ENTERTAINMENT

NORTH BY NORTHWEST: Friday, Dec. 31, New Year's Eve with Alo Brasil; Saturday, Jan. 1, Zydeco a Go Go; Thursday, Jan. 5, Cigar Store Indians; Friday, Jan. 7, Monnette Sudler; Saturday, Jan. 8, DJ Mark Anthony. Times and cover charges vary. Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. are for Salsa. 7105 Germantown Ave., Mt. Airy. 215-248-1000.

MOVIE MANIA is a fundraising effort for the Lupus Foundation of Southeastern PA. You get to see first-run movies before they're released and support an important charitable cause at the same time. Call 215-517-5070 for details.

PROCRASTINATOR'S NEW YEARS EVE DANCE - Saturday, Jan. 1. Swing lessons at 7 p.m., followed by the John Hoey Orchestra from 8:45 - 1 a.m. $20 ($17 students or substantial baked goods to share). Commodore Barry Club, 6815 Emlen St., Mt Airy. Melissa Martin & The Mighty Rhythm Kings play on Jan. 8. 610-676-0123 or www.swingdance.org.

PHILADELPHIA'S OWN SAVOY COMPANY, the oldest amateur theater company in the world dedicated to the production of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, will take to the field at the "Linc" to sing the National Anthem on Sunday, Jan. 2 before the Eagles-Bengals game. Many "locals" sing with the Savoy Company, so don't miss this special appearance.

FIRST FRIDAY IN MT. AIRY is on Jan. 7 from 6-9 p.m. Participating businesses include Germantown Avenue's Amoeba Art Shop (7174), GeeChee Girl (5946), InFusion (7133), Jean-Jacques Gallery (7118), McMenamins (7170), Mr. Peepers Optical (7228), Mt. Airy Violins and Bows (6665), North by Northwest (7165) and Tesserae Studio (6780), among others. Check with the merchants for FF specials. 215-844-6021 or mtairyfirstfriday@earthlink.net.

INFUSION -- A Coffee and Tea Gallery at 7133 Germantown Ave. -- presents "cupping: the expert's way to experience coffee." Learn about countries of origin, styles of roasting and blending, and flavor profiles as you sample different coffees.  Evaluate the different coffees and find your favorite.  Come join in the tasting or just watch and listen. Friday, Jan. 7, 8:30-9:30 p.m. 215-248-1718.

FIRST FRIDAY AT TESSERAE STUDIO GALLERY, Jan. 7, 5-9 p.m., cold weather craft demonstrations and winter warm up. Learn new ways to get crafty this winter. 6780 Germantown Ave. 215-848-2110 or www.bellamosaic.com.

POETRY SLAM AT ALLENS LANE ART CENTER. Lee Givhan Productions, in cooperation with the Cultural Expressions Poetry Club of Central High School, present a night of poetry as a fundraiser for the club: Friday, Jan. 7; 7 - 9 pm; $5 - $7 at door. Allens Lane & McCallum Streets, 215-248-0546.

OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS is plying at The Stagecrafters, 8130 Germantown Ave., from Jan. 9-22. 215-27-8881 or www.thestagecrafters.org.

PHILADELPHIA FOLKSONG SOCIETY presents Margot Leverett & the Klezmer Mountain Boys on Sunday, Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Germantown Jewish Centre, 400 W. Ellet St. Tickets: $12 in advance, $14 at the door. 215-247-1300 or www.pfs.org.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF GERMANTOWN will host the Nebraska Wesleyan University Choir, featuring music of von Bingen, Vittoria, Willcocks, Svider, Brahms, Ravel and Mozart, on Saturday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary, 6023 Germantown Ave. Free-will offering. 215-438-3677.

KESWICK THEATRE: Times and ticket prices vary. The theater is at Keswick Avenue and Easton Road, Glenside. 215-572-7650 or www.keswicktheatre.com.

MERMAID INN: Closed Dec. 31 & Jan. 1. Times and cover charges vary. 7673 Winston Road, Chestnut Hill. 215-247-9797 or www.themermaidinn.net.

