Around town

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Civic Association Meetings

• East Falls Forward will next meet Thursday, May 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Bu-Logics building, 3721 Midvale Ave., East Falls.

• The Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association will next meet Monday, June 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Pilgrim Church, 3158 Terrace St., Manayunk.

• The Manayunk Neighborhood Council will next meet Wednesday, June 7, at 7:30 p.m. at the Venice Island Performing Arts Center,7 Lock St. Manayunk.

• The Central Roxborough Civic Association will next meet Thursday, June 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Leverington Presbyterian Church, 6301 Ridge Ave., Roxborough.

• The East Falls Community Council will next meet Monday, June 12, at 7 p.m. at East Falls Presbyterian Church, 3800 Vaux St., East Falls.

• The Upper Roxborough Civic Association will next meet Wednesday, June 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Roxborough Presbyterian Church, 8230 Ridge Ave., Roxborough.

• The Wissahickon Interested Citizens Association will next meet Wednesday, June 14, at 7 p.m. at Northern Children’s Services, 5301 Ridge Ave., Wissahickon.

Roxborough Reservoir History Walk & Talk

The Philadelphia Water Department will present Roxborough Reservoir History Walk & Talk Wednesday, May 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the reservoir, 601 Port Royal Ave., Roxborough.

Philadelphia Water Department historian Adam Levine and other staffmembers will lead a walking tour of the decommissioned Roxborough Reservoir.

Attendees will learn the historical significance of the site, how the water department and parks & rec are working together to preserve it and about the groups currently involved in maintaining it.

This tour will not involve strenuous hiking.

Rain date is Thursday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m.

Register for the event on Facebook by searching “Roxborough Reservoir Historical + Green Infrastructure Tour.”

For more information, email Daniel.Schupsky@phila.gov.

Town Hall Meeting

State Rep. Pamela A. DeLissio, D-194, will host her 64th town hall Wednesday, May 17, at 7 p.m. in the Cook-Wissahickon Elementary School cafeteria, 201 E. Salaignac St., Wissahickon.

Included in the town hall will be an update on the Transportation Department’s Highway Safety Project for Henry Avenue that was initiated in 2012.

Other state legislative priorities also will be discussed, including an update on the state budget that is due on June 30.

State legislative priorities and the state budget also will be discussed during the town hall.

Those attending the town hall should enter the cafeteria from the parking lot. The school is located on SEPTA bus routes 9 and 65.

Jazz@ Fellowship Hall

WRTI Radio’s Jeff Duperon will host the premiere season of “Jazz @ Fellowship Hall” Third Wednesdays Concert Series at Ridge Avenue United Methodist Church, 7811 Ridge Ave., Roxborough, with drummer Justin Faulkner Wednesday, May 17, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10, $5 for students, and are available only at the door. Children under 12 years old get in for free.

For more information, call 215-280-2254 or 215517-8337 or visit jazzbridge.org/events/neighborhoodconcerts.

Captain’s Town Hall Meeting

Fifth District police Capt. John Moroney will hold a Captain’s Town Hall Meeting Thursday, May 18, at 7 p.m. at the Fifth District Police Department, 6666 Ridge Ave., Roxborough.

Show of Hands

The Manayunk-Roxborough Art Center will present its May art exhibition, Show of Hands, May 19 and 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the center, 419 Green Lane, Roxborough.

The exhibit will feature Roxborough artists — both MRAC members and nonmembers.

Admission is free, and donations are gratefully accepted.

For more information, visit ManayunkRoxboroughArtCenter.org.

Cook-Wissahickon Race for Literacy

The fifth annual Cook-Wissahickon Run for Literacy will be held Saturday, May 20, rain or shine, starting at Cook-Wissahickon Elementary School, 201 E. Salaignac St., Wissahickon.

Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the race will begin at 9 a.m.

Registration cost is $10 for students, $20 for adults who register with a student and $25 for other adults.

An online registration form can be found at cookwissahickonhsa.com. Online registration closes at 5 p.m. May 18.

Day-of registration will cost $35 for adults.

Walkers are welcome. All participants under 18 must have a parent sign a waiver, and parents must accompany participants under 15.

Proceeds from the event will support new technology at Cook-Wissahickon Elementary and the school’s campaign to improve its school campus.

For more information, call 610-212-5797 or email alexander06@gmail.com.

Flea Market and Craft Fair

The Roxborough Home for Women, 601 Leverington Ave., Roxborough, will hold its annual flea market and craft fair Saturday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vendors are welcome, and spaces are available. To register, call 215- 4826615.

Pet Adoption Event

A pet adoption event will be held at McMichael Park in East Falls Saturday, May 20, from noon to 2 p.m.

ACCT, PAWS, Noah’s Ark and J&C rescue will be in attendance.

Poetry in the Park

Local poets will gather for an open-air reading on Forbidden Drive across from the Valley Green Inn in Fairmount Park Saturday, May 20, from noon to 2 p.m.

