February 2, 2006 Issue                                               

©2005 The Chestnut Hill Local

This Week

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Johnson House Historic Site: On Thursday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. award-winning local authors Lorene Carey and David Bradley participate in a panel "Triumph through Adversity" on taking artistic inspiration from the Underground Railroad. Admission is FREE. Event will be held at the WHYY Technology Center, 150 North 6th St., Philadelphia, 215-351-0511 or www.whyy.org. On Sunday Feb. 5 from 3-5 p.m. An opening reception is being held for "Beneath the Underground Railroad" archaeology exhibit. Admission is free to members, $10 suggested donation for non-members. All events will take place at Johnson House, a historic home on the Underground Railroad, 6306 Germantown Avenue, 215-438-1768, unless otherwise noted.

Center in the Park: On Friday, Feb. 10 at 1 p.m. Movie Time showing of “Amistad” starring: Djimon Hounsou, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins ~ Rated: R – Running Time: 2 hours 35 minutes. Cost: $1. All events are free and will take place at Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Ave. in Germantown. 215-848-7722.

2nd Baptist Church of Germantown: On Saturday, Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. Rev. Nathan Pierce will lead an African drumming lesson for families. On Sunday, Feb. 5 a brunch will be served after the morning service in Hargroves Hall. On Saturday, Feb. 11 at noon the church is hosting a community Health Fair in Hargroves Hall. To reserve a seat, call 215-849-0257 or email ShepherdEast@aol.com. All events are free and held at the church, 6459 Germantown Ave., 215-849-0257.

Chestnut Hill Senior Center will present "Hallelujah!", an early "talkie" and the first movie with an all-Black cast made by a major motion picture studio (1929, 100 min.) on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. 7999 Crittenden St. Admission is free.

Geechee Girl Rice Café kicks off Black History Month on Friday, Feb. 3rd with an exhibition from a family of quilters. Cousins Alexis Berry and Kendall Allen, both 10 years old, will show quilts that they have made. Alexis and Kendall started sewing quilts at age seven, and designed their first quilts at about age five. Reservations are recommended. 5946 Germantown Avenue. Call 215 843 8113.

THURSDAY, FEB. 2

GARDENS OF ENCHANTMENT

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society hosts a lecture by master planner and garden designer W. Gary Smith at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. 100 North 20th Street, 5th Floor Auditorium. Advanced registration required. 215-988-8869.

CONCERT

The band 3 Eyed Jacks is playing at North By Northwest, 7105 Germantown Ave. at 10 p.m. Tickets $8: www.nxnwphl.com or 215-248-1000.

MEDICARE SEMINAR

Keystone Home Health Services, Inc. is sponsoring “Medicare's Part D Prescription Plan” presented by Marla Kepniss, MSW from 1-3 p.m. at the First Church of the Brethren Social Hall, 8707 Cheltenham Rd., Glenside, 215-836-5083. Free and open to the public. Refreshments served. Attendees are encouraged to bring their insurance cards.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

The Mt. Airy Business Association workshop “Ethics, the Law and Mt. Airy Business” will be held at 8:30 a.m. at the Cresheim Cottage café, 7402 Germantown Ave. and is free to members. Non-members $10 which can be applied to membership dues. Call 215-991-6264.

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT

InFusion’s February gallery opens with Mt. Airy photographers Eugene Martin and Laurie Petersen. Eugene’s very real images of the people of North Philadelphia compliment and contrast with Laurie’s use of the human form as design element. Gallery will be open from 6-8 p.m. and the exhibit will run through Feb. 28. InFusion Coffee and Tea Gallery, 7133 Germantown Ave., Mt Airy. Call 215-248-1718 or visit www.InFusionCoffeeandTea.com.

NEIGHBORHOOD FUN

West Mt Airy Neighbors hosts Mt. Airy First Friday at Angiebrown, 300 West Mt. Pleasant (near Lincoln Drive) on Friday, February 3 from 7 pm -- 9 pm.

