ENTERTAINMENT

North by Northwest. Arab Strap performs on Friday, December 5 and Alo Brasil returns on Saturday, December 6. The Yayhoos and Reggae Cowboys play on Friday, December 12, followed by Praful on Saturday, December 13. Performance times and cover charges vary. 7105 Germantown Ave., Mt. Airy. 215-248-1000.

Goat Hollow. Carol Moog & Co. play the blues on Friday, December 5; the Nightbirds play pop and rock on Saturday, December 6; Kabudi plays reggae on Friday, December 12; and Ten Spiders play soul, funk and rock on Saturday, December 13. No cover. 300 W. Mt. Pleasant Ave., Mt. Airy; 215-242-4710.

Mermaid Inn. Flexible Flyer plays bluegrass on Friday, December 5 and Stevie & the Bluescasters play blues on Saturday, December 6. The Schonwalds play sea chanties on Friday, December 12 and Timber Line plays folk rock on Saturday, December 13. Times and cover charges vary. 7673 Winston Road, Chestnut Hill. 215-247-9797 or www.themermaidinn.net.

Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer, sponsored by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, will perform at the Germantown Academy Arts Center, Morris Road, Ft. Washington, on Sunday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets/information: 215-247-1300 or www.pfs.org.

JOJOLO Concert will be on Saturday, December 13 at Allens Lane Art Center, Allens Lane & McCallum Street, featuring children's folktales (early in the evening), Princess Africana fashion show, music by JOJOLO, Version Sound and Amen Booze-Rooster. Traditional African food will be for sale. BYOB. 8 p.m., $10. Information: 215-248-0546 or www.allenslane.org.

Keswick Theatre: 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. Enjoy a Blackthorn Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 7 and The Nutcracker on December 12, 13 & 14. 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.

The McCabe Family, from Scranton, will bring their own flavor of family and faith-affirming music to the Expressly Vegetarian Café at the Chestnut Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church, 8700 Germantown Ave., on Saturday, December 13, at 7 p.m. Information: 215-233-1286.

The Chestnut Hill Film Group will screen Since You Went Away on Tuesday, December 9 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.: Jazz artists Paul Butler and Jimmy Hamilton will jam on Thursday, December 4 and Felicia Rose will sing world music on Saturday, December 6. A.J. Swearington will sing on Thursday, December 11; Tim Concannon plays the blues on Friday, December 12; and John Brasch plays on Saturday, December 13. Times vary; all free. 215-248-1718.

** 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.

Master Storyteller Ed Stivender returns to Thomas Mansion, 6245 Wissahickon Ave., on Sunday, December 14 at 1:30 p.m. for his annual Christmas show. Information: 610-259-8825.

** 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.

Messiah at PCCH. At 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, the complete Messiah by G.F. Handel will be performed at The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave., by the professional chamber choir, The Chestnut Hill Singers, with orchestra, under the direction of Mark Anderson. Tickets are available at the door, or through the church office, at 215-247-8855. Seating is limited; get tickets ahead of time.

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.

Organ Concert Featuring Michael Lodico, playing the music of Bach, Schumann and Brahms, will take place on Saturday, December 6 at 6 p.m. at the Chestnut Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church, 8700 Germantown Ave. 215-247-7022.

Nashirah: The Jewish Chorale of Greater Philadelphia will be holding auditions for its 2004 season on Tuesday, December 9, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, December 14, at 5 p.m.; and Tuesday, January 6, at 7 p.m. at the Gershman Y at Broad and Spruce Streets. Nashirah is the only auditioned, avocational community-based chorale in the Greater Philadelphia area that performs a Jewish-themed repertoire. Information: SingNashirah@aol.com.

Handel’s Messiah will be performed at the High Street Church of God, 222 E. High St., Germantown, on Sunday, December 14 at 4 p.m. Information: 215-438-1682.

 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.

Contrasting Elements: Wearable and Decorative Art exhibit opens with a reception on Thursday, December 11 from 7–9 p.m. at Allens Lane Art Center, Allens Lane & McCallum Street. The show features jewelry by Martha Kent Martin and Judy Jurgaitis, hand blown glass by Steven Hagan and raku by Peter Quinn. Information: 215-248-0546 or www.allenslane.org.

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 20. The exhibit is accompanied by the R. B. Burnham Trading Post featuring jewelry, rugs and other gifts. 215-248-9229 or www.sedgwickcenter.org.

"Where Martin Luther Walked," an exhibit by photographer Hans Walther highlighting landmarks that were part of Luther's lifetime journey, is on display in the lower rotunda of the Krauth Memorial Library at Lutheran Theological Seminary, 7301 Germantown Ave. 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.

Photographs from the Friends of the Wissahickon Photo Contest will be on display at the Valley Green Inn through January 5. The exhibit, which contains 27 photographs of the Wissahickon Valley, showcases the work of the local photographers. 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 WVWA will provide beverages. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m.; the slide show will follow. Free, but call to register: 215-646-8866.

