Volunteers needed
Volunteers are needed to help operate the KleinLife Farmers Market, 10100 Jamison Ave., when it opens on Friday, July 18. Volunteers are needed to help with setting up and breaking down the stand, sales and support services from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market will be open for sales to the public from noon to 3 p.m. every Friday through the fall. In addition, KleinLife is looking for volunteers to assist with gardening work Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To volunteer and for additional information, call 215-698-7300, Ext. 196. ••
Veterans barbecue on July 20
State Rep. Joe Hohenstein will hold a veterans appreciation barbecue on Sunday, July 20, from noon to 3 p.m., at Veteran Boxers Association, 2733 E. Clearfield St. There will be dozens of vendors offering veterans’ services. Call 215-744-2600. ••
Donation will boost St. Hubert college and career counseling
St. Hubert High School announced a $500,000 commitment from an anonymous donor. The gift will support the expansion of the school’s College and Career Counseling and Development Office, providing funding for new salaried positions over the next three years.
The donor has expressed a desire to make a meaningful impact on students’ college and career pathways.
Along with the upcoming launch of the Certified Nursing Assistant program in partnership with Holy Family University, the investment will help ensure students have additional resources to pursue their post-secondary goals. The funding will also support the addition of an Assistant Director of Advancement to strengthen the school’s Development Office.
Dr. Lizanne Pando, president of St. Hubert, expressed her gratitude and excitement.
“St. Hubert is experiencing remarkable growth in both enrollment and donor engagement, thanks to our devoted donors and hardworking development team,” she said.
“We are building something special together for every Bambie who dreams of a bright future. With over 30,000 alumnae strong, we are a village lifting up young women of faith and integrity — and we will continue to rise together.”
The gift is part of the school’s “Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders TODAY!” campaign, which has raised more than $5 million to date. The campaign has already resulted in the creation of the Connelly Arts and Design Center and is funding the construction of the Susan Muller Anderson ′68 Performing Arts Center. ••
KleinLife’s got a passion for fashion
Two new free fashion programs for active senior adults will get underway at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., on July 31 and Aug. 1. Both will begin at 12:30 p.m. The public is invited to both programs free of charge.
“Fashion of the 1860’s” will feature Jane Peters Estes dressed in period costume delivering a lecture pinpointing the fashions for the period.
The second program, entitled, “Silver Screenings,” begins on Aug. 1 and will showcase the television series, The New Look. In addition to Aug., film segments will be run on Aug. 8, 15, 22 and 29.
For additional information, contact Andrea Kimelheim at 215-698-7300 or [email protected]. ••
Silent retreat
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. ••
Upcoming operas
Amici Opera Company will present several upcoming performances.
Up first will be two productions of DeBussey’s Pelleas & Melisande: Sunday, July 20, and Saturday, July 26, both at 3 p.m at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
Donizetti’s L’Elisir D’Amore will be performed on Sunday, July 27, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale.
L’Elisir D’Amore will also be performed as part of a dinner opera on Tuesday, July 29, at 6 p.m. at La Piovra, 7901 High School Road in Elkins Park. The cost is $54.95 (tips and tax not included). For reservations, call 215-606-3800.
For more information, call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Information for Real ID
There will be a Real ID documentation pop-up on July 21, from 1-3 p.m., at state Rep. Jared Solomon’s office at 6434 Castor Ave. Solomon’s office will assist with birth certificates, Real ID brochures, document checklists and unclaimed property. The Register of Wills office will process certified copies of marriage records needed for obtaining a Real ID. ••
Christmas in July
Prince of Peace Church, 6001 Colgate St. (at Comly Street), is having an indoor “Christmas In July” on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be a flea market, baked goods, new and gently used clothing, toys and household decor. Chances will be sold for a few gift baskets. Hot dogs and drinks will be available. ••
Book chronicles local man’s wild teen years
Michael Perzel and Rick Mowat have released Livin’ It, a memoir about Perzel’s teenage journey through crime, chaos, tragedy and narrowly dodging jail. The book is available on Amazon in paperback and ebook. It’s a true story of rebellion, survival and wild freedom on the streets of 1960s to ‘70s Philadelphia. It chronicles drug-fueled parties, gang wars, motorcycle madness and nun-run reform schools. Perzel, who grew up in Mayfair, later became a longtime insurance broker. To buy the book, go to https://shorturl.at/UyTxN ••
Events at Welsh Road Library
Welsh Road Library, 9233 Roosevelt Blvd., will hold several upcoming events.
