Women’s Day program
The Philadelphia Protestant Home, 6401 Martins Mill Road, will host an International Women’s Day program on Friday, March 8, at 2 p.m. in its social hall. The guest speaker will be Maureen O’Connell, associate professor of Christian Ethics in La Salle University’s Department of Religion and Theology. The topic will be Finding Your Roots in Philadelphia. The program is for people 60 and older. The public is invited. ••
New artist in residence at Glen Foerd
Glen Foerd announced that Shira Walinsky has been selected as this year’s Artist in Residence.
Walinsky will receive $3,000 to create her works that will be completed in time for Glen Foerd’s ArtsFest on Sept. 22.
“This residency offers Shira the perfect opportunity to build upon her strong track record of connecting immigrant, migrant and refugee communities to green spaces through the arts,” said Alice Thompson, Glen Foerd’s arts and culture program manager. “Our shared goal is that Glen Foerd is no longer a hidden gem. Through this residency, Shira will engage with and celebrate the diversity of our local community, inviting foreign language speakers to Glen Foerd for intimate workshops that will inform new sculptures.”
The opportunity offers Walinsky access to Glen Foerd’s historic collections, grounds and the Delaware River.
“Glen Foerd’s residency is a challenging opportunity for artists because it asks them to connect deeply with history and contemporary audiences, while remaining true to their own aesthetic,” Thompson said. “The selection committee was impressed by the thoughtfulness and quality of the applications we received this year. Shira Walinsky stood out for the strong community engagement component of her application.” ••
Somerton Civic to meet on Tuesday
Somerton Civic Association will meet on March 12 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Walker Lodge of the I.O.O.F., 1290 Southampton Road. The guest speaker will be state Sen. Jimmy Dillon. All residents of Somerton are welcome to attend and to join the Civic. ••
Blood drive
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, in partnership with the American Red Cross, is having a blood drive on Wednesday, March 27, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Patient Care Center Main Lobby, Multi-Purpose Room, 7600 Central Ave. Visit www.redcrossblood.org. Enter “TUH Jeanes Campus” for location. ••
St. Jerome Seniors to meet
Upcoming St. Jerome Seniors meetings are on Thursdays, March 14 and March 28, in the school hall, 3031 Stamford Street. Arrive by 10 a.m. Meetings begin promptly at 11. ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host the following programs this weekend: Friday, March 8, 1-3 p.m. (Fibercraft Friends); Saturday, March 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Storytime: Come celebrate Robert Ryerss’ birthday with us); Sunday, March 10, 1-3 p.m. (Manga Club: Haikyu!). Call 215-685-0599 or visit ryerssmuseum.org. ••
Hear about riverfront access, recreational use
The Historical Society of Frankford, 1507 Orthodox St., welcomes everyone to the opening of its lecture series on Tuesday, March 12, at 7:30 p.m., with the talk, Welcome to Riverfront North.
The speaker will be Gina Craigo, Community Engagement Manager for Riverfront North.
Bridesburg and the surrounding river wards once had their own Boathouse Row with much recreational use by local residents. Years of heavy industrial use and disconnect with I-95 changed that landscape.
However, Riverfront North has been working since 2003 to return access and recreational use to the northern Delaware River waterfront. Learn about this 11-mile greenway and the organization working with the city to provide access and recreational use. ••
St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Sunday, March 10, starting at 11 a.m. The parade starts at 16th Street and JFK Boulevard and heads east on Market Street. The theme is St. Patrick, Bless Philadelphia with a New Dawn of Hope. There will be a pre-parade Mass at 9 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 20th and Locust streets. The parade will be broadcast live on Channel 57 from noon to 3 p.m. and rebroadcast on March 15 on Channel 3 from 9 a.m. to noon and March 17 on Channel 57 from noon to 3 p.m. ••
2 senior trips
St. Katherine of Siena Primrose senior club is running two trips.
The first trip will be on Tuesday, May 14, to Lancaster to see Mystery, a variety magic show featuring illusionist John Brett Myers, at Magic & Wonder Theater. The cost is $130 and includes a buffet lunch at Miller’s restaurant.
The second trip will be on Friday, June 21, to Shawnee Playhouse for a sit-down luncheon and the musical My Fair Lady. The cost is $110.