** At the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Road, Roxborough: “Winterfest” will be celebrated on Saturday, December 6 from 6-8 p.m. $10/member, $12/nonmember, under 4 free. Celebrate the season with an evening the entire family can enjoy. Warm up with homemade soups, breads, hot ciders and desserts, then relax with an evening of music, crafts and the traditional lighting of the Yule log. Please pre-register. Click www.schuylkillcenter.org or call the center at 215-482-7300 for details about all events.

Bird Feeder Workshop for the family will take place at The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association, 12 Morris Road, Ambler, on Sunday, December 14 at 2 p.m. Ages 6 and up.  Preregistration required. Cost: $1 per child for members and $3 for non-members. Contact: Judith Gratz 215-646-8866 ext. 13.

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.

Healthy Cardiac and Diabetic Eating for the Holidays will be discussed on Wednesday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Hospital, Laughlin Hall, room D, 8835 Germantown Ave. Especially for people with diabetes or heart disease, this program will prove that holidays can be healthy and delicious. Sample tasty treats, learn how to prepare healthier foods and talk to professionals about dietary concerns. Call 215-753-2000 to register. Cost: $10.

Comfort and Joy at Yoga Schelter in December. Enjoy a number of unique classes and workshops this December in celebration of the winter holidays at Yoga Schelter, 3502 Scotts Lane, Bldg. 3, Suite 1 in East Falls. Call 215-991-YOGA for details.

Blood Donors are Always Needed, especially during the holiday season! On Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., you can give at Summit Park Apartments, 8201 Henry Ave., Roxborough. For more information, call the Red Cross at 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.

Bereavement Support Groups for adults, sponsored by Koller Funeral Home, 6835 Ridge Ave., continue on Tuesday, December 9 at 1:30 p.m. Information: 215-624-8190.

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.

Hike the Wissahickon throughout the month. Call the Friends of the Wissahickon at 215-247-0417 for details.

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.

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

Book SCENE

At Borders, 8701 Germantown Ave.: 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. People of the Book Group will discuss The Russian Debutante’s Handbook, by Gary Shteyngart, on Tuesday, December 9 at 7:15 p.m. No registration necessary for any event. Information: 215-248-1213.

The Turbulent Souls Reading Group of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave., will meet on Monday, December 8 at 7:30 pm to discuss Julia Glass’ 2002 novel, Three Junes. 215-242-2055 or www.stpaulschestnuthill.org.

Congregation Or Ami invites the community to participate in a book review, As A Driven Leaf, by Milton Steinberg, led by Rabbi Emeritus Seymour Prystowsky, on Monday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m., 708 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill. Call 610-828-9066 for more information.

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 10 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.

J S Jenks Elementary School will be holding informal school tours every second Wednesday of the month. Call the school at 215-248-6604 for details.

Safe Sitter Basic Babysitting, Saturday, December 13, 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m., Chestnut Hill Hospital, Laughlin hall, room K, 8835 Germantown Ave. Prepare your young student (ages 11 to 13) to be an attentive and responsible babysitter. This course stresses how to handle major and minor emergencies and covers the basics of childcare. Students should bring a brown bag lunch and beverage. Space is limited so register early. Call 215-753-2000 to register. Cost: $35.

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.

“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.

Sibling Relationships, Tuesday, December 9, 7-8:30 p.m., Chestnut Hill Hospital, Laughlin Hall, 8835 Germantown Ave. Discuss jealousy, fighting and different temperaments and how parental reaction to these normal behaviors helps children form positive relationships and reduce problems. Call 215-753-2000 to register. Cost: $10.

Wyncote Academy is holding an open house on Saturday, December 6, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the school, 7920 Washington Lane in Wyncote. Information: 215-884-2000.

“Survival Secrets: Jewish Women from Muslim Societies” will be the topic of Hadassah’s 2003 Education Day on Thursday, December 11, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Guest Suites in Plymouth Meeting. Tickets/information: 215-732-7100.

55 Alive Safety Driving Program, Monday & Tuesday, December 8 & 9, from 1-5 p.m., at Chestnut Hill Hospital, Laughlin hall, room D 8835 Germantown Ave. Update your driving skills and learn how to compensate for the effects of aging. Those who successfully complete this two-day course may receive a five percent insurance discount for three years. Registration required; no walk-ins. Park in the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill parking lot adjacent to the hospital. Information: 215-247-6393. Cost: $10/class.

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 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.

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 10, kids can enjoy a Christmas Sampler of activities 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., East Falls. Information: 215-685-2093.

Percussionist Doc Gibbs will perform at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 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 now offering martial arts for kids classes 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.

“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.

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.

Christmas Stories & Songs — with a special guest — will be featured at a family evening on Wednesday, December 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library, Greene Street and Chelten Avenue, Germantown. Information: 215-685-2153.

Lunch with Santa at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. Santa Claus will be dropping by Mount Saint Joseph Academy, 120 W. Wissahickon Ave. in Flourtown, on Saturday, December 6 at 11:30 a.m. This annual 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.

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.

RELIGION

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Ave.: 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. Sundays through December 21, at 9:15 a.m., there will be discussions of readings, prayer and meditation about Advent. 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 an Advent forum series on the practice of prayer on Sundays, December 7 & 14 . Information: 215-247-7466 x109.

