December 15, 2005 Issue                                                              

©2005 The Chestnut Hill Local

This Week

ARTS

ALLENS LANE ART CENTER: “Storybook Holiday” to showcase ALAC’s dance & theater students. Friday, Dec. 16, Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. $3 at the door. Decorative & wearable arts exhibit. Through Dec. 23. Unique items handmade by fourteen local artists and craftspeople. Allens Lane & McCallum Street. 215-248-0546.

CHELTENHAM ART CENTER: www.cheltenhamarts.org or 215-379-4660.

CHESTNUT HILL SENIOR CENTER: On-going show of paintings by the Center’s art workshop instructor and students. Framed prints for sale. Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. 7999 Crittenden Street. 215-248-0180.

GALLERY SAINT MARTIN: 7811 St. Martin’s Lane. 215-247-7811. Paintings and prints by emerging and established artists. Friday - Sunday 2-6 p.m. and by appt. www.GallerySaintMartin.com.

HIGHLAND AVENUE FINE ARTS: New Chestnut Hill art school is now open, providing professional fine art instruction in studio environment. Small classes and private sessions for children, teens and adults. 215-247-5089.

INFUSION: Photographers Mike Tyler and Cathleen McCarthy on display through Dec. 7133 Germantown Ave. 215-248-1718. www.InFusionCoffeeandTea.com.

JMS GALLERY: 8236 Germantown Ave. Wednesday-Friday, 1- 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, noon-6 p.m.; Sunday noon - 4 p.m and by appointment. www.jmsgallery.com.

KAREN SINGER TILEWORKS: 90 E. Church Lane offers day and evening tile and ceramics classes for adults and children year-round. 215-849-7010 or www.karensinger.com.

“PLANTS FOR ALL REASONS”: Flower and landscape paintings from the studio class of Phoebe Shish, at The Morris Arboretum Upper Gallery, 100 Northwestern Ave., daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. through Feb. 10. Free with regular garden admission: adults $10; seniors (65+) $8; youth (3-18) and students (with ID) $5; children under 3 and members free. 215-247-5777 or www.morrisarboretum.org.

TESSERAE MOSAIC STUDIO & GALLERY: 6780 Germantown Ave. Walk-in mosaic art classes every Friday and Sunday noon-5 p.m. Projects start at $10. Dec. 17, 12:30 -2:30, family mosaic gift-making workshop. $20/person includes all materials.6780 Germantown Ave. 215-848-2110. www.bellamosaic.com or classes@bellamosaic.com.

UMBRIAN SERENADES: A choral and cultural workshop for choral amateur singers and their traveling companions in Spoleto, Italy. From July 30 – Aug. 8, 2006. “Auditions” on Jan. 15 &17. Application by Jan. 6. 877-861 3500. www.umbrianserenades.com

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

WHITEMARSH COMMUNITY ART CENTER: 100 Cedar Grove Road, Registration is underway for January adult and children classes. 610-825-0917.

***WOODMERE ART MUSEUM: 9201 Germantown Ave. Explore your creative energies and sign up for Woodmere’s art classes for adults, including drawing and painting, watercolor and design, landscape painting, portrait and figure clay sculpture, and drawing and painting from live models. Fall exhibits include Senior Artists Initiative, through Jan. 8; The Pennsylvania Impressionist Legacy, through Jan. 8; The Ella May Fell Collection, through Jan. 8. 215-247-0476, or www.woodmereartmuseum.org.

BRAIN FOOD

CHESTNUT HILL SENIOR CENTER: Free tour of the Chestnut Hill Historical Society, 8708 Germantown Ave. on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 11:30. Lunch afterward in the neighborhood. RSVP by Dec. 18. 215-248-0180.

ESL CLASSES: Mondays and Wednesdays, 7 - 9 p.m. Won Community Service Center, 423 Abington Ave., Glenside. 215-884-8443. Free with $25 reg. and purchase of book. 215-884-8942 or www.woninstitute.org.

