ENTERTAINMENT

North by Northwest. Lady Alma wails on Friday, November 28 and Fun Lovin’ Criminals play on Saturday, November 29. Arab Strap performs on Friday, December 5 and Alo Brasil returns on Saturday, December 6. Performance times and cover charges vary. 7105 Germantown Ave., Mt. Airy. 215-248-1000.

Goat Hollow. Bill Schenk & Mixed Co. play on Friday, November 28; and Animus plays on Saturday, November 29. No cover. 300 W. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Mt. Airy; 215-242-4710.

Mermaid Inn. Something Black will play on Friday, November 28 and Psych-a-billy plays on Saturday, November 29. Times and cover charges vary. 7673 Winston Road, Chestnut Hill, 215-247-9797. www.themermaidinn.net.

Keswick Theatre: Pink Floyd tribute band, The Machine, performs on Friday, November 28. Hot Tuna Acoustic, featuring Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady and Barry Mitterhoff will play on Saturday, November 29. A Christmas Carol will be performed on Sunday, November 30. The Colors of Christmas 2003 national tour, with Peabo Bryson, Sheena Easton, Christopher Cross, Irene Cara, plus a 30-voice choir, will be on Monday, December 1. Kindred, the family soul, will perform on Wednesday, December 3; Jo Dee Messina's Christmas Gift is on Thursday, December 4; Holly Near & Cris Williamson play on Friday, December 5; Trout Fishing in America plus John Flynn entertain for the kids on Saturday afternoon, December 6; and Kevin Meaney brings his Christmas Show to the stage on Saturday night, December 6. Times and ticket prices vary. The theater is at Keswick Avenue and Easton Road, Glenside. 215-572-7650 or www.keswicktheatre.com.

Anglesea Pub North, 7136 Germantown Ave.: Wednesdays are martini nights, Thursdays are college nights. Live music Friday and Saturday nights.215-248-4435.

Art, the Tony Award-winning comedy by Yasmina Reza, will be presented by The Drama Group at the First United Methodist Church of Germantown, 6023 Germantown Ave., through November 29. Call 215-844-0724 for details.

The Chestnut Hill Film Group will screen Roxie Hart on Tuesday, December 2. The films will be shown at the Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Ave., at 7 p.m. Free. Information: 215- 248- 9777.

InFusion Coffee and Tea Gallery, 7133 Germantown Ave.: Saturday, November 29 will feature Gospel Hip Hop. Jazz artists Paul Butler and Jimmy Hamilton will jam on Thursday, December 4 and Felicia Rose will sing world music on Saturday, December 6.Times vary; free. 215-248-1718.

The Donetsk Ballet of Ukraine will perform highlights from Peer Gynt and The Nutcracker at Plymouth/Whitemarsh High School, Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, on Saturday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 30 at 2 p.m. $17, student; $30, adult. Tickets and information: 215-849-7950 or 1-800-849-4919.

** The Music Department of Chestnut Hill College will present a Carol Night on Friday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. and a Christmas Concert, “Ode to Joy,” featuring the finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on Sunday, December 7 at 4 p.m. in the Chestnut Hill College Auditorium at 9601 Germantown Avenue. General admission is $10; seniors and children to age 12, $5. For more information, call 215-248-7194.

Audience/Unveiling; Two One-Acts by Vaclav Havel, will be presented by the Allens Lane Art Center, Allens Lane & McCallum Street, through December 6. Tickets/information: 215-248-0546. www.allenslane.org.

** Classical Pianist Spencer Myer will perform at Woodmere Art Museum, 9201 Germantown Ave., on Saturday, December 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets: 215-247-0476.

"All the Wild Wonders" is the name of this year’s Anna Crusis Women's Choir winter concert on Saturday, December 6 at 8 p.m. and Sunday December 7 at 3 p.m. at Chestnut Hill United Methodist Church, 8812 Germantown Ave. Tickets/information: 215-864-5991.

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.

Looking for Half-Price Tickets to cultural events in the area? Click http://www.phillyfunguide.com/calendar/home.do and sign up!

ART

** The First Woodmere Triennial of Contemporary Photography is on display through January 11. Call 215-247-0476 or click www.woodmereartmuseum.org to access a complete list of special programs at the museum, including Art Classes for Adults and the Elements of Art lecture series on Monday mornings through December 8. Woodmere is at 9201 Germantown Ave.

Classes in Creative and Performing Arts for Children and Adults are available at the Allens Lane Art Center, Allens Lane & McCallum Street. Call 215-248-0546 or click www.allenslane.org for more information. Moving Walls:  Mixed Media Exhibit of Philly Graffiti Artists runs through November 30.

