Craft fair on March 30
The Villages at Pine Valley will hold a craft fair on Sunday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be homemade candy, jewelry, wreaths, candles, artwork, etc. The fair will be held in the clubhouse at 900 Pine Valley Blvd. (access off of 8540 Verree Road). Call Kathy at 215-722-1501. ••
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. ••
Blood drive at Jeanes
Temple University – Jeanes Campus, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will host a blood drive on Wednesday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Patient Care Center main lobby multipurpose room, 7600 Central Ave. To register or for more information, visit redcrossblood.org and enter “TUH Jeanes Campus” for location. ••
Car Cruise and Flea Market
Good Shepherd Church, 10901 Calera Road, is having a Car Cruise and Flea Market on Saturday, April 5, from 9 a,m, to 1 p.m. (Rain date is April 26). All show cars are free and trophies will be given out. Flea market tables are $25 and setup time is 7 a.m. Call Rosemarie (215-868-5304) to reserve your space for the flea market. ••
North Catholic Hall of Fame inducting 6
The Northeast Catholic Alumni Association 94th Communion Breakfast, Mass and Hall of Fame Induction will take place on Sunday April 6, at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Mass will be at 8:30 a.m., followed by breakfast and the ceremony, hosted by Fox 29’s Karen Hepp.
The inductees are Fox 29’s Bob Kelly, class of 1981 (Arts and Entertainment); Markward Club president Dennis Hill, class of ‘67, who passed away in December following his selection (Athletics); the Rev. Steven Thorne, class of ‘86 (Religion); Mike Ferris, class of ‘82 (Service); Jim Boylan, class of ‘70 (Business); and Meg Kane, public relations CEO (Outstanding Achievement).
Tickets cost $35 in advance and $40 at the door and are available by emailing necathalum@aol.com or calling 215-543-1051. Proceeds benefit a scholarship fund that benefits relatives of North Catholic graduates attending Catholic schools.
North Catholic closed in 2010.
For more information, visit northcatholicalumni.org. ••
Library hosting children’s program on China
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host The Geography Lady Explores China on Monday, March 24, at 4:30 p.m. The program is geared toward school-age children. The Geography Lady will use pictures, maps, books, art, movement and more to explore “The Red Dragon.” Call 215-685-8756. ••
North class of ’69 reunion
The Northeast Catholic Class of 1969 will hold a reunion on Thursday, March 27, at 2 p.m. at Gallo’s/Burger Bar, 8101 Roosevelt Blvd. There will be a cash bar. Contact Jack at jdnorth69@gmail.com or 215-287-8691. ••
Variety show at Buck Hotel
Joey C’s Variety Dinner Show will take place on Friday, April 4, at the Top of the Buck Ballroom, 1200 Buck Road, Feasterville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served at 6:30. The show starts at 8. There will be tributes to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Tickets are $85, which includes tax and gratuity. There will be a cash bar. Tickets are available at Thebuckhotel.com/eventscalendar. For more information, call 215-317-7675. ••
Upcoming events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host several upcoming events.
Here is the schedule: Friday, March 21, 1-3 p.m., Book Club: The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck; Saturday, March 22, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Storytime: Spring is Here!; Friday, March 28, 1-3 p.m., Fibercraft Friends; Saturday, March 29, 1-3 p.m., Amish Papersnipping (Scherenschnitte), with Linda Kates.
To register or for more information, call 215-685-0599 or visit ryerssmuseum.org. ••
Vendor fair at St. Hubert
The St. Hubert Parent Association is holding a vendor fair on Sunday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the school, 7320 Torresdale Ave. Spaces are available for $25 with a $25 raffle item. Email Sheila Picinich at s.picinich@olcalvaryschool.org. ••
Bingo at St. Hubert
St. Hubert Alumnae Association will present Bucks & Bags Bingo on Saturday, April 12, in the school cafeteria, 7320 Torresdale Ave., with entrance through the Ditman Street doors. Doors open at 5 p.m. The event runs from 6-9 p.m. and is for people 21 and older. There will be 12 rounds of bingo. The cost is $35 and includes door prize, raffle ticket, coffee, tea, water and small desserts. Outside snacks are welcome. There will be raffle baskets and a cash prize raffle. Payments accepted: Venmo @SH-Alumnae; PayPal paypal.me/SHAA7320; and checks made payable to St. Hubert Alumnae Association (must be received at the school by April 7). Questions or issues with registration, email SHAAbingo1941@gmail.com ••
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. Proceeds benefit the faculty scholarship fund. To reserve a seat, contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or mclifford@huberts.org. ••
Preschool storytime
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Preschool Storytime & Play on Thursday, March 27, at 10:30 a.m. There will be fun stories and songs followed by creative play. The program is for kids ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
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 March 19 and April 16. ••
Upcoming opera shows
Amici Opera Company will be holding a number of upcoming performances.
