ENTERTAINMENT

NORTH BY NORTHWEST: Blackie & the Rodeo Kings play on Friday, Sept. 17. Rich Robinson plays on Friday, Sept. 25; Jason Ringenberg and Frog Holler play on Saturday, Sept. 25. Times and cover charges vary. Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. are for Salsa; Sundays at 8, it’s classic R&B. Happy Hour Office parties are also available; call for details. 7105 Germantown Ave., Mt. Airy. 215-248-1000.

KESWICK THEATRE: Steve Tyrell & Karrin Allyson sing on Friday, Sept. 17. British prog-rock bands Nektar & Caravan will perform on Friday, Sept. 24; comedian Craig Shoemaker plays on Saturday, Sept. 25. Times and ticket prices vary. The theater is at Keswick Avenue and Easton Road, Glenside. 215-572-7650 or www.keswicktheatre.com.

MERMAID INN: Zydeco-a-Go-Go plays on Friday, Sept. 17; The Humbleman Band plays on Saturday, Sept. 18. The Schonwalds play on Friday, Sept. 24; Brad Litwin returns on Saturday, Sept. 25. Times and cover charges vary. 7673 Winston Road, Chestnut Hill. 215-247-9797 or www.themermaidinn.net.

BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER, a new stage play by Tony Award-winning playwright Nolbert Brown Jr., will play at the Germantown Women’s Y (GWY), 5820 Germantown Ave., on Friday, Sept. 24 at 8 pm and Saturday, Sept. 25, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets are $26.50 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster and at the GWY. Information: 215-438-6266 or 404-822-5412.

THEATER TRIPS. Congregation Or Ami is sponsoring theater trips to New York and Philadelphia to see Golda’s Balcony, Menopause The Musical, Rent, and Sleeping Beauty. Call the synagogue office, at 610-828-9066, for ticket information and availability.

TRIPSICHORE YOGA THEATRE, a London-based yoga group, will perform at Yoga Schelter, 3502 Scotts Lane, East Falls, on Friday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Tripsichore will be joined by the singing group PaTalla, featuring Tony award-winning Frances Ruffelle and Sam Bonner. Registration/tickets: 215-991-9642.

FOLK FACTORY OPEN STAGE/OPEN CIRCLE will be on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:45 p.m., and participants are encouraged to come early and bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. The Folk Factory is at the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Restoration in Mount Airy, 6900 Stenton Ave. (at Gorgas Lane). 215-848-6246 or www.folkfactory.org.

"SLIDE SHOW TALKS ABOUT THE MOVIES" will be presented by Mt. Airy movie maven Paul Sofian on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m., at Coffee Junction, Allens Lane Train Station. He will share his voluminous knowledge of "1939 — Hollywood's Greatest Year" through stories about the making of such classics as Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, Wuthering Heights, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and many other greats which were all made in the same year. Free popcorn and beverages for sale.  $7 (this is a fundraiser for the Mt. Airy-Nippon-Bryan-Cresheim Town Watch). 215-247-2493.

THE PHILADELPHIA CEILI GROUP will celebrate "30 Years of Traditional Irish Music & Dance” on Saturday, Sept. 18 from noon – 11 p.m. at Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill. 215-849-8899 or www.PhiladelphiaCeiliGroup.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. Bell is also performing at the Sedona (Arizona) Jazz on the Rocks festival on Sept. 24.

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

JMS GALLERY, 8236 Germantown Ave., will be showing figurative sculpture in cement and bronze by Christopher Smith and landscape paintings by Trudi Green Smith (Wyndmoor resident, a graduate of Springside School, the University of Pennsylvania, and the university of the Arts); assorted works by Anthony Ferrara, Barbara Straussberg and others in the downstairs gallery through Oct. 9. 215-248-4649 or jmsgalleryllc@aol.com.

INFUSION’S AUTUMN GALLERY SEASON is featuring oil paintings by artist Lisa K. Reisman. 7133 Germantown Ave. 215-842-1939 or Gallery@InFusionCoffeeandTea.com.

"PLAYING THE FIELD: THE ART + DESIGN OF GODLEY-SCHWAN" at The Design Center/Philadelphia University will run through Nov. 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. 215-951-2860. www.PhilaU.edu/designcenter

VISIT GALLERYSAINTMARTIN.COM for information about current/future exhibits. Next exhibit opening early Oct. 2004. To receive an invitation to the opening of the next show, e-mail gallerysaintmartin@comcast.net.

