Clothing sale at thrift shop
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, is having a half-price spring and summer clothing sale. Hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shop is closed Sundays. Donations are accepted. Call 215-624-9130. Meanwhile, Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, the oldest synagogue in the Northeast, celebrated its 100th anniversary on May 18 at the Buck Hotel. Rabbi Robyn Frisch, Cantor Joel Manon and President Sheila Dressner welcomed members and friends. New members are welcome. Call 215-969-5346. ••
Gun buyback on June 14
A Safe Summer Gun Buyback Event will be held on Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the parking lot of St. Mark’s Church, Frankford (4442 Frankford Ave.). Community members are encouraged to bring in unwanted firearms, which will be accepted anonymously — no questions asked. In exchange, participants will receive a $200 Visa gift card for each gun turned in. All firearms must be transported unloaded. Law enforcement personnel will be on site to ensure the secure handling and collection of all weapons. In addition to the buyback, free gun locks will be distributed to promote safe firearm storage. Organizations on site will include CeaseFirePA; Philadelphia Anti-Drug/Anti-Violence Network; United Way; Compassionate Consultants, Trauma-Informed Care; Sen. Christine Tartaglione; Rep. Joseph Hohenstein; and Unique Dreams Inc. Contact Cristina Mancini at St. Mark’s Church at 215-535-0635 or [email protected]. ••
Events at Welsh Road Library
Welsh Road Library, 9233 Roosevelt Blvd., will hold several upcoming events.
There will be a KidRave Dance Party on Friday, June, 6 at 3:30 p.m. Ry Noss welcomes kids, tweens and teens to hear a DJ play LGBTQ+ song favorites.
Create Our Own Pride Flags will take place on Tuesday, June 17, at 4:30 p.m.
Science in the Summer will return Wednesdays at 3 p.m. from July 16 to Aug. 12, for children in grades 2-6. Register at 215-685-0498.
Snakes Alive is scheduled for Thursday, July 24, at 1 p.m. Snake expert Scott Prior will lead an interactive presentation on different types of snakes, care, conservation and habitats. ••
July 4 fun
One River Alliance and State Street Events will present Freedom Fest on Friday, July 4, from 5-9:30 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Park, 9201 N. Delaware Ave. There will be fireworks, a 100-foot ferris wheel, 20 food trucks, five live bands, more than 50 vendors and beer gardens.
Flea market on June 7
Good Shepherd Church, 10901 Calera Road, is having a flea market on Saturday, June 7. Tables are $25. Setup time is 7 a.m. Call Rosemarie at 215-868-5304 to reserve your space. ••
Bereavement support group
Lambie Funeral Home, 8000 Rowland Ave. (at Rhawn Street), will host a Bereavement Support group for all who have lost loved ones on Wednesday, June 4, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. There is no fee. Call 215-332-6110. ••
Craft fair and flea market
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., is hosting a spring craft fair and flea market on Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ••
Senior fair on May 30
State Rep. Anthony Bellmon will hold a senior fair on Friday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, 1009 Unruh Ave. There will be information about resources and services available, along with a free lunch. Call 215-560-1315. ••
Upcoming operas
Amici Opera Company will hold a number of upcoming performances.
There will be a production of Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda, on Saturday, May 31, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
There will be a presentation of Leoncavello’s Pagliacci on Saturday, June 7, at 4 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. Brigantine Ave., Brigantine. The cost is $30.
There will be two performances of Massenet’s Thais, on Saturdays, June 21 and 28, both at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
St. Hubert sponsoring day trip
St. Hubert’s ninth annual fun day trip will take place on Monday, June 16. A bus will depart the school at 8:45 a.m. and return at about 8 p.m. There will be a one-hour boat ride on an Atlantic City cruise ship, followed by a four-and-a-half-hour stay at Tropicana Casino, with $20 back in slot cash and a $15 food voucher. The day will end at Tomasello Winery for a sit-down dinner. The cost is $130. Contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or [email protected]. ••
Theater performance of Honk!
