Shredding event Saturday
State Reps. Jared Solomon and Anthony Bellmon will host an e-waste and shredding event on Saturday, May 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. outside Solomon’s office at 6434 Castor Ave. The truck will be behind the building in the parking lot. Call 215-560-1315. ••
Celebrate Armed Forces Day
Tony & Nick’s Steaks, 39 E. Oregon Ave., will be supporting the Michael Strange Foundation on Saturday, May 18, in honor of Armed Forces Day. All proceeds from sides and drinks purchased from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. will be donated to the Michael Strange Foundation, which assists Gold Star families in their grieving process by providing unconditional support and services by professionals in several fields, and also by those who have suffered similar losses so that the healing process can begin. Navy Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Petty Officer First Class Michael Strange, a Wissinoming native and 2004 North Catholic graduate, died in 2011 of wounds caused when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard crashed in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was 25. ••
Free Mother’s Day play
Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave., invites the public to a Mother’s Day celebration on Friday, May 10. The church will present Love, Loss and What I Wore by Nora and Delia Ephron. The show begins at 7 p.m. A free will offering will be taken to benefit the ministries of the church. The play is recommended for ages 13 and up. ••
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. ••
Bluegrass-classical music
The nonprofit Lyra Society will host Harp’N Hoedown, an anniversary celebration, on Wednesday, May 15, from 6-9 p.m., at BLDG39 at the Frankford Arsenal, 5401 Tacony St. The Lyra Society provides harps, harp lessons and harp presentations at no cost to School District of Philadelphia students. Performances will include a live bluegrass-classical band featuring musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra. Tickets are available for purchase at https://lyrasociety.org/twenty ••
Find inner peace and confidence
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host Beauty Will Save the World: The Wisdom of Creativity, on Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $53, which includes lunch. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will offer the following programs this month: Friday, May 10, 1-3 p.m., Fibercraft Friends; Saturday, May 11, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Storytime: Animal Mothers; Sunday, May 12, 1 p.m., Anime & Manga Club: Haruto; Friday, May 17, 1-3 p.m., Book Club: Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger; Saturday, May 18, 1-3 p.m., Ancient Cultures with Glencairn Museum (for kids 7-12, tickets at https://bit.ly/AncientCulturesatRyerss); Friday, May 24, 1-3 p.m., Fibercraft Friends; Saturday, May 25, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Storytime: Let’s Have a Parade. ••
Fatima Holy Hour for World Peace
The World Apostolate of Fatima is sponsoring a Fatima Holy Hour for World Peace on Monday, May 12, at 7 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours Church, Cheltenham Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard. Devotions include rosary and benediction. There will be a procession and crowning of the Fatima Statue. All are welcome. ••
Storytime with Pastor Donny
Pastor Donny McMenamin, of Calvary Baptist Church, Jenkintown, will be the special guest reader at Outdoor Storytime on Friday, May 10, at noon at Fox Chase Library, 501 Rhawn St. ••
Rhawnhurst Civic to meet
Rhawnhurst Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, May 15, at 7 p.m. at Pelbano Playground, Bustleton and Solly avenues. City Controller Christy Brady will speak, and there will be discussions on crime, zoning, abandoned automobiles and finalization of a list of businesses the group does not want to rent retail space at 8430 Bustleton Ave. Visit www.Rhawnhurstcivicassociation.com. ••
Overdose awareness
The public is invited to an event to remember those lost to overdoses and to raise awareness about drug abuse. The event will take place on Monday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m. at the 8th Police District, 3100 Academy Road. There will be a butterfly release and free Narcan training. Families are encouraged to bring a picture of their loved one. ••
Third Thursdays in Mayfair
The Mayfair Business Improvement District will hold Third Thursday Night Markets from 6-9 p.m. at Frankford and Cottman avenues. The events will feature vendors, food trucks, drinks and live music. The schedule is May 16 (Bogside Rogues), June 20 (The Launch), July 18 (The Great Scott Band), Aug. 15 (Philly Heart & Soul) and Sept. 19 (Jumper). ••
