The Burholme Civic Association welcomed representatives from the 2nd Police District and Fox Chase Cancer Center to its September meeting.
Capt. Scott DiDonato and community relations officer Mark Mroz represented the 2nd district, which recently, in combination with the city Department of Licenses and Inspections, shut down 30 illegal vendors at the shopping center at 4640 Roosevelt Blvd. Grills and coolers were confiscated, and the food was thrown out. The action follows the closing of a number of illegal car washes across the district.
As for retail theft, DiDonato and Mroz met recently with three Wawa store general managers, who told them much of the crime was coming from the homeless, teenagers and drug addicts. Police made eight arrests on a recent day at local Wawas for retail theft. One of those arrested was in possession of an illegal gun.
Police are working with a loss-prevention company and the district attorney’s office to curtail retail theft. So far, the DA’s office has been requesting high bail for the suspects to keep them in custody until trial.
The district reported that stolen cars are down 50 percent in the last year.
On Oct. 30, at 6 p.m., the 2nd, 7th, 8th and 15th districts will take part in a Trunk or Treat at Mission BBQ, 11000 Roosevelt Blvd. A car show will take place at the same time.
In other news from the Sept. 12 meeting:
• Joel Helmke, chief operating officer at Fox Chase Cancer Center, noted that the center scored well in recent Best Hospitals ratings published by U.S. News & World Report. Fox Chase was 19th in urology and 33rd in cancer.
Helmke said the center is focusing on new technology and working toward an overall goal of providing access to care and good care. In the near future, the center will be announcing community cancer screenings and sponsorships.
• Ryerss Museum and Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, has announced its September and October events.
Here is the schedule: Friday, Sept. 27, 1-3 p.m. (Fibercraft Friends); Saturday, Sept. 28, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Storytime: Explore the park with Ranger Monica); Friday, Oct. 4, 1-3 p.m. (Genealogy Group); Saturday, Oct. 5, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Storytime: Knights & Dragons); Saturday, Oct. 5, 5 p.m. (crafts, followed by the movie IF at 7); Friday, Oct. 11, 1-3 p.m. (Fibercraft Friends); Friday, Oct. 18, 1-3 p.m. (Book Club); Saturday, Oct. 19, 1-3 p.m. (Presentation by Herb and Sandy Kaufman, The Soldier & His Lady: A Look at Victorian Life, Culture & Fashion); Friday, Oct. 25, 1-3 p.m. (Fibercraft Friends); and Saturday, Oct. 26, 1-3 p.m. (Young Frankenstein’s Mad Science Halloween Party: food, crafts and creepy science fun).
Register at ryerssmuseum@gmail.com.
• The office of City Councilman Brian O’Neill is sponsoring several events on upcoming Saturdays, all from 9-11 a.m. There will be e-cycling on Sept. 28 at Bustleton Avenue and Bowler Street, above the 7th Police District. There will be a recycle bucket giveaway on Oct. 12 at FOP Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road. There will be shredding on Oct. 26 at 432 Rhawn St., behind American Heritage Credit Union. Call 215-MU6-3422.
• Among those in attendance were aides to Councilman Brian O’Neill, state Rep. Kevin Boyle and Register of Wills John Sabatina. ••