Discounted drinks, food, prizes, and lots of fun await you -- please join us!

CONCERT

DJ Gary O performs at North by Northwest, 7105 Germantown Ave. at 10 p.m. Tickets $10: www.nxnwphl.com or 215-248-1000.

CHESS

The Chestnut Hill Senior Center, 7199 Crittenden St. will host chess games at 1 p.m. Tickets are $1. Call 215-248-0180.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

ENGLISH DANCING

The Germantown Country Dancers presents an evening of English dancing led by Jenny Beer with music by renowned Jacqueline Schwab of Bare Necessities band from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at the Summit Presbyterian Church, Greene & Westview Sts., Mt. Airy. Tickets $8. Discounts for members and students. Call 215-836-0426, 610-626-2859.

KIDS CONCERT

Erin Flynn & the Co-op band will perform at the Sixth Annual Winter Concert for Kids at 4 p.m. at the Sedgwick Cultural Center, 7135 Germantown Ave. Tickets $6 at door. Call 215-248-9560.

CONCERT

RAQ performs at North by Northwest, 7105 Germantown Ave. at 10 p.m. Tickets $12: www.nxnwphl.com or 215-248-1000.

AT THE KESWICK

Multiple Grammy Award winner, New Orleans blues pianist and producer Dr. John performs with Bobby “Blue” Bland at 8 p.m. Tickets are $38.50 and available at the Keswick box office or 24 hour phone charge at (215) 572-7650.

SUNDAY, FEB. 5

BLOOD DRIVE

Donate blood from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Germantown Jewish Centre, 400 W. Ellet St., Marcus Auditorium. To schedule an appointment call 1-800-448-3543 or visit www.pleasegiveblood.org.

OPENING RECEPTION

Catherine Starr Gallery presents a new exhibit from artist Marcy Abhau “Behind Bars” with an opening reception from 4-7 p.m. The oil on canvas paintings exhibition will run through Feb. 28. Call 267-251-6493.

JEWISH FEDERATION FUNDRAISER

A group of Philadelphians from Jewish Children’s Folkshul will kick off its own “Souper Bowl Sunday” fundraiser to benefit Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Mitzvah Food Pantry, which serves approximately 1,800 people per month including nearly 750 children in need, from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in Germantown Friends School cafeteria (basement of Main Building), 31 W. Coulter St., Germantown. Call 215.248.1550.

STORYTELLING FOR GROWN-UPS

Storytellers Annie Hart and Denise Valentine perform stories of love for a pre-Valentine’s Day celebration at 3 p.m. at the Chestnut Hill Coffee Company, 8620 Germantown Ave. By donation. Call 215-242-8600.

CONCERT

Papa Grows Funk performs at North by Northwest, 7105 Germantown Ave. at 8 p.m. Tickets $12 in advance or $14 at the door. www.nxnwphl.com or 215-248-1000.

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE

The Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields will present the final session of its four-part Sunday Forum series, “What Does the Lord Require of You? Ethics in the Workplace,” at 10 a.m. Guest speakers will lead participants through an exploration of the challenges of living their Christian faith in the face of underhanded business practices, disrespectful treatment of employees and other dilemmas in the workplace. 8000 St. Martins Lane. Call 215-247-7466.

JEWISH FAMILY EDUCATION

Jewish Children’s Folkshul hosts “Sunday Fundays” a free, drop-in program for children ages two through five with parents. Story, craft activity, music, play time, snack from 10:15 – 11:30 a.m. All events are free to the community and are held at Germantown Friends School, Sharpless Building 31 W. Coulter St. Call 215.248.1550 or visit www.folkshul.org.

MONDAY, FEB. 6

LOOK GOOD…FEEL BETTER

Chestnut Hill Hospital hosts a program, Look Good…Feel Better, to help patients cope with the appearance-related affects of cancer treatments from 5-7 p.m. in the Williams conference room, 8835 Germantown Ave. Admission is free. Call 215-753-2000.