MIMI ORITSKY, a Chestnut Hill artist, is having a solo show at the Abington Art Center, 515 Meetinghouse Road, Jenkintown, through Oct. 9. 215-887-4882 or www.abingtonartcenter.org.

CERAMIC TILE WORKSHOPS are available on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings this fall at Karen Singer Tileworks, 90 E. Church Lane, Germantown. 215-849-7010 or www.karensinger.com.

FALL Family Papermaking Workshop at Historic RittenhouseTown will be on Sunday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The cost is $15 per person. The main entrance to RittenhouseTown is on Wissahickon Avenue between Lincoln Drive and Walnut Lane. Information: 215-843-2228 or www.rittenhousetown.org.

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.

FREE SUNDAY MORNINGS IN SEPTEMBER at the Brandywine River Museum. Enjoy complimentary admission to the Brandywine River Museum on Sundays, Sept. 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 Sept. 24 and is located on the N.W. corner of City Hall, fourth and fifth floors.

** WOODMERE ART MUSEUM presents a stunning collection of more than 50 works — including oil paintings, watercolors, and prints — by the late Allan Freelon, African-American, Tyler School of Art-educated, master Impressionist painter and printmaker. Exhibit opens Sept. 19 and runs through Nov. 28. Woodmere is at 9201 Germantown Ave. Suggested donation $5, $3 seniors and students, children under 12 free. Visiting hours: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun. 1 – 5 p.m.  Call 215-247-0476 or visit www.woodmereartmuseum.org for more information.

FALL AT ALLENS LANE ART CENTER includes classes, plays, art exhibits and more. See complete schedule and register online at www.allenslane.org/classes.html or call 215-248-0546 for a brochure. “Nature, Myth & Soul: Paintings by Isadore LaDuca & Kevin Convery and Sculpture by Virginia Abbott” opens on Friday, Sept. 24 from 7-9 p.m. and runs through Oct. 16.

NATURE/GARDENS

** THE SCHUYLKILL CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION (SCEE) is at 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Roxborough. The Wyncote Audubon will present “Geographic Impacts on Avian Habitats” on Friday. Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Festival of Insects will be on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 1-3 p.m. Slides of the butterflies of the Rio Grande will be shown on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. A bird club walk is on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 7 a.m. Information/pre-registration for all programs: 215-482-7300.

AT THE WISSAHICKON ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER, at the Tree House at 300 Northwestern Avenue: Call about current programs: 215-685-9285.

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.

MILITIA HILL HAWK WATCH takes place at Ft. Washington State Park daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., through Oct. 31. 215-884-2558.

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 also available at the WVWA.

HARVEST MOON HIKE with The Nature Conservancy will be on Saturday, Sept. 25, 6:30 p.m., through the Andorra Natural Area. Suitable for adults and children ages 10 and up (with adult). Meet at the Tree House; wear sturdy shoes, long pants and bring a flashlight. Pre-registration is required; call 570-643-7922 ext. 10.

INSECT GAMES is a family program at the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association, 12 Morris Road, Ambler, on Sunday, Sept. 19 at 2 p.m. Learn to like bugs: catch insects and watch them participate in miniature competitions. Ages 4-10. Cost: $1 per child for members and $3 for non-members. 215-646-8866 ext. 13.

FOR THE KIDS

LITTLE PEOPLE’S MUSIC, a playful program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents/caregivers, meet weekly for singing, dancing, rhythm, instrument play, movement and more. It is not too late to join a fall term class in Chestnut Hill, Elkins Park, Society Hill, Germantown, Huntingdon Valley, Mt. Airy and Center City. Classes meet weekly Monday through Saturday. For more information and a free brochure, call Kathy Brown, director at 215-884-7553.

** 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 story hours and special events: 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. 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. Eight library branches, including the Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library at 68 W. Chelten Ave., are loaning out Please Touch Museum play passes, allowing up to six people to visit the museum for free. Details: 215-685-2152.

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

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. Parties are two hours in length at the historic mansion and cost $100 for the first 10 children. The Highlands is located at 7001 Sheaff Lane, Ft. Washington. 215-641-2687.

FRIENDS & FUN RECREATIONAL ICE SKATING for children ages 4 1/2 thru 12, beginner thru intermediate skating ability, is available at the Wissahickon Ice Skating Rink, 550 West Willow Grove Ave., Wednesdays in September, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Details: call Lydia at 215-247-1759 ext 13.