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. ••
Preschool storytime and play
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Preschool Storytime & Play on Thursdays, July 24 and Aug. 7 and 21, at 10:30 a.m. There will be fun stories and songs followed by creative play. For children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
Bus trip to Atlantic City
Holy Innocents is running a casino trip on Friday, Aug. 15. A bus will depart L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 7:30 a.m. There is an option to attend the wedding/blessing of the sea. Mass will begin at 10 a.m. at the Hard Rock Casino Arena. The bus will depart the Hard Rock at 12:15 p.m. for Resorts Casino, and there will be a $10 slot package for all on the bus. The procession to the sea will take place at 1:15 p.m., and the bus will depart for home at 5 p.m. The cost is $40, due by Aug. 1. To reserve your seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
Storytime at Glen Foerd
Family Storytime will take place at Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., on Thursdays, July 17 and 31, at 10:30 a.m. Storytime is presented by Torresdale and Welsh Road libraries. Kids ages 1-5 with an adult are invited. Call 215-685-0494. ••
Craft bags at library
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will offer Grab & Go Craft Bags at 11 a.m. on the following Mondays: July 21, 28, Aug. 4, 11. The bags are for children in kindergarten to fifth grade. Call 215-685-9383. ••
July events at Bustleton Library
Summer of Wonder in July at Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., includes storytime on Tuesdays at 11 a.m.; Mad Science, Singin’ Scholars or another fun program on Wednesdays at 2 p.m.; and Kids Summer Movie Series on Thursdays at 2 p.m. Stop in the library and earn stickers and prizes for reading and other learning activities all summer long. ••
Free vacation Bible school
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., is holding a Free Vacation Bible School through Friday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. All children 4 years old through sixth grade are invited to attend. ••
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 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). ••
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 July 17 (The Great Scott Band), Aug. 21 (The Bogside Rogues) and Sept. 18 (Jumper). ••
Third Thursdays at Glen Foerd
Third Thursdays at Glen Foerd resume July 17 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 Aug. 21 and Sept. 18. Register at www.glenfoerd.org/events. For more information, call 215-632-5330. ••
Oldies band at Polish Home
The Associated Polish Home, 9150 Academy Road, will welcome Joey D and Johnny B Rockin Oldies Band on Friday, Aug. 1, from 7-11 p.m. The donation is $10. There will be a cash bar and kitchen. For tickets and information, call John Wisniewski at 215-906-1825. ••
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. ••
LF class of ‘75 reunion
Little Flower Class of 1975 will hold a 50-year reunion on Sunday, Oct. 26, at Bustleton Manor, 50 Bustleton Pike, in Feasterville. Mass will be at noon, followed by the reunion from 1-5 p.m. The cost is $75, including a buffet meal, soft drinks, coffee, DJ and a donation to an LF scholarship fund in the Class of 1975’s name. There will be a cash bar. To buy a ticket, visit https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=GiTZoy. For more information, go to “Little Flower Class of ‘75 – Reunion Planning” on Facebook. ••
Trip to see Nunsense
On Wednesday, Aug. 13, the Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a bus trip to see the musical comedy Nunsense at Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee-On-Delaware, Monroe County. Cost is $144 and includes buffet luncheon at Shawnee Inn, ticket to see show and round-trip motorcoach. Bus departs at 9:15 a.m. from 604 Cottman Ave., Cheltenham, and returns about 6:30 p.m. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Call Sharyn at 267-265-5348. ••
Enjoy the music of Bobby Darin
The Maryln Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is going to New York City on Sept. 6 to see the Broadway show about Bobby Darin, Just In Time. The cost is $270, which includes orchestra seat and coach bus. The bus leaves from 604 Township Line Road, Cheltenham, at 9:15 a.m. and returns about 7:30 p.m. This event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. To reserve a ticket, call Penny at 215-342-4231. ••
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/. ••
Clothing sale, flea market
Crescentville United Methodist Church. 400 E. Sentner St., will host a clothing sale and flea market, inside and outside, rain or shine, on Saturday July 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food will be available. No vendors are needed. Call 215-745-7115. ••
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. ••
Community safety day
State Rep. Jared Solomon will hold a Community Safety Day on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 4-6 p.m. at Roosevelt Playground, 6455 Walker St. Call 215-342-6340. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Bingo on July 27
Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave., will host bingo on Sunday, July 27, at 2 p.m. There will be nine rounds with basket prizes and one round with a cash prize. The cost is $25, payable at the door. ••
Ethnic food fair in November
St. Stephen’s Orthodox Cathedral, 8598 Verree Road, will host an ethnic food fair on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8-9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be homemade pierogies, halupki and other ethnic foods from around the world. ••
Jeanes farm stand is open
The Temple University Hospital — Jeanes Campus farm stand, 7600 Central Ave., is open Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October. The stand is located next to Parking Lot C. Call 215-728-2131 or email [email protected] ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Golf outing to benefit statue for women veterans
The Bucks County Department of Veterans Affairs will sponsor its annual golf outing on July 28 at Spring Mill Country Club & Manor in Ivyland. The cost is $200 per golfer, with registration at 10 a.m. and a shotgun start at noon. There will be lunch and dinner. Sponsorships are available. Proceeds will benefit a statue project for women veterans. For more information, call Matt Allen at 215-345-3881. ••
Sign up for basketball camp
The 19th annual Jaguar Summer Basketball Camp will take place from July 21-25 at the air-conditioned Marian Center at St. Ephrem, in Bensalem. The camp is for boys and girls in kindergarten through 12th grade and will be a mix of fun, fundamentals and competition. The cost is $150 and includes a free basketball and T-shirt. Campers must bring lunch. The camp is under the direction of former college coach Dan Williams. To request a brochure or for more information, email Williams at [email protected]. ••
Golfing for a cause
The Leigh Leckerman Foundation will hold Tee for Leigh, its second annual golf classic, on Friday, Sept. 5, at Bensalem Country Club. The cost is $200 per golfer, $800 for a foursome or $60 for dinner only. Sponsorships are available, including those for holes and beverage carts. Proceeds will benefit the foundation, which provides addiction-related services, including detox inpatient and outpatient services and housing. For more information, visit LeighsHelp.org. ••
Sign up for benefit wiffle ball tournament
The eighth annual Holly Colwell Save 2nd Base Wiffle Ball Tournament will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2, at Hayes Playground (Bustleton Bengals), 9945 President St. The tournament serves as a fundraiser for breast cancer patients. The winning team will be able to donate $500 to the cancer charity of their choice. Teams are made up of 5-10 players, ages 16 and older. The registration fee is $30 per player. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., with first pitch at 9 a.m. Volunteer umpires are needed, and will receive a T-shirt. For more information, contact Nick Tarducci at 215-964-1944 or [email protected] or Chris Tarducci at 215-906-8179 or [email protected]. ••
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 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]. ••
Community picnics
State Sen. Tina Tartaglione will hold four community picnics in the summer.
The schedule is Tuesday, July 29, at Bridesburg Recreation Center, 4625 Richmond St.; Thursday, July 31, at Mayfair Recreation Center, 2990 St. Vincent St.; Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Wissinoming Park, 5773-5945 Frankford Ave.; and Thursday, Aug. 7, at Norris Square Park, 2100 N. Howard St.
Times are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children must be present to receive a backpack. There will be free refreshments, a DJ, back-to-school giveaways, games and face painting.
Call 215-291-4653. ••
Community resource fair
There will be a community resource fair on July 26, from noon to 3 p.m., at Star of Hope Baptist Church, 7137 Hegerman St. The afternoon will include refreshments, employment opportunities, food distribution, health resources, utility assistance and a clothing giveaway. Call 215-332-8320. ••
Meet local elected officials
Local elected officials and the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will present a Northeast Government Open House on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Guests will be able to ask questions of elected officials and meet representatives of city, state and federal agencies. There will be light refreshments. ••
Hero Thrill Show on Sept. 20
The 70th annual Hero Thrill Show will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, from noon to 5 p.m., outside the Wells Fargo Center. Tickets cost $15 apiece or $35 for a family up to five. Proceeds pay for the college tuition of the children of Philadelphia police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. For more information, visit herothrillshow.org. ••
Strategies offered for effective breast cancer treatment
Targeted cancer drugs known as CDK4/6 inhibitors have improved outcomes for patients with advanced or metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer, but many patients still eventually relapse and become resistant to therapy. New research co-headed by a Fox Chase Cancer Center scientist helps explain why — and offers three strategies for making treatment more effective.
