor of Madison Woltemate, 11, who is thriving through physical challenges. Proceeds will benefit the families of two other girls facing similar challenges. T-shirts cost $20. Mail a check to Lawrence Himes, 619 Burke St., Rockledge, PA 19046 or Venmo @melissamccabe. ••
Pennypack Music Festival
The Pennypack Music Festival will conclude on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. There will be a performance by Romeo Delight, a tribute to Van Halen. ••
Donate blood
The American Red Cross is encouraging people to donate blood.
Anyone who donates in August will receive a $20 Amazon.com gift card.
The Northeast Philadelphia Blood Donation Center, 1401 Rhawn St., is open Monday-Wednesday, 11:45 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, 10:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Friday-Sunday, 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Donations are also being taken on Aug. 22, from 2-7 p.m., at Pennypack Woods Home Ownership, Community Building, 8724 Crispin St.; Aug. 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Philadelphia Fire Academy, 5200 Pennypack St.; Aug. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Northeast Family YMCA, 11088 Knights Road; Aug. 27, from 2-7 p.m., at St. Katherine of Siena Parish Center, 9700 Frankford Ave.; and Aug. 29, from 2-7 p.m., at Ancient Order of Hibernians Division No. 39, 7229 Tulip St.
Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS. ••
KleinLife opens farmers market
KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., has a farmers market that sells nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables every Friday from noon to 3 p.m., through the fall. The market accepts cash, SNAP/EBT Access Cards and Philly Food Bucks. Proceeds will go to support the Cook for a Friend program as part of the KleinLife Home Delivered Meals Program. Call 215-698-7300, Ext. 196. ••
Trip to Sight & Sound
St. James, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street, is holding a trip to Sight & Sound, a theater in Lancaster County, on Oct. 23 for the 11 a.m. show of Daniel. For more information, call 215-743-1828. ••
A show, lunch and shopping
St. Dominic’s Respect Life Ministry is sponsoring a trip to Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster County on Thursday, Oct. 3, to see the musical Daniel. Lunch will be at Shady Maple Smorgasbord, with time to shop at Kitchen Kettle Village. Cost is $187. For more information or to book, call Susan at 215-333-4313 or Carol at 215-742-6874. Do not bring checks to the rectory. ••
Farmers market open
The Food Trust holds a weekly farmers market at Castor Avenue and Hellerman Street. The market, featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, is open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October and will include cooking demonstrations. ••
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 [email protected] or [email protected]. ••
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 [email protected] ••
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 [email protected] 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:
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 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 Sept 11. ••
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. ••
Meet the candidates
The Men’s Club and the Chaverim of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, will host its Meet the Candidates brunch on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 10 a.m. The event is free and open to the community. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Fundraiser at pottery shop
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a day of creative fun on Sunday, Sept. 8, at Create Me Pottery, 2048 County Line Road, Huntingdon Valley (Huntingdon Valley Marketplace), from noon to 3 p.m. The cost of pottery items average $25. The additional sitting fee of $10 includes paints and glazing of pottery. For reservations, call Bernadette at 570-401-8417. The fundraiser will continue through Sept. 22 at createmepottery.com. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Clothing drive
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a clothing drive on Saturday, Sept. 14, 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. ••
Attend Glen Foerd’s Wedding Crashers’ Ball
Glen Foerd’s Wedding Crashers’ Ball will take place on Friday, Oct. 25, at 5001 Grant Ave. (at the Delaware River).
The interactive event invites guests to become part of the story, blending elements of immersive theater with elegant wedding festivities, and spontaneous celebration.
The creator is inFLUX Theatre Collective, and the event is inspired by the reality TV dating show The Bachelor. Searching for the perfect partner, Glen Foerd’s bachelor must choose among five brides competing for his heart. What ensues promises to be an immersive night of romance, comedy, slapstick and chaos.
