ENTERTAINMENT

FREE PASTORIUS PARK CONCERTS continue with Full Frontal Folk on Wednesday, June 22 and Klingon Klez on Wednesday, June 29 at 7:30 p.m. The park is at Abington Avenue and Lincoln Drive; rainplace is Springside School, 8000 W. Cherokee St. 215-248-8810.

NORTH BY NORTHWEST: Friday, June 24, DJ Gary O; Saturday, June 25, Thunderbird & Moka; Friday, July 1, Mem Shannon; Saturday, July 2, New Kings of Rhythm. Times and cover charges vary. Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. are for Salsa. 7105 Germantown Ave., Mt. Airy. www.nxnwphl.com or 215-248-1000.

CONCERT IN THE GARDEN AT THE MORRIS ARBORETUM: Thursday, June 23, the Ken Ulansey Jazz Quartet. 6:30 – 8 p.m.; free with regular garden admission. Rain or shine; visitors are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket for lawn seating. www.morrisarboretum.org or 215-247-5777.

LA TRAVIATA will be presented by the Delaware Valley Opera Company on June 25, 30 & July 2 at 8 p.m. at the Hermitage Mansion, Henry Avenue & Hermit Lane in Roxborough. Tickets: 215-725-4171 or www.dvopera.org.

KESWICK THEATRE: Concert times and ticket prices vary. The theater is at Keswick Avenue and Easton Road, Glenside. 215-572-7650 or www.keswicktheatre.com. The summer series for kids begins on June 28.

ROOM SERVICE, a comedy by John Murray and Allen Boretz, will be presented by The Stagecrafters Theater, 8130 Germantown Ave., Thurs.-Sat. June 23-25 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door, Thursdays 2-for-1. For tickets/reservations call 215-247-8881 or check www.thestagecrafters.org.

THE MANN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS is again offering a full summer of exciting entertainment. Tickets are available at the Mann Center Box Office at 52nd and Parkside or charge by phone at 215-893-1999. www.manncenter.org.

MERMAID INN: Friday, June 24, The Porkroll Project; Saturday, June 25, The Philadelphia Bluegrass Band. Performances, times and cover charges vary. 7673 Winston Road, Chestnut Hill; 215-247-9797 or www.themermaidinn.net.

PIANIST & COMPOSER RICH RUDIN AND VOCALIST ZAN GARDNER will be performing at Rembrandt's (no cover), 741 N. 23rd St., on Thursdays, June 23 & Aug. 4, 8-11:30 p.m., 215-763-2228; at Maria's Italian Ristorante (no cover), 8100 Ridge Ave., on Friday, June 24, 8-11 p.m., 215-508-5600. Information: RichRudin@verizon.net.

“UNLIKELY HEROES.” On Sunday, June 26, at 1:30 p.m., master storyteller Ed Stivender returns to Thomas Mansion, 6245 Wissahickon Ave., for his annual summer storytelling show. A free will offering of $5 for adults, $2 for children under 12, $10 per family will be accepted. The proceeds will go to The Bethesda Project located on N. Broad Street. 610-259-8825.

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.

SUMMER IN THE CITY. Celebrating the 20th anniversary season, Penn's Landing is the main site for the more than 50 festivals, concerts and events this spring and summer, many of which are free. For example, there’s a Monday night gospel series in June. The Irish Festival takes place June 23-26. Penn’s Landing runs along Columbus Boulevard from Washington Avenue to Spring Garden Street. Details are at 215-922-2FUN or www.pennslandingcorp.com.

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. Bell and the Latin Jazz Unit will also be playing a free concert at Love Park, 16th & JFK Blvd., on Thursday, June 30, from noon-2 p.m. www.walterbellmusic.com.

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.

THE MUSIC STUDIO on 8611 Germantown Ave. presents concerts on Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m.: 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

INFUSION’S JUNE GALLERY will feature photos by Judith Levy, Solomon Levy and Ellie Seif. Judith is showing her work with smaller landscapes and textures taken this past fall in New Hampshire. Sol is showing his urban abstracts from Mt. Airy — Old Philadelphia — and Manhattan, and Ellie will be exhibiting her nature and landscape work from Michigan and New England. All of the artists have exhibited in juried shows and have won awards for their work. InFusion Coffee and Tea, 7133 Germantown Ave., www.InFusionCoffeeandTea.com; 215-248-1718.

