ENTERTAINMENT

NORTH BY NORTHWEST: Lady Alma sings on Friday, August 27; Alex Levine performs on Saturday, August 28. Ominsoul plays on Friday, September 3 and Georgie Bonds and the Blueskeepers wail on Saturday, September 4. Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. are for Salsa; Sundays at 8, it’s classic R&B. Times and cover charges vary. 7105 Germantown Ave., Mt. Airy. 215-248-1000.

KESWICK THEATRE: Bluesmen Buddy Guy & Robert Cray will play on Tuesday, August 31. Times and ticket prices vary. The theater is at Keswick Avenue and Easton Road, Glenside. 215-572-7650 or www.keswicktheatre.com.

MERMAID INN: Ted Jordan & Bob Kasprzak play on Saturday, September 4. Times and cover charges vary. 7673 Winston Road, Chestnut Hill. 215-247-9797 or www.themermaidinn.net.

CONCERTS IN THE GARDEN AT THE MORRIS ARBORETUM. On Thursday, August 26, guitarist Allen Krantz will perform. The concert is from 6:30-8 p.m. and is free with regular garden admission: adults - $8; seniors (65+) and students (13-18) - $6; children (3-12) - $3; and under age 3 free. Rain or shine; bring a chair or blanket for lawn seating. 100 Northwestern Ave.; 215- 247-5777.

GOAT HOLLOW: Secret Society plays R&B on Thursday, August 26; Bill Schenk & Mixed Co. play jazz on Friday, August 27. No cover. 300 W. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Mt. Airy; 215-242-4710.

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.

THE LOFT JAZZ CLUB (UPSTAIRS AT ANGLESEA’S PUB), 7132 Germantown Ave., offers live jazz on Saturdays from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. No cover. 215-247-0598.

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

BLUE MONDAY JAZZ JAMS take place each Monday from 6-9 p.m. at the Sedgwick Cultural Center, 7137 Germantown Ave.

ARTS

"PLAYING THE FIELD: THE ART + DESIGN OF GODLEY-SCHWAN" at The Design Center/Philadelphia University will run from August 30 to November 19. This retrospective exhibition of furniture, furnishings, process drawings and sketchbooks highlights the bridging of craft, art and design – a trend that became full-blown in the American furniture market during the 1980s and 1990s. There will be a public reception on Friday, September 10, 4-7:30 p.m. Admission is free. 215-951-2860. (www.PhilaU.edu/designcenter)

** ARTISTS IN THE GARDEN, featuring original works (for sale) by the Philadelphia Society of Botanical Illustrators, will be on display in the Upper Gallery of the Morris Arboretum’s Widener Visitor Center through September 9. The Morris Arboretum is at 100 Northwestern Ave. 215-247-5777.

“THE INCREDIBLE LIGHTNESS OF SEEING” exhibit at Gallery Saint Martin, 7811 St. Martin's Lane, features paintings/prints and more by Susan Hall, GG Kopilak, Naomi Limont, Monique Seyler and Ursula Sternberg. www.GallerySaintMartin.com. Flexible summer hours. Call first: 215-247-7811 or e-mail gallerysaintmartin@comcast.net.

WHITEMARSH COMMUNITY ART CENTER, 100 Cedar Grove Road, Conshohocken, offers a variety of art workshops for adults and children throughout the year. 610-825-0917.

JOIN MEMBERS OF THE BARNES SOCIETY as they travel to The Jewish Museum in New York City for a docent-led tour of Modigliani: Beyond the Myth on Monday September 13. Call 610-667-0290 ext. 2255 for reservations.

FREE SUNDAY MORNINGS IN SEPTEMBER at the Brandywine River Museum. Enjoy complimentary admission to the Brandywine River Museum on Sundays, September 5, 12, 19 & 26 from 9:30 a.m. until noon. The museum on U.S. Route1 in Chadds Ford. 610-388-2700.