The show will go from 7-11 p.m. and will include live music by the West Philadelphia Orchestra, dinner, an open bar, dancing and silent and live auctions. There will also be an afterparty held in Glen Foerd’s Gilded Age mansion’s rathskeller until midnight. Throughout the evening, guests will be part of the narrative, interacting with characters and influencing the unfolding drama of the bachelor, the brides and their entourage.
Guests are encouraged to wear black tie, recycled wedding dresses, that old bridesmaid’s gown from hell, business attire or, in the spirit of Halloween, creative costumes.
All proceeds will go to support Glen Foerd’s community art, education and environmental programming and to preserve the nonprofit’s 18-acre Delaware River estate that includes seven historic structures dating from the 1850s.
Tickets are $185 per person, or $225 that includes the afterparty in Glen Foerd’s rathskeller. Tickets can be purchased at www.glenfoerd.org/weddingcrashersball. Ticket sales close on Oct. 4.Sponsorships are also available. For information, visit www.glenfoerd.org/weddingcrashersball, or contact Scott Reynolds at 215-632-5330 or [email protected]. ••
Veterans monuments coming to Campbell Square
Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 87 will be unveiling two monuments honoring veterans in Campbell Square park, Allegheny Avenue and Belgrade Street, on Saturday, Aug. 24, at noon. The first monument is dedicated to all veterans from the Port Richmond neighborhood. The second is dedicated to John J. McVeigh, the only World War II Medal of Honor recipient from Philadelphia.
There will be patriotic music, and a proclamation from the state House will be given to McVeigh’s daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend. ••
Video ceremony and conversation
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host the 19th Israeli-Palestianian Memorial Day Video Viewing on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 1-3 p.m. Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg, one of the founders of the Philadelphia chapter of American Friends of Combatants for Peace, will introduce the video and join a conversation afterward. The cost is $25. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Hero Thrill Show is 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 parking lot.
Featured will be the Sound of Philadelphia music by DJ legend Bob Pantano, performances and displays of K-9 and bicycle units, the elite Philadelphia Police Motorcycle Highway Patrol Drill Team, mounted police horse, fire engines, crime-fighting equipment by the Police Aviation Unit, Bomb Squad, Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Marine Unit, firearms instructors, Police Academy and SWAT Unit.
Tickets are $15 for individuals and $35 for a family (up to five).
Proceeds pay for the college tuition of children of Philadelphia police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
For more information, go to herothrillshow.org. ••
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. ••
Armenian Heritage Walk
The Philadelphia Armenian community announces an outdoor gallery called the Armenian Heritage Walk outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art. With a planned unveiling in April 2026, the walkway will feature public art and gardens celebrating the Armenian story, thanking America for its partnership and advancing cultural awareness.
The Walk will flank the long-standing statue called “Young Meher,” a legendary figure symbolizing the indomitable spirit of the Armenian people. While the Walk will pay tribute to the unique Armenian identity, it will simultaneously celebrate Philadelphia’s spirit of diversity. When visitors step onto the Walk, they will discover the story of a people who, exiled in genocide, found a new home in Philadelphia.
Anchored in stones endemic to both Armenia and Philadelphia and decorated with artwork and landscaping, the Walk will showcase the cross-cultural gifts of this ancient race. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore and reflect on how one of the oldest civilizations of the world endured and thrived in modern and post-modern America.
The project will kick off on Sept. 14 with an inaugural charitable and cultural event at the Philadelphia Club, celebrating the anniversary of the 100th birthday of the late French-Armenian chansonnier and Armenian champion Charles Aznavour.
The Armenian Heritage Walk is a project that will bring attention to the Armenian people and make their contributions to America and the world known to all who cross the path.Donations for the project can be made at www.armenianheritagewalk.org. ••
Buddy Holly tribute concert
Zachary Stevenson brings his Buddy Holly Tribute to the Philadelphia region for the first time on Sept. 14, at 2 p.m., at Sellersville Theater 1894.