Unitarian Society of Germantown, 6511 Germantown Ave., offers “Coffee and Conversation” on most Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Kitty Bryant will discuss America’s occupation of Iraq on Sunday, December 7. Free. 215-844-1157 or www.usguu.org.

Michelangelo’s Art, a series of adult education classes, continues on Sunday mornings through December 14 at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave. This class, led by Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, curator for education and public programs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, will cover the Florentine foundations of Michelangelo’s art, Michelangelo in Florence and Michelangelo in Rome. Classes start at 11:30 a.m., and visitors are welcome. Information: 215-247-8855.

Sisters of Saint Joseph Center for Spirituality is holding an Advent Retreat Evening on Wednesday, December 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.; “Coffee and Contemplation” is on the second Thursday of the month (Thursday, December 11) from 9:30-11:30 a.m.; and an Advent Day of Prayer will be on Saturday, December 13 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The center is at 9701 Germantown Ave. Call 215-248-7222 for more information about these and other programs.

“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.

At Congregation Or Ami, 708 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill: 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. “Meaning, Meditation and Music” will be presented by Cantor Franzel on Sunday, December 14 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.

"The December Dilemma: A Season of Joy — Conflicting Cultures" will be discussed by Rabbi Gregory Marx on Sunday, December 14, at 10 a.m. at Congregation Beth Or, Penllyn-Blue Bell Pike & Dager Road, Spring House. This discussion will focus on issues faced by interfaith families during the joyous month of December and talk about the significance of Hanukkah, Jewish celebration and the American culture. To register, call Nancy Flitter at 215-542-5604.

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.

Grace Epiphany Church is hosting a Second Friday dinner on Friday, December 12 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. $5/adult, $3/child; eat in or take out. The church is at the corner of Gowen Avenue and Ardleigh Street. Information: 215-248-2950.

Christmas Concert and Candle Lighting Service will take place at the First Church of the Brethren, 8707 W. Cheltenham Ave., Wyndmoor, on Sunday, December 14 at 7:30 p.m. Free. Information: 215-836-5083.

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.

Covenant Toastmaster’s Club will meet on Wednesday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the New Covenant Campus, 7500 Germantown Ave, B-4 Founders’ Hall. Information: 1-877-651-1092.

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.

East Mt. Airy Neighbors (EMAN) will meet on Tuesday, December 9 at 6817 Germantown Ave. at 7:30 p.m. Information: 215-848-4163.

Swing Dance. Learn to swing at 7 p.m., followed by music by Girls From Mars from 8:45 - midnight, on Saturday, December 13 at the Commodore Barry Club, 6815 Emlen St. $15 ($12 students or substantial baked goods to share). 610-676-0123 or www.swingdance.org.

Holiday Bazaar and Musical Extravaganza will be on Saturday, December 6 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5300 Germantown Ave. 215-848-8150.

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.

Free Legal Clinic at Mount Zion Baptist Church of Germantown, 41 W. Rittenhouse St., will be on Saturday, December 13 from 9 a.m.-noon. Information: 215-844-7614.

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.

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.

Weavers Way Cooperative Association will hold a general membership meeting on Monday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Summit Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, Westview and Greene Streets. Information: 215-843-2350 or www.weaversway.org.

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.

**The Wissahickon Environmental Center will be presenting two free bow-making workshops. Participants will learn how to make hand- tied bows for the holidays using a colorful variety of ribbons. The finished bows will be presented at Forbidden Drive in Historic Valley Green on December 13 & 14. Refreshments and a light lunch of soup and fresh bread will be provided. To register, call 215- 685- 9284.

Holiday Greens Workshops are being offered by the Friends of the Wissahickon on December 8, 9 & 10 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Call 215-685-9285 for details and registration.

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.

The Founding Meeting of Northwest Greens will take place on Tuesday, December 9 at 7 p.m. at Dahlak Eritrean Restaurant, 5547 Germantown Ave. All activists from Chestnut Hill, Germantown and Mt. Airy who want to publicize progressive issues and to win some victories should attend. Information: contact Chris Robinson at chrisrecon@netzero.net or 215-843-4256.

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.

Wassail Party and Holiday Open House with museum tours of the Historical Clifton House will be on Sunday December 14, from 4:30 -7 p.m. Live holiday piano music and light refreshments served. Donation appreciated. 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Information: 215-887-1945.

Historic Germantown Preserved will host the annual Holiday Weekend in Philadelphia’s Historic Northwest on Saturday and Sunday, December 6 & 7. Ten of Germantown’s historic house museums will be open to the public that weekend, many decorated for the holiday season. Most of the museums and houses will be open both days from 1 to 4 p.m. Information: 215-844-0514.

Chanukah Celebration & Holiday Gift Bazaar, sponsored by the Jewish Children’s Folkshul, will be on Sunday, December 14 at the Germantown Friends School, Sharpless Building, 31 W. Coulter St., from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Information: 215-248-1550.

** 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!

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.