FREE KIDS’ CARNIVAL will be on Saturday, Sept. 18 at the First Church of the Brethren, 8707 West Cheltenham Avenue in Wyndmoor, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be carnival-style games specifically geared for children up to grade 6, in a safe family environment. Free hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream, as well as beverages will be served. 215-836-5083 or www.churchofthebrethren.com.

CAMP BELIEF, an educational enrichment program for youth 6-12, begins on Saturday, Sept. 25 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5300 Germantown Ave. 215-848-8150.

THE ROXBOROUGH YMCA, 7201 Ridge Ave., offers after-school and teen leadership programs. Details: 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.

FAMILY CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m., Evergreen adult day program, 551 E. Evergreen Ave. View a video and discuss the topic “When Your Parent Needs Support,” focusing on positive aspects of caregiving and what can be gained from the experience. Appropriate for all family caregivers. Call 215-233-6309 for information and to register. Free.

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 the YMCA at 5722 Green Street on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Information: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or www.pleasegiveblood.org.

SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS for children of aging parents (CAPS) are beginning at Spring Mill Presbyterian Village, 2002 Joshua Road, Lafayette Hill. The group will meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month — Sept. 21 — at 7 p.m. 610-260-1175 or www.presbyhomes.org.

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.

SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PROSTATE HEALTH MONTH. See your doctor for a checkup or go to www.prostatedisease.org to learn more.

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.

BREAST CANCER SELF HELP GROUP meets the second Thursday of each month at Canaan Baptist Church, 5430 Pulaski Ave., Germantown, from 7-8:30 p.m. Information: 215-849-7004. Sponsored by Women of Faith and Hope.

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, 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.

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

“INTERPRETING HISTORY THROUGH ARCHITECTURE” is the next program of the Springfield Township Historical Society on Thursday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem Pike & Mill Road, Flourtown. Free. 215-233-4600.

THE BUSINESS CENTER AT NEW COVENANT CAMPUS is beginning its fall classes, which range in subject matter from federal SBA courses to business capitalization to personal organization courses. For a complete listing of courses and open houses, go to www.thebizctr.com or call 215-247-2473.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT YOUR BRAIN-INJURED CHILD, a course is to teach parents about the field of child brain development so that the parents may use that knowledge to design and carry out programs that will help their children toward wellness, will take place from Monday-Friday, Sept. 20-24, at The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, 8801 Stenton Ave., Wyndmoor. For more information, call Harriet Pinsker at 215-233-2050, ext. 2868 or e-mail wtd_registrar@iahp.org.

THE WHITE HOUSE FELLOWS PROGRAM is now accepting applicants for the 2005-06 class. Go to www.whitehouse.gov/fellows for details.

HISTORICAL SOCIERTY OF FORT WASHINGTON will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. to present the recently published Fort Washington and Upper Dublin, plus give an update on current projects. The meeting will be at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Ft. Washington.

WORKSHOP ON THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, led by local expert Jackie Wiggins, will be held at the Germantown Women’s Y on Friday, Sept. 17 from 7-9 p.m. 5820 Germantown Avenue. Registration: 215-438-6266. $5 for Y members and $10 for non-members.

NEW OR PROPOSED CHANGES TO MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY will be discussed on Friday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. at Stapeley in Germantown, 6300 Greene St. Free. 267-350-2472.

CREDIT / FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS SEMINAR, hosted by State Rep. Rosita Youngblood, will be on Wednesday, Sept. 22 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Northwest Interfaith Movement, 6757 Greene St. Free. 215-849-6426.

NEXT ACT TEST IS OCT. 23. The next national test date for the ACT Assessment is Oct. 23. College-bound students should register by the Sept. 17 postmark deadline. Students can register online at www.actstudent.org or they can get a registration packet from their high school guidance counselor and register by mail. The Web site also has sample test questions and a link to a free financial aid calculator.

PROJECT GATE ORIENTATION SESSIONS will be held on Tuesdays, Sept. 21 & 28, at 1 p.m. at Northwest CareerLink, 235 W Chelten Avenue. Project GATE – Growing America Through Entrepreneurship – is a demonstration project that helps individuals interested in starting or expanding a small business by providing them with valuable training and help in identifying potential funding sources. 215-854-1990 or www.projectgate.com.

GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP AT THE GERMANTOWN WOMEN’S Y, 5820 Germantown Ave., will be on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 1-3 p.m. $25. Registration is limited to 20 people; call 215-438-6266.

