Community fund seeking donations
The Times’ 77th annual Eleanor Smylie Community Fund outreach program is here to help needy people in the Northeast for Christmas and Hanukkah. The fund — named in memory of our late chairwoman — relies on the generosity of our readers. All money collected will be used to buy supermarket gift cards for individuals and families. For those who donate, we’ll publish your names. Please let us know if you want your donation to remain anonymous. To donate or request help, or if you know of someone who could use assistance, write a letter to Eleanor Smylie Community Fund, 1810 Underwood Blvd., Suite 1, Delran, NJ 08075. Include a name and contact information for an agency or person for verification. Everything about the process will remain anonymous. Thank you for your consideration. ••
Santa coming to Fox Chase
Fox Chase Lock & Key will sponsor a visit by Santa Claus to Fox Chase on Saturday, Dec. 20. For details, follow foxlock.phila on Facebook and foxlockphilly on Instagram. ••
TruMark donates toys to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
TruMark Financial® Credit Union joined staff and physicians at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children on Dec. 3 to deliver hundreds of toys collected during their annual holiday toy drive and donation delivery. Throughout November, the credit union’s members and employees collected donations to bring joy to young patients facing illness or hospital stays during the holiday season.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a $7,500 check to support St. Christopher’s pediatric healthcare services. Joining TruMark Financial were Dr. Renee Turchi, Chairwoman, Department of Pediatrics, and Chief, Section of General Pediatrics, as well as employees from St. Christopher’s.
“The generosity of our members and team members shines brightest during the holiday season. It is a true privilege to partner with St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, an organization that performs such essential, lifesaving work for thousands of families in our area,” said TruMark Financial CEO Kelly Botti. “We hope these toys bring a moment of happiness to the young patients, and that our donation helps St. Christopher’s continue its mission of providing exceptional care to every child who needs it.” ••
Picozzi backs homeownership plan
Sen. Joe Picozzi joined Mayor Cherelle Parker and fellow lawmakers to advance enabling legislation that will allow Philadelphia to implement a new 20-year tax abatement. The measure is designed to boost investment, reduce blight and support neighborhood growth across the city. The plan temporarily reduces taxes on the value of newly added or improved property, making it more affordable to build new housing or convert existing buildings into homes, and helping reduce what lawmakers say is a housing shortage crisis. The abatement must be approved by City Council. Parker plans to introduce the legislation after the new year. Picozzi, chairman of the Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee, stressed that Philadelphia needs strong city-state cooperation to deal with blight, disinvestment and aging infrastructure.
“I don’t just represent Northeast Philadelphia — I represent a generation of young Philadelphians who feel like homeownership is slipping out of reach,” he said. “Because of what we did here today, that dream is now much closer.” ••
Thrift bazaar Dec. 12-13
The Sisters of St. Basil the Great will hold a thrift bazaar on Dec. 12-13, from 2-7 p.m., in the Basilian Spirituality Center, 710 Fox Chase Road, Jenkintown. Among the items available for sale are new and gently used clocks, electronics, printers, skeins of yarn, books, DVDs, icons, Ukrainian embroidery and Ukrainian pillows, Precious Moments figurines, Hummels, children’s books and games. Proceeds will go to cover the medical insurance costs and needs of the newly arrived Sisters from Ukraine. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Sister Ann at [email protected] or 412-260-1607. ••
NE Hall of Fame returns
The Northeast Philadelphia Hall of Fame, which had five induction ceremonies from 2009-16, is planning another ceremony for the fall of 2026. The committee’s first meeting took place recently. Committee members are Maureen Greene, Margie Caputo, Patty McCarthy, Karen Borski, Pam Henshall, Mary Carroll Johansen, April Foster, Isabel Brown, Jack McCarthy, Mike Driscoll, Tom Forkin, Joe Picozzi, Sean Roche, Brandon McCammitt, Fred Moore, Paul Andell, Charlie Kueny, Ross Mitchell and Tom Waring. ••
Leaf collection
City Councilman Brian O’Neill announced that the streets department’s 2025 Fall Leaf Collection and Recycling Program will go through Dec. 20. Bagged leaf drop-off will be offered citywide on Saturdays only at 13 locations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Dec. 13 and 20). The 10th Councilmanic District’s bagged leaf drop-off station is 7901 Ridgeway St. (Fox Chase Recreation Center). Residents can also drop off bagged leaves at the Northeast Sanitation Convenience Center at State Road and Ashburner Street, open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bagged leaves to be recycled at the specified drop-off locations will only be accepted in biodegradable paper bags. Otherwise, leaves set out at the curb, either in bags or containers, will be collected as trash.
