Preschool storytime
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Preschool Storytime on Thursday, Feb. 22, at 10:30 a.m. There will be stories, songs and fingerplays for children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
Flea market
St. Dominic Catholic Daughters will hold a flea market at Marian Hall, 8532 Frankford Ave., on Saturday, March 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ••
Program on Holmesburg Prison experiments
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host Human Experiments at Holmesburg Prison on Monday, March 11, at 5:30 p.m. Allen M. Hornblum, author of Acres of Skin, will give a presentation on the history of the use of inmates at Holmesburg Prison for medical research. ••
SEPTA workers back Solomon
Transport Workers Union Local 234, which represents 5,000 Philadelphia-area transit workers, including most of SEPTA’s drivers and other blue-collar employees, endorsed state Rep. Jared Solomon, a Democratic attorney general candidate.
“President Pollitt and I are proud to endorse Jared Solomon for attorney general,” said Joe Coccio, secretary-treasurer of TWU Local 234. “We know Jared’s values. He will always support organized labor and fight for working-class Pennsylvanians as hard as he has in Northeast Philadelphia as a champion for bringing new jobs and opportunities through the Roosevelt Boulevard rapid transit project.”
“Having the support of the operators, mechanics and blue collar workers of SEPTA’s largest union means so much to me,” Solomon said. “We are at a generational moment with the Roosevelt Boulevard rapid transit project and we have an incredible opportunity to build the next generation of workers that will ensure Northeast Philadelphia is connected to the rest of the city. Other major cities are doing large-scale infrastructure projects and Philadelphia can, too.” ••
7th District PSA-2 meetings moved
The 7th District’s Police Service Area Zone #2 public meetings will meet at the American Heritage Community Room, 2060 Red Lion Road, at 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is March 5. PSA meetings serve as an opportunity for residents to speak with ranking police officials. They can ask questions about crime and quality-of-life issues and bring concerns directly to the officers patrolling their community. Tom James and Bob Stewart serve as PSA-2 Community Representatives for the 7th Police District Advisory Council and liaisons with the captain’s staff regularly. PSA Zone #2 covers the area of Bloomfield Avenue north to Red Lion Road and Roosevelt Boulevard west to Pine Road. ••
Storytelling at library
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Telling Tales with Mama Carla, a program of Black History Month, on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 5:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to experience black storytelling, interactive songs and easy-to-learn rhythms. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
First ladies and suffrage
First Ladies of the United States and Suffrage, the Fight for Women’s Rights will be the subjects for two live performances presented by Trish Chambers at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., on Feb. 27 and March 25. Both shows will begin at 12:45 p.m. Chambers will dress in period costumes for the shows, and there will be information on first ladies from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama. Cost for each program is $3 per person. For additional information and reservations, contact Andrea Kimelheim at 215-698-7300, Ext. 176 or akimelhein@kleinlife.org. ••
Millbrook Civic to meet
Millbrook Civic Association will meet on Feb. 27, at 7 p.m., at the Calvary Athletic Association clubhouse, 4330 Deerpath Lane. Future meetings will be on April 30, June 25, Sept. 24, Oct. 29 and Nov. 26. For more information, email millbrookcivic@verizon.net ••
Finance program at local church
Bella Victor Ministries will present Finance of the Future on Sunday, Feb. 25, from 2 to 4:40 p.m., at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave. Coffee and cake will be served. Call 215-526-7749 or visit BellaVictorMinistries.com. ••
Free movie at KleinLife
KleinLife (10100 Jamison Ave.) will host a free Black History Month program on Friday, Feb. 23, at 12:30 p.m. The public is invited to view Green Book, a movie inspired by a true story. Don Shirley, a world-class black pianist, recruits Tony Lip, a tough-talking bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx, as his driver and protector during a 1962 concert tour in the deep south. The film stars Mahershala Ali and Viggo Mortensen. ••
Vendors/crafters wanted
St. Hubert Parent Association will host a vendor/craft fair on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost per table is $20 and a $20 value product donation. Venmo payment to @st-hubert-pa or mail to St. Hubert High School, 7320 Torresdale Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19136. For more information, email Sheila Picinich at s.picinich@olcalvaryschool.org or Sandy Vaughan at sacoleman@philasd.org. ••
St. Jerome Seniors to meet
Upcoming St. Jerome Seniors meetings are on Thursdays, Feb. 22, March 14 and March 28, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford Street. Arrive by 10 a.m. Meetings begin promptly at 11. ••
Rhawnhurst Civic to meet
The Rhawnhurst Civic Association will hold its next monthly meeting on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at Pelbano Playground, 8101 Bustleton Ave. (at Solly Avenue). The 2nd and 7th Police District community relations officers are invited. There will be discussions on streets, abandoned cars and zoning issues, along with a planned bar/restaurant at 8014 Castor Ave. For more information, visit Rhawnhurstcivicassociation.com or the group’s Facebook page. ••
