Christmas bazaar in Tacony
Tacony Baptist Church, 4715 Disston St., is having a Christmas bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 8, beginning at 9 a.m. Call 215-437-7232. ••
St. Jerome Seniors to meet
Upcoming St. Jerome Seniors meetings are on Thursdays, Nov. 13 and 20, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. The meeting begins promptly at 11. ••
Tacony history meeting
The Historical Society of Tacony has scheduled its fall 2025 general membership meeting for Monday, Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the lower level of Holy Innocents – Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 7001 Torresdale Ave. Guest speakers will be from Ben Franklin Chapter 16 of the National Sojourners Club who will enlighten attendees about the history and significance of the American flag. The Society will present an exhibit of images and materials related to Tacony pride and patriotism. ••
Senior singles meeting on Nov. 9
There will be a senior singles meeting at Be Well Bakery & Cafe, 2651 Huntingdon Pike, Huntingdon Valley, on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 11:30 a.m. Parking is available in the front and back. Call 215-380-9144. ••
Meeting in Fox Chase on Nov. 12
The Fox Chase Town Watch and Fox Chase Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. at American Legion Loudenslager Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave. ••
Breakfast, resources for veterans
State Rep. Jared Solomon will hold a veterans appreciation breakfast and resource fair on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Knights of Columbus Holmesburg Council, 3300 Knorr St. Veterans and their families are invited. Representatives from various government agencies as well as public and private vendors will be on hand to discuss services available for veterans. To RSVP, call 215-342-6340 or email [email protected]. ••
Bingo at Resurrection
Resurrection Regional Home & School will present His & Hers Bingo on Saturday, Nov. 8. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Bingo starts at 7. The school is at 2020 Shelmire Ave. Tickets are $40 per person and include a card for each round, a dabber and a ticket for door prizes. There will be raffle baskets, 50/50, additional bingo cards and cash rounds. BYOB and snacks. To purchase tickets, call 215-742-1127 or email [email protected]. ••
Half-price clothing sale
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will be having a half-price clothing sale on Friday, Nov. 7, and Sunday, Nov. 9. Hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed Saturdays. The shop is accepting donations. Call 215-624-9130. ••
The women of Laurel Hill
The Historical Society of Frankford, 1507 Orthodox St., will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m. Author Dr. Joe Lex will discuss his book, All Bones Considered: 52 Laurel Hill Women. The book profiles 52 women buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Light refreshments will be served, and copies of the book will be available for purchase. ••
North Catholic Veterans Day events
The Northeast Catholic Alumni Association will hold activities on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11. A Mass will be celebrated at 8 a.m. at St. Dominic, 8504 Frankford Ave. After Mass, alumni will walk to the site of the North Catholic banner that honors the 257 “Fallen Falcons” who have died in war. The Rev. Brian Connolly will conduct a short prayer service. Next, the crowd will walk to the Father Judge banner honoring the 27 Crusaders who died in Vietnam. There, the Rev. Joseph Campellone will conduct a short prayer service, and there will be a reading of the names of the 27 hometown heroes. The North Catholic Veterans Committee will then visit the St. Dominic Cemetery to the gravesite of Army Pfc. Henry Lewis Grathwohl Jr., who was killed in World War II. ••
Cuts -n- Cars Nov. 9 at Oxley
William D. Oxley Post 133, 7900 Torresdale Ave. (at Decatur Street), will host Cuts -n- Cars on Sunday, Nov. 9. A car show will be on the avenue from noon to 5 p.m. There will be a cut-a-thon from 3-7 p.m., offering free haircuts for all veterans. Veterans are welcome to stay for a free soda and slice of pizza or soft pretzel. City Councilman Mike Driscoll and state Rep. Pat Gallagher are co-sponsoring the event, which will include a food truck. For more information, call Kay Brookes at 267-255-5234. ••
Learn about Philly’s retail golden age
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., Burholme Park, will host Philadelphia’s Golden Age of Retail: Miracles on Market Street on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. The event will be presented by Thomas H. Keels and Lawrence M. Arrigale, who will discuss how city retailers celebrated the holidays. The cost is $5. To register, email [email protected] or call 215-685-0544. ••
Library to host redistricting discussion
John Kromer of Fair Districts PA, a nonpartisan, all-volunteer statewide organization that is a project of the League of Women Voters, will share information about redistricting in Pennsylvania on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Fox Chase Library, 501 Rhawn St. ••
Get genealogy tips
The Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania will present a family history research program on Friday, Nov. 7, at 10:30 a.m. at Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave. Learn how to get started with Family Sources, and get tips on accessing the resources available in Philadelphia. ••
Flea market
St. Dominic Catholic Daughters will hold a flea market at Marian Hall, 8532 Frankford Ave., on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ••
