December 22, 2005 Issue                                               

©2005 The Chestnut Hill Local

This Week

ARTS

ALLENS LANE ART CENTER: Through Dec. 23. Unique items handmade by fourteen local artists and craftspeople. Allens Lane & McCallum Street. 215-248-0546.

CHESTNUT HILL SENIOR CENTER: On-going show of paintings by the Center’s art workshop instructor and students. Framed prints for sale. Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. 7999 Crittenden Street. 215-248-0180.

EUGENE MARTIN: Show and sale of his photography at the Trolley Car Diner, 7619 Germantown Ave. 215-753-1500, www.trolleycardiner.com or www.eugenemartin.com.

GALLERY SAINT MARTIN: 7811 St. Martin’s Lane. Paintings and prints by emerging and established artists. Friday - Sunday 2-6 p.m. and by appt. www.GallerySaintMartin.com or 215-247-7811.

HIGHLAND AVENUE FINE ARTS: New Chestnut Hill art school is now open, providing professional fine art instruction in studio environment. Small classes and private sessions for children, teens and adults. 215-247-5089.

INFUSION: Photographers Mike Tyler and Cathleen McCarthy on display through December. 7133 Germantown Ave. 215-248-1718. www.InFusionCoffeeandTea.com.

JMS GALLERY: 8236 Germantown Ave. Wednesday-Friday, 1- 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, noon-6 p.m.; Sunday noon - 4 p.m. and by appointment. www.jmsgallery.com.

KAREN SINGER TILEWORKS: 90 E. Church Lane offers day and evening tile and ceramics classes for adults and children year-round. 215-849-7010 or www.karensinger.com.

“PLANTS FOR ALL REASONS”: Flower and landscape paintings from the studio class of Phoebe Shish, at The Morris Arboretum Upper Gallery, 100 Northwestern Ave., daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Feb. 10. Free with regular garden admission: adults $10; seniors (65+) $8; youth (3-18) and students (with ID) $5; children under 3 and members free. 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org.

TESSERAE MOSAIC STUDIO & GALLERY: 6780 Germantown Ave. Walk-in mosaic art classes every Friday and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Projects start at $10. 6780 Germantown Ave. 215-848-2110, www.bellamosaic.com or classes@bellamosaic.com.

***WOODMERE ART MUSEUM: 9201 Germantown Ave. Explore your creative energies and sign up for Woodmere’s art classes for adults, including drawing and painting, watercolor and design, landscape painting, portrait and figure clay sculpture, and drawing and painting from live models. Fall exhibits include Senior Artists Initiative, through Jan. 8; The Pennsylvania Impressionist Legacy, through Jan. 8; The Ella May Fell Collection, through Jan. 8. 215-247-0476 or www.woodmereartmuseum.org.

BRAIN FOOD

“GENERAL MEADE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION”: Presented by the General Meade Society, the Friends Of Laurel Hill Cemetery and Andy Waskie to mark his 190th birthday. Saturday, Dec. 31 at 11:30 a.m. Free at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave. 215-228-8200.

KIDS THAT START AHEAD, STAY AHEAD! How to teach your newborn to six-year-old anything and everything joyously. View a free 44-minute introductory video production, featuring author Glenn Doman, every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, 8801 Stenton Ave., Wyndmoor. Reservations: 267-440-2576.

PARENT/CHILD GROUP AND PARENTING SEMINARS: 15 biweekly sessions (except holidays) on Thursdays through June 15 from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. for 10 parents, and their children from birth to 30 months. The Family & Play Therapy Center, two blocks from Lincoln Drive, near the Carpenter Lane train station. Kristin Walker or Laura Bishop at 215-844-4321.

SATURDAY SERVICE AT THE FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA: The following local branches are now open from 1-5 p.m. on Saturdays: Andorra, 705 E. Cathedral Rd.; Chestnut Hill, 8711 Germantown Ave.; Falls of Schuylkill, 3501 Midvale Ave.; Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional, 68 W. Chelten Ave., will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m. on Sunday. 215-686-5322 or www.library.phila.gov.

ENTERTAINMENT

KESWICK THEATRE: Keswick Ave. and Easton Road, Glenside. 215-572-7650 or www.keswicktheatre.com.