Glen Foerd plant sale
Glen Foerd is partnering with BloomBox for its spring fundraiser to benefit Glen Foerd’s community garden. Visit www.getblooming.com through May 15 to shop and place your order. Use code GFCG15 and BloomBox will deliver to your door in three days and donate a percentage of the sales to Glen Foerd’s community garden. ••
Free Boys Choir concert
The Philadelphia Boys Choir will perform a free concert on Saturday, May 18, at the Philadelphia Protestant Home, 6401 Martins Mill Road. The concert will start at 2 p.m. in the social hall. There is parking on campus. All are welcome. ••
Chair Yoga at library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host a Chair Yoga series Wednesday mornings at 10:10 a.m. until May 22. ••
Learn about Bess Myerson
Learn about the life of Bess Myerson, the only Jewish Miss America, at Congregations of Shaare Shamayim Sisterhood’s High Tea, on Thursday, May 9, at 1 p.m. at 9768 Verree Road. The afternoon will begin with a luncheon that includes high tea sandwiches and a variety of desserts. Maxine Goldman will present the program. The cost is $36. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Tacony history society meeting
The spring general membership meeting of the Historical Society of Tacony will be held on Monday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Innocents Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church, 7001 Torresdale Ave. A slide presentation will be featured about one of the most prominent residents of early Tacony, Thomas W. South. Find out how the collection that bears his name came into the possession of the Historical Society and why, upon his death in 1922, he was referred to as the “Father of Tacony.” Light refreshments will be served. ••
Cooking class
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host Cooking with Ms. Keisha aka Mobile Cooking Teacher on Thursday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m. The class will be taught by ServSafe certified chef Keisha Prosser. The menu will be ravioli with turkey meat sauce mixed salad with homemade sweet vinaigrette dressing. ••
St. Jerome Seniors to meet
Upcoming St. Jerome Seniors meetings are on Thursdays, May 9 and 23 in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. Meeting begins promptly at 11. ••
Nature poetry workshop
Poet Diane Sahms will conduct a nature poetry workshop at Pennypack Environmental Center, 8600A Verree Road, on May 15, from 7-9 p.m. Attendance is limited to 10 participants. For more information on the workshop and to register, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/s/nature-poetry-workshop-w-diane/349002997628478/ ••
Somerton Civic to meet
Somerton Civic Association will meet on Tuesday, May 14, at 7 p.m. at the Walker Lodge of the I.O.O.F., 1290 Southampton Road. The meeting will discuss and vote to support or oppose appeals for zoning variances at 10914 Nandina Court, 10916 Nandina Court, 822 Barlow St. and 15141 Endicott St. ••
Line dancing every Monday
KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., has a new free line dancing program every Monday at 12:30 p.m. The program is being run by Steven Mesh, owner of Spotlight Dance Center. Call 215-698-7300, Ext. 193. ••
St. Hubert headed to A.C.
St. Hubert will hold its ninth annual summer fun day trip on Monday, June 17. A bus will depart the school, 7320 Torresdale Ave., at 8:45 a.m. and arrive back about 9 p.m. There will be a one-hour ride on an Atlantic City-based cruise ship and a four-hour stay at Resorts Casino, with $15 back in slot cash and a $15 food voucher. There will be a sit-down dinner and complimentary wine tasting at Tomasello Winery. The cost is $115. Contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or mclifford@huberts.org. ••
Yoga series at Cranaleith
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra, a six-week series, on Fridays, through June 7, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per class. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••
Flea market at Delaire
Delaire Landing, 9355 State Road, will host a flea market on Saturday, June 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All are invited. Parking is available in the lot near the tennis courts. The cost per spot is $10. Anyone interested can email Jafineberg@yahoo.com. ••
Donate blood
The American Red Cross is encouraging people to donate blood. The Northeast Philadelphia Blood Donation Center, 1401 Rhawn St., is open Monday-Wednesday, 11:45 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, 10:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Friday-Sunday, 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Another date is May 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Church, 1009 Unruh Ave.
Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS. ••
Nursery school reunion
For more than 20 years, Miss Sandy and Miss Maria have taught preschool at Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave. They are retiring at the end of the school year. A special worship service will be held on Sunday, May 19, at 10 a.m. to honor their work. A pot luck lunch will follow. All former students are welcome to attend and bring a covered dish to share, if they want. ••
Millbrook Civic to meet
Millbrook Civic Association will meet on June 25, at 7 p.m., at the Calvary Athletic Association clubhouse, 4330 Deerpath Lane. Future meetings will be on Sept. 24, Oct. 29 and Nov. 26. For more information, email millbrookcivic@verizon.net ••
Support police survivors lunch
FOP Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road, will host the annual Survivors’ Fund event on Saturday, May 18, from 3-7 p.m. For more information, call 215-629-3602. ••
Sunday flea market returns
A flea market will take place every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November at Liberty Plaza, 90 Franklin Mills Blvd. (near Knights Road). The cost for vendors is $30 per parking space. For more information, call 215-625-FLEA (3532) or visit PhilaFleaMarkets.org. ••
Learn circus skills
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host an interactive circus on Tuesday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m. Learn how to juggle, balance feathers, spin lassos and more with the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. The program is for children of all ages. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
Meet the animals
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Who Lives Where on Tuesday, June 4, at 5:30 p.m. Meet animals from the Center for Aquatic Sciences. Learn about the best habitats and resources needed to survive in the wild. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
3 upcoming trips
The Maternity BVM Seniors Group has three upcoming trips. The group will attend a tribute to the Platters at the Tropicana in Atlantic City on Monday, June 17. The cost is $70. The group will travel to Lancaster on Thursday, Dec. 12, for a luncheon and the show Joy to the World at the American Music Theatre. For information on both trips, call 215-338-9141.
There is a trip to the Smoky Mountain Show (Dollywood) from Oct. 7-12. For more information, call 215-964-7125 ••
Entertainment at Parx
Parx Casino is offering the following upcoming entertainment:
May 11: Tracy Morgan; May 17: Femmes of Rock; May 18: Sebastian Bach; May 31: Reik; June 1: Joss Stone; June 14: Almost Queen, a tribute to Queen; June 21: Corinne Bailey Rae; July 13: Clay Walker; Aug. 3: Tyler Henry, The Hollywood Medium; Aug. 10: Dylan Scott; Sept. 7: Australian Pink Floyd; Nov. 21: Aaron Lewis; and Nov. 23: Steve Trevino. ••
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 cost is $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. ••
Bingo at Cannstatter’s
Bingo is played every Thursday at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 6:30. Call 215-322-0121. ••
Support for Parkinson’s
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus hosts a Parkinson’s Disease Support Group on the second Wednesday of every other month. The meetings will take place from 5-6 p.m. at the Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse, 7604 Central Ave. The group is led by nurse practitioner June Ro and attended by guest speakers, patients and caregivers.
The guest speakers are occupational therapist Diana Parkinson (June 12); Dr. Nancy Minniti, a neuropsychologist (Aug. 14); Dr. Molly Cincotta, a neurologist (Oct. 9); and social worker Luisa Enriquez (Dec. 11).
To register, contact June Ro at 215-707-2619 or Jungyoon.Ro@tuhs.temple.edu. ••
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 p.m. There are dollar hot dogs and free popcorn and refreshments. ••
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, with check or money order to St. Hilary Travels, Attn: Trips, 820 Susquehanna Road, Rydal, PA 19046. ••
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. ••
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 ••
Bus trip and lunch
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip on Friday, June 21, to the Morris Arboretum & Gardens and “Cliveden,” a National Trust Historic Site and the site of the 1777 Battle of Germantown. A 3-course luncheon will be served at Brittingham’s of Lafayette Hill. The all-inclusive cost is $150. For a flyer and reservation form, call 215-788-9408. Reservations close on April 17. ••
Support Michael Strange Foundation
The public is invited to attend two events held by the Michael Strange Foundation. On June 15, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., at American Legion Post, 9151 Old Newtown Road, there will be a live band, food and music. On June 16, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Parx horse racing track, third floor, Gold Star families will be on hand. Requested donations for each event are $40 per person. U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Michael Strange, a Wissinoming native and 2004 North Catholic graduate, died in 2011 of wounds caused when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard crashed in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was 25. ••
Musical show in June
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will present John Monforto’s The Man of Many Faces, on Sunday, June 2. Lunch will be at 2 p.m., followed by the performance at 3:30. Monforto is a singer, actor, impressionist, comedian, writer and emcee. The cost is $54, payable to CSS and mailed to the office at the above address. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Trip to Northern Europe
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is presenting a Northern Europe: Iceland, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium and London cruise, July 25 to Aug. 4, aboard the new “Norwegian Prima.” Rates per person are $6,261 and $6,495, which include roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia. Deposit of $350 per person double occupancy is required when booking. Call 215-788-9408. ••
Anniversary celebration
Valley Christian School, 2364 Huntingdon Pike, Huntingdon Valley, will host Valley Fest on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be a celebration of the school’s 50th anniversary. There will be children’s activities, food, vendors, giveaways and music. ••
See performance of Anything Goes
The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Cole Porter’s Anything Goes on May 31 and June 1-2 at 7 p.m. at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, at 7 Lock St. in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets are available on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at the Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, call director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714, like the group’s Facebook page, follow the group on Twitter @starplayersPPR or email Starplayers2013@gmail.com. ••
Vacation Bible School
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., is hosting a free Vacation Bible School called “Camp Firelight.” The program will run from July 29 through Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. to noon. All children ages 4 to sixth grade are welcome to join. Register at myvbs.org/mpcfc or call 215-745-2844. ••
Ukrainian Folk Festival in August
The Ukrainian Folk Festival will take place on Sunday, Aug. 25, from noon to 8 p.m., at the Ukrainian American Sport Center — Tryzub, County Line and Lower State roads, Horsham.