ART IN CITY HALL: The City of Philadelphia's visual art exhibition program, Art In City Hall, in collaboration with the National Arts Program Foundation, presents the 2004 National Arts Program at Philadelphia, an exhibit featuring the art of 100 Philadelphia City employees and their families, including children. The exhibit is open to the public through September 24 and is located on the N.W. corner of City Hall, fourth and fifth floors.

NATURE/GARDENS

THE WISSAHICKON VALLEY WATERSHED ASSOCIATION’S archeological dig continues to find artifacts. You can help with the dig and/or see the artifacts on display by calling 215-646-8866. Also, birding classes for all levels are available at the WVWA.

** THE SCHUYLKILL CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION (SCEE) is at 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Roxborough: Learn about native and non-native plants on Saturday, August 28 at 10 a.m. Join a butterfly walk on Saturday, September 4 at 10 a.m. Information/pre-registration: 215-482-7300.

AT THE WISSAHICKON ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, at the Tree House at 300 Northwestern Avenue: Explore Meadows in the Evening on Saturday, August 28 at 7 p.m. All ages. Register: 215-685-9285.

HARDY PLANT SOCIETY GARDENERS’ MARKET SALE will be on Saturday August 28, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Frazer Mennonite Church, 57 Maple Linden Lane off Business Route 30, Frazer. Free. This annual sale will feature unusual perennials, shrubs and trees, containers and decorative objects for the garden at the perfect time to plant. Information: 215-295-1660.

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.

FOR THE KIDS

** 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 Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. for children 3-6. 215-685-9290.

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.

FREE LIBRARY OF SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, 1600 Paper Mill Road, Wyndmoor, offers daytime and evening story times for young children. 215-836-5300.

BORDERS, 8701 Germantown Ave.: Children’s story time is held Monday mornings at 10:30 a.m. 215-248-1213.

THE LOVETT LIBRARY, 6945 Germantown Ave.: Call for summertime story hours. Crafts for Kids is on Tuesday, August 24 at 2 p.m. 215-685-2095.

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. Classes begin September 11; 215-479-9375.

PLAY FREE AT PLEASE TOUCH MUSEUM. Free Library of Philadelphia customers will now be able to visit the Please Touch Museum for free through a special program. Starting August 25, eight library branches, including the Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library at 68 W. Chelten Ave., will begin loaning out Please Touch Museum play passes, allowing up to six people to visit the museum for free. Details: 215-685-2152.

FREE STUFF. Plymouth Meeting Mall is helping students kick off the back-to-school season by distributing free back-to-school goodie bags on August 28 from 1 – 4 p.m. at a table located on the upper and lower levels. Teens and kids alike will enjoy receiving a different school gear gift each week, including a dry erase board, a notebook and a pencil pouch filled with school supplies. There will also be coupons with special back-to-school offers.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIMES at the Falls of Schuylkill Branch, 3501 Midvale Ave., will be on Wednesday evenings September 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 7 p.m. for children ages 3-5 and their caregivers. No pre-registration is required. 215-685-2093. 

YOGA FOR TEENS/TWEENS (10-15) is now available at the Roxborough YMCA on Monday evenings from 6-6:45 p.m. Classes run for eight weeks and are free to members and $60 to non-members. Sessions begin September 13. 215-482-3900. 

HEALTH/FITNESS

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., 215-844-7773. First class free.

ANGER MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP is being offered by the Growing Center of PA, 7600 Stenton Ave. on Thursday, September 2 at 8 p.m. $10 pp; call 215-233-2560 to pre-register.

BLOOD SUPPLIES ARE 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 at True Light Fellowship Church, 6400 Ardleigh St, on Saturday, August 28 from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Information: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or www.pleasegiveblood.org.

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.

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.

YOGA / TAI CHI / QIGONG classes are offered throughout the week at The Second Wind Center, 98 Bethlehem Pike. Information: 215-248-9642. A classical yoga course, offered by the SKY Foundation, runs for four Wednesday evenings each month. 215-247-0641.

CHESTNUT HILL HOSPITAL offers a great variety of programs and support groups, plus exercise programs for all ages and physical conditions (including yoga and Feldenkrais), cardiac rehabilitation, women’s health issues, Smoke Stoppers, 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.