THE CAROL SCHWARTZ GALLERY, 101 Bethlehem Pike, will display “Summer Exhibition,” with local, national and international artists, featuring the oils of David Fox, through July 30. 215-242-4510.

JMS GALLERY, 8236 Germantown Ave. Wed-Fri, 1-6:30; Sat, 12-5; and by appointment. Through July 2: IDEAS AROUND: steel sculpture by Joe Mooney; new works in gouache, oil, and pastel by Lynn Denton; pastel drawings by Max Maddox; prints by Marilyn Fox. 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 drawing and painting, watercolor and design, landscape painting, portrait and figure clay sculpture, and drawing and painting from live model. 215-247-0476 or www.woodmereartmuseum.org.

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.

MANAYUNK ARTS FESTIVAL will be on Saturday-Sunday, June 25 &26 along Main Street in Manayunk. 215-482-9565 or www.manayunk.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. 610-825-0917.

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

PAPER ARTS WORKSHOPS AT HISTORIC RITTENHOUSETOWN. Nearly 20 weekend workshops will be offered throughout the summer, when people of all ages and abilities can explore and develop the art of hand papermaking and other related disciplines. Working in the papermaking studio in the restored barn offers a special atmosphere, where history and art unite. RittenhouseTown will be open for an afternoon of free programs on Saturday, June 25, from 1-4 p.m. 206 Lincoln Drive. 215-843-2228 or www.rittenhousetown.org.

“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.

"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.

TESSERAE MOSAIC STUDIO & GALLERY, 6780 Germantown Ave: Spend a weekend in the studio learning how to mosaic. 215-848-2110 or classes@bellamosaic.com.

FREE SUNDAY MORNINGS IN JUNE at the Brandywine River Museum, U.S. Route 1 in Chadds Ford, from 9:30 a.m.-noon. 610-388-2700 or www.brandywinemuseum.org.

THE ARTISTS CULTURAL EXCHANGE will be exhibiting a juried group show, mixed media at the Montgomery County Community College Library, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. Thirty eight artists from Montgomery County, Philadelphia and surrounding areas will be exhibiting some 64 works of art from June 25 to July 27. Opening and Artist Reception: Saturday, June 25, 1-3 p.m. 215-782-9064.

NATURE/GARDENS

** AT THE MORRIS ARBORETUM, 100 Northwestern Ave: The Garden Railway is now open. Many trips, activities and classes are going on now — for amateurs as well as professionals — adults as well as kids — including drawing, painting, horticulture, perennial gardening, landscape design and floral design. Upcoming classes include: Yoga around the Garden (with Jennifer Schelter) will be held on Thursdays, June 23, 30, July 7 and 14. Each Sunday in July, the arboretum will present its “Great Plants For Your Home Garden Tour.” These hour-long tours begin at 1 p.m. and are designed to showcase plants that are easy to grow, offer attractive features in multiple seasons, are readily available and are pest and disease resistant. Visitors will learn the common and Latin name of each plant as well as the native habitat, size, hardiness and seasonal interest of each tree and shrub. During June, July and August, the gardens will be open until 8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings. 215-247-5777, ext. 169 or www.morrisarboretum.org.

AT THE WISSAHICKON VALLEY WATERSHED ASSOCIATION, 12 Morris Road, Ambler:Call 215-646-8866 or e-mail WVWA@aol.com for details about all events.

** AT THE SCHUYLKILL CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION (SCEE), 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Roxborough: Take part in the annual wild goose chase on Saturday, June 25 and learn about beekeeping on Sunday, June 26 from 1-3 p.m. Information/pre-registration for all programs: 215-482-7300.

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 throughout the area. Upcoming classes include pruning, diseases of woody or herbaceous plants, and all about cactus at Meadowbrook Farm in Abington. Walks through the gardens of Chanticleer are also part of the program. Call 215-988-8869 or go to www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org for details. To see a list of winners from this year’s stunning Flower Show, go to www.theflowershow.com/home/05awards.htm.

FOR THE KIDS

** THE CHESTNUT HILL LIBRARY, 8711 Germantown Ave.: Summer Reading Game 2005 for preschoolers to teens is happening now. Summer Chess Club for ages 6-18 will be on Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8 p.m., June 22 – August 24. Call for summer storytime hours for toddlers. 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: check for summer story time hours. 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 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.