There will be Ukrainian folk art, music, dance, crafts and historical reenactments, a variety of food and refreshments and a vendors grove. Admission is $15, and a portion will be donated to relief of war victims in Ukraine. Kids under 15 will be admitted free. Parking is free. Call 267-664-3857, email info@tryzub.org or visit www.tryzub.org. ••
Unwind from stress
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host Zentangle: A Meditative Art (Butterfly Mandala Tangle), on Sunday, May 19, from 2-4 p.m. The cost is $25. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••
Kids Fest on June 1
State Sen. Jimmy Dillon, Rep. Pat Gallagher and City Councilman Mike Driscoll invite the community to Kids Fest on Saturday, June 1, from 2-5 p.m. at Torresdale Boys Club, 4500 Linden Ave. There will be food, family resources and kid-friendly games and activities. Call 215-695-1020. ••
Polka party
The Associated Polish Home, 9150 Academy Road, will host its sixth annual polka party on Saturday, May 19, from 3-7 p.m. The cost is $20 and includes music by TKO Band, a Polish kitchen and cash bar. For information and reservations, call 215-906-1825 or email polishhome@gmail.com. ••
2-day rummage sale
Presentation BVM will host a rummage sale on Friday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in its church hall, Woodland Avenue and Old Soldiers Road, Cheltenham. The event will include bag sales. Call 215-379-1364. ••
Car show and more
American Heritage Credit Union and BIG 98.1 will host the 20th annual car show and member appreciation day on May 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at AHCU headquarters at 2060 Red Lion Road. The free event is open to the community. All proceeds from will support the Kids-N-Hope Foundation. There will be craft vendors, food trucks, inflatables, a petting zoo, a clown and best-of-show car trophies.To register your car or car club for the show, visit AHCU.co/CarShow ••
Fatima Holy Hour
The World Apostolate of Fatima is sponsoring a Fatima Holy Hour for World Peace and an end to the pandemic on Sunday, June 13, at 7 p.m. at St. Katherine of Siena Church, 9700 Frankford Ave. Devotions include rosary and benediction. ••
Live Christian music
Christian bands will perform at a free event on Saturday, May 18, 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. ••
Bingo at Marian Hall
The Pennypack Parade Committee will hold a cash bingo on Saturday, June 1, from 6-10 p.m. at St. Dominic’s Marian Hall, 8532 Frankford Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. The cost is $35 in advance and $40 at the door. There will be beer, wine, soda, coffee, tea and dessert. Call 215-331-5828. ••
High marks for Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus has been recognized as among the safest hospitals in the U.S. by earning a Safety Grade “A” from Leapfrog in the latest Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade Report.
Leapfrog is a quality watchdog organization that uses nationally recognized safety metrics for its analysis. Achieving a Safety Grade of “A” certifies the effectiveness of your efforts to protect patients from infections, prevent errors, deliver dependable care and achieve high standards of patient safety.