MERMAID INN: Performances, times and cover charges vary. 7673 Winston Road. 215-247-9797 or www.themermaidinn.net.

NORTH BY NORTHWEST: Holiday party on Friday Dec. 23 with Zydeco-A-Go-Go. New Year’s Eve will feature Philly Gumbo. Singer/songwriter night is the second Tuesday at 8 p.m. Salsa is on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. 7105 Germantown Ave. www.nxnwphl.com or 215-248-1000.

PHILLY SWINGS: Swing dancing on Saturdays at the Commodore Barry Club, 6815 Emlen St. 610-676-0123 or www.swingdance.org.

FOR THE KIDS

AMOEBA ART SHOP: Saturday Art Club For Kids. Every Saturday, from 9 to noon for ages six to 10. $12.50 per hour. Amoeba Art Shop Annex, 7174 Germantown Ave. Pre-registration required. www.amoebaartshop.com.

BORDERS: 8701 Germantown Ave. Children’s story time is held the first Monday of the month at 10:30 a.m. 215-248-1213

** THE CHESTNUT HILL LIBRARY: 8711 Germantown Ave. Winter holiday programs on Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Dec. 21 Kwanzaa with Frank Aycox leading group games for children 6-10. Younger siblings are welcome if parents stay and help. Holiday stories, crafts, games and food tasting. Limited to 25. Register at 215-685-9290.

CUMMINS SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE: Classes run through December at the Commodore Barry Club on Emlen St. and Carpenter Lane www.cumminsschool.com or 215-508-1763. http://knowinghenry.blogspot.com.

FAMILY STORY NIGHTS: On the first three Wednesdays of each month for stories, songs, activities and rhymes, at the Falls of Schuylkill Library. For children from birth to six and their caregivers at 6:30 p.m. Jan 4, 11, 18. Falls of Schuylkill Branch, 3501 Midvale Ave., East Falls. 215-685-2093.

MAKIN’ MUSIC: An interactive music program for preschoolers and their caregivers takes place on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 9:15 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. at the Water Tower Rec. Center; and Mondays and Tuesdays at St. Philips in the Field Church, Oreland. 215-233-2560.

MUSIC COMPOSITION WORKSHOP: For girls ages 11-19 at Springside School on Saturday mornings beginning Jan. 7 by Ellen Fishman-Johnson. Each student will create a piece that will be played by members of Network for New Music in a concert on March 18. Register by Dec. 31 at 215-247-7200 Ext. 7103 or efjohnson@springside.org.

WATER TOWER CHILDREN’S CLASSES: karate for children & adults; Tony’s little dribblers; pick-up basketball; jazzy lady social grace & etiquette; dance classes with Miss Sara; tot recreation class; gymnastics classes. Hartwell Lane & Ardleigh Street. Times, days, ages vary. 215-685-9296.

THE WISSAHICKON SKATING CLUB: Willow Grove Avenue and Cherokee Street has special holiday ice skating sessions open to the public Monday, Dec. 26 - Saturday, Dec. 31, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $6 admission; $1 guest card, $3 skate rental with new hockey & figure skates.

YOUTH DANCE AND ACTING CLASSES: Forming now at HATCH Dance Theater for ages three and up. Ask about our Big & Little Class for two year olds with their favorite grownup. 215-416-0457. Above O’Doodle’s Toy Store at 8333 Germantown Ave.

HEALTH FOOD

BLOOD SUPPLIES REMAIN AT A CRITICALLY LOW LEVEL! Being a donor might not get your name in the newspaper or on TV, but it sure makes you an American hero. Information / scheduling: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or www.pleasegiveblood.org.

FREE LUPUS SELF-HELP COURSES: The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeastern PA Chapter, is offering a series of free self-help courses for people with lupus. This seven-week program and is designed to teach people with lupus how to take a more active part in their health care and live better with this chronic disease. Topics include basic medical information about lupus, medications and treatments, exercise, doctor-patient communication, fatigue management and relaxation and stress management techniques. All course leaders are women who either have been diagnosed with lupus or have loved ones with lupus. The next session of courses will be starting shortly. For information, call 215-517-5070 or go to www.lupus-sepa.org.

