Police recruitment and retention
The Senate adopted a resolution sponsored by Sens. Joe Picozzi and Wayne Langerholc Jr. that establishes a task force on the recruitment and retention of law enforcement personnel in Pennsylvania. Senate Resolution 94 creates a task force within the Joint State Government Commission to examine the ongoing challenges in filling vacancies for law enforcement officers, corrections officers and prosecutors across the state. The task force is charged with developing actionable policy recommendations to enhance Pennsylvania’s ability to attract and retain qualified individuals in these public safety roles. The Joint State Government Commission, a non-partisan research agency serving the General Assembly, will facilitate the task force’s work. A final report with findings and recommendations is due to the General Assembly by April 30, 2026.
“We are facing a growing crisis in police recruitment and retention, not just in Philadelphia but across the commonwealth,” Picozzi said. “The task force established by this resolution will help to identify the causes of these staffing challenges and develop actionable solutions.” ••
Savings plan advances
State Reps. Pat Gallagher and Kyle Mullins applauded passage of their Keystone Saves legislation by the House of Representatives.
The Keystone Saves Program would provide access to individual retirement accounts for the more than 2 million Pennsylvania workers who currently have no retirement savings plan through their employer. The program would come at no cost to employers or taxpayers.
“The people of Pennsylvania work hard and deserve to see their decades of effort rewarded with a secure and reliable retirement,” Gallagher said. “The passage of this bill in the state House brings us one step closer to establishing the Keystone Saves Program — an important step toward empowering workers across the commonwealth with a voluntary retirement savings option. I’d also like to recognize my predecessor, Philadelphia Councilmember Mike Driscoll, for his leadership on this initiative during his time as a state representative.”
Participation in the Keystone Saves Program would be voluntary for employees and the benefit would be portable so workers could continue to save even as they change jobs.
House Bill 1263 heads to the state Senate for consideration. ••
Clothing sale at thrift shop
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will have a half-price spring and summer clothing sale beginning Sunday, May 25. Hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shop is closed Sundays. Donations are accepted. Call 215-624-9130. ••
Program at Holmesburg Library
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host Ocean of Color, a program of the Center for Aquatic Science, on Tuesday, May 27, at 5:30 p.m. Call 215-685-8756. ••
Memorial Day ceremony
The public is invited to honor the fallen on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, at noon at the Charles J. Glenn III Memorial, at Marlborough and Wildey streets in Fishtown. The event will feature the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Society honor guard and the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums. ••
Gallagher rep at Holmesburg Library
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host mobile office hours with state Rep. Pat Gallagher on Tuesday, May 27, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. A representative from Gallagher’s office will be at the library to help answer constituent questions about birth certificates, PennDOT issues, Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, DHS matters and more. ••
Tangled titles, estate planning
State Rep. Jared Solomon will host a tangled titles and estate planning event on May 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at his office at 6434 Castor Ave. The presentation will be given by Community Legal Services. Call 215-342-6340. ••
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. ••
Tips to help your garden grow
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host Urban Gardening with Native Plants on Thursday, May 22, at 10:30 a.m. Penn State Extension Master Gardener Barbara Mancini will provide beginners and experienced gardeners with practical tips on creating and maintaining a native greenspace of any size. She’ll cover basics of gardening, choosing appropriate plants and sourcing native plants and resources to help you create your garden. Everyone is welcome, and no registration is needed. ••
Rhawnhurst Civic to meet May 21
The next regular monthly meeting of the Rhawnhurst Civic Association will be held on Wednesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at Pelbano Playground, Bustleton and Solly avenues. Guest speakers will be the 2nd and 7th police district community relations officers and a representative of the Register of Wills office. For more information, visit Rhawnhurstcivicassociation.com. ••
Upcoming operas
Amici Opera Company will hold a number of upcoming performances.
There will be a production of La Traviata on Saturday, May 24, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
There will be two productions of Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda, on Sunday, May 25, and Saturday, May 31, both at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
There will be a presentation of Leoncavello’s Pagliacci on Saturday, June 7, at 4 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. Brigantine Ave., Brigantine. The cost is $30.