The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Honk! The Ugly Duckling Musical on May 30-31 and June 1, at 7 p.m., at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St., in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, follow @starplayersPPR on X, like the group’s page on Facebook or contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or [email protected]. ••
Shredding/e-recycling
State Rep. Pat Gallagher will hold a shredding and e-recycling event on Saturday, May 31, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Linden Avenue boat launch, at Linden Avenue and the Delaware River. ••
Art in the Park on May 31
Art in the Park, sponsored by the Rockledge Fox Chase Business Association, will take place on May 31 from 2-5 p.m. at Northeast Lions Park, 7964 Oxford Ave. All artists and vendors are invited to have a table. Call Theresa Guldin at Tompkins Community Bank at 215-722-4566. ••
Dinner by the Delaware
Glen Foerd, the 18-acre historic estate and public park along the Delaware River, invites the public to Dinner by the River on Thursday, May 29, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Guests will experience a four-course spring dinner prepared by chefs Keith and Sara of The Clean Plate Club. The menu will highlight seasonal spring produce and locally sourced honey. Attendees will receive a complimentary drink and can explore the Glen Foerd mansion and scenic grounds before dinner. The evening also features a signature cocktail created by Mad Wild Wine with alcohol provided by Philadelphia Distilling. In addition, honey harvested from Glen Foerd’s own beehives will be available for purchase. Tickets are $85 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.glenfoerd.org/events or call 215-632-5330. ••
Parker to talk housing
Mayor Cherelle Parker will hold a housing town hall meeting on Thursday, May 29, from 6-8 p.m. at The Life Church, 6750 Roosevelt Blvd. There will be resources for tenants, homeowners and first-time homebuyers. ••
Graveyard tour at All Saints’
All Saints’ Church, 9601 Frankford Ave., will host a graveyard tour on Saturday, June 7, at 2 p.m. The rain date is June 14. The tour will celebrate the history of the Cannell family from royalty to plantations to Cape May. Light refreshments will follow the tour. ••
Chair yoga at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., hosts chair yoga on Wednesdays at 10:10 a.m. The class is presented by Yoga4Philly and sponsored by Friends of Bustleton Library. ••
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 4 (Black Dog, tribute to Led Zeppelin), June 11 (Pure Petty, tribute to Tom Petty), June 18 (The Land of Ozz, tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath), June 25 (Romeo Delight, tribute to Van Halen), July 2 (Idol Kings, tribute to Journey and REO Speedwagon), July 9 (Irish Night, Ed Kelly’s birthday celebration, Jamison and Bogside Rogues), July 16 (Kick it Out, tribute to Heart), July 23 (Starman, tribute to David Bowie), July 30 (Crystal Ship, tribute to the Doors), Aug. 6 (Street Survivor, tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd), Aug. 13 (The Launch, tribute to Queen, Boston and Styx) and Aug. 20 (LeCompt). ••
What’s happening in Frankford
A community meeting about upcoming neighborhood projects in Frankford will take place on Thursday, May 29, at 6 p.m. at 2nd Baptist Church, 1801 Meadow St. There will be a discussion about a new grocery store, health center and affordable housing near the Frankford Transportation Center; the next phase of the Frankford Greenway project; and the Frankford Gateway Beautification mural project. ••
Senior expo in Frankford
The Frankford Community Development Corporation will hold a senior expo on Thursday, June 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Frankford Pause Park, 4671-73 Paul St. There will be resources, free health screenings, entertainment and prizes. ••
Old website returns
The Northeast Times has returned to its original website, northeasttimes.com.
