ENTERTAINMENT

SIDE MAN, a moving drama about jazz by Warren Leight, for mature audiences, will be presented at The Stagecrafters Theater, 8130 Germantown Ave., Thursday-Sunday April 28, 29, 30 and May 1; Thursday-Saturday May 5, 6, 7. All shows are at 8 p.m. except Sunday shows, which are at 7:30 p.m. (May 1). Tickets are $15 at the door, Thursdays 2-for-1. Tickets/reservations: 215-247-8881 or www.thestagecrafters.org.

FIRST FRIDAY IN MT. AIRY IS MAY 6. A month of trivia and clues will culminate at the Sedgwick Cultural Center with the First Friday Scavenger Hunt drawing on First Friday, May 6, at 7 p.m. The winner will receive a “taste of Mt. Airy” gift basket to kick off May’s First Friday. The scavenger hunt is a new feature of First Friday, the monthly celebration in Mt. Airy where businesses — ranging from art galleries to restaurants to retailers — extend their hours to 9 p.m. for tours, specials and socializing. www.mtairyfirstfriday.com or 215-844-6021.

NORTH BY NORTHWEST: Friday, April 29, Baby Macaroni; Saturday, April 30, The Blue Method; Friday, May 6, Devil Doll; Saturday, May 7, Tea Leaf Green. Times and cover charges vary. Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. are for Salsa. 7105 Germantown Ave., Mt. Airy. 215-248-1000.

KESWICK THEATRE: Saturday, April 30, The Beach Boys; Sunday, May 1, “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m in Therapy;” Friday, May 6, Richard Jeni & Kevin Meane; Saturday, May 7, Kate Clinton. Times and ticket prices vary. The theater is at Keswick Avenue and Easton Road, Glenside. 215-572-7650 or www.keswicktheatre.com.

GERMANTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL CHOIR (Lawrence Hoenig, conductor) will perform at The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown, 35 West Chelten Ave., on Sunday, May 1 at 3 p.m. The program will feature American music. Free will offering. 215-843-8811.

MERMAID INN: Friday, April 29, Stevie & The Bluescasters; Saturday, April 30, Beats Walkin’; Friday, May 6, Dukes of Destiny; Saturday, May 7, Timberline. Performances, times and cover charges vary. 7673 Winston Road, Chestnut Hill; 215-247-9797 or www.themermaidinn.net.

MOVIE MANIA is a fundraising effort for the Lupus Foundation of Southeastern PA. You get to see first-run movies in the theater before they're released and support an important charitable cause at the same time. Call 215-517-5070 for details.

ROOKIES & ALL STARS is a performance by members of the Delaware Valley Opera Company on Saturday, April 30 at 8 p.m. at 700 E. Hermit Lane. A dessert reception will follow. Tickets are $22; $20 for members; $18 for seniors and students. 215-725-4171 or www.dvopera.org.

JAZZ FLUTIST WALTER BELL, of Chestnut Hill, is a featured performer each Sunday at Hibachi, Pier 19, Columbus Blvd. & Callowhill St., from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations: 215-592-7100.

AT THE LAROSE CLUB, 5531 Germantown Ave., Tony Williams plays jazz on Mondays; you can take dance lessons and/or dance to the oldies on Wednesdays; enjoy live jazz and Caribbean music on Fridays; and dance to the oldies on Saturdays. 215-844-5818.

BLOWN SIDEWAYS THROUGH LIFE, a comedy by Claudia Shear starring Gerre Garrett, will run at the Allens Lane Theater, Allens Lane & McCallum St., through May 7; Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m. www.allenslane.org or 215-248-0546.

THE MUSIC STUDIO on 8611 Germantown Ave. presents concerts on Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m.: April 30, guitarist Joseph Federico. Enter through the Evergreen Avenue parking lot; $7 pp includes refreshments. 866-450-0826.

THE ARTS & BUSINESS COUNCIL OF GREATER PHILADELPHIA is seeking business professionals to volunteer for the Business Volunteers for the Arts (BVA) program. 215-790-3621 or www.artsandbusiness-phila.org.

LOOKING FOR HALF-PRICE TICKETS to cultural events in the area? Click www.phillyfunguide.com/calendar/home.do and sign up! 

ARTS

THE CAROL SCHWARTZ GALLERY, 101 Bethlehem Pike, will display “A Garden of Art,” an exhibit to benefit the Morris Arboretum featuring local, national and international artists working in all mediums, April 28-May 28. 215-242-4510.

INFUSION’S APRIL GALLERY features paintings by local artist Jonathon Eckel. In these recent works, the artist is suggesting a narrative while consciously opposing this subjectivity by appealing to the abstract nature of paint on canvas. Through May 4. 7133 Germantown Ave.; 215-248-1718.

JMS GALLERY, 8236 Germantown Ave. Wed-Fri, 1-6:30; Sat, 12-5; and by appointment. Through May 28: large-scale oil paintings by Leila Cartier & sculpture by John Costanza. In the downstairs gallery, a variety of paintings, prints, and sculpture by local artists. Reception: Saturday April 30, 4-7 p.m. 215-248-4649.