There will be two performances of Massenet’s Thais, on Saturdays, June 21 and 28, both at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Open house at Presentation BVM
Presentation BVM Catholic School, 105 Old Soldiers Road, Cheltenham, invites families to an open house on Wednesday, May 21, from 5-7 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to tour the school, meet teachers and staff, and learn more about the school’s academic curriculum, value-based education and supportive community. Student ambassadors will give guided tours and answer questions about life at Presentation BVM. ••
St. Jerome Seniors to meet
The next St. Jerome Seniors meeting is on Thursday, May 22, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. The meeting begins promptly at 11. ••
St. Hubert sponsoring day trip
St. Hubert’s ninth annual fun day trip will take place on Monday, June 16. A bus will depart the school at 8:45 a.m. and return at about 8 p.m. There will be a one-hour boat ride on an Atlantic City cruise ship, followed by a four-and-a-half-hour stay at Tropicana Casino, with $20 back in slot cash and a $15 food voucher. The day will end at Tomasello Winery for a sit-down dinner. The cost is $130. Contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or [email protected]. ••
Theater performance of Honk!
The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Honk! The Ugly Duckling Musical on May 30-31 and June 1, at 7 p.m., at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St., in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, follow @starplayersPPR on X, like the group’s page on Facebook or contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or [email protected]. ••
Student honorees
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez presided at the Liturgy of the Word preceding the 45th annual Academic Honors Convocation at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. The students were ranked in the top 3% of their senior class.
Local honorees were:
Archbishop Ryan: Sadie Rose Woods, Bishop Logan Norman, Tam Dinh, Daniel Fulga, Andy Deng and Jarod Thomas McCaffrey.
Father Judge: Joseph Patrick King, James Christopher Rogers, Juan Carlos Ceciliano, Jacob Michael Ruggiero, Nicholas Arthur Rodriguez and Ethan Ilondior.
Little Flower: Caroline Gloria Teel, Katherine Jin Navea, Saoirse McKenzie Corcoran and Clare Anna Pellicone.
Nazareth Academy: Johanna L. Checchia and Allie Marie McLellan.
St. Hubert: Charlotte Knott, Celica J. Lie and Allie Bell.
Old website returns
The Northeast Times has returned to its original website, northeasttimes.com.
The website includes news, sports, opinion, crime, entertainment and features, and a link to sign up for a free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox. The site includes an option to read the current issue in “flipbook” style. Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and on X @NETimesOfficial. In addition to the Times being delivered to homes, the paper can be found at these spots: https://northeasttimes.com/pickup-locations/. ••
Activities at Rosemary Montagno Senior Center
The Rosemary Montagno Senior Center, 12601 Townsend Road, has the following schedule: Monday – free time activities, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday – bingo, 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Wednesday – pinochle and mahjong, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., ceramics, 10 a.m. to noon; Thursday – line dancing, 10:30 a.m. to noon; Friday – Pinochle 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ••
Join St. Anselm Seniors
St. Anselm has started a senior citizen club that meets most Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Hall, 12650 Dunksferry Road. The club is open to men and women 55 and older, and members don’t have to be St. Anselm parishioners. For more information, visit the St. Anselm Senior Citizens Club page on Facebook. ••
Shredding event
City Councilman Brian O’Neill will hold a free shredding event, sponsored by Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, on Saturday, June 7, from 9-11 a.m. at 11630 Caroline Road. ••
Shredding/e-recycling
State Rep. Pat Gallagher will hold a shredding and e-recycling event on Saturday, May 31, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Linden Avenue boat launch, at Linden Avenue and the Delaware River. ••
Art in the Park on May 31
Art in the Park, sponsored by the Rockledge Fox Chase Business Association, will take place on May 31 from 2-5 p.m. at Northeast Lions Park, 7964 Oxford Ave. All artists and vendors are invited to have a table. Call Theresa Guldin at Tompkins Community Bank at 215-722-4566. ••
Trip to Niagara Falls
Polish American Cultural Center is sponsoring a Niagara Falls, New York & Made in America Store trip from Thursday, July 10, to Sunday, July 13. There will be a canal Cruise and lunch, boat ride, underground railroad tour, wine testing, a visit to the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine and casino trip, with $25 slot play. The trip will be by motor coach, and there will be a three-night hotel stay with buffet breakfasts and dinners. The cost is $1,100 per person double occupancy, including taxes and gratuities. For more information and reservations, call Theresa Romanowski at 215-813-2780 or 215-922-1700. ••
St. Jerome trip to Mackinac Island
St. Jerome Seniors are planning a trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan from Aug. 19-25. Cost for double occupancy is $1,685 per person. For reservations and trip details, call Diane McDowell at 267-496-2431. ••
Curfew, underage drinking
Curfew in Philadelphia is 9:30 p.m. for anyone 13 and under and 10 p.m. for those ages 14-17. If police pick up someone for a curfew violation in the Northeast, the young person will be taken home, to the Community Evening Resource Center at 4704 Leiper St. in Frankford or to the 2nd, 7th, 8th or 15th police districts. The penalty for a curfew violation can be up to $300.