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

PARENT/CHILD GROUP AND PARENTING SEMINARS: 15 biweekly sessions (except holidays) on Thursdays through June 15 from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. for 10 parents, and their children from birth to thirty months. The Family & Play Therapy Center, two blocks from Lincoln Drive, near the Carpenter Lane train station. Kristin Walker or Laura Bishop at 215-844-4321.

SATURDAY SERVICE BEGINS AT THE FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA: The following branches are now open from 1 – 5 p.m. on Saturdays: Andorra, 705 E. cathedral Rd.; Eastwick, 2851 Island Ave.; Haddington, 336 N. 65th St.; Haverford Ave., 5543 Haverford Ave.; Kingsessing, 1201 S. 51st St.; Chestnut Hill, 8711 Germantown Ave.; Falls of Schuylkill, 3501 Midvale Ave.; Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional, 68 W. Chelten Ave., will be open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 1 – 5 p.m. on Sunday. 215-686-5322 or www.library.phila.gov.

THE WHOLE LIFE CHARTER SCHOOL FOR LEARNER ALTERNATIVES: Community meeting on Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m. at the Springfield Township Municipal Building, 1510 Paper Mill Road, Wyndmoor. http://www.wholelifeschool.org or gary@wholelifeschool.org or 215-517-5331.

THE WON INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE STUDIES: 137. S. Easton Road, Glenside, offers “Abundant Living,” a thought-provoking, restorative cultural program. Programs, ranging from free lectures and open houses, workshops taught by holistic teachers from around the country, a film series and acupuncture wellness groups run throughout the fall.

ENTERTAINMENT

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. www. walterbellmusic.com.

KESWICK THEATRE: Friday, Dec. 16, Saturday, Dec. 17, Sunday, Dec. 18, Nutcracker. Times and ticket prices vary. Keswick Ave. and Easton Road, Glenside. 215-572-7650 or www.keswicktheatre.com.

MERMAID INN: Dec. 16, Stevie & the Bluescasters; Dec. 17, Philadelphia Bluegrass Band. Performances, times and cover charges vary. 7673 Winston Road. 215-247-9797 or www.themermaidinn.net.

NORTH BY NORTHWEST: Holiday Party on Friday Dec. 23 with Zydeco-A-Go-Go. Singer/ songwriter night is the second Tuesday at 8 p.m. Salsa on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. 7105 Germantown Ave. www.nxnwphl.com or 215-248-1000.

PHILLY SWINGS: Swing dancing on Saturdays at the Commodore Barry Club, 6815 Emlen St. 610-676-0123 or www.swingdance.org.

TRAVEL: The Senior Center is sponsoring a tour to Savannah, Georgia and barrier islands. May 14-19, 2006. Price includes meals, tours, bus transportation to & from the center. $505 per person for members or $525, non-members. Registration and deposit by Thursday, Dec. 22. 215-248-0180.

FOR THE KIDS

AMOEBA ART SHOP: Saturday Art Club For Kids. Every Saturday, from 9 to noon for ages six to 10. $12.50 per hour. Amoeba Art Shop Annex, 7174 Germantown Ave. Pre-registration required. www.amoebaartshop.com.

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 CHESTNUT HILL LIBRARY: 8711 Germantown Ave. Winter holiday programs on Wednesdays, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Dec. 21 Kwanzaa with Frank Aycox leading group games for children 6-10. Younger siblings are welcome if parents stay and help. Holiday stories, crafts, games and food tasting. Limited to 25. Register at 215-685-9290.

CUMMINS SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE: Classes run through December at the Commodore Barry Club on Emlen St. and Carpenter Lane www.cumminsschool.com or 215-508-1763.

FAMILIES OF CURRENT/POTENTIAL HENRY SCHOOL STUDENTS: Meeting on Thursday Dec. 15. Guests Paul Vallas, School District CEO & Linda Grobman, Northwest Regional Superintendent. 7 - 8:30 p.m. 526 Arbutus Street. Bring a small snack or beverage. Childcare $5/child (advanced notice preferred). RSVP for potential Henry families only. 215-713-2650 or wissahickon@earthlink.net. http://knowinghenry.blogspot.com.

