Rhawnhurst Civic meeting tonight
Rhawnhurst Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. at Pelbano Playground, 8100 Bustleton Ave. (at Solly Avenue). Follow the group on Facebook or visit Rhawnhurstcivicassociation.com. ••
Green details gun violence plan
Democratic mayoral candidate Derek Green released his plan to combat the gun violence epidemic in Philadelphia.
Green noted that, in 2022, there were more than 2,200 shootings, with 74% of the victims and shooters being black men.
“A Green administration will create the first ever Gun Violence Suppression Division by fundamentally shifting resources within the Police Department,” he said.
The Gun Violence Suppression Division will consist of prosecutors and both city and federal agents to reduce homicides by 25% in year one of the administration. This division will be empowered to circumvent the District Attorney’s Office to process cases through a Memorandum of Understanding between the city and federal authorities.
“The new police chief will appoint a proven top deputy to stand up and lead the new division that could scale up to as many as 500 officers, state police and agents, including 100 Philadelphia Police Department detectives, that will be focused on working in the police districts where 90% of the gun violence happens,” Green said.
With the use of state and city funds, a Green administration will invest $50 million into the new division in order to reimburse the federal government for the 100 prosecutors and agents who serve in the division. Perpetrators of gun violence will be looking at federal time.
“Gone will be the days when gun offenders are not afraid of the consequences of possessing and using illegal guns in our city,” Green said.
Philadelphia averaged more than 525 murders from 2020-22. ••
Working Families makes endorsements
The far-left Pennsylvania Working Families Party released its endorsements for the Democratic primary.
The slate consists of Helen Gym for mayor; Isaiah Thomas, Erika Almirón, Rue Landau and Amanda McIllmurray for City Council at large; Jamie Gauthier in the 3rd Councilmanic District; and Seth Anderson-Oberman in the 8th Councilmanic District.
Working Families Councilwoman Kendra Brooks released the following statement:
“The Pennsylvania Working Families Party slate demonstrates the growing strength of our shared movements for justice. From labor leaders and grassroots organizers to youth advocates and housing justice champions, this diverse group of candidates come from a variety of backgrounds and share a commitment to improving conditions for working families in Philadelphia. I’m proud to support this powerful slate of candidates through this election cycle and look forward to working alongside them as elected officials to deliver a safe, healthy, thriving city for every resident.” ••
McIllmurray building support
The Working Families Party endorsed Amanda McIllmurray in the Democratic primary for City Council at large.
“The Working Families Party and I have fought together for poor and working families like mine at the ballot box and in the streets for years. We’ve taken power out of the hands of corporations, political bosses and Republicans and put it back into the hands of our neighbors. They’re a political powerhouse. I’m honored to have their endorsement in my race for City Council at large as we continue to fight for a better future for all Philadelphians regardless of race, ZIP code or income,” McIllmurray said.
McIllmurray has also been endorsed by Neighborhood Networks, Amistad Movement Power, Free the Ballot, Straight Ahead, UniteHERE Locals 274 and 634, Reclaim Philadelphia, District Attorney Larry Krasner, state Sen. Nikil Saval and state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler and Rick Krajewski. ••
See Lion King Jr.
The St. Matthew Elementary School Drama Club will present five performances of Lion King Jr. in the school auditorium, 3040 Cottman Ave. The dates are Feb. 16-17 at 7 p.m., Feb. 18 at 1 and 7 p.m. and Feb. 19 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $10, or $5 for kids and senior citizens, available at the door. ••
Book discussion series
The Northeast Regional Library Friends’ Group’s book discussion series will take place on Fridays in February at 2 p.m. The series will focus on the immigrant experience, ethnicity and being an American. The schedule is Feb. 17 (Brothers in Hope: The Lost Boys of Sudan by Mary Williams and A Place Where Sunflowers Grow by Amy Lee-Tai) and Feb. 24 (Dreamers by Yuyi Morales). Books can be borrowed from Northeast Regional’s children’s department. Adults, including senior citizens and their caregivers, are encouraged to participate. Participants are welcome to bring family history items for show and tell. Northeast Regional Library is at 2228 Cottman Ave. Call 215-685-0522. ••
Children’s club in Fox Chase
JAM (Jesus and Me) Children’s Ministry meets on the first and third Fridays of each month from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave. The next meeting is on Feb. 17. There will be refreshments, crafts, games, songs and Bible stories and lessons. All children are welcome. Call 215-745-2844. ••
Shredding event on Saturday
State Rep. Joe Hohenstein, state Sen. Tina Tartaglione and City Councilmembers Mike Driscoll and Quetcy Lozada are sponsoring a shredding and e-recycling event on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Wissinoming Park, 5773-5945 Frankford Ave. (Cheltenham Avenue entrance). Paper, TVs, computers, appliances and VCRs will be accepted. For more information, call Hohenstein’s office at 215-744-2600. ••
Opera shows scheduled
Amici Opera Company will present Bellini’s Bianco & Fernando on Saturdays, Feb. 18 and 25, at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
Amici will present De Koven’s Robin Hood on Sunday, Feb. 26, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale; and on Saturday, March 4, at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
Next up is Ponchielli’s Marion Delorme on Sunday, March 5, at 3 p.m. and Saturday, March 18, at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
There will be two performances of Donizetti’s La Favorita: Sunday, March 19, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer; and Sunday, March 26, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods.
Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Wine tasting at St. Hubert
St. Hubert Alumnae Association is holding a wine tasting on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 6-8 p.m., in the school cafeteria. The cost is $35 per person and includes wine pairings with cheese and chocolate. The event is presented by Main Street Wine Cellar featuring wines from Crossing Vineyards and Winery. Must be 21 to attend. For tickets, email [email protected]. ••
Black history program for kids
Welsh Road Library, 9233 Roosevelt Blvd., will host a black history celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 4:30 p.m. School-age children can learn about black innovators George Crum, Mae Jemison and Garett Morgan, and enjoy some themed crafts and snacks. ••
Discussion on guns
WHYY and the Free Library of Philadelphia will hold a meeting, Grappling with America’s Guns, on Feb. 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave. The public is invited. ••
No voting by illegals
The U.S. House passed, 260-162, a resolution to overturn a Washington, D.C. law that allows noncitizens, including illegal immigrants, to vote in local elections. Forty-two Democrats voted for the resolution. Rep. Brendan Boyle voted against the resolution, and President Biden opposes it. ••
Democrats endorse
The Democratic City Committee did not endorse a candidate for mayor, leaving it up to individual wards. For Council at large, the endorsed candidates are Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Isaiah Thomas, Jim Harrity and Rue Landau. Wards can choose among Nina Ahmad, Erika Almiron and Eryn Santamoor for the fifth slot. Lawyer and ward leader John Sabatina, of Rhawnhurst, was endorsed over incumbent Register of Wills Tracey Gordon. Incumbent city election commissioners Omar Sabir and Lisa Deeley and Sheriff Rochelle Bilal were endorsed. Fox Chase’s Christy Brady, who resigned as acting city controller, was endorsed to complete the term of Rebecca Rhynhart, who resigned to run for mayor. The endorsed candidates for Common Pleas Court are Brian McLaughlin, John Padova, Tamika Washington, Wade Albert, Will Braveman, Damaris Garcia, Chesley Lightsey, Natasha Taylor-Smith, Samantha Williams and Kay Yu. The endorsed Municipal Court candidates are Cortez Patton and Barbara Thomson. ••
Fox Rok holding spring signups
Fox Rok is holding baseball and softball registrations for boys ages 4 to 17 and girls ages 4-18. Registrations will be held until Feb. 28, but divisions will close once the maximum number of players have registered. For cost, additional details or to register, visit www.foxrokaa.com. ••
Balloon Show at Holmesburg Library
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host a Balloon Show on Wednesday, March 8, at 6 p.m. The public is invited for a fun show with lots of audience participation. Balloon shapes will be used to help kids act out a story and create a show. ••
Benefit for autism
Somerton’s Top Hat Dance Studio will hold Come Dance with Our Stars on Sunday, March 26, from noon to 4 p.m. at Spring Mill Country Manor, 171 Jacksonville Road, Ivyland. The luncheon costs $40. There will be prizes, raffles and a 50/50. Proceeds benefit Rydal’s Center at Hampton House, which offers services to people with autism and intellectual disabilities. Call 215-885-3971. ••
North communion breakfast
The Northeast Catholic Alumni Communion Breakfast will take place on April 16 at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Register at www.northcatholicalumni.org. ••
All-star games at Holy Family
The Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council announced that the Philadelphia All Star Labor Classic basketball game will be played Sunday, April 16, at Holy Family University, 9801 Frankford Ave. Proceeds will benefit the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The event pits the City Boys vs. Suburban Boys at 2:45 p.m. and the City Girls vs. Suburban Girls teams at 1:15. Every participating player receives a $500 college scholarship, thanks to sponsorships. Prior to the two main events, attendees can enjoy the Labor All Stars vs. Media All Stars at noon. Admission is free. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected]. ••
Mayoral debate at Holy Family
The Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a mayoral debate on Tuesday, April 18, in the gym at Holy Family University, located in the Campus Center, close to the entrance at Frankford Avenue and Stevenson Lane. Doors open at 6 p.m. The debate begins at 7. The moderators will be Dan McElhatton, a lawyer, former city councilman and chair of the GNPCC’s government affairs committee; Northeast Times editor Tom Waring; and Jennifer Lewis-Hall, of PHL17. A Holy Family student will have the chance to ask a couple of questions. The public is invited. ••
Celebrating 100 years of SMT
St. Martin of Tours Parish invites all school alumni, current and past parishioners and friends to a 100th anniversary Mass in the upper church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., on Sunday, April 30, at noon. The Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Edward Adams. Afterward, there will be a “Past & Present — Building Our Future” celebration at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road, from 2-6 p.m. Tickets cost $35 and include food, soft drinks, music and door prizes. The event is for ages 21-plus. Tickets must be purchased in advance in the rectory, after all Masses, through Venmo (@smotphilly) or with check to St. Martin of Tours Church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19124, Attn: Centennial Celebration. Proceeds will benefit church improvements. ••
Storytime at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, located at 7370 Central Ave. in Burholme Park, will host Storytime at Ryerss at 10:30 on two upcoming Saturdays. The schedule is Feb. 25 (Out of This World) and March 11 (Happy Birthday, Robert Ryerss). Call 215-685-0544. ••
Pre-Purim fun
Families are invited to join Northeast Kehillah for a pre-Purim event on Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. The kid-friendly evening will feature costumes, interactive storytime, crafts, activities and a light kosher dinner. To register, go to JewishPhilly.org/NEPurim. For more information, email Carrie at [email protected]. ••
Experience Lenten Joy
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center (3501 Solly Ave.) will sponsor a morning of reflection, Lenten Joy, on Saturday, March 1. Sister Mary Kay McDonald, MSBT, will invite participants to discover how the Holy Spirit’s gift of Joy can lead people on a path of conversion and prepare them for the celebration of Holy Week and Easter. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It includes a breakfast snack, reflection, prayer, storytelling and lunch. The fee is $35. Visit www.msbt.org/events/lenten-joy or call 267-350-1830. ••
Train show in March
The Train Collectors Association Atlantic Division will hold its Spring Fever Train Show and Sale on Sunday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Penns Landing Caterers (Sheet Metal Workers Union Hall), 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. There will be 140 tables with a variety of vintage toy trains and repair parts for sale, test track, operating toy train layouts, kids activities and door prizes for adults and children. Admission is $5 per attendee or per family of two adults and all children 12 and under. Food is available on premises, and there is plenty of free parking. For more information, visit www.ADTCA.com or call Bob at 610-872-3309. ••
Bingo on March 11
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, at Trenton Avenue and Cumberland Street, will hold bingo on Saturday, March 11, from 1-4 p.m. Doors open at noon. Packages are $20 and include lunch. Call 215-423-0792. ••
Red Cross blood drive
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, is holding a blood drive being run by the American Red Cross on Sunday, March 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteers are needed to check people in and assist where needed. Light refreshments will be served. To reserve your time slot or for more details, call the CSS office at 215-677-1600. ••
Williams enters 9th district race
Uptown Standard newspaper publisher James Williams will be seeking the Democratic nomination for the 9th Council District.
Williams has served as a constituent services representative for Councilman David Oh. He was track and field coach at West Chester, Cabrini, Cheyney and Gwynedd Mercy universities.
Williams has worked as a mental health worker in schools and as an advocate for at-risk youths. In addition, he was the Director of Institutional Advancement at Bishop McDevitt, his alma mater, and Martin Saints High School.
