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. ••
Do you have unclaimed property?
State Rep. Martina White will team with the Pennsylvania Treasury to host an unclaimed property event at her office at 2901 Southampton Road on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 215-330-3711. ••
Meeting on L&I violations
The Neighborhood Community Action Center, at Hayes Recreation Center, 9800 Roosevelt Blvd., will host a meeting with the city Department of Licenses and Inspections on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 6-8 p.m. Call 267-496-3961 or email [email protected]. ••
Anniversary celebration
Hair Way to Beauty, 7546 Castor Ave. in Rhawnhurst, will be celebrating 10 years of ownership by Eileen Teti on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and Friday and Saturday, Nov. 28-29. Hours are Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a special retail sale on Small Business Saturday. Call 215-745-1947 or book online at Hairwaytobeauty.com. ••
Holiday bazaar/flea market
The Philadelphia Protestant Home, 6401 Martins Mill Road, will host a holiday bazaar/flea market on Friday, Nov. 21, from 1-4 p.m. There will be crafts (stained and fused glass, quilts, decorations), clothing, holiday décor, gifts (new and used) and household goods. ••
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. ••
A Thanksgiving feast
St. Mark’s Church, 4442 Frankford Ave., will host a Thanksgiving community feast on Saturday, Nov. 22, at noon. The public is invited. ••
15th PDAC to meet
The 15th Police District Advisory Council will meet on Monday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m. at Mayfair Community Center, 2990 St. Vincent St. The public is invited. ••
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. ••
Donate for Thanksgiving
Caring for Friends, 12271 Townsend Road, is seeking donations to provide meals for homebound people for Thanksgiving. Turkeys, shelf-stable food, money, gift cards and volunteers are needed. Email Marti Berk at [email protected]. ••
Bustleton Library book club meeting
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host a book club meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m. Copies of the book, The Busybody Book Club, by Freya Sampson, are available to borrow. After moving to a small village, Nova Davies started a book club. But the five members disagree on everything, and when a large sum of money is stolen during a meeting, the community center is put at risk. When a member disappears and a dead body turns up at his house, it’s up to the book club to crack the case. ••
Learn about adoption options
Catholic Community Services, 1926 Grant Ave., will present Adoption Doc: A Place to Belong on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will celebrate the beauty of adoption and the families it creates. There will be stories and a short documentary. RSVP with Giovanni Cortes at 667-436-9729 or [email protected]. ••
Joey C as Sinatra
Joey Commentucci will present a Tribute to Frank Sinatra dinner show on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Maltese Room, 2049 Bristol Pike, in Bensalem. Doors open at 6 p.m. The cost is $40 per person and includes a buffet dinner, show and one glass of wine or beer. Call Tom O’Neill at 215-675-9700 or email [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. ••
Tai chi classes
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host tai chi classes on Tuesdays, Nov. 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. ••
St. Jerome Seniors to meet
Upcoming St. Jerome Seniors meetings are on Thursday, Nov. 20, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. The meeting begins promptly at 11. ••
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. 20, 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. ••
Literacy event at Lawncrest Library
Lawncrest Library, 6098 Rising Sun Ave., invites artists of all levels to participate in its free watercolor sessions on Friday, Nov. 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. ••
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] ••
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. ••
Upcoming events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will offer the following programming:
• 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 ••
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, through Nov. 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 operas
Amici Opera Company will offer several upcoming performances.
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. ••
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. (Nov. 22, Dec. 6, Dec. 13 and Dec. 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. Mechanical leaf collection will also be offered on a designated weekly schedule in areas with a heavy concentration of leaves. Collection crews are scheduled to be in the Northeast through Nov. 21 and Nov. 24-28. To find out when your block is scheduled for mechanical collection, visit phila.gov/leaf-recycling
To find the bagged leaf drop-off location closest to you or to find out if mechanical leaf collection will be offered on your street, call O’Neill’s office at 215-686-3422. ••
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] ••
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. ••
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. ••
Spiritual Advent series
The Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, 3501 Solly Ave., will host Singing Our Way Through Advent: A Journey of Scripture, Song, & Sacred Reflection on Tuesdays, Dec. 2 and 9, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (includes lunch). The spiritual Advent series will explore Mary’s Magnificat (Dec. 2) and the biblical roots of beloved carols (Dec. 9) through music, scripture and prayerful ritual. The cost is $25 per session or $40 for both sessions. The facilitators will be Sister Theresa Ahern, MSBT, and Theresa Leonetti O’Connor. To register, call 267-350-1830, go to https://msbt.org/event/singing-our-way-through-advent/ or email [email protected] by Nov. 25. ••
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 ••
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 ••
Donate to veterans
The Quaker City English Dart League will hold a tournament at William D. Oxley Post 133, 7900 Torresdale Ave. (at Decatur Street), on Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and will be holding a Chinese raffle and collecting nonperishable food, toiletries and gift cards for veterans and their families. For more information, call Kay Brookes at 267-255-5234 or Bob Brookes at 215-820-2754 or email [email protected] or [email protected]. ••
Job fair at PATH
People Acting To Help Inc. will be holding a job fair with walk-in interviews at its headquarters at 1919 Cottman Ave. (at Castor Avenue) on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. All potential job applicants for positions at PATH are welcome to attend. PATH is hiring for positions in both its mental health and intellectual disability programs, from entry-level residential to credentialed clinical and program staff. Bring your resumes. Free parking is available in the PATH lot at Bleigh and Elgin avenues. Visit pathcenter.org. ••
Students, teachers sought for ‘delegates’ to Continental Congress
Philadelphia public high school students and teachers are invited to apply for the inaugural Young Philadelphians’ Continental Congress (YPhCC), a new American history and civics program created through a partnership between the School District of Philadelphia and Carpenters’ Hall, the site of the nation’s First Continental Congress in 1774.