FAMILY STORY NIGHTS: On the first three Wednesdays of each month for stories, songs, activities and rhymes, at the Falls of Schuylkill Library. For children from birth to six and their caregivers at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 21; Jan 4, 11, 18. Falls of Schuylkill Branch, 3501 Midvale Ave. 215-685-2093.

GERMANTOWN BEACON CENTER: Free after school and weekend programs including sports, dance, tutoring, driver’s ed. SAT prep, and more. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Haines, between Baynton and Germantown Ave. 215-951-4519; 215-951-4537 or jweems@edeucationWorks-Online.org.

MAKIN’ MUSIC: An interactive music program for preschoolers and their caregivers takes place on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 9:15 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. at the Water Tower Rec. Center, and Mondays and Tuesdays at St. Philips in the Field Church, Oreland. 215-233-2560.

MUSIC COMPOSITION WORKSHOP: For girls ages 11-19 at Springside School on Saturday mornings beginning Jan. 7 by Ellen Fishman-Johnson. Each student will create a piece that will be played by members of Network for New Music in a concert on March 18. Register by Dec. 31 at 215-247-7200 Ext. 7103 or efjohnson@springside.org.

WATER TOWER CHILDREN’S CLASSES: Karate for children & adults; Tony’s little dribblers; Pick up basketball; Jazzy lady social grace & etiquette; Dance classes with Miss Sara; Tot recreation class; Gymnastics classes. Hartwell Lane & Ardleigh Street. Times, days, ages vary. 215-685-9296.

THE WISSAHICKON SKATING CLUB, Willow Grove Avenue and Cherokee Street, has public ice skating every Friday, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Lots of new rental skates. $6 admission; $1 guest card; $3 skate rental; open adult hockey, group skating lessons and hockey instruction, figure skating and synchronized skating for all ages and abilities at varied times and days, plus birthday parties. Information: Lydia at 215-247-1759 VM #13.

YOUTH DANCE AND ACTING CLASSES: Forming now at HATCH Dance Theater for ages three and up. Ask about our Big & Little Class for two year olds with their favorite grownup. 215-416-0457. Above O’Doodle’s Toy Store at 8333 Germantown Ave.

HEALTH FOOD

JEWISH FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S SERVICE of Greater Philadelphia offers continuing education programs and classes on health and healing at various locations throughout the region. Women and Depression: An Educational Support Group is planned for November. www.jfcsphil.org or 215-540-3737.

KEYSTONE HOSPICE VOLUNTEER TRAINING: Training series for individuals interested in becoming direct patient care volunteers to support terminally ill patients and families in the greater Philadelphia region and/or at Keystone House. Attendance at all 3 sessions necessary: Next sessions on Monday, Dec. 19, 1 – 5 p.m. and Wednesday. Dec. 21 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Keystone House, 8765 Stenton Ave. 215-836-2440 or lcurtis@keystonecare.com.

WATER TOWER: Aerobics for Adults. Mondays & Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays at 8:15 a.m. Hartwell Lane & Ardleigh Street. 215-685-9296.

NATURE

**THE MORRIS ARBORETUM: 100 Northwestern Ave. Kids holiday sleigh arrangement, for 5-12 years old on Sunday, Dec. 18 from 1 – 3 p.m. $28 for members, $31 for non-members. 215-247-5777 ext. 125 or www.morrisarboretum.org.Holiday Garden Railway Display through Dec. 31 daily 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free with regular garden admission; $10 adults; $8 for seniors, students and youth (13-18); $5, children; under age three and members free. (215) 247-5777. www.morrisarboretum.org.

SOUL FOOD

The Cecilian Center For Earth, Arts And Spirit: 100 W. Carpenter Lane, 215-849-3364. A full roster of courses for the fall at their location and at the Mt. Airy Learning Tree. 215-894-3364 or ceciliancenter@yahoo.com.

THE CHURCH OF ST. MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS: Monthly series of conversations on bioethical questions on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in Hilary House, located next-door to the church at 8020 St. Martins Lane. Not necessary to attend every session. Nov., Dec., Jan., Feb. and April. 8000 St. Martins Lane, on the corner of St Martins Lane and Willow Grove Ave. 215-247-7466. Free and open to the public.