** WOODMERE ART MUSEUM, 9201 Germantown Ave.: “The Martinos: A Family Legacy” will be on display through July 10. “Rose Naftulin, Paintings and Watercolors, 1955-2005,” will also be on display through July 10. Explore your creative energies and sign up for Woodmere’s art classes for adults, including still-life painting, beginning drawing and painting, portrait and figure clay sculpture, drawing and painting from live model, and fundamentals of portrait painting. 215-247-0476 or www.woodmereartmuseum.org.

WITHIN THE HUMAN SPHERE: WORKS BY LAURIE S. AUTH & ROSEMARY L. AUTH will be on display at the Allens Lane Art Center Gallery, Allens Lane & McCallum Street, through May 21. The art center also offers visual and performing arts classes, plays, art exhibits and more for children and adults. See complete schedule and register online at www.allenslane.org or call 215-248-0546 for a brochure.

PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY'S ANNUAL FASHION SHOW will be held Saturday, April 30, at 8 p.m. at the Academy of Music. The event will showcase fabulous fashions designed by Philadelphia University students. 215-951-2851.

GALLERY SAINT MARTIN: "You Take a Curtsy, I'll Take a Bow" and other acrylic paintings by Gina Triplett and Matt Curtius. 7811 St. Martin's Lane. 215-247-7811 or www.GallerySaintMartin.com.

THE WISSAHICKON ART CENTER, 5245 Ridge Ave., Roxborough, offers classes for kids and adults in performing and visual arts. Call 215-482-4860 for details.

WHITEMARSH COMMUNITY ART CENTER, 100 Cedar Grove Road, Conshohocken, offers a variety of art workshops for adults and children throughout the year, plus theater and museum trips. Art in the Park will be on Sunday, May 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (rain or shine). This family event features a student art exhibition, faculty exhibition, sale of art and craft works, hands-on art activities, plant sale and lunch on the lawn. 610-825-0917.

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

“WATER, TREES AND SKY: UNCOMMON VIEWS OF THE ARBORETUM” by Gordon Gibfried will be on display in the Upper Gallery of the Morris Arboretum through Sept. 4. The Morris Arboretum is located at 100 Northwestern Avenue in Chestnut Hill. www.morrisarboretum.org or 215-247-5777.

D.I.Y. REVOLUTION: ZINES AND OTHER UNDERGROUND PUBLICATIONS is on display through June 30 in the Design Center, Philadelphia University, 4200 Henry Avenue. Free and open to the public, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. 215-951-2860 or www.philau.edu/designcenter.

ANTIQUES SHOW at the Highlands Mansion and Gardens in Fort Washington begins with a preview event on Friday evening, April 29 and continues through Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1. Partial proceeds will benefit The Highlands. Preview event admission is $45; show admission and presentation series events are $10 each. www.antiquesatthehighlands.com or 215-848-9997.

"ART FULL TEXT" is on display in City Hall, Second and Fourth Floors, NE corner, through June 24. Participating Local area artists include Judy Engle, John F. Hollis, Dennis Lo, James Rosenthal, Judith Taylor and Susan Viguers.

TEXTILE DESIGN EXHIBITION 2005. Graduating students of Philadelphia University’s textile design course will showcase their works of prints, knits and weaves, May 5-29, at The Mills at East Falls, 3502 Scotts Lane, East Falls. Free opening reception: Thursday, May 5, from 4-7 p.m. www.philau.edu/textiledesign or 215-951-2750.

NATURE/GARDENS

THE CHESTNUT HILL HOME & GARDEN FESTIVAL IS ON SUNDAY MAY 1. DON’T MISS IT!

KEYSTONE HOSPICE GARDEN LECTURE BENEFIT. Keystone Hospice will present "A Garden of the Senses" on Thursday, April 28, from 6-8 p.m. at the Visitors Center at Morris Arboretum, 100 Northwestern Ave., featuring a lecture and book-signing by Stephanie Cohen, author of The Perennial Gardener's Design Primer. Proceeds from the benefit will go toward restoration of the Legacy Gardens at Keystone Hospice in Wyndmoor. Tickets are $20 each, and reservations can be made by calling Keystone Hospice at 215-836-2440.

** AT THE MORRIS ARBORETUM, 100 Northwestern Ave: A variety of trips, activities and classes are going on now — for amateurs as well as professionals — adults as well as kids — including horticulture, perennial gardening, landscape design and floral design. Upcoming events include: Birding at Green Lane Park, Wednesday, May 4; Professional Floral Design II, Wednesday, May 4; Planting Design for the Home Landscape, Wednesdays, May 4 and 11; Container Gardening, Saturday, April 30; wildflowers for the Woodland Garden, Sunday, May 1; Mother’s Day Flower Arrangement (for kids ages 5 through 12), Saturday, May 7. Teacher training courses will be offered in April & May.A Mother’s Day brunch will be held at either 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 8; reservations necessary. 215-247-5777, ext. 169. www.morrisarboretum.org.