Eyedazzlers: The Two-Century Romance of Navajo Weaving and Germantown Yarn, an exhibition of contemporary Navajo weaving using yarn created in the Northwest, will be at the Sedgwick Cultural Center, 7137 Germantown Ave., through December 24. 215-248-9229 or www.sedgwickcenter.org.

"Where Martin Luther Walked" is an exhibit by photographer Hans Walther highlighting landmarks that were part of Luther's lifetime journey. The exhibit is on display in the lower rotunda of the Krauth Memorial Library at Lutheran Theological Seminary, 7301 Germantown Ave. It is free and open to the public until early February; hours vary. Information: 215-248-6323.

** At the Morris Arboretum, 100 Northwestern Ave.: A variety of arts and crafts classes — and other horticultural courses for amateurs as well as professionals — are going on now. Also, The Holiday Garden Railway Display returns for a third season until January 4. For information, call 215-247-5777 or click www.morrisarboretum.org.

At Valley Green Inn: Photographs from the Friends of the Wissahickon Photo Contest will be on display at the Valley Green Inn through Monday, January 5. The exhibit, which contains 27 photographs of the Wissahickon Valley, showcases the work of the local photographers who entered the contest. For directions or information, call 215-247-1730.

NATURE/GARDENS

“Wild Lunch Bunch.” World traveler and birding expert Jamie Stewart will be presenting a slide show series of his travels on Wednesdays, December 3 & 10 at the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association, 12 Morris Road, Ambler. Bring your own bag lunch; the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will provide beverages. Lunch beings at 11:30 a.m.; the slide show will follow. Free, but call to register: 215-646-8866.

Hike the Wissahickon. A variety of hikes are offered throughout the month. Call the Friends of the Wissahickon at 215-247-0417 for details.

** At the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Roxborough: Saturday and Sunday, November 29-30 are “Bring a Friend” weekend, when admission to the center is free. Click www.schuylkillcenter.org or call the center at 215-482-7300 for details about all events.

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.

HEALTH/FITNESS

Asthma Education Classes are being held at Grace Community Center, 25 W. Johnson St., on Saturdays through December 6. Free. Information: 215-848-2700.

Blood Donors are Always Needed, especially during the holiday season! For more information, call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

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.

Family Yoga, for parents and children 6 and over, is offered on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and Yoga & Tai Chi Classes For Seniors 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, including exercise programs for all ages and physical conditions, cardiac rehabilitation, programs on 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. Call 215-753-2000 for more information or click www.chh.org.

Book SCENE

At Borders, 8701 Germantown Ave.: Fiction Book Group will meet on Wednesday, November 26 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss By the Lake by John McGahern. Poetry Reading Group will meet on Wednesday, December 3 at 7 p.m Northwest Story Swap is on Sunday, December 7 at 3 p.m. No registration necessary for any eventt. Information: 215-248-1213.

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 Wednesday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, 8801 Stenton Ave., Wyndmoor. Reservations necessary; call 267-440-2576.

History of Water Quality in Philadelphia will be the topic of a lecture by Drew Brown, manager of public education for the Philadelphia Water Department, on Wednesday, December 3 at 7 p.m. at the Lovett Memorial Library, 6945 Germantown Ave. This event is sponsored by the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. Information: 215-482-7300.

Good Shepherd Mediation Program is offering basic mediation training, approved for CLE and other professional credits, on Thursday-Sunday, December 4 - 6, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Mediation Center, 5356 Chew Ave. Information: 215-843-5413.

Leadership and Public Speaking Training is provided by Independence Toastmasters of Flourtown on Tuesdays, December 2 & 16 at Scoogi’s, 738 Bethlehem Pike at 6:30 p.m. All welcome; dinner is optional.

Greene Street Friends School will be holding an open house for prospective families on Thursday, December 4 from 8:45-10:30 a.m. Call 215-438-7545 for more information.

Suburban Sprawl: Causes, Consequences and Cures, a slide presentation and talk by David Contosta, Ph.D., history professor at Chestnut Hill College, will be on Thursday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the meeting of the Springfield Township Historical Society at the First Presbyterian Church, Bethlehem Pike & E. Mill Road, Flourtown. Information: 215-233-4600.

AARP 55 Alive Driver Safety Program will be on Monday-Tuesday, December 1-2 from 1-5 p.m. at the Interac Senior Center, 6012 Ridge Ave., Roxborough. $10 pp. Registration: 610-941-4471.

“Portrait Of An Artist; How Life Issues Became Literature” is the subject of a talk by Adena Potok, wife of author Chaim Potok, on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Or Hadash 190 Camp Hill Road Ft. Washington. $5 suggested donation. Information: 215-283-0276.

The LEAP After School Program provides homework assistance, computer literacy, library skills, and enrichment activities for school age children and teens (grades 1-12). The program is offered Monday through Friday at all Free Library locations. LEAP is an open, drop-in program; no registration is necessary. Call your local library for additional information.