Call Catherine Murphy at 215-919-4399 for reservations. ••
Bus trip to Lancaster County
St. William Travel is planning a trip to Lancaster County on June 20. There will be a Magic & Wonder Theater show, buffet lunch at Shady Maple, round trip by motorcoach, with all taxes and gratuities included. The costs $120. Bus departs from Gloria Dei Estates, 1304 Rhawn St., at 9:15 a.m. and returns 6:15 p.m. Check or money order payable to St. William Travel can be sent c/o 206 Benner St., Philadelphia, PA 19111. Call 215-745-7199. ••
Be an airport intern
Councilman Brian O’Neill announced that the city Division of Aviation is seeking qualified college students to participate in an internship program with Philadelphia International Airport. The aviation department has designed a structured internship program benefiting college students to expose them to a variety of aviation careers and help to build skills for the future workforce. The opportunity provides access to professional development and support as they prepare to enter the workforce. For more information, call O’Neill’s office at 215-686-3422. ••
Weight-loss program
The New You Program is a behavioral weight-loss program that provides support through weekly meetings and accountability. As a member, you will learn how to manage your cravings and learn how to lose weight and maintain it. A new group is starting March 25. For more information, call Sophia at 267-254-4050 or email Ilya Khaytin at Ikhaytin@verizon.net. ••
Stations of the Cross
The Medical Mission Sisters, 8400 Pine Road, invites the public to Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, March 29, at noon. Visitors can also see the Memorial to the Lost, which recalls Philadelphians who died by gun violence last year. Call Sister Vera Sheenan at 215-742-6100. ••
Support police survivors luncheon
FOP Lodge 5 will host a luncheon for all families of Philadelphia police officers killed in the line of duty on Wednesday, May 1. To offset the costs associated with the event, money is raised through an ad book form. Donations are tax deductible.
The cost is $700 for the back cover, $600 for the inside cover, $500 for the center page, $450 for a full page and $400 for a half-page.
Advertisements can be emailed to shawthorn@fop5.org.
Forms, along with checks or money orders payable to FOP Survivors’ Fund, are due by April 5. They can be sent to Samantha Hawthorn, FOP Lodge 5/Ad Sponsor, 11630 Caroline Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154.
The annual Survivors’ Fund event will be held at the FOP, 11630 Caroline Road, on Saturday, May 18, from 3-7 p.m.
For more information, call Samantha Hawthorn at 215-629-3602. ••
Program at Cranaleith
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host Spring Labyrinth Walk of Renewal: In Preparation for Daylight Saving Time on Friday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $43. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••
Learn to make palm
Our Lady of Consolation Church, 7056 Tulip St., invites people to learn how to make palm, from March 18-22, from 3-8 p.m. Call 215-333-0442. ••
Book review for charity
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is having a book review on Tuesday, April 2, at 6 p.m. at Guiseppe’s, 990 Second Street Pike, Richboro. The book being discussed is Mad Honey by Jodi Piccoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. The cost is $45 per person, 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. ••
Erin Express on Saturday
The Erin Express will take place on Saturday, March 9, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Buses will run from 2-8 p.m. Wristbands cost $6, and there will be drink specials. Participating bars are Paddy Whacks Irish Sports Pub, 9241 Roosevelt Blvd.; Curley’s Pub, 8929 Krewstown Road; O’Mare’s Irish Pub, 10253 Bustleton Ave.; Union Tap, 2711 Comly Road; Reedy’s Irish Pub, 9245 Frankford Ave.; Leneghan’s Crusader Inn, 7412 Frankford Ave.; and Penny Gardens Tavern, 3089 Holme Ave. ••
Women in business program
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host Superwoman: Tips for Women in Business on Friday, March 8, from 3-4 p.m. Koresh Dance Company and Artist House Dance will lead the discussion. To register, call 215-392-2700 or text SUCCESS to that number. ••
Meeting on Castor Ave.