Under state law, underage drinking is a summary offense with a $500 fine for the first violation. Anyone receiving a citation for underage drinking can be asked about it on applications for jobs, college applications and appointments to military service academies. ••
Bingo at Cannstatter’s
Bingo is played every Thursday at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 6:30. Call 215-322-0121. ••
VFW looking for members
Bustleton-Somerton/CTR1 Michael J. Strange VFW Post 6617 meets on the third Wednesday of every month at American Legion Post 810, 9151 Old Newtown Road. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. If you are a military veteran who served in a designated combat zone, you are eligible to join the VFW. Call Commander Israel Wolmark at 215-725-0630 if you would like to join the post. ••
KleinLife summer camp
Registration is open for the 2025 summer day camp at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. Camp will run June 16 to Aug. 22. Camp will be offered in four age-related segments: grades K-3; Maccabi boys sports program, grades 4-7; senior girls, grades 4-7; and the CIT program for grades 8-9. Camp hours will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. There will be plenty of activities and three healthy homemade meals every day. For cost and additional information, contact Cierra Adams at 215-698-7300, Ext. 112 or [email protected]. ••
Bingo at Loudenslager
Corp. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., is offering community bingo every second and fourth Friday at 7 p.m. There are dollar hot dogs and free popcorn. ••
Retreat in July
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center (3501 Solly Ave.) will host Come and Rest Awhile silent directed retreat from July 20-27. Take some time to pause in prayer, reflection and silence, attuning your ear and heart to the Holy Spirit. The retreat costs $650, which includes private accommodations and meals. Visit https://msbt.org/mbsc/ to register. Any questions, or to register by phone, call 267-350-1830. ••
English classes at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., hosts free intermediate English classes on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. To register, go to remind.com/join/dbhd4e or call 215-685-0472. ••
Programs at NE Regional
Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave., offers the following recurring programs:
• Crochet Club, Fridays at 11 a.m. in the second-floor Humanities Department. Bring your own materials.
• Mixed Level English Class, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-4 p.m. Call 215-685-0522.
• PA CareerLink® Job Search Assistance, Wednesdays, 2 to 4:30 p.m. Call 833-750-5627.
• Chess Club for Adults & Teens, Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m.
• One-on-One Basic Computer Help Appointments, Fridays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 215-685-0525.
• Thursday Computer Help: Various Subjects, Thursdays, 1-2 p.m.
• Gadget Help, Mondays and Wednesdays upon request. Call 215-685-0525.
• Computer Skills for Beginners, Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m. Register at 215-474-1235.
• English Conversation Group – Intermediate-plus, Mondays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Register at 215-474-1235. ••
Cruise in July
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is traveling on an Independence Day Celebration cruise, July 1-8. Ports-of-call include New York, Newport, Boston on July 4 and Halifax, Nova Scotia. A passport is required. Rates range from $1,920 to $2,680 per person, double occupancy. For a flyer, call 215-788-9408. ••
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. ••
Bereavement support group
Lambie Funeral Home, 8000 Rowland Ave. (at Rhawn Street), will host a Bereavement Support group for all who have lost loved ones on Wednesday, June 4, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. There is no fee. Call 215-332-6110. ••
A fundraiser for Tara
A fundraiser for Tara Stipanovic will take place on Saturday, June 7, at 6 p.m. at Order Sons of Italy in America Lodge 447, 4741 Friendship St. Tickets cost $50 and include food, beer, wine and vendors. There will be raffle baskets and a 50-50. Proceeds will go to Tara’s health needs. For tickets or more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/share/158D1oCeyx/ ••
Travel with Maternity BVM Seniors
Maternity BVM Seniors have announced their 2025 group trip schedule. People are invited to join them on the following trips: Sight and Sound – Noah, Thursday, Sept. 25, $180; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Sea Watch Resort, Oct. 6-10; Tropicana – Blockbuster Broadway, Monday, Nov. 17, $80. For information, call Betty Ann at 215-964-7125 or Connie at 215-338-9141. ••
Parkinson’s support group at Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, 7604 Central Ave., will host meetings of a Parkinson’s disease support group in its Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse. The meetings, from 5-6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every other month, are open to people diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their families, and are led by nurse practitioner June Ro. The schedule, with guest speakers, is June 11 (speech therapist Marissa Rock), Aug. 13 (Dr. Molly Cincotta, neurologist), Oct. 8 (social worker Luisa Enriquez) and Dec. 10 (Dr. Teodora Schellato, urologist, and physical therapist Sonia Williams-Joseph).