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT ASTHMA, EMPHYSEMA, LUNG CANCER OR TUBERCULOSIS? The American Lung Association Call Center is staffed with registered nurses and respiratory therapists who can answer any of your lung health questions and can even help you quit smoking. Call 800-548-8252.

EDUCATION

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

RELIGION

CONNECTING TO OUR JUDAISM is a series of interactive and experiential programs at Or Ami, 708 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill. 610-828-9066.

ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave.: Centering prayer sessions are on Wednesdays at 7 a.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Information: the Rev. Anita Schell-Lambert at 215-242-2055 ext. 35 or www.stpaulschestnuthill.org.

CHURCH OF ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS, 8000 St. Martin’s Lane, has reverted to their summer service schedule, with services at 8 and 10 a.m. until September. 215-247-7466.

MISCELLANEOUS

LIVING WELL WITH LUPUS, an educational seminar, brings together people living with lupus, their families and a panel of experts to share the latest information. It will take place on Saturday, October 2, from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Marriott Philadelphia West. Call 215-517-5070 fro details.

MIDDLE EAST LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN continues on Thursday, August 26 at Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting, 100 E. Mermaid Lane, 7-9 p.m. Paper, pens and postage provided. Bring your laptop if so desired. E-mail information: pjpn@verizon.net.

RECYCLING of all kinds of paper, #1 and #2 plastic containers and more takes place the first Saturday of each month — September 4 — at the Wyndmoor Train station from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Money raised benefits the Chestnut Hill Community Fund. Information: 215-248-8810.

LINE DANCE CLASSES. The Mt. Airy Playground, 7001 Germantown Ave., will be holding line dance classes for adults on Friday evenings at 6 p.m. $. Register: 215-685-9297.

HISTORIC RITTENHOUSETOWN FAMILY PAPERMAKING WORKSHOPS are held on each Saturday and Sunday through August. Information/registration: 215-843-2228. RittenhouseTown is at 206 Lincoln Drive. www.rittenhousetown.org.

GERMANTOWN UNITY DAY will be on Sunday, August 29 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on the 5000-5300 blocks of Germantown Avenue. 215-843-6565.

AN ICE CREAM PHOTO CONTEST is being sponsored by Bredenbeck's Bakery and Ice Cream Parlor and Penguin Photo, Inc. Entries may be submitted and contest details obtained either at Penguin, 7928-30 Germantown Ave., or Bredenbeck's, 8126 Germantown Ave. Entries are due by September 3. See store(s) for details.

THE 3RD ANNUAL PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL — to benefit Fox Chase Cancer Center — will be on Saturday, October 2. Teams are forming now. Details: www.philadragonboatfestival.com or 610-642-2333.

HISTORIC RITTENHOUSETOWN will be open to the public on Saturdays & Sundays in the summer from noon-4 p.m., with no reservations necessary $. Weekdays are for reserved tours. 215-438-5811.

RETRIEVING MEMORY, an event for Alzheimer’s, will honor Robert Glendinning II for his years of service to the community on Monday, September 13, at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, with a golf outing, dinner and silent auction. Details: Bruce Glendinning at 610-940-3909 or bruce22@Comcast.net.

“CHOCOLATE: THE EXHIBITION” will be at the Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, through September 6. 215-299-1000 or www.acnatsci.org.

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1974 REUNION will be on November 26-27. Make your reservation ASAP by calling 610-323-7150 or e-mail eces@enter.net.

GERMANTOWN HIGH CLASS OF 1974 is planning its reunion for Saturday, October 23 at the Adams Mark Hotel. RSVP: 215-844-4901 or gtownreunion@aol.com.

“TITANIC: THE ARTIFACT EXHIBITION” is on display at The Franklin Institute Science Museum, 222 North 20th Street, through January 2. 215-448-1200 or www.fi.edu.

THE MONTGOMERY COUNTY YOUTH ORCHESTRA is presently hearing auditions for the 2004/2005 season of their junior and senior orchestras. There are openings for violin, viola, cello, string bass, flue, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba and percussion. For information and an appointment to audition, call 610-642-0923 (office) or 610-664-8763 (home).