Take Back Your Neighborhood will hold a town hall meeting about proposed construction on Castor Avenue on Saturday, March 30, at 9 a.m. at Northeast Services Hub, 6434-36 Castor Ave. State Rep. Jared Solomon and representatives from PennDOT and SEPTA will be on hand. TBYN opposes the plan to convert Castor, from Oxford Circle to Cottman Avenue, into one lane of traffic each way. ••
Dinner and a show
Villa Barolo Ristorante, 1373 Easton Road in Warrington, will present Joey C’s Variety Dinner on Thursday, March 21. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6, followed by the show at 7:30. The show will feature the sounds of Frank Sinatra and entertainment by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis impersonators. Tickets are $100 and include taxes and gratuities. For tickets, call Villa Barolo at 215-491-9370. ••
Preschool storytime
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host preschool storytime on Thursdays, March 7, 14 and 28, at 10:30 a.m. There will be stories, songs and fingerplays. Storytime is for children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
Yoga classes
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will offer Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra classes on Fridays, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., through April 12. There is no class on Good Friday, March 29. The cost is $15 per class, which will be led by Tiffany Cooper. Call 215-934-6206. ••
A group for moms
A Sacred Mother’s Circle will meet at Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, on Wednesdays, from March 13 to April 17, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $20 per class. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Program on prison experiments
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host Human Experiments at Holmesburg Prison on Monday, March 11, at 5:30 p.m. Allen M. Hornblum, author of Acres of Skin, will give a presentation on the history of the use of inmates at Holmesburg Prison for medical research. ••
Spaghetti dinner
St. Andrew’s In-the-Field Episcopal Church, 500 Somerton Ave., will host a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, March 9, from 3-6 p.m. The cost is $12 for adults and $8 for children. Call 215-673-5938. ••
Flea market
St. Dominic Catholic Daughters will hold a flea market at Marian Hall, 8532 Frankford Ave., on Saturday, March 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. ••
Vendors/crafters wanted
St. Hubert Parent Association will host a vendor/craft fair on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost per table is $20 and a $20 value product donation. Venmo payment to @st-hubert-pa or mail to St. Hubert High School, 7320 Torresdale Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19136. For more information, email Sheila Picinich at s.picinich@olcalvaryschool.org or Sandy Vaughan at sacoleman@philasd.org. ••
History meeting
The Northeast Philadelphia History Network will meet on Wednesday, March 6, at 7 p.m. at Pennepack Baptist Meetinghouse, 8732 Krewstown Road. The topic will be on St. Katherine Drexel. The speaker will be author Cordelia Frances Biddle. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing at the event. ••
Thrift shop reopening
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., will reopen March 8, fully restocked for spring and summer. Call 215-624-9130. ••
Upcoming opera performances
Amici Opera Company will present two performances of Mozart’s Don Giovanni: Saturday, March 9, at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.; and Sunday, March 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale. United Methodist Church of the Redeemer will host a production of Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri on Sunday, March 10, at 3 p.m. L’Italiana in Algeri will be performed on Tuesday, March 12, at 6 p.m. at La Piovra, 7901 High School Road, Elkins Park. The evening will include a 3-course dinner. The cost is $54.95 (tips and tax not included). BYOB. For reservations, call 215-606-3800. For more information, call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Zoom Bingo
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim is hosting bingo on Zoom on Mondays, March 11 and March 18, starting at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $36 per person and includes two cards for eight games of bingo each night. Send your payment to the CSS office, 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115, attention: Bingo. Include your email address to receive the Zoom link. Call Gerry or Nancy at 215-677-1600. ••
Synagogue Sisterhood meeting
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be holding a meeting on Tuesday, March 12, at 1 p.m. Jack Myers will present a free program on genealogy. Light refreshments will be served. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Support Storm the Heavens
Storm the Heavens Fund will hold its sixth annual Bean’s Ball on March 9 at 7 p.m. at Vie, 600 N. Broad St.
The masquerade ball will be held in memory of Philomena “Bean” Stendardo, an 8-year-old from Port Richmond who died in 2017 of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a fatal form of brain cancer that mostly affects kids under 11.
