City seeking airport interns
Councilman Brian O’Neill announced that the Philadelphia Department of Aviation is seeking college, high school and graduate students to participate in an internship program with Philadelphia International Airport. The internship program will benefit students by exposing them to a variety of aviation careers and by helping them build skills for the future workforce. The opportunity supports students throughout the region by providing real-world experience, access to professional development and connections, and support as they prepare to enter the workforce. To apply, send your resumes by Feb. 14 to resumes@phl.org. ••
St. Hubert trip to Lancaster
St. Hubert is holding a trip to Lancaster County on Thursday, April 17. Guests will see a production of Noah at Sight & Sound and have a buffet meal at Shady Maple Smorgasbord. A bus will leave the school at 8 a.m. and return at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $215, due by March 1. Proceeds benefit the faculty scholarship fund. To reserve a seat, contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or mclifford@huberts.org. ••
Half-price clothing sale
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will have a half-price clothing sale from Feb. 16-20. 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. ••
Fox Chase doctor receives award from lung cancer group
Parth A. Desai, MBBS, MD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Hematology/Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center, was recently awarded the 2024 Innovation Award by Ride Hard Breathe Easy, which helps raise awareness and funds for patients being treated for lung cancer.
The award is presented annually to a researcher at a partner hospital to fund a project that aligns with the organization’s mission and provides support for lung cancer patients. Those presented with the award receive $50,000 to develop their projects.
“My colleagues and I are extremely privileged to receive this honor. This award means a lot because it will help us address disparities that we think will develop related to new developments in treatment for small-cell lung cancer,” Desai said.
He received the award for his work among patients being treated with the recently approved small-cell lung cancer drug tarlatamab-dlle, which is also known by its brand name, Imdelltra. According to Desai, early data for this drug showed an impressive overall response rate of 40% and median overall survival of 12 months.
While the drug is effective, it has unique side effects, including a range of neurological symptoms and cytokine release syndrome, which causes exaggerated immune response. Once the drug is administered, patients require monitoring, presenting potential financial and logistical barriers for “underserved” populations.
“Many of our patients come from far distances and overnight lodging is not always covered by insurance. Our goal is to reduce those barriers. While the Food and Drug Administration mandates monitoring for these patients 24 to 48 hours after receiving treatment, it does not specify that patients must be admitted to a hospital for this monitoring,” Desai said.
“We’re aiming to cover 24- to 48-hour hotel accommodations near Temple University Hospital’s campus for the patient and caregiver for the first few doses, because that’s when incidence of side effects is high. Additionally, we are looking to provide treatment discharge monitoring kits, guidance packets and transportation assistance when needed.”
Kits would include essential items needed for monitoring and early management of signs of CRS such as a thermometer, portable pulse oximeter, snacks, water, sleep mask and electrolyte drinks. The kits would also include educational information regarding management of potential side effects and emergency phone numbers for on-call services.
Additionally, Desai and colleagues plan to establish a registry of SCLC patients undergoing treatment with tarlatamab-dlle. The registry will collect and profile blood and tissue samples and clinical history from medical charts. Researchers will use this data to develop prospective detailed adverse effect profiles, treatment response and quality of life/behavioral surveys.
Ride Hard Breathe Easy funds two programs that help provide financial support to underserved communities at partner hospitals. To date, the organization has helped over 2,500 patients who need a ride to an appointment, help with food insecurity, a payment for a utility bill and more.