Jazz Jam

Jazz Jam at Fellowship Hall will take place Saturday, May 20, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Ridge Avenue United Methodist Church, 7811 Ridge Ave., Roxborough, with a “house band” and all musicians (college, students, seasoned professionals) are invited to bring their “ax” and perform.

Tickets are $10 with proceeds benefiting the church.

There is free parking, and light refreshments will be available.

This fundraiser is family friendly, and all ages are welcome.

For more information, call 215- 482-2653.

Wissahickon Creek Cleanup

United By Blue will team up with REI Conshocken and King of Prussia, Friends of the Wissahickon and the City of Philadelphia for a cleanup of the Wissahickon Creek Saturday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to noon at Devil’s Pool at the Valley Green Inn.

United by Blue and REI will provide all of the cleanup supplies. All volunteers will receive a custom United By Blue “Cleanup Crew” hat, and snacks will be provided by honeygrow KOP.

To learn more and register, visit UnitedbyBlue.com/Wissahickon.

Children’s Story Hour

The Falls of Schuylkill Library will present a children’s story hour on the first Monday of each month this summer at 6:15 p.m. at McMichael Park in East Falls.

This summer’s dates are June 12, July 10 and Aug. 14.

Rain dates will be the second Monday of the month at 6:15 p.m.

Manayunk Arts Festival

The Manayunk Development Corp. will present the 28th annual Manayunk Arts Festival Saturday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, June 25, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

More than 300 artists that will showcase their work along Main Street in Manayunk.

For the fifth year, the event will once again feature an Emerging Artist Tent at Main and Grape streets.

The Manayunk Arts Festival is a rain or shine event.

Sunday Literacy Program

The Free Library of Philadelphia will pilot a Sunday Literacy Program at 11 libraries

This program is intended to offer additional help to students struggling to read in first through third grades. Continuing throughout the school year, each library hosting a Sunday Literacy Program will have two sessions for students. Each session will be run by a teacher and will include the following elements: read aloud, independent reading, literacy games and writing.

Registration is required to participate, but families can register on their first visit. Participants should plan to arrive at the beginning of one of the sessions.

Session 1 will be held from 1 to 2:45 p.m. Session 2 will be held from 3 to 4:45 p.m.

Participating libraries include the Andorra Library, 705 E. Cathedral Road, Roxborough; the Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library, 68 W. Chelten Ave., Germantown; and the West Oak Lane Library, 2000 Washington Lane, West Oak Lane.

The Sunday Literacy Program is part of Read by Fourth, a citywide effort of more than 100 organizations convened and managed by the Free Library that aims to majorly increase the number of students in Philadelphia entering the fourth grade at reading level by 2020.

Lectures in Basic Civics

The Roxborough YMCA will offer several one-hour lectures on the makeup and functions of our federal government.

All lectures will be at the Roxborough YMCA, 7201 Ridge Ave., Roxborough, from 1 to 2 p.m. on alternate Wednesdays.

The lectures will be free, and no reservations are necessary. Refreshments will be served.

Lecture topics will include Our U.S. system of government: A constitutional federal republic; Our main branches of government: Congress, the presidency and the judiciary; What do separation of powers and checks and balances mean?; Why do we have two houses of Congress and how are they different?; What are the real powers and limitations of the presidency?; How do the Supreme Court and federal courts work?; and How do constitutional amendments work?

Lectures will be presented by Paul Selbst, PhD, a professor of politics and government at Temple University’s Lifelong Learning Institute.

The Y invites residents to come, learn and get a free copy of a pocket Dec- laration of Independence and U.S. Constitution. Senior Citizens Dinner Join your neighbors every Wednesday evening from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Roxborough Memorial Hospital Cafeteria for a $5 meal and a visit with friends.

Job Corps

Job Corps is the nation’s leading career technical training program for out of school youth ages 16 to 24. Whether you have graduated or dropped out of high school, this no- cost, government-funded program can assist you with learning a technical trade in construction, health care, auto repair or culinary arts

Orientations are held Tuesdays at the Career Link office, 5847 Germantown Ave., Germantown. Arrive by 9 a.m. Parents should accompany minors under age 18, and all parents are welcome to attend.

For more information, call at 215-985-2319.

Journey’s Way Programs

Journey’s Way, Resources & Programs for People 55+, a division of Intercommunity Action Inc., invites community members to celebrate October at the Center at Journey’s Way, 403 Rector St.

It offers a wide range of programs for personal growth, fitness, education, creative expression and volunteering, plus information, resources and social services if needed. Participants can get a ride if they are 65-plus and lunch if they are 60-plus (optional suggested donations for both). Journey’s Way strives to keep prices affordable; many services are free of charge. Programs:

• Beginners tap dancing on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.

• Get assistance with LIHEAP and MEDICARE — just call for an appointment.

• Check out the Next Chapter discussion group and share the challenges and joys of aging Tuesdays from1 to 2 p.m.

For further information, call 215- 487-1750 ext. 1101.

