History meeting on Feb. 2
The Northeast Philadelphia History Network will hold a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m. Historian Jack McCarthy will speak on Robert Purvis in Byberry. Purvis [1810-1898] was a black abolitionist and civil rights activist. During the 30-some years he lived in Byberry (1840s-1870s) Purvis made the community a well-known center of abolitionism and social activism, while continuing his clandestine Underground Railroad activities. In 1846-1847 he spearheaded the building of Byberry Hall (still standing), which hosted nationally known speakers to discuss anti-slavery and social issues of the time.
Join the Zoom meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85892399375?pwd=UjdCU2JwNEpURVExZnZkbTJMcWJBUT09. The meeting ID is 858 9239 9375. The passcode is 519658.
Thrift shop sale
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will hold a bag sale (fill a bag of clothing for $6) through Jan. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 215-624-9130.
North alums awarding grants
The Northeast Catholic Alumni Association awards tuition grants to the sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters of its members. The checks are awarded to students who meet criteria, and the monies are sent to the Catholic school that they are choosing to attend. Aid is sent to Catholic elementary and high schools and universities in the Philadelphia, Camden and Trenton dioceses. Grants are given to 32 students annually for their four years in high school or college and three years in elementary school. Students can apply for a grant if their father or grandfather attended Northeast Catholic and is a dues-paying member of the alumni association. Applications are accepted until Jan. 31. Call 215-543-1051 or email necathalum@aol.com.
Sign up for senior softball
Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced players for their 58 and over league. The season starts mid-April and runs through September. There are about 30 games along with playoffs. No games are played in July. Games are played Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. at Crispin Field, Holme and Convent avenues.
For more Information, call Jim Wilson at 609-636-1702 or Marty King at 215-698-0009.
Father Judge reunions
Three Father Judge graduating classes will be holding reunions this year.
The Class of 1987 will hold its 35-year reunion at FOP Lodge 5 on Saturday, April 2.
The Class of 1972 will hold its 50-year reunion at Father Judge on Saturday, April 30.
The Class of 1962 will hold its 60-year reunion at the Ashburner Inn on Sunday, Sept. 11.
For more information, email Kevin Huckel at khuckel@fatherjudge.com.
Bingo fundraiser
Simeti’s Gymnastics Academy, 6649 Keystone St., will be holding a Mystery Bingo fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 19.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the first game starts at 6:30. Prizes will go to winners.
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Admission includes two bingo cards per round. There will be 10 rounds. Participants are asked to bring their own daubers. Extra bingo cards, daubers, 50/50 tickets, blind auction tickets, hot food, snacks, desserts and drinks will be available for sale. It’s a cash-only event. Proceeds will fund new gymnastics equipment.
To order tickets or schedule a free trial class, call 267-333-9930.
Tarken hosting adult art club
Tarken Recreation Center, 6250 Frontenac St, will host an adult art club, starting Feb. 1. The club will meet on Tuesdays, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., through April 5. Practice and discuss painting and drawing: still life, portraits, figure drawing, abstract art and illustrations. The program will conclude with a spring art show on April 14 for members to show off their work. No experience necessary. Basic art supplies will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies if they have them. The program will be held in person or virtually, through Zoom, upon request.
To register, call 215-685-1226 or find the @Tarkenplayground page on Facebook.
Open house at BVM
Maternity BVM School, 9322 Old Bustleton Ave., will host a winter open house on Sunday, Jan. 30, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The school invites families who are interested in having their children attend Maternity BVM. The open house will include tours, registration information and a chance to meet the teachers. Go to www.maternitybvm.net or call 215-908-3329.
Blood drive on Thursday
The Red Cross has recently reported that it is experiencing its worst blood shortage in many years, and patient care is being affected. Fellowship Bible Church and Somerton Civic Association are working with the Red Cross to host a blood drive in Somerton on Thursday, Jan. 27, from 2-7 p.m. at Fellowship Bible Church, 13021 Worthington Road. Everyone is encouraged to participate and to donate.
Make an appointment to donate blood at this event by visiting https://rcblood.org/3frWTOp. Ask your friends and family to donate.
Register for Red Tiger Cup
The Red Tiger TKD Cup will take place on Saturday, May 14, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bryn Athyn College’s Asplundh Fieldhouse, 2775 Buck Road, in Bryn Athyn. There will be competitions in sparring, patterns and special technique. Trophies and medals will be awarded to the top three competitors in each division. Call 215-969-9962 or email redtigertkd@gmail.com.
Upcoming bus trip
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a bus trip to New York City on Saturday, May 14, to see the Broadway production of The Music Man. The cost is $345, which includes orchestra seating and round-trip motor coach. Bus leaves from 604 Township Line Road, Cheltenham. Call Harriet at 215-969-8366 for tickets. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care.
Kimmel schedule
The Kimmel Cultural Campus has returned to live Broadway programming.
Here is the schedule through next summer: Hadestown (Feb. 9-20, Academy of Music); Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (Feb. 22-27, Academy of Music); Rent: 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour (March 4-6, Merriam Theater); Oklahoma! (March 8-20, Forrest Theatre); Waitress (March 29 to April 3, Academy of Music); Hairspray (May 16-22, Merriam Theater); To Kill A Mockingbird (July 12-24, Academy of Music); and Dear Evan Hansen (Aug. 16-28, Forrest Theatre).
For more information, call 215-893-1955 or visit kimmelcenter.org.