JAZZ FLUTIST WALTER BELL, of Chestnut Hill, is a featured performer each Sunday at Hibachi, Pier 19, Columbus Blvd. & Callowhill St., from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations: 215-592-7100.

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

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

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

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

ARTS

WYNDMOOR ARTIST LAURA PRITCHARD will present a solo exhibition of her witty and imaginative unique portraits through Jan. 2 at The Muse Gallery, 60 North 2nd Street, Old City. Pritchard is known for her mastery of the ancient process of batik. 215-627-5310.

JMS GALLERY, 8236 Germantown Ave. Wed-Fri, 1-6:30; Sat, 12-5; and by appointment. Symbols: collagraph prints by Lehigh University professor Richard Redd; watercolors by Barbara Danin; and large-scale oil paintings by Lisa Foster-Cooney on display from Jan. 5-Feb. 12. Opening reception: Saturday, Jan. 8, 4-7 p.m. 215-248-4649.

LUMINOSITY, an Art in City Hall exhibit which includes the work of Chestnut Hill artist Patricia Ingersoll, will be on display through Jan. 28 on the northeast corner of City Hall, second and fourth floors.

** WOODMERE ART MUSEUM, 9201 Germantown Ave., is showing paintings by Nelson Shanks through Jan. 16. Explore your creative energies and sign up for Woodmere's art classes for adults beginning in January. Classes include still-life painting, beginning drawing and painting, portrait and figure clay sculpture, drawing and painting from live model, and fundamentals of portrait painting. New classes offered this winter are sculpture with Ava Blitz, and comic strip art with Robb Armstrong. In the Helen Millard Children's Gallery, students from Jenkintown High School have created a site-specific installation, "Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind" (John Donne), on display from Jan. 2-Feb. 13. 215-247-0476 or www.woodmereartmuseum.org.

WINTER AT ALLENS LANE ART CENTER includes visual and performing arts 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.

BEGINNING MOSAIC ART CLASS at Tesserae Studio, Jan. 15 & 22, 1-4 p.m. In this two-session workshop, students will piece together and grout a unique mosaic mirror frame. $65/person includes all materials. Tesserae is at 6780 Germantown Ave. between Carpenter Lane and Pelham in Mt. Airy.  Shop hours are Friday- Sunday 12-5 and by appointment. 215-848-2110 or www.bellamosaic.com.

THE WISSAHICKON ART CENTER, 5245 Ridge Ave., Roxborough, offers classes for kids and adults in performing and visual arts. Call 215-482-4860 for details.

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

THE GERMANTOWN WOMEN'S Y, 5820 Germantown Ave., is offering a series of art workshops for children and adults. Registration: 215-438-6266.

NATURE/GARDENS

THE HOLIDAY GARDEN RAILWAY DISPLAY returns for a 4th season at the Morris Arboretum, 100 Northwestern Ave., featuring "The Polar Express." The trains will run daily from 10-4 until Jan. 2. The display is free with regular garden admission. For information, call 215-247-5777 or go to www.morrisarboretum.org.

** THE SCHUYLKILL CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION (SCEE), 8480 Hagy's Mill Road, Roxborough, will hold a winter bird count on Saturday, Jan. 8 from 8-11 a.m. Information/pre-registration for all programs: 215-482-7300.

** AT THE MORRIS ARBORETUM: A variety of trips, activities and classes are going on now -- for amateurs as well as professionals -- adults as well as kids -- including horticulture, perennial gardening, landscape design and floral design. 100 Northwestern Ave.; $; 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org.

HIKE THE WISSAHICKON with various groups throughout the month. Call the Friends of the Wissahickon at 215-247-0417 for details or click www.fow.org/calendar/calendar.htm.

THE PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY offers a variety of classes throughout the year at various locations. Call 215-988-8869 or go to www.pennsylvaniahorticulturalsociety.org for details.

FOR THE KIDS

** THE CHESTNUT HILL LIBRARY, 8711 Germantown Ave.: Story time for 1- to 3-year-olds is on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m., and on most Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. for children 3-6. 215-685-9290.