TUESDAY, FEB. 7

FILM GROUP

The Chestnut Hill Film Group’s 32nd season of Tuesday Nights at the Movies begins this week with “Comanche Station” at 7:30 p.m. in the Screening Room at the Chestnut Hill Branch Library, 8711 Germantown Ave. Call 215-248-0977.

PEACE & JUSTICE MEETING

The next meeting of Northwest Peace and Justice Movement will be held at 7 p.m. in the Parish Center behind Saint Vincent's Church, 109 East Price St., Germantown. Call 215-843-4256 or email nwgreens@yahoo.com.

ABUSE SURVIVORS

Harrisburg lobbyist, Tammy Lerner, from Survivors Network of Those Abused by Priests and Other Clergy, will speak at the general meeting of the Voice of the Faithful of Greater Philadelphia at Chestnut Hill College, Fournier Hall, 9601 Germantown Ave. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is free to the public.

CONCERT

The Womb performs at North by Northwest, 7105 Germantown Ave. at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: www.nxnwphl.com or 215-248-1000.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

HEIN-FRY LECTURE

The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia hosts the annual Hein-Fry Lecture Series at the seminary’s Mt. Airy campus, 7301 Germantown Ave. The theme of the 2006 series is “Living Together in the 21st Century” and features three persons who have served as presiding bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 215-248-4616 or www.ltsp.edu.

SLIDE SHOW

Former teacher and world traveler, Stan Diamond, presents “Mali: An Exciting Slide-Talk Journey” at 7 p.m. at the Lovett Library, Germantown Ave. and Sedgwick St. Admission is free. Call 215-685-2095.

ARTIST LECTURE

Ted Young from the Philadelphia Museum of Art presents a slide lecture on the museum’s exhibition “Beauford Delaney: From New York to Paris” at 7 p.m. in the Meeting Room at the Falls of the Schuylkill Branch Library, 3501 Midvale Ave. Call 215-685-2093.

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

ADOPTION MEETING

Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia sponsors an information adoption meeting from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave. RSVP required. Call 215- 673-0100 x264.

STROKE SCREENING

Life Line Screening will be screening Philadelphia residents to reduce their risk of having a stroke beginning at 9 a.m. at the St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 22 E Chestnut Hill Ave. Pre-registration is required. Call to schedule an appointment 1-800-697-9721.

FRIDAY, FEB. 10

OPENING RECEPTION

Robert Bullock: Choices And Chances, a solo exhibit of improvisational paintings and drawings loosely inspired by the choices and chance circumstances that determine what happens throughout life and history, will have its opening reception from 7-9 p.m at the Allens Lane Art Center Gallery, Allens Ln. and McCallum St. Exhibit runs Feb. 10 – March 18. Call 215-248-0546.

MARDI GRAS SHOW

Philly Gumbo will bring its mix of New Orleans r 'n b, blues and reggae to North By Northwest at 9 p.m. Tickets $10. Call 215-248-1000 or go to www.nxnwphl.com

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

CASINO NIGHT

Have a Heart Extravaganza fundraiser for the National Transplant Assistance Fund and David Curtis will be held at the Venetian Social Club, 8030 Germantown Ave., at 7p.m. Tickets $50 include food and $10 in casino chips available at the door.

FAMILY FUN DAY

Children and their families will have the chance to experiment with some of Franklin’s most hair-raising inventions during PECO Franklin Family Fun Day from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., Independence Mall. Call 215.409.6600 or visit www.constitutioncenter.org.

LEARN ABOUT FROGS

The Academy of Natural Sciences hosts Froggy Went A Courtin’ weekend on Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 11 & 12 from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Children will learn about frog life cycles and courtship behaviors, discover what it takes to become a fascinating frog and make a lovable frog craft to take home. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Call 215-299-1000.

