February 16, 2006 Issue                                               

©2005 The Chestnut Hill Local

This Week

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

2nd Baptist Church of Germantown: On Saturday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. the church presents a play “Rahab, From Harlot to Holiness” a depiction of the biblical story of Rahab. Mature theme not advised for children under 6; parental discretion advised for children over age 6. For tickets call 215-849-0257. All events are free and held at the church, 6459 Germantown Ave., 215-849-0257.

Center in the Park: On Friday, Feb. 17 at 1 p.m. Movie Time showing of “Rosewood” starring: Ving Rhames, John Voight, Don Cheadle ~ Rated: R – Running Time: 2 hours 22 minutes. Cost: $1. On Saturday, Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. A historical journey of gospel, jazz and blues “Retracing the Steps of our Ancestors” with Reverend Joe Williams, Pastor of the Mount Airy United Fellowship Church and his co-hosts Bob Perkins, Lynnwood Heath and David April. On Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m.-noon, a demonstration on “The Art of African Head Dressing” will be held at Maple Village. See registration form in the February Newsletter or stop by the Program Office for more details. On Wednesday, Feb. 22 from noon-3 p.m. join the Advisory Council at the First Presbyterian Church, 35 W. Chelten Ave., as they present “A Taste of Africa” with authentic African and Caribbean Foods, African Dancers and Drummers. Cost: $11. On Thursday, Feb. 23 at 1 p.m. attend an ethnic dress member birthday party in recognition of African-American Heritage. Members are invited to wear items in traditional African dress such as sash, hat, dress, tie or shirt. Everyone is invited to participate. On Friday, Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m. a Veterans’ black history celebration will honor African-American men and women veterans from all branches of the armed forces. All events are free and will take place at Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Ave. in Germantown. 215-848-7722.

Clivedon: On Sunday, Feb. 19 at 1–4 p.m. The family program “Ned Hector Goes to War: African-Americans in the Revolution” will offer youngsters a chance to meet and talk with “Ned Hector” about his experiences as an African-American soldier during the Revolutionary War. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children under 12. 6401 Germantown Ave. (Carriage House) Reservations are suggested, as seating is limited 215-848-1777, ext. 221.

Geechee Girl Rice Café: On Saturday, Feb. 18 at noon a lunch and workshop will focus on researching your family history with Particia Burks, a demographic researcher. Cost if $30 or $12.50 for the workshop only (starting at 1 p.m.). On Saturday, Feb. 25 at noon journalist and author Lori Tharps will read and conduct a book discussion of “Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America”. Cost is $26.50 or $10 for the discussion only (starting at 1 p.m.). All events will take place at the restaurant, 5946 Germantown Ave. in Germantown. Reservations are required. Call 215 843 8113.

Grace Epiphany Church: On Friday, Feb. 17 the church will host a special dinner featuring old-fashioned southern fried chicken, collard greens, rice, black-eyed peas and macaroni and cheese from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the church at the corner of Gowen Ave. and Ardleigh St. in Mt. Airy. Cost is $5 per adult and $3 per child with a maximum of $20 per family. Call 215-248-2950.

Dignity House: On Friday, Feb. 17 the Annual Black History celebration featuring African dancers and drummers from the University of the Arts as well as Dignity’s youth percussion ensemble, Dignity II Drumline, will take place from 6-9 p.m. at Germantown Friends School, 31 W. Coulter Ave. in Germantown. Call 215-843-7488.

Johnson House Historic Site: On Sunday, Feb. 19 from 3-5 p.m. “Honoring the Germantown Protest” will commemorate the 318th Anniversary of the 1688 Protest Against Slavery, with winners of the Johnson House student essay contest reading their winning essays and discussing the meaning of this historic Germantown milestone in the struggle for freedom. This year will honor William and Liller Green, founders of Ivy Leaf School. All events will take place at Johnson House, a historic home on the Underground Railroad, 6306 Germantown Avenue, 215-438-1768, unless otherwise noted.

Opera North: On Sunday, Feb. 19 at 4 p.m. Opera North (formerly Opera Ebony/Philadelphia) of Germantown will present its annual Black History Month concert “Rise Up Singing!” at the Trinity Center for Urban Life, 22nd & Spruce Sts. in Center City. Tickets $25. Call 215-848-9490 or email operanorthinc06@aol.com.

THURSDAY, FEB. 16

JAZZ ENSEMBLE The award winning Ken Ulansey Ensemble will perform at 9 p.m. at North by Northwest, 7615 Germantown Ave. in Mt. Airy. Tickets: $8. Call 215-248-1000.