AT THE WISSAHICKON VALLEY WATERSHED ASSOCIATION: birding classes for all levels. Discover the many varied habitats of the Wissahickon Watershed that are a haven for the migrating birds. Learn how to identify the birds, bird by ear and habitat and find the greatest variety of birds in the watershed. The small class size and individualized attention will let you be successful right away. This four-part series is led by the association's staff and experienced birders. Call 215-646-8866 or e-mail WVWA@aol.com for details. The WVWA is at 12 Morris Road, Ambler.

** THE SCHUYLKILL CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION (SCEE), 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Roxborough: Friday, April 29, Birding in the Delaware Valley; Saturday-Sunday, April 30, Native plant sale and tour of Penn’s Native Acres; Friday, May 6, Birding in the Delaware Valley; Saturday, May 7, Make stationery for Mom. Information/pre-registration for all programs: 215-482-7300.

FAIRMOUNT PARK HORTICULTURE CENTER PRESENTS: Scented Geraniums-A plant with identity problem, on Thursday, April 28, 10 a.m. at Fairmount Park Horticultural Center, 100 North Horticultural Dr. Spring Plant Sale will be on Friday-Saturday, April 29-30, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Registration/information: 215-685-0096.

BARTRAM’S GARDEN NATIVE PLANT SALE will be open to the public on Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Explore an interesting selection of native plants available for purchase in the Bartram Barn. In addition to hard-to-find plants for the “collector,” an assortment of native perennials, vines, shrubs, and trees suitable for sun and shade will be featured, for expert and amateur gardeners alike. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington bought plants here, so should you. Proceeds benefit maintenance and preservation of America’s oldest living botanic garden. www.bartramsgarden.org.

HIKE THE WISSAHICKON with various groups throughout the month. Call the Friends of the Wissahickon at 215-247-0417 for details or click www.fow.org/calendar/calendar.htm.

THE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY offers a variety of classes throughout the year at various locations. Call 215-988-8869 or go to www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org for details. To see a list of winners from this years stunning Flower Show, go to www.theflowershow.com/home/05awards.htm.

CREEK CLEAN UP is scheduled for Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. – noon, followed by a “Talkin’ Trash” picnic, sponsored by Whole Foods, at the Upper Gwynedd Park on Sumneytown Pike just north of North Wales. Volunteers need to call ahead to be assigned a section for the clean up; call 215-646-8866 ext. 14, e-mail Bob Adams, property manager, at BobofWVWA@aol.com, or just stop by the Four Mills Barn, the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association’s headquarters, at 12 Morris Road in Ambler.

FOR THE KIDS

TWO OF A KIND (David and Jenny Heitler-Klevans), the husband-wife duo who specialize in interactive musical programs for children and eclectic folk/acoustic/singer-songwriter material for families, is performing a children’s show at Plymouth Meeting Friends School at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29 in the Steinbright Building at the school, 2150 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting. Sponsored by the school’s PTO and Gender and Diversity Committee, this event is part of the school’s participation in turnoff TV week, April 25 – May 1. $10 per family. 610-828-2288.

PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL will run from May 1-7 at the Annenberg Center on the Penn campus. www.pennpresents.org or 215-898-3900.

** THE CHESTNUT HILL LIBRARY, 8711 Germantown Ave.: Story time for 1- to 3-year-olds is on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m., and on most Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. for children 3-6. 215-685-9290.

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

O’DOODLE’S TOY STORE, 8335 Germantown Ave., is now offering martial arts for kids classes and holds an interactive story time on Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. 215-247-7345.

THE FREE LIBRARY OF SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, 1600 Paper Mill Road, Wyndmoor: Story time runs at the library through May 28. Story times are as follows: Monday, 10:30 – 10:50 toddler time; Tuesday, 2 – 2:30 p.m., 3 – 6 year olds; Friday, 10:30 – 11:00, 3 – 6 year olds. 215-836-5300.

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 LOVETT LIBRARY is at 6945 Germantown Ave. Call 215-685-2095 for story times.

NOAH’S ARK CHILDREN’S CENTER INC. ministry at Blair Christian Academy, 220 W. Upsal St., offers kid’s club for ages 3 – 13 every first and third Saturday from 10:45 a.m. – 2 p.m. Kids experience Bible time, music, games, arts and crafts and more. Lunch is provided. Drama club and drill team programs are also available. 215-479-9375.

FUN BIRTHDAY PARTIES WITH AN HISTORIC TWIST. For kids aged 7-12, a party at The Highlands includes historic games, crafts, dress up, scavenger hunts and more. The Highlands is located at 7001 Sheaff Lane, Ft. Washington. 215-641-2687.