Philomena’s parents, Mark and Mina, started the Storm the Heavens Fund to spread awareness and fund research for DIPG.Tickets cost $275. For information on tickets, sponsorships and event booklet ads or to make a donation, visit StormTheHeavens.org. ••
Volunteer for cleanup
The Friends of Poquessing Watershed are looking for volunteers for a cleanup of Walton Run, Academy and Brandon roads, on Saturday, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The site is a block north of Comly Road. Wear long sleeves and sturdy shoes. Grabbers, trash bags and gloves will be provided. Community service hours are available, and anyone under 18 needs to be accompanied by a parent of guardian. ••
Trip to winery
St. Hilary Travels is going to Tomasello Winery on Sunday, May 19, for the Totally Tenors Opera Gala featuring arias, songs, contemporary classics and a meal consisting of salad, soup, bread, butter, entrée and dessert. A motorcoach will depart at 12:30 p.m. at Verree Road and Solly Avenue and return at about 7 or 7:30. The cost is $120, payable by April 9 with check or money order to St. Hilary Travels, Attn: Trips, 820 Susquehanna Road, Rydal, PA 19046. ••
Sign up for senior softball
The Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced players for its 68-and-over and 58-and-over leagues. The 58-plus teams play Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 68-plus teams play Mondays and Fridays. All games start at 10 a.m. and are played at Crispin Fields, at Holme and Convent avenues. Games start mid-April and run till the end of September. No games in July. For the 58-plus league, call Mike Bojanowski at 215-801-4869. For the 68-plus league, call Marty King at 215-409-5021. ••
Senior softball league seeks players
The Bucks 65+ Senior Softball League is holding registration for the upcoming season, which begins in April. Indoor practices will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Pennsbury Racquet Club, 375 W. Trenton Ave., Morrisville. For information, go to www.bucksseniorsoftball.com or email Bill at bbjt03@gmail.com or Jack at Zupan.jack@gmail.com. ••
Sign up for St. Cecilia run
The second annual St. Cecilia School Legacy Run will take place on Saturday, April 20. The event is a 5K run/1-mile walk that raises money for a scholarship fund that benefits students at St. Cecilia who have a parent who is an alum of St. Cecilia or St. William. Sign up at https://runningintheusa.com/details/137457. ••
History-themed bus trip
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to the historic Village of Roebling and historic Bordentown on Thursday, April 11. The itinerary will include a docent-led tour of the Roebling Museum and a leisurely walking tour of the Village, established in 1905 by Charles G. Roebling as a complete self-sustaining community for the workers of the Roebling Steel Mill, followed by lunch at the Old Town Pub in Bordentown and a visit to Point Breeze, the former estate of Joseph Bonaparte. The all-inclusive cost is $125. For a flyer and reservation form, call 215-788-2106. ••
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. Call Commander Israel Wolmark at 215-725-0630 if you would like to join the post. ••
Bingo at Loudenslager
Corp. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., is offering community bingo every second and fourth Friday evenings. Doors open at 6:30, games start at 7:20. Refreshments available. ••
Ryan ’74 reunion
The Archbishop Ryan High School Class of 1974 will celebrate its 50th reunion on Friday, May 31, from 7-11 p.m., at the Southampton Room, 2980 Southampton Road. For tickets or more information, go to https://www.arhs.me/update ••
A class on marriage
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a life cycle class on marriage taught by Rabbi Sandi Berliner on Tuesday, April 2, at 10 a.m. Light refreshments will be served. For reservations and more information, call 215-677-1600. ••
April book club
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be hosting a Zoom session on Monday, April 1, at 7 p.m. The book is The Gown by Jennifer Robson. To register or for more information, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Life cycle class
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a life cycle class on B’Nai Mitzvah taught by Rabbi Sandi Berliner on Tuesday, March 26, at 10 a.m. Light refreshments will be served. To make a reservation or for more information, call 215-677-1600. ••
Writers series at Holy Family
Holy Family University will welcome fiction and creative nonfiction novelist Liz Moore in its Distinguished Writers Series on Wednesday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Education and Technology Center auditorium (9801 Frankford Ave.). The event is free and open to the public. Free off-street parking is available. Call 215-637-7700. ••
Free tax preparation
People who need help preparing their federal income tax return can take advantage of the free assistance program offered by KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. The program will run through April 12 and is available to everyone with incomes of up to $73,000 whether filing single or joint returns. Call 215-698-7300, Ext. 194 to make an appointment. Have all of your tax information, including last year’s federal tax return, W-2, 1099 and real estate tax bill. ••
Donate blood
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, is holding its annual blood drive being run by the American Red Cross on Sunday, March 17. Appointments are available starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 1:30 p.m. In addition to donating blood, you can volunteer to check people in and assist where needed. Light refreshments will be served. To reserve your time slot or for more details, call 215-677-1600. ••
Donate clothes
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a clothing drive on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to noon at 604 Township Line Road, Cheltenham. Bring your gently used clothing, accessories, books and small trinkets in bags or boxed for pick-up. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Charity fashion show