The website includes news, sports, opinion, crime, entertainment and features, and a link to sign up for a free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox. The site includes an option to read the current issue in “flipbook” style. Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and on X @NETimesOfficial. In addition to the Times being delivered to homes, the paper can be found at these spots: https://northeasttimes.com/pickup-locations/. ••
Activities at Rosemary Montagno Senior Center
The Rosemary Montagno Senior Center, 12601 Townsend Road, has the following schedule: Monday – free time activities, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday – bingo, 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Wednesday – pinochle and mahjong, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., ceramics, 10 a.m. to noon; Thursday – line dancing, 10:30 a.m. to noon; Friday – Pinochle 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ••
Join St. Anselm Seniors
St. Anselm has started a senior citizen club that meets most Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Hall, 12650 Dunksferry Road. The club is open to men and women 55 and older, and members don’t have to be St. Anselm parishioners. For more information, visit the St. Anselm Senior Citizens Club page on Facebook. ••
Shredding event
City Councilman Brian O’Neill will hold a free shredding event, sponsored by Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, on Saturday, June 7, from 9-11 a.m. at 11630 Caroline Road. ••
Trip to Niagara Falls
Polish American Cultural Center is sponsoring a Niagara Falls, New York & Made in America Store trip from Thursday, July 10, to Sunday, July 13. There will be a canal Cruise and lunch, boat ride, underground railroad tour, wine testing, a visit to the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine and casino trip, with $25 slot play. The trip will be by motor coach, and there will be a three-night hotel stay with buffet breakfasts and dinners. The cost is $1,100 per person double occupancy, including taxes and gratuities. For more information and reservations, call Theresa Romanowski at 215-813-2780 or 215-922-1700. ••
St. Jerome trip to Mackinac Island
St. Jerome Seniors are planning a trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan from Aug. 19-25. Cost for double occupancy is $1,685 per person. For reservations and trip details, call Diane McDowell at 267-496-2431. ••
Curfew, underage drinking
Curfew in Philadelphia is 9:30 p.m. for anyone 13 and under and 10 p.m. for those ages 14-17. If police pick up someone for a curfew violation in the Northeast, the young person will be taken home, to the Community Evening Resource Center at 4704 Leiper St. in Frankford or to the 2nd, 7th, 8th or 15th police districts. The penalty for a curfew violation can be up to $300.
Under state law, underage drinking is a summary offense with a $500 fine for the first violation. Anyone receiving a citation for underage drinking can be asked about it on applications for jobs, college applications and appointments to military service academies. ••
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. ••
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. ••
KleinLife summer camp
Registration is open for the 2025 summer day camp at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. Camp will run June 16 to Aug. 22. Camp will be offered in four age-related segments: grades K-3; Maccabi boys sports program, grades 4-7; senior girls, grades 4-7; and the CIT program for grades 8-9. Camp hours will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. There will be plenty of activities and three healthy homemade meals every day. For cost and additional information, contact Cierra Adams at 215-698-7300, Ext. 112 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 at 7 p.m. There are dollar hot dogs and free popcorn. ••
Retreat in July
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center (3501 Solly Ave.) will host Come and Rest Awhile silent directed retreat from July 20-27. Take some time to pause in prayer, reflection and silence, attuning your ear and heart to the Holy Spirit. The retreat costs $650, which includes private accommodations and meals. Visit https://msbt.org/mbsc/ to register. Any questions, or to register by phone, call 267-350-1830. ••
English classes at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., hosts free intermediate English classes on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. To register, go to remind.com/join/dbhd4e or call 215-685-0472. ••
Programs at NE Regional
Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave., offers the following recurring programs:
• Crochet Club, Fridays at 11 a.m. in the second-floor Humanities Department. Bring your own materials.
• Mixed Level English Class, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-4 p.m. Call 215-685-0522.
• PA CareerLink® Job Search Assistance, Wednesdays, 2 to 4:30 p.m. Call 833-750-5627.
• Chess Club for Adults & Teens, Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m.
• One-on-One Basic Computer Help Appointments, Fridays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 215-685-0525.
• Thursday Computer Help: Various Subjects, Thursdays, 1-2 p.m.
• Gadget Help, Mondays and Wednesdays upon request. Call 215-685-0525.
• Computer Skills for Beginners, Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m. Register at 215-474-1235.