MUSIC CIRCLE The Mermaid Inn will host an open circle for musicians at 7673 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill. Admission is free. Call 215-247-9797 or visit www.themermaidinn.net.

LIFEGUARD TRAINING American Red Cross Lifeguard Training class begins at the YMCA of Germantown, 5722 Greene St. in Mt. Airy. Call 215-844-3281 for further details, including cost.

FRIDAY, FEB. 17

SCRABBLE Chestnut Hill Senior Center, 7999 Crittenden St. in Chestnut Hill will host scrabble a 1 p.m. Cost is $1. Call 215-248-0180.

ENGLISH SEABIRDS The Wyncote Audubon Society will present international birding tour leader, Adrian Binns, to discuss seabird colonies in the UK at 7:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Meeting House, Germantown and Butler Pikes in Plymouth Meeting. Call 215-247-3560 or email cwhenceiii@aol.com.

JAZZ BAND The Tony Williams Quartet will perform featuring Trumpet player Duane Eubanks at 8 and 10 p.m. at the La Rose Jazz Club, 5531 Germantown Ave. in Germantown. Admission is free with two drink minimum. Call 215-248-4415 or 215-844-5818.

CONCERT Zan Gardner & The Bluez-o-Lators will perform at the Mermaid Inn, 7673 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill. Call 215-247-9797 or visit www.themermaidinn.net.

SATURDAY, FEB. 18

MEET YOUR REP State Representative Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) will host a breakfast sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Business Association and Chestnut Hill District at 10 a.m. at Solaris Grille, 8201 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill. Call 215-247-6696.

PEACE FILM The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom will host a viewing of investigative military film “Battle Plan Under Fire” at 1:30 p.m. at the Chestnut Hill Branch Library, 8711 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill. Call 267-350-2442.

JAZZ BAND The Nial Djuliarso Quartet of New York city will perform at 8 and 10 p.m. at the La Rose Jazz Club, 5531 Germantown Ave. in Germantown. Admission is free with two drink minimum. Call 215-248-4415 or 215-844-5818.

RECORDER PLAYING The Philadelphia Recorder Society will hold its monthly meeting at 12:30 p.m. at the Settlement Music School, Germantown Branch, 6128 Germantown Ave. in Germantown. Call 215-844-8054 or 215-886-2241.

SOUL MUSIC Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings will perform at 10 p.m. at North by Northwest, 7615 Germantown Ave. in Mt. Airy. Tickets: $13 in advance and $15 day of show. Call 215-248-1000.

RACE & KATRINA Poet, activist and investigative journalist Walidah Imarisha will host “From the Ground Up: Race and the Left’s Response to Hurricane Katrina” a discussion and film screening of the racial politics surrounding Katrina and hurricane relief work at 7 p.m. at Big Blue Marble bookstore, 551 Carpenter Ln. in Mt. Airy. Call 215-844-1870 or visit www.bigbluemarblebooks.com.

I, PRESIDENT Create a campaign slogan, make your own presidential seal and take the presidential oath of office during the National Constitution Center’s weekend event “President for a Day” on Feb. 18 & 19. The event is free and open to all ages with regular museum admission. 525 Arch St., Center City. Visit www.constitutioncenter.org.

SUNDAY, FEB. 19

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION The series continues with “The Yorba Tradition” with Ayoka Quinones, USG’s new administrator at 9:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6571 Lincoln Drive. Call 215-508-0329.

CARRIBEAN NIGHT Zydeco superstar C.J. Chenier headlines the first Carribean Nights celebration at North by Northwest, 7165 Germantown Ave. in Mt. Airy. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Call 215-248-1000.

POETRY READING Plan B Presents will host a poetry reading featuring Steven Allen May, David Kern and Leah Schew at 3 p.m. at Big Blue Marble bookstore, 551 Carpenter Ln. in Mt. Airy. Call 215-844-1870 or visit www.bigbluemarblebooks.com.

REPTILE RENDEZVOUS Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association, 12 Morris Rd., in Ambler presents a family program for children 5 and up to meet the snakes and turtles that live at the museum at 2 p.m. Cost is $2 per child for members and $4 for nonmembers. Call 215-646-8866.

PEACE EVENT The Philadelphia Regional Anti-War Network will hold a Presidents' Day Peace Event at 2 p.m. near the home of Senator Arlen Specter, 4111 Timber Lane (at Schoolhouse Lane) in East Falls. Call 215-843-4256 or email nwgreens@yahoo.com.