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.

FOR THE KIDS

** At The Chestnut Hill Library: Stories, crafts, food and games for children 5 and older enhance the holidays while parents shop on the Avenue. On Wednesday, December 3, storyteller Milt Cohen will present a Hanukkah Sampler from 6:30-8 p.m. The library, at 8711 Germantown Ave., also holds story time for 1- to 3-year-olds, on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m., and on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. for children 3-6. Call 215-685-9290 for all program information.

Explore Mexico! School-age children are invited to tour Mexico at the Falls of Schuylkill Library on Thursday, December 4 at 3:30 p.m. Hear a folktale, learn some fun facts about Mexico, make a craft, and taste some sweet and spicy treats! No pre-registration is required. 3501 Midvale Ave. (at Warden Drive). Information: 215-685-2093.

Percussionist Doc Gibbs will perform at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3 & 10 and Rennie Harris’ Puremovement Dance company will perform on Sunday, December 7 at 3 p.m. at the Sedgwick Cultural Center, 7137 Germantown Ave. Tickets/information: 215-248-9229 or www.sedgwickcenter.org.

O’Doodle’s Toystore, 8335 Germantown Ave., is offering martial arts for kids classes starting December 1 and holds an interactive story time on Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. Call 215-247-7345 for details.

Free Library of Springfield Township, 1600 Paper Mill Road, Wyndmoor, offers daytime and evening story times for young children. Call 215-836-5300 for exact times.

Children’s Story Time is held Monday mornings at 10:30 a.m. at Borders, 8701 Germantown Ave. 215-248-1213.

Winter Wonderland. Do you like holidays, making snow angels, or drinking hot chocolate after being out in the cold? Come to the Falls Library to share your favorite thing about winter. Children, ages 3-5, and caregivers are invited to celebrate winter with stories and songs, and a fun craft on Thursday, December 4 at 10:30 a.m. No pre-registration required. 3501 Midvale Ave. (at Warden Drive). Information: 215-685-2093.

Looking for a fun place for your child’s birthday party? The Highlands Historical Society in Ft. Washington offers fun hands-on birthday parties for children who enjoy history. Information: call Jennifer April at 215-641-2687.

Lunch with Santa at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. Santa Claus will be dropping by Mount Saint Joseph Academy in Flourtown on Saturday, December 6 at 11:30 a.m. This special event includes entertainment, arts and crafts to make and take home, raffle prizes, a photo with Santa and lunch. All Mount alumnae, students and friends are invited to bring any young family or friends. Cost is $15 per person. Information/reservations:  215-233-3177, ext. 334.

“Christmas with the Sheaffs.” Celebrate a 19th century Christmas by making period crafts, listening to stories and music and enjoying refreshments at The Highlands on Sunday, December 7, 1-4 p.m. Suitable for ages 3 and up accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration is recommended. $. The Highlands is at the corner of Sheaff Lane and Rt. 73 in Ft. Washington. Information/reservations: 215-641-2687.

RELIGION

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave.: To mark the arrival of the Advent season, St. Paul's Episcopal Church will begin its 10:30 a.m. service on Sunday, November 30, with an Advent Procession. The service will include music of Malcolm Archer, Phillip Ledger, Paul Manz, and Felix Mendelssohn, as well as Advent Plainsong. An Advent Workshop is planned for Wednesday, December 3 at 7 p.m. by members of the church’s Listening Hearts Ministry. An art and spirituality workshop will be held at St. Paul's on Saturday, December 6, from 9 a.m. to noon, as one of the church’s special Advent events. Centering prayer sessions are on Wednesdays at 7 a.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Information: the Rev. John Francis at 215-242-2055 or www.stpaulschestnuthill.org.

Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, 8000 St. Martin’s Lane, will host a joint Thanksgiving Day service with St. Paul’s at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 27 and an Advent forum series on the practice of prayer on Sundays, November 30 and December 7 & 14 . Information: 215-247-7466 x109.

Unitarian Society of Germantown offers “Coffee and Conversation” on most Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Dr. Ellery Schempp will discuss “A Personal Journey in Church-State Relations,” which focuses on his leadership in defense of civil liberties during difficult times, on Sunday, November 30 at 11 a.m. Kitty Bryant will discuss America’s occupation of Iraq on Sunday, December 7. Free; 6511 Germantown Ave.; 215-844-1157 or www.usguu.org.

“Introduction to Judaism from a Reconstructionist Perspective” will be offered on Tuesdays through May 18 from 7:30-9 p.m. at Or Hadash, 190 Camp Hill Road, Ft. Washington. 215-283-0276 or www.orhadash.com.