US LACROSSE

Springside School has been chosen to host a U.S. Lacrosse National Team Clinic from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Several current and former World Cup players will be on hand to teach participants (girls ages 10-18) everything they know! To sign up for the clinic, go to http://www.uslacrosse.org. Held in the new Vare Field House at Springside, the clinic is first come, first served and open to the public.

SINGLES WORKSHOP

Basherte: Finding Your Beloved, a workshop for singles, will take place on Feb. 11 & 12 at the Germantown Jewish Centre, 400 W. Ellet St. 215-844-1507 ext 19.

SWEETHEARTS TOUR

Travel back in time as costumed interpreters present the life and loves of Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson during a special Valentine’s tour of Graeme Park. The tours are at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 and include a dessert buffet and a glass of champagne. Call 215-343-0965.

FAMILY ART WORKSHOP

In celebration of the opening of the new exhibit, Art in Chicago: Resisting Regionalism, Transforming Modernism, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts will host a family workshop with participants making large-scale paintings with instructor W. Benjamin Smith from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Members: $4 adults, $2 children. Non-Members: $6 adults, $4 children. Ask about special group rates. Call 215-972-2061.

SUNDAY, FEB. 12

CHAMBER MUSIC

Tea & Symphony Chamber Music Concerts showcase world-renowned student performers from The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. Performances will be from 2-4 p.m. at The Highlands, Sheaff Lane and Skippack Pike, Fort Washington. Jaya Teas will serve premium estate teas at the intermission along with baked goods and other refreshments. Seating is limited and advance reservations are required. Tickets: $25 pp. Children under 17 are $8. On-site parking is free. 215-641-2687.

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION

The series continues with “Leaving New Orleans” with Jeanne Schmolze, a Hurricane Katrina evacuee at 9:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6571 Lincoln Drive. Call 215-508-0329.

DRUM ENSEMBLE

Pan-African drum ensemble, Mshindi Ngoma, will perform Pan-African rhythms and will host a question and answer session at 2 p.m. at the Coleman Library, Greene St. and Chelten Ave. Admission is free. Call 215-685-2155.

ONGOING

THEATER

PSYCHOPATHIA SEXUALIS by John Patrick Shanley "an intellectual farce by the author of Moonstruck" will be presented at the Allens Lane Theater, Allens Lane & McCallum Street. Jan. 20 – Feb. 4. Showtimes are Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 and reservations are recommended. www.allenslane.org or 215-248-0546.

EXHIBITS

Eugene Martin, a Mt. Airy filmmaker and photographer, is having a 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 Ln., has paintings and prints by emerging and established artists. Friday – Sunday, 2-6 p.m. and by appt. Visit www.GallerySaintMartin.com or call 215-247-7811.

New works by Lucretia Robbins, Elynne Rosenfeld and John Warren at JMS Gallery, 8236 Germantown Ave., through Feb. 4. Call 215-248-4649 or visit www.jmsgallery.com.

Flower and landscape paintings “Plants For All Reasons” from the studio class of Phoebe Shish is 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. Call 215-247-5777 or visit www.morrisarboretum.org.

Paintings by Ruth Wolf and Claire Meyers, and sculpture by Lionel Sherrow will be on display at the Allens Lane Art Center through Feb. 4.Call 215-248-0546 or visit www.allenslane.org.

Heart attack! An art exhibit not for the faint of heart is at the Cheltenham Art Center, 439 Ashbourne Rd., from through Feb. 18. Call 215-379-4660 or visit www.cheltenhamarts.org.

KIDS & FAMILY

An after nap playgroup meets on Thursdays, January through March, from 2:30-4 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Hospital, Laughlin Hall playroom, 8835 Germantown Ave. Call 215-753-2000.

Saturday Art Club For Kids is held every Saturday at the Amoeba Art Shop Annex, 7174 Germantown Ave. from 9 a.m.-noon for ages six to 10. Cost is $12.50 per hour. Pre-registration required. Visit www.amoebaartshop.com or call 215-242-4568.