Meeting on higher education
State Sen. Jimmy Dillon, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), will hold a town hall meeting on affordable access to higher education and recent changes to the FAFSA application process on Feb. 26, at 6 p.m., at Community College of Philadelphia’s Northeast Regional Center, 12901 Townsend Road. Light refreshments will be provided. Register in advance by calling 215-695-1020. ••
Bag of clothing sale
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., will hold a bag sale from Feb. 23-29. Fill a bag of clothing for $5. 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 Saturdays. Call 215-624-9130. ••
Activities at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, is hosting a couple of upcoming activities. Here is the schedule: Friday, Feb. 23: Fibercraft Friends (1-3 p.m.); and Saturday, Feb. 24: Laughter Workshop (1-2 p.m.). Call 215-685-0599. ••
Black History Month at PPH
The Philadelphia Protestant Home, 6401 Martins Mill Road, invites members of the public 60 and older to a Black History Month program, Dr. Century portrays Phillis Wheatley, on Monday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m. Call 215-697-8000. ••
Storytelling at library
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Telling Tales with Mama Carla, a program of Black History Month, on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 5:30 p.m. All ages are welcome to experience black storytelling, interactive songs and easy-to-learn rhythms. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
First ladies and suffrage
First Ladies of the United States and Suffrage, the Fight for Women’s Rights will be the subjects for two live performances presented by Trish Chambers at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., on Feb. 27 and March 25. Both shows will begin at 12:45 p.m. Chambers will dress in period costumes for the shows, and there will be information on first ladies from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama. Cost for each program is $3 per person. For additional information and reservations, contact Andrea Kimelheim at 215-698-7300, Ext. 176 or akimelhein@kleinlife.org. ••
Upcoming opera performances
Amici Opera Company will present two performances of Donizetti’s La Regina Di Golconda on Saturdays, Feb. 24 and March 2, both at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave. There will be two performances of Mozart’s Don Giovanni: Saturday, March 9, at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer; and Sunday, March 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale. United Methodist Church of the Redeemer will host a production of Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri on Sunday, March 10, at 3 p.m. L’Italiana in Algeri will be performed on Tuesday, March 12, at 6 p.m. at La Piovra, 7901 High School Road, Elkins Park. The evening will include a 3-course dinner. The cost is $54.95 (tips and tax not included). BYOB. For reservations, call 215-606-3800. For more information, call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Donate blood
The American Red Cross is encouraging people to donate blood. Those who give in February will receive a $20 Amazon.com gift card by email. The Northeast Philadelphia Blood Donation Center, 1401 Rhawn St., is open Monday-Wednesday, 11:45 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, 10:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Friday-Sunday, 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Another donation day is on Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Philadelphia Charter School for Arts & Sciences, 1197 Haworth St. Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS. ••
Sign up for senior softball
The Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced players for its 68-and-over and 58-and-over leagues. The 58-plus teams play Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 68-plus teams play Mondays and Fridays. All games start at 10 a.m. and are played at Crispin Fields, at Holme and Convent avenues. Games start mid-April and run till the end of September. No games in July. For the 58-plus league, call Mike Bojanowski at 215-801-4869. For the 68-plus league, call Marty King at 215-409-5021. ••
Ryan winter social
Archbishop Ryan High School will hold a winter social on March 2, from 7 p.m. to midnight, at the Philadelphia Ballroom, 2014 Hornig Road. The event will feature The Exceptions, DJ Bobby Sacco, raffles and a silent auction. All alumni, parents and supporters of Ryan are invited. Tickets, sponsorships and raffles are available at https://www.arhs.me/2024wintersocial. ••
Sign up for St. Cecilia run
The second annual St. Cecilia School Legacy Run will take place on Saturday, April 20. The event is a 5K run/1-mile walk that raises money for a scholarship fund that benefits students at St. Cecilia who have a parent who is an alum of St. Cecilia or St. William. Sign up at https://runningintheusa.com/details/137457. ••
Help repair Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Philadelphia’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located at 108 Spruce St., near Penn’s Landing, was badly vandalized last August, with the thief making off with brass lighting plate covers and custom-made concrete skateboard barriers.
Despite IBEW Local 98 stepping up to offer to cover all costs of the labor required to repair the extensive damage, officials of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial just announced that they still need $50,000 to cover the costs of materials. IBEW Local 98, which has long supported military vets, police officers, firefighters and all first responders, is leading a fundraising effort on behalf of the Memorial.