HATCH DANCE THEATER is offering Creative Movement classes for 3-5 years and “Big & Little” for 2 years and up with their mom, dad, granny or nanny on Thursday mornings at O’Doodle’s Toy Store. Classes for modern dance and acting, ages 6 years and up (including adults) happen Tuesdays and Saturdays at Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church. 215-416-0457 or hatch@entermail.net.

THE WISSAHICKON SKATING CLUB, Willow Grove Avenue and Cherokee Street, has public ice skating every Friday, 8:30 - 10:30 p.m. and Saturdays 11:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Friends & Fun for ages 4 1/2-11 Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:45 -4:45 p.m.; open adult hockey, group skating lessons and hockey instruction for all ages at varied times and days; and fun birthday parties. 215-247-1759. $6 admission; $1 guest card; $2 skate rental.

THE PHILADELPHIA SELECT BOYS AAU BASKETBALL PROGRAM is now recruiting boys ages 11-16 to try out for its traveling team. Parents must accompany their athletes to the tryouts, which will be heldApril 29-May 2 in Germantown. For an invitation or information, call Alvin Jones at 267-386-5817.

THE WRITERS ROOM OF BUCKS COUNTY, 4 W. Oakland Ave., Doylestown, is offering a number of new programs for children from grades 3 through high school, running through its summer writing camp. 215-348-1663 or www.WritersRoom.net.

FAMILY PAPERMAKING WORKSHOP will be on Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Historic RittenhouseTown. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. $15 per person ($12 for members of HRT). RittenhouseTown is at 206 Lincoln Drive; enter on Wissahickon Avenue between Lincoln Drive and Walnut Lane. www.rittenhousetown.org or 215-438-5711.

HEALTH/FITNESS

CONGREGATION OR AMI is sponsoring a team for the Mother’s Day Race for the Cure, Sunday, May 8. Call the synagogue office for race or bus information: 610-828-9066.

KEYSTONE HOSPICE PLANS 10TH ANNIVERSARY. The "Cinco de Mayo - a Celebration of Life!" open house and awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Keystone House, 8765 Stenton Ave., celebrating 10 years of exceptional care. 215-836-2440.

MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION WORKSHOP for caregivers of those experiencing Alzheimer’s and related dementias, sponsored by the Won Institute of Graduate Studies and Senior Care of Chestnut Hill, will take place on Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; and Thursday, May 5, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Senior Care of Chestnut Hill, 7629-A Germantown Ave. Free, but registration is required; call 800-272-3900.

"LINGERING SIDE EFFECTS: MANAGING FATIGUE AND COGNITIVE CHANGES AFTER BREAST CANCER" will be held on Monday, May 2, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Philadelphia Marriott West in West Conshohocken. To register, call Amy Grillo at the LBBC office at 610-645-4567 or e-mail amy@lbbc.org. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is preferred. A light dinner and refreshments will be provided. On-site parking will be available for a $3 fee.

LIVING BEYOND BREAST CANCER will host a national teleconference, "Breast Reconstruction: Understanding Your Options," from noon to 1:30 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 3. Speaker Maurice Nahabedian, MD, is a specialist in reconstructive breast surgery. He will present information women affected by breast cancer can use to choose the type of reconstructive surgery that best fits their emotional and medical needs. Free. To register, visit www.lbbc.org or call 610-645-4567.

FREE CANCER PREVENTION & SURVIVAL COOKING COURSE (four classes) by local chef Tondra Fleming will be held from April 28-June 9 at Whole Foods Market, 1575 The Fairway, Jenkintown. Registration: call or e-mail Dana Sommers at 215-481-0800 or Dana.Sommers@wholefoods.com.

WEIGHT WATCHERS SPECIAL OFFER. As part of its ongoing commitment to encourage people toward healthier lifestyles through proper nutrition and increased activities, Weight Watchers of Philadelphia Inc. has declared open house month in May. Any non-member interested in losing weight is invited to attend one free Weight Watchers meeting any time throughout the month of May. As an added incentive for those non-members who take advantage of the free meeting offer, Weight Watchers is providing a special $25 joining fee, $15 off the regular joining fee of $40, for those who join at a free open house meeting in May. Those new members will be able to continue at $14 for weekly meetings, with special consideration for seniors and students at $13 per week. To find the nearest Weight Watchers meeting location, call 1-800-651-6000 or click www.wwphl.com, Find a Meeting.

THE MATERNAL WELLNESS CENTER is at 7149 Germantown Avenue, in the Mt. Airy Healing Arts Space. They provide individual and couples psychotherapy as well as holistic birth education and a number of other supportive groups and services for women and families. 215-242-1815.

PARENTING CLASSES BEGINNING SOON. Free intro session to learn more will be on Saturday, April 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Mahas, 7149 Germantown Ave. 215-925-3557.

JEWISH FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICE of Greater Philadelphia will be offering continuing education programs and classes on health and healing at various locations throughout the region. Visit www.jfcsphil.org or call 215-540-3737 for more information.