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a fashion show, Couture For The Cure, on Sunday, May 5, at Spring Mill Manor, 171 Jacksonville Road, Ivyland. The cost is $68 and includes full-course lunch and fashion show. There will be raffles, boutiques and jewelry and craft vendors. BOC Productions will present Fashions from Marlene’s of Collingswood, New Jersey. Doors open at 10 a.m. for shopping. Lunch will start at 12:30 p.m. Call Lorraine at 610-277-3631 for tickets. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
First ladies and suffrage
First Ladies of the United States and Suffrage, the Fight for Women’s Rights will be the subjects for a live performance presented by Trish Chambers at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., on March 25. The show will begin at 12:45 p.m. Chambers will dress in period costumes for the show, and there will be information on first ladies from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama. Cost for the program is $3 per person. For additional information and reservations, contact Andrea Kimelheim at 215-698-7300, Ext. 176 or akimelhein@kleinlife.org. ••
Millbrook Civic to meet
Millbrook Civic Association will meet on April 30, at 7 p.m., at the Calvary Athletic Association clubhouse, 4330 Deerpath Lane. Future meetings will be on June 25, Sept. 24, Oct. 29 and Nov. 26. For more information, email millbrookcivic@verizon.net ••
Attend special Mass
St. Martin of Tours, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., invites everyone to a Mass to celebrate its pastor, the Rev. Efren Esmilla, becoming a bishop in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The Mass is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 17. A reception will follow in the gym. Call 215-535-2962. ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host the following programs in March and April:
Friday, March 8, 1-3 p.m. (Fibercraft Friends); Saturday, March 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Storytime: Come celebrate Robert Ryerss’ birthday with us); Sunday, March 10, 1-3 p.m. (Manga Club: Haikyu!); Friday, March 15, 1-3 p.m. (Book Club: The Lost Apothecary by Rose Penner); Saturday, March 16, 1-2 p.m. (Victorian medicine lecture by Herb Kaufman); Friday, March 22, 1-3 p.m. (Fibercraft Friends); Saturday, March 23, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Storytime: Welcome Spring); Friday, April 5, 1-3 p.m. (Genealogy Group); Saturday, April 6, 1-3 p.m. (Watercolor Workshop with Lucy Roehm, for adults, registration required); Sunday, April 7, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. (Book Talk: Final Touchstones by Linda Romanowski); Friday, April 12, 1-3 p.m. (Fibercraft Friends); Saturday, April 13, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (Storytime); Sunday, April 14, 1-3 p.m. (afternoon team with Mary Ann); Friday, April 19, 1-3 p.m. (Book Club).
The museum will be closed March 29-31.
Call 215-685-0599 or visit ryerssmuseum.org. ••
Purim celebration
Congregations of Shaare Shamyim, 9768 Verree Road, is hosting a Purim celebration on Saturday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. There will be a seudat shlishit (third Shabbat meal), followed by a joint Megillah reading at 8:30. RSVP at at 215-677-1600. ••
Purim at Paul’s Run
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will celebrate Purim at Paul’s Run, 9896 Bustleton Ave., on Sunday, March 24, at 1 p.m. Join Rabbi Berliner and Cantor Walters for the reading of the Megillah, music, crafts, hamentashen and more. Call 215-677-1600 to RSVP. ••
Trip to Glencairn
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will visit Glencairn Museum, in Bryn Athyn, on Wednesday, May 1, at 10:15 a.m. There will be a video and tour. The cost is $18, payable to CSS Sisterhood and mailed to 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115. Include your name, email address and phone number. ••
Solomon at TBYN
Take Back Your Neighborhood will meet on Monday, March 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Max Myers Recreation Center, 1601 Hellerman St. The guest will be state Rep. Jared Solomon, who will discuss his campaign for attorney general. ••
Learn about bees
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host So You Want to Learn About Bees on Saturday, March 16, from 9 a.m. to noon. The program will include a visit to Cranaleith’s beehive. The cost is $30. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••
Landau wants hearings on sidewalk dining
Councilwoman Rue Landau has introduced a resolution that would examine the current state of streeteries and sidewalk cafes in Philadelphia. The resolution calls for hearings that would result in a review of the city’s regulations and policies regarding outdoor dining as well as a consideration of possible improvements that could allow more restaurants to participate in the program and enhance the vibrancy of the restaurant scene and support small businesses.
Landau’s resolution aims to renew the discussion around outdoor dining by holding hearings on the current regulations and identifying areas of improvement to the program to enable more “equitable” access to streetery and sidewalk café licenses and approvals.
“As a city known for its culinary diversity and innovation, Philadelphia’s outdoor dining scene has become an important part of our city. However, the transition from emergency COVID conditions to permanent outdoor dining regulations has posed significant challenges for many of our restaurants,” Landau said. “Through this resolution, we want to revisit and consider improvements to our current policies, ensuring fair access to streeteries and sidewalk cafes for all restaurateurs. By holding hearings and collecting feedback from the community, we will work towards a more ‘inclusive’ and thriving dining experience that helps both our small businesses and residents alike.”