Craft fair at Villages at Pine Valley
Villages at Pine Valley will hold a holiday craft fair featuring homemade candy, jewelry, wreaths, greeting cards, candles, artwork and more on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair will be held in the clubhouse, at 900 Pine Valley Blvd. (access off 8540 Verree Road). Call Kathy at 215-722-1501. ••
Kazakh string quartet to perform in Fox Chase
The Kazakh National String Quartet will be in concert at Fox Chase United Methodist Church, Fillmore and Loney streets, on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. Members of the quartet are Aidar Toktaliyev, first violin; Alexey Lebedev, second violin; Bekzat Sailaubaiuty, viola; and Vernar Myntayev, cello. On the program will be Mozart’s String Quartet in G Major, K 387 and Brahms Piano Quintet with pianist Timor Mustakimov. The concert will be in the sanctuary of the church. No tickets are needed but a free will offering will be received. ••
Oldies concert at Polish Home
The Joey D and Johnny B Rockin Oldies Band will perform at the Associated Polish Home, 9150 Academy Road, on Saturday, Nov. 8. Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by the show from 7-11 p.m. The donation is $10. There will be food and a cash bar. For tickets and information, call John Wisniewski at 215-906-1825. ••
Bingo Nov. 9 at St. Hubert
The St. Hubert Alumnae Association and Friends of St. Hubert will present Pumpkin Spice Bingo on Sunday, Nov. 9, in the school cafeteria. Doors open at 1 p.m. Bingo begins at 2. Enter through the Ditman Street doors. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for students and include refreshments, door prizes and 10 rounds of bingo. Guests can also bring their own food and drinks. Prizes will be cash and designer handbags. There will also be raffle baskets. Register and buy tickets at http://StHubertAlumnae.org/shop ••
Christmas bazaar in Wissinoming
Wissinoming Presbyterian Church, 5825 Torresdale Ave., will be having its annual Christmas bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Santa will be coming at noon to have lunch with the children. Stop in and shop for handmade crafts, holiday gifts, baked goods and more. ••
Preschool storytime and play
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Preschool Storytime & Play on Thursdays, Nov. 6 and 20, 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. ••
Watercolor, book club at Lawncrest Library
Lawncrest Library, 6098 Rising Sun Ave., invites artists of all levels to participate in its free watercolor sessions on Fridays, Nov. 7 and 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gain new techniques and the opportunity to paint in a supportive, inspiring environment. To sign up, call 215-685-0549 and ask for Ms. Faith.
The book club will meet on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 11 a.m. For more information and to get your copy of the next title, call 215-685-0549 and ask for Ms. Faith.
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.
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. ••
Exhibit on St. Carlo Acutis
St. Jerome Parish, 8100 Colfax St., will host the St. Carlo Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8-9. St. Carlo Acutis is the first millennial saint. The exhibit will be on the first floor of the school. It will be open on Nov. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 7 p.m. and on Nov. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There will be screenings of Carlo Acutis: Roadmap to Reality on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. in the church. Refreshments will be served before the movie. ••
Pancake breakfast
Cpl. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., is hosting a pancake breakfast on Sunday, Nov. 23, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, tater tots, orange juice, coffee and tea. Cost is $10, or $6 for children under 12. ••
Thanksgiving parade scheduled
The 48th Mayfair-Holmesburg Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Sunday, Nov. 23, from noon to 3 p.m. The grand marshals will be the owners of Giggles Gifts. Scouts will collect non-perishable food while the Marine Corps will collect Toys for Tots at Knorr Street. For information on being a sponsor, participant or volunteer, email [email protected]. For more information, visit thanksgivingparade.org. ••
Christmas shopping
St. Hubert will hold a trip to the Pennsylvania Christmas + Gift Show at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg on Sunday, Dec. 7. A bus will depart St. Hubert at 8 a.m. and return about 6 p.m. The cost is $95. Call 267-231-7367 or email [email protected] ••
Holiday vendors wanted
St. Hubert, 7320 Torresdale Ave., will host its annual holiday vendor fair on Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tables are $30 for vendors. Admission is free for shoppers. To reserve a table, call 267-231-7367 or email [email protected]. ••
Trip to the Tropicana
Holy Innocents will hold a Christmas casino trip to the Tropicana on Thursday, Dec. 4. A bus will depart from L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 10 a.m. The cost is $125 and includes transportation, $25 slot play, a ticket to Dance to the Holidays at 3:30 p.m. and a full hot and cold buffet. The bus will depart the Tropicana at 5:30 p.m. To reserve your seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
Crafters and vendors wanted
Crafters and vendors are wanted for Faith Lutheran Church’s indoor Fall Festival scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tables are available for $10. Call Emma at 484-506-9617 for a spot. Faith Lutheran Church is at 4150 Woodhaven Road. ••
