Community fund seeking donations
The Times’ 76th annual Eleanor Smylie Community Fund outreach program is here to help needy people in the Northeast for Christmas and Hanukkah. The fund — named in memory of our late chairwoman — relies on the generosity of our readers. All money collected will be used to buy supermarket gift cards for individuals and families. For those who donate, we’ll publish your names. Please let us know if you want your donation to remain anonymous. We have already received generous donations from Perseverance Encampment No. 135 and Mystic Lodge No. 270. To donate or request help, or if you know of someone who could use assistance, write a letter to Eleanor Smylie Community Fund, 1810 Underwood Blvd., Suite 1, Delran, NJ 08075. Include a name and contact information for an agency or person for verification. Everything about the process will remain anonymous. Thank you for your consideration. ••
Settlement Kardon-Northeast to host chorale concert
Settlement Music School’s Kardon-Northeast Branch, 3745 Clarendon Ave., will host a chorale concert on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. The Kardon Center for Arts Therapy’s choir will perform holiday favorites, alongside special guest Angela McDonald. Admission is free. Light refreshments will follow the concert. To RSVP, email info@settlementmusic.org. For more information, call 215-320-2622 or follow Settlement Music School on Facebook, X or Instagram. ••
Nutcracker Ballet at Settlement Kardon-Northeast
Settlement Music School’s Kardon-Northeast Branch, 3745 Clarendon Ave., will present The Nutcracker Ballet on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m.
Admission is free.
There will be an opening performance by the Kardon-Northeast Branch String Ensemble, featuring dance students.
For more information, call 215-320-2622 or follow Settlement Music School on Facebook, X or Instagram. ••
Support cancer research
Philly Kicking Cancer’s Ugly Sweater Party will take place on Friday, Dec. 6, from 7-9 p.m. at O’Neal’s Pub, 611 S. 3rd St. Tickets cost $20. There will be an open bar, 50-50 and prizes for the ugliest sweaters. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Holiday party in Holmesburg
Holmeburg Civic Association will hold its annual holiday party on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 7:15 p.m. at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. There will be light refreshments and raffles. All are welcome. ••
Family Christmas event
On Saturday, Dec. 7, Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., is hosting a family Christmas event from 3-6 p.m. called “Journey to the Manger.” Participants will make crafts and hear the Christmas story. At 5 p.m., they will sing carols, cook hotdogs and make s’mores around the firepit. ••
Holiday crafting on Tuesday
The public is invited to take part on a holiday crafting event on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at 5 p.m., at Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave. Expert craft maker Pam Thomas will work with participants to make a beautiful, busted canvas to get you in the holiday spirit. To register, call 215-685-8756. ••
Programs at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum and Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will hold the following programs in December:
Friday, Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m., Genealogy Group; Saturday, Dec. 7, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Storytime: Animal Hibernation; Friday, Dec. 13, 1-3 p.m., Fibercraft Friends; Saturday, Dec. 14, Christmas Open House, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 20, 1-3 p.m., Book Club: Christmas Bells: A Novel by Jennifer Chiaverini; Saturday, Dec. 21, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Storytime: Holiday Celebrations. ••
Bazaar on Saturday
Tacony Town Watch will hold a bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 39, 7229 Tulip St. Admission is free. There will be vendors, door prizes and a 50-50. ••
Get your North Catholic gear
Northeast Catholic High School Alumni Association will sell school shirts, hats, glasses, keychains and more at the alumni office, 2700 Rhawn St., on Dec. 7 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 215-543-1051. ••
Tai chi at Holmesburg Library
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host tai chi classes at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Dec. 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. ••
Santa Spectacular at St. Hubert
St. Hubert High School, 7320 Torresdale Ave., will host a Santa Spectacular on Sunday, Dec. 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by Kathy’s School of Dance. The cost is $30, or $25 for kids 12 and under. There will be a Christmas show, all-you-can-eat buffet, indoor snowball fight, crafts, reindeer food station, bean bag toss, face painting, shopping, a lucky coin game, a magic show and pictures with Santa. Visit Huberts.org/SantaSpectacular. ••
Holiday craft fair on Saturday
The Villages at Pine Valley will host a holiday craft fair on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its clubhouse, 900 Pine Valley Blvd. (access off of 8540 Verree Road). There will be homemade candy, jewelry, wreaths, candles, artwork and more. Call Kathy at 215-722-1501. ••
Learn about Anna Rosenberg
KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., will present Anna Rosenberg: A Story That Needs To Be Told on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 10:30 a.m. The public is invited. The presentation will be given by Trish Chambers. Rosenberg helped shape post-war America with her involvement in the GI Bill and Social Security. Call 215-698-7300, Ext. 176. or email akimelheim@kleinlife.org. ••
Vendors welcome at Christmas bazaar
St. James Lutheran Church, 5185 Castor Ave., will host a Christmas bazaar on Saturday, Dec, 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tables cost $15. Call 215-743-1828. ••
Upcoming operas
Amici Opera Company will be at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave., for two performances of Bellini’s I Puritani. The shows are set for Saturdays, Dec. 7 and 14, at 4 p.m.