AUDITIONS FOR THE CHORISTERS OF UPPER DUBLIN are going on now. For information or to schedule an audition, call 215-542-7871 or e-mail him at DSpitko@TheChoristers.org or go to www.TheChoristers.org.

FREE HELP FOR SMALL BUSINESS. Win free assistance in stabilizing or growing your business from the Greater Philadelphia Region of the International Institute for Independent Business (IIB-GPR). For an entry form and more information, call Bruce Murray at 215-848-4222 or e-mail bpmurray@infionline.net.

AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA will be on Saturday August 28 and Sunday, August 29 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street. Free admission. 215-922-2FUN.

** Indicates that the sponsoring organization is part of the Chestnut Hill Cultural Alliance.

ON THE WEB

A more complete version of This Week can be read at www.chestnuthilllocal.com.

VOLUNTEER

• “Lewis & Clark: The National Bicentennial Exhibition” will be at The Academy of Natural Sciences this fall. Make history as a volunteer for this once-in-a-lifetime museum exhibit. For information, contact Lois Kuter, volunteer coordinator, 215-299-1029 or kuter@acnatsci.org.

• 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 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 Volunteers. The Highlands has a number of opportunities to work with children, (primarily 4th and 5th graders) guiding them through numerous hands-on activities and engaging their minds. A background in history and/or teaching is a plus but not a requirement. 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.

• Philadelphia Reads is seeking volunteers to read with children — 1st through 3rd grade — in school day and after-school programs throughout the city. Training programs are scheduled on a regular basis. Book sorters are also needed. 215-686-4450.

• 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.

• Historic RittenhouseTown Seeks War Reenactors. To support and expand its historical interpretive and educational programs, Historic RittenhouseTown, a National Historic Landmark District, which is the 1690 site of North America’s first paper mill manufacturing community, is searching for an American Revolutionary War reenactment group or organization. With a major grant from the William Penn Foundation and other supporting funding sources, a key project was recently completed on the circa 1845 Enoch Rittenhouse Home, one of the seven original properties within this historic site. A portion of this historic building now has dedicated space for a group or organization to partner with Historic RittenhouseTown to provide the public with programs, events and activities centered on the American Revolution. This goal is important, since part of this crucial conflict, the 1777 Battle of Germantown, was fought on this location, now within Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park. For more information, call 215-438-5711 or e-mail HistRitTwn@aol.com.

USEFUL WEB SITES

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

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

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

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

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

• Wondering about product recalls? To be notified automatically when a product is recalled, call the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at 1-800-638-CPSC and ask to be put on their mailing list, or sign up at www.cpsc.gov.

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

• There’s a virtual animal shelter at www.petfinder.com.

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

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

• "Personal Safety for Children: A Guide for Parents" is available at www.missingkids.com.

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

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

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

• The Clean Air Council’s “Green Guide” is at www.temple.edu/env-stud.

• Keep safety in mind when shopping for toys. Check the American Academy of Pediatrics at www.aap.org; and a nonprofit group, Kids in Danger, which notifies parents of recalls at www.kidsindanger.org.

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

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

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

• www.seniormatters.org takes you to FAIR, the site of the  Fairness Advocates for Intergenerational Rights, who run programs like free 911-only cell phones and free “are you all right?” telephone calls for seniors. Whole Foods Markets are now a drop-off point for your used cell phones, in addition to the CHBA office at 8426 Germantown Ave. and other sites; contact FAIR at 215-333-4006 for details.

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

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

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

YOU SHOULD ALSO KNOW:

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

THURSDAYS ARE OLDIES NIGHTS AT THE COMMODORE BARRY CLUB, Carpenter Lane and Emlen Street in West Mount Airy. In the tradition of continuing culturally diverse gatherings in Northwest Philadelphia, 2 Girls and A Guy sponsors an oldies night dance party every Thursday from 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m. $10 includes one drink and food. Information: 215-275-8577.