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. Jessica Krow teaches every Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. First class free. 215-844-7773.

STRENGTH AND AEROBIC INTERVAL TRAINING is offered on Saturdays at 6:30 a.m. at Wallace and Glick Physical Therapy and Fitness, 813 Bethlehem Pike. $. 215-233-9677. Donna Storm and Drew Wallace will lead the training.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUPS for adults, sponsored by Koller Funeral Home, 6835 Ridge Ave., continue on alternate Tuesday afternoons (May 3) from 1:30-2:45 p.m. Free. Information: 215-624-8190.

KEYSTONE HOSPICE 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: 215-836-2440. 8765 Stenton Ave., Wyndmoor.

STAY IN SHAPE. For many kinds of movement, mind-body and dance classes for you and your kids, ongoing and drop-in, look to the Moving Arts Studio, off Lincoln Drive. 215 842-1040.

FUN RUN. Wissahickon Wanderers Running Club meets every Saturday at 8 a.m.; start at Valley Green. Details: 215-849-9080 or www.wanderersrunningclub.org.

RELAX INTO NOW MEDITATION teleclass with Linda Durand every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. Join this group call and experience "yoga on the phone" without leaving home! 215-242-0604 or www.RelaxIntoNow.com.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS conducts two meetings each week at Roxborough Memorial Hospital, 5800 Ridge Avenue. Details: 215-248-4333.

THE ROXBOROUGH YMCA, 7201 Ridge Ave., offers a variety of fitness classes for children, teens and adults throughout the year. Social dance classes for adults are beginning on April 29. 215-482-3900.

YOGA / TAI CHI / QIGONG classes are offered throughout the week at The Second Wind Center, 98 Bethlehem Pike. Information: 215-248-9642.

CHESTNUT HILL HOSPITAL offers a great variety of programs and support groups, plus exercise programs for all ages and physical conditions (including yoga, Feldenkrais and awareness through movement), cardiac rehabilitation, women’s health issues, smoking cessation programs, CPR, a senior activity and functional evaluation (SAFE) program, a variety of clinical trials, a driver screening course, wound care program, diabetes education and support center, a geriatric resource center, drop-in parenting discussion and child play group, a prosthetic and orthotic program, wheelchair program, prenatal/postpartum yoga classes, cancer support groups, breastfeeding classes, stroke club, babysitter training and more. 215-753-2000 or www.chh.org.

THE WELLNESS COMMUNITY sponsors many programs and support groups for people with cancer. 215-879-7733 or www.twcp.org.

CREATING A BETTER YOU THROUGH HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR, sponsored by Changing Health Outcomes by Improving Cardiovascular Education and Screenings (CHOICES) and Impacting Your World Christian Center (IYWCC) ,will be on Saturday, April 30 from noon-7 p.m. at 5507 Germantown Ave., featuring an array of screenings and workshops. Free. 215-438-7838 ext. 133 or www.iywcc.org.

EDUCATION

“SPIRITS AND SPIRITUALISTS,“ a special Laurel Hill Cemetery Tour, will be on Sunday, May 8, 2-4 p.m. $15 pp. Reservations: 215-228-8200.

WHAT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS LOOK FOR IN LENDING TO SMALL BUSINESSES will be discussed by Aubrey Kenney, senior bank manager at the Mt. Airy branch of Sovereign Bank, and Kenneth W. Hilbert, business loan officer at The Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, at the Thursday, May 5 meeting of The Small Office Home Office (SOHO) group, a joint venture of The Mt. Airy Business Association (MABA) and The Business Center at New Covenant Campus. The SOHO group meets the first Thursday of every month at Cresheim Cottage Café, 7402 Germantown Ave., from 8:45-10 a.m. Admission is free. 215-548-2958 or www.mtairybiz.com.

EXPLORE GRUMBLETHORPE. A new historic house and garden tour has been designed for senior citizens at Grumblethorpe, 5267 Germantown Ave. Visit an 18th century house and garden. See Sally Wister’s bedroom, original kitchen and the desk where Owen Wister wrote his famous novel, The Virginian. See a restored Federal garden, America’s oldest ginkgo tree and the ruins of the observatory where Charles Wister charted the Grumblethorpe Meridian. Grumblethorpe is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m. Admission $4. 215-925-2251.

12TH ANNUAL PRESERVATION ACHIEVEMENTS AWARDS LUNCHEON will be on Thursday, May 5 at noon at The Crystal Tea Room at the Wanamaker Building, Philadelphia. RSVP: 215-546-1146, ext. 19 or info@preservationalliance.com.

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, on Wednesday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, 8801 Stenton Ave., Wyndmoor. Reservations: 267-440-2576.

THE MT. AIRY COMPUTER CENTER, 6335 Wayne Ave., offers classes for kids and adults throughout the week. Call 215-438-8505 for a complete schedule.