• English Conversation Group – Intermediate-plus, Mondays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Register at 215-474-1235. ••
Cruise in July
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is traveling on an Independence Day Celebration cruise, July 1-8. Ports-of-call include New York, Newport, Boston on July 4 and Halifax, Nova Scotia. A passport is required. Rates range from $1,920 to $2,680 per person, double occupancy. For a flyer, call 215-788-9408. ••
A fundraiser for Tara
A fundraiser for Tara Stipanovic will take place on Saturday, June 7, at 6 p.m. at Order Sons of Italy in America Lodge 447, 4741 Friendship St. Tickets cost $50 and include food, beer, wine and vendors. There will be raffle baskets and a 50-50. Proceeds will go to Tara’s health needs. For tickets or more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/share/158D1oCeyx/ ••
Travel with Maternity BVM Seniors
Maternity BVM Seniors have announced their 2025 group trip schedule. People are invited to join them on the following trips: Sight and Sound – Noah, Thursday, Sept. 25, $180; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Sea Watch Resort, Oct. 6-10; Tropicana – Blockbuster Broadway, Monday, Nov. 17, $80. For information, call Betty Ann at 215-964-7125 or Connie at 215-338-9141. ••
Parkinson’s support group at Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, 7604 Central Ave., will host meetings of a Parkinson’s disease support group in its Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse. The meetings, from 5-6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every other month, are open to people diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their families, and are led by nurse practitioner June Ro. The schedule, with guest speakers, is June 11 (speech therapist Marissa Rock), Aug. 13 (Dr. Molly Cincotta, neurologist), Oct. 8 (social worker Luisa Enriquez) and Dec. 10 (Dr. Teodora Schellato, urologist, and physical therapist Sonia Williams-Joseph).
To register, contact Ro at 215-707-2619 or [email protected]. ••
Outing to Philadelphia
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to Philadelphia on Thursday, June 26, featuring lunch on the Moshulu, the oldest and largest square-rigged vessel still afloat, which now sits stationary at Penn’s Landing. Also on the itinerary is a tour of the Masonic Temple, a national historic landmark on Broad Street, constructed in 1873. The cost is $145. Call 215-788-9408 for a flyer/reservation form or visit http://www.bristolhistory.org. ••
Ukrainian festival in August
The Ukrainian Folk Festival will take place on Sunday, Aug. 24, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Ukrainian American Sport Center — Tryzub, County Line and Lower State roads, Horsham.
The event will feature folk art, live music, dance, food, refreshments, vendors, arts and crafts displays and live historical reenactments.
Admission is $20, with a portion donated to the relief of war victims in Ukraine.
Kids under 15 are admitted free.
Parking is free.
For more information, call 267-664-3857 or visit www.tryzub.org. ••
5 Points Night Market on June 26
The 5 Points Night Market will take place on Thursday, June 26, from 5-9 p.m. on Rising Sun Avenue, from Cottman Avenue to St. Vincent Street, in Burholme. There will be more than 20 food trucks, music, vendors, live performances and activities for all ages. The free event is part of the city’s Wawa Welcome America festival. To apply as a vendor, food truck or performer, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsQIeudEXIlfVoZxFfxG76rcn-G-bPnSPicLU-zK4-QyRpPg/viewform. ••
Fish Fest on June 7
Riverfront North Partnership’s Frankford Fish Fest will take place on Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Frankford Boat Launch, 5501 Tacony St. There will be fishing lessons, with equipment provided; bicycle rides on trails; kayaking; double dutch; art activities; and free food and refreshments. ••
Preschool storytime
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Preschool Storytime & Play on Thursday, June 12, at 10:30 a.m. There will be fun stories and songs followed by creative play. The program is for kids ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
Meeting in Fox Chase on June 11
The Fox Chase Town Watch and Fox Chase Civic Association meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at American Legion Loudenslager Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave. The group will meet on the following dates: June 11, July 9, Sept. 10, Oct. 8 and Nov. 12. ••
Third Thursdays at Glen Foerd
Third Thursdays at Glen Foerd resume June 19 with entertainment and refreshments for everyone. There will be a happy hour, live music, food, games, 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. The event is pay-what-you-wish (recommended donation amount is $10). Other dates are July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18. Register at www.glenfoerd.org/events. For more information, call 215-632-5330. ••
Mayfair Third Thursdays
The Mayfair Business Improvement District will hold Third Thursday Night Markets through September, 6 to 9:30 p.m., at Frankford, Cottman and Ryan avenues. The dates are June 19 (Phillies tailgate on the big screen, with entertainer Mike Schmanek), July 17 (The Great Scott Band), Aug. 21 (The Bogside Rogues) and Sept. 18 (Jumper). ••
Cruise to Italy, Greece, Turkey
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring an “Antiquity to Anatolia” cruise, Oct. 29 to Nov. 9, aboard Oceania Cruises’ “Oceania Vista,” sailing from Rome and visiting Cinque Terre, Naples/Pompeii and Taormina (Sicily), Italy; Cephalonia, Katakolon, Athens and Santorini, Greece; and Ephesus and Istanbul, Turkey. Rates per person, including round-trip air from Philadelphia, range from $6,150 to $6,450. For flyers, call 215-788-9408 or go to http://www.bristolhistory.org. ••
White wants Lifeline Scholarships
Reps. Martina White and Clint Owlett reintroduced the Lifeline Scholarship bill.
