Burholme civic group
approves ExpressCare

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

A local supermarket will soon offer services for people with sore throats, earaches and other minor illnesses.
Last week, the Burholme Community Town Watch and Civic Association unanimously approved a bid by ExpressCare to set up an office in the Shop-Rite at 6301 Oxford Ave.
The supermarket is in Oxford Circle and borders Lawndale, but ExpressCare sought the support of the Burholme group in advance of its appearance in front of the Zoning Board of Adjustment on Wednesday, April 18.
The service will be available seven days a week, with hours coinciding with the supermarket’s pharmacy. No appointments are necessary, nor is insurance.
A licensed nurse practitioner will operate the facility, which will include an examination room.
There are treatments for illnesses and ailments such as cold and coughs, the flu, rashes, toothaches, sprains and allergies; physical examinations; and screenings for diabetes, pregnancy and strep throat.
All payments are by cash, with ExpressCare providing receipts for customers to submit to insurance companies for reimbursement. The average transaction is $39, and a patient’s ExpressCare history will be kept in a database.
ExpressCare saves money by opening in an existing building.
"We can lower the cost to the community," said chief operating officer Scott Richards.
The company’s motto is, "No wait. Feel great!" If there is a line, customers will be paged as they shop.
ExpressCare is glad to be coming to a busy store like Shop-Rite, and supermarket owner Larry Collins thinks his customers will be happy with the new service.
"This is the kind of stuff a family business can bring," he said.
The civic association wrote a letter of support to the zoning board.
In other news from the April 12 meeting:
• Mark Mroz, the community relations officer in the 2nd Police District, and instructors from Tiger Schulmann Karate Centers will present a safety workshop for women on Monday at 7 p.m. at Jardel Recreation Center, at 1500 Cottman Ave.
• The civic association overwhelmingly approved a design plan for a four-level garage that Fox Chase Cancer Center hopes to build on its campus. The garage will accommodate up to 604 cars. The cancer center does not plan to charge a parking fee.
Meanwhile, according to City Councilman Brian O’Neill (R-10th dist.), final results of a traffic study are pending regarding the impact of Fox Chase Cancer Center’s proposed expansion into Burholme Park.
O’Neill also mentioned that he has been negotiating with Collision Care, which hopes to open at 1225 Cottman Ave., to make the property look more attractive. The business needs a variance because the site is zoned for mechanical, but not collision, repair.
The councilman also announced upcoming lighting improvements at Jardel Recreation Center. And he said the new safety fencing for the Northeast Optimist Little League baseball teams have not affected the sledding hills at Burholme Park. The fencing was approved by the Fairmount Park Commission, but a couple of neighbors told O’Neill that he should have shared the news with the community before it was erected.
Among those in attendance was Sean McAleer, O’Neill’s Democratic opponent.
• United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, at 1128 Cottman Ave. (at Lawndale Avenue), will hold a flea market on Saturday, May 12, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The rain date is May 20. The cost for space is $10 for those who bring their own tables and $15 who need a table provided.
The church is also selling discounted groceries through Angel Food Ministries. For $25, individuals can purchase meat, pizza, frozen foods and vegetables.
On Friday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the church will host the Maximum Impact Simulcast. The event is geared toward leadership training and features speeches by football analyst and former player Terry Bradshaw, authors and leadership experts. The cost is $99, or $89 for groups of five or more, and includes a continental breakfast and hot lunch buffet.
For information on the flea market, the food ministry or the simulcast, call the Rev. Dave Carey at 215-745-5963.
• Burholme Community Town Watch and Civic Association will meet on Thursday, May 10, at 7 p.m., at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer. The guest speaker will be Councilman O’Neill. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com