AAU BASKETBALL TRYOUTS. The Philadelphia Select Boys AAU Basketball Program is now recruiting boys ages 12-16 to try out for its traveling team. Parents must accompany their athletes to the tryouts. For an invitation (parents only) call Mr. Jones at 267-386-5817.

KIDS WILL ROAR FOR SEA MONSTERS AND MYTHS at Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Blvd. & Walnut St. on Penn's Landing. Starting Saturday, July 2, and every Saturday and Sunday through September 4, from noon to 5 p.m., the museum will present Sea Monsters and Myths. On Saturdays at 1 and 3 p.m., a professional storyteller will weave tales of famous sea creatures and monsters. Free with museum admission or membership: admission is $9 for adults, $6 for children ages 3-12, and seniors are $8. 215-413-8655 or www.phillyseaport.org.

SUMMERTIME

ACE — ARTS AND CIVIC EDUCATION — IS WILD AT THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER THIS SUMMER. The camp is designed for students aged 12 to 16, and will be held Monday-Saturday, July 18-23, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ACE campers will spend their mornings engaged in discussion about civics and citizenship, and rotate between classes in playwriting, scene study, movement, sculpture, painting and songwriting. In the afternoon, campers will concentrate on one art form, or "major," during which they will explore creative ways to express their civic ideas. At the end of the week, campers will have the opportunity to showcase their expanded understanding of current issues and artistic talent during a special performance for family and friends! 215-409-6700 or www.constitutioncenter.org.

ADVENTURES IN HISTORY CAMP will be offered at The Highlands from August 8-12, 9:30–noon, for children in grades 1 through 4. Historically-based activities, games, storytelling and crafts related to this historic site will be offered. www.highlandshistorical.org or 215-641-2687.

AL-BUSTAN CAMP activities will include learning about the Arab region historically as the center of trade along the Silk Route; creating a place of trading — a traditional souk — where the campers can build their stalls and create their wares to display, barter and sell; developing short folk tale skits; and of course, dancing the debkeh, playing the tableh, singing, and appreciating Arabic music through demonstrations on the oud and violin. www.albustanseeds.org or 267-303-0070.

ALLENS LANE ART CENTER, Allens Lane & McCallum Street, runs day camp from June 20 – August 12 for kids 5-12. 215-248-0546.

ART AT WOODMERE. Young people, ages 5 -18, are invited to work with the finest artists in the area during Woodmere’s summer of art making. Classes included a magical art workshop, printmaking, collage and beyond, painting and drawing, performance art and ideas, art around the world, sculpture, landscape painting and comic strip art. Classes start June 27. Woodmere membership is required for art classes. For more information or to register for the art classes, call 215-247-0948.

CAMP INDIGO AT CHESTNUT HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH is a non-religious day camp for children 7-12 with a maximum of 15 children; only a few spots are left. Sessions run four, six or eight weeks and run Tuesday, June 14 - Thursday, August 4, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 8:30 - 4:30. 215-247-2236.

CITYWIDE SUMMER ART CAMP. The Philadelphia Department of Recreation’s Summer Art Camp 2005 will be held at Fisher Park, 5th & Spencer Streets in the Olney section of the city. The camp, open to children 8-18 years of age, will be held from Tuesday, July 5 to Friday, August 19, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Buses run throughout the city to pick up and bring children to the camp each day. Registration is open. For more information or to register call Anne Marie Dunne at 215-685-2871 or Herb Moskovitz at 215-685-1872.

FLAMENCO AND MORE! At Chestnut Hill College's Summer Arts Camp, local campers take classes in flamenco, ballet, jazz and Broadway and end their summer with showcases on campus. Other classes include art, drama, ceramics and the art of nature. www.chc.edu/artscamp.

GERMANTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL offers summer camps for middle school children. Soccer Camp runs from August 1-5, and is open to boys and girls entering grades 5-9. The Tigers Baseball Camp, from August 8-12, will teach the fundamentals to boys and girls entering grades 5-9. www.gfsnet.org/summer/camps.html or 215-951-2300. Sixers Basketball Camp, for boys and girls ages 7-13, will run from August 15-19 (www.sixerscamps.com or call 610-668-7676).