CHESTNUT HILL COLLEGE is offering an information session for prospective students in the School of Continuing Studies ACCELERATED Degree Program on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. in the Social Room of Fournier Hall, located at 9601 Germantown Avenue. There will be a brief presentation on the variety of degree programs available, followed by a question-and-answer period. The course application fee will be waived for attendees who enroll in a course at the information session. 215-248-7001.

FREE ADMISSIONS WORKSHOP at Chestnut Hill College, for college-bound students and their parents, will be on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in St. Joseph Hall, 9601 Germantown Avenue. Topics will include: finding a college, the admissions process, paying for college and choosing a major. 215-248-7002.

WORKSHOP ON HANDWRITING ANALYSIS will be held at the Germantown Women’s Y, 5820 Germantown Ave., on Thursday, Sept. 23 from 7-8 p.m. $10. Registration: 215-438-6266.

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.

BOOK SCENE

BOOK SALE. The Friends of the William Jeanes Library will hold their fall book sale on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 19 from 12:30-3:30 p.m. at the library, 4051 Joshua Road, Lafayette Hill. 610-828-0226.

FALLS LIBRARY BOOK GROUP will discuss Sue Monk Kidd’s The Secret Life of Bees on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. at the library, 3501 Midvale Ave. 215-685-2093.

RELIGION

P’NAI OR PHILADELPHIA, a local Mt. Airy Jewish Renewal Congregation, will celebrate the Jewish High Holidays with services from Rosh Hashanah through Sukkot and Simchat Torah at the Summit Presbyterian Church, at the corner of Greene and Westview streets, one block off Lincoln Drive in West Mt. Airy. 215-242-5773 or www.pnaior–phila.org.

FIVE STEPS TO SPIRITUAL BETTERMENT: In connection with the "Ten Days of Repentance," and in preparation for Yom Kippur, discuss this profound yet accessible five-step program of Teshuvah as transmitted by the early Chassidic masters. For all levels. Wednesday, Sept. 22, 7:45 p.m. at 7009 McCallum St. Apt A. Information: contact Chabad of Northwest Philadelphia at 215-438-5327 or at www.ChabadNWP.org.

SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH CENTER FOR SPIRITUALITY is offering a mid-week directed retreat on Sept. 28-30; registration deadline is Sept. 18. The center is at 9701 Germantown Ave. Call 215-248-7222 for more information about all programs.

THE WORLD OF ISLAM will be explored on Wednesdays, through Sept. 29, 7:30-9 p.m., in the Dixon House Library of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 22 East Chestnut Hill Ave., by Iftekhar Hussain and Roger Allen. Roger Allen is professor of Arabic & Comparative Literature, University of Pennsylvania, and member of the Diocese of Pennsylvania's Middle East Study Group. Mr. Hussain is secretary general of the American Muslim Society of the tri-state area. Co-sponsored by Northwest Interfaith Movement. 215-242-2055.

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.

YOM KIPPUR SERVICE. Interested in secular Judaism? All are welcome to attend Shir Shalom’s free Yom Kippur service to be held in Abington at 7:30 p.m. on Friday Sept. 24. 866-542-0946 (toll free) or www.shirshalom-phila.org.

MISCELLANEOUS

BLACK & WHITE GALA AND AUCTION to benefit the CHCA is on Saturday, Sept. 18 on the 8500 block of Germantown Ave. 215-248-8810.

9TH ANNUAL WADSWORTH DAY, sponsored by state Rep. LeAnna Washington, will take place on the 1500-1600 blocks of Wadsworth Avenue, between Cheltenham and Michener, on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., with music, health screenings, refreshments and more. No pets except service animals, please. Information: 215-242-0472.

JEWISH FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICE (www.jfcsphil.org) is holding a fundraising event at Mt. Airy’s Trolley Car Diner, 7619 Germantown Ave., on Monday, Sept. 20, 5 to 9 p.m. As part of its Helping Hands Night fundraising program, the diner will donate 15% of the revenue from its supporters to JFCS, to help the agency continue its vital work of reaching out, touching the lives of people from all walks of life and serving as the social safety net for the Jewish community.

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, Oct. 2, from 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Marriott Philadelphia West. Call 215-517-5070 fro details.

MOUNT AIRY PLAYGROUND, 7001 Germantown Ave., has a variety of fall activities for kids and adults: after-school programs, football, ceramics, basketball, aerobics, karate, line dancing and more. Call 215-685-9297 for details.

