The Independence Visitor Center, 6th and Market Streets in Philadelphia, PA

300th birthday breakfast for Benjamin Franklin, every Saturday, through October 27th, from 9 to 10:30AM. Children, parents, and history buffs can enjoy breakfast with the famous founding father while learning about how he invented swim fins, bifocals, and more. For more information call 1-800-537-7676 or visit www.breakfastwithben.com

Malcolm X Park, S. 51st St. & Osage Avenue

Help plant 67 new trees in the Walnut Hill, Garden Court, and Cedar Park neighborhoods of West Philadelphia. For information, call Winnie Harris at 215-573-4684 or e-mail wharris@ucgreen.org.

38th and Spruce to 34th and Walnut

People around the country will hold massive demonstrations. Philadelphians can join the Human Chain, which goes from the VA Hospital on Woodland Ave. to Independence Mall, starting at 12:30 PM. Or join the big Rally and Concert on Independence Mall from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, with speakers and entertainment.

The William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19107

Queer Writer’s Collective Saturday, October 27, 4 - 6 pm (Every fourth Saturday of the month.) Join this free group for a monthly workshop and discussion to develop your unique queer voice via the written word. Free.

Rosenbach Museum, 2008-2010 DeLancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Approximately 300 people will walk through the Rittenhouse Square area with costumes and puppets, led by a 15-foot-high vampire head. People of all ages can gather at the museum to be outfitted in costumes and join in. We're not sure if this qualifies as "making a difference," but it sure sounds like a lot of fun.  And it is a production of our town's renown Spiral Q Puppet Theater. Free.

Marriot Hotel, 915 Route 73 in Mount Laurel, NJ

Put on by students from the Creative Arts Organization's after-school community empowerment programs. Proceeds benefit the Carol A. Conner Memorial Scholarship Fund. For information call 856-366-7018.

Carousel House at Memorial Hall Loop in Fairmount Park, Belmont Avenue and Concourse Drive

This 5K Run and Walk will benefit the Lupus Foundation of America, Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter. It is part of a nationwide series of events to fight lupus. Registration at 8:45 a.m.; 5K at 10 a.m.

University of Pennsylvania, Locust Walk

All proceeds go to the Rena Rowan Breast Center at the University of Pennsylvania. This 5K run begins at 37th and Locust Walk. Sponsored by the Panhellenic Council.

728 S. Broad Street

The Print Center along with Philagrafika, InLiquid.com and the Philadelphia Center for the Book will host an Open Portfolio event with more than 40 printmakers and photographers as part of Philadelphia Open Studio Tours. Free.

The William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19107

For LGBT older folks. During the first half of the 20th century the immortal Cole Porter was the first gay songwriter in America. In the second half of it, he was succeeded by the great composer and lyricist Jerry Herman, whose song "I Am What I Am" is considered a gay anthem. This is a free one-hour concert of some of Herman's greatest hits. Light refreshments served. Free.

Penn State Abington, Woodland Building, 1600 Woodland Road

Join us as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Space Age. This all-ages event will include food, giveaways, and workshops for children grades 2-6. Speakers include Dr. Ann Schmiedekamp, NASA Solar System ambassador. Call 215-881-7376 to register.

Park Hyatt at the Bellevue, Broad and Walnut Streets

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez discusses the growing importance of economic issues in foreign and domestic policy and shares his plans to keep our nation competitive and engaged. $20-$65

University of Pennsylvania Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St - University Sq

Top environmental consultant Dr. Bruce Piasecki discusses his book World Inc. Piasecki explains how companies that excel at social response will be the business success stories of our time.

University of Pennsylvania, Stemmler Hall 102A, 3450 Hamilton Walk

Speaker: Attorney Sarah Paoletti, head up Penn's new Transnational Clinic where students explore the lawyer’s work in settings that cut across cultures, borders, languages and legal systems.

Tabernacle United Church, 3700 Chestnut St

Banana farmers from Ecuador and Costa Rica, a pecan farmer from Georgia, and an apple grower from Pennsylvania will discuss the challenges they face, their experiences in the market, and the impact of consumer support for fair trade and family farms. Food tasting at 6; panel at 6:30. Free.

National Constitution Center Independence Mall 525 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA

Shannon Thomas Perich, author of the new book The Kennedys: Portrait of a Family, reveals photographs never seen outside the Smithsonian collection and tells the story of a first family on the brink of history. Dr. Myra Gutin moderates. Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, Kirby Auditorium. Free. For information call 215-409-6700.

8480 Hagy's Mill Road Philadelphia, PA 19128

Mary Seton Corboy is an advocate for improving access to fresh food in low-income communities in Philadelphia. Hear her speak about the soil ecosystem that remains out of sight and why this tiny world has such a powerful impact on our lives.

Montgomery County Norristown Public Library, Swede & Powell Streets, Norristown

Park Hyatt at the Bellevue, Broad and Walnut Streets

Author, journalist and no-nonsense political commentator, Hardball host Chris Matthews joins us to share his views on politics and the reality behind the spin. With unparalleled access to the Presidential candidates, Chris Matthews offers an insider's view on issues facing the nation. $20-$85

Independence Visitor Center

Led by docents, these tours offer a "behind the scenes" look at how murals are made. Filled with anecdotes and stories, the tours leave people with an understanding of the complexities of mural making and an appreciation of Philadelphia as the world's largest outdoor art gallery. Last chance for October tours. Reservations recommended; call 215-685-0754. $24 adults, $21 for 65+

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society McLean Library, 100 North 20th Street, 1st Floor

In this book discussion group, read and discuss works of fiction or non-fiction having to do with gardens, plants, or the land. Participants need to obtain books and read each monthly selection prior to the discussion. November selection:  Selected essays by Loren Eisley. Contact Priscilla Becroft at mcleanlibrary@pennhort.org or 215-988-8772. Free.

Main Campus - Gershman Hall, 401 South Broad Street, Room: UArts Studio Theater

A satire by early Roman playwright Plautus, Assinia shows two conniving servants doing the bidding of their doddering, henpecked master.

Liberty Resources, Inc., Second Floor, 714 Market

Take a Number is a combination of improv comedy, satire, and a one-act play. Created and performed by The Magee Players, directed by Barbara Gregson. Live music by Josh Robinson and Darleen Key. Part of the Festival of Disability Arts and Culture. Free.