Laurel Hill Cemetery events

Information: Laurel Hill Cemetery is located at 3822Ridge Ave., East Falls. For more information, visit thelaurelhillcemetery.org. Free parking is located in the lot across the street from the Gatehouse. An Anthology of Edgar

Allan Poe: Edgar Allan Poe spent his most productive years in Philadelphia, and many have speculated that his tales may have been inspired amid the graves and gardens of Laurel Hill Cemetery. As the sun sets over the cemetery’s historic tombs, The Mechanical Theater will bring Poe’s most haunting tales to life in this original production, written and directed by Loretta Vasile. This anthology piece will include Edgar Allan Poe’s “Hop-frog,” “The Masque of the Red Death” and “The Pit and The Pendulum.” The performances will take place Thursday, May 18; Friday, May 19; and Saturday, May 20, at 7 p.m. (with a pre-scheduled rain date of Sunday, May 21, at 7p.m.). Gates open at 6p.m. Bring your own blankets or beach chairs, picnics and/or beverages. The cost is $20/person general admission. Advance registration is requested. Tickets can be purchased online at thelaurelhillcemetery.org. Laurel Hill’s West Point Graduates: Take a step back into time as we visit the graves and pay respect to the famed graduates and commanders who now eternally rest at Laurel Hill. The walking tour will take place Saturday, May 20, at 1p.m. The cost is $15/person, $13/students and seniors or $12/members. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at thelaurelhillcemetery.org. Yoga in the Cemetery: Find inner tranquility and balance during a one-hour yoga session in the peaceful backdrop of Laurel Hill Cemetery, overlooking the Schuylkill River. Sessions will be led by experienced yoga instructor Emily Tara Sabalbaro. Please bring your own mat and water. Sessions will be held outdoors on the pavement along Millionaire’s Row. All levels of experience are welcome. Yoga in the Cemetery will be held every third Saturday at 2p.m. May through September (May 20, June 17, July 15, Aug. 19and Sept. 16). There is a suggested donation of $15per person. Advanced registration is strongly suggested, as space is limited. Reservations can be made online at thelaurelhillcemetery.org; walk-ins are welcome. Memorial Day Volunteer Flag Placement: The General Meade Society of Philadelphia, in conjunction with the Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery, calls all volunteers to assist in preparing for the nation’s Memorial Day commemoration. Those assembled will be assigned to place American flags on the grave sites of veterans who served in all of our nation’s wars. As time and manpower permit, and in addition to Laurel Hill, cemeteries covered may include Mount Moriah, Mount Peace and St. James the Less. Free refreshments will be provided to all. The flag placement will take place Sunday, May 21, at 10a.m. Hot Spots and Stories Plots: In life and in death, we all have stories to tell and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead? Join Laurel Hill Cemetery for an informative overview of Laurel Hill’s long and colorful history, which will include many of the marble masterpieces, stunning views and legendary stories that afford the cemetery its wow factor. This is the perfect tour for first-time visitors to Laurel Hill and anyone else who enjoys beautiful art, scenic nature and fascinating history. The walking tour will take place May 26at 10a.m., departing from Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Gatehouse entrance at 3822Ridge Ave. The cost is $12/person, $10/students

and seniors or $9/members. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at thelaurelhillcemetery.org.

Memorial Day Parade, Service and Reception:

The traditional Decoration Day service of the Grand Army Meade Post No. 1will be recreated at historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, the site of the first Memorial Day observance in Philadelphia in 1868. The entourage will gather at the resting place of Gen. George Gordon Meade, hero of the Battle of Gettysburg, to perform the traditional service honoring all veterans who fell defending the nation. A wreath-laying, speeches and honor guards will enhance the ceremony. The event is co-sponsored in part by the General Meade Society of Philadelphia and the Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery. Complimentary beer and refreshments will be served after the service. The event will take place Sunday, May 28, at noon. Admission to the event is free and open to the public; a $5donation in support of Laurel Hill Cemetery’s work and preservation is suggested and would be much appreciated.

Morris Arboretum events

Information: The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is located at 100E. Northwestern Ave. in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia. For more information, visit morrisarboretum.org.

Hidden Gems Tour: In the new Hidden Gems Tour, Morris Arboretum Guides will showcase little-known garden spots throughout the 92-acre arboretum. Planned at 11a.m. on Saturdays, May 27, June 10and June 24, this tour is a combination of structures, sculptures, trees and vistas. Many are offthe beaten path or concealed to most visitors. Others are near the main paths and considered “hidden in plain view.” Guides will reveal something different about these garden gems. The tour will last approximately an hour and a half. Visitors will be walking over some uneven ground and cover quite a bit of territory, so dress appropriately. Free with admission. Morris Arboretum in Motion — The Kinetic Sculptures of Lyman Whitaker: Morris Arboretum’s 2017exhibit, Morris Arboretum in Motion: The Kinetic Sculptures of Lyman Whitaker, will be featured in the garden through Columbus Day, Oct. 9.