DATING PARTIES FOR GROWN-UPS are now available in Chestnut Hill for a range of age groups at different times. Call 215-248-9642 or click www.philadelphia-speed-dating.com for all the details.

INDEPENDENCE TOASTMASTERS OF FLOURTOWN provides training in leadership and public speaking skills every first and third Tuesday of the month at Scoogi’s, 738 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is optional.

THE BUSINESS CENTER AT NEW COVENANT CAMPUS offers a variety of courses in business, marketing, management and more for small businesses. 7500 Germantown Ave. Call 215-247-2473 or click www.thebizctr.com for more information.

THE WOMEN'S CLUB OF ERDENHEIM meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Oreland Presbyterian Church, Church and Paper Mill Roads, beginning at noon. Information: 215-836-1446. Guests are welcome.

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.

MUSIC MEDITATIONS FOR PEACE AND HEALING, with Julia Haines on the harp, take place most Thursdays from 7:30-8:15 p.m. at the Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church, 8812 Germantown Ave. 215-842-9123.

WALK THE WILD WISSAHICKON. The Sierra Club sponsors hikes regularly the last Saturday of each month, hiking a different trail each month. Meet at 10 a.m. at Sedgwick Gardens Apts. in Mt. Airy (McCallum and Sedgwick Sts.) Check with Sidney Goldstein for details, at 215-438-4459, or mrbasketball.net@verizon.net.

AAA NOW OFFERS A DISCOUNT DRUG PROGRAM FOR ITS MEMBERS. Get a brochure from a local AAA office or download it from www.aaa.com/prescriptions and follow the instructions. For a listing of participating pharmacies and more details about this program, visit www.aaa.com/prescriptions or call toll-free 866-222-7283.

FOOD ADDICTS IN RECOVERY ANONYMOUS, a 12-step program for people recovering from addictive eating, welcomes newcomers and meets every Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. Call Pat at 215-836-0274 for more information.

DROP-IN PARENTING DISCUSSION AND CHILD PLAY GROUP, Tuesdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Chestnut Hill HealthCare parenting education, Laughlin Hall, playroom, 8835 Germantown Ave. Chat with other parents about why you're not getting enough sleep, your house is not as clean as you'd like, your child doesn't easily follow directions and more. Children of all ages welcome. No need to register. Free. For information, call 215-753-2000.

SHHH, A HEARING LOSS SUPPORT GROUP, meets the first Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Jeanes Library, 4051 Joshua Road, Lafayette Hill. 215-482-7829.

NEW BEGINNINGS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP is held the first Thursday of each month from 7-8:15 p.m. at Keystone Hospice, 8765 Stenton Ave., Wyndmoor. Free; no need to register; light refreshments. Information: 215-836-2440.

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

MIRIAM’S WELL: A JEWISH SERVICE FOR HEALING, takes place on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Germantown Jewish Centre, 400 W. Ellet St. Rooted in Jewish tradition, the service is open to anyone wishing to pray for physical, emotional or spiritual healing. 215-844-1507.

BREAST CANCER RECOVERY GROUP, fourth Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Chestnut Hill Healthcare Women's Center, 8835 Germantown Avenue. Call 215-242-4700 for information.

CHILDREN OF AGING PARENTS caregivers support group meets the fourth Tuesday of the month, 7:30 p.m., at Atria Chestnut Hill, 495 E. Abington Ave. 215-247-5307.

LEGALLINE P.M. is a free legal advice call-in program conducted by volunteer attorneys as a public service of the Bar Association. Through this program, individuals can receive free legal advice from a Philadelphia attorney on the third Wednesday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m. by calling the Philadelphia Bar Association at 215-238-6333. Callers can ask questions related to a variety of legal topics, including family law issues, landlord-tenant disputes, wills and employment.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS conducts two meetings each week at Roxborough Memorial Hospital, near Walnut Lane and Ridge Avenue. Details: 215-674-4418.

DONATE YOUR OLD CELL PHONE, save a life and write off up to $100 per phone. Details are at www.seniormatters.org or call FAIR, a nonprofit organization serving senior citizens, at 215-333-4006.