Briefs: May 18, 2022

Silent retreat weekend

Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, 3501 Solly Ave. in Holmesburg [just east of Father Judge High School], will host a Come and Rest Awhile Spring Retreat on the weekend of May 20-22. This is a silent retreat with spiritual direction that will give participants an opportunity to quiet all within and around you and to attune your ear to the Holy Spirit. The retreat begins at 5 on Friday and ends at noon on Sunday. For more information, see www.msbt.org/mbsc

Big flea market on Saturday

A giant vintage flea market surrounding Hackett Elementary School, at 2161 E. York St. (at Frankford Avenue), will be open on Saturday, May 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, May 22. There will be more than 75 vendors. Call 215-625-FLEA (3532) or visit www.PhilaFleaMarkets.org

Car show at PACS

The students of the Community Hero Outreach program at Philadelphia Academy Charter High School are organizing the first PACHS Car Show on May 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the school, 1700 Tomlinson Road. Admission is free. The cost is $20 to enter a car in the show. All proceeds from the show will go to Shamrock Reins, a nonprofit organization that provides equine-assisted activities and therapies for veterans, active-duty members, first responders and families of fallen heroes. Rain date is May 22. Register a car by emailing CGDunne@K12PACS.org

Job and career fair May 25

A Job and Career Fair at the Toben Center, 7222 Castor Ave., will take place on Wednesday, May 25, from 1 to 5 p.m. Employers will be recruiting for jobs in the fields of manufacturing, health care, transportation, law enforcement, administrative and more. Interviews will be scheduled on the spot by employers. Interested applicants should bring their resumes for review. Job seekers should come dressed appropriately. Several career/trade schools will also attend the event for people who are looking to learn a career or to change their current one. The event is hosted by the Northeast Learning Center and supported by Philadelphia Works. Call 215-745-0141. 

Flea market at Roosevelt Mall

The Roosevelt Mall Flea Market will run outdoors in the parking lot at 2445 Cottman Ave., every Sunday through November. The market runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 150 vendors will be on hand featuring new and used items, household goods, electronics and all types of general merchandise. One parking space is $30. Bring your own tables. There is plenty of free parking. For reservations, call 215-625-FLEA (3532). 

Music fest lineup set

The Pennypack Music Festival will take place this year at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Admission is free. There are picnic tables, but you can bring your own chairs. No pets or outside food, drink or coolers. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Shows are Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Gate opens at 5 p.m.

June 1: Romeo Delight [tribute to Van Halen]; June 8: Lecompt; June 15: HotLanta [tribute to the Allman Brothers]; June 22: Black Dog [tribute to Led Zeppelin]; June 29: The Launch [tribute to Queen]; July 6: Steal Your Face [tribute to Grateful Dead]; July 13: Jamison, Bogside Rogues [Irish Night, Ed Kelly’s birthday celebration]; July 20: Idol Kings [tribute to Journey]; July 27: Definitely Leppard [tribute to Def Leppard]; Aug. 3: Let’s Ride [country rock]; Aug. 10: Kick it Out [tribute to Heart]; Aug. 17: Philadelphia Freedom [tribute to Elton John]; Aug. 24: Starman [tribute to David Bowie]. 

Cornhole tournament for charity

American Heritage Credit Union and Kids-N-Hope Foundation will host a cornhole tournament, presented by Intech Construction, on Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at AHCU’s campus at 2060 Red Lion Road. All proceeds benefit the Kids-N-Hope Foundation, which aims to enhance children’s health and life services through pediatric music therapy at local hospitals and nonprofit organizations. Teams of two will play four games. Prizes will be awarded to the top three teams, with first place receiving $1,200, second place receiving $500 and third place receiving $300. Registration for the event is $50 per team. Players must be 15 and older to register. There will be food trucks and beverages from a brewery. Sign up at ahcu.co/Cornhole

Ukrainian festival in the summer

The Ukrainian Folk Festival will be held on Sunday, Aug. 28, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Ukrainian American Sport Center — Tryzub, County Line and Lower State roads, Horsham. There will be art, crafts, live music, dance, food, drinks, vendors and live reenactments. Admission is $15 ($5 donated to the relief of war victims in Ukraine). Kids under 15 are free. Parking is free. For tickets or more information, call 267-664-3857 or visit tryzub.org

Help for Parkinson’s

Jeanes Hospital will host Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease and Essential Tremor on Wednesday, June 1, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Dr. Willard S. Kaso will discuss solutions for movement disorders, providing patients with options that can help them get their freedom back. For more information, call 215-728-4861 or email Rosemarie.Schlegel@tuhs.temple.edu

5 Neumann-Goretti students receive honors from Archdiocese

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia will honor over 130 distinguished scholars from 30 Archdiocesan and private Catholic secondary schools throughout the five-county region at the 42nd Annual Academic Honors Convocation on May 19.

Five students from Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School – Nicholas Barbi, Sofia I. Carlo, Meady Chiem, Kelly Ho and Julianna A. Telese – will be among those honored at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

The students, all of whom are ranked in the top 3 percent of their senior class, will be honored for their academic achievement and dedication to their studies. These students are included in the elite group according to their cumulative ranking at the end of the first semester of their senior year.