GOOD SHEPHERD OFFERS A VARIETY OF MEDIATION PROGRAMS throughout the year, including basic mediator training, 2005 volunteer gatherings, conflict coaching, divorce & custody mediation, victim offender conferencing training, mediating disability — related disputes and representing your client in mediation. For information about registration and fees, call 215-843-5413. The Mediation Center is located at 5356 Chew Ave., Germantown.

SEWING FOR THE SOLDIERS is a Civil War exhibit hosted by the Germantown Historical Society, 5501 Germantown Ave., through October 20. The exhibit includes prints and drawings from the era of women putting garments together for Northern and Southern soldiers. The museum and library are open every Tuesday, and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 215-844-1683 or www.germantownhistory.org.

HISTORIC GOWEN ESTATE HOUSE TOUR will be held on Saturday, April 30, starting at 12:30 p.m. The program will begin with an introductory talk, with slides, at Hagan Amphitheater on the campus of the Lutheran Theological Seminary, 7301 Germantown Ave. Tickets, $25 pp, must be purchased in advance. Information: EMAN, 215-848-4163 or WMAN, 215-438-6022.

CELEBRATE OLDER AMERICANS IN MAY at the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St. on Independence Mall: In collaboration with the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging and PECO, the National Constitution Center is participating in Seniors Celebrate the Arts, a month-long celebration during May. Seniors 62+ can take advantage of a special offer, a $10 ticket which includes lunch and admission to the museum. Participants will receive a food voucher valued at $6.25 to the Delegates’ Restaurant. (Food Voucher must be used on day of purchase. No cash value.) www.constitutioncenter.org  or 215-409-6600.

BOOK SCENE

BOOK SALE. The Friends of the Elkins Park Free Library holds its next book sale on Friday, April 29, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday, April 30, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Sunday, May 1, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., 563 East Church Road, Elkins Park. Sale includes thousands of books, CDs, audiotapes, DVDs, videos, magazines, maps, postcards, software, games and more. 215-635-5000.

RELIGION

BITTER HERBS AND GRASSROOTS, a Civil Liberties Seder, will be held at Mishkan Shalom at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. David Rudolvsky, renowned civil liberties lawyer from Philadelphia, will speak about the erosion of civil liberties since 9/11. Phil Ochs-style singer-songwriter John Flynn, creator of the CD, Dragon, will inspire through his music. Those attending are encouraged to bring non-food items symbolic of the loss of civil liberties for the Seder plate. For reservations, call 215-508-0226.

UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF GERMANTOWN, 6511 Lincoln Drive, offers “Coffee and Conversation” on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. On May 1, learn about the Johnson House; on May 8, the topic will be Medicare. 215-844-1157 or www.usguu.org.

FORUM DEALING WITH ISRAELI/PALESTINIAN RELATIONS CONTINUES. University of Pennsylvania professor Ian Lustick, renowned authority on the Middle East, will lead the fourth installment of The Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields’ free five-week forum series, “Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem: Israeli/Palestinian Relations,” on Sunday, May 1 at 10 a.m. Professor Lustick will discuss the current hot button topic: disengagement from Gaza. The Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields is located at 8000 St. Martin’s Lane, on the corner of St. Martin’s Lane and Willow Grove Ave. 215-247-7466.

ST. THOMAS' CHURCH OFFERS CELTIC CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP SERVICES through Eastertide (May 8) on Sunday evenings beginning at 5:30 p.m. The services are designed to make common prayer, a foundation of the Episcopal Church, as accessible as possible for anyone interested in exploring their faith journey. The combination of candlelight, Celtic music, word and reflection offer a unique opportunity for personal contemplation amid the warmth of community. St. Thomas' Church, Whitemarsh is located at Bethlehem Pike and Camphill Road. www.stthomaswhitemarsh.org or 215-233-3970.

THE UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF GERMANTOWN (USG) invites neighbors and friends to the ongoing celebration of its 140-year exploration of liberal religion and inclusive ministry. On Sunday, May 1, at 11 a.m., the Reverend Kent Matthies will speak on Normal O. Thomas, the Presbyterian minister who ran for U.S. President as the Socialist candidate numerous times. His life work involved civil rights, labor, and peace groups, including the ACLU, NAACP, CORE and SANE. On Sunday, May 8, at 7 p.m., Joseph Abdo, researcher on Samuel Longfellow, early minister of USG (1878 to 1882) and brother of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow will speak. The society is located at 6511 Lincoln Drive, phone 215-844-1157.

SSJ CENTER FOR SPIRITUALITY, 9701 Germantown Ave., offers weekend retreats, presentations and spiritual workshops throughout the year. Call 215-248-7222 for details.

AT THE JEWISH CHILDREN’S FOLKSHUL, held at the Germantown Friends School, Sharpless Building, 31 W. Coulter St. Sunday Funday will be on May 1. 215-248-1550 or www.folkshul.org.

PLYMOUTH VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH, 1090 Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, offers a full range of worship and community services and special events. 610-277-1690 or www.PVCCHURCH.com.