MONDAY, FEB. 20

ICE SKATING Wissahickon Ice Skating Club will host a special afternoon session open to the public from 2-4 p.m. at the club, Willow Grove Ave. and Cherokee St. in Chestnut Hill. Admission $6, guest card $1 and skate rentals $3. Call 215-247-1759.

TUESDAY, FEB. 21

SCRABBLE Chestnut Hill Senior Center, 7999 Crittenden St. in Chestnut Hill will host scrabble a 1 p.m. Cost is $1. Call 215-248-0180.

WHITE HOUSE FLOWERS Author Stan Feingold, Flowers White House Style, will speak on his book at 8 p.m. at the Historical Society of Fort Washington, 473 Bethlehem Pike in Fort Washington. Admission is free. Call 215-646-6065.

FILM GROUP The Chestnut Hill Film Group will present “A Passage to India” at 7:30 p.m. in the Screening Room at the Chestnut Hill Branch Library, 8711 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill. Call 215-248-0977.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22

WEDNESDAY WOW A family program featuring African storytelling and music with Kala Jojo will be held at 10 a.m. at the Sedgwick Cultural Center, 7137 Germantown Ave. in Mt. Airy. Tickets are $5. Call 215-248-9229 ext. 4 or visit www.sedgwickcenter.org.

REVOLUTIONARY MEETING Historian Ed Lawler will present A Walk Through Washington’s White House at the American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia’s monthly meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Brittingham’s restaurant, 640 Germantown Pike in Lafayette Hill. Call 610-828-7351 or visit www.brittinghams.com. Admission is free.

RARE PHOTOGRAPHS Photographer and Fairmount Park worker, David Bower, will present rare pictures from his extensive Wissahickon postcard collection at 7:30 p.m. at the Chestnut Hill Branch Library, 8711 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill. Call 215-247-0417 or visit office@fow.org.

THURSDAY, FEB. 23

BLUEGRASS SOUNDS The Manatawny Creek Ramblers will perform at the Mermaid Inn, 7673 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill. Call 215-247-9797 or visit www.themermaidinn.net.

FRIDAY, FEB. 24

JAZZ BAND The Dave Posmontier Quartet will perform at 8 and 10 p.m. at the La Rose Jazz Club, 5531 Germantown Ave. in Germantown. Admission is free with two drink minimum. Call 215-248-4415 or 215-844-5818.

FRENCH LUNCH Alliance Francaise will host its monthly suburban luncheon at 12:30 p.m. at Sundeez, 8705 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill. Call 215-735-5283.

CONCERT Bands dada and Alternate Routes will perform at 10 p.m. at North by Northwest, 7165 Germantown Ave. in Mt. Airy. Call 215-248-1000.

POETRY READING Big Blue Marble bookstore will host “Poetry Alive and Aloud” at 7:30 p.m. in the store, 551 Carpenter Ln. in Mt. Airy. Call 215-844-1870 or visit www.bigbluemarblebooks.com.

SATURDAY, FEB. 25

GROWING BOYS Crefeld School’s Director of Emotional Support, Peter Capper, will present a workshop on the individuation process in boys during the high school years from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Methodist Services for Children Main Bldg., 4300 Monument Rd. in West Park. Non-professionals may attend. Continuing education credits are available for social workers. To register, call 215-942-0775.

DANCE PARTY Philly's own Reckless Amateurs will perform at 7 p.m. at the Sedgwick Cultural Center, 7137 Germantown Ave. in Mt. Airy. Tickets $20. Proceeds benefit the parent-teacher cooperative Project Learn School. Call 215-438-3623.

BIRD WATCHING Expert birder will lead a day trip, Shark River Birding Adventure, sponsored by Morris Arboretum, to Belmar, N.J. in search of winter waterfowl from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost is $50 for members; $55 for non-members. To register, call 215-247-5777 ext. 125 or visit www.morrisarboretum.org.

HEALTHY SOIL Horticulturist Krista Lee will host a course, Soils Simplified, on creating healthy soil from 10a.m.-noon at Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave. in Chestnut Hill. Participants will receive a County Extension Service soil test kit to use at home. Cost is $27 for members; $30 for non-members. Call 215-247-5777 ext. 125 or visit www.morrisarboretum.org.

PET THEATRE Moscow circus superstar and master juggler Gregory Popovich will perform Comedy & Pet Theatre for two shows at 2 & 7:30 p.m. at the Keswick Theater, Easton Rd. and Keswick Ave. in Glenside. Call 215-572-7650 or visit www.keswicktheatre.com.