GHS DISCOVERY THEATER SUMMER CAMP. The Germantown Historical Society, 5501 Germantown Ave., will offer its summer camp program from July 11 - August 12 for boys and girls entering grades 3 through 6. Every week brings new activities and trips to historic places. The camp runs in one-week sessions, Monday-Friday mornings and/or afternoons. Registration: 215-844-1683.

GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA (GSSP) has designed more than 60 camp sessions to meet the needs of different girls. Home improvement, Web page design, computer animation and travel camp programs are just a few of the highlights for GSSP campers this summer, plus swimming, dancing, horseback riding, photography, acting, biking, hiking, cheerleading or more. Camp sessions run from June through August for girls entering grades one through 12. There are one-week and two-week sessions available, as well as overnight and day camp options. GSSP offers convenient bus transportation for an additional cost. 215-564-2030, ext. 226; e-mail helpdesk@gssp.org; or www.gssp.org.

HOCKEY CAMP. Youth hockey players may enroll in two ice hockey summer camps at the Sovereign Bank Flyers Skate Zone at Voorhees (601 Laurel Oak Road) this August. The two camps are the Philadelphia Phantoms Ice Hockey Camp, August 15-19; and the Philadelphia Flyers 2005 Elite Player Training Camp, August 22-26. 856-309-4400 or www.flyersskatezone.com.

HOPE LODGE SUMMER HISTORY CAMP for children entering grades 2-7 will run from August 1-5 at the site, 553 Bethlehem Pike. Information/registration: 215-646-1595.

MOSAIC ART CAMP for children 8-12 will be offered this summer at Tesserae Studio Gallery. Session 1 runs July 25-29, 1-4 p.m.; session 2 is August 8-12. Campers will create tiles from clay and incorporate them into unique works of mosaic art. Projects vary so that kids can participate in one or both sessions. Only kid-friendly tiles and non-toxic adhesives are used. To register, call 215-848-2110 or e-mail camp@bellamosaic.com.

NITTY-GRITTY BASKETBALL CLINIC: a heavy-duty clinic on fundamentals for those dedicated to the game. At Philadelphia University on August 13-14, given by Sidney Goldstein, author of The Basketball Coach’s Bible. Sign up by July 4 for reduced price. www.mrbasketball.net.

SCIENCE IN THE SUMMER will focus on electricity and physical science at libraries throughout the city. At the Chestnut Hill branch, the program will be from July 12-15; call 215-685-9290.

SUMMER ART CAMP for kids 5-16 will be from July 5 - August 26 at the Cheltenham Art Center, 439 Ashbourne Road. The program is specially designed for children who enjoy activities in the visual and performing arts. Students will explore new and exciting creative methods of expression in an independent atmosphere guided by professional teaching artists. 215-379-4660 or e-mail artz@cheltenhamarts.org.

SUMMER ARTS CAMP, for children ages 4-7, will be held at the Germantown Branch of the Settlement Music School, 6128 Germantown Avenue, from July 5 –29, 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cost $490 and students must register for full four-week session. This multi-disciplinary arts camp provides daily activities in music, dance and the visual arts. Other branches of Settlement also offer programs: Call 215-320- 2610 or visit #.

TENNIS CAMP. From June 27-August 11, Monday through Friday, children ages 7 – 18 can play in the National Junior Tennis League (NJTL), a seven-week grass roots program. Each child will receive a t-shirt and any equipment they need (including racquets) — no one is turned away. Fees are $60 per child or $85 per family for the entire summer, and scholarships are available. Pre-registration at each site: Tuesday-Thursday, June 21-23, 4 to 7 p.m. Nearby NJTL sites: Water Tower Recreation Center (Hartwell Lane & Ardleigh Streets), Allens Lane (Allens Lane & McCallum Street), Pleasant Playground (Boyer & Pleasant Streets), Awbury Recreation Center (Ardleigh & Haines Streets), Simon Recreation Center (Walnut Lane & Woolston Street) and Finley Playground (Upsal & Mansfield Streets). 215-487-9555 or www.ashetennis.org.

THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GERMANTOWN, 35 W. Chelten Ave., has summer day camp from June 27-August 12, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., for children entering grades 1-7. A parent orientation meeting will be on Wednesday, June 22 at 7 p.m. Call now to reserve your slot: 215-843-8811.