“Approximately 58,000 members of the U.S. military died in service to our nation in the Vietnam War, many of them Philadelphians,” said Mark Lynch Jr., Business Manager of IBEW Local 98. “Our city’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a beautiful, moving tribute to those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. The fact that someone would vandalize it is a disgrace. It’s now up to everyday Philadelphians, as well as to our corporate and philanthropic communities, to raise the funds needed to return the Memorial to its original glory.”
Checks payable to “Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial” can be mailed to the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial, P.O. Box 29425, Philadelphia, PA 19125. You can also make a secure online donation on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial website (https://pvvm.org/).
Senior softball league seeks players
The Bucks 65+ Senior Softball League is holding registration for the upcoming season, which begins in April. Indoor practices will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Pennsbury Racquet Club, 375 W. Trenton Ave., Morrisville. For information, go to www.bucksseniorsoftball.com or email Bill at bbjt03@gmail.com or Jack at Zupan.jack@gmail.com. ••
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. ••
Bingo at Loudenslager
Corp. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., is offering community bingo every second and fourth Friday evenings. Doors open at 6:30, games start at 7:20. Refreshments available. ••
Yoga classes
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will offer Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra classes on Fridays, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., from March 1 to April 12. There is no class on Good Friday, March 29. The cost is $15 per class, which will be led by Tiffany Cooper. Call 215-934-6206. ••
A group for moms
A Sacred Mother’s Circle will meet at Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, on Wednesdays, from March 13 to April 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $20 per class. Call 215-934-6206. ••
History-themed bus trip
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to the historic Village of Roebling and historic Bordentown on Thursday, April 11. The itinerary will include a docent-led tour of the Roebling Museum and a leisurely walking tour of the Village, established in 1905 by Charles G. Roebling as a complete self-sustaining community for the workers of the Roebling Steel Mill, followed by lunch at the Old Town Pub in Bordentown and a visit to Point Breeze, the former estate of Joseph Bonaparte. The all-inclusive cost is $125. For a flyer and reservation form, call 215-788-2106. Reservations close on March 4. ••
Ryan ’74 reunion
The Archbishop Ryan High School Class of 1974 will celebrate its 50th reunion on Friday, May 31, from 7-11 p.m., at the Southampton Room, 2980 Southampton Road. For tickets or more information, go to https://www.arhs.me/update ••
Shabbat Across America
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will celebrate the 28th annual Shabbat Across America on Friday, March 1, at 6:15 p.m. The evening will include dinner, services and an Oneg Shabbat. Dinner costs $24. Make a reservation at 215-677-1600. ••
Life cycle class
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a life cycle class on birth taught by Rabbi Sandi Berliner on Sunday, March 3, at 10 a.m. Light refreshments will be served. For reservations and more information, call 215-677-1600. ••
A class on marriage
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a life cycle class on marriage taught by Rabbi Sandi Berliner on Tuesday, April 2, at 10 a.m. Light refreshments will be served. For reservations and more information, call 215-677-1600. ••
March book club
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be hosting a Zoom session on Monday, March 4, at 7 p.m. The book is The Star Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lois Nelson Spielman. To register or for more information, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
April book club
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be hosting a Zoom session on Monday, April 1, at 7 p.m. The book is The Gown by Jennifer Robson. To register or for more information, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Bingo in March
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim is hosting bingo on Zoom on Mondays, March 11 and March 18, starting at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $36 per person and includes two cards for eight games of bingo each night. Send your payment to the CSS office, 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115, attention: Bingo. Payment must be received no later than Feb. 26. Include your email address to receive the Zoom link. Call Gerry or Nancy at 215-677-1600. ••
Synagogue Sisterhood meeting
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be holding a meeting on Tuesday, March 12, at 1 p.m. Jack Myers will present a free program on genealogy. Light refreshments will be served. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Life cycle class
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a life cycle class on B’Nai Mitzvah taught by Rabbi Sandi Berliner on Tuesday, March 26, at 10 a.m. Light refreshments will be served. To make a reservation or for more information, call 215-677-1600. ••
Writers series at Holy Family
Holy Family University will welcome fiction and creative nonfiction novelist Liz Moore in its Distinguished Writers Series on Wednesday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Education and Technology Center auditorium (9801 Frankford Ave.). The event is free and open to the public. Free off-street parking is available. Call 215-637-7700. ••
Free tax preparation
People who need help preparing their federal income tax return can take advantage of the free assistance program offered by KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. The program will run through April 12 and is available to everyone with incomes of up to $73,000 whether filing single or joint returns. Call 215-698-7300, Ext. 194 to make an appointment. Have all of your tax information, including last year’s federal tax return, W-2, 1099 and real estate tax bill. ••
Donate blood
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, is holding its annual blood drive being run by the American Red Cross on Sunday, March 17. Appointments are available starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 1:30 p.m. In addition to donating blood, you can volunteer to check people in and assist where needed. Light refreshments will be served. To reserve your time slot or for more details, call 215-677-1600. ••
Support Storm the Heavens
Storm the Heavens Fund will hold its sixth annual Bean’s Ball on March 9 at 7 p.m. at Vie, 600 N. Broad St.