“Harrisburg has for too long failed these families by being complacent; it is not dissimilar to how schools have failed their children time and again,” White said. “We need to come together and do the hard work necessary to ensure all students have access to high-quality education regardless of where they live in Pennsylvania.”
The lawmakers noted recent statewide test scores highlight the importance of offering more educational options for students. According to the 2024 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment, 72% of eighth-grade students in public schools are not proficient in math and 48% are not proficient in language arts. In 18 schools, not a single student is proficient in either reading or math.
House Bill 1489 would establish the Lifeline Scholarship to provide students (in kindergarten through grade 12) and qualified families with the resources they need to pursue high-quality educational alternatives. It would affect families who either have a household income below 350% of the federal poverty guidelines or who reside in the attendance areas of the state’s lowest-performing schools.
Eligible families would receive scholarships to cover qualified educational expenses, including school tuition, required textbooks and curriculum materials; specialized services for students with special needs; and tutoring or other supplemental education-related resources to help scholarship recipients achieve grade-level expectations.
Under the bill, the initial amount of the scholarships would range from $2,500 for students in half-day kindergarten to $5,000 for students in full-day kindergarten through grade eight. Scholarships would increase to $10,000 for students in grades nine through 12. Scholarships for students with special needs, regardless of grade level, would be $15,000.
The program would be run through the Pennsylvania Treasury, and the bill provides initial funding of $350 million. White and Owlett emphasized the funding does not divert any money away from funding for basic education in the state.
According to a recent poll from the American Federation for Children, 71% of Pennsylvanians support scholarships for primarily low-income students to attend schools that better meet their needs.
The representatives said Gov. Josh Shapiro, who, in his campaign, pledged support for education choice, has so far failed to deliver on that promise, having line-item vetoed funding for a similar program from the 2023-24 state budget.
The measure is awaiting referral to a House committee for consideration. ••
Rhawnhurst Civic to meet
Rhawnhurst Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, June 18, at 7 p.m., at Pelbano Playground, Bustleton and Solly Avenues. The 2nd and 7th police district community relations officers will be on hand, with a representative of the Friends of Northeast Philadelphia History as the guest speaker. The group will also discuss zoning issues. ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., Burholme Park, will hold several upcoming events.
Storytime: Let’s Take a Trip will take place on Saturday, May 31, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Book Club: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is scheduled for Friday, June 20, from 1-3 p.m.
A Wizard of Oz Party is set for Saturday, June 21, from 1-3 p.m. Register at 215-685-0599.
Friends of Ryerss Outdoor Movie Night will take place on Saturday, June 28, from 7-11 p.m.
For more information, visit ryerssmuseum.org. ••
See ‘Cher’ at Tropicana
St. William Travel is headed to see Cher the Ultimate Tribute on Thursday, July 31, at the Tropicana Casino. Guests will be given $25 in slots and a $20 meal voucher. A bus will leave Gloria Dei Estates, at Rhawn Street and Dungan Road, at 10 a.m. Call Betty at 215-745-7199. ••