THE MT. AIRY PLAYGROUND, 7001 Germantown Ave., is hosting specialty camps in archery, baseball, art, golf, soccer and basketball this summer for children ages 6-12. The camps will run Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Breakfast and lunch are provided for all children. The camps will focus on a specialty activity in the morning session and the afternoon session will focus on swimming, arts and crafts, movies and other activities. Parents may enroll their children for any number of weeks. 215-685-9297; registration is held every Monday and Wednesday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

THE ROCK GARDEN (www.therockgarden.net) is a performance-oriented summer music program for student musicians ages 11-17. It meets at The Crefeld School, Monday-Friday, 9-3, June 20-July 29. Its mission is to celebrate the joy of music in a setting that fosters teamwork, individual creativity and a passion for performing. The professional staff is dedicated to promoting musical excellence in a noncompetitive, yet challenging environment. A minimum of one year’s experience on a musical instrument is desired. The director will meet with applicants individually to assess skill level and discuss program goals. To register, call 215-266-8658 or e-mail: rigpasonic@aol.com.

THE SALVATION ARMY is offering a week-long Christian camp program this summer for children ages 7-12 and teens ages 13-16, at Camp Ladore in the Pocono Mountains. Activities include swimming, boating, fishing, tent pitching, hiking, arts & crafts, basketball, archery, nature exploration and lots more! To register your child for Camp Ladore, call the Salvation Army at 215-787-2814.

USA CHESS SUMMER CHESS CAMP TOUR will be from July 5-8 at Springside School, 8000 Cherokee St., for boys and girls ages 5-16, beginners through advanced. www.chesscamp.com or 888.65.CHESS.

WHITEMARSH COMMUNITY ART CENTER SUMMER ART CAMP: students will explore painting, drawing, printmaking and clay. Call 610-825-0917 for details. Classes are held in the farmhouse in Cedar Grove Park, 100 Cedar Grove Road, in Conshohocken from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

THE YMCA OFFERS SPLASH, a five-day water safety program for children ages three and older that is targeted to families who otherwise couldn’t afford swim lessons. Monday, June 20 through Friday, June 24 at The Roxborough Y, 7201 Ridge Avenue: 3:30-5p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m. There is a $5 fee to attend the class; pre-registration is required: 215-482-3900.

THE YMCA OF GERMANTOWN, 5722 Greene St., offers a summer camp program for children 3 1/2 – 15 years old from June 20 – August 18 with a full range of activities and day trips. 215-849-6990.

HEALTH/FITNESS

COMMUNITY FORUM ON ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE will be on Tuesday, June 28, from 6-8 p.m. in the Upper Auditorium of the Springside School, 8000 Cherokee Street. The forum will include the latest findings on research on Alzheimer’s disease and an overview of the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter’s programs and services. Featured speakers will include Jason Karlowski, MD, associate director of Memory Disorders Clinic at University of Pennsylvania and member, Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter’s medical-scientific committee and Wendy L. Campbell, chapter president. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited, by calling the association at 1-800-272-3900. www.alz-delawarevalley.org.

BLOOD SUPPLIES REMAIN AT A CRITICALLY LOW LEVEL! Being a donor might not get your name in the newspaper or on TV, but it sure makes you an American hero. You can give on Thursday, June 23, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., at Roxborough Memorial Hospital, 5800 Ridge Ave.; on Friday, June 24, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., at Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave.; on Monday, June 27, 1:30-7:30 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church of Germantown, 35 W. Chelten Ave. Information/scheduling: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or www.pleasegiveblood.org.

RUNNERS/WALKERS WORKSHOP, Saturday, June 25, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Chestnut Hill Rehab Hospital, Chapel, 8601 Stenton Avenue, Wyndmoor. Discover ways to use your whole body to run and walk with less effort, improving efficiency, speed and reducing risk of injury. This workshop is based on the Feldenkrais Method of movement re-education. You will be taught a series of Awareness Through Movement lessons — deceptively simple exercises — that will illuminate your unique style of running and walking, and explore ways it can be enhanced. Information / registration (necessary): call instructor Joanne Fagerstrom, 215-233-6240.

GENTLE MEDITATIVE YOGA CLASS at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration, 6900 Stenton Ave., will take place on Tuesdays, 8 – 9:30 a.m. A yoga mat and loose clothing are recommended; voluntary contribution accepted. To reserve a place, call Jane Hulting, 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, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Full info: 215-247-2561 oroffice@uurestoration.us.

