Picozzi bill targets housing crisis
Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee Chair Joe Picozzi and Sen. Pat Stefano introduced legislation aimed at easing the housing crisis. The legislation establishes the Residential Economic Development District Grant Program, which would provide state grants to local governments working with developers to build large-scale housing near major job-creating projects. To qualify, communities must demonstrate commitment to smart housing policies — updating zoning, faster permitting processes or preparing development-ready land. Grant funds can be used for infrastructure improvements, public safety needs or other initiatives that help make housing more affordable.
“Pennsylvania is facing a critical housing shortage that is driving up costs for renters and prospective homebuyers, limiting economic growth and impacting the quality of life across the commonwealth,” Picozzi said. “To ensure our state remains a competitive and desirable place to live, work and raise a family, a comprehensive approach is urgently needed to remove barriers to housing construction and incentivize development in a healthy, smart growth way that works with our local government partners.” ••
Digitize your archives
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., invites the public to bring their treasured photographs and documents for digital-scanning services on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m. Learn to share and preserve your family and personal archives. Call 215-685-0472. ••
Black History Month program
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., welcomes Thembi Palmer for a program celebrating black Philadelphians on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 11 a.m. Learn to share and preserve your family and personal archives. Call 215-685-0472. ••
Gold medal viewing experience
Comcast’s Xfinity announced plans to bring customers a dynamic Olympic Games viewing experience for NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
“The Olympic Games capture the attention of the nation like no other sporting event, making them a perfect stage to showcase what Xfinity does best when it comes to live sports,” said Vito Forlenza, Vice President, Sports Entertainment, Connectivity & Platforms, Comcast. “By uniting our most exciting features and advanced technologies on top of our superior network, we’re creating the ultimate viewing experience that lets fans choose how they want to engage with all the excitement coming out of Milan Cortina.”
With thousands of hours of coverage across NBC, USA Network, CNBC and Peacock, Xfinity’s Fan View is the easiest way to find and watch the action. Fan View empowers customers to:
• Select their favorite Olympic sports, automatically creating a customized viewing experience based on those selections.
• Find live programming, highlights, the latest medal counts, scores, competition stats and the daily schedule – all in one place.
• Launch flyover tours of the key sporting venues in and around Milan- – including ski slopes, snowboarding halfpipes and the bobsled track.
Fans can watch up to four channels of NBCUniversal’s coverage at the same time with Xfinity Multiview. And, with the new “Create Your Own Multiview,” fans can customize their multiview experience by choosing the channels they want to watch – whether that is all four channels airing Olympics coverage, two channels airing their favorite events or a mix with other live sports.
Xfinity customers can enjoy USA Network’s coverage of the Winter Olympics with its new RealTime4K technology. Delivered to the home over Xfinity’s network just seconds behind the action in Milan Cortina, RealTime4K offers a clear, vibrant picture quality with Dolby Vision HDR and an immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos.
Xfinity is also launching a dedicated Peacock 4K channel on Super Bowl Sunday, with RealTime4K technology. Available within the channel guide on Xfinity X1 and the Xfinity Stream app, the channel will air live Olympics coverage in the morning before shifting to Super Bowl LX programming – including the pregame, halftime and postgame shows – and then returning to Milan Cortina for special primetime and late-night coverage on NBC and Peacock.
Available on DVR recordings of NBC’s daytime and primetime coverage, XI automatically tags key moments like competitions, interviews, studio analysis and medal ceremonies so fans can quickly catch up on the biggest action of the day without sifting through the entire recording.
Highlights Zone offers a curated collection of short-form video playlists featuring top highlights, features, interviews and trending clips from all 16 Olympic sports so customers can relive every top moment of the Games. Customers who personalize their viewing experience with their favorite sports will also find a special playlist curated just for them. ••
Xfinity customers will be ahead of the action at Super Bowl
Comcast’s Xfinity announced the launch of RealTime4K, a new ultra-low latency technology that gives customers the fastest, most lifelike experience for viewing live sports in 4K. The format will deliver the Super Bowl to Xfinity TV customers just seconds behind the on-field action, and up to 30 seconds faster than other 4K providers. Xfinity is the only major service provider to offer the Super Bowl in both Dolby Vision® and Dolby Atmos®, available to its TV customers through a new Peacock 4K channel.
“Nothing kills watching a live sporting event faster than getting a text or seeing a play on social media before it hits your screen,” said Jon Gieselman, Chief Growth Officer, Connectivity and Platforms, Comcast. “With Xfinity’s new RealTime4K tech, spoilers don’t stand a chance. This ultra-low lag technology means our customers are always ahead of the action. Simply put, when it comes to live sports, no one competes with Xfinity.”