In a new paper in Nature Cancer, a team of researchers shows, for the first time, how some tumors respond to CDK4/6 inhibitors by forming an immunosuppressive microenvironment that makes the cancer more resistant to treatment. The microenvironment consists of cells in the immediate vicinity of cancer cells that play a key role in the growth of tumors. The new research also shows how this immunosuppressive microenvironment can be mitigated with radiation therapy or drugs that modulate the immune system.
“The takeaway is, let’s give radiotherapy when we can,” said senior author Lorenzo Galluzzi, PhD, an Associate Professor in the Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Research Program at Fox Chase. “But when we cannot, now we may have two different alternatives that we can use instead to make these inhibitors better.”
Galluzzi conducted the research when he was affiliated with Weill Cornell Medicine in New York before joining Fox Chase last year. Other authors include researchers from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
CDK4/6 inhibitors are targeted agents that improve on older chemotherapy drugs by directly attacking cancer cells while avoiding healthy cells as much as possible. They are typically given in combination with hormonal therapy to patients with advanced or metastatic HR+/HER2- breast cancer as standard care.
In this study, which involved multiple centers worldwide, researchers first showed in a mouse model that adding radiation therapy to CDK4/6 inhibitors and hormonal therapy was more effective than standard care alone.
Then they took a closer look at what was happening in the mouse tumors. They found that some of the tumors treated with CDK4/6 inhibitors had elevated levels of gamma delta T-cells and a specific population of macrophages that suppress immune responses. They also found that radiation therapy blocked signaling pathways involved in increasing these cells.
“The tumor reacts to CDK4/6 by generating this immunosuppressive microenvironment,” Galluzzi said. “Radiation therapy prevents that from happening.”
He also noted that gamma delta T cells and immunosuppressive macrophages can also be targeted with drugs that are already in use. This offers an alternative approach for patients who can’t receive radiation therapy, either because they have too many tumors or because their tumors are too close to sensitive organs.
Finally, researchers studied blood and tissue samples from human patients being treated for HR+/HER2- breast cancer with CDK4/6 inhibitors. They confirmed that patients with high levels of gamma delta T cells relapsed faster than patients with normal levels.
“It suggests that what we observe in the mouse also happens in patients,” Galluzzi said.
It’s possible that gamma delta T cells could be used as an indicator to help predict which patients will respond better to treatment, he added.
In a follow-up study, researchers plan to treat HR+/HER2- breast cancer patients scheduled for surgery at Fox Chase with CDK4/6 inhibitors combined with drugs that target gamma delta T cells or immunosuppressive macrophages. They will check the tumors after surgery to look for beneficial changes in the tumor microenvironment. Eventually, they hope to conduct a clinical trial investigating whether combining therapies is more effective than standard care.The study, “IL17A-Secreting γδ T Cells Promote Resistance to CDK4/6 Inhibitors in HR+HER2- Breast Cancer Via CX3CR1+ Macrophages,” was published in Nature Cancer. ••
Bellmon bill on fire sprinkler systems passes
The state House passed legislation (H.B. 1668) introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon that would permit Philadelphia to establish a property tax abatement program for the retrofitting of fire sprinkler systems in residential high-rises.
All residential high-rise buildings in Philadelphia built after 1991 must have fire sprinkler systems, and all commercial buildings must be retrofitted with sprinkler systems. However, this requirement does not exist for residential high-rise buildings that were built before 1991.
“When there’s a fire, sprinkler systems can save lives and protect property. Unfortunately, older residential high-rise buildings in Philadelphia aren’t required to have these systems, putting thousands of residents at risk,” Bellmon said. “The safety of a building and its residents shouldn’t be determined by the year it was built, and for that reason, I am glad to see my bill pass the House.”
It is estimated that more than 26,000 Philadelphians live in residential buildings greater than 6 stories high that are not equipped with fire sprinkler systems.