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. Free Birth Circles are held the first Sunday of each month (3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 3). Share your birth experiences, ask questions about pregnancy, birth and beyond, and get to know local moms. 215-242-1815.

DIVORCED? SEPARATED? WORRIED ABOUT YOUR KIDS? Anita Goldenberg, MSS, LSW, certified in marriage and family therapy, of the Mt. Airy Healing Arts Space is offering a weekly workshop to help children in families of divorced or separated parents. Workshops are held on Tuesday evenings from 6 – 8 p.m. at 7149 Germantown Ave. Cost: $120 for 6-week session. To register, call Anita Goldenberg at 215-247-2483.

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 (June 14 is the next session) 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. 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.

NEW SELF HELP COURSE REACHES OUT TO THOSE WITH LUPUS: free sessions give tips to keep quality lifestyle everyday. The Lupus Foundation of America, Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, has launched a self-help course for people with lupus. This seven-week program is free of charge and is designed to teach people with lupus how to take a more active part in their health care and live better with this chronic disease. Enrollment is now underway for spring courses which will take place at four area locations. Each weekly session is facilitated by a team of trained volunteers and will include topics such as basic medical information about lupus, medications and treatments, exercise, doctor-patient communication, fatigue management and relaxation and stress management techniques. Pre-registration is required. Programs will be held in the spring and fall. 215-517-5070 or www.lupus-sepa.org.

ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS: Meetings are at Sunrise of Lafayette Hill, 429 Ridge Pike, on the second Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7 p.m.; and at Homelink (Adult Day Center), 6950 Germantown Ave., on the third Wednesday of the month from 7-9 p.m. 800-272-3900.

BOOK SCENE

BOOK SALE. The Friends of The Elkins Park Free Library will hold a $3/bag book sale from June 24-29 at 563 East Church Road, Elkins Park. 215-635-5000.

EDUCATION

FREE ADMISSION TO CLIVEDEN, Germantown Avenue and Johnson Street, on Monday, July 4, from noon – 4 p.m. www.cliveden.org or 215-848-1777.

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.

MINI-MEDICAL SCHOOL. Register now for Drexel University College of Medicine's Mini-Medical School. The 8-week community education program is open to anyone 18 or older interested in learning more about the medical field. Classes begin September 27. 215-762-6800 or www.drexel.edu/med/minimed#

THE SACRED & SECULAR: A TALE OF TWO CEMETERIES — A tour or Laurel Hill & St. James The Less, comparing and contrasting the history of the two cemeteries and their early connections, will be on Saturday, June 25, 1:30-4:30 p.m. $15 pp. Guides: Michael Brooks, Ph.D., professor of English at West Chester University & Father David Ousley, SSC, rector at St. James the Less. Begin at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave.

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, June 22 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.

JOHNSON HOUSE, a National Historic Landmark cited for its involvement in the Underground Railroad, is open for guided tours, which include a detailed history of the 240-year-old house, its rooms, its grounds and the hiding spaces used by fugitive slaves. There are collections on view related to the Johnson family and its involvement in Philadelphia’s anti-slavery efforts of the 19th century. Tours are by appointment on Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment or drop-in on Saturday from 1 to 4 p .m. The house, made of local Wissahickon schist, is located at 6306 Germantown Ave. on the corner of Washington Lane. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for children. Call 215-438-1768 to schedule a group or individual tour or with any questions.

TRIPS/TOURS

CONGREGATION OR AMI is sponsoring a trip to see The O’Connor Girls on Sunday, July 10, at the People’s Light and Theatre Co. in Malvern and Hairspray, on Sunday, September 11, at the Merriam Theatre. Reservations: 610-828-8882.

RELIGION

INTERESTED IN SECULAR JUDAISM? Find out more at a Shir Shalom Shabbat, folk dancing and summer celebration on Friday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. This event will be held at a private home in Bala Cynwyd and will include a potluck dinner and folk dancing instruction under the stars. For information and to RSVP, 610-667-5071 or www.shsirshalom-phila.org.

UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF GERMANTOWN, 6511 Lincoln Drive, offers “Coffee and Conversation” on most Sundays at 9:30 a.m. 215-844-1157 or www.usguu.org.