Brunch, entertainment, handbag sale
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is hosting a brunch at Bella Tori at the Mansion, 321 S. Bellevue Ave., Langhorne, on Saturday, Nov. 8, starting at 11:30 a.m. The cost is $60 per person and includes salads, cheeses, vegetables, pasta dishes, chicken piccata, quiche, assorted mini desserts and beverages. There will be a cash bar. Entertainment provided by vocalist Calvin Pressley. In addition, there will be a cash-only sale of new and gently used handbags. For tickets, call 215-605-3016 or 215-742-2703. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Ethnic food fair Nov. 8-9
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. ••
Fashion show at Gloria Dei
The Women’s Club of Huntingdon Valley will hold its next meeting on Thursday, Nov. 13, at noon, at Gloria Dei Church, 570 Welsh Road, in Huntingdon Valley. The meeting will feature a fashion show organized and designed by Designs By Karen. Anyone interested in attending can email Doreen at [email protected]. The Women’s Club meets on the second Thursday of each month from noon to 2 p.m. at Gloria Dei. For more information, check out the Women’s Club of Huntingdon Valley page on Facebook. ••
Pottery painting
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center will be at Create Me Pottery, 2048 County Line Road, in the Huntingdon Valley Marketplace, from Nov. 9-23. The hours are Tuesday and Wednesday, noon to 4 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 2-8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. The cost for pottery painting is your selected piece and a $10 fee, which includes five paint colors and glazing of pottery. Clay building and wheel throwing are also available. Call Bernadette at 570-401-8417 for more details. Call 215-355-5919 to reserve a spot for wheel throwing, and mention “Marlyn Fein” to allow the Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter to receive a portion of all sales. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Upcoming events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will offer the following programming:
• Saturday, Nov. 8, 10:30 a.m., storytime
• Saturday, Nov. 8, noon to 2 p.m., Love Your Park
• Saturday, Nov. 8, 1 p.m., Philadelphia’s Golden Age of Retail: Miracles on Market Street, presented by Thomas H. Keels and Lawrence M. Arrigale, $5
• Friday, Nov. 14, 1-3 p.m., Fibercraft Friends
• Saturday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m., quilting workshop, $5
• Friday, Nov. 21, 1-3 p.m., book club
• Saturday, Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m., Storytime: Get Ready for Holiday Celebrations
• Saturday, Dec. 13, Victorian Christmas open house
To register or for more information, call 215-685-0599 or visit https://robertryerss.org ••
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. ••
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 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. ••
Trip to New York mansion
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation will visit Lyndhurst Mansion, which sits on its own 67-acre park beside the Hudson River in Tarrytown, New York, on Thursday, Dec. 4. A hot buffet luncheon will be served. The all-inclusive cost is $168. Call 215-788-7537 for reservations. ••
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] ••
Book signing/St. Matt’s ’70 reunion
Mike Perzel, author of Livin’ It, will have a book sale and signing on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 5-8 p.m. at Jimmy’s Timeout Sports Pub, 5001 Linden Ave. Anyone who already has a book can bring it to be signed. Books will also be for sale. Perzel was a 1970 graduate of St. Matthew Grammar School, and the class will hold a 55-year reunion during the event, with food and drinks a la carte. The book is billed as the “true story of a bad kid from Philly who defies the odds” and chronicles Perzel’s life in Mayfair from age 11-19. The author later became a successful insurance broker, with an office on Frankford Avenue. ••
Clay making at Holmesburg Library
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host a clay-making workshop for school-age children on Monday, Nov. 17, at 4:30 p.m. The event is sponsored by Friends of Holmesburg Library. ••
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, though families are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline on Nov. 15. 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 ••
Church anniversary
First Baptist Church of Huntingdon Valley, 2451 Murray Ave. in Huntingdon Valley, will be celebrating its 125th anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 11 a.m. The Rev. Bruce W. Petty serves as pastor. To RSVP, call 215-947-9341. ••
Meet the legislators
The Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will present Meet the Legislators on Friday, Nov. 21, from 8-10 a.m. at Community College of Philadelphia Northeast Regional Center, 12901 Townsend Road. ••
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]. ••
Breakfast with Santa
The Mayfair Diner, 7373 Frankford Ave., invites children to Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 6-7, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Star Players choir will perform at 11 a.m. Call 215-624-8886. ••
School fair on Nov. 8
Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia will hold a Partner School Fair on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, 4200 Wissahickon Ave. The fair is designed to help parents find the right fit for their children’s school, including scholarship opportunities. There will be complimentary food, free school supplies and raffle prizes. ••