The masquerade ball will be held in memory of Philomena “Bean” Stendardo, an 8-year-old from Port Richmond who died in 2017 of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a fatal form of brain cancer that mostly affects kids under 11.
Philomena’s parents, Mark and Mina, started the Storm the Heavens Fund to spread awareness and fund research for DIPG.Tickets cost $275. For information on tickets, sponsorships and event booklet ads or to make a donation, visit StormTheHeavens.org. ••
Book review for charity
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is having a book review on Tuesday, April 2, at 6 p.m. at Guiseppe’s, 990 Second Street Pike, Richboro. The book being discussed is Mad Honey by Jodi Piccoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. The cost is $45 per person, which includes dinner and dessert. Call Joyce at 267-808-2022 for reservations. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Donate clothes
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a clothing drive on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to noon at 604 Township Line Road, Cheltenham. Bring your gently used clothing, accessories, books and small trinkets in bags or boxed for pick-up. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Charity fashion show
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a fashion show, Couture For The Cure, on Sunday, May 5, at Spring Mill Manor, 171 Jacksonville Road, Ivyland. The cost is $68 and includes full-course lunch and fashion show. There will be raffles, boutiques and jewelry and craft vendors. BOC Productions will present Fashions from Marlene’s of Collingswood, New Jersey. Doors open at 10 a.m. for shopping. Lunch will start at 12:30 p.m. Call Lorraine at 610-277-3631 for tickets. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
New cancer prevention and research professor at Fox Chase
Fox Chase Cancer Center announced the hiring of Lilian Shin-Cho as an assistant professor in the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program.
Prior to joining Fox Chase, Shin-Cho was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where she was a member of the Cancer Prevention Research Training Program and received the 2023 Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow in Cancer Prevention Award.
During her fellowship, Shin-Cho worked on research projects related to psychological well-being in cancer patients who are members of collectivist cultures, which emphasize the needs and goals of the group in addition to those of the individual. She also focused on designing positive activity interventions for Asian American cancer patients and caregivers.
Shin-Cho earned her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University. She earned a master’s and a doctoral degree in psychology from the University of California, Riverside.
Over the course of her career, Shin-Cho has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Psycho-Oncology and The Journal of Positive Psychology and has presented her research at national behavioral medicine conferences.
Shin-Cho is the principal investigator of an NIH/NCI Early Stage K99/R00 Pathway to Independence Award grant for outstanding early-stage postdoctoral researchers pursuing a career in cancer control science.
She is a member of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, the Association for Psychological Science and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology. ••
Dental education program
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and research shows cavities are the most common childhood disease in the United States.
Doc Bresler’s Cavity Busters Community Outreach dental educators offer a free early childhood dental education program to preschools, daycare centers, elementary schools, day camps and other educational organizations that teach children about proper oral health in a fun and interactive way and how not to be afraid of going to the dentist.
In age-appropriate, 30-minute lessons for children ages 2-6, dental educators teach how to combat cavities with proper brushing and flossing techniques, healthy nutrition and visiting the dentist twice yearly for checkups and cleanings.
The program explains to children what they can expect to see, hear, smell and experience during a dental visit. The lesson allows children to share their individual experiences and emotions in a supportive format, with any early misconceptions or misinformation explained away. When the program is over, each child goes home with a goody bag containing a new toothbrush, coloring book, stickers and important parent information that reinforces lessons they have learned and encourages them to practice good dental hygiene at home.
The early dental education program is available year round. For information, email community@cavitybusters.com.
For more early childhood oral and dental health information, visit cavitybusters.com.
Doc Bresler’s Cavity Busters is home to eight Philadelphia and suburban locations, including one at 8566 Bustleton Ave. and 240 Geiger Road. ••
Learn about Lafayette
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation, 321 Cedar St., Bristol Borough, will present Lafayette: An American Hero Receives a Grand Reception on Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. Bruce Mowday, author of Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero, will make the presentation. Light refreshments will be served. A donation of $5 per attendee is suggested. Students are free. Call 215-788-7537. ••
Women’s Day program
The Philadelphia Protestant Home, 6401 Martins Mill Road, will host an International Women’s Day program on Friday, March 8, at 2 p.m. in its social hall. The guest speaker will be Maureen O’Connell, associate professor of Christian Ethics in La Salle University’s Department of Religion and Theology. The topic will be Finding Your Roots in Philadelphia. The program is for people 60 and older. The public is invited. ••