To register, contact Ro at 215-707-2619 or [email protected]. ••
Craft fair and flea market
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., is hosting a spring craft fair and flea market on Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. ••
Outing to Philadelphia
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to Philadelphia on Thursday, June 26, featuring lunch on the Moshulu, the oldest and largest square-rigged vessel still afloat, which now sits stationary at Penn’s Landing. Also on the itinerary is a tour of the Masonic Temple, a national historic landmark on Broad Street, constructed in 1873. The cost is $145. Reservation deadline is May 21. Call 215-788-9408 for a flyer/reservation form or visit http://www.bristolhistory.org. ••
Senior fair on May 30
State Rep. Anthony Bellmon will hold a senior fair on Friday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, 1009 Unruh Ave. There will be information about resources and services available, along with a free lunch. Call 215-560-1315. ••
Ukrainian festival in August
The Ukrainian Folk Festival will take place on Sunday, Aug. 24, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Ukrainian American Sport Center — Tryzub, County Line and Lower State roads, Horsham.
The event will feature folk art, live music, dance, food, refreshments, vendors, arts and crafts displays and live historical reenactments.
Admission is $20, with a portion donated to the relief of war victims in Ukraine.
Kids under 15 are admitted free.
Parking is free.
For more information, call 267-664-3857 or visit www.tryzub.org. ••
5 Points Night Market on June 26
The 5 Points Night Market will take place on Thursday, June 26, from 5-9 p.m. on Rising Sun Avenue, from Cottman Avenue to St. Vincent Street, in Burholme. There will be food, music, vendors, live performances and activities for all ages. The event is part of the city’s Wawa Welcome America festival. To apply as a vendor, food truck or performer, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsQIeudEXIlfVoZxFfxG76rcn-G-bPnSPicLU-zK4-QyRpPg/viewform. ••
Fish Fest on June 7
Riverfront North Partnership’s Frankford Fish Fest will take place on Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Frankford Boat Launch, 5501 Tacony St. There will be fishing lessons, with equipment provided; bicycle rides on trails; kayaking; double dutch; art activities; and free food and refreshments. ••
Open primaries bill advances
Legislation to open Pennsylvania’s primaries, H.B. 280, authored by state Reps. Jared Solomon and Chris Rabb, was voted out of the House State Government Committee.
“One-point-four million independent voters in Pennsylvania provide tax dollars to pay for primaries but have no vote,” Solomon said. “This must end. We must welcome veterans, young people and other independents into our democratic process.”
Pennsylvania has a closed primary system, meaning that only voters registered with a given party can vote in that party’s primary election. Voters who are unaffiliated or registered as a third party are prohibited from voting in a primary election. ••
Preschool storytime
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Preschool Storytime & Play on Thursday, June 12, at 10:30 a.m. There will be fun stories and songs followed by creative play. The program is for kids ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
Meeting in Fox Chase on June 11
The Fox Chase Town Watch and Fox Chase Civic Association meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at American Legion Loudenslager Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave. The group will meet on the following dates: June 11, July 9, Sept. 10, Oct. 8 and Nov. 12. ••
Third Thursdays at Glen Foerd
Third Thursdays at Glen Foerd resume June 19 with entertainment and refreshments for everyone. There will be a happy hour, live music, food, games, children’s activities and art. The public is invited to bring a blanket or chairs, enjoy lawn games, roam Glen Foerd’s grounds and explore its Gilded Age mansion, which will be open for free self-guided tours. The event is pay-what-you-wish (recommended donation amount is $10). Other dates are July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18. Register at www.glenfoerd.org/events. For more information, call 215-632-5330. ••
Mayfair Third Thursdays
The Mayfair Business Improvement District will hold Third Thursday Night Markets through September, 6 to 9:30 p.m., at Frankford, Cottman and Ryan avenues. The dates are June 19 (Phillies tailgate on the big screen, with entertainer Mike Schmanek), July 17 (The Great Scott Band), Aug. 21 (The Bogside Rogues) and Sept. 18 (Jumper). ••
Cruise to Italy, Greece, Turkey
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring an “Antiquity to Anatolia” cruise, Oct. 29 to Nov. 9, aboard Oceania Cruises’ “Oceania Vista,” sailing from Rome and visiting Cinque Terre, Naples/Pompeii and Taormina (Sicily), Italy; Cephalonia, Katakolon, Athens and Santorini, Greece; and Ephesus and Istanbul, Turkey. Rates per person, including round-trip air from Philadelphia, range from $6,150 to $6,450. For flyers, call 215-788-9408 or go to http://www.bristolhistory.org. ••