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

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 the first Monday of the month 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. Drama club and drill team programs are also available. 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.

FUN BIRTHDAY PARTIES WITH AN HISTORIC TWIST. For kids aged 7-12, a party at The Highlands includes historic games, crafts, dress up, scavenger hunts and more. The Highlands is located at 7001 Sheaff Lane, Ft. Washington. 215-641-2687.

THE ROXBOROUGH YMCA, 7201 Ridge Ave., offers after-school and teen leadership programs, plus sports, arts and other activities for kids. A teen basketball league starts Jan. 9. Details: 215-482-3900.

HATCH DANCE THEATER offers dance and creative movement classes for youngsters; and teen, college and adult acting and modern dance classes, with a college student discount. 215-416-0457.

THE WISSAHICKON SKATING CLUB, Willow Grove Avenue and Cherokee Street, has public ice skating every Friday, 8:30 - 10:30 p.m.; open adult hockey on Saturday, 11 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.; group skating lessons and hockey instruction for all ages at varied times and days; and fun birthday parties. 215-247-1759. Special holiday ice skating sessions open to the public: Sunday, Dec. 26- Sunday, Jan. 2, 2-4 p.m. (except Jan. 1).

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.

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. Information: 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or www.pleasegiveblood.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.

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.

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP for adults, sponsored by Koller Funeral Home, 6835 Ridge Ave., will be on Tuesday, Dec. 14 from 1:30-2:45 p.m. Free. Information: 215-624-8190.

STAY IN SHAPE. For many kinds of movement, mind-body and dance classes for you and your kids, ongoing and drop-in, look to the Moving Arts Studio, off Lincoln Drive. 215 842-1040.

FUN RUN. Wissahickon Wanderers Running Club meets every Saturday at 8 a.m.; start at Valley Green. Details: 215-849-9080 or www.wanderersrunningclub.org.

RELAX INTO NOW MEDITATION teleclass with Linda Durand every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. Join this group call and experience "yoga on the phone" without leaving home! 215-242-0604 or www.RelaxIntoNow.com.

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS conducts two meetings each week at Roxborough Memorial Hospital, near Walnut Lane and Ridge Avenue. Details: 215-248-4333.

THE ROXBOROUGH YMCA, 7201 Ridge Ave., offers a variety of fitness classes for adults throughout the year. They are also starting a teen basketball league starting in January. 215-482-3900.

YOGA / TAI CHI / QIGONG classes are offered throughout the week at The Second Wind Center, 98 Bethlehem Pike. Information: 215-248-9642.

CHESTNUT HILL HOSPITAL offers a great variety of programs and support groups, plus exercise programs for all ages and physical conditions (including yoga 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.

THE WELLNESS COMMUNITY sponsors many programs and support groups for people with cancer. 215-879-7733 or www.twcp.org.

EDUCATION

"THE EAST EUROPEAN IMMIGRANT JEWISH FAMILY" will be presented by Reena Friedman on Saturday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at Or Hadash, 190 Camp Hill Road, Ft. Washington. $15 for Or Hadash members; $18 for non-members. 215-283-0276.

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, Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential, 8801 Stenton Ave., Wyndmoor. Reservations: 267-440-2576.

THE MT. AIRY COMPUTER CENTER, 6335 Wayne Ave., offers classes for kids and adults throughout the week. Call 215-438-8505 for a complete schedule.

PRESIDENT'S COMMISSION ON WHITE HOUSE FELLOWSHIPS is accepting applications for the 2005-2006 Class. Founded in 1964, the White House Fellows program is America's most prestigious program for leadership and public service. White House Fellowships offer exceptional young men and women first-hand experience working at the highest levels of the federal government. Applications must be postmarked by Feb. 1, 2005. Go to www.whitehouse.gov/fellows for details.

JOURNEY AS PARENTS, Thursdays, Jan. 6, 13, 20,27 through March 24, 6-7:30 p.m., Summit Presbyterian Church, 6757 Greene St. Free, weekly parenting discussion sessions where you can meet new friends. Dinner, on-site child care and transportation tokens provided. Classes led by Sue Endy, MSW, coordinator, parenting education, Chestnut Hill Hospital, and Zelphia Ellerson, parenting project coordinator, Northwest Interfaith Movement. For more information, call Zelphia Ellerson, 215-843-5600, ext. 210.