“I am very honored to receive this award and look forward to developing new approaches to address these anticipated barriers to care for small-cell lung cancer patients,” Desai said. ••
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The website northeasttimes.com is not affiliated with the Northeast Times. ••
Dougherty ’75 reunion
Cardinal Dougherty Class of 1975 will hold its 50th class reunion on Saturday, April 5, from 6-10 p.m. at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road. The cost is $75 and includes open bar, buffet dinner, dessert, DJ, pictures, glassware and lanyard keepsakes and a tribute to deceased alumni. Tickets are available in advance through March 10. Payments are being taken on Venmo at JimGallagher1975CDREUNION or by check payable to 1975 Cardinal Dougherty 50th Reunion, c/o John Lennon, 861 Beverly Road, Rydal, PA 19046. No tickets will be sold at the door. Email 1975cdreunion@gmail.com. ••
Learn to save and budget
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Holmesburg Ave., will host Saving and Budgeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 5 p.m. Learn how to get your financial house in order from creating a budget to saving for goals like retirement. ••
Senior luncheons at Fox Chase church
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., hosts a monthly Senior Luncheon at noon on the third Wednesday of each month. Upcoming dates are Feb. 19, March 19 and April 16. ••
Book club discussion at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host a book club discussion on The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins on Thursday, Feb. 20, at 11 a.m. The book is a sophisticated and stylish thriller set on a remote Scottish island. For a copy, stop in the library or call 215-685-0472. ••
Free coaching, resources re: plane crash
Life Coach Philly offered its thoughts and prayers to all affected by the crash. The specialists at Life Coach Philly International School of Coaching are reaching out to the community to offer free coaching, helpful resources and special discounts on all of their coaching certification programs. For more information, go to www.lifecoachphilly.com ••
Cancer fundraiser
Jason Duff, a licensed clinical psychologist in the U.S. Navy, is organizing Mission: Possible on Sunday, Feb. 16, from noon to 8 p.m. at Craft Hall, 901 N. Delaware Ave. Duff, a Far Northeast native, is a lymphoma survivor. The family-friendly event will feature live music, drink specials, food and drink packages, raffles and a 50-50. Tickets cost $40. Proceeds go to Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia. Tickets are available at https://cancersupportphiladelphia.org/missionpossible/. To make a donation or for more information, go to https://www.missionpossiblephilly.com/. ••
Bingo at St. Hubert
St. Hubert sewing students will present Fashion Bingo on Sunday, Feb. 16, in the school cafeteria, 7320 Torresdale Ave. Doors open at 1 p.m. Games begin at 2. The cost is $35 and includes 11 rounds of bingo, baked goods, water, tea and coffee. There will be raffle baskets, and people are welcome to bring their own food and drinks. Checks can be made payable to St. Hubert High School, Attn: Jillian Smith. Visit huberts.org/fashionbingo or email jillian.smith@huberts.org. ••
Dinner, dancing and sounds of Sinatra
The Buck Hotel, 1200 Buck Road in Feasterville, will present Valentine’s Day with the Romantic Sounds of Sinatra & Friends, featuring Joey C, on Saturday, Feb. 15. Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 and the show at 8. The cost is $72, including taxes and gratuities. For tickets, go to thebuckhotel.com/eventscalendar. For more information, call 215-317-7675. ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave. (Burholme Park), will host a number of upcoming events. The schedule is below.
Friday, Feb. 14, 1-3 p.m.: Fibercraft Friends
Friday, Feb. 21., 1-3 p.m.: Book Club
Saturday, Feb. 22, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Storytime: Cowboys and Cowgirls.
Friday, Feb. 28, 1-3 p.m.: Fibercraft Friends ••
Meeting in Fox Chase on Feb. 12
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: Feb. 12, March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, Sept. 10, Oct. 8 and Nov. 12. ••
Preschool storytime and play
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Preschool Storytime & Play at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays, Feb. 13 and 27. Stories and songs will be followed by creative play. The program is for children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
St. Jerome Seniors to meet
Upcoming St. Jerome Seniors meetings are on Thursdays, Feb. 13 and Feb. 27, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. The meeting begins promptly at 11. ••
Recognizing Catholic Schools Week
Sens. Joe Picozzi and Scott Martin honored Catholic Schools Week in Pennsylvania with remarks on the Senate floor and a special guest chaplain, Bishop Timothy Senior, of Harrisburg. Picozzi and Martin sponsored a resolution honoring Catholic Schools Week from Jan. 26 through Feb. 1 in recognition of the approximately 100,000 students enrolled in Catholic schools throughout Pennsylvania. Picozzi graduated from Holy Ghost Prep. Martin graduated from Lancaster Catholic.