WATER TOWER: Aerobics for Adults. Mondays & Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays at 8:15 a.m. Hartwell Lane & Ardleigh Street. 215-685-9296.

NATURE

**THE MORRIS ARBORETUM: 100 Northwestern Ave. Garden Railway Display through Dec. 31 daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free with regular garden admission; $10 adults; $8 for seniors, students and youth (13-18); $5, children; under age three and members free. (215) 247-5777. www.morrisarboretum.org.

SOUL FOOD

THE CECILIAN CENTER FOR EARTH, ARTS AND SPIRIT: 100 W. Carpenter Lane, 215-849-3364. A full roster of courses for the fall at their location and at the Mt. Airy Learning Tree. 215-894-3364 or ceciliancenter@yahoo.com.

THE CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE on Dec. 24 at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 6671 Germantown Ave., is open to the community. Children are welcome at this 7 p.m. service with communion and special Christmas music. Worship on Sunday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day, at 11 a.m. will include the opportunity to sing favorite carols. Kwanzaa will be celebrated on Thursday, Dec. 29, at 7 p.m. and visitors of all ages are welcome. This service will focus on “Ujamaa,” one of the seven guiding principles of Kwanzaa. A dish to share at the traditional Kwanzaa feast will be welcome but not required. 215-848-0199.

THE CHURCH OF ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS: Monthly series of conversations on bioethical questions on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in Hilary House, located next-door to the church at 8020 St. Martins Lane. Not necessary to attend every session. Dec., Jan., Feb. and April.8000 St. Martins Lane, on the corner of St Martins Lane and Willow Grove Ave. 215-247-7466. Free and open to the public.

CONGREGATION OR AMI: Classes in ethics, Torah study, women’s issues, basic Judaism and more, plus Shabbat services are held throughout the month. 610-828-9066. 708 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill.

SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH CENTER FOR SPIRITUALITY: The center is at 9701 Germantown Ave. 215-248-7222.

THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF THE RESTORATION: Thursday morning writing circles at 9:30 a.m.; yoga on Tuesdays at 8 a.m. 6900 Stenton Ave. 215-247-2561.

UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF GERMANTOWN: Coffee and Conversation on Sundays. No program on Dec. 25. Weekend retreats, presentations and spiritual workshops throughout the year. 6511 Lincoln Drive. 215-844-1157.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

CENTER IN THE PARK: Thursday, Dec. 22, Holiday luncheon, noon in the auditorium. Sign up at the program office window. Members $4; non-members $5. Thursday, Dec. 29, member birthday & New Year’s Eve party. All free unless noted. Holiday Center schedule: Friday, Dec. 23, 8:30-noon; Monday, Dec. 26, closed; Friday, Dec. 30, 8:30-noon; Monday, Jan. 2, closed. Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Ave., 215-848-7722 x 224. Off street parking available on the lot at Rittenhouse & McCallum Streets.

GUIDED FREE-DANCE GET-TOGETHER: On the eighth night of Hanukah, Sunday, Jan. 1 from 4-6 p.m. No dance experience is necessary. World, Jewish and Israeli music. Dress comfortably and bring a bottle of water $15. register at 215-279- 3003 or rividiamond@gmail.com. Cosponsored by P’nai Or Phila. Religious Fellowship. 6757 Greene St. (Summit Presbyterian Church on the corner of Greene and Westview) in Philadelphia.

HANUKKAH STORIES BY I.B.SINGER: Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Falls of the Schuylkill branch of the Free Public Library, 3501 Midvale Ave. 215-685-2093.

SAND CASTLES: Open every weekend, Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through the holidays. Personalized items, printed invitations, wedding & party favors. Next to Bruno’s Restaurant, Germantown and Northwestern Avenues. 215-233-9257.

FAMILY CHANUKAH CELEBRATION: Join Chabad-Lubavitch of Northwest Philadelphia in celebrating Chanukah with latkes, chocolate Chanukah gelt, an olive pressing workshop, and fun for all onThursday, Dec. 29, 4:30-6 p.m. at the Moving Arts Studio, 6819 Greene St. in West Mt. Airy. RSVP: 215-438-5327 or www.chabadnwp.org. Walk-ins also welcome.