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. ••
Concert at Holmesburg Library
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host an Ants on a Log Family Concert on Monday, July 8, at 3 p.m. The music will center on positivity, “social justice” and silliness. The concert will include humor and harmony, and is designed to be energetic, interactive and a delight for children and adults. ••
Real estate tax relief for the poor
City Council is taking advantage of the Housing Unit Tax Exemption Act, a 2022 law authored by state Rep. Jared Solomon, that allows local taxing authorities to provide refunds or forgiveness of real estate taxes to low-income taxpayers. The budget deal between City Council and Mayor Cherelle Parker includes such a property tax freeze for some low-income homeowners, authored by Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier, entitling homeowners within the eligible income range to a refund or forgiveness on property tax increases that result from a tax rate increase or their home’s assessment increasing.
“Thanks to Councilwoman Gauthier’s hard work and Mayor Parker’s vision, Philadelphia is the first municipality to take advantage of my bill allowing local taxing authorities to enact a property tax freeze for low-income homeowners,” Solomon said. “Seniors and our most vulnerable are struggling with paying for prescription drugs and groceries, and this allows them to stay in their homes.”
Solomon praised the provision as a great example of the city and the state working together to make a real difference.
“This is proof that Harrisburg and Philadelphia can row together in the same direction to make a tangible difference in people’s lives,” he said.
Solomon said he hopes to work with Council to also enact the other portions of his Housing Unit Tax Exemption Act that are focused on expanding access to affordable housing, including giving local taxing authorities a menu of options to pass tax abatements or exemptions for the creation or improvements of affordable housing. Use of these abatements is up to local policymakers and includes flexibility for local budgetary constraints.
“Everyone deserves a home they are proud of,” Solomon said. “I will work with municipalities across Pennsylvania to make this a reality in all 67 counties.” ••
AOH meeting on Friday
Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 17 will meet on June 14, at 7:30 p.m., at AOH 61, 4131 Rhawn St. ••
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. ••
Events at Women’s Animal Center
Women’s Animal Center, 3839 Richlieu Road in Bensalem, will be hosting three Mini Paws Club programs for children ages 7-12. During each Mini Paws Club session, children will participate in a lesson on the day’s topic, games, hands-on crafts, a tour of the center, enrichment activities for the animals and meet and greets with animals.
The dates and topics are:
• Thursday, June 20: Vet for a Day – Learn about the various things veterinarians and vet technicians do to keep animal patients healthy
• Thursday, July 25: Art with Animals – Draw animals from real life by visiting and sketching adoptable shelter pets, set up simple art projects for animals to do, and learn about how making art can be enriching for animals
• Thursday, Aug. 15: Understanding Animals – Learn about animal behavior and body language, and when and how to approach an animal.
For more information or to register, go to
https://www.womensanimalcenter.org/our-community-programs/mini-paws-club or email [email protected] ••
Blood drive on June 27
The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Thursday, June 27, from 2-7 p.m. at Cpl. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave. Sign up by calling 800-RED CROSS or going to www.redcrossblood.org and entering ALPOST366. ••
Bustleton Bengals football registration open
Anyone interested in playing football for the Bustleton Bengals this year should register now at https://www.bustletonbengals.org/ ••
Events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host the following programs: Friday, June 14 (1-3 p.m., Fibercraft Friends); Sunday, June 16 (1-3 p.m., Manga Club: Ouran Host Club); Friday, June 21 (1-3 p.m., Book Club: Anne of Green Gables); Saturday, June 22 (1-3 p.m., Storytime: Peter Pan: A Pirates & Fairies Party; crafts and food; register: [email protected]); Friday, June 28 (1-3 p.m., Fibercraft Friends); Friday, July 5 (1-3 p.m., Genealogy Group); Friday, July 12 (1-3 p.m., Fibercraft Friends); Saturday, July 13 (10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Storytime: Pets, pets invited); Friday, July 19 (1-3 p.m., Book Club); Friday, July 26 (1-3 p.m., Fibercraft Friends); Saturday, July 27 (10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Storytime: Waterplay, bring your swimsuit).
Call 215-685-0599. ••
Events at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host a Summer of Wonder Kickoff on Thursday, June 13, at 12:30 p.m. There will be face painting, balloons, water ice and a chance to sign up for Summer of Wonder to earn stickers and prizes all summer long.
The library will host a free summer movie matinee on Friday, June 14, at 2 p.m. Snacks will be provided.
