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. ••
Senior health fair Nov. 13 at Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus will host its Senior Health and Wellness Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the main lobby of the hospital, 7600 Central Ave. Parking is free, and there will be giveaways, information and free health screenings, refreshments and raffles. For more information, call 215-728-4861 or email Barbara.Buford@tuhs.temple.edu. ••
Rhawnhurst Civic to meet
Rhawnhurst Civic Association will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m., at Pelbano Playground, Bustleton and Solly avenues. The community relations officers in the 2nd and 7th police districts will attend, as will Matt Wysong, the city Roosevelt Boulevard Program Coordinator. For more information, visit RhawnhurstCivicAssociation.com or the Rhawnhurst Civic Association page on Facebook. ••
Mayfair Christmas tree lighting
The Mayfair Business Improvement District will hold its 15th annual tree lighting and Christmas village on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 6-9 p.m., at Frankford and Ryan avenues. There will be live music by Philly Heart & Soul, and Santa will be on hand for photos with the kids. ••
Learn about pancreatic cancer
Fox Chase Cancer Center invites the public to Together Facing Pancreatic Cancer, a free educational event, on Thursday, Nov. 21. There will be registration, dinner and a vendor fair from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the program and a reading of the names of those who have died from pancreatic cancer. The event will take place in the cafeteria, on the second floor of the Center Building, 333 Cottman Ave. Free parking is in the Reimann Building lot. To submit a name of someone who died from pancreatic cancer to be ready, email MSalesi@pancanvolunteer.org. To register, visit FoxChase.org/Events/Together-Facing-Pancreatic-Cancer-2024. For more information, call 215-728-2745. ••
State funding for Russo Park
Sen. Jimmy Dillon and Rep. Pat Gallagher announced an additional $500,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding to advance the transformation of Russo Park Playground, at Torresdale and Cottman avenues. The latest investment builds upon the $1 million previously secured from the Local Share Account in March 2023, which kickstarted the revitalization efforts.
“A playground like this is where families, young athletes and neighbors can come together to make memories and build connections. As a coach and father, I know how much a space like this means to kids. It’s where confidence, teamwork and lifelong friendships begin. We’re creating a place where Northeast Philly can play, feel safe and take pride in their neighborhood. This project lifts the whole community,” Dillon said.
“Today, we celebrate a significant step forward for our community with the awarding of a $500,000 state grant to the Philadelphia Parks Department,” Gallagher said. “This funding will enhance Russo Park, creating a vibrant space for families to gather, children to play and nature to thrive. Together, we are investing in our green spaces, ensuring they serve as vital resources for all residents.”
The project scope includes construction of a new multisport synthetic turf field with field lighting and stormwater management systems. Rebuild will remove dead and dying trees and plant new trees as well as landscaping. Rebuild will remove the existing basketball courts and replace them with new basketball courts. New pedestrian lighting and ADA-compliant paths will be built throughout the site, and security cameras installed at the new basketball courts and turf field. ••
Money for workforce training
Sen. Jimmy Dillon and Rep. Martina White announced more than $6 million in new funding to support workforce training projects in the Northeast. The grants, awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, will help expand and upgrade training facilities across the region, giving residents more opportunities to earn certifications and acquire in-demand skills — without the burden of heavy college debt.
“These programs offer a great path to good-paying, family-sustaining jobs without a four-year degree,” Dillon said. “This funding opens doors for our community to earn professional certifications at CCP or build hands-on skills for a future in the trades. It’s a real alternative for folks who want a steady paycheck without taking on a mountain of student loans.”
“We are fortunate to have world-class trade schools and the Community College of Philadelphia right here in the Northeast,” White said. “These state funds will make these facilities even more impressive, providing important upgrades that directly benefit both students and the broader workforce. By enhancing these training centers and classrooms, we’re supporting students in their career journeys and also strengthening our entire community with a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of tomorrow.”
Project details:
• Community College of Philadelphia Northeast Regional Center, $500,000
The project will transform classrooms into specialized labs and update student dining spaces.
• International Union of Elevator Constructors Training School, $400,000
Funding will go toward new HVAC systems and underground piping improvements.
• Finishing Trades Institute of the Mid-Atlantic Region, $990,388
The grant will support security improvements, cafeteria renovations, AV technology upgrades and restroom enhancements.• Steamfitters Training Center Expansion, $5 million
The project includes new classrooms, expanded training areas and upgraded mechanical equipment. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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 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. ••
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. ••
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. 11 and 18, both 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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Tacony history meeting on Monday
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 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. ••
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 ••
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. Scouts will be collecting nonperishable food along the route. The U.S. Marine Corps will be collecting Toys for Tots at Knorr Street. Email info@thanksgivingparade.org or visit thanksgivingparade.org. ••
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. ••
NE History meeting
The Northeast Philadelphia History Network will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. at Pennepack Baptist Meetinghouse, 8732 Krewstown Road. The topic will be Native Presence on Three 17th Century Delaware River Maps. The speaker will be Agnès Trouillet, of Université Paris Nanterre. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. Email gwhsreunionclassof84@eric-barson. For more information, call Bennett Love at 267-242-8201. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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, 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/ ••
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. ••
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. ••