To find the bagged leaf drop-off location closest to you, call O’Neill’s office at 215-686-3422. ••
Victorian Christmas at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host a Victorian Christmas open house on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Friends of Ryerss Museum & Library are sponsoring the event, which will feature festive decorations, a blacksmith demonstration, hot chocolate, holiday music, baked goods, raffles baskets, a used book sale, crafts and holiday greens for sale, wassail and a visit from Santa from noon to 2 p.m. To register or for more information, call 215-685-0599 or visit https://robertryerss.org. ••
December bingo at Loudenslager
Corp. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., is offering community bingo on Fridays, Dec. 12 and 19. Doors open at 6 p.m. There are dollar hot dogs and free popcorn. ••
Spanish Advent morning of reflection
The Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, 3501 Solly Ave., will host Spanish Advent Morning of Reflection — “From Darkness to Light” on Monday, Dec. 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a contemplative morning of silence, prayer and shared reflection in Spanish, journeying from the shadows of the world toward the light of Bethlehem, guided by Scripture and community. The cost is $25 and includes a morning snack and lunch. The facilitator will be Sister Maria Rincon, MSBT. Register by calling 267-350-1835, emailing [email protected] or going to https://msbt.org/event/manana-de-reflexion-de-adviento-en-espanol/?occurrence=2025-12-15 ••
Senior lunch
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., hosts a senior lunch on the third Wednesday of the month at noon. There will be soup, sandwiches, salads and dessert. Upcoming dates are Dec. 17, Jan. 21, Feb. 18 and March 18. ••
A Christmas Carol at St. James
St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5185 Castor Ave., will host two productions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Show times are 6:15 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 14. The donation is $5, and there will be refreshments. ••
Upcoming unclaimed property events
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity will hold two local unclaimed property events. Treasury staff will help individuals search for unclaimed property, file claims and possibly walk away with money. The first event will be on Dec. 11, from noon to 3 p.m., at Councilman Brian O’Neill’s office, 432 Rhawn St. The other will be on Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the City Commissioners Satellite Office, 1619-81 Grant Ave., Suites 15-16. To search for unclaimed property, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. ••
Santa coming to Holmesburg
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will welcome Santa Claus on Monday, Dec. 15, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. There will be pictures, cookies and holiday crafts. The event is sponsored by Friends of Holmesburg Library. ••
Tai chi class
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host a tai chi class on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 2 p.m. Teacher Michael McCormick will lead the class in a relaxed, fun environment. Wear comfortable clothes. Call 215-685-8756. ••
Preschool storytime and play
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Preschool Storytime & Play on Thursdays, Dec. 11, Jan. 8, Feb. 12 and 26, 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. ••
Care packages for sailors
American Legion Post 133, 7900 Torresdale Ave., is collecting holiday care packages for the USS San Diego, in memory of Navy CS2 Patrick J. Finley, a 25-year-old Mayfair resident who was stationed on the cruiser before he died of cancer in March. Donations are requested by Dec. 15. Requested items include beef jerky/Slim Jims, peanut butter pretzels/crackers, chips, Ritz Crackers, Club Crackers, microwave popcorn, Mac & cheese, hot sauce, seasonings, energy bars, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes and floss. ••
Upcoming opera performances
Amici Opera Company will present several upcoming performances.
Puccini’s La Boheme will be performed on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
There will be another performance of La Boheme on Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 6 p.m. at La Piovra, 7901 High School Road, Elkins Park. The cost for dinner and the show is $54.95, not including tips and tax. For reservations, call 215-606-3800.
Another performance of La Boheme is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 28, at 4 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. Brigantine Ave., Brigantine. The cost is $30.
There will be two performances of Verdi’s La Battaglia Di Legnano, on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, and on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale.
Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
BVM Seniors trips
Maternity BVM Seniors Group will take part in the following trips:
• Magic & Wonder’s – Imaginarium – Where Reality Disappears, with lunch on Thursday, March 19; $145;
• Tropicana Casino – Famous Duets, $20 slot play, on Monday, April 20; $85;
• Hershey, lunch included, on Tuesday, May 19; $145;
• Tropicana, Famous Groups of Motown, $20 slot play, Monday, June 29; $85;
• American Music Theater, Winter Wonderland, lunch included, on Tuesday, Dec. 8; $160.
For information, call Connie at 215-338-9141. ••
Teamsters 830 collecting food for the needy
Teamsters Local Union 830 is partnering with the nonprofit Feast for Friends to collect non-perishable food items to help feed struggling Philadelphians during the holiday season. The union has set up a large food collection box in its hall lobby (12298 Townsend Road) and is inviting its members and Northeast neighbors to drop off non-perishable food items weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., through New Year’s Day. Some of the non-perishable food items that the group is collecting are canned vegetables, canned soup, canned pasta, boxed pasta, canned meats, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni & cheese and dried beans. ••
Parkinson’s support group at Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, 7604 Central Ave., will host a meeting of a Parkinson’s disease support group in its Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse on Dec. 10 from 5-6 p.m. The meeting is open to people diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their families, and is led by nurse practitioner June Ro. Dr. Teodora Schellato, a urologist, and physical therapist Sonia Williams-Joseph will be the guest speakers. To register, contact Ro at 215-707-2619 or [email protected]. ••
Charity gift wrapping
Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Board of Associates of Fox Chase Cancer Center, is running its annual holiday gift wrapping at Willow Grove Park, 2500 W. Moreland Road, Willow Grove, through Dec. 24. Stop by the kiosk to have your holiday gifts wrapped. The event supports patient care and cancer research. ••
Apply for LIHEAP
State Sen. Tina Tartaglione announced that the 2025-26 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program season will continue through April 10, 2026. Cash grants range from $200 to $1,000, based on region, annual income and number of people living in the home. Apply at compass.state.pa.us. For more information, call 866-857-7095. ••
Sign up for free newsletter
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/. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Gone cruisin’
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is planning to go on two cruises next year.
The group is headed to Bermuda and Charleston, South Carolina from April 30 to May 7, on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel, sailing from Philadelphia; Rates range from $1,710 to $2,283 per person, double occupancy, and includes the cruise, service gratuities and beverage and dining package gratuities.
There will be a trip to Greece from Aug. 29 to Sept. 7. Rates range from $4,957 to $5,771 per person, double occupancy, and include round-trip airfare from Philadelphia, the cruise, beverages and taxes.
Passports are required. For a flyer, call 215-788-9408. For reservations, call 800-423-0247. ••
Bird walks every Monday
Fox Chase Farm, 8500 Pine Road, holds a free weekly bird walk, every Monday from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. Bring your own binoculars. Email [email protected] ••
Volunteer at Fox Chase Farm
Fox Chase Farm is looking for adult volunteers. Opportunities include weekend community programs and events, garden and greenhouse support, animal care support, administrative duties during events, general grounds care, weekly and monthly highlights newsletters and farm educational ambassadors. For more information, contact Angela at 215-400-3310, Option 3 or [email protected] ••
Volunteer for child literacy program
Philly Reading Coaches is a program that combines early reading support, access to books and community volunteers to boost reading skills for the city’s children. The program works by pairing trained volunteers with young students – kindergarten through 3rd grade – and by providing fun and child-guided reading experiences that help build reading skills and motivation. Each child in the program also receives 25 free books to take home. PRC is funded by the Office of Children and Families and implemented by Out-of-School Time Providers. PRC operates in 14 elementary schools throughout the city. Locations and schedules can be found here: http://ost.phila.gov/locations-and-schedules/
Volunteers must be 16 years or older and must submit the required clearances for working with children. Begin your application here: bit.ly/ApplyPRC ••
Monthly food pantry
St. Mark’s Church, 4442 Frankford Ave., hosts the Matthew 25 Food Pantry on the second Saturday of each month from 9-10 a.m. The pantry is a ministry of the Court St. Francis de Sales Catholic Daughters of the Americas. ••
Apply for scholarships
Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia, a K-8th grade scholarship program, has opened its 2026-27 scholarship lottery application. CSFP is a privately funded program that provides financial access to students from “under-resourced” Philadelphia families, ensuring that they have access to tuition-based schools. The application is open through March 1, 2026. Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia also offers resources for families, access to school selection support, events hosted at cultural institutions and the opportunity to receive funding to attend summer camps. To be eligible for a CSFP scholarship, families must be residents of Philadelphia with children in kindergarten through 8th grade and meet household income guidelines. Students who are chosen through the lottery will receive a scholarship through 8th grade. Up to three children per family, per year, can receive a scholarship. To learn more about Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia and apply for the 2026-27 scholarship lottery, visit www.csfphiladelphia.org/apply ••
Art club at Lawncrest Library
Lawncrest Library, 6098 Rising Sun Ave., will host an art club meeting on Friday, Dec. 19, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Artists of all levels are invited to do some watercolor painting and freehand drawing. Materials provided.