Comcast recently deployed technology in its network – usable on all 4K-delivered programming – that eliminates compression steps in the delivery pipeline so live 4K programming reaches customers’ homes faster than ever before. To offer the best video and audio experience, 4K programming is delivered over Comcast’s network at the highest possible bitrate – double that of traditional 4K.
“Delivering our customers the best live sports viewing experience has been core to how we think about innovation at Comcast – it’s in our DNA,” said Fraser Stirling, Global Chief Product Officer, Comcast.
Xfinity TV customers with eligible devices and compatible 4K TVs can experience the Super Bowl LX with RealTime4K, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos through a dedicated Peacock 4K channel that will also feature morning, primetime and overnight coverage of the Milan Cortina Olympic Winter Games. Customers can find the RealTime4K channel directly in the guide on X1 and the Xfinity Stream app.
The channel will begin with live 4K Olympics coverage in the morning before transitioning to Super Bowl programming, including pre‑game, halftime and post‑game coverage. After the game, the channel will return to Milan for special primetime and late‑night Olympics programming. Customers can also find the Super Bowl in 4K throughout the X1 and Stream user interfaces or by saying “Sports” into their Xfinity Voice Remote.
Customers who don’t have a 4K-capable Xfinity X1 TV box will see a prompt on their current device to upgrade and get a new device. They can also visit a nearby Xfinity store to exchange their existing X1 TV box for 4K-capable one. ••
FELS names new CEO
Federation Early Learning Services, 10700 Jamison Ave., has named Senate Alexander its CEO.
FELS has a 114-year history of providing care to children and families across the region.
Alexander comes to FELS after serving as executive director of the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning.
Alexander holds a BA in Elementary Education (Early Childhood) from Temple University and a degree from the American University Washington College of Law.
Alexander is married with four children.
FELS’ five centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Infants, toddlers, preschool and school-age children are enrolled on a year-round basis. ••
Plane crash anniversary
On the verge of the one-year anniversary of the Cottman Avenue plane crash that occurred on Jan. 31, 2025, state Reps. Sean Dougherty, Jared Solomon, Anthony Bellmon, Ed Neilson and Pat Gallagher offered the following statement:
“Last year, our community here in Northeast Philadelphia witnessed an unimaginable tragedy when a plane crashed onto Cottman Avenue. Six individuals on board and one civilian on the ground lost their lives, and more were injured.
“This crash ravaged our community and affected it for months. However, thanks to the tireless work and bravery of our Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, the Emergency Office Management Team, PGW team, and first responders, and the remarkable leadership of Mayor Cherelle Parker and Gov. Josh Shapiro, our community was able to recover.
“We must also note the volunteer work of so many of our neighbors — everyday Northeast Philadelphians who love this community. In Northeast Philly, we look out for and protect one another. It’s what makes our community so strong.
“As we look back on the one-year mark of this tragedy, we are thankful for the successful recovery, and we look to continue building on that recovery to ensure Northeast Philly is the best community possible for all our neighbors.” ••
Caring for Friends receives funding
Philadelphia Foundation, in partnership with Chobani and La Colombe Coffee Workshop, recently announced the recipients of Chobani’s Community Impact Fund, awarding $100,000 to 12 organizations working to address hunger and nutrition access in Philadelphia.
Among the recipients was Caring for Friends, 12271 Townsend Road, which received $5,000 to be used to deliver nutritious meals to homebound individuals and seniors facing chronic illness and food insecurity.