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

Toddler story time is held at the Chestnut Hill Library on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 18 months to 3 years and their adults. 8711 Germantown Ave. Call 215-685-9290.

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.

How to teach your newborn to six-year-old anything and everything joyously, featuring author Glenn Doman, every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, 8801 Stenton Ave., Wyndmoor. Call 267-440-2576.

Wissahickon wanderers running club meets every Saturday at 8 a.m.; start at valley green. Call 215-849-9080 or visit www.wanderersrunningclub.org.

Walk the Wissahickon. The Sierra Club sponsors hikes regularly the last Saturday of each month, hiking a different trail each month. Meet at 10 a.m. at Sedgwick Gardens Apts. in Mt. Airy (McCallum and Sedgwick Sts.) Call 215-438-4459 or email mrbasketball.net@verizon.net.

DANCE

West African dance class with live drums at Summit Presbyterian Church (basement), Green and Westview Sts., with Maurice Edwards on Wednesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. Cost is $15. Call 215-849-1484.

International Dancing at Or Hadash, 190 Camp Hill Road, in Fort Washington on Wednesdays from 8-10 p.m. Cost is $5 but it is free first time. Visit www.beaverfolkdance.org or call 610-688-3284.

Contra dancing takes place on the third Saturday of the month through May from 8-11 p.m. at Glenside Memorial Hall, Keswick Ave. and Waverly St. Call 215-643-4397 or visit www.thursdaycontra.com.

Appalachian clogging classes are held every Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Allens Lane Art Center, Allens Lane & McCallum streets. Cost is $7 per session; no pre-registration required. Leather bottom or tap shoes are the most suitable footwear. Call 215-643-4397 or visit info@fiddlekicks.com.

CLASSES

Cheltenham Art Center’s spring session begins on Feb. 13. The deadline to register for the first eight weeks of classes is Feb. 10. View full course listings online at www.cheltenhamarts.org or contact the center for more information or to request a brochure at 215.379.4660.

Dr. Michael Cheikin’s yoga classes have resumed at the Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church, 8812 Germantown Ave. Visit www.c4oh.org or call 610-239-9901.

Allens Lane Art Center offers classes & workshops for children and adults in a variety of art and dance classes, and workshops in jewelry making, painting, doll making and creative writing. Call 215-248-0546 or visit www.allenslane.org.

Youth modern dance, ballet and acting classes are currently enrolling at Hatch Dance Theater for ages 2 and up. Classes are held above O'Doodles Toy Store at 8333 Germantown Ave. Call 215-416-0457 or email hatch@entermail.net.

A 10-session series of beginner’s computer classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 2 through March 7 at the Interac Center for Older Adults’ Computer Lab, 6012 Ridge Ave. Cost is $75 for adults 60+, $80 for other adults. Call 215-487-1750.

Whitemarsh Community Art Center’s spring class registration is underway. Classes start the week of Feb. 6. and are held in the Farmhouse in Cedar Grove Park, 100 Cedar Grove Road, Conshohocken. Call 610-825-0917.

Highland Avenue Fine Arts, a new Chestnut Hill art school, is now open, providing professional fine art instruction in studio environment with small classes and private sessions for children, teens and adults. Call 215-247-5089.

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.

Water Tower Children’s Classes: karate for children and 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. Call 215-685-9296.

Won Community Service Center, 423 Abington Ave., in Glenside offers ESL classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. Call 215-884-8443 or visit www.woninstitute.org.

Beginner gyrokinesis class (therapeutic movement system for the spine) taught by Joe Tighe, physical therapist, every Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. At his studio, the balance point, 400 W. Hortter St. and Jessica Krow teaches every Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. First class free. Call 215-844-7773.

Gentle meditative yoga classes at the Unitarian Universalist Church Of The Restoration, 6900 Stenton Ave., are on Tuesdays, 8-9:30 a.m. A yoga mat and loose clothing are recommended; voluntary contribution accepted. Call 215-782-1919. Also offered is sitting meditation on Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m., for 20 minutes and a creative writing circle on Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Call 215-247-2561 or email office@uurestoration.us.