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

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

THE JEWISH CHILDREN’S FOLKSHUL meets at the Germantown Friends School, Sharpless Building, 31 W. Coulter St. 215-248-1550 or www.folkshul.org.

INQUIRY SESSIONS FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN THE CATHOLIC FAITH TO BEGIN THIS SUMMER. Four-session format of one and one half hours, Mondays at 7 p.m. starting July 11. St. Genevieve Parish, 1225 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown. 215-836-7219.
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.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF GERMANTOWN (FUMCOG) participates in the national “For Whom the Bells Toll” project, in which religious communities protest the death penalty by ringing a bell in their carillons when there is an execution in the United States. FUMCOG, 6023 Germantown Ave., will ring a bell and hold a short prayer vigil at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 26, to protest the 16 executions that have taken place since the last vigil on March 20. Members of the community are welcome to join the vigil. 215-438-3677.

MISCELLANEOUS

OLDIES DANCE PARTY with DJ Lou Costello will be on Friday, June 24, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Music from the 50s, 60s and 70s at Lu Lu Shriners Great Hall, 5140 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting. 800-898-5858. $10 per person. BYOB. Ice, water, soda available. Free Parking. Line dance lessons at 8 p.m. are FREE. There will be no dances in July and August. Dance will resume on September 30. www.lulushriners.org.

UCP BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT will be on Monday, June 27 at North Hills Country Club. Contact: Mary Jane Romejko, 215-242-4200, ext. 289 or seucp@aol.com.

WALK-N-ROLL ACROSS AMERICA FOR SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY (SMA) will be on Sunday, June 26 at Eakin’s Oval in front of the art museum. 866-647-8113.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION will be held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 3025 Church Road, Lafayette Hill. Come ring the church bell on Monday, July 4 for the National Bell Ringing Ceremony at 2 p.m. “General Lafayette” will be joining in the festivities, along with a patriotic sing-along and piano and organ recital. Refreshments will be served. Air-conditioned. 610-828-3098.

CONCORD SCHOOL BELL TO RING AGAIN. This July 4, a bell will ring out independence. Board members of the Concord School, 6309 Germantown Ave., will revive the tradition of ringing the school bell to mark U.S. independence — one toll for every year since 1776. Starting at noon, 220 tolls of the bell will sound over Germantown and surrounding neighborhoods. Since 1775, Concord School has stood on the corner of Germantown Avenue and Washington Lane, a key location of commerce and social activity. After nearly 50 years of silence, this event marks the renewal of interest and support for Concord School, the first English-language school in Germantown. 215-438-1768.

MOMS CLUB OF NW PHILADELPHIA — a national, nonprofit support group for at-home moms — is holding an open house and party on Friday, June 24 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Kendrick Recreational Center, Ridge & Pensdale avenues, Roxborough. All ages welcome. www.freewebs.com/momsclubofphiladelphianw, nwphillymoms@yahoo.com or 215-508-3895.

THE YMCA OF GERMANTOWN IS LOOKING FOR RECIPES FOR THE Y’S FIRST FIT FAMILY COOKBOOK. The recipes can be any kind of dish, dessert, drink or snack, in any kind of cultural cuisine. The collection will also feature a section of recipes by kids, so, we encourage entries from children in the community. The completed cookbook will be the YMCA’s fall fundraiser, and the proceeds will benefit the YMCA’s program of activities. Send your recipes, typed or handwritten, to: YMCA of Germantown, 5722 Greene St., Philadelphia PA 19144. Questions or suggestions: call Tien Sydnor-Campbell at 215-844-3281.

AT THE CHESTNUT HILL SENIOR CENTER: Tuesday, June 28, 10 a.m.: come play Pinochle. Tuesday, June 28, 1 p.m.: TransNet and CCT/Connect discuss traveling on public transportation and shared ride programs in Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties. Beginning the first week of July, the center will offer Conversational Spanish twice a week (Mondays at 10 a.m. or Tuesdays at 1 p.m.). 7999 Crittenden Street. 215-248-0180.

AT THE CENTER IN THE PARK, 5818 Germantown Ave. Call for a roster of activities: 215-848-7722 or www.centerinthepark.org.