“This partnership demonstrates what becomes possible when we align around shared challenges,” said Philip Fitzgerald, Chief Impact Officer, Philadelphia Foundation. “Through collaboration, we are able to direct resources to organizations with proven track records and deep community relationships, ensuring these grants create meaningful impact for families facing food insecurity across Philadelphia.” ••
SMT, Summerdale, Frankford reunion
A reunion for St. Martin of Tours, Summerdale Boys Club and Frankford Boys Club will take place on Saturday, March 28, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road. Tickets cost $75 and include buffet dinner and open bar. For tickets or more information, call Ernie Gallagher at 215-806-2601, Billy Fleming at 215-287-3116 or Janice Steinmetz at 267-402-0396. Payments can be sent through Venmo @Ernie-Gallagher. ••
Bereavement support group
A bereavement support group for all who have lost loved ones will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Lambie Funeral Home, 8000 Rowland Ave. (at Rhawn Streeet). Call 215-332-6110 for further information and monthly topics. No registration or fee needed to attend. www.lambiefh.com ••
Preschool storytime and play
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Preschool Storytime & Play on Thursdays, 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. ••
St. Jerome seniors to meet
Upcoming St. Jerome Seniors meetings are on Thursdays, Feb. 12 and 26, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by
10 a.m. The meeting begins promptly at 11. ••
Fox Chase Civic meetings
Fox Chase Civic Association will meet on the following Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at American Legion Loudenslager Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave: Feb. 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, Sept. 9, Oct. 14 and Nov. 11. For more information, visit foxchasecivic.org ••
Benefit for suicide awareness
A beef-and-beer benefit for the American Suicide Foundation is taking place on Saturday, April 11, from 3-7 p.m. at the Eddington House, 2813 Hulmeville Road, in Bensalem. The event will be in memory of Ryan Sherman, who died last April at age 35. Sherman was a member of the Morrell Park Town Watch, a volunteer with Bensalem Volunteer Fire Department Station 16 and a marshal with Woodland String Band and Golden Crown New Year’s Brigade. The benefit will feature a DJ, Mummers, vendors, fire trucks, raffles, characters and a moonbounce. The cost is $50 in advance, $60 at the door or $10 for children and will include food, beer, wine, soda and water. For tickets or to make a monetary donation, visit the Eddington House or use Venmo @NSherman913. For more information on tickets, to make a monetary contribution or to donate a raffle item, stop by the Eddington House or email Nicole Fontanetta at [email protected]. ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host the following events:
• Saturday, Feb. 7, 10:30 a.m.: Storytime: Valentine’s Day Love
• Friday, Feb. 13, 1-3 p.m.: Fibercraft Friends
• Sunday, Feb. 15, 1-3 p.m.: All New – Fibercraft Friends
• Friday, Feb. 20, 1 p.m.: Book Club
• Saturday, Feb. 21, 10:30 a.m.: Storytime: Chinese New Year
• Friday, Feb. 27, 1-3 p.m.: Fibercraft Friends
To register or for more information, call 215-685-0544. ••
Learn to manage diabetes
A diabetes self-management program is being formed at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. Programs are scheduled for Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. and are being offered through Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Health Promotion Department. For more information, contact Inna Gulko at 215-698-7300, Ext. 195 or [email protected]. ••
Honoring Catholic Schools Week
Sens. Joe Picozzi and Scott Martin sponsored a resolution honoring Catholic Schools Week in Pennsylvania. The resolution designates Catholic Schools Week from Jan. 25-31 in recognition of the nearly 140,000 students enrolled in Catholic schools statewide. Picozzi graduated from St. Christopher and Holy Ghost Prep while Martin graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School. Data show that 99 percent of Catholic school students graduate and 96 percent go to college.
“Catholic schools – especially in Northeast Philadelphia – have long been anchors of our communities, providing strong academics while instilling lasting values” Picozzi said. “I am a proud graduate of the parochial school system and proudly represent 15 Catholic schools in my district.” ••
Bingo fundraiser
Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave., will host a bingo fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. The cost is $25 for 10 cards. There will be basket and cash prizes, a 50-50 and light refreshments. Tickets are available in advance or at the door. RSVP to 215-342-2085. ••
Flea market at St. Hubert
St. Hubert High School, 7320 Torresdale Ave., will host an indoor flea market on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information or to reserve a table, contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7357 or [email protected]. ••
Sinatra & Friends show on Valentine’s Day
The Buck Hotel, 1200 Buck Road in Feasterville, will host a Valentine’s Day show, Romantic Sounds of Sinatra & Friends with Joey C, on Saturday, Feb. 14. Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 and the show at 8. The cost for dinner, dancing and the show is $72, including taxes and gratuities. Call 215-317-7675 or visit thebuckhotel.com/eventscalendar. ••
Prep for the SAT
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host an SAT Crash Course on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 4 p.m. Learn the most effective strategies, improve accuracy and practice solving difficult SAT problems. Call 215-685-8756. ••
St. Hubert going to Lancaster
St. Hubert High School is holding a trip to Lancaster County on Thursday, April 2. The day will include the show Joshua at Sight and Sound Theatres and a buffet meal at Shady Maple Smorgasbord. The cost is $215, which includes bus transportation, show ticket and buffet. Proceeds benefit the faculty scholarship fund. The bus leaves at 8:15 a.m. and returns at 6:30 p.m. To reserve a spot or for more information, contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or [email protected]. ••
Valentine’s Day luncheon
On Thursday, Feb. 12, from noon to 2 p.m., the Women’s Club of Huntingdon Valley will hold a Valentine’s Day luncheon at the Gloria Dei Fellowship Hall, 570 Welsh Road, Huntingdon Valley. The afternoon will include baskets for raffle and chocolates. The cost is $15. The club meets on the second Thursday of the month. Anyone interested in joining can email Doreen at [email protected] or visit the club’s Facebook page. ••
Parables and pizza
Catholic Young Adults of the Northeast meet on the second Wednesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. at Resurrection of Our Lord Life Center, 2000 Shelmire Ave. People in their 20s and 30s are welcome to take part in a Bible study series on the parables of Jesus. Dates are Feb. 11, March 11, April 8 and May 13. Email [email protected] or visit @cyanphilly on Instagram. ••
Opt in, Josh
Rep. Martina White wants Gov. Josh Shapiro to confirm Pennsylvania’s participation in a new, federal tax credit program. The federal budget reconciliation bill adopted last summer included a new tax credit that would provide scholarships to families seeking to enroll students in private, parochial, charter or cyber charter schools. The tax credit under the Educational Choice for Children Act would allow individuals to obtain a tax credit of up to $1,700 by contributing to scholarship granting organizations. Shapiro needs to confirm Pennsylvania’s participation in the program that goes into effect in 2027. In recent years, White has supported expansions of the state-level Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit scholarships. ••
Social worker at Lawncrest Library
Lawncrest Library, 6098 Rising Sun Ave., will welcome a social worker on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m. until noon, when the public can receive help finding, navigating and connecting to relevant community and government agencies.