Tai chi classes
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host tai chi classes on Tuesdays, Nov. 18 and 25 and Dec. 2, 9 and 16, at 2 p.m. Teacher Michael McCormick will lead the class in a relaxed, fun environment. Wear comfortable clothes. Call 215-685-8756. ••
Dining for a cause
Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Board of Associates of Fox Chase Cancer Center, is holding a dining-in event at Ben & Irv’s Deli, 1962 County Line Road, Huntingdon Valley, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mention the Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter and a percentage of all proceeds will be donated to Fox Chase Cancer Center for patient care and cancer research. ••
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, from Nov. 28 to Dec. 24. Stop by the kiosk to have your holiday gifts wrapped. The event supports patient care and cancer research. ••
Gallagher bill on colorectal cancer screening passes House
The state House passed legislation (H.B. 1123) that would update insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screenings in Pennsylvania. The legislation was introduced by state Rep. Pat Gallagher and co-sponsored by, among others, Rep. Sean Dougherty. Current insurance law requires health insurance coverage for routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50, but this is based on American Cancer Society standards published in 2008. American Cancer Society guidelines from 2018 recommend that people should be screened starting at age 45 rather than 50. The state Department of Health also recommends that people begin screening at age 45. House Bill 1123 would update current law to reduce the age when colorectal cancer screenings are covered to 45 from 50, update the guidelines referenced in the law to the most recent edition and update the tests covered by insurance to those recommended by the guidelines.
Gallagher, who is a survivor of colorectal cancer, believes the legislation can save lives.
“As a survivor of colorectal cancer, I know firsthand the impact that early detection and proper care can have on an individual’s journey through the labyrinth of cancer. This legislation is not just about updating insurance coverage; it’s about saving lives and ensuring that no one has to face the challenges of colorectal cancer alone and that every Pennsylvanian, regardless of their circumstances, can access the screenings that could make all the difference,” he said.
Dougherty believes moving up the starting age for screenings can make a difference.
“Five years can make all the difference in the world when it comes to detecting colorectal cancer. It will ensure that someone is not diagnosed with this horrible disease. I’m pleased to see this bill that can save lives pass out of the House,” he said.
House Bill 1123 heads to the state Senate for consideration. ••
O’Neill, Driscoll bill seeks to prevent illegal rental conversions
City Council approved legislation introduced by Councilman Brian O’Neill aimed at preventing illegal rental conversions in residential neighborhoods by restricting access to additional public utility meters at unlicensed rental properties.
The bill was cosponsored by Councilman Mike Driscoll, chairman of Council‘s L&I Committee, which held the hearing on the bill.
The legislation, now law, prohibits property owners from installing more than one utility meter or establishing more than one utility service account at any residential property with three or fewer dwelling units, unless the property owner has a valid rental license or building permit authorizing multi-family living.
“This legislation closes a loophole that for years has allowed property owners to illegally convert single-family homes into multi-unit rentals without the proper zoning, permits or safety inspections,” O’Neill said. “This legislation protects both tenants and neighbors from unsafe living conditions and preserves the residential character of our Far Northeast neighborhoods.”
“I am happy to partner with Councilman O’Neill on this important quality of life initiative.” Driscoll said.
The councilmen said unpermitted units strain infrastructure, create fire and safety hazards, and contribute to parking congestion. The new law ensures that property owners seeking separate utility service for additional units must first comply with city licensing and zoning requirements.
The ordinance takes effect immediately. ••
Upcoming operas
Amici Opera Company will offer several upcoming performances.
Up first will be Delibes’ Lakme on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 4 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. Brigantine Ave., Brigantine. The cost is $30.
There will be two performances of Rossini’s L’Assedio Di Corinto. Show times are Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22-23, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
Thomas’ Hamlet will be staged on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 6 p.m. at La Piovra, 7901 High School Road, Elkins Park. The cost is $54.95 for dinner and the show (tips and tax not included). For reservations, call 215-606-3800.
Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Christmas Tea
Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave., will hold a Christmas Tea on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. The event is free and will include fellowship, music, prayer, sandwiches, pastries and tea. RSVP by Nov. 21 to 215-342-2085. ••