The program will select 20–25 student-teacher teams — each team made up of one high school student and one teacher from the same school — to serve as “delegates.” Applications are open through Dec. 5, and selected participants will be notified in early 2026.
Delegates will meet on five Saturdays from January through April 2026 at Carpenters’ Hall and nearby historic institutions including the Museum of the American Revolution, National Constitution Center, National Liberty Museum and Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
Eligible applicants include high school social studies, history and civics teachers and high school sophomores, juniors or seniors from neighborhood, citywide, special-admission and public charter schools. The goal is to include at least one team from every councilmanic district.
Participation is free. Each student delegate will receive a $500 scholarship, and each teacher will receive a $1,000 stipend plus professional development credits. Transportation and meals will be provided.
YPhCC expands upon the Young People’s Continental Congress (YPCC), a national weeklong program that has brought students and teachers from across the country to Philadelphia for civic engagement and historical study. The national YPCC will return for a third and final time in July 2026 as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, while YPhCC is planned to continue beyond the Semiquincentennial.
Councilman Isaiah Thomas recently announced the local YPhCC initiative during a City Council meeting, saying “through the Young Philadelphians’ Continental Congress, dozens of students and teachers right here in our city will be able to gather, learn and be inspired.”
“The Young Philadelphians’ Continental Congress will strengthen students’ understanding of democracy, connect history to civic action and support the School District of Philadelphia’s goals for history and social studies,” said Michael Norris, executive director of Carpenters’ Hall. “As residents of the city where the United States was born, young Philadelphians are uniquely positioned to use the lessons of history to shape their future. We’re grateful for the mayor’s and city’s support in creating this opportunity for students and in helping build a legacy for 2026.”
“The deliberate alignment of history and active civic engagement for our high school students will have a lasting impact on their education and our society,” Tony B. Watlington, Superintendent of School District of Philadelphia, wrote in a 2022 letter of endorsement of YPhCC.
YPhCC is made possible through support from the City of Philadelphia, as part of its Semiquincentennial commemorations, the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial and The Albert Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest at Villanova University.
“Encouraging a historically informed public is central to the Lepage Center’s mission, and thus we are thrilled to support this opportunity for Philadelphia students to engage with history that is foundational to our country and happening in the birthplace of American democracy,” said Paul Rosier, director of The Albert Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest at Villanova University. “Through public events and programs, the Lepage Center provides historical scholarship and historical perspectives as resources for understanding the present.”
Applications are open through Dec. 5.
For more information or to apply, visit https://company.carpentershall.org/pages/young-philadelphians-continental-congress. ••
Historical Society of Frankford to meet
The Historical Society of Frankford is hosting Carol Smith, the archivist for both Christ Church and its Preservation Trust, at its meeting and lecture on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. She will demonstrate the Digitizing Philadelphia’s Historic Congregations website, and discuss individual records found during the project. The meeting and lecture will occur at the HSF library/museum at 1507 Orthodox St. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is available across the street at Frankford Friends School. ••
Football book signings
The Historical Society of Frankford will host a meet and greet and authors’ signing on Dec. 7 from 1-3 p.m. Books for sale will be the newly published Frankford Yellow Jackets: Philadelphia’s First NFL Team, by Brian Michaels and Andrew Weicker, and The Eagles Encyclopedia: Champions II, by Ray Didinger. The event will occur at the Society’s library/museum at 1507 Orthodox St. and is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is available across the street at Frankford Friends School. ••
Winter clothing drive
Catholic Community Services will present Operation Bundle Up on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours Church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd. The 12th annual winter clothing drive will provide cold-weather items to people in need. For more information, contact Lance Wright at 215-760-4101 or [email protected]. ••