There will be several performances of Verdi’s Macbeth. The first is Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale. The second will be on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m. at La Piovra, 7901 High School Road, Elkins Park. The cost for the show and dinner is $54.95 (not including tax or tip). For reservations, call 215-606-3800. A third performance will be on Saturday, Dec. 21, at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
For more information, call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
The season of giving
St. Cecilia Church, 535 Rhawn St., invites the public to take part in Giving Tree 2024. People can choose a tag from the tree and purchase the item listed. The deadline is Dec. 6 to choose a tag. Unwrapped gifts can be brought to the auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 4 to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, from 6 a.m. to noon or 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Deliveries to local charities will be made on Dec. 9. To help make deliveries, call Ruth in the parish office at 215-725-2580. ••
Christmas party on Sunday
William D. Oxley American Legion Post 133, at 7900 Torresdale Ave. (at Decatur Street) will hold a children’s Christmas party on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 1-4 p.m. The public is invited for food, games, crafts and a magician. Parents are asked to bring a wrapped gift with their child’s name on it so Santa Claus can present it to the youngster. ••
Preschool storytime
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host preschool storytime at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12. There will be stories, songs and fingerplays. For children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
Tree lighting at St. James
St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5185 Castor Ave. (at Pratt Street), will hold a community tree lighting on Friday, Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m. There will be holiday music and refreshments. Meanwhile, St. James hosts free English classes for Hispanic residents Sundays at 7 p.m. ••
Victorian Tea on Saturday
Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave., is holding its annual Victorian Tea on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m. There is a donation of $5 per person at the door. There will be tea, sandwiches, sweets, musical entertainment and holiday cheer. RSVP to info@redemptionphiladelphia.org or 215-342-2085. ••
A retreat for moms
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center (3501 Solly Ave.) will present Renew and Breathe: Part 1- A Mother’s Yes with Grace and Hope on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The speaker will be Stephanie McCarthy, a Catholic wife, mother and spiritual director. The retreat is open to mothers of all ages for faith sharing and reflection with other mothers. Part 2 will be on Jan. 11. Part 3 will be on March 1. Each retreat costs $55, or $150 for all three if registered by Dec. 6. Each retreat day includes continental breakfast and lunch. To register or for more information, call 267-350-1830 or visit msbt.org. ••
Post office to be named for slain officer
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle announced that his bill to rename the post office at 9925 Bustleton Ave. as the “Sergeant Christopher David Fitzgerald Post Office Building” was signed into law by President Biden.
Fitzgerald, a Temple University police officer, was shot to death in February 2023.
“Naming this post office in Sgt. Fitzgerald’s honor will ensure that his legacy of service and sacrifice endures for generations to come, and serves as a lasting tribute to his profound impact on our community,” Boyle said. “Sgt. Fitzgerald was a beloved member of the Temple University community and a dedicated public servant who gave his all to protect and serve Philadelphia. His bravery, selflessness and commitment to others are a powerful testament to the best of our society.” ••
Leaf collection services
City Councilman Brian O’Neill announced that the Department of Street’s leaf-collection and recycling program will continue through Dec. 21. Bagged leaf drop-off will be offered citywide on Saturdays, Dec. 7, 14 and 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 10th Councilmanic District’s bagged leaf drop-off station is 7901 Ridgeway St. (Fox Chase Recreation Center). Residents can also drop off bagged leaves at the Northeast Sanitation Convenience Center at State Road and Ashburner Street, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bagged leaves intended for recycling will be accepted in biodegradable paper bags. To find the bagged leaf drop-off location closest to you, call O’Neill’s office at 215-686-3422. ••
Small biz disaster preparedness workshop
The 7th Police District Advisory Council will present a free small business disaster preparedness workshop on Thursday, Jan. 23, at American Heritage Credit Union, 2068 Red Lion Road.
Registration begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the workshop at 7. The workshop is co-sponsored by the city Office of Emergency Management.
To register, visit 7thpdac.com and click on Workshops. ••
Book club to meet on Dec. 17
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host a meeting of its Book Club on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 5:30 p.m. Join the library’s book club every third Thursday of the month to meet new people and discuss great books. December’s book will be Seizing the Enigma: The Race to Break the German U-boat Codes, 1939-1943 by David Kahn. ••
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. ••
Meeting in Fox Chase
The Fox Chase Town Watch and Fox Chase Civic Association meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at American Legion Loudenslager Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave. The group will 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. ••
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. An upcoming date is Dec. 18. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Cruise in July 2025
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is traveling on an Independence Day Celebration cruise, July 1-8, 2025. Ports-of-call include New York, Newport, Boston on July 4 and Halifax, Nova Scotia. A passport is required. Rates range from $1,920 to $2,680 per person, double occupancy. For a flyer, call 215-788-9408. ••
Victorian Christmas at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum and Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host a Christmas open house on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day will feature raffle baskets, decorations, letters to Santa, crafts, hot chocolate, a performance by a children’s choir at noon, a visit from Santa (noon to 2 p.m.) and sales on fresh wreaths, baked goods and used books. Call 215-685-0599. ••
Bustleton Civic to meet
The Greater Bustleton Civic League will hold its monthly membership meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. in the community room of American Heritage Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road. Meetings are open to the public and all are welcome. Email gbustletoncl@gmail.com or call 215-676-6890. ••
Christmas concert at St. Dom’s
St. Dominic Church, 8504 Frankford Ave., will host a Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec. 22, at 2 p.m. The public is invited to enjoy the sounds of the parish choir and cantors and guest soloist. Music will range from sacred and secular to classic and contemporary. ••