Call 215-685-0472. ••
Increased Homestead Exemption proposed
Legislation co-introduced by Councilman Brian O’Neill proposes to increase the Homestead Exemption from $80,000 to $90,000. If you own your primary residence, you are eligible to receive the Homestead Exemption, which reduces the taxable portion of your property’s assessed value. There are no income limits. Under the new $90,000 exemption, more than 30,000 enrolled owner-occupants in O’Neill’s district would save $1,260 annually. To enroll or for more information, call O’Neill’s office at 215-686-3422. ••
Weekly Mahjong games
KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., hosts weekly Mahjong games on Thursdays at noon in its library. Beginner or intermediate Mahjong players are invited to take part. There is no charge. Call 215-380-9144. ••
Sign up for basketball camp
The 18th annual Jaguar Summer Basketball Camp will take place in the air-conditioned Marian Center at St. Ephrem, in Bensalem, from July 22-26.
The camp is for boys and girls in kindergarten through 12th grade, and will include fundamentals and competition.
The cost is $150 and includes a free basketball and T-shirt. Campers must bring their own lunch.
The camp is under the direction of former college coach Dan Williams.
For a brochure or questions, email [email protected]. ••
Holy Inn traveling to A.C.
Holy Innocents is sponsoring a casino trip on Thursday, Aug. 15. A bus will depart L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 9:30 a.m., with an option to attend the Wedding of the Sea festival at Hard Rock Casino Arena. There will be a Mass at noon, followed by a procession to the sea at 1:15 p.m. and a $10 slot package at Resorts Casino. The bus will depart Resorts at 5 p.m. The cost is $40, due by Aug. 1. To reserve your seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
Local baseball camps
Registration is being accepted for EL1’s baseball camps at Torresdale Boys Club, 4500 Linden Ave. Camps are on Sundays, June 16, 23 and 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost for each session is $30. The camp, under the direction of Andrew Lihotz, is geared to boys and girls ages 6-15. All fundamental skills such as base running, fielding and hitting will be taught. No experience is needed. Go to https://www.el1sportspa.com/baseball/, scroll down to Neighborhood Summer Camps, click “Register” and then “Pick an option.” ••
Fatima Holy Hour
The World Apostolate of Fatima is sponsoring a Fatima Holy Hour for World Peace on Thursday, June 13, at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Calvary Church, 11024 Knights Road. All are welcome to participate in the devotions to Our Lady of Fatima. Devotions include procession with Fatima statue, rosary and benediction. ••
Make craft for Juneteenth
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host a Juneteenth craft event on Monday, June 17, at 5:30 p.m. Craft maker Pam Thomas will assist participants in making a bracelet and pen. Pre-registration is required. Call 215-685-8756. ••
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. ••
Car show at Ryan
The Archbishop Ryan Annual Alumni Car Show will take place on June 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school, 11201 Academy Road (rain date June 30). Admission is free. In addition to vintage and custom cars on display, there will be food, adult beverages, merchandise vendors, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, a DJ and the classic rock band Mojo Channel.
Prizes for cars include Top 40 Awards, Principal’s Award, Hottest Ride on Campus for current Ryan students who enter a car, Father Renè Alumni Award for Ryan alums who enter a car and the Father Noel Legacy Award. To register a car, the cost is $20 online, $25 the day of the event. The cost for merchandise vendor registration is $25, to be paid online prior to the event. Registration for merchandise vendors will not be accepted the day of the event. Sponsorships are available. To register or learn more, visit ARHS.me/CarShow. ••
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 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). ••
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. ••
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 [email protected]. ••
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 June 20 (The Launch), July 18 (The Great Scott Band), Aug. 15 (Philly Heart & Soul) and Sept. 19 (Jumper). ••
Third Thursdays at Glen Foerd
Third Thursdays at Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., are back, continuing June 20, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. There will be a happy hour, live music, food and beverages, children’s activities and art. The public is invited to bring a blanket or chairs, enjoy lawn games, roam Glen Foerd’s grounds and explore its Gilded Age mansion, which will be open for free self-guided tours. Donations are appreciated but not required, and attendees are asked to register in advance by visiting www.glenfoerd.org/events. Future Third Thursday dates are July 18 and Aug. 15. For more information, call 215-632-5330. ••
Post office renaming for Fitzgerald
A bill introduced by Rep. Brendan Boyle to rename the United States Postal Service post office at 9925 Bustleton Ave. in Philadelphia as the “Sergeant Christopher David Fitzgerald Post Office Building” passed out of the U.S. House on a voice vote.