The program would allow the city to establish the timelines and define which residential high-rise structures within the city are eligible for the abatement.
House Bill 1668 heads to the Senate for consideration. ••
Tartaglione wants ban on Glock switches
In response to recent mass shootings in Philadelphia that involved firearms modified with machine gun conversion devices, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D–2nd dist.) announced she will introduce legislation to prohibit the possession, sale, manufacture and transfer of “auto sears,” also known as Glock switches, in Pennsylvania.
“I’m outraged by the gun violence tearing through our communities,” Tartaglione said. “The recent mass shootings in Philadelphia were made even more dangerous by Glock switches that turned handguns into fully automatic weapons. These devices are cheap, easy to get and incredibly deadly. That’s why I will be introducing legislation to ban Glock switches in Pennsylvania. Our streets are not battlegrounds, and I won’t stand by while these weapons continue to devastate our city.”
Glock switches are small, inexpensive plastic or metal attachments that can convert a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic weapon capable of firing multiple rounds with a single trigger pull. They can be installed in seconds using basic tools or 3D-printed at home. Despite being classified as illegal machine guns under federal law, the devices are becoming increasingly common in Philadelphia and across the country.
In 2025 alone, Philadelphia police have recovered at least 57 firearms equipped with switches. In the past six weeks, police believe these devices were used in two separate mass shootings in Grays Ferry and Fairmount Park, where five people were killed and 18 others were injured – all under the age of 28.
“Fully automatic machine guns do not belong on our streets,” Tartaglione said. “When these devices are used, the risk of mass casualties skyrockets. We have to act now to protect our communities and law enforcement officers who are already working under tremendous strain.”
Currently, 27 states have laws banning auto sears and other conversion devices. Pennsylvania is not one of them. Philadelphia passed a local ban last year, but legal challenges based on state preemption limit the city’s ability to enforce it. Tartaglione’s forthcoming bill will close this gap and bring Pennsylvania in line with federal standards.
“This is common sense,” Tartaglione said. “We need a statewide solution. I urge my colleagues in the General Assembly to join me in taking this important step to save lives.” ••
Silent cinema at Glen Foerd
Glen Foerd invites film lovers of all ages to experience silent cinema with a twist during Silent Movie Night with Live Music on Tuesday, July 22. The outdoor screening will feature a selection of the most iconic short films of Buster Keaton’s (1895-1966), brought to life with original scores by Not So Silent Cinema director Brendan Cooney, a Philadelphia-based composer.
The event runs from 8:30 to 10 p.m. at Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs for a night under the stars.
Keaton, known as “The Great Stone Face,” is celebrated for his physical comedy and daredevil stunts. The program includes four classic shorts:
• One Week (1920)
• The Haunted House (1921)
• Cops (1922)
• The Electric House (1922)
The musical accompaniment — crafted by Cooney and performed live by an NSSC trio — blends ragtime, blues, bluegrass, old-time and hot jazz to create a 1920s Americana soundscape that complements Keaton’s humor.
Admission is $25 for general entry and $20 for students and seniors. For tickets and more information, visit www.glenfoerd.org/events. ••
Help available for veterans
State Rep. Jared Solomon hosts a veterans clinic at his office at 7104 Frankford Ave. on the second Thursday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A representative from American Legion Post 810 assists veterans with benefits. To make an appointment, call 215-543-6755. ••
Soprano to perform at Redemption Lutheran
On Sunday, Aug. 10, soprano Audra Casebier will be performing at the 10 a.m. worship service of Redemption Lutheran Church (8001 Bustleton Ave.). Casebier recently released her musical theater album Here in Eden, featuring Reese Revak on piano. ••
National Night out/bike ride
The 2nd and 7th police districts will hold a community bike ride on Tuesday, Aug. 5, outside Fox Chase Elementary School, 500 Rhawn St. The leisurely ride will be escorted by police officers. All participants will be eligible to win a new bike in a raffle at 5:30.
National Night Out will follow from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Fox Chase school yard. There will be a DJ, food and more. For more information, call state Rep. Sean Dougherty’s office at 215-331-2600.
Meeting in Fox Chase on Sept. 10
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: Sept. 10, Oct. 8 and Nov. 12. ••