“Philadelphia’s culinary scene often ranks in the top three reasons why travelers choose to visit our city,” said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia. “We support continuing the dialogue and bringing communities together to discuss streeteries and their impact on the culinary scene, neighborhood vibrancy, and in exploring regulations and policies that would democratize the process for restaurant owners and operators.” ••
Landau proposes consumer protection
Councilwoman Rue Landau is introducing a consumer protection ordinance at the request of the Parker administration.
The ordinance would empower the Law Department to investigate potential violations such as misleading financing plans and false advertising of product conditions.
If violations are found, the Law Department can take action in the Court of Common Pleas, seeking remedies such as injunctive relief, civil penalties of up to $2,000 per violation and compensatory damages and restitution for affected consumers.
“Our aim is ultimately to ensure that no one falls victim to predatory practices, and that every Philadelphian has confidence and security in the city’s commitment to protecting them from scams and fraud,” Landau said. “I deeply value the mayor prioritizing this ordinance in her first 100 days, and I’m proud to introduce it and stand up for working Philadelphians.”
Mayor Cherelle Parker said, “This ordinance reaffirms my administration’s strong commitment to fostering a fairer and equitable business environment in Philadelphia, where consumers are respected and protected from exploitation and misleading promises and claims. I want to commend Councilmember Landau’s commitment to consumer protection this early in her first term, and I look forward to finding ways to work with her and her team moving forward on consumer protection issues. In addition to the protections available under state law, there are steps the City of Philadelphia can take to better safeguard consumers from fraudulent claims and tactics. This legislation is a step in the right direction.”
“The Consumer Protection Ordinance will allow the city to take legal action against bad actors whose deceptive business practices cause financial harm to consumers in Philadelphia,” said City Solicitor Renee Garcia. “I am grateful to Councilmember Landau for introducing this legislation and to Mayor Parker for pushing the ordinance forward. The Law Department will continue to work with City Council and the Parker administration on innovative legal solutions to protect our residents and promote a secure, equitable and vibrant economy.”
While the ordinance does not provide a private right of action, it ensures that the city is empowered to act on behalf of the public, acting as a guardian for working families when necessary. The legislation aligns with the existing state consumer protection law, reinforcing practices already deemed illegal at the state level. ••
Learn about Water Dept. work
The Philadelphia Water Department is inviting residents to learn about the Water Revitalization Plan, a 25-year initiative to upgrade and strengthen the city’s drinking water infrastructure. Local sessions are Tuesday, March 19, at 5:30 p.m. at Fox Chase Library, 501 Rhawn St., and Tuesday, April 9, at 7:15 p.m. at Holmesburg Recreation Center (during the Holmesburg Civic Association meeting), 4500 Rhawn St. ••
Happy birthday, Torresdale Library
Torresdale Library, 3079 Holme Ave., will celebrate its 52nd birthday on Saturday, April 20. There will be preschool storytime at 10:30 a.m.; airbrush tattoos from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; live animals from the Center for Aquatic Sciences at noon; and the band Minas performing The Beatles in Bossa at 2:30. Light refreshments will be provided by Friends of Torresdale Library. ••
Clothing drive
The Bustleton Bengals, President Street and Conwell Avenue, will hold a clothing drive and “more” on Saturday, April 13, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Among items accepted are men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and shoes, accessories, household items and toys. All donations must be in a tied trash bag. Call Chris Tarducci at 215-906-8179 for possible pick-up. ••
Live Christian music
Christian bands will perform at a free event on Saturday, March 30, at Holmesburg United Methodist Church, 8118 Frankford Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7. There will be snacks and drinks. There is a parking lot and handicap-accessible access behind the church. All are welcome. Call 215-624-6900. ••
Trip to Hindu temple
The Chaverim of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, is planning a trip on Sunday, April 7, to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple located in Robbinsville, New Jersey. The cost is $10. Lunch is on your own following the tour. All will meet at CSS at 9:30 a.m. and carpool to the temple. Make your checks out to CSS, attention Cultural Trip, and mail to the address above. Call Lynn at 215-677-1600. ••
Get a garden plot
Benjamin Rush Garden Association is accepting applications through June for gardeners to get a garden plot. The garden opening assignment days are March 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and March 24, from noon to 3 p.m., at Benjamin Rush State Park, on Southampton Road. Details are at www.benjaminrushgardens.org ••