Tickets are available at https://www.st94.com/events/oh-boys-buddy-holly-tribute/
The Buddy Holly Tribute one-act show will feature hits such as That’ll Be the Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy and Rave On.
Stevenson will be backed by Philadelphia psychedelic-rock trio Echo Kid as the Crickets. Echo Kid features Brendan McHale on bass, Christian Turzo on guitar and Kieran McCabe on drums. ••
Scientific symposium at Fox Chase
Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Center for Immunology will host its 14th Annual Scientific Symposium on Friday, Oct. 18. The event will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry being awarded for the discovery of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation. Much of that work was done at Fox Chase. The symposium will be held in Fox Chase’s Leidy Auditorium and will feature presentations by eight scientists. For more information and to register for the event, email [email protected]. ••
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. 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]. ••
Third Thursday in Mayfair
The Mayfair Business Improvement District will hold a Third Thursday Night Market on Sept. 19, from 6-9 p.m. at Frankford and Cottman avenues. The event will feature vendors, food trucks, drinks and live music from Jumper. ••
Book club discussion at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host a Book Club discussion on When No One Is Watching, by Alyssa Cole, on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. The book is a thriller based on the gentrification of a Brooklyn neighborhood. Reading the book beforehand is encouraged but not necessary. Copies will be available to borrow. Call 215-685-0472. ••
Craft fair/flea market
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., is hosting a craft fair and flea market on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you’d like to be a vendor, contact the church at 215-745-2844 or [email protected]. ••
Promotions, new hires at American Paradigm
American Paradigm Schools, a nonprofit organization overseeing a network of four charters, has promoted three of its current staff members to new roles — Claire Cunningham as Academic Coach and Kenneth Jones and Tho Phan as Math Coach Curriculum Specialists on its Academic Team.
Cunningham, Jones and Phan all served in previous positions at APS — Cunningham, a former 12th grade English/AP language and composition teacher at Tacony Academy; Jones, an Instructional Coach; and Phan, a teacher at First Philadelphia. They join APS’ Academic Team ahead of the 2024-25 school year, when they will support educators by helping improve teaching practices and enhance student learning, including classroom management, strategic learning and student engagement.
“As we prepare for the new school year at APS, I’m thrilled to announce that three of our dedicated team members are stepping into new roles within our organization,” said Ashley Redfearn, CEO of American Paradigm Schools. “Claire, Kenneth and Tho’s journey with us has been marked by exceptional talent, unwavering commitment and relentless hard work. At APS, we believe in the strength of our team and their advancement is not only a testament to their personal achievements but also to the supportive and nurturing environment we strive to create at our schools. I’m confident they will continue to inspire and lead with the same passion and dedication this school year.”
APS has also added Aishwarya Gautam and Venkat Keerthan Boddu as Educational Data Analysts, while Gabrielle Snow has been appointed as Client Experience Coordinator.
Gautam and Boddu will analyze a spectrum of data such as attendance records and test scores to provide insights that drive educational strategies. Snow will be responsible for collaborating with schools and external stakeholders to coordinate events and manage communications.
“We are thrilled to welcome Aishwarya, Venkat and Gabrielle to our APS team,” Redfearn said. “Their unique expertise and dedication will significantly enhance our ability to tailor educational strategies, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for our students and stakeholders. Aishwarya and Venkat’s deep analytical skills will be invaluable in driving data-informed decisions, while Gabrielle brings extensive communication and customer service experience that will help us strengthen our community connections and relationships with external stakeholders. Their contributions will play a pivotal role in supporting our mission to provide an exceptional educational experience for every student.” ••
Free adoption Sept. 7 at Women’s Animal Center
Women’s Animal Center, 3839 Richlieu Road in Bensalem, is a participating animal shelter for this year’s 10th anniversary NBCUniversal “Clear the Shelters” nationwide pet adoption event that helps find forever homes for surrendered and stray animals. Inspire Federal Credit Union is this year’s event partner, enabling adoption fees for cats, dogs and small animals to be fully waived/free for individuals and families adopting from Women’s Animal Center on Saturday, Sept. 7. All shelter pets adopted from Women’s Animal Center are spayed or neutered, receive preventative and lifesaving vaccines, and are microchipped, which provides a permanent means of identification should a pet become separated from its new family. ••
A ban on muffle, exhaust pipe modifiers
State Rep. Jared Solomon will introduce legislation that would ban the sale of muffler and exhaust pipe modifiers for vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles manufactured after 1978.