RELIGION

UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF GERMANTOWN, 6511 Lincoln Drive, offers "Coffee and Conversation" on most Sundays at 9:30 a.m. On Jan. 9, get an update on Iraq with Kitty Bryant. 215-844-1157 or www.usguu.org.

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

PLYMOUTH VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH, 1090 Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, offers a full range of worship and community services. 610-277-1690 or www.PVCCHURCH.com.

"MODERN JEWISH THINKERS" 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, Jan. 9 at 10:15 a.m., the discussion will focus on Moses Mendelssohn, Martin Buber & Franz Rosenzweig. Information: 215-248-1550 or www.folkshul.org.

ST. MICHAEL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 6671 Germantown Ave., invites the community to await the New Year at a service of prayer, praise and testimony at 11 p.m. on Dec. 31. Join in joyous singing and welcome the New Year. 215-848-0199.

MISCELLANEOUS

WEST AFRICAN DANCE CLASS w/ Maurice Edwards: Summit Presbyterian Church (basement). Green and Westview Streets in Mount Airy. Wednesdays from 7:30-9 p.m. Live drums. $15. 215-849-1484.

AT THE CHESTNUT HILL SENIOR CENTER, 7999 Crittenden St.: Tuesday, Jan. 4, 1 p.m., free classic movie, Countess from Hong Kong, starring Sophia Loren & Marlon Brando; Friday, Jan. 7, 1 p.m., Senior Center executive director Mary Zell talks about volunteering at The Stagecrafters. Refreshments served at both events. 215-248-0180.

CONTRA DANCING occurs every Thursday evening at Glenside Memorial Hall, Keswick Ave. and Waverly Street, Glenside. The dance runs from 8-11 p.m., with a break in the middle. There is always live music, with a different band each week. Admission is $6. 215-643-4397 or www.thursdaycontra.com.

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.

"TITANIC: THE ARTIFACT EXHIBITION" is on display at The Franklin Institute Science Museum, 222 North 20th Street, through January 23. 215-448-1200 or www.fi.edu.

LEWIS & CLARK: THE NATIONAL BICENTENNIAL EXHIBITION will be on display at The Academy of Natural Sciences through March 20, 2005. 1-800-347-9000 or go to www.acnatsci.org/lewisclark.

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

** Member of Chestnut Hill Cultural Alliance

VOLUNTEER

… Seeking domestic violence hotline volunteers. Philadelphia-based domestic violence agency seeks dedicated hotline volunteers to counsel women endangered by domestic violence and substance abuse. Volunteers participate in a 45-hour crisis-intervention training program (two nights/week) in spring 2005 and volunteer for two six-hour shifts a month. Be a voice of hope and safety for women and their children. For more information, call 215-564-5301, extension 118, or visit www.womanintransitioninc.org.

… 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, 1207 Chestnut St. Call 215-851-1748 for more information or to reserve a spot.

… 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.

… Historic RittenhouseTown needs volunteers for a variety of activities. Call 215-438-5711 or go to www.rittenhousetown.org.

… World Heritage, a non-profit student exchange program, is currently seeking a volunteer local community representative to provide high school exchange students with program support. The ideal candidate should enjoy fostering international friendships, be community minded, and enjoy working with teenagers. Community representatives screen potential host families, meet with local high schools, and provide support counseling for host families and students. World Heritage also provides international opportunities for families to host a student and for an American teen to become an exchange student. If you are interested in one of these rewarding experiences, call Sue at 1-800-888-9040 or visit www.world-heritage.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.

USEFUL WEB SITES

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

… Want to know what's going on around the state? Go to www.visitpa.com.

… 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 National Constitution Center's Web site, www.constitutioncenter.org, is chock full of information and activities.

… 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.

… "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:

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. 215-482-8765.

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.

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.

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.

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.