PARKWAY NW HIGH SCHOOL FOR PEACE, JUSTICE AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION will be the recipient of the Trolley Car Diner’s largess on Monday, June 27, as 15% of each meal tab will be donated to the school if the fundraiser is mentioned. The diner is at 7619 Germantown Ave; the school will open its doors in September on the New Covenant Campus. 215-563-5848, ext. 23 or www.pccy.org.

VOLUNTEER CLEAN BLOCK PROGRAM continues on Saturday, June 25. For the 14th District, Santa Conix is the block officer: call 215-685-3982 or Philadelphia More Beautiful at 215-685-3981. www.phila.gov/streets/pmbc.html.

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.

MCYO AUDITIONS. The Montgomery County Youth Orchestra is presently hearing auditions for the 2005/2006 season for young players of orchestral instruments presently in elementary, junior, middle or high school. There are openings for violin, viola, cello, string bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba and percussion. Information / appointment: 610-642-3948 (office) or 610-644-8763 (home).

SWING DANCE on Saturday, June 25. Swing lessons at 7 p.m., followed by dancing to DJ music, 8:45 – midnight. $10 ($7 students or substantial baked goods to share). Widener Hall, 8855 Germantown Ave. 610-676-0123 or www.swingdance.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.

APPALACHIAN CLOGGING CLASSES run through early September at the Allens Lane Art Center, Allens Lane & McCallum streets, on Saturdays, 11 a.m. – noon. $7/session; no pre-registration required. Leather bottom or tap shoes are the most suitable footwear. 215-643-4397 or email info@fiddlekicks.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.

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

WEDNESDAYS IN THE CITY. Enjoy $4 cocktails, $3 wine and $2 beers with free appetizers at participating bars and restaurants all over Center City, every Wednesday, through August 31, from 5-7 p.m. www.centercityphila.org/summerinthecity/happyhr.aspx or 215-440-5500.

AT THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, “DOGS: Wolf, Myth, Hero & Friend” will run through September 5, with activities for the whole family almost every weekend. DOGS is the largest, most comprehensive traveling exhibition ever created to explore the history, biology and evolution of dogs and the role of dogs in human societies. 215-299-1000 or www.acnatsci.org.

AT THE NATIONAL LIBERTY MUSEUM, 321 Chestnut St.: Through June 30, “Showstopping,” an exhibit of award-winning glass art. 215-925-2800 or www.libertymuseum.org.

AT THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER, 525 Arch St.: A variety fun family activities will take place over the July 4 weekend (“May the Fourth be with you”). “Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War” will take visitors along a tense, exciting reconstruction of just how President Abraham Lincoln succeeded in saving the nation during this time of unparalleled turmoil; June 10 through November 4; tickets/information: 215-409-6700 or www.constitutioncenter.org.

** 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.

• Volunteers Needed for TEX MEX Race for Open Space on June 22, 2005. The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and TEX MEX Connection Restaurant and Bar will host the 17th TEX MEX 5K Race for Open Space on Wednesday, June 22 at 7:30 in North Wales. This popular, midweek race hosts 800 runners. Everyone finishes in the parking lot of Tex Mex Connection for the Post Race Party of tacos, salad and a beverage. There is also a 1-mile walk and a 1-mile fun run, all held at 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association’s work to preserve open space. WVWA needs over 70 volunteers a to help direct the runners, man the water stops and help at the finish line. Volunteers are needed from 5:00 or 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. and are invited to join everyone for the Post Race Party. To volunteer or to receive information about the race, call Carol DeLancey: carolatWVWA@aol.com or call 215-646-8866 ext. 15; go to www.active.com; or pickup a brochure at Tex Mex Connection at 2nd & Walnut Streets, North Wales.

• Ronald McDonald Camp needs counselors for Aug. 14-20. 215-387-8406, ext.325 or www.RonaldMcDonaldCamp.org.

• 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.

• Philadelphia Reads. Philadelphia Reads, a nonprofit agency which promotes children’s literacy, wants to make all Philadelphia school children bookworms. The organization trains community members to work as reading coaches in area schools, community organizations and faith-based organizations, which are located throughout the city. Volunteers are required to serve a minimum of one hour per week for a three month period. Two summer training sessions are being held. Space is limited, so reservations are necessary. The dates are: Saturday, June 18 and Wednesday, June 22. For more information, call 215-851-1748 or visit www.phila.gov/philareads.

• 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.