Solomon said the legislation also would provide state agencies with clear guidance on excessive noise and exhaust pollution and help reduce its impact on communities and residents. The measure would also help local police enforce ordinances, he said. The legislation would require PennDOT to act against official inspection stations with multiple violations and proposes penalties of up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in prison for those violations.
“People should be able to enjoy their homes by sitting outside during the evening or on a weekend,” Solomon said. “You cannot relax in your home or get the rest you need when the soundtrack of your neighborhood consists of drag racing through residential streets. The noise and exhaust pollution caused by loud dirt bikes, cars and ATVs is increasingly becoming a nuisance in many communities. People and pets can’t get their sleep, property values are impacted, and the costs of enforcement are rising for police departments and taxpayers.” ••
History events in Bristol
On Sunday, Sept. 22, at 2 p.m., Patricia Mervine will speak on “Lafayette, the Abolitionist” at the the Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation, 321 Cedar St., Bristol Borough. The presentation is open to the public. A donation of $5 per adult is requested. Students are free. Light refreshment will be served.
The presentation precedes the borough’s Sunday, Sept. 29, celebration of Lafayette’s farewell visit to America, which included Bristol Borough, in 1824. That day, the borough will commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s farewell visit to America. Beginning at 2 p.m., there will be a grand procession from the Adams Hollow Bridge, on Radcliffe Street, near Lincoln Avenue, down banner-lined Radcliffe Street (known as the King’s Highway in colonial days) to the corner of Radcliffe and Mill streets, where a mural marking this bicentennial event will be dedicated. ••
Help with property tax appeals
City Councilman Brian O’Neill is encouraging homeowners who believe their new valuation is higher than it should be to file a First Level Review and Board of Revision of Taxes appeal by the Oct. 7 deadline. O’Neill’s staff is available to assist with printing out and helping fill out forms and questions about or help applying for the Homestead Exemption, Senior Citizen Tax Freeze, Owner-Occupied Duplex Exemption or Low Income Tax Freeze. All homeowners are eligible for the Homestead Exemption. O’Neill co-introduced recent legislation increasing the Homestead Exemption from $80,000 to $100,000. ••
Vaccine shots on Sept. 18
Representatives from Giant Pharmacy will offer flu and other vaccine shots at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., on Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to join members. The flu and pneumonia shots are covered by Medicare Part B, while the shingles shots, Tdap and RSV vaccinations are covered by the Medicare Part D prescription plan. Bring your Medicare, pharmacy and other insurance cards. To reserve an appointment, call 215-698-7300, Ext. 193. ••
St. Hubert run/walk
The St. Hubert Alumnae Association will hold a 5K run/1 Mile Family Fun Walk on Saturday, Sept. 28, in Pennypack Park, off 3135 Rhawn St. Virtual runs and walks will also be held from Sept. 15-28.
The fee is $30 if registered by Sept. 15. The cost is $15 for St. Hubert students and $10 for walkers ages 2-11. All who register by Sept. 15 will receive a T-shirt.
Registration from Sept. 16 to the day of the event is $35 and will include a shirt if supplies last. Registration on Sept. 28 begins at 7:30 a.m. The run starts at 8:30, followed by the walk at 9.
For more information, go to https://sthubertalumnae.org/reunions-and-events ••