MISCELLANEOUS

AT THE CHESTNUT HILL SENIOR CENTER, 7999 Crittenden St., 215-248-0180: Tuesday, May 3 at 1 p.m., "Living with Asthma,” a PowerPoint presentation with Ruth Hoskins. Friday, May 6 at 1 p.m., Gretchen Schaff demonstrates medieval carved drinking horns and hand-forged jewelry. Both programs free and open to the public; refreshments will be served.

FISH FRY FUNDRAISER. The Advisory Council of the Wissahickon Boys and Girls Club is hosting a fundraiser Fish Fry and Card Party on Saturday, April 30 at the Wissahickon Boys and Girls Club, 328 W. Coulter St. from 2-8 p.m. Fish and chicken dinners will be sold and card and parlor games will be played. Takeout and delivery will be available. Pre-paid order arrangements can be made by calling 215-438-7394.

THE ART OF AFRICAN HEAD DRESSING is a special Mother’s Day program at Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Ave., on Wednesday, May 4, 1-3 p.m. Bring your own head dressing materials; suggested sizes are: 1 yard, 3ft. x 8 inches or 2ft. x 4 inches; cotton or silk materials work best. Dorcas Essilfie will instruct. Space is limited and sign up is a must: call 215-848-7722. Cost: $5.

SUNDAYS ON THE HILL RETURNS. The Chestnut Hill Business Association’s Sunday Shopping on the Hill promotion is in full swing. Come to Germantown Avenue beginning at 1 p.m. on Sundays for free trolley rides, music and other special events. Call the CHBA at 215-247-6696 for more information.

MOUNT AIRY PLAYGROUND, 7001 Germantown Ave., has a variety of activities for kids and adults: after-school programs, football, ceramics, basketball, aerobics, karate, line dancing and more. Camp for kids 6-12 will also be available this summer. Call 215-685-9297 for details.

OLDIES DANCE PARTY with DJs Lou Costello and Billy from Philly will be on Friday, April 29 from 8-midnight at the Lu Lu Shriners Great Hall, 5140 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting. $10 per person. BYOB; ice, water, soda available. Line dance lessons at 7 p.m. for additional $5. Free parking. 800-898-5858.

ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCING will take place on Saturday, May 7, 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. at Summit Presbyterian Church, Greene and Westview streets, led by Ted Rudofker; Music by Fish 'n Chips. $8; no partner necessary. 215-836-0426 or www.germantowncountrydancers.org.

CONTRA DANCING takes place every Thursday evening at Glenside Memorial Hall, Keswick Ave. and Waverly Street, Glenside. The dance runs from 8-11 p.m., with a break in the middle. There is always live music, with a different band each week. Dances are also on the third Saturdays from September to May. Admission is $6-7. 215-643-4397 or www.thursdaycontra.com.

WEST AFRICAN DANCE CLASS w/ Maurice Edwards takes place at Summit Presbyterian Church (basement). Green and Westview Streets in Mount Airy on Wednesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. Live drums. $15. 215-849-1484.

INTERNATIONAL DANCING takes place at Or Hadash, 190 Camp Hill Road, Fort Washington from 8 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays. $5; free first time. www.beaverfolkdance.org or 610-688-3284.

AT THE NATIONAL LIBERTY MUSEUM, 321 Chestnut Street in Old City: Free activity booklet, crafts classes and market bring Women’s History Month to life. All events are free with museum admission: adults - $5; seniors - $4; students - $3; children with chaperone, free. 215-925-2800.

WALK PHILADELPHIA offers dozens of guided architecture tours of the city and region. 215-625-9255 or www.walkphiladelphia.com.

“RAISE YOUR RACQUET – IT’S A BRAND NEW GAME!” is the theme of the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education (AAYTE) benefit auction on Friday, April 29, helping to raise operating funds for the expanded educational programming and construction of a new, $11 million, state-of-the-art facility. Benefit tickets start at $150 for the casual-dress event, which begins at 6 p.m. at the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis Center, 4015 Main St., Manayunk. 215-487-3477.

13th ANNUAL BRIDESMAIDS’ BALL to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will be on Saturday, April 30 at the Shops at Liberty Place, 1625 Chestnut Street, from 9 p.m. to1 a.m. Celebrate the best and worst of tying the knot at this mock wedding reception and help those living with blood cancers. Tickets are $65 in advance and are available online at www.bridesmaidsball.org or by calling 800-482-CURE, ext. 221.

RENAISSANCE BALL to support The Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter of the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) will be on Saturday, May 7, at the Hyatt Regency at Penn's Landing. Tickets are $325 per person. www.ccfa.org or 215-396-9100.

SIMON GRATZ HIGH SCHOOL classes of January and June 1952 are seeking classmates for a 53-year reunion in 2005. Call 215-673-7738.