“Catholic schools are the bedrock of our community in Northeast Philly. In my home, we ask, ‘What parish are you from? Where did you go to grade school?’ ” Picozzi said. “We proudly boast 15 Catholic schools in the 5th Senatorial District. It is an honor to join a fellow Catholic school alumnus, Sen. Scott Martin, in sponsoring a resolution today designating Jan. 26 through Feb. 1, 2025, as Catholic Schools Week in the commonwealth.” ••
Parkinson’s support group at Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, 7604 Central Ave., will host meetings of a Parkinson’s disease support group in its Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse. The meetings, from 5-6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every other month, are open to people diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their families, and are led by nurse practitioner June Ro. The schedule, with guest speakers, is Feb. 12 (physical therapist Michele Aguado), April 9 (Dr. Willard Kasoff, neurosurgeon), June 11 (speech therapist Marissa Rock), Aug. 13 (Dr. Molly Cincotta, neurologist), Oct. 8 (social worker Luisa Enriquez) and Dec. 10 (Dr. Teodora Schellato, urologist, and physical therapist Sonia Williams-Joseph).
To register, contact Ro at 215-707-2619 or Jungyoon.Ro@tuhs.temple.edu. ••
Allowing docs to treat players
The state Senate and House unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Picozzi (R-5th dist.) enabling international team doctors to treat their players in Pennsylvania when Philadelphia hosts the FIFA Club World Cup this summer and the FIFA World Cup in 2026. In these contests, athletes will be supported by their traveling team doctors. Under current law, each international doctor would be required to obtain a medical license from the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine to treat players, even for just a single match. Senate Bill 184 would exempt international team doctors from needing to obtain a Pennsylvania medical license to care for their athletes. Much like how the law treats team physicians licensed in other states, international doctors would be limited to treatment of just their players and would be prohibited from practicing in all health care facilities in the state.
“I’m grateful to my fellow lawmakers for acting so swiftly to eliminate this needless red tape, ensuring that the matches go on as planned and preventing any roadblock to future events from being staged here,” Picozzi said. “These games will bring worldwide attention to Pennsylvania’s largest and most historic city, my hometown of Philadelphia.” ••
GWHS class of ‘65 reunion
George Washington High School’s class of 1965 will hold its 60th class reunion on May 17 at Maggio’s Restaurant, 400 Second Street Pike, in Southampton. The 900-plus members of the class of ‘65 entered Washington as sophomores when it opened in September 1962. For more information, email Marie McCann at marie.mccann4@gmail.com. ••
Bill strengthens penalty for harm to transit operators
In honor and memory of Bernard Gribbin, a dedicated Army combat veteran and SEPTA bus operator, the state Senate approved legislation to strengthen penalties for individuals who harm public transit operators. Gribbin tragically lost his life in 2023 while on duty, shot while driving his bus in Germantown.
Senate Bill 210, sponsored by Sens. Joe Picozzi, Frank Farry, Tracy Pennycuick and Christine Tartaglione, will create a new offense for interference with the operation of a public transit vehicle. Offenders causing serious bodily injury or death would face a felony of the first degree, while interference resulting in bodily injury or the fear of imminent harm would be classified as a felony of the third degree.
“Deterring violence against our transit workers is paramount for reliable public transportation and, more widely, public safety,” Picozzi said. “Negative behavior that detracts from the safe operation of our buses, trains and subways puts not just operators in danger, but passengers, pedestrians and other motorists, too. It is time for us, as legislators, to do what’s necessary to keep them safe.”
“Our transit workers keep Pennsylvania moving, yet too many face threats and violence on the job,” Tartaglione said. “No one should fear for their safety while simply doing their job. Bernard Gribbin’s tragic death is a stark reminder of the urgency to act. This legislation will give transit workers the protections they deserve and send a clear message — violence against them will not be tolerated.”
