Fox Chase will decorate this evergreen in Lions Park for its Christmas Tree Lighting Dec. 3. Photo by G.E. Reutter

Christmas is coming early to Fox Chase. Three celebrations on Dec. 3 will keep the family busy for the day. Events at Ryerss Museum and Library and The Fox Chase Farm run during the day, capped off by the annual Christmas tree lighting at Lions Park in the heart of Fox Chase.

Fox Chase Farm at 8500 Pine Rd. will hold its annual Holiday Green Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wreaths, swags, bows, candle centerpieces, white pine roping and baked goodies will be available to purchase.

Ryerss Museum and Library at 7370 Central Ave. will hold a Victorian Open House/Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sponsored by The Friends of Ryerss, the event will include the sale of greens, baked goods, a raffle, dining in the Victorian Tea Room, a black smith demonstration and sales of used books. continue reading »

Mary Guarnieri and Connor McGuckin check out their bingo cards at the Loudenslager American Legion Post. Photo by G.E. Reutter

It’s 7 p.m. on a Friday evening in Fox Chase and the budget is tight. If you’re looking for some inexpensive fun, try the Loudenslager American Legion Post at 7976 Oxford Ave. Why?

Well for two bucks, you get a chance to have a great evening of bingo at the post. The two bucks entitles you to a nine-card sheet (you can also get five sheets for ten bucks).

The canteen is open, selling inexpensive sandwiches, snacks and drinks. An average evening, according to the regulars, is a 12-sheet evening at $24.

Commander of the Loudenslager Post, Dr. Wallace Quinlan, said the evening draws most of its crowd from the neighborhood. continue reading »

Karen Sperduto prepares an order at Sally's Flowers in Fox Chase. Photo by G.E. Reutter

Sally’s Flowers has been a main anchor of the Fox Chase business district since 1977. Located at 7944 Oxford Ave., the shop is known in the community for fine flowers with longevity.

In addition to beautiful flowers, arrangements and green planters, the shop offers an eclectic mix of other items like Ashers chocolate, gourmet cookies and Anthony’s coffee from the Italian Market. The shop carries a large array of flowers that can satisfy anyone’s budget.

The family-operated business is headed up by Sally Dancio and is a model of a community-based business.

“I love being involved in the community and feel connected to Fox Chase,” Dancio said.  continue reading »

Neil Harmon donates to John Howlans as the Fox Chase Lions collect for White Cane Day.

The Northeast Lions roamed Oxford Avenue, Rhawn Street and Pine Road in Fox Chase over the weekend,
collecting for The White Cane, the Lions’ outreach program to the visually impaired.

Many neighbors greeted the volunteers by name as they were called to cars to accept donation at the intersection. Vice President Angelo Sciarra said he expected to collect between $4,000 and $5,000 over the weekend for the cause. continue reading »

A backhowe moves a ballast as SEPTA continues repairs to the Fox Chase Line. Photo by G.E. Reutter

SEPTA’s Fox Chase Line improvement project closed Oxford Avenue late last week. The grade crossing improvement project in the 7800-block of Oxford Avenue resulted in detours for area residents.

Northbound traffic was detoured onto Rockwell Avenue and southbound traffic onto Hasbrook Avenue to Central Avenue. continue reading »

Marcus Rieker, third generation owner of Reiker's Prime Meats in Fox Chase. Photo by G. E. Reutter

Rieker’s Prime Meats has been a staple of Fox Chase since moving to 7979 Oxford Ave. from Lawncrest in 1972.

Rieker’s specializes in handmade luncheon meats and sausages on site. In addition, Rieker’s offers premade meals like chicken parmesean, stuffed peppers, black forest pork and chicken, Bavarian stuffed chicken, rouladen and other specialties that are popular with seniors, families and singles throughout the community.

The store is also well stocked with salads, premade soups, pierogi and spaetzle, as well as imported candies, cookies, condiments and other items from Germany. The store offers holiday meal packages that must be ordered well in advance of the holidays. continue reading »

The Carpet Shop in Fox Chase has received many calls for help since the record rain fall in August and earlier this month.

“Most calls deal with how to clean and restore carpets, replace carpets and insurance issues,” said Pamela Dollack, marketing manager for The Carpet Shop.

Dollack says the Carpet Shop is there to help neighbors through these tough times: “The shop is willing to visit homes/businesses and assess damage and offer expert advice on restoration and replacement of damaged carpet.”

Dollack recently released the shop’s top floor-clearing tips. They may come in handy as heavy rains remain in the forecast. continue reading »

SEPTA crews work on the Fox Chase Line along the 7800-block of Oxford Avenue.

Buses will be used to replace train service between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. this month on the SEPTA Fox Chase line from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 and throughout September.

The interruption in service is due to a tie replacement project on the Fox Chase Line. SEPTA has moved in a track gang to replace ties on the line and constructed a temporary rail yard at Rhawn Street and Elberon Avenue to stage equipment. continue reading »

Verizon workers picket what they say is non-union work at the Oxford Avenue Rite Aid in Fox Chase.

The Verizon strike came to Fox Chase at noon today when a picket line was established at the Rite Aid at 7941 Oxford Ave. The week-long strike affects approximately 45,000 CWA and IBEW workers whose contracts have not been renewed.

The picketers were from the Verizon Oakley Street garage who claimed the two workers in a Verizon van at the Rite Aid were performing work normally performed by union employees. The two workers in the Verizon van had no comment. The pickets departed the area shortly after 12:30 pm.

Tim Kelly works on a car at High Tech Automotive in Fox Chase

The deep blue two-story building located at 7507 Oxford Ave. in Fox Chase, houses a home-grown mechanical repair shop known as High Tech Automotive. Sean and Tim Kelly have worked in the shop for a little more than 18 years.

The Kelly brothers grew up in Fox Chase and their roots go back to Saint Cecelia’s parish just down Rockwell Avenue from the shop. The Kelly brothers are proud of their Fox Chase roots and the service they provide to the neighborhood in their two-bay garage. continue reading »