** Member of Chestnut Hill Cultural Alliance

VOLUNTEER

• Volunteers Needed for the Second Annual "Retrieving Memory" Golf, Silent Auction and Dinner event to benefit Alzheimer's Research and the Alzheimer's Association, Delaware Valley Chapter. This year’s event will be held on October 17, 2005 at the Philadelphia Cricket Club. Last year’s event grossed over $200,000 for this important cause. For more information about volunteering or sponsorships please call Bruce Glendinning at 610-940-3909 or e-mail him at bruce22@comcast.net.

• The Academy of Natural Sciences is recruiting volunteers for the exhibit “Dogs: Wolf, Myth, Hero & Friend” to be at the Academy this summer. For information contact Lois Kuter, volunteer coordinator, 215-299-1029 or kuter@acnatsci.org.

• Wissahickon Hospice is actively recruiting volunteers to serve and support hospice patients and families within the community. Once trained, hospice volunteers join the team of doctors, nurses, social workers, home health aides and pastoral counselors to provide care and support to patients and families facing end of life struggles. Whether visiting with patients in their homes, nursing homes or helping with administrative office duties and special events, volunteers give of their time, experience and talents to serve their community. 610-617-2400.

• You can be the one to make a difference in someone's life! Share your time, talent and energy as a volunteer for Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia. JFCS needs volunteers in a variety of areas. There are opportunities to volunteer as individuals, as families or as a group. For information call Sandra Fryer, JFCS director of volunteer services, at 215-698-9950, ext. 112.

• Seeking domestic violence hotline volunteers. Philadelphia-based domestic violence agency seeks dedicated hotline volunteers to counsel women endangered by domestic violence and substance abuse. Volunteers participate in a 45-hour crisis-intervention training program (two nights/week) in spring 2005 and volunteer for two six-hour shifts a month. Be a voice of hope and safety for women and their children. For more information, call 215-564-5301, extension 118, or visit www.womanintransitioninc.org.

• Roxborough YMCA after school program needs your help. Are you a high school student, college student or adult looking to help others? Are you good with math, English, history, science or arts and crafts? The Roxborough YMCA is looking for volunteer tutors to help tutor children in its After School Program. Children will range from kindergarten to the fifth grade. Anyone interested should contact Mark Szezek at the Roxborough YMCA at 215-482-3900, extension 24.

• Volunteer with ASAP/After School Activities Partnerships! Share your passion, hobby or pastime with kids for one hour a week at a school, recreation center or library convenient to you. Call ASAP/After School Activities Partnerships at 215-875-7024, e-mail asapinfo@phillyasap.org or go to www.phillyasap.org. 

• The Pennsylvania Senior Environment Corps of The Schuylkill Center is seeking active people over 55 who are interested in doing water quality monitoring, public outreach or related activities for just a few hours each month. Call 215-482-7300.

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

• Chestnut Hill Hospital is recruiting volunteers for a variety of challenging positions. Volunteers are needed in patient and non-patient care areas. A commitment of a 4-hour block of time once a week is desired. Call 215-248-8289 or e-mail vsd@CHH.org.

• Fox Chase Cancer Center is looking for volunteers to provide administrative staffing assistance. Call 215-728-3110 for more information.

• 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. For more information, call 610-692-0677.

• The 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. For many of these young people, there is no family or support network awaiting them. The AI Center enables these young men and women to acquire basic life skills, employment training, job opportunities and even a place to live. Mentors must be at least 21 years of age, be willing to make a 12-month commitment to the AI Center and volunteer a minimum of four hours per month. The AI Center staff will match you with a young person with whom you are compatible and provide you with mentor orientation and training sessions. The most significant requirements are compassion, strong listening skills and a desire to help someone less fortunate. To learn more about the program, call the AI Center at 215-574-9194.

• The Highlands Historical Society Needs Docents & Volunteers. Wanted: people-friendly, well-spoken individuals 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 Jennifer April at The Highlands Historical Society for more information: 215-641-2687.

• The Red Cross Needs Disaster Response Volunteers. Free training provided. Call 215-405-8558.

• The Center for Literacy is seeking volunteers to help improve the reading skills of thousands of area residents. Call 215-474-1235 or click www.centerforliteracy.org for more information.

• Foster Parents Needed. 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. 215-587-3960.

• Historic RittenhouseTown needs volunteers for a variety of activities. Call 215-438-5711 or go to www.rittenhousetown.org.

• 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. For information call 215-653-7310.

• The 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.

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

• 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. For more information, call 215-686-8462.

• You can be the one to make a difference in someone's life. Share your time, talent and energy as a volunteer for Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia. JFCS needs volunteers to provide the following services: calling, visiting, driving, or providing shopping assistance for an elderly or disabled client; befriending an adolescent or adult with a developmental disability; Helping with minor home maintenance and home repairs on a periodic basis; becoming a volunteer grandparent (adults 50 plus) in the Project JOY program. Volunteer as individuals, as families or as a group. Information: Sandra Fryer, 215-698-9950, ext. 112; Irma Simuni, 215-698-4529, ext. 228 or 284 or www.jfcsphil.org.