Diane Pieri at No. 5 Butchie Allie

No. 5 Butchie Allie at 1175 S. 13th St. presents Diane Pieri: Once Upon A Time from June 4 through July 30.

Pieri creates sublime, delicate works on paper that weave meaning, symbol and color in cascading landscape compositions. Each work is a microcosm of multiple intimate compositions that unfold under close inspection. Upon exhaling, they reveal a universe of saturated color and texture as the whole comes into view.

Pieri is unapologetically driven to create radical beauty. She finds power and freedom in embracing every glorious opportunity to be purely decorative. Her newest images incorporate 3D elements that billow unexpectedly from quiet surfaces.

Pieri will host a decorated bookmaking workshop on June 25 from noon to 3 p.m., the family-friendly event is for ages 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by parents, and the workshop is limited to 10 participants. In exchange for the experience, donations to Philabundance will be accepted.

Catholic Charities Appeal Night with the Phillies

The Catholic Charities Appeal is partnering with the Philadelphia Phillies for its ninth annual “CCA Night with the Phillies” at Citizens Bank Park on June 30.

A portion of the proceeds from all tickets sold through a dedicated link will directly benefit CCA beneficiary programs that provide support to those experiencing homelessness, special-needs students, food cupboards, afterschool programs and more.

The Phillies will host the Atlanta Braves that night. Seating will be located in the Outfield (sections 101-107) at $38 per ticket, Pavilion (sections 201-205) at $30 per ticket and Pavilion Deck (section 310) at $20 per ticket.

Those interested in supporting CCA by purchasing tickets for the game can visit https://www.mlb.com/phillies/tickets/specials/catholic-charities.

If 500 or more tickets are sold, a student from Our Lady of Confidence School of Special Education, a CCA beneficiary, will throw out the first pitch of the game. In addition, a CCA beneficiary will sing the national anthem.

Exhibit opens on mental illness

The Library Company of Philadelphia, 1314 Locust St., has launched an exhibition that features voices belonging to those living with mental illness. Hearing Voices: Memoirs from the Margins of Mental Health runs through Dec. 22 and presents first-hand accounts alongside government documents, institutional reports and original artworks.

“We are excited to present this new exhibition at the Library Company. Mental illness is an important and timeless issue,” said Michael Barsanti, Edwin Wolf 2nd Director of the Library Company of Philadelphia. “To truly understand it, we need to look at how the stigma of mental illness began. We’re able to tell first-hand stories, which is invaluable.”

Hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit https://librarycompany.org/.

There will be a special event, Art Therapy in History and Practice, on Aug. 20, from 1-4 p.m. Art psychotherapist and licensed professional counselor Marlie Krickus, from the Child and Family Art Therapy Center, will give a historical overview of art therapy as an integrative mental health treatment. For all ages and all levels of artist experience, the talk will be followed by an interactive exercise in community art therapy and support.

Registration is free and can be found at https://bit.ly/3kFApw5.

Whitman Library has new events

The Whitman Public Library at 200 Snyder Ave. has new events that are open to the public. A Feet First Walking Group will meet in front of the library on Wednesdays at 11 a.m.; a Free In-Person Yoga class will be held on Thursdays in the meeting room at 3:30 p.m.; and Build-It LEGO Magna tiles for children 5-12 will take place on Fridays at 3:30 p.m. No large groups, please.

‘Today is My Birthday’ showing at Theatre Exile

Theatre Exile has opened a new show called “Today is My Birthday” by Susan Soon He Stanton.

Today is My Birthday is an eccentric comedy by award-winning screenwriter and playwright Susan Soon He Stanton that follows an out-of-work journalist named Emily, who returns home to Hawaii after her life in New York City falls apart. Feeling unfulfilled, Emily creates an alter-ego for a radio dating show in a desperate attempt to turn fantasy into reality. Told through a unique blend of live radio broadcasts, voicemails and phone calls, this topical and adventurous show highlights Emily attempting to break free from her self-imposed isolation. 

The show runs through May 22 at Theatre Exile at 1340 S. 13th St.

Affordable internet for seniors

The Philadelphia Senate on Aging wants low-income elderly people to know that they can receive internet access for $9.95 a month, or free, through Comcast’s Internet Essentials. Call Comcast at 855-846-8376, and say you were referred by Mary Daniels, director of the Philadelphia Senate on Aging. For more information on the Philadelphia Senate on Aging, call Mary Daniels at 215-248-9438. 

Radio personality Michalik promoting Ardent Credit Union

Ardent Credit Union, which has a branch in the Navy Yard, has signed local radio personality Nicole Michalik, who can be heard during the 3-7 p.m. weekday drive-time slot on WXTU, as a spokesperson. Michalik joins Philadelphia Union goalkeeper and homegrown talent Matt Freese to promote the financial institution’s programs for teens and young adults. 

“We’re very excited to partner with Nicole, who is known by listeners across our area,” said Rob Werner, president and CEO of Ardent. “As a lifelong member of a credit union, she can authentically speak to Ardent’s mission of financial empowerment and the value we bring to our community.”

