Around Town

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Civic Association Meetings

• 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 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 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 Ridge Park Civic Association will next meet Tuesday, June 12, at 7 p.m. at the Fifth District Police Station, 6666 Ridge Ave., Roxborough.

• 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.

• East Falls Forward will next meet Thursday, June 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the BuLogics building, 3721 Midvale Ave., East Falls.

Wooden Block Party

The Andorra branch library, 705 E. Cathedral Road, will host a Wooden Block party May 28 at 2 p.m

What can you buildwith wooden blocks? Come find out at this wooden block party.

This program is for children ages 3 to 7 and their families; older siblings are welcome to attend. Preschools, daycares and other groups must call the children’s librarian to schedule a separate library visit.

Tail Waggin’ Tutors

The Andorra branch library, 705 E. Cathedral Road, will hold Tail Waggin’ Tutors June 1 at 5:30 p.m.

Children are welcome to come by the library to read to Charlie. He is a certified therapy dog that loves to have books read to him. Make Charlie’s day by practicing reading in a judgement-free zone.

This program is for first- through third-graders.

Time slot signup will be available 10 minutes before the program starts. To ensure that each participant receives quality reading practice, private sessions are 10 minutes long. Space is limited. First come, first served.

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.

East Falls Historical Society Lecture

The East Falls Historical Society will present an illustrated lecture by historian Mark Frazier Lloyd Wednesday, June 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave., titled “Could Franklin’s Enemy be Democracy’s Friend? The Years of Rev. Dr. William Smith at Falls of Schuylkill.”

Lloyd, who is director of the University Archives and Records Center and instructor at the University of Pennsylvania, is also the co-author of “Becoming Penn: The Pragmatic American University, 1950-2000.”

He will speak on the Rev. Dr. William Smith, who emigrated f rom Scot land to colonial America to become the university’s first provost. Smith established a country house at what is now East Falls, among the earliest of its kind in the vicinity. His anti- Quaker views made him a controversial figure in early Philadelphia.

Refreshments will follow the presentation, which is free and open to the public.

For further questions, contact Pat ty Cheek at 215 - 438- 8539 or pcheek2002@yahoo.com.

“Morning’s At Seven”

The Old Academy Players located at 3544 Indian Queen Lane in East Falls, will present “Morning’s At Seven,” the award-winning play by Paul Osborn.

Show dates are June 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 with shows Friday and Saturday at 8 p. m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

All tickets for plays are $15. Parking for all performances is free. Run time is two hours. For reservations, call 215- 843-1109 or visit the theater’s website at oldacademyplayers.org for more information.

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 of fer 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.

Registrat ion 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 organizat ions 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 Declaration 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 nocost, 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 60plus (optional suggested donat ions for both) . Journey’s Way strives to keep prices af fordable; 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 from 1 to 2 p.m.

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

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 off the 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.

Garden Railway: Morris Arboretum’s Garden Railway will open for the summer season May 27. The Garden Railway, a miniature world with a quarter-mile train track running through it, is celebrating its 20th year, and its 2017theme is “In Motion.” It will feature structures that incorporate movement in their construction such as a replica of the Morris water mill with a rotating wheel, a windmill with turning blades and an operating sensor activated train. There are several new renovations to the Garden Railway display and three new large structures installed to the permanent collection. To celebrate the opening, kids may take part in a craft activity May 27 from 10:30a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Garden Railway is open every day through Labor Day from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. during theweek and 10 a.m. to 5p.m. on weekends. For more information, visit morrisarboretum.org. Moonlight and Roses: Morris Arboretum will hold its annual fundraising gala, Moonlight and Roses, June 2at 6p.m. The festivities will begin with cocktails in the Rose Garden followed by dinner and dancing under a clear-top tent. Funds raised through this . year’s event will help to restore and maintain the arboretum. The gala will honor Patricia W. and Clarence Z. Wurts. Reservations are required, and space is limited. Register by calling 215-247-5777ext. 418. Guests at the benefactor and patron levels will be invited to attend a VIP reception preceding the event from 5:30to 6p.m and will receive premium parking.

Yoga Classes: From 9to 10:15a.m. on four Saturdays, beginning June 3, join yoga instructor Jennifer Schelter for a yoga session in the garden at theMorris Arboretum. You’ll learn the basics of yoga: breathing, mindfulness meditation, balance, strength, flexibility, core awareness and deep relaxation. All are welcome including beginners. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothes. Refunds will only be given five business days before the first session of the course. No class, or attendee, substitutions are permitted. 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.