JAZZ ENSEMBLE The Ronnie Waters Ensemble of Harrisburg will perform at 8 and 10 p.m. at the La Rose Jazz Club, 5531 Germantown Ave. in Germantown. Admission is free with two drink minimum. Call 215-248-4415 or 215-844-5818.

FOLK CONCERT Country folk musician Boris Garcia will perform at the Mermaid Inn, 7673 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill. Call 215-247-9797 or visit www.themermaidinn.net.

CAJUN MUSIC Cajun inspired local musicians Zydeco A Go Go will perform at 10 p.m. at North by Northwest, 7165 Germantown Ave. in Mt. Airy. Call 215-248-1000.

SUMMER CAMP An open house for the Schulkill Valley Environmental Center’s summer camp will be held from 12-3 p.m. at the Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd. in Roxborough. Call 215-482-7300, ext. 110 or visit www.schuylkillcenter.org/events/events.htm.

HAND MENDING Author Nan Ides, Hand Mending for Beginners, will host a hand mending demonstration at 3 p.m. at the Big Blue Marble bookstore, 551 Carpenter Ln. in Mt. Airy. Call 215-844-1870 or visit www.bigbluemarblebooks.com.

GO RED FOR WOMEN The American Heart Association will host a free community lunch as part of the Go Red For Women campaign to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease as the number one killer of women from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Germantown Cricket Club, 411 W. Manheim St. in Germantown. To register, call 610-940-9662.

SUNDAY, FEB. 26

COFFEE AND CONVERSATION The series continues with “Reporting for Duty in Iraq” with Dr. Ron Ross at 9:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6571 Lincoln Drive. Call 215-508-0329.

ONGOING

EXHIBITS

Choices and Chances, an exhibition of improvisational paintings and drawings, by Robert Bullock will be at the Allens Lane Art Center, McCallum St. and Allens Ln. in Mt. Airy through March 18. Call 215-248-0546.

Karen Vaccarro of the Children of Hope Sponsorship Program in Bududa, Uganda is having a show and sale of her photography at the Trolley Car Diner, 7619 Germantown Ave. 215-753-1500, www.trolleycardiner.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 Janice Mauro and Troy Sayers at JMS Gallery, 8236 Germantown Ave., through March 11. Call 215-248-4649 or visit www.jmsgallery.com.

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

A free, drop-in Jewish family education program, Sunday Fundays, for children ages two through five with parents is held from 10:30 a.m.-noon at Germantown Friends School, Sharpless Building, 31 W. Coulter St. in Germantown. Call 215.248.1550 or visit www.folkshul.org.

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. in Mt. Airy 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 Branch Library, 8711 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill, on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 18 months to 3 years and their adults. 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 in Oreland. Call 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. in 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

Seniors can learn to play bridge on Wednesdays at noon and chess on Fridays at 1:30 p.m. at the Chestnut Hill Senior Center, 7999 Crittenden St. in Chestnut Hill. Call 215-248-0180 or email chseniors@juno.com.

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.

Thursday morning writing circle is held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Hale Lounge at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration, 6900 Stenton Ave. in Mt. Airy. Cost is $15. Call 215-247-5545 or email susan@susanwindle.com.

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.

A peace vigil is held every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. at the intersection of Germantown Ave. and Bethlehem Pike in Plymouth Meeting, rain or shine. Call 215-242-5413, or visit www.northwestpeacecoalition.org.

VOLUNTEER

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

• Arthritis Foundation’s Eastern PA Chapter offers free training to individuals interested in becoming volunteer walking group leaders in Philadelphia. Call 800-355-9040 ext. 110.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• Good Shepherd Mediation Program needs volunteers to mediate community disputes. Training is provided. Call 215-843-5413 or visit www.phillymediators.org.

• 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.

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

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

• 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.

• Maternal Wellness Center is expanding its services and looking for people who are dedicated to maternal and child health to volunteer. The Center is located at 7149 Germantown Ave., 2nd floor, in Mt. Airy. Call 215-242-1815 or visit www.maternalwellness.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 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. 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. 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.

• 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. Call 215-574-9194.

• 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.

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

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

• Women’s Auxiliary of Chestnut Hill Healthcare Foundation is looking for volunteers to work in its two thrift shops, Opportunity Shop and Monkey Business. Call 215-248-1835 or 215-793-4551.

• Women in Transition, a 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.

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.