Michalik, a former contestant on season 4 of NBC’s The Biggest Loser, has been in radio for 15 years and with WXTU since 2019.

“I am so happy to share information about Ardent Credit Union and how to become an absolute boss with your money. When I started this relationship with Ardent, I knew there would be so many opportunities to highlight the importance of financial wellness, particularly for women,” Michalik said. “No matter where you are in life, there is always an opportunity to learn more about your money. I’m a credit union member and I love what Ardent brings to the table. It doesn’t feel like doing business. It’s like talking to a supportive friend.”

John J. Nesbitt reunion

The 50th reunion dinner of former employees of John J. Nesbitt will take place on Wednesday, May 18, at 1 p.m. at Fishers, 1858 Street Road, in Bensalem. Nesbitt was a large commercial heating and air conditioning company at State Road and Rhawn Street. The cost is $30 and includes the meal. Contact Edward Apice at 215-637-2637 or eapice@comcast.net

Flower show tickets available

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society announced that tickets are on sale for the Philadelphia Flower Show.

The theme is In Full Bloom. The show will take place at Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, 1500 Pattison Ave., from Saturday, June 11, through Sunday, June 19.

For tickets, go to PHSonline.org/the-flower-show.

Paint & Sip for a good cause

Programs Employing People Services will host its first Paint & Sip Party Fundraiser on Sunday, May 22, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at PEP Services’ great room, 1200 S. Broad St. Buy tickets at the door for $35. Painting supplies will be provided. The event is BYOB. Proceeds benefit PEP’s services for the disabled. To reserve your seat, call 215-389-4006 or visit https://www.signupgenius.

Toomey wants Ireland part of work visa program

U.S. Sens. Pat Toomey and Dick Durbin introduced bipartisan legislation to add Ireland to the E-3 non-immigrant visa program. The bill would allow Irish nationals annual access to any unused E-3 visas from the previous fiscal year. In exchange, Ireland intends to provide Americans expanded access to work visas in Ireland.

“The United States has long benefited from people coming here to work hard and contribute to our economy,” Toomey said. “With this legislation, highly skilled Irish workers can apply for the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program to continue this tradition. I appreciate Sen. Durbin working with me on this bipartisan immigration bill, which will strengthen America’s relationship with Ireland.”

The E-3 treaty professional visa is a temporary work visa currently limited to citizens of Australia. Up to 10,500 E-3 visas may be granted each year and the visas are valid for up to two years on a renewable basis. Qualifying jobs in the U.S. for which an E-3 visa may be obtained require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a specialty occupation.

South Phila. HS class of ‘68 reunion

The South Philadelphia High School Class of 1968 will hold its 55th reunion on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Waterfall Room, 2015 S. Water St. Tickets cost $60 and include buffet dinner and open bar. For tickets and more information, call Arleen Liberi [609-922-2419], Maria Leati [856-287-3734] or Stephen Michielli [267-252-2740].

Activities at Academy of Natural Sciences

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, is hosting several current and upcoming exhibits.

Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss will run through July 24.

Sea Change is running indefinitely.

The River Feeds Back, going from June 1 to Oct. 30, is an immersive sound installation created by artists Annea Lockwood and Liz Phillips. The exhibit brings visitors into the deep sonic environment of the Schuylkill River watershed through recordings and a layered sound map that captures glimpses of the river system including the life of aquatic insects, eels, fish and swirling currents.

Ocean Bound will run from Aug. 20 to Jan. 15, 2023.

Explore ocean depths

A new exhibition at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, reveals the mysteries of the ocean’s greatest depths.

Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss invites museum visitors to explore newly discovered life forms, thermal vents, deep-sea research submersibles and shipwrecks including the Titanic.

Museum visitors will observe firsthand the technology that only recently has allowed scientists to travel to the ocean floor and discover the creatures that thrive in total darkness. They can test their skill at manipulating a robotic arm of a replica of the submersible Alvin to pick up lava rocks and clams similar to what scientists do to gather samples of creatures from the ocean floor.

Visitors can also fly a remotely operated vehicle over a model of the Titanic’s deck and, in another display, see how currents created by superheated water erupting from thermal vents carry nutrients that support life forms few ever dreamed existed. 

Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss will be on view through July 24.

Star Players to present show

The Star Players of the city Department of Parks and Recreation will present Songs of Stage & Screen on June 3-5 at 7 p.m. at the Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St., in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. They are available on Venmo at mgabriele318@gmail.com. For more information, call Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or like the Star Players of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation page on Facebook. 

Kimmel schedule

The Kimmel Cultural Campus has returned to live Broadway programming.

Here is the schedule through the summer: Hairspray (through May 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

Upcoming cruises

The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a cruise to Charleston and Bermuda, June 2-12, on the Celebrity Summit, sailing from Cape Liberty, in North Jersey. Rates range from $1,577 to $2,387 per person, double occupancy.

Meanwhile, a fully escorted Holy Lands & Aegean Majesty cruise will sail Oct. 6-17, 2023, featuring 10 ports-of-call. Rates, including airfare, range from $4,198 to $7,998 per person, double occupancy.

Call 215-788-9408 for information and reservations.