There will be two performances of Bellini’s Beatrice di Tenda on Saturdays, March 22 and 29, at 3 p.m., at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
There will be a performance of Mascagni’s L’Amico Fritz on Tuesday, March 25, at 6 p.m. at La Piovra, 7901 High School Road, Elkins Park. The cost for dinner and the show is $54.95 per person (tips and taxes not included). Make a reservation at 215-606-3800.
Other performances of L’Amico Fritz are Sunday, March 30, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale, and on Saturday, April 5, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Senior softball needs players
The Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced softball players for its 58 & over and 68 & over leagues. The 58 & over league plays Tuesday and Thursday, while 68 & over plays Monday and Friday. All games are played at Crispin Field, at Holme and Convent avenues. Games start at 10 a.m. The season starts in mid-April and runs through September. For more information, call or text Mike Bojanowski at 215-801-4869 or Marty King at 215-409-5021. ••
Cash bingo for a good cause
Friends of Fox Chase Cancer Center will present a cash bingo on Saturday, April 12, in the St. Cecilia school gym, 525 Rhawn St. Doors open at 6 p.m. Bingo starts at 7. There will be 10 rounds, raffles and a 50-50. It’s a BYOB event, and guests are also welcome to bring snacks. Players must be 21 or older. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door and are available at donate.foxchase.org/cashbingo. For more information, contact Anna Honer at 215-728-7078 or Anna.Honer@fccc.edu. ••
Travel to see Noah
St. William Travel is sponsoring a trip to Sight & Sound to see Noah on Wednesday, April 30. Cost is $174, including orchestra seating, a buffet at Miller’s Restaurant, transportation and taxes and gratuities, including the bus driver gratuity. Call Betty at 215-745-7199. ••
A fundraiser for Tara
A fundraiser for Tara Stipanovic will take place on Saturday, June 7, at 6 p.m. at Order Sons of Italy in America Lodge 447, 4741 Friendship St. Tickets cost $50 and include food, beer, wine and vendors. There will be raffle baskets and a 50-50. Proceeds will go to Tara’s health needs. For tickets or more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/share/158D1oCeyx/ ••
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. There will be food and raffles. Entry is free. Donations are accepted. Proceeds will benefit the Germantown Jazz Festival. ••
Identify blighted properties
Community Preservation Alliance is a nonprofit dedicated to cleaning up blighted properties. People can submit the addresses of blighted properties. For more information, call 267-908-4015 or visit Act135.org. ••
Sign up for free NE Times newsletter
The Northeast Times has a new website: https://patimes.media/
The website includes news, sports, opinion, crime, features, a way to subscribe and a link to sign up for a free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox. The site includes an option to read the current issue in “flipbook” style. Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, Facebook at Northeast Times and on X @NETimesOfficial. In addition to the Times being delivered to homes, the paper can be found at these spots: https://patimes.media/pickup-locations/.
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. 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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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 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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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: 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. ••
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. ••
Music, dinner and art
The City Arts Salon, 5838 Germantown Ave. (entrance on Rittenhouse Street), will present “An Intimate Affair” on March 30, from 4-8 p.m. The event will feature the Karen Smith Experience, a catered dinner paired with wine and the “Organic Improvisation” art exhibit by Cory Neale and Allan Levine. The donation is $100. Proceeds benefit the Germantown Jazz Festival. ••
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 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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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, children’s activities and cultural experiences. For more information, visit GermantownJazzFestival.com or call Sherri Pennington at 267-882-7385. ••
Folk music concert
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation, 321 Cedar St. in Bristol, will welcome folksinger Mary Roth to perform “Enchanting Appalachia,” an interactive program of music and history with a focus on the rich culture of Appalachia and its people, on Sunday, March 30, at 2 p.m. Light refreshment will be served. A donation of $5 per attendee is suggested. The public is invited. Call 215-788-9408 or go to www.bristolhistory.org. ••
Theater performance of Honk!