The library will host a meeting of its art club on Friday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. The club meets every other Friday.
The library will host Yoga4Philly classes for adults, teens and tweens on Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. through Feb. 28. Mats will be provided, or you can bring your own.
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.
Every Thursday at 1:30 p.m., an English conversation group for adults meets. The group is for intermediate-advanced English speakers. ••
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. ••
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/. ••
Murder mystery luncheon
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Board of Associates, Fox Chase Cancer Center, is going to see an interactive murder mystery luncheon show on the grounds of Mount Hope Estate and Winery (2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim) on Saturday, March 28. The show is titled Celebrating America in 1876. The cost is $152 per person and includes round-trip motorcoach transportation, luncheon and show, and visit to a wine shop. Departure is 10 a.m. from 604 Cottman Ave., Cheltenham, with return about 7 p.m. Call Sharyn at 267-265-5348 for reservations and menu choices. The trip supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Crab feast cruise
The Marlyn Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is going on a crab feast cruise on the Choptank Riverboat on May 30. The price is $195 per person, which includes taxes, roundtrip motorcoach to Hurlock, Maryland and three-hour crab feast luncheon sightseeing cruise. The crab feast consists of steamed crabs, Maryland crap soup, fried chicken, clam strips, corn on the cob, cole slaw, non-alcoholic beverages and dessert. The motorcoach leaves from 604 Cottman Ave., Cheltenham, at 8 a.m. and returns about 7 p.m. For reservations, call Sharyn at 267-265-5348. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Apply for LIHEAP
State Sen. Tina Tartaglione announced that the 2025-26 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program season will continue through April 10. 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. ••
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. ••
Picozzi mobile office hours
State Sen. Joe Picozzi holds mobile office hours at the offices of City Councilmen Brian O’Neill and Mike Driscoll. Picozzi’s staff will assist with state-related issues at O’Neill’s office at 432 Rhawn St. on the second Friday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon and at Driscoll’s office at 7552 Frankford Ave. on the third Tuesday of the month from noon to 3 p.m. ••
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. ••
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;
• Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon, Sunday, Sept. 27, to Tuesday, Sept. 29;
• American Music Theater, Winter Wonderland, Tuesday, Dec. 8; $160.
For information, call Connie at 215-338-9141. ••
Upcoming operas
Amici Opera Company will present the following performances:
Puccini’s Tosca on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale; and Saturday, Feb. 21, at 4 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. Brigantine Ave., Brigantine ($30).
There will also be a production on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 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 tax and tips. Call 215-606-3800 for reservations.
Cilea’s Gina on Sunday, Feb. 22 and Saturday, March 7, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
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. ••
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. 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 ••
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. ••
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 ••
Volunteer to prepare tax returns
Campaign for Working Families is looking for volunteers for the upcoming tax season to work at a pop-up tax preparation site at the PATH building (1919 Cottman Ave.). Tax preparation is free. Volunteers receive IRS-certified training and help their neighbors save money. Volunteers can choose to be greeters who welcome taxpayers to sites and direct them through the tax prep process, or they can learn how to prepare the tax returns themselves. Call 215-454-6483 or visit https://www.cwfphilly.org. ••
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 Feb. 18 and March 18. ••
Theater performances of Sister Act
The Star Players will present three performances of the musical Sister Act. The show will be performed on June 5, 6 and 7 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. They are available for purchase through Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or [email protected]. ••