SUMMIT YOUTH GROUP is holding a fundraising event at Mt. Airy’s Trolley Car Diner, 7619 Germantown Ave., on Thursday, Sept. 23, 5 to 9 p.m. As part of its Helping Hands Night fundraising program, the diner will donate 15% of the revenue from its supporters to the group. 215-438-2825.

RECYCLING SCHEDULED FOR SEPT. 18. Recyclables will be collected from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18 at the Unitarian Church of Germantown parking lot (enter off Johnson Street between Greene Street and Wayne Avenue). Weaver’s Way Cooperative and PhilaPride sponsor this third Saturday of each month collection. 215-843-2350.

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

Flea market at Carmel Presbyterian Church, 100 Edge Hill Road, Glenside, will be on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 215-886-1323.

FLEA MARKET AND FALL FEST will be at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, 5720 Ridge Ave., Roxborough, on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 215-483-1529.

LIVING BEYOND BREAST CANCER GALA, “An Evening in Tuscany,” will be on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn's Landing. In addition to dinner and a silent auction, the evening also will pay tribute to breast cancer survivors Lisa Bayard, Jill G. Dolgin and Courtney Crenshaw Kapp. Among the gala co-chairs are Barbara & Howard Davis and Cindy & Arthur Miller, of Chestnut Hill. 610-645-4567 or www.lbbc.org.

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1974 REUNION will be on Nov. 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, Oct. 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.

AUDITIONS: 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: THE PHILADELPHIA CHAMBER CHORUS welcomes singers of all parts to audition for its 2004 fall season. Auditions will be by arrangement on Mondays in Sept. at 42nd and Pine Streets in Philadelphia. Please call 610-352-3565 or email JulieStewart@technologist.com to schedule an audition or for more information.

AUDITIONS: THE PHILOMUSICA CHORALE will hold auditions on Monday, Sept. 20, at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave. For audition appointment and more information, call 215-646-1975.

AUDITIONS: THE PHILADELPHIA SINGERS will hold auditions for professionals on Tuesday, Sept. 21 and for volunteer singers on Wednesday, Sept. 22, both in center city. Call 215-751-9494 to schedule an audition.

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.

LEWIS & CLARK: THE NATIONAL BICENTENNIAL EXHIBITION will be on display at The Academy of Natural Sciences from Nov. 6 – March 20, 2005. Timed tickets are on sale now. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to relive America’s greatest adventure through the eyes of the intrepid explorers and the Native Americans they encountered. Call 1-800-347-9000 or go to www.acnatsci.org/lewisclark.

NATIONAL MS SOCIETY MS 150 City to Shore Bike Tour will be on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 18 & 19. 800-445-BIKE or www.ms150biketour.org.

HERITAGE FUN FEST, Saturday, Sept. 18, 3 p.m., McCarthy Park, Victory Field, Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, Germantown Pike, Plymouth Whitemarsh. Chestnut Hill Hospital (CHH) celebrates its 100th anniversary and Whitemarsh its 300th. The festival will include a community picnic and games. Enjoy an evening concert and fireworks sponsored by CHH. Visit the CHH centennial display, sign the birthday banner and pick up a special birthday treat. Those born at CHH are especially welcome. For information, call 215-753-2000. Free.

SIPPIN’ BY THE RIVER, a wine and beer tasting festival to benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, will take place on Sunday, Sept. 19 from 1-5 at the Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing. 215-396-9100.

PEDAL FOR PEACE along the Schuylkill River Trail to support the Good Shepherd Mediation Program on Sunday, Sept. 26. Call 215-843-5413 for registration details.

THE NATIONAL ADOPTION CENTER’S 12th Annual Tee-Off for Kids Golf Classic tournament and auction will be held Monday, Sept. 20 at Philmont Country Club in Huntingdon Valley, followed by a buffet dinner and auction. 215-735-9988, ext. 346 or www.adopt.org.

NAMI-PA PICNIC. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Pennsylvania, Montgomery County, hosts its 6th Annual Family Picnic on Sunday, Sept. 19, from 2-4:30 p.m. RSVP: 215-886-0350.

ON THE WEB

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

VOLUNTEER

• Help a child learn to read. Philadelphia Reads is working to ensure that all Philadelphia children read well and independently by the end of third grade. Volunteers become reading coaches at area schools and after-school programs. Training sessions are held in the Municipal Services Building, 1401 JFK Blvd., 16th floor. Call 215-686-4450 for more information or to reserve a spot.

• “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.

• 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 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.

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.