The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Honk! The Ugly Duckling Musical on May 30-31 and June 1, at 7 p.m., at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St., in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, follow @starplayersPPR on X, like the group’s page on Facebook or contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or Starplayers2013@gmail.com. ••
O’Neill events
City Councilman Brian O’Neill will hold three events on upcoming Saturdays at his offices, all from 9-11 a.m. There will be an e-cycling event on May 3 at Bustleton Avenue and Bowler Street. A recycling bucket giveaway will take place on May 17 at 432 Rhawn St. A free shredding event, sponsored by Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, is set for June 7 at 11630 Caroline Road. ••
Taekwondo competition
The Red Tiger Cup will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4, at Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, in Newtown. The fee is $80. Call 215-969-9962, email redtigertkd@gmail.com or visit red-tiger.com. ••
Kids can learn from Stevie the Inventor
Local innovator and STEM educator Stevie the Inventor is bringing a hands-on Nanobot Building classes to the Free Library of Philadelphia. The workshop is intended to provide children and families with an interactive experience in robotics, engineering and invention.
Stevie the Inventor’s DIY Nanobot Kits come equipped with tiny car bots and all the necessary components for assembly, giving participants the opportunity to build, test and customize their own moving nanobots. His mission is to empower young learners by teaching them the basics of engineering while fostering problem-solving skills and innovation.
An upcoming classes is at Olney Library, 5501 N. 5th St., on Saturday, April 12, at 1 p.m.
“I believe that giving kids the chance to invent and create at an early age is my way of giving back to my community,” Stevie said. “If we can spark their curiosity now, they’ll have the confidence to build the future.”For more information about Stevie the Inventor’s Nanobot Building Classes or to schedule a session at your library or school, email stevethelegacy@gmail.com or call 267-244-2101. ••
Celebrating poetry at Northeast Regional
Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave., will have programming in April in recognition of National Poetry Month. Adults are invited to join us in activities that combine crafts, discussion and exploring Northeast Regional’s poetry collection. Events will take place in the meeting room from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Here is the schedule:
April 8: Explore the library collection and collaborate on making something poetic to take home.
April 15: Make “blackout poetry” suitable for framing.
April 22: Create “book spine poetry” to hashtag (#) share.
April 29: Discussion, a game, exchange of recommendations and figuring out how to assemble personal poetry anthologies. ••
Free jazz show at Settlement-Northeast
Settlement Music School’s Kardon-Northeast Branch, 3745 Clarendon Ave., will celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month on Saturday, April 5, at noon. The free event will feature jazz music and refreshments and is open to the public. There will be performances by Tim Brey on piano, Justin Sokolowski on bass and branch director Matthew Clayton on saxophone. ••
Cooking program for kids
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host Cooking with Ms. Keisha on Monday, April 14, at 4:30 p.m. The program is geared to school-age children. Learn about cooking and baking techniques while working in teams, then eat the food you cooked. Call 215-685-8756. ••
Spring Tea in Bristol
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation, 321 Cedar St. in Bristol Borough, will be hosting its annual Spring Tea on Sunday, April 27, from 2-4 p.m. Ticket price is $40. Tea fare will include assorted sandwiches, fruit salad, scones, pastry and brewed tea. Featured attraction will be an exhibition by the Artists of Bristol. Advance reservations are required by April 19. Call 215-788-9408. ••
Take Back Your Neighborhood to meet April 21
Take Back Your Neighborhood will meet on Monday, April, at 6:30 p.m. at Max Myers Recreation Center, 1601 Hellerman St. The guest speaker will be Pat Dugan, a Democratic candidate for district attorney. ••
Fox Chase biorepository reaccredited
Fox Chase Cancer Center’s Biosample Repository Facility was recently awarded reaccreditation by the College of American Pathologists based on the results of an on-site inspection.
