The following is a seasonal poem submitted by Fox Chase resident G. E. Reutter. continue reading »

Fred Clemens of Mayfair relaxes on the ledge of the old pavilion by Pine Road in Pennypack Park. Photo/G. E. Reutter

Yet another heat wave has hovered over Northeast Philadelphia.

Residents of the Northeast have been beating the heat at Pennypack Park since the 1800s when beaches dotted the slow-moving creek throughout the city. The beaches are gone but the residents still seek relief from the heat in Pennypack.

I visited the park at Pine Road where the creek slips into the city from Montgomery County. The park was a bustle of activity with bikers, joggers, walkers, families and those relaxing along the creek in the shade.

Continue reading to see our slideshow of park-goers enjoying a break from the heat. continue reading »

The Wesolowski family of Mayfair enjoys a meal at the newly renovated Burholme Golf and Family Entertainment Center. Photo/G. E. Reutter

The humidity was high, temperature scorching and sun blistering on this July afternoon but it couldn’t keep the crowd away from the grand opening of the Burholme Golf and Family Entertainment Center at 401 Cottman Ave.

“This is good for the neighborhood and generates funds for the park system,” Deputy Mayor Michael DiBerardinis said at the opening. continue reading »

"We’ve gotten out of hand," Fox Chase resident Mike Dowd said of the Affordable Care Act health mandate. "People should take personal responsibility for health care." Photo/G.E. Reutter

The pundits and politicians have had their say over the Supreme Court ruling on Health Care for over a day now. How about the regular folks? I took a walk around the 18 bus loop in Fox Chase today to gauge how people were feeling about the ruling. This was non-scientific and folks were chosen at random but, offered up opinions that seem to reflect the mood nationwide.

“From what I’ve read, I think it’s fine if it keeps me from paying for other people,” Fox Chase resident Nancy Schmidt said.

“The mandate/tax is preposterous,” Tasjae Moore of Fox Chase said. “People should always have a choice.”

And so it went this morning in Fox Chase, where opinions did abound. continue reading »

Commuters board the first train out of Fox Chase. Photo/G.E. Reutter

Severe thunderstorms hampered the morning commute in Northeast Philadelphia today. At around 5:30 a.m. as the storms roared through, a tree fell on Septa Train 805 while it was passing between Cheltenham Station and Ryerss Station in the Northeast. continue reading »

Face painting is always a treat, no matter the weather. The Rotary Club sponsored this table at the Fox Chase Art in the Park event Saturday. Photo/G. E. Reutter

Overcast skies and an occasional drizzle on Saturday didn’t damper those attending the annual Fox Chase Arts in the Park held in Lions Park.

The park was full of artists, photographers, crafters, jewelry, toys, even sausage sandwiches and chocolate. The Philadelphia Firefighters and Paramedics Family Association was on hand to talk about “Brown Outs” imposed by Maypr Michael Nutter, and Vist Financial was on hand to offer financial advice to those passing through the park. continue reading »

Face painting is always a treat, no matter the weather. The Rotary Club sponsored this table at the Fox Chase Art in the Park event Saturday. Photo/G. E. Reutter

Overcast skies and an occasional drizzle on Saturday didn’t damper those attending the annual Fox Chase Arts in the Park held in Lions Park.

The park was full of artists, photographers, crafters, jewelry, toys, even sausage sandwiches and chocolate. The Philadelphia Firefighters and Paramedics Family Association was on hand to talk about “Brown Outs” imposed by Maypr Michael Nutter, and Vist Financial was on hand to offer financial advice to those passing through the park. continue reading »

Nora McClosky and Claire McCafferty of The Blooming Artist Studio, new to Oxford Avenue. Photo/G. E. Reutter

April is bringing two new businesses to the Oxford Avenue business district in Fox Chase. Thanks to The Blooming Artist Studio and Little Bits Of Everything Antiques shop, there is now a no vacancy sign along the avenue, bucking trends in other areas.

Local artist and owner of The Blooming Artist Studio, Nora McClosky is moving her studio from Rockledge to Fox Chase at 7971 Oxford Ave. McClosky is scheduled to open for business on April 9 following a renovation of the studio space.

“We are delighted by the move to Fox Chase, as it gives us an opportunity to expand our program offerings to the community with the increased space,” McClosky said. continue reading »

Northeast natives Mary Guarnieri and Scott Garvin in Central High's "West Side Story." Photo/G. E. Reutter

Northeast natives Mary Guarnieri of Lawndale and Scott Garvin of Chalfont shined as Maria and Tony in Central High School’s production of West Side Story on Saturday evening.

This production of West Side Story marks the second year that Central has returned to its musical theater roots and what has sprouted is a professional-level production. Actors, choreography, orchestra, set design, costumes – all punched up for this performance under the direction of Alan Bronstein and produced by Stephen Wilenski. continue reading »

Ryerss Museum and Library. Photo/G. E. Reutter

Do you enjoy the Antiques Road Show? Have an item passed down from generation to generation or picked up that unique piece at a flea market?

The Friends of Ryerss Museum and Library are hosting a antiques appraisal day on March 17 from noon to 3 p.m. Appraisers from Barry S. Slosberg will be available to those desiring to find out if that heirloom or found item has a monetary value. All items are welcome except books, coins, stamps and weapons. Photographs of items are acceptable. continue reading »