Leapfrog urges consumers to consider this kind of high performance when choosing their hospital. ••
GBCL to meet May 28
The Greater Bustleton Civic League will hold its monthly membership meeting on Tuesday, May 28, at 7 p.m. in the community room of American Heritage Credit Union, 2060 Red Lion Road. Meetings are open to the public and all are welcome. Email gbustletoncl@gmail.com or call 215-676-6890. ••
Pennypack Music Festival
The Pennypack Music Festival will take place on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. The schedule is June 5 (Street Survivor, tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd), June 12 (Crystal Ship, tribute to the Doors), June 19 (The Launch, tribute to Queen and Styx), June 26 (Saints in the City, tribute to Bruce Springsteen), July 3 (Idol Kings, tribute to Journey and REO Speedwagon), July 10 (Angry Young Band, tribute to Billy Joel), July 17 (Irish Night, Ed Kelly’s birthday celebration, Jamison and Bogside Rogues), July 24 (Black Dog, tribute to Led Zeppelin), July 31 (Starman, tribute to David Bowie), Aug. 7 (Kick it Out, tribute to Heart), Aug. 14 (Pure Petty, tribute to Tom Petty) and Aug. 21 (Romeo Delight, tribute to Van Halen). ••
Towne earns safety grant
Franklin Towne Charter High School received a $70,000 Noncompetitive School Mental Health Grant, approved by the School Safety and Security Committee, which is under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Statewide, $47 million in competitive school safety and security grants were awarded to improve safety, security and mental health supports for students and staff.
FTCHS will use the mental health and safety security grant to implement various initiatives aimed at promoting a safe and supportive learning environment for students and staff.
“Student and staff safety and mental health are among our most important investments,” Franklin Towne Charter High School CEO Brianna O’Donnell said. “We are grateful that the state School and Safety Committee has made funding these areas a priority.” ••
Riverways Ambassador program application
Glen Foerd’s Riverways Ambassador program, for Philadelphia high school students, aims to increase awareness and knowledge of the Delaware River Watershed, provide opportunities for on-water and land activities and promote community outreach and stewardship.
The Riverways Ambassador program is a 6-week program starting the week of July 8 and ending the week of Aug. 12. Ambassadors will meet four days per week (Monday-Thursday) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be a virtual orientation on July 1, at 6 p.m. and overnight camping at Glen Foerd on Aug. 14.
Applicants must be a rising 11th- or 12th-grade student. Ambassadors will be paid a stipend.
Applications are due May 10 by 5 p.m.
Email Robert DiTomasso at rditomasso@glenfoerd.org. ••
Energy and economic growth
State Rep. Martina White, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, held an energy roundtable discussion, focusing on bolstering Pennsylvania’s energy sector and enhancing economic growth. The roundtable, held at the Manufacturers’ Association of South Central PA in York, drew a group of stakeholders, industry experts and legislators to discuss topics such as LNG exports, permitting reform and grid reliability.
Specifically, the roundtable discussed the untapped potential of LNG exports from Southeast Pennsylvania. Participants highlighted Pennsylvania’s strategic positioning to bolster global energy needs and the need to lift the “Biden Blockade” on new LNG export permits. This initiative could emulate the economic success of existing facilities and significantly contribute to job creation and economic output.
The discussion continued highlighting the need for permitting reform, including an established statutory timeframe for permit reviews to ensure predictability and enhance transparency. These proposed reforms will streamline processes, reduce delays and uphold Pennsylvania’s competitiveness in manufacturing and energy production.
Further discussions emphasized the importance of grid reliability amid the phasing out of baseload power plants and growing dependency on variable energy sources. Proposals suggested refining the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards to differentiate energy types, securing a stable and dependable energy infrastructure for the state’s economic future.
“Today’s roundtable is just the beginning of a crucial dialogue on securing Pennsylvania’s energy future,” White said. “It’s imperative that we address these issues head-on to ensure our energy policies support our economy and provide reliable, affordable energy for all Pennsylvanians.”
“We were honored to join Rep. White in exploring the topic of an LNG export facility in Pennsylvania and what a project of that magnitude would mean in all corners of the commonwealth,” said Carl Marrara, executive director of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association. “Energy production in Pennsylvania has the potential to power our overseas allies while stabilizing our grid here at home and providing endless opportunities to our workforce.” ••
No parking with illegal tint
Legislation sponsored by Councilman Mike Driscoll prohibiting the parking of vehicles with illegally tinted windows on Philadelphia streets was signed into law by Mayor Cherelle Parker. The ordinance was drafted in response to police and public concerns about the proliferation of excessively tinted windows designed to prevent a vehicle operator from being identified. It passed City Council unanimously.