A biorepository is used for the collection, processing, storage, dissemination and analysis of biological samples and associated clinical data for research purposes. Repositories like the one at Fox Chase facilitate translational research associated with clinical trials and basic research.
“The reaccreditation of the Biosample Repository Facility is a significant milestone, demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards in biospecimen management and research integrity,” said Johanna James, the facility’s manager.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our staff, whose expertise and unwavering commitment ensure the highest quality, compliance and reliability in our operations. This recognition further strengthens our role in supporting groundbreaking scientific research and innovation.”
“This reaccreditation demonstrates to our patients that our facilities meet the highest quality standards,” said Jonathan Chernoff, MD, PhD, Cancer Center Director. “We are proud that our Biosample Repository Facility has been reaccredited by CAP, and we look forward to seeing how our facility will continue to serve as a vital tool in conducting groundbreaking research for the community.”Fox Chase’s repository is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide.
During the CAP accreditation process, which is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, inspectors examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management. These reviews help verify activities and reflect the most recent best practices.
With over 23,000 laboratory participants, in addition to accreditation, CAP offers proficiency testing/external quality assessment programs, quality improvement tools, and protocols and guidelines to ensure excellence in all areas across the laboratory. CAP partners with laboratories worldwide to elevate the quality of laboratory medicine with best-in-class solutions designed to drive operational excellence, achieve diagnostic confidence and ensure the best patient care. ••
Events at Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, 7600 Central Ave., will present three upcoming events.
The Living Impact of Organ Donation and Transplantation is scheduled for Thursday, April 3, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Parkinson’s Disease Support Group will meet on Wednesday, April 9, from 5-6 p.m. Speakers will be nurse practitioner June Ro and Dr. Willard Kasoff, a neurosurgeon.
Jeanes will mark National Healthcare Decisions Day on Wednesday, April 16, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in its main lobby. There will be information on living wills and power of attorney.To register, call 215-728-4861 or email Rosemarie.Schlegel@tuhs.temple.edu. ••
Nutrition series at Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, 7600 Central Ave., will host a three-part series on nutrition, presented by clinical dietitian Morgan Elmore. The sessions will take place on upcoming Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Nutrition and Aging: An Introduction is set for April 1, followed by Eating on a Budget on April 8 and Chronic Disease and Maintaining Nutritional Health on April 15.
To register, call 215-728-4861 or email Rosemarie.Schlegel@tuhs.temple.edu. ••
Comcast upgrades internet speeds
Comcast announced that it has upgraded Xfinity Internet speeds for more than 20 million customers for no additional cost. Xfinity Internet tiers, and the NOW branded prepaid products, will benefit from 50 to 100 percent faster upload speeds than before, helping customers upload large files in a flash when working from home or posting videos to social media in seconds. Download speeds will also increase for most Internet tiers.
With 94 percent of devices connecting to the internet via WiFi, fast speeds are only as good as the WiFi that connects them. At home, Xfinity’s WiFi gateways and extenders create a fast, reliable and secure connection to every corner of the house. Outside of the home, Comcast’s Xfinity Internet customers have access to the nation’s largest network of WiFi hotspots to connect on the go.
In addition to faster speeds, new and existing Xfinity Internet customers can now get a line of Unlimited on Xfinity Mobile included for a year when they subscribe to a 400 Mbps or faster plan. And with WiFi PowerBoost, Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile customers seamlessly receive WiFi speeds up to 1 Gbps no matter what Internet speed tier they subscribe to, in and out of the home, on the nation’s largest and fastest WiFi network.
“Our faster download and upload speeds, combined with our world-class WiFi equipment, ultra-low-lag Internet experience and WiFi PowerBoost that delivers speeds up to a gig, are providing customers with a converged connectivity experience that we believe is unmatched in the industry,” said Emily Waldorf, senior vice president of Consumer Products, Comcast Connectivity and Platforms. “Because 90 percent of Xfinity Mobile Internet traffic travels over WiFi, not cellular, this combination of products delivers a faster internet and mobile experience and hundreds of dollars of savings to customers.”