Sisters of Saint Joseph Center for Spirituality is holding an Advent Retreat Evening on Wednesday, December 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the center, 9701 Germantown Ave. Call 215-248-7222 for more information about this and other programs.

At Congregation Or Ami, 708 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill: “Kabbalah and Jewish Mysticism” is a continuing Jewish education program, led by Dr. Joel Hecker, on Monday, December 1 at 7:30 p.m. A “Chanukah Happening” celebration will be on Sunday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Torah from a Woman’s Perspective” meets on Thursdays, December 4, 11 & 18 at 9 a.m. Information: 610-828-9066.

“A Taste of Yiddish” is an adult education workshop at the Jewish Children’s Folkshul, held at the Germantown Friends School, Sharpless Building, 31 W. Coulter St., on Sunday, December 7 at 10:15 a.m. Information: 215-248-1550.

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.

MISCELLANEOUS

Springfield Rotary Annual Citrus Sale will be from 7-11 a.m. on Saturday, December 13 at the Flourtown Fire House, but orders must be placed by Friday, December 5. Call 215-233-5128 or click www.SpringfieldRotary.org.

The Roxborough YMCA, 7201 Ridge Ave., will host Christmas caroling, a pool and movie night featuring a holiday film and a holiday open house with Santa and Mrs. Claus through the weekend of December 5. Information: 215-482-3900.

Community Carol Sing will take place on Friday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church, Germantown and Mt. Pleasant avenues. Information: 215-247-1303.

Wreath-making Workshop will be held on Monday, December 1 at 7 p.m. at the Lovett Memorial Library, 6945 Germantown Ave. $6 materials fee. Pre-registration necessary: call 215-685-2095.

Jingle Bell Run/Walk to benefit the Arthritis Foundation will be on Sunday, December 7 on Main Street in Manayunk. Call 215-564-9800 for details.

Oldies Dance at the Lu Lu Shriners Great Hall, 5140 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, will be on Friday, November 28. Dance starts at 8 p.m., with line dance lessons at 7. Cover charge is $10; BYOB. Call 800-898-LULU for more information.

Whitemarsh Community Art Center's Craft Market at the Barn at Cedar Grove Park, Spring Mill & Cedar Grove Roads, Conshohocken, is on Friday & Saturday, December 5 & 6, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, December 7, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission. Craft Market Café also available. Information: 610-825-0917.

Holiday Bazaar at the Lovett Memorial Library, 6945 Germantown Ave., will be on Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Stock up on books, crafts, goodies and more. Information: 215-685-2095.

Family Greens Workshop at Awbury Arboretum, Chew Avenue between Washington Lane and Haines Street, will be on Saturday, December 6, from 9 a.m.-noon. Adults and children are invited to create their own wreaths or centerpieces with greens and natural items collected from arboretum grounds. Cost is $10-25 depending on the items chosen. For pre-registration and directions, call 215-849-5561, ext.18.

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. First party free for men 50+ years old.

Dances of Universal Peace are monthly participatory simple circle dances with songs and chants drawn from the Earth's sacred traditions. Singles and couples of all ages welcome on Saturday, December 6, 8 p.m. at Second Wind Center, 98 Bethlehem Pike. $10 registration at the door. Information: 610-544-2778.

** Signifies that the sponsoring or host organization belongs to the Chestnut Hill Cultural Alliance

HOLIDAY SPECIALS

• Chestnut Hill Historical Society’s Holiday House Tour is on Saturday, December 6. Information: 215-247-0417.

• Enjoy Holiday Wednesdays on The Avenue on December 3, 10 and 17, with shopping nights until 9 p.m. and many special events for parents and kids. Information: www.chestnuthillpa.com or 215-247-6696.

• Wissahickon Hospice’s “Light Up A Life” celebration is on Sunday, December 7, at 4 p.m., at the Fountain Plaza Park, 8700 Germantown Ave., next to the Chestnut Hill Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

• On the five Saturdays after Thanksgiving, through December 27, meter parking is free after 11 a.m. throughout the City of Philadelphia!

REUNIONS

• Springfield Township High School class of 1973 reunion is on Saturday, November 29, North Hills CC, 7 p.m. Contact: SHSReunion1973@aol.com or 215-287-7404.

• Springfield Township High School class of 1983 reunion is on Friday, November 28, Sorella Rose Restaurant, 7 p.m. Contact: asamt@comcast.net.

• Germantown High School class of 1973 reunion will be on Friday, November 28 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Venetian Club of Chestnut Hill, 8030 Germantown Ave. Contact: Leslie Enter at 215-402-9153.

CONTACT US

E-mail press releases and information for This Week to listings@chestnuthilllocal.com by noon on the Friday before publication. Please be sure to include dates, details, complete addresses and phone numbers for events, as well as phone numbers for contact people. Questions? Call 215-248-8804.