CONGREGATION OR AMI: Classes in ethics, Torah study, women’s issues, basic Judaism and more, plus Shabbat services are held throughout the month. 610-828-9066. 708 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill.

GERMANTOWN JEWISH CENTRE SYNAPLEX SHABBAT: Dec 16 & 17 Saturday afternoon “Lunch & Learn” program with Lori Lefkovitz, Ph.D and a rockin’ live concert by Soulfarm in the evening. Synaplex Shabbat. Programs for adults and children of all ages. Some programs require advanced RSVP; many are free. 400 W. Ellet St.215-844-1507 ext. 19, Synaplex@germantownjewishcentre.org; www.germantownjewishcentre.org.

ORELAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Papermill and Church Roads. Bible preaching and teaching by Pastor Jim Farrell. Sunday worship services: 8:30 & 11 a.m.; education hour for all ages: 9:45 a.m.; youth program. www.orelandpres.org or 215-887-7002.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN GERMANTOWN: Dr. Tom McDaniel presents “Wrestling with Biblical Violence in the Light of Advent”. Free lectures. Dec. 18 at 11:30 a.m. “Christmas: The Incarnation and the Coming of the Son-of-Jesse”. 35 W. Chelten Ave. 215-843-8811.

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

SISTERS OF SAINT JOSEPH CENTER FOR SPIRITUALITY: The center is at 9701 Germantown Ave. 215-248-7222.

THE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF THE RESTORATION: Thursday morning writing circles at 9:30 a.m.; yoga on Tuesdays at 8 a.m. 6900 Stenton Ave. 215-247-2561.UNITARIAN SOCIETY OF GERMANTOWN: Coffee and Conversation on Sundays. Dec 18, “Married to Medical Care for Better or Worse”. 9:30 a.m. Weekend retreats, presentations and spiritual workshops throughout the year. 6511 Lincoln Drive. 215-844-1157.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

CENTER IN THE PARK: Thursday, Dec. 15. Holiday bazaar, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. in the auditorium. Thursday, Dec. 22. Holiday luncheon. Noon in the auditorium. Sign up at the program office window. Members $4; non-members $5. Thursday, Dec. 29. Member birthday & New Year’s Eve party. All free unless noted. Holiday Center schedule: Friday, Dec. 23, 8:30-noon; Monday, Dec. 26, closed; Friday, Dec. 30, 8:30-noon; Monday, Jan. 2, 2006 closed. Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Ave., 215-848-7722 x 224. Off street parking available on the lot at Rittenhouse & McCallum Streets.

CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR NEEDY CHILDREN: Tuesday Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. at the 14th Police District Headquarters, 43 W. Haines St. Donations needed before Dec. 16. 215-685-2147 or 215-685-2149.

KEYSTONE HOSPICE HOLIDAY SERVICE OF LIGHT: Thursday Dec. 15, 4 p.m. at Keystone House, 8765 Stenton Ave. Candle-lighting and reading to celebrate the winter solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. Light luminaries in remembrance of loved ones. Light refreshments. 215-836-2440.

MESSIAH SING-IN: With the senior choir of the Grace Baptist Church and the chancel choir of the Second Baptist Church Sunday, Dec. 18 at 4 p.m. at the Second Baptist Church of Germantown, 6459 Germantown Ave. 215-849-0257.

NOWELL’S DELIGHT: Seasonal favorites of the Renaissance by Piffaro on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave. $25 preferred seating; $20, general; $15, seniors and students/ 215-235-8469 or www.piffaro.com.

REJOICE IN THEE: A cantata by J.S. Bach at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 6671 Germantown Ave. on Dec. 18 at 11 a.m. 215-848-0199.

SACRED STORYTELLING: At P’nai Or Philadelphia Sunday Dec. 18 “A Tasty Stew of Spiritual Tales” from 2-3 p.m. led by Carole Forman. Ages 10 and up. From 3:30-5:30 p.m. “The Light and Fire of the Baal Shem Tov” with Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum. 6757 Greene St., Summit Presbyterian Church. $5 for the early session; $10 for the later session; $12 for both at the door.