The bill moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. ••
Free tax preparation
People who need help with preparing their federal and state income tax returns can take advantage of the free assistance program being offered by KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. The program will run through April 15 and will be available to everyone with annual incomes of up to $79,000, whether filling single or joint returns. All of the volunteer tax helpers are qualified with extensive experience to help prepare federal and state tax returns as well as PA Rent/Real Estate tax rebate forms. Call 215-698-7300, Ext. 194 to make an appointment. ••
Bingo on March 2 at Oxley Post
William D. Oxley Post 133, 7900 Torresdale Ave., will host bingo on Sunday, March 2, at 3 p.m. Bring your own daubers or buy them at Oxley. Light snacks will be provided, and guests can bring their own food. There will be a cash bar and door prizes. The cost is $20. Oxley is now 100 percent smoke free. ••
Trip to see Noah
St. Katherine of Siena Primrose Club is running a bus trip on Thursday, Sept. 11, to Lancaster’s Sight & Sound Theatre to see Noah. The cost is $174 and includes a buffet lunch at Hershey Farm & Inn Restaurant. For reservations, call Catherine Murphy at 215-919-4399. ••
Travel with Maternity BVM Seniors
Maternity BVM Seniors have announced their 2025 group trip schedule. People are invited to join them on the following trips: Mt. Hope Winery – Murder Mystery, Thursday, March 6, $130; Tropicana – Joey Arminio and Family, Monday, April 14, $80; Sight and Sound – Noah, Thursday, Sept. 25, $180; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Sea Watch Resort, Oct. 6-10; Tropicana – Blockbuster Broadway, Monday, Nov. 17, $80. For information, call Connie at 215-338-9141. ••
Presentation on Shroud of Turin
St. Martha Church, 11301 Academy Road, will host Shroud Encounter on Wednesday, March 12, at 7 p.m. Admission is free. The big-screen experience uses more than 200 images. The program is a production of the Shroud of Turin Education Project Inc. and will be presented by international expert and author Russ Breault. The Shroud of Turin is the most analyzed artifact in the world yet remains a mystery. The 14-foot-long linen cloth that has been in Turin, Italy for more than 400 years bears the faint front and back image of a bearded, crucified man with apparent wounds and bloodstains that match the crucifixion account as recorded in the Bible. For more information, visit ShroudEncounter.com. ••
Upcoming operas
Amici Opera Company will present several upcoming performances.
Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale, and Saturday, March 1, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
Tales of Hoffmann will also be presented on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. at La Piovra, 7901 High School Road, Elkins Park. The cost for dinner and the show is $54.95, tips and tax not included. Call 215-606-3800 for reservations.
Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Bingo at Marian Hall
Catholic Daughters of America Court St. Francis de Sales #2617 will hold bingo on Saturday, March 22, at St. Dominic’s Marian Hall, 8532 Frankford Ave. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Games begin at 6:15. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door (if available) and include beer, wine, soda, water and tea. Light snacks will be available. The event is for people 21 or older. Food can be brought in, but not liquor. There will be raffle baskets and a 50-50. Nonperishable food items will be collected for a food cupboard. For tickets, contact Maryann Morley at 215-288-8691 or chachisfo@aol.com or mail a check to CDA/St. Francis de Sales #2617, 2565 Exton Road, Hatboro, PA 19040. ••
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, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., through June 4. There is no fee. Call 215-332-6110. ••
English classes at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., hosts free intermediate English classes on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. To register, go to remind.com/join/dbhd4e or call 215-685-0472. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. 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
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is traveling on an Independence Day Celebration cruise, July 1-8. 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. ••
Chair yoga at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., hosts chair yoga on Wednesdays at 10:10 a.m. The class is presented by Yoga4Philly and sponsored by Friends of Bustleton Library. ••
Fundraiser for cancer research, care
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Board of Associates, Fox Chase Cancer Center is holding a High Tea/Mini Bingo (five games) on Friday, March 28. It will be held at Maggio’s Banquet Hall, 400 2nd Street Pike, Southampton, starting at noon. Participants will be playing to win baskets. The cost is $55. Call Lorraine Braverman at 610-277-3631. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Book review and lunch
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is having a book review and deli lunch on Friday, April 25, at 10 a.m. The book to be discussed is The Bird Hotel, by Joyce Maynard. The event will be held at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Reimann Conference Room, 4th floor, 333 Cottman Ave. There will be reserved parking off the Burholme Avenue entrance. The cost is $35. For reservations, call Joyce at 215-676-1761. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
A retreat for moms
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center (3501 Solly Ave.) will present The Paschal Mystery and Everyday Life on Saturday, March 1, 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. The retreat costs $55 and includes continental breakfast and lunch. To register or for more information, call 267-350-1830 or visit msbt.org. ••
Presentation on Harriet Beecher Stowe
On Sunday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m., in the headquarters of the Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation, 321 Cedar St., Kim Hanley, of the American Historical Theatre of Philadelphia, will give a first-person portrayal of Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Light refreshment will be served. A donation of $5 per adult attendee is suggested. There is no fee for students. The public is invited. Snow date is Sunday, March 2. Call 215-788-9408. ••
Chair fitness for seniors
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host a chair fitness class for senior citizens on Tuesday, March 4, at 2 p.m. Yoga instructor Megan Do Nascimento will instruct the class for seniors centered around bone health, movement, breath, mindfulness and staying strong. ••
Landau completes survey on arts
Councilwoman Rue Landau revealed the results of her citywide survey about Philadelphia’s creative community. More than 360 multidisciplinary artists responded to the survey and mentioned significant challenges facing them, including financial instability, limited access to affordable workspaces, limited funding opportunities, a need for stronger institutional support and confusion and inconsistency in finding resources and opportunities.