The library hosts LEAP after-school programs Mondays and Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays to Fridays from 3-5 p.m. The after-school leader offers homework help and fun activities such as stories, games, crafts, dance parties, puzzles, scavenger hunts and movies.
The Open Enrollment Period for health insurance is coming soon. Get the lowest costs on high-quality health coverage through Pennie, Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace. Pennie Certified Assisters can help you in person at Lawncrest Library, Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. Stop by, discover how Pennie can connect you to savings in 2026, and find the best plan for you.
Every Thursday at 1:30 p.m., an English conversation group for adults meets. The group is for intermediate-advanced English speakers. ••
Bingo at Loudenslager
Corp. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., is offering community bingo every second and fourth Friday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and games begin at 7:30. There are dollar hot dogs and free popcorn. ••
Elvis in Huntingdon Valley
The Women’s Club of Huntingdon Valley holds luncheon meetings on the second Thursday of the month (noon to 2 p.m.) at Gloria Dei Fellowship Hall, 570 Welsh Road. On Jan. 8, Elvis Pretzel will entertain with Elvis Presley music. For more information, email Doreen ([email protected]) or check out the club on Facebook. ••
Half-price clothing sale
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will has a half-price sale on all clothing. 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 Saturdays. Call 215-624-9130. ••
Apply for arts and culture grant
The Philadelphia Cultural Fund (PCF), a public arts funder dedicated to equitable, community-centered grantmaking in Philadelphia, announced a new funding strategy that will take effect for the FY26 grant cycle. The approach will combine public and private funding to support organizations whose work strengthens communities, expands access to arts and culture, and fosters equity across the city. It marks the first phase of PCF’s new Strategic Plan, which introduces a refreshed mission, values, strategic pillars and grantmaking priorities that will shape the future of arts and culture funding citywide.
Over the last year, PCF has engaged in a planning process to shape the future direction of its work and its role as a partner and leader in Philadelphia’s arts and culture community. Through this process, PCF has clarified its mission and values, established strategic pillars and designed an equity-driven funding model and grantmaking process.
The release of these elements aligns with the launch of PCF’s 2026 Grant Cycle. This interim year will provide an opportunity to pilot new approaches, learn from partners and gather feedback from the community. These touchpoints will inform PCF’s full strategic plan and long-term funding formula, which will launch in FY27.
Throughout the interim year, PCF will continue to collaborate with partners across the city to shape a more equitable and sustainable future for arts and culture in Philadelphia.
Changes include:
• Applications will reopen to new organizations, with expanded eligibility requirements. The average operational budget threshold will be raised to $3 million (from $1.5 million).
• A funding model built for FY26 that will prepare for a full launch in FY27.
• A new Community Impact Grant, powered by the William Penn Foundation, will offer support to organizations with budgets under $500,000.
In 2024, the William Penn Foundation awarded PCF an $8 million grant to support small arts and culture organizations over four years. As an intermediary, PCF will distribute $1.6 million annually in unrestricted general operating support grants and capacity-strengthening services.
This Community Impact Grant will be awarded to Philadelphia-based arts and culture organizations with annual budgets under $500,000.
PCF has been allocated $5 million in the city’s FY26 Budget.
Find the full program details at https://www.philaculturalfund.org/community-impact
Deadline to apply is Jan. 16 at 11:59 p.m.