“I am pleased that my bill to honor Sgt. Fitzgerald has passed out of the House with such broad bipartisan support,” Boyle said. “Renaming this post office in the city he called home is the least we can do to recognize his bravery, courage and sacrifice. It is a symbol of our enduring gratitude for his commitment to the mission of protecting the Temple community and our city. His actions exemplified unwavering dedication to his community. I encourage the Senate to quickly pass this bill and send it to President Biden for his signature.”
Fitzgerald, a Temple University police officer, was killed in the line of duty in February 2023. ••
An assist to tow truck operators
The state House passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Ed Neilson, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, that would expedite junk title processing of abandoned vehicles. House Bill 2251 would require PennDOT to complete certain administrative steps faster to allow for expedited receipt of junk titles. The bill was passed by a vote of 201-1 and now moves to the state Senate for consideration.
“Right now, it can take months for PennDOT to process junk titles, which leaves tow truck operators responsible for the non-working vehicle,” Neilson said. “Ensuring the reasonable processing and delivery of junk titles will greatly assist tow truck operators who don’t have the space or resources to store vehicles for an extended period of time.” ••
Revitalizing the waterfront
City Council passed legislation sponsored by Councilman Mike Driscoll enabling the city to acquire land along the Delaware River waterfront in Holmesburg and Tacony to connect sections of the K&T Trail, an 11-mile-long system of trails and parks.
“The legislation is another tangible sign of our commitment to improving the landscape of Northeast Philadelphia and the lives of those who live and raise their families there,” Driscoll said. “The eventual acquisition of this parcel brings us an important step closer to realizing the dream of revitalizing the waterfront in the Northeast.”
Driscoll’s legislation authorizes the city to purchase necessary parcels of land located between Princeton Avenue, Pennypack Path, State Road and the Delaware River.
“Many former industrial sites in Northeast Philadelphia were once powerhouses, making products used across the country and around the world while simultaneously affording countless Philadelphians the opportunity to achieve the American dream,” Driscoll said. “The establishment of the trail will complement and enhance the many businesses that remain in the neighborhood. This greenway will allow Philadelphians and visitors to enjoy the benefits of the waterfront and will be a source of pride for Northeast Philadelphia.” ••
Shaare Shamayim settlement in July
The Block Church will make settlement on its purchase of the Congregations of Shaare Shamayim building, at 9768 Verree Road in Bustleton, in July, with the synagogue remaining until Sept. 1. Shaare Shamayim members voted 152-19 to proceed with the sale. The synagogue has been on Verree Road since 1963.
The Block Church has smaller sites at Sprinkler Fitters 692 in the Far Northeast, the old FOP Lodge 5 at 1336 Spring Garden St. and in Port Richmond and Roxborough.
The Block Church told members during a recent service that it is buying the church “as is” and taking out a $5.5 million mortgage, with $1.7 million needed for renovations.
The church will open The Block Academy, a Christian preschool and kindergarten, with Shaare Shamayim preschool and kindergarten director Rebecca Tyer and her staff remaining on the job.
Shaare Shamayim will move to the site of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel – known by most as KI – at Township Line and Old York roads in Elkins Park. ••
Trip to New York
Friends of Fox Chase Library is holding a bus trip to New York City on Saturday, June 22. The cost is $55. The bus will depart 900 Solly Ave. at 9 a.m. Once in New York, the day is yours to do as you wish. The bus will depart for home at 6 p.m. Payment to “Friends of the Fox Chase Library” – Att. Michele, Trips – 501 Rhawn St., Philadelphia, PA 19111. Call 215-498-5908. ••
Farm stand at Jeanes
The Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus Farm Stand will be open for the 12th season on Thursdays, through the end of October, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash only. The stand is located next to parking lot C of the Jeanes and Fox Chase Cancer Center campuses. Email [email protected] or call 215-728-2131. ••
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 [email protected] ••
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. ••
Entertainment at Parx
Parx Casino is offering the following upcoming entertainment:
June 14: Almost Queen, a tribute to Queen; June 21: Corinne Bailey Rae; June 28: It’s Happening w/Snooki & Joey; July 13: Clay Walker; July 19: Debbie Gibson; July 26: Kameron