City to hold special election to fill Green’s seat
City Council President Darrell L. Clarke on Tuesday announced he would issue a writ of election to fill the At-Large Council seat vacated on Feb. 18 by Bill Green, now chairman of the School Reform Commission. The election will take place on May 20, the same day as Pennsylvania primary elections.
Council President Clarke will issue the writ of election on Monday, March 24. The Pennsylvania Election Code requires a writ of election be issued within 60 days of the designated election date.
The special election will be a one-step (not primary) election, with the winner serving the balance of the term to which Councilman Green was elected, until Jan. 4, 2016. The deadline for each party to file its nomination certificate designating its candidate is April 8, or 15 days following the issuance of the writ. ••
Councilman to speak at Fox Chase meeting
City Councilman David Oh is expected to speak at the next meeting of the Fox Chase Homeowners Association and Fox Chase Town Watch on Wednesday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. at Cpl. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave.
The agenda will also include consideration of a zoning application for 722 Chandler St. The meeting is open to the public and free to attend. ••
Rosaries to go on sale
Kathy Perpetua, a Holme Circle resident, will sell her handmade rosaries at the upcoming Nazareth Academy High School craft fair and bake sale. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The school is at 4001 Grant Ave.
Proceeds from the rosary sale go to the widows’ fund of International Association of Fire Fighters Local 22. For information, call the school at 215–637–7676. ••
PennDOT to spend big on highway safety
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recently announced that proceeds from the state’s Automated Red Light Enforcement Program will fund 32 highway safety projects in 24 communities.
Municipalities submitted more than 131 applications for ARLE funding totaling about $22.8 million. Projects were selected for funding by an eight-member committee based on criteria including benefits and effectiveness, cost, local and regional impact and cost-sharing.
In Philadelphia, the following projects were funded: $1.4 million for safety and mobility improvements at 23 intersections on Castor Avenue; $1.2 million to upgrade pedestrian safety on Broad Street between Chestnut and Walnut streets; $1 million to implement a traffic-calming program for pedestrian safety throughout the city; $850,000 to develop a routine street-light improvement program by upgrading to LED technology; $500,000 to install anti-skid pavement on School House Lane and Kelly Drive. ••
Henon to host Tele Town Hall March 6
City Councilman Bobby Henon (D-6th dist.) will host a “tele Town Hall” on Thursday, March 6, at 6 p.m. to respond to Mayor Michael Nutter’s budget address, which will occur earlier the same day. Anyone interested in calling the councilman can dial 1–877–229–8493 and use 112405 when prompted for a pin number.
“Budget season is an opportunity for the public, the administration and City Council to have a conversation about what kind of city we want to be,” Henon stated in a Feb. 27 news release. “It’s important that we get feedback and input from constituents.”
For information, visit www.bobbyhenon.com/budget ••
Bustleton Bengals slate Friday fundraiser
The Bustleton Bengals will hold a beef-and-beer fundraiser on Friday from 8 p.m. to midnight at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 Heroes Ballroom, at 11630 Caroline Road.
Tickets cost $30 and include food, draft beer, wine, soda, music and raffles. For tickets, call the FOP at 215–629–3600, Kevin Hughes at 215–301–0863 or Chris McNicholas at 215–260–7699.
Proceeds will go toward construction of a gym at Robert Hayes Playground, at Roosevelt Boulevard and Conwell Avenue, where the group’s clubhouse is located. Donations to the gym fund can be sent to Bustleton Bengals Club, P.O. Box 6103, Philadelphia, PA 19115.
For information, visit www.bustletonbengals.org ••
Irish Center to host concert March 15
The Irish Center of Philadelphia, at 6815 Emlen St. in Mount Airy, will host a concert on Saturday, March 15, at 8 p.m. Musical entertainment will be provided by Mick Moloney, Billy McComiskey on accordion, Athena Tergis on fiddle and harp/accordion/concertina player Michelle Mulcahy.
Tickets cost $20 for adults. Children are admitted free. For information, call 215–843–8051. ••
SPIN sets ball for March 13
Special People In Northeast Inc. will hold its Partners for Possibilities Ball on Thursday, March 13, at Vie, at 600 N. Broad St.
Among the honorees will be Dr. Stewart Barbera and the late City Councilwoman Joan Krajewski.
Barbera is a pediatrician known for his kind and gentle nature and advocacy for children with disabilities.
Krajewski, who died last September, was known for her commitment and advocacy for people with disabilities.
Tickets cost $150. Booklet advertisements range from $25 to $300. All proceeds benefit programs for children and adults with developmental, intellectual and autism spectrum disabilities.
Contact Megan Forrestal at 215–612–7506 or [email protected] ••
Orleans has scholarship program
Orleans Technical Institute, 2770 Red Lion Road, is accepting applications for its scholarship program for high school seniors interested in pursuing hands-on career/vocational training in court reporting.
Orleans will award a half-tuition scholarship for an individual with high academic achievement. Applications are due by May 1. Requirements include a personal essay, letters of recommendation from two school officials and a personal recommendation from a family member or employer. Interested students can download the application at www.orleanstech.edu/court-reporting
For information, call 215–728–4733. ••
Lexington Park resident honored
St. Basil Academy recently honored Lexington Park resident Helen Chaykowsky for her service as interim principal. Chaykowsky, a St. Basil graduate, retired as principal at Archbishop Ryan High School in June 2013 before serving as principal at St. Basil for the first semester of the 2013–14 school year while the school searched for a permanent replacement.
Chaykowsky replaced Sister Lydia Anna Sawka, who was elected last July to a leadership position on the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great’s Governing Council in Rome.
“I will miss St. Basil Academy but am turning it over to a person of deep faith and integrity — Mrs. Theresa Ryan-Szott,” she said. “The school is in good hands and will flourish as a viable institution of learning for young women.” ••
Pegasus Riding to host Crazy Boots Ball
The Pegasus Riding Academy will host the community for the Crazy Boots Ball at Knowlton Mansion, Rhawn Street and Verree Road, on March 29 for an evening of dinner, dancing and fun for a good cause.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the horse riding therapy program at Pegasus. The four-hour event starts at 7 p.m. and is semi-formal. Guest are encouraged to wear crazy boots, of course. The $75 ticket includes cocktail hour with craft beer tasting, dinner, DJ entertainment and dancing. There will be silent auctions and raffles. The evening will honor longtime Pegasus supporters Patti and Chris Vogler.
For information, visit pegasusridingacademy.com ••
Book discussion set for March 11
The public is invited to a book discussion by Irene Reiter, who will review Julie Kibler’s Calling Me Home on Tuesday, March 11, at noon.
The luncheon will be held at Randi’s Restaurant, 1619 Grant Ave.
The cost is $25. Proceeds will benefit RSVP Philadelphia, a nonprofit organization that recruits people 55 and older for a variety of volunteer opportunities.
For reservations or information, call 267–345–7787. ••