Williams will kick off his campaign Saturday night at the Commodore Barry Club. ••
Tae Kwon Do competition
Red Tiger Tae Kwon Do will hold its USTC Red Tiger Cup on Saturday, May 6, at 8 a.m. at Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road in Newtown. Students will compete in sparring, patterns and special technique with trophies and medals awarded to the top three competitors in each division. Call 215-969-9962. ••
Trip to the Tropicana
Holy Innocents is planning a trip to the Tropicana Casino on Tuesday, Feb. 21. A bus will depart L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 9 a.m., and will leave the Tropicana at 4:30 p.m. The cost is $35, and includes $20 in slot cash. To reserve a seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
Study ‘60s folk music
Blowin’ In The Wind, the story behind the American folk music revival of the 1960s, will be offered to active older adults in a seven-part series at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 21. The public is invited to join with members. All seven programs will be run on Tuesdays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and will be led by Steve Pollack, entertainer, singer, lecturer, voice teacher, actor and director. Cost for all seven sessions is $50 per person. For additional information and to register, contact Andrea Kimelheim at 215-698-7300, Exr. 176 or [email protected]. ••
Sign up for senior softball
The Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced players for their 59-and-over and 68-and-over leagues. The seasons start mid-April and will go until the end of September. There will be about 30 games, plus playoffs. No games are played in July. The 59-and-over games are Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 68-and-over games are Mondays and Fridays. All games are played at Crispin Field, Holme and Convent avenues. Games start at 10 a.m. For more information on the 59-and-over league, call John Troy at 215-292-1437. For more information on the 68-and-over league, call Marty King at 215-409-5021. ••
St. Jerome Seniors to meet
St. Jerome’s Senior Group will meet on Thursday, Feb. 23 and March 9 and 23, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. Meeting begins promptly at 11 a.m. ••
Learn about Joseph and family
Joseph and His Family will be the central theme of a six-part biblical series being offered for active adults at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. The public is invited to join with members. Sessions will be conducted on Feb. 23 and March 2, 9,16, 23 and 30. All will begin at 10:30 a.m. Cost for all six sessions will be $36 per person. To register and for more information, contact Shelley Geltzer at 215-698-7300, Ext. 129 or [email protected]. ••
Book club’s March meeting set
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, March 6, at 7 p.m. The book is The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at the synagogue office at 215-677-1600. ••
Celebrate 60 years
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, invites the public to celebrate 60 years of memories and moments on Sunday, March 26, at noon. There will be a brunch buffet, dessert station, mimosas, videos and personal recollections. The cost is $25. Checks payable to Congregations of Shaare Shamayim can be sent to 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115. The deadline is March 13. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Sisterhood meeting in March
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will meet on Tuesday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. The speaker will be Rabbi Sandi Berliner. Her topic will be: “What’s on your seder plate – Updating your Seder.” Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Bucks senior softball registration
Registration is open for the Bucks 65+ Senior Softball League. Indoor practices are held Tuesdays and Thursdays at PRAC, 375 W. Trenton Ave., Morrisville. Teams will form in April. For information, go to www.bucksseniorsoftball.com or email Bill at [email protected] or Jack at [email protected]. ••
Trip to American Dream
St. Leo’s Knights of Columbus 1294 in Tacony is running a bus trip to the American Dream retail and entertainment complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday, March 25. The bus will depart at 9:15 a.m. at St. Hubert High School, Cottman Avenue and Ditman Street, and will leave American Dream at 6 p.m. The price of the trip is $47 per person (bus driver gratuity included). Anyone interested in attending the trip can contact John McKenna at 267-242-3975 or [email protected]. ••
Trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan
The Polish American Cultural Center Museum volunteers are sponsoring a 7-day, 6-night trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan from July 9-15. The trip consists of a ferry ride to Mackinac Island, two nights at the Grand Hotel, a horse-drawn carriage ride and visits to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the Henry Ford Museum and the National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods. The price includes bus transportation, hotels, six breakfasts, six dinners, a buffet luncheon at the Grand Hotel, admission to all attractions, baggage handling, taxes and gratuities. Call Theresa Romanowski at 215-813-2780 or 215-922-1700. ••