Today’s speed increases are made possible by Comcast’s fiber-based network, which has been built to deliver an internet experience to the more than 64 million homes and businesses and across more than 23 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Comcast’s footprint. It is a culmination of years of research, technological breakthroughs and massive investments, including more than $80 billion over the last decade to build the nation’s largest converged wireless and wireline network.
Fast download and upload speeds are a feature of a connectivity experience that delivers benefits to consumers, including reliability, ultra-low-lag, high-performing WiFi in and out of the home and digital security.Customers can take advantage of the unlimited mobile line offer via their account on Xfinity.com, in the Xfinity app or by calling 800-XFINITY. For more information, visit www.xfinity.com. ••
Top prize for Fox Chase reconstruction doctor
Jay Simhan, MD, FACS, chairman of the Department of Urology at Temple University Hospital and the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, and Director of Reconstruction at Fox Chase Cancer Center, was recently awarded first place at the 44th Annual Ralph E. Hopkins Jackson Hole Seminar Series in Urology.
“It is a privilege to present my work to such a renowned group of urologic specialists, and I am honored to receive this award,” Simhan said. “The Jackson Hole Seminar Series uniquely blends friendly competition and collaboration, allowing top urologic specialists to exchange knowledge and advance the field. I am thrilled that my work has made an impact on my peers across urologic subspecialties.”
Simhan is one of the few reconstructive urologists with an active practice encompassing urethral reconstruction, prosthetic surgery — including artificial urinary sphincter and inflatable penile prosthesis — and complex abdominal reconstruction. His award-winning presentations spanned these diverse subject areas, demonstrating not only clinical expertise but significant contributions to research in these fields. His five presentations at the seminar were grounded in his published work.
The Jackson Hole Seminar series convenes leading experts in urology to present on a range of topics. Following the seminar, a panel of judges selects top speakers for recognition at a banquet ceremony. Simhan earned the first-place award after presenting to an audience of urologic specialists, board members, judges and previous faculty members.
The 2025 critique panel included professors and department chairs from institutions such as New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Prisma Health — University of South Carolina School of Medicine.
Simhan specializes in complications from urologic cancer treatment, urethral stricture disease, penile implant surgery, male anti-incontinence surgery, and Peyronie’s disease, as well as open and robotic urinary tract reconstruction, genitourinary trauma/injury, and revision male urologic prosthetic surgery.
Simhan earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before completing general surgery and urology residencies at Temple University Hospital and Fox Chase Cancer Center. He then pursued fellowship training in urologic trauma, reconstruction and prosthetics at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas.
Simhan is involved in multiple professional organizations, including the American Urologic Association, the American College of Surgeons, the Society of Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgeons, Société Internationale d’Urologie, the Society of Urologic Prosthetic Surgeons and the Sexual Medicine Society of North America. He serves as Fellowship Committee Chair and a board member of GURS, where he oversees global fellowship programs in reconstructive urology. ••
Meeting in Fox Chase on April 9
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: April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, Sept. 10, Oct. 8 and Nov. 12. ••
KleinLife summer camp
Registration is open for the 2025 summer day camp at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. Camp will run June 16 to Aug. 22. Camp will be offered in four age-related segments: grades K-3; Maccabi boys sports program, grades 4-7; senior girls, grades 4-7; and the CIT program for grades 8-9. Camp hours will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. There will be plenty of activities and three healthy homemade meals every day. For cost and additional information, contact Cierra Adams at 215-698-7300, Ext. 112 or cadams@kleinlife.org. ••
Bingo at Loudenslager
Corp. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., is offering community bingo every second and fourth Friday at 7 p.m. There are dollar hot dogs and free popcorn. ••
Cruise to Italy, Greece, Turkey
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring an “Antiquity to Anatolia” cruise, Oct. 29 to Nov. 9, aboard Oceania Cruises’ “Oceania Vista,” sailing from Rome and visiting Cinque Terre, Naples/Pompeii and Taormina (Sicily), Italy; Cephalonia, Katakolon, Athens and Santorini, Greece; and Ephesus and Istanbul, Turkey. Rates per person, including round-trip air from Philadelphia, range from $6,150 to $6,450. For flyers, call 215-788-9408 or go to https://www.bristolhistory.org. ••