Landau’s office aimed to learn directly from artists about the challenges, needs and opportunities within the Philadelphia arts ecosystem in the midst of the abrupt closure of University of the Arts.
Landau hosted a panel discussion at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, titled “Survey Says: An Analytical Approach to Supporting Philadelphia Artists,” to unveil and discuss the findings.
The panel discussion featured Landau, Val Gay (Creative Philadelphia), Jane Golden (Mural Arts Philadelphia) and Rachel Zimmerman (InLiquid), among others. It was moderated by artist and Landau’s Arts & Culture Liaison, Lauren Rinaldi.
“The artist survey was conducted with Philadelphians and our city’s cultural sector in mind,” Landau said. “With the recent UArts closure and the changing landscape of our city, artists need our support now more than ever. We need to be the city that steps up to support our creatives.” The full report can be viewed online here: https://bit.ly/SurveySaysReportPHL ••
Science fun at library
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host a Mad Science Winter Event on Tuesday, March 4, at 5:30 p.m. A family program, you’ll enjoy fun winter-themed experiments like Winter Egg Trolls and Dry Ice. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
Jazz festival fundraiser
The Germantown Jazz Festival will hold a Black History Month fundraiser on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 5 p.m. at the Joseph Coleman Northwest Regional Library, 68 W. Chelten Ave. Admission is free. The Josh Lee Trio will entertain. Donations are being accepted at givebutter.com/ceap-funding. ••
Jazz festival fundraiser
The Germantown Jazz Jamm, with a performance by Austin Wagner, will take place on Wednesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. at Attic Brewing Company, 137 Berkley St. Proceeds will benefit the Germantown Jazz Festival. ••
Germantown Jazz Festival in April
The Germantown Jazz Festival will take place from April 25-27. Venues are Germantown Friends School, Vernon Park, First Presbyterian Church and The Nile Cafe. There will be performances, workshops, food vendors and cultural experiences. For more information, visit GermantownJazzFestival.com or call Sherri Pennington at 267-882-7385. ••
Trip to Hindu temple, lunch, chocolate
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to Robbinsville, New Jersey, on Thursday, April 10, featuring a tour of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, the largest Hindu temple outside of India, a three-course luncheon at The Cranberry Inn and a visit to David Bradley Chocolatier. All-inclusive cost is $130. Reservation deadline is March 15. Call 215-788-2106 or visit bristolhistory.org for a flyer/reservation form. ••
An honor for breast cancer researcher
Emma Guilbaud, a postdoctoral associate at Fox Chase Cancer Center, has been selected as a Forbeck Scholar by the William Guy Forbeck Research Foundation. The appointment recognizes early career cancer researchers for their achievements, research and dedication to the field.
“Being named a Forbeck Scholar is a tremendous honor,” Guilbaud said. “This recognition will support my efforts to improve the immune response of breast cancer when exposed to radiation therapy.”