PCF will host info sessions and office hours to support applicants. Learn more at https://www.philaculturalfund.org/art-culture-grants#resources-main ••
American Paradigm School launches teacher program
American Paradigm Schools has earned state approval from the Pennsylvania Apprenticeship and Training Council to launch its PK-4 Elementary Teacher Post-Baccalaureate Registered Apprenticeship Program, making it one of the first charter management organizations in the state to receive this designation.
APS has four schools, including First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School, 4300 Tacony St., and Tacony Academy Charter School, with an elementary school at 1330 Rhawn St. and a high school at 6201 Keystone St.
At a time when Philadelphia and districts statewide continue to face a significant teacher shortage, APS’s new apprenticeship program offers a proactive solution: a paid, two-year pathway enabling current uncertified teaching staff to earn their Pennsylvania Level I PK-4 Instructional Certification while working full time in APS schools. The initiative is designed to strengthen the educator pipeline across APS’s four schools and ensure students have consistent, qualified educators in their classrooms.
“Pennsylvania’s shrinking educator workforce is a crisis that directly impacts our students,” said Ashley Redfearn, CEO of American Paradigm Schools. “By becoming a state-registered apprenticeship sponsor, we can develop our own teachers from within our school communities. We are committed to the people who already know our students, know our neighborhoods and are deeply committed to our mission.”
Pennsylvania’s sharp decline in newly certified teachers has forced many schools, especially in urban communities, to depend on long-term substitutes and emergency permits. APS’s newly approved Registered Apprenticeship Program will allow it to build a sustainable internal teacher pipeline, reducing reliance on temporary certifications, strengthening instructional quality across its schools and opening accessible, affordable pathways into the profession.
“This designation is a game-changer for our talent strategy,” said Scott L. Kramer, Chief Talent Officer at APS. “Aligning our program with state and federal apprenticeship standards enables us to support our own staff in becoming certified teachers and expand our eligibility for workforce and apprenticeship funding that can immediately benefit our schools.”
As a state-registered apprenticeship, the APS program is positioned to compete for workforce development resources, including:
• Pennsylvania apprenticeship and training grants
• U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship expansion initiatives
• Local workforce development board funding
“With this Registered Apprenticeship, we are reinforcing our belief that talent already exists in our classrooms, offices and communities,” Redfearn said. “Our responsibility is to build pathways that help our current staff grow into fully certified teachers because our students deserve highly qualified, committed educators every single day.” ••
Apply for LIHEAP
Philadelphia Gas Works is urging eligible Philadelphia families, renters, homeowners and students to apply for the Low
Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The federal program, delayed for 30 days due to the recent federal government shutdown, is open and accepting applications for the 2025-26 heating season.
Qualified LIHEAP applicants could receive up to $1,000 in free money applied directly to their PGW natural gas bills.
If received, LIHEAP grants do not have to be repaid. The LIHEAP application period ends when funds run out or on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Text the word “CASH” to 77037 to receive an application.
Download a LIHEAP application at pgworks.com/liheap.
Visit the Pennsylvania LIHEAP Assistance Office at 1163. S. Broad St. or https://www.pa.gov/services/dhs/apply-for-the-low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap
Applicants must have a household income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level to meet LIHEAP eligibility requirements. Eligibility guidelines are available here: https://www.pgworks.com/uploads/pdfs/Assistance_Program_Guidelines_2025220.pdf
“We are witnessing the cost of living increasing in every aspect of our customers’ lives. Helping alleviate financial strain is core to PGW’s mission,” said Denise Adamucci, Senior Vice President, Customer and Regulatory Affairs at PGW. “Roughly 180,000 PGW customers are eligible for LIHEAP’s free grant, and we are working to spread this message far and wide this winter.
“LIHEAP is a vital federal assistance program that Philadelphians rely on to protect against energy insecurity. LIHEAP along with energy-saving measures can benefit many this winter.” ••
Sign up for Souper Bowl
The Souper Bowl 5K will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 11 a.m., at Northeast SkateZone, 10990 Decatur Road. The 3.1-mile race will have a “Big Game” theme and will benefit the Kyle Ambrogi Foundation, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and MANNA. To volunteer or for more information, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Philadelphia/SouperBowl5K ••
Holme Circle Civic to meet
Holme Circle Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. at St. Jerome parish hall, 8100 Colfax St. Follow the Civic group on Facebook, X and Instagram. ••