Book review and dinner at Maggio’s
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is having a book review on Wednesday, March 15, at Maggio’s Restaurant, 400 2nd Street Pike, Southampton, at 6 p.m. The book being discussed is Yellow Wife, by Sadeqa Johnson. The cost is $40, which includes dinner and dessert. Call Joyce at 267-808-2022 for reservations. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Magic show and dinner
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is hosting a magic show and dinner (adults only) on Sunday, April 2, at 3 p.m. at the Smoke & Mirrors Magic Theater, 2840 Pine Road (Landmark Business Center), Huntingdon Valley. Doors open at 2:40 p.m. The cost is $55 per person and includes show and food from Ben & Irv’s restaurant. Call Bernadette at 570-401-8417 for information and tickets. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Book club to meet in April
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, April 3, at 7 p.m. The book is The Masterpiece by Fionna Davis. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at the synagogue office at 215-677-1600. ••
Afternoon Tea in Bristol
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is hosting a traditional Afternoon Tea on Saturday, April 15, at noon at Bricky Girl Tea Room, 236 Mill St., Bristol. There will be contests for Best Fancy Hat, Best Funny Hat and Best High Tea Look. For tickets, call Lauren at 267-304-6396. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Casino trip to Atlantic City
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a casino trip to Caesars Atlantic City on Tuesday, April 18. The cost is $40 and includes round-trip motor coach and $20 in slot dollars. Bus will leave from 604 Township Line Road, Cheltenham, at 9:45 a.m. and return about 8 p.m. Call Elaine at 215-913-9237 for reservations. This event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Entertainer Primerano on stage
Singer/pianist John Primerano will appear at Sellersville Theater, 24 W. Temple Ave. in Sellersville, on April 22, at 8 p.m. For tickets, call 215-257-5808. For more information, visit JohnPrimerano.com. ••
Sisterhood meeting in May
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be hosting a meeting on Tuesday, May 16. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the program beginning at 7:30. Lynn Levin will speak about her new collection of short stories entitled House Parties. Levin is a poet, author, translator and adjunct associate professor in the Department of English and Philosophy at Drexel University. Copies of her book will be available for sale for $20. Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge for the program. Call the synagogue office at 215-677-1600. ••
Cultural trip to Bryn Athyn Cathedral
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will take a one-hour tour of Bryn Athyn Cathedral on Thursday, May 18, at 1 p.m. There are no steps, and restrooms are accessible. The cost is $10 per person. To register, send a check, payable to CSS Sisterhood, with Bryn Athyn on the memo line, to the CSS office, 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115, Attn: Bryn Athyn. Include the name, email address and phone number of each person registering. For questions, call Lynn Azoulay at 215-677-1600. ••
VFW looking for members
Bustleton-Somerton/CTR1 Michael J. Strange VFW Post 6617 meets on the third Wednesday of every month at American Legion Post 810, 9151 Old Newtown Road. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. If you are a military veteran who served in a designated combat zone, you are eligible to join the VFW. Contact Commander Israel Wolmark at 215-725-0630 if you would like to join the post. ••
Visit Christ statue
The public is invited to visit the pilgrim Statue of the Scourged Christ, which has been on exhibit at St. John Neumann Nursing Home, 10400 Roosevelt Blvd. The statue will be on display on Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 1-3 p.m., and Thursday, Feb. 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 215-698-5600 or visit passionofjesus.com. ••
Upcoming cruise
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a fully escorted Holy Lands & Aegean Majesty cruise from Oct. 6-17, visiting Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and Italy. Rates, including airfare, range from $4,298 to $8,098 per person, double occupancy. Call 215-788-9408 for information and reservations. ••
Cruise the Mediterranean
Norwegian Cruise Line will host a Mediterranean cruise from Rome to Venice on Oct. 10-19. The trip is all inclusive with round-trip airfare, a beverage package, all meals, three specialty dinners, taxes, transfers and all gratuities. The cost for a balcony sea view cabin is $3,511 per person. For more information, contact Fillmore Travel’s Kevin Fries at 215-498-8294 or [email protected]. ••
South Phila. HS class of ‘68 reunion
The South Philadelphia High School Class of 1968 will hold its 55th reunion on Saturday, Oct. 21, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Waterfall Room, 2015 S. Water St. Tickets cost $60 and include buffet dinner and open bar. For tickets and more information, call Arleen Liberi [609-922-2419], Maria Leati [856-287-3734] or Stephen Michielli [267-252-2740]. ••