The Forbeck Scholarship recognizes exceptional young oncologists who are making transformative strides in cancer research. The scholarship was established to foster innovation and collaboration in oncology by supporting studies with the potential to significantly impact patient outcomes.
Guilbaud is currently a postdoctoral associate in the laboratory of Lorenzo Galluzzi, PhD, an Associate Professor in the Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Research Program at Fox Chase, where she focuses on how breast cancer cells respond to mitochondrial stress during radiation therapy.
The Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Research Program plays a vital role in advancing the understanding of cancer biology by investigating cancer cell-intrinsic signaling adaptations and their interactions with the microenvironment.
Prior to joining Fox Chase in 2022, Guilbaud completed her doctorate in clinical and therapeutic research at the Mediterranean Center of Molecular Medicine in Nice, France. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in molecular biology and genetics and a Master of Science in genetics, immunology and animal development from the University of Côte d’Azur.
Guilbaud’s current research has shown that combining radiation therapy with specific drugs can activate the immune system, improving its ability to fight cancer. By targeting these processes, she aims to enhance the effectiveness of current cancer treatments.
Being named a Forbeck Scholar will provide Guilbaud with resources to further her research. With these additional tools, she aims to identify more effective treatment strategies that can help overcome immune evasion by cancer cells. ••
Promising treatment for gastroesophageal cancer
The number of patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors and PD-L1 testing for treatment of gastroesophageal cancer increased following Food and Drug Administration approval, according to a new study presented by researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center.
“GEC is a leading cause of cancer-related death, with poor survival rates due to late-stage diagnoses. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promise in treating advanced GEC, especially for patients with high expression of PD-L1, a protein,” said Jasmeet Kaur, MBBS, MD, lead author on the study and a second-year fellow in the Department of Hematology/Oncology at Fox Chase.
“Recent clinical trials and FDA approvals have made immune checkpoint inhibitors a standard first-line treatment, but their use depends on PD-L1 testing,” she said.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are used to block proteins called checkpoints, which includes PD-L1, which are made by immune cells such as T cells. PD-L1 helps keep the body’s immune response in check, thus keeping T cells from killing tumors.
The drugs have significantly improved overall survival in patients with high PD-L1 scores, because when these checkpoints are blocked T cells are able to kill cancer cells more effectively. PD-L1 testing is used to determine if a patient will benefit from immunotherapy by measuring levels of the protein in a patient’s cancer cells.
Kaur and other researchers from Fox Chase, Temple University Hospital and Temple Health used real-world data from a large health database from Flatiron Health that contained anonymous electronic health records from cancer patients.
They focused on 9,573 adults who were diagnosed with advanced GEC from 2011 to 2021. The study compared how many patients received immune checkpoint inhibitors and had PD-L1 testing at four different times: before new treatment data was presented at a medical meeting in 2020, after that data came out, when the FDA approved new guidelines for immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in early 2021, and later in 2021 after those guidelines were widely adopted.
The results showed that the number of patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors went up significantly after the FDA approved the drugs as a treatment for advanced GEC. Before FDA approval, about 11% of patients were receiving these inhibitors, but by the second half of 2021, that number jumped to 37%.
At the same time, the percentage of patients getting PD-L1 testing increased from 68% to 77.4%. This trend showed that as more patients were tested for PD-L1, more of them were able to get the immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments that could potentially help them.
“The approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced GEC led to more patients getting the right treatments and tests, but there are still gaps,” Kaur said. “Some patients, especially those from minority backgrounds, still face barriers to accessing these treatments and tests. It is important that policies and programs exist to ensure all patients, regardless of their background, have equal access to the latest cancer treatments.”
The study, “Patterns of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Utilization and PD-L1 Testing in Advanced Gastroesophageal Cancers Using Real-World Data,” was presented in a poster session at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancer Symposium, which was held Jan. 23-25 in San Francisco. ••
Irish singalong
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., welcomes the public to prepare for St. Patrick’s Day by singing favorite Irish tunes on Tuesday, March 11, at 5:30 p.m. Jessica Carroll will lead the crowd in song. The program is sponsored by Friends of Holmesburg Library. ••