The Mt. Airy Computer Center, 6335 Wayne Ave., Mt. Airy, offers classes for kids and adults throughout the week. Call 215-438-8505.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Bereavement support groups for adults are often offered by Koller Funeral Home, 6835 Ridge Ave. Free. 215-624-8190.

Breast cancer recovery group, fourth Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Chestnut Hill Healthcare Women's Center, 8835 Germantown Ave. Call 215-242-4700.

Children of aging parents caregivers support group meets the fourth Tuesday of the month, 7:30 p.m., at Atria Chestnut Hill, 495 E. Abington Ave. Call 215-247-5307.

Food addicts in recovery anonymous, a 12-step program for people recovering from addictive eating, welcomes newcomers and meets every Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. Information: pat at 215-836-0274.

Wissahickon hospice offers drop-in bereavement support groups for adults on the last Tuesday of each month from 1:30-3 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Hospital, Laughlin Hall, 8835 Germantown Ave. Call 800-700-8807.

Breast cancer self help group meets the second Thursday of each month at Canaan Baptist Church, 5430 Pulaski Ave., Germantown, from 7-8:30 p.m. Call 215-849-7004.

Keystone Hospice, 8765 Stenton Ave., Wyndmoor, offers support groups throughout the month, with specialty groups for children, widowers, young widows, and a new “motherless daughters” group. Most are free, lunch is often included but pre-registration is requested. Call 215-836-2440.

Overeaters Anonymous conducts two meetings each week at Roxborough Memorial Hospital, 5800 Ridge Avenue. Call 215-248-4333.

Shhh, a hearing loss support group, meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Jeanes Library, 4051 Joshua Rd., Lafayette Hill. Call 215-482-7829.

The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, has launched a self-help course for people with lupus. Call 215-517-5070 or visit www.lupus-sepa.org.

Lung cancer support group meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m., offers encouragement for people currently being treated for lung cancer or who have completed treatment at the Chestnut Hill HealthCare Cancer Center, Suite 17, 8815 Germantown Ave. Call 215-248-8325.

Stroke Club support group meets the third Wednesday of each month from 5-7 p.m. in the Chestnut Hill Rehabilitation Hospital’s Clock lounge, 8601 Stenton Ave., Wyndmoor. Call 215-233-6200.

Alzheimer’s Association Family Caregiver Support Group meets the third Wednesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. at Homelink Adult Day Care, 6950 Germantown Ave. Call 1-800-272-3900.

Man-to-Man Prostate Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of every month from 8-9 a.m. at Chestnut Hill Hospital, Laughlin Hall, Rm. D, 8835 Germantown Ave. Call 215-248-8325.

Miriam’s Well: A Jewish Service for Healing takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Germantown Jewish Centre, 400 W. Ellet St. Rooted in Jewish tradition, the service is open to anyone wishing to pray for physical, emotional or spiritual healing. Call 215-844-1507.

VOLUNTEER

• Cancer patients need your help. Area cancer patients need your help to get to and from their medical treatments and appointments. Road to recovery, a service program sponsored by the American Cancer Society, needs kind people to volunteer a few weekday hours to help a neighbor in need. Some mileage reimbursement is available and schedules are flexible. Reliable car and insurance required. Call 610-692-0677.

• Chestnut Hill Hospital is recruiting volunteers for a variety of challenging positions. Volunteers are needed in patient and non-patient care areas. Call 215-248-8289 or visit vsd@chh.org.

• Catholic Social Services is looking for married or single adults to become foster parents to children of all ages, races and religions. Homes are also needed for children with special medical or emotional needs and for siblings who wish to live together. Call 215-587-3960.

• Fox Chase Cancer Center is looking for volunteers to provide administrative staffing assistance. Call 215-728-2560 or 215-728-2595.