“Illegally tinted windows are a real threat to law-abiding Philadelphians,” Driscoll said. “From a traffic safety perspective, we often rely on visual cues from other drivers in making decisions such as when to proceed through a stop sign, merge or make a turn. If I can’t see the other driver, the absence of that cue can be dangerous.
“From a law-enforcement perspective, the danger is magnified. The inability to see if an operator is complying with lawful instructions places law enforcement and the operator themselves in real danger. With excessive tinting, an innocuous action is more easily interpreted reaching for a weapon or doing something with the intent to harm.”
Parker also emphasized the potential danger to public safety caused by overly tinted windows.
“Illegally tinted windows conceal potential threats and impede law enforcement investigations, threatening public safety,” she said. “From day one, I’ve been clear that public safety is my No. 1 priority as your mayor, so I am proud to sign Councilmember Driscoll’s legislation into law, cracking down on illegally tinted windows.”
The ordinance prohibits the parking of a vehicle with a “sun screening device,” referring to a sun screening device or other material that, if used by a person driving a motor vehicle, would constitute a violation of the PA Motor Vehicle Code. State law requires vehicle windows to permit 70 percent of light contacting the window to pass through it. While factory tinting complies with this threshold, tinting done by independent installers often does not.
The state motor vehicle code prevents the city and other municipalities from regulating most aspects of the operation of a vehicle. The city is free to regulate parking and other activities secondary to their operation.
“Philadelphia and our region have seen a marked increase in the number of vehicles with illegal tinting,” Driscoll said. “While many who have had their windows tinted are law-abiding citizens and have done so without any ill intent, we know that others have installed illegal tinting for the express purpose to avoid identification while committing crimes or engaging in inherently dangerous activities such as illegal street racing and drifting. As city officials, we will not tolerate activities that endanger those who live and work here.”
Driscoll noted the significance of the measure’s unanimous approval by Council.
“We are a diverse body with a wide range of life experiences and perspectives. That my bill was passed with the support of all councilmembers is evidence that we all recognize that offenses that may, on a standalone basis, be considered a nuisance in fact contribute to behavior that menaces law-abiding citizens and must be addressed accordingly,” he said.
“I am grateful to my Council colleagues for their support of this measure and to the mayor for her prompt approval of it. I’ll continue to fight to protect and improve the quality of life for city residents.”
Once the measure takes effect in 60 days, violators will face a $100 fine. ••
Local opera schedule
Amici Opera Company will present Verdi’s La Traviata on Saturday, May 18, at 7 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. Brigantine Ave., Brigantine. The cost is $28.
Next will be A Concert of Arias on Sunday, May 19, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale.
There will be two performances of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave. The dates are Saturdays, May 25 and June 1, both at 4 p.m.
United Methodist Church of the Redeemer will host two performances of Donizetti’s Il Paria on Sundays, May 26 and June 2, both at 3 p.m.
There will be a dinner opera on Tuesday, May 28, at 6 p.m. at La Piovra, 7901 High School Road, Elkins Park. The performance will be Puccini’s Tosca. The cost is $54.95 (tips and taxes not included). For reservations, call 215-606-3800.
Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Arts event in Fox Chase
The Rockledge Fox Chase Business Association will present Art in the Park on Saturday, May 18, from 2-5 p.m. at Lions Park, 7964 Oxford Ave. There will be art, vendors and music. Call Theresa at 215-722-4566. ••
Sielski at beef and beer
The Men’s Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, is hosting its annual beef and beer on Thursday, June 20, at 6:30 p.m. The cost to attend is $30 per person. Inquirer sports columnist Mike Sielski will be the guest speaker. Send your payment to the office at the address above. Call 215-677-1600 for further information. ••
Book club discussion
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host a book club discussion of And Then There Were None, by Agatha Christie, on Thursday, June 6, at 11 a.m. Reading the book beforehand is encouraged but not necessary. Copies of the book to borrow will be available at the branch to library card holders. Call 215-685-0472. ••
O’Neill’s upcoming events
City Councilman Brian O’Neill will host three events on upcoming Saturdays, all from 9-11 a.m. at his district offices. There will be an e-cycle event at 1701 Bowler St. (at Bustleton Avenue) on May 18. A shredding event, sponsored by the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, will take place on June 1 at FOP Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road. There will be a recycle bucket giveaway on June 8 at 432 Rhawn St. in Fox Chase, behind American Heritage Credit Union. ••