“THE FATHER’S GIFT OF LOVE”: Sunday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. with reception following concert. A telling of the Christmas story through readings, vignettes, solos, duets, trios and chorals. Chestnut Hill SDA Church, 8700 Germantown Ave. Germantown Ave.

KWANZAA CELEBRATION: Buffet accompanied by conversation about the role of community at Geechee Girl Rice Cafe, 5946 Germantown Ave. on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. $20 ($15 for children under 13). Reservations necessary. 215-843-8113.

PEACE TO GOD’S PEOPLE ON EARTH: Songs of the seasons from many peoples and places multicultural Christmas concert being presented by the Multicultural Mission Resource Center of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia on Saturday, Dec. 17, 3 p.m. In the Brossman Center on the LTSP campus, 7301 Germantown Ave. Free and open to the public. http://www.Ltsp.edu, 215-248-4616.

POINSETTIA SALE: To benefit Friends of Vernon Park. As part of the Center In The Park’s holiday bazaar on Thursday Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sale also at the center on Friday Dec. 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Order forms available at the YMCA of Germantown. 215-843-5007.

TOYS FOR TOTS: New, unwrapped toys will be collected at the door until Dec. 16, at Roberts Family Chiropractic, 8151 Ridge Ave. Through Dec. 16 free health and wellness information free chiropractic consultation on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 - 11 a.m. and Mondays through Thursdays from 3 - 6:30 p.m.

SAND CASTLES: Open every weekend, Saturdays and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through the holidays. Personalized items, printed invitations, wedding & party favors. Next to Bruno’s Restaurant, Germantown and Northwestern Avenues. 215-233-9257.

“STAG AND DOE” SHOPPING NIGHTS: in Chestnut Hill, Dec. 21 from 6-9p.m. The Holly Trolley will travel up and down the Avenue.

SUNDAYS ON THE HILL: Every Sunday in Dec. Music, children’s activities, and shopping. Santa will be riding our shopper’s trolley. 215-247-6696 or www.chestnuthillpa.com.

VISIT WITH SANTA: Monday, Dec. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Winter and holiday stories and songs and Santa’s visit. Refreshments. Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave. 215-685-2093.

MISCELLANEOUS:

APPALACHIAN CLOGGING CLASSES: Every Wednesday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Allens Lane Art Center, Allens Lane & McCallum streets. $7/session; no pre-registration required. Leather bottom or tap shoes are the most suitable footwear. 215-643-4397 email info@fiddlekicks.com.

CHESTNUT HILL PEACE VIGIL: Wednesdays, until further notice, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in front of Border’s, Germantown Ave. and Bethlehem Pike.

CONTRA DANCING: Third Saturday, Sept.- May, 8 to 11 p.m., at Glenside Memorial Hall, Keswick Ave. and Waverly St., Glenside. Live music, with a different band each week. Admission. 215-643-4397 or www.thursdaycontra.com.

INTERNATIONAL DANCING: At Or Hadash, 190 Camp Hill Road, Fort Washington from 8 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays. $5; free first time. www.beaverfolkdance.org or 610-688-3284.

RECYCLING: Collected from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Unitarian Church of Germantown parking lot. Enter off Johnson Street between Greene Street and Wayne Avenue). Sponsored by Weaver’s Way Cooperative and PhilaPride. 215-843-2350.

THE CENTER IN THE PARK: 5818 Germantown Ave. Tuesdays, 9–10:30 a.m. Monette Sudler-Honesty teaches songwriting. 215-848-7722 or www.centerinthepark.org.

WEDNESDAY EVENING PEACE VIGILS: 6511 Lincoln Drive north of Wayne Avenue, at 5 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, Dec. 7. Focus: “Support our troops. Bring them home!” Endorsed by the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Society of Germantown. 215-843-2285 and nwgreens@yahoo.com.

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

***Member of the Chestnut Hill Cultural Alliance