• Girl Scouts Of Southeastern Pa is currently looking for adults to volunteer in a variety of capacities. Call 215-564-2030 ext. 226 or visit www.gssp.org.

• Historic Rittenhousetown needs volunteers for a variety of activities. Call 215-438-5711 or visit www.rittenhousetown.org.

• Monkey Business, the benefit shop for the Friends Of CHHC Foundation, is looking for volunteers. They only request three hours a week “and guarantee fun.” Contact Rose Marie Malley, manager, at 215-248-1835.

• Philadelphia Corporation For Aging (PCA) is seeking senior volunteers to participate in its RSVP program. RSVP, the retired and senior volunteer program, is a nationwide volunteer program for adults age 55 and over. Daily, weekly and monthly volunteer opportunities exist for participants to help strengthen their communities. One-time volunteer opportunities are also available for special community events. Depending on the volunteers’ experience and interest and the community’s needs, they will tutor and mentor children, counsel small businesses, distribute food to the homeless, assist at community events, health clinics, museums and more. Call 215-765-9000 ext. 5544, weekdays between 8:30 and 4:30 p.m.; email rsvp@pcaphl.org; or visit www.seniorcorps.org.

• Philadelphia Reads, a nonprofit agency that promotes children’s literacy, wants to make all Philadelphia school children bookworms. The organization trains community members to work as reading coaches in area schools, community centers, and faith-based organizations, which are located throughout the city. Volunteers are required to serve a minimum of one hour per week for a three-month period. Call 215-851-1748 or visit www.phila.gov/philareads.

• Samaritan Care Hospice is looking for volunteers to provide one-on-one companionship to terminally ill patients with a wide range of life-limiting illnesses, including cancer, end-stage cardiac diseases, ALS and end-stage alzheimer’s. Call 215-653-7310.

• Philadelphia-based domestic violence agency seeks dedicated hotline volunteers to counsel women endangered by domestic violence and substance abuse. Training provided. Call 215-564-5301 ext. 118 or visit www.womenintransitioninc.org.

• Arts & Business Council Of Greater Philadelphia is seeking business professionals to volunteer for the business volunteers for the arts program. Call 215-790-3620 or visit www.artsandbusiness-phila.org.

• Center For Literacy is seeking volunteers to help improve the reading skills of thousands of area residents. Call 215-474-1235 or visit www.centerforliteracy.org.

• Franklin Institute Science Museum needs volunteers in a variety of areas, from mentoring Germantown students about careers in science and technology to greeting visitors to helping with the museum’s special events. Call 215-448-1163 or visit www.fi.edu.

• Highlands Historical Society needs docents & volunteers to help with special educational programs, guide historical interpretative tours and/or work with children’s programs. Behind-the-scenes, physical help is also welcomed in the garden. Call 215-641-2687.

• Lupus Foundation Of Southeastern PA can always use help with general office work as well as for special events and projects. Call 215-517-5070 or visit www.lupus-sepa.org.

• Mayor’s Commission On Service To The Aging’s Apprise Program is seeking volunteers to counsel seniors regarding Medicare, Medicaid and health care fraud issues; training will be provided. Call 215-686-8462.

• Philadelphia Department Of Human Services (DHS) is seeking male and female volunteers to serve as mentors to the young men and women enrolled in DHS’ Achieving Independence Center (AI Center), a resource for young men and women in foster care who are “aging out” of the system. Mentors must be at least 21 years of age, be willing to make a 12-month commitment and volunteer a minimum of four hours per month. Call 215-574-9194.

• American Red Cross needs disaster response volunteers. Free training provided. Call 215-405-8558.

• Wissahickon Hospice is actively recruiting volunteers to serve and support hospice patients and families within the community. Call 610-617-2400.

• The Arts & Business Council Of Greater Philadelphia is seeking business professionals to volunteer for the business volunteers for the arts program. Call 215-790-3621 or visit www.artsandbusiness-phila.org.

