Oldies band 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. 16. The event goes from 6-11 p.m. The donation is $10. There will be a cash bar and kitchen. For ticket reservations and information, call John Wisniewski at 215-906-1825. ••
Free concert Nov. 6 at KleinLife
The Belle Tones, an all-female song and dance trio, will headline a free community concert on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m. at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave.
The concert will be held in memory of longtime active KleinLife member Philip Spector and will include a salute to Veterans Day.
The public is invited free of charge.
The Belle Tones play hit songs from the 1920 through the ‘80s, a blend of country, Broadway, jazz, rock and roll and holiday music.
Call 215-698-7300, Ext. 176. ••
St. Jerome Seniors to meet
Upcoming St. Jerome Seniors meetings are on Thursdays, Nov. 14 and 21, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. The meeting begins promptly at 11. ••
Donate blood
The American Red Cross is encouraging people to donate blood.
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 option is on Nov. 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Martha Roman Catholic Church, 11321 Academy Road.
Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS. ••
Tacony history meeting on Nov. 11
The fall general membership meeting of the Historical Society of Tacony will be held on Monday, Nov. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Innocents Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 7001 Torresdale Ave. Historian Jim Murphy will talk about William Penn and how he turned a “howling wilderness” into America’s fastest-growing city. Light refreshments will be served. ••
Free art exhibition
The Sisters of St. Basil the Great are hosting an exhibition of Ukrainian Children’s Stories and Ethnographic Dioramas in their auditorium, 710 Fox Chase Road in Jenkintown, through Nov. 17. The exhibition features all the works of Luba and Andrij Chornodolsky. The exhibition is open Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. School groups and organizations can schedule visits weekdays by calling 410-241-9037. Admission is free. Tax-deductible donations to the Ukrainian War Orphans Fund will be accepted. ••
Open house at Franklin Towne
Franklin Towne Charter High School, 5301 Tacony St., will host an open house on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to noon. Guests can tour the campus, including classrooms, labs and athletic spaces; meet teachers and staff to learn about the academic support and personal attention students receive; hear about diverse course offerings, AP classes and specialized pathways to college and career readiness; hear about student clubs, sports teams and leadership opportunities; and learn about how to apply. ••
Free haircuts for veterans
William D. Oxley Post 133, 7900 Torresdale Ave. (at Decatur St.), will host a Cut-A-Thon on Nov. 17 from 3-7 p.m. All veterans will receive free haircuts. Soda, a slice of pizza and a pretzel will be available afterward. The event is being held in conjunction with City Councilman Mike Driscoll and state Rep. Pat Gallagher. Call Kay Brookes at 267-255-5234. ••
Nominations open for community awards
The 8th Police District Advisory Council is seeking nominations for its Community Awards. The deadline is Nov. 1. Nominations are being accepted in four categories: Child (Academics), Child (Community Service), Adult (Community Service) and Business (Giving Back to the Community). Nominees must live or have their business in the 8th Police District. Email 8thdistpdac@gmail.com and include the nominee’s name, contact number, address and reasons for nomination. ••
Bereavement support group
Lambie Funeral Home, 8000 Rowland Ave. (at Rhawn Street) sponsors a Bereavement Support group for all who have lost loved ones on the first Wednesday of the month (except January), from 6:30 to 8 p.m., through June 4. There is no fee. Call 215-332-6110. ••
Trunk or Treat at the Block Church
The Block Church, 9768 Verree Road, will host a Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 31 from 5-7 p.m. The event will feature decorated, often themed, car trunks that children visit to collect candy and other fun items. The event is free to attend and open to all families. ••
GWHS class of ‘84 reunion
The George Washington High School class of 1984 will hold its 40th class reunion on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 6-11 p.m. at Twining Hall, 4900 E. Street Road in Trevose. The cost is $55 per ticket. Tickets must be bought by Oct. 30. Email gwhsreunionclassof84@eric-barson. For more information, call Bennett Love at 267-242-8201. ••
Little Flower online auction
Little Flower High School has an online auction going until Nov. 12. In all, there are 100 prizes in a variety of categories. Bidding is open at LittleFlowerHighSchool.org, under the Alumnae Upcoming Events tab. A direct link is at https://new.biddingowl.com/item/dinner-at-union?AuctionItemId=7216adb1-de98-4276-87e5-dbd728240b48&QueryAuctionId=df2ea0e4-d408-4920-aad1-02a651569769&QueryCategory=+All&fbclid=IwY2xjawGDEHdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHck5yL8jTemXWZ4_iIFBuXdkOvtqNOoufcwtSBE3dHVwo5iWrvxH6PBlcw_aem_bYj1TSU6BVATkjTN3nOlUw ••
Vendors wanted
St. Hubert will host a holiday vendor fair on Sunday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the cafeteria. There will be shopping, food and basket raffles. Enter through the doors near Ditman Street or Bleigh Avenue. The cost to vendors is $25 per table and a donation to the tombola table. Visit Huberts.org/HolidayVendor or email SHSanta@Huberts.org. ••
Bingo at St. Hubert
The St. Hubert Alumnae Association will hold a bingo on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 1-4 p.m. in the school auditorium, 7320 Torresdale Ave. The cost is $35. Register to attend: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMjQSPjWHhDWcB_EaL9PTI_zR_5SdyXlkqq7FfMT-Gl7NBgQ/viewform ••
Council wants death penalty abolished
City Council voted 16-1 in favor of a resolution calling on the state Senate to pass House Bill 999, to abolish the death penalty in Pennsylvania. All 14 Democrats and both members of the Working Families Party voted for the resolution. Republican Councilman Brian O’Neill voted against the resolution. The last Pennsylvanian executed was Gary Heidnik, in 1999. Gov. Josh Shapiro has called for the General Assembly to repeal the death penalty and has continued the death penalty moratorium policy initiated by Gov. Tom Wolf. ••
Bingo at the 8th District
The 8th Police District will sponsor designer bag bingo on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Christ the King Church, basement hall, 3252 Chesterfield Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Games start at 7. Tickets are $40 and include refreshments. There will also be door prizes, raffles and a 50-50. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at the 8th District, 3100 Red Lion Road. Proceeds benefit community events. For more information, contact community relations officer John Hanejko at 215-360-2063 or John.Hanejko@phila.gov. ••
Healthy holiday eating
Temple University Hospital — Jeanes Campus will present Healthy Eating Through the Holidays on Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse, 7600 Central Ave. Temple registered dietitian Kellyann Yaksick will make the presentation. To register, call 215-728-4861 or email Rosemarie.Schlegel@tuhs.temple.edu. ••
Program at Fox Chase Library
Fox Chase Library, 501 Rhawn St., will host Adult Coloring on Oct. 31 at 11:15 a.m. ••
Trunk or Treat at Mission BBQ
The Gas Guzzlers Car Club Trunk or Treat will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Mission BBQ, 11000 Roosevelt Blvd. No cars will be permitted after 5 p.m. There will be a DJ and prizes for best costume and best trunk. ••
Veterans breakfast and fair
State Rep. Jared Solomon will hold a veterans appreciation breakfast and resource fair on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Knights of Columbus Holmesburg Council, 3300 Knorr St. Veterans and their families are invited. Solomon is chairman of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. To RSVP, call 215-342-6340 or email repsolomon@pahouse.net. ••
Tree saplings distributed at Cranaleith
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will be a distribution site for tree saplings on Nov. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring boxes to take the trees. Email jwszolek@cranaleith.org for more information. ••
Video ceremony and conversation
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host the 19th Israeli-Palestianian Memorial Day Video Viewing on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 1-3 p.m. Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg, one of the founders of the Philadelphia chapter of American Friends of Combatants for Peace, will introduce the video and join a conversation afterward. The cost is $25. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Nature journaling at Glen Foerd
Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., will host nature journaling with Meg Lemieur on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The outdoor workshop will feature participants recording, writing and drawing the natural surroundings of Glen Foerd. There will also be a bonfire. Participants are encouraged to bring the following an unlined notebook or clipboard and paper; pencil and sharpener; colored pencils and watercolor paints; and a portable chair or blanket. A $5 donation is suggested to cover materials. Email Colleen Winslow at cwinslow@glenfoerd.org. ••
Book club meeting
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will hold a Zoom session on Monday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. The book is Blake Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
A series on senior health
A complimentary Senior Health Tech Education Series is being offered at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. The program will be conducted weekly in the senior center’s computer lab. Dates are Nov. 4, 11 and 18, all at 12:30 p.m. To reserve a seat, call 215-698-7300, Ext. 176. ••
Preschool storytime
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host preschool storytime at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays, Nov. 7, 14 and 21 and Dec. 12. There will be stories, songs and fingerplays. For children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
Millbrook Civic to meet
Millbrook Civic Association will meet on Nov. 26, at 7 p.m., at the Calvary Athletic Association clubhouse, 4330 Deerpath Lane. For more information, email millbrookcivic@verizon.net ••
Upcoming operas
Amici Opera Company will present Verdi’s Nabucco on Saturday, Nov. 24, at 4 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. Brigantine Ave., in Brigantine. The cost is $30. For more information, call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
KleinLife opens farmers market
KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., has a farmers market that sells nutritious fresh fruits and vegetables every Friday from noon to 3 p.m., through the fall. The market accepts cash, SNAP/EBT Access Cards and Philly Food Bucks. Proceeds will go to support the Cook for a Friend program as part of the KleinLife Home Delivered Meals Program. Call 215-698-7300, Ext. 196. ••
Farmers market open
The Food Trust holds a weekly farmers market at Castor Avenue and Hellerman Street. The market, featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, is open Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October and will include cooking demonstrations. ••
Support for Parkinson’s
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus hosts a Parkinson’s Disease Support Group on the second Wednesday of every other month. The meetings will take place from 5-6 p.m. at the Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse, 7604 Central Ave. The group is led by nurse practitioner June Ro and attended by guest speakers, patients and caregivers.
The guest speaker is social worker Luisa Enriquez (Dec. 11).
To register, contact June Ro at 215-707-2619 or Jungyoon.Ro@tuhs.temple.edu. ••
Thanksgiving Parade Nov. 24
The 47th annual Mayfair-Holmesburg Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Sunday, Nov. 24, from noon to 3 p.m. on Frankford Avenue, from Rhawn Street to Knorr Street. The grand marshal will be Ed Lloyd, of Lloyd Sixsmith Sporting Goods, celebrating 50 years in business. Homemade floats are being accepted. Volunteer banner carriers will receive six hours of community service. Email info@thanksgivingparade.org. ••
Booze Bingo at Calvary AA
Calvary Athletic Association, 4330 Deerpath Lane, will host Booze Bingo on Saturday, Nov. 2. Doors open at 7 p.m. Bingo begins at 8. The cost is $40, which includes eight games and light refreshments. There will be basket raffles, 50-50s and cash games. The event is for people 21 and older and BYOB. Tables of eight can be reserved. Tickets can be purchased on Venmo @CalvaryAA. For more information, email calvaryAA@comcast.net. ••
Soccer for kids
The Tacony Community Development Corporation is looking for players 8-15 and volunteer coaches for the new Tacony Soccer Club, which will play Mondays at 6 p.m. at Roosevelt Playground, 6455 Walker St. Registration is free. Call 215-685-8754 or email rooseveltpg6455@gmail.com. ••
Tacony CDC events
The Tacony Community Development Corporation is holding monthly workshops at the Tacony Library, 6742 Torresdale Ave., that will support the needs of local small business owners. A future workshop will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 18. ••
Monthly senior luncheon
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., hosts a senior luncheon at noon on the third Wednesday of each month. Soup, sandwiches, salad and dessert are on the menu. Upcoming dates are Nov. 20 and Dec. 18. ••
Meeting in Fox Chase
The Fox Chase Town Watch and Fox Chase Civic Association community meeting will be held Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at American Legion Loudenslager Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave. The group will also meet on the following dates in 2025: Jan. 8, Feb. 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, Sept. 10, Oct. 8 and Nov. 12. ••
Fall holiday craft at library
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host a fall holiday craft program, Turkey Mosaic, on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m. The program is for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. Preschoolers are welcome with an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
Donate to food drive
American Heritage Credit Union invites the community to help collect 20,000 pounds of food in its 11th annual Spirit of Giving Food Drive. All nonperishable food donations will be distributed to food pantries and food banks throughout the region. Donations will be collected through Nov. 30 at all 35 American Heritage branch locations. ••
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. ••
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. ••
St. Hubert going to NYC
St. Hubert will hold a day trip to New York on Saturday, Nov. 23. A bus will depart the school at 7:45 a.m. There will be an 11 a.m. showing of the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular, followed by free time until the bus departs at 5:45 p.m. The cost is $220 per person. Proceeds benefit the faculty scholarship fund. To reserve your seat, contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or SHSanta@huberts.org. ••
Luncheon and entertainment
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is holding a luncheon with entertainment at Bella Tori at the Mansion, 321 S. Bellevue Ave., Langhorne, on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon consists of salad and hot and dessert tables. There will be a cash bar. The cost is $60 per person. Call Beth for reservations at 215-990-6067 or 215-742-2703. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
BVM upcoming trip
The Maternity BVM Seniors Group will travel to Lancaster on Thursday, Dec. 12, for a luncheon and the show Joy to the World at the American Music Theatre. The trip is open to all. Call Jackie at 215-287-9968. ••
Farm stand at Jeanes
The Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus Farm Stand will be open for the 12th season on Thursdays, through the end of October, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash only. The stand is located next to parking lot C of the Jeanes and Fox Chase Cancer Center campuses. Email rosemarie.schlegel@tuhs.temple.edu or call 215-728-2131. ••
Sunday flea market returns
A flea market will take place every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November at Liberty Plaza, 90 Franklin Mills Blvd. (near Knights Road). The cost for vendors is $30 per parking space. For more information, call 215-625-FLEA (3532) or visit PhilaFleaMarkets.org. ••
Entertainment at Parx
Parx Casino is offering the following upcoming entertainment:
Nov. 9: Air Supply; Nov. 21: Aaron Lewis; Nov. 23: Steve Trevino; Dec. 7: Kathleen Madigan ••
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. ••
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 p.m. There are dollar hot dogs and free popcorn and refreshments. ••
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. ••
Book club to meet in Dec.
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will host a Zoom session on Monday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. The book is The Bird Hotel by Joyce Maynard. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Holy Inn to see Rat Pack show
Holy Innocents will be holding a trip to the Tropicana in Atlantic City on Thursday, Dec. 5. A bus will depart L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 10 a.m. and will leave the casino at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $85, due by Nov. 1, and includes bus transportation, a ticket to The Rat Pack Christmas Show at 3 p.m. and $25 slot play. To reserve your seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
Holiday sale at Cranaleith
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host a pop-up holiday sale on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be a gift shop, new and “like new” items, antiques, Christmas decorations, jewelry, tools, unique gifts and bargains. ••
Learn about scholarship program
Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia, a K-8th grade scholarship program, will hold a school fair to connect families with CSFP’s network of partner schools, program ambassadors and staff on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Community College of Philadelphia, Bonnell Building, 1700 Spring Garden St.
Parents will learn how to apply for scholarships.
Free school supplies will be given away, and there will be a prize raffle.
RSVP at https://www.csfphiladelphia.org/school-fair/ ••
Tacony Civic to meet
Tacony Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Consolation Parish, 7051 Tulip St. PennDOT will be on hand to discuss I-95 work on Princeton Avenue and Cottman Avenue. ••
Santa coming to Holmesburg
Santa Claus will be coming to Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., on Monday, Dec. 9, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. There will be cookies and holiday crafts. The event is sponsored by Friends of Holmesburg Library. ••
Join Holmesburg Library Book Club
The Holmesburg Library Book Club will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m. The club meets on the third Tuesday of every month at the library, 7810 Frankford Ave. At the next meeting, the club will read and discuss The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. Email kochd@freelibrary.org or call 215-685-8756. ••
Pacific Wine Country tour
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is going on a Pacific Wine Country cruise aboard the Sapphire Princess, May 10-17, 2025. Ports-of-call include Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Astoria (Oregon) and Victoria and Vancouver (Canada). Rates range from $3,048 to $3,578 per person, double occupancy, which includes round-trip airfare from Philadelphia, port charges, government fees, taxes and transfers to and from the ship. Call 215-788-9408 for more information. ••
Lunch and mansion tour
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is presenting a “Holiday at Nemours Mansion” bus trip on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The itinerary includes a 3-course luncheon at Buckley’s Tavern in Centerville, Delaware, and a tour of the 77-room Nemours Mansion, built in the early 20th century and elaborately decorated for the holidays. The all-inclusive cost is $145. Call 215-788-9408 or visit www.bristolhistory.org. ••
Come see a turtle and snake
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will welcome the Center for Aquatic Sciences for a program on Monday, Nov. 18, at 4:30 p.m. The interactive program is for school-age children and will center on the animal food chain in the savannah. The guest animals will be a turtle and a snake. The program is sponsored by the Friends of Holmesburg Library. ••
Library book club discussion
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host a book club discussion on The Turn of the Screw by Henry James on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 11 a.m. Copies will be available for library card holders to borrow. ••
City approaching 1 million free condoms in 2024
The city Department of Public Health has distributed more than 800,000 free condoms this year, approaching its goal of 1 million.
The condom distribution is central to two Department of Public Health initiatives: Take Control Philly, aimed at lowering the rate of sexually transmitted diseases among Philadelphia youth ages 13 to 19, and Philly Keep On Loving, which helps adults be proactive in protecting themselves and partners from sexually transmitted infections.
“When used properly and consistently, condoms are highly effective in preventing STIs and STDs — in fact, since the HIV crisis elevated condom use in 1990, it’s estimated the practice has averted approximately 117 million new HIV infections worldwide,” said Charles Postell, Communications and Policy Coordinator, Department of Public Health. “This is why the City of Philadelphia has set the ambitious goal of distributing 1 million condoms this year. Our ultimate aim through Take Control Philly and Philly Keep On Loving is to motivate Philadelphians — especially those most at risk for STIs and STDs — to take proactive steps that support continual sexual wellness. A healthier Philly that can engage safely and confidently in sexual activities is a Philly that will thrive on every level.”
There are more than 100 walk-up condom distribution sites, which include universities, wellness resource centers, hospitals, bars and clubs, and nonprofit organizations.
More information about the Department of Public Health’s Philly Keep On Loving initiative can be found at PhillyKeepOnLoving.com. Information about the Take Control Philly initiative for teens is available at TakeControlPhilly.org. ••
Tai chi at Holmesburg Library
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host tai chi classes at 2 p.m. on the following Tuesdays: Nov. 12 and 19 and Dec. 3, 10 and 17. The class will be led in a relaxed, fun environment by Michael McCormack, who has more than 40 years experience. Tai chi is designed to improve your health and well-being. ••
5 Northeast projects funded
Sen. Jimmy Dillon announced more than $3 million in Local Share Account funding for five projects across the Northeast. The projects are supported by the Department of Community and Economic Development. The funding will benefit the Northeast Philadelphia Airport, Caring for Friends, JEVS Human Services, Settlement Music School and Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation.
“These projects represent meaningful investments in our community,” Dillon said. “From food distribution at Caring for Friends to safety improvements at Orleans Tech and Northeast Airport, each project plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in our neighborhoods. By supporting Settlement Music School and Glen Foerd, we’re preserving what makes Northeast Philly special and ensuring future generations can embrace art, music and creativity.”
The funded projects are:
• Philadelphia Northeast Airport Administration Building Upgrade, $1 million – LSA funds will contribute to the modernization of the administration building, including the installation of geothermal heating and cooling systems, aligning with the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
• JEVS Human Services Security and IT Upgrades, $52,132 – The project will enhance security and connectivity at Orleans Technical College through the installation of electronic scan card systems, security cameras and wireless access points.
• Settlement Music School Kardon-Northeast Branch Renovations, $398,513 – The initiative will address stormwater management and roof repairs and create new outdoor spaces for learning and performances.
• Caring for Friends Vehicle Purchase, $916,037 – Funds will be used to purchase refrigerated trucks and vans to ensure food distribution to pantries and homes throughout the region.
• Glen Foerd Electrical Service Upgrade, $633,425 – The project will replace outdated, hazardous electrical equipment, ensuring the historic estate can continue to serve the community safely. ••
State money for Lawncrest Rec
State Rep. Anthony Bellmon announced that $500,000 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Local Share Account has been awarded to the PIDC Financing Corp., in partnership with Community Ventures and the city of Philadelphia to make improvements to the Lawncrest Recreation Center.
This project aims to make renovations to the playground and pool, construct two new outdoor basketball courts, two multi-purpose sports courts striped for volleyball and tennis, one soccer mini-pitch and lights at the playground and sports court.
“The Lawncrest Recreation Center has provided local youth with a safe space to interact with peers, be physically active and grow overall as people for decades,” Bellmon said. “This funding will provide much-needed upgrades to this aging facility and give families and young people in Lawncrest the opportunity to play in a new, safe and clean environment.”
The Statewide Local Share Account funding comes from the PA Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest within Pennsylvania. ••
Money for Glen Foerd
State Rep. Pat Gallagher announced that $633,425 in state funding from the Pennsylvania Local Share Account has been awarded to PIDC Financing Corp. on behalf of Glen Foerd Conservation Corp. to upgrade its electrical service for a community arts and environmental center.
“I’m pleased to see this project being awarded significant funding,” Gallagher said. “It will provide necessary renovations and upgrades for Glen Foerd Conservation Corp., one of our district’s most community-involved organizations.” ••
McCourt named to Lafayette Hall of Fame
Fox Chase native Joe McCourt has been named to the Maroon Club Hall of Fame at Lafayette College. The induction ceremony will be Nov. 22. McCourt played football at Roman Catholic before starring at Lafayette (class of 2005), where he holds records for career touchdowns (54), points (326) and all-purpose yards (6,047). McCourt has served as Director of Public Safety at Manor College since July. ••
Apply for scholarship
Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia opened its 2025-26 application season. CSFP will award 2,000 new scholarships to eligible students this year, while continuing to support prior recipients.
These need-based, K-8th grade scholarships are available for Philadelphia families interested in sending their students to more than 150 tuition-based schools throughout the city. The updated tier award amounts will total $1,250, $2,500 and $3,350, reflecting incremental updates to the previous tiered amounts. All CSFP students receive scholarships through eighth grade. CSFP scholarships are awarded through a random lottery and are available for up to three children per family per year.
Apply by Nov. 15 to be entered into a December lottery.
CSFP previously released a report detailing evidence that the fund’s students outperform their public school peers in both math and reading on standardized tests.Families can apply at www.csfphiladelphia.org/apply. ••
