Musical show will take stage this Saturday
The Multicultural Arts Mosaic will present Timeless Classics on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road in Bustleton.
The show will feature pianist Lance Wiseman, violinist Aleksander Spivak and soprano Tatyana Mykhaylova.
There will be music from Beethoven, Broadway, Star Wars and more. For anyone who buys a ticket, their parents and grandparents will be admitted free.
For information, call toll-free 855–594–8414 or visit maephila.brownpapertickets.com ••
Living Nativity at St. William Church
St. William Church will host its second annual Living Nativity, which will take place on Saturday, Dec. 17 in the church parking lot, 6200 Rising Sun Ave.
The event will run from 6 to 7 p.m., after the 5 p.m. Mass. Guests are invited to bring Christmas mangers to be blessed. There will also be readings, Christmas carols, hot chocolate, coffee, tea and cookies. ••
John Birch Society meeting is Dec. 20
The John Birch Society will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Holmesburg Recreation Center, at Rhawn and Ditman streets.
The evening will feature the film Constitutional War Powers and the Enemy Within, which is part four of the six-part series, The Constitution is the Solution.
The motto of the John Birch Society is “Less Government, More Responsibility and — With God’s Help — A Better World.” ••
Energy fair at Vogt Recreation Center
State Rep. John Taylor (R-177th dist.) will hold an energy fair to show residents how to become more energy efficient and reduce their utility bills.
The fair will take place on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Vogt Recreation Center, 4131 Unruh Ave. The event will be co-hosted by state Rep. Mike Driscoll (D-173rd dist.) and City Councilman Bobby Henon.
Also attending will be representatives from the state Public Utility Commission, the Philadelphia Gas Works, the Philadelphia Water Department, the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, the Energy Coordinating Agency, the Water Revenue Bureau, the Utility Emergency Services Fund and the Mayor’s Office of Community Empowerment of Opportunity.
Call 215–708–3139. ••
Neilson taking Toys for Tots
State Rep. Ed Neilson’s office is a drop-off location for this year’s U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots campaign. Residents may drop off new or unopened toys until Dec. 16 at Neilson’s office at 16 Old Ashton Road. Call 215–330–3714. ••
Smoking cessation class at Nazareth
Nazareth Hospital, 2601 Holme Ave., will hold a free smoking and tobacco cessation class on Wednesday, Dec. 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in its seventh-floor rehab conference room. For information or to pre-register, call 215–335–7727. ••
Turkey, toy drives ongoing
Donations are needed for a turkey drive for needy families in Burholme. Also, the Hellraisers Bucks County Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club will host a Christmas party at the Michael J. Crescenz Rising Sun VFW Post 2819, 6850 Martins Mill Road, on Dec. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. Santa Claus will appear, and there will be a toy giveaway. To donate a turkey or other food or for information on the party, call 215–626–1723. ••
Live nativity Sunday at local church
United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd, 10901 Calera Road, will hold a live nativity on Sunday, Dec. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Call 215–632–1929. ••
Times sponsors decorating contest
The Northeast Times is sponsoring a Christmas decorating contest.
Residents of the Northeast are welcome to submit photos of the outsides of their homes, decorated for Christmas. Photos can be emailed to pronews@bsmphilly.com
The deadline for entries is Saturday, Dec. 17. Please include family name and address.
Times staffers will choose finalists, and check out their decorated homes in person. Winners will be announced in the Dec. 21 issue, and prizes will be awarded. Some of the winning homes will be pictured in the paper. Exact home addresses will not be listed. ••
Service to help those struggling
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 14100 Worthington Road in Somerton, will be holding a “Blue Christmas” service on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. The event is being billed as “A Worship Experience of Encouragement and Hope.” It’s for people who find the Christmas season difficult, including those who are coping with the loss of a loved one, personal challenges or pain and transitions of one kind or another.
There will be prayers, scripture and music acknowledging that God is present in those who struggle. The service will be followed by light refreshments and fellowship. Call 215–464–1540 or visit immanuelphilly.org ••
Toys for Tots at O’Neill’s offices
Individuals can drop off new and unwrapped toys at any of City Councilman Brian O’Neill’s five offices. The toys will be distributed to less-fortunate youngsters.
To donate a new and unwrapped toy, call or visit O’Neill’s offices at 7522 Castor Ave. (215–685–0438); 432 Rhawn St. (215–685–6431); FOP Lodge 5 headquarters at 11630 Caroline Road (215–437–9167); Bustleton Avenue and Bowler Street, above the 7th Police District (215–685–0432); and 562 City Hall (215–686–3422). ••
Firefly festival invites fan input
The Firefly Music Festival has added fan surveys, votes and contests.
Examples of fan voting options include the lineup, merchandise designs and products, attractions, cocktails and food, camping and festival amenities.
“We couldn’t be more excited to further evolve the roots on which Firefly was built: the fans,” said Christiane Pheil, director of creative programming at Red Frog Events. “We’ve always emphasized the importance of producing a festival for our guests, and now we’ll be the first festival to truly give fans a voice and the ability to guide the future of Firefly.”
The 2017 festival will take place June 15–18 at the Woodlands of Dover, Delaware.
Ticket sales and the lineup will be announced in early 2017.
To create a profile and begin voting on attractions and topics for the next Firefly, go to fireflyfestival.com and view the community page. ••