• Jewish Family And Children's Service Of Greater Philadelphia needs volunteers in a variety of areas. Call 215-698-9950 ext. 112.

• www.volunteersolutions.org/volunteerway/volunteer/ is a great starting point for you to find volunteer opportunities, as is www.philacares.com.

Useful web sites

• Free credit reports now available for pennsylvania residents. Individuals may obtain a free credit report from experian, equifax or transunion once a year by going to www.annualcreditreport.com.

• Behavioral health & mental retardation services information for philadelphia-area residents is at www.philly.networkofcare.org.

• "Personal safety for children: a guide for parents" is available at www.missingkids.com.

• A cultural access guide for people with disabilities is at www.art-reach.org.

• Do not call! Avoid those telemarketers. Everything you need to know about the state and federal “do not call” lists is available at www.nocallsplease.com.

• Here’s an online club for children 7-14 with asthma: www.asthmabusters.org.

• Keep safety in mind when shopping for toys. Check the american academy of pediatrics at www.aap.org; and a nonprofit group, kids in danger, which notifies parents of recalls at www.kidsindanger.org.

• Learn about lupus at www.lupus-sepa.org.

• Philadelphia Alliance For Better Child Care marked the debut of a web site — www.phillyabc.org — to inform parents, providers and community leaders about early care and education in Philadelphia and released the Philadelphia guide to childcare guides.

• See www.financialassistancenetwork.org for a free download about reducing your drug costs.

• Arthritis Foundation maintains www.jointeffort.info, an interactive online resource page to help prevent, manage and control arthritis.

• Clean Air Council’s “green guide” is at www.temple.edu/env-stud.

• Federal Citizen Information Center of the U.S. General services administration maintains a web site chock full of good, important information for consumers … and you can read everything for free: www.pueblo.gsa.gov.

• National Constitution Center’s web site, www.constitutioncenter.org, is chock full of information and activities.

• Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has launched its e-commerce site, www.pawineandspirits.com, which will offer mostly super premium and hard-to-find wines, often not available in the local store.

• Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission wants to help you make informed decisions about your choices of electricity, natural gas and telephone service. Click www.utilitychoice.org to learn how to make informed decisions.

• U.S. Government's official web portal is www.firstgov.gov, with links to thousands of pages featuring helpful services and information from federal, state and local government.

• There is a virtual animal shelter at www.petfinder.com.

• To learn about your rights in dealing with debt, click http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/fdc.htm. As a matter of fact, www.ftc.com can be one of your most useful resources.

• Traveling? www.bbonline.com can come in real handy if you’re looking for a bed & breakfast in which to stay.

• Want to know what’s going on around the state? Go to www.visitpa.com.

• Wondering about product recalls? To be notified automatically when a product is recalled sign up at www.cpsc.gov.

• www.attorneygeneral.gov is Pennsylvania’s site that is full of useful consumer protection information.

• www.mla.org is the site of the Modern Language Association, which will let you learn about what languages are spoken where in the u.s. — and in what percentage.

• www.oldcitydistrict.org takes you to historic, trendy old city in Philadelphia, with a list of restaurants, shops and more.

• www.parentednet.org/ takes you to the Parent Education Network, which offers free information and technical assistance to parents of children with disabilities and the professionals who serve them.

• www.phillyseaport.org takes you to a complete monthly listing of all activities at independence seaport museum (or call the 24-hour programming hotline at 215-413-8621).

• www.readandrideclub.com takes you to the transit book club. As a member you will receive a monthly discount on featured read & ride book selections, invitations to unique literary events, and more. So ride public transit, sit back, relax and read!

• www.seniormatters.org takes you to FAIR, the site of the fairness advocates for intergenerational rights, who run programs like free 911-only cell phones and free “are you all right?” telephone calls for seniors.

• Your guide to most things local in Chestnut Hill is www.chestnuthillpa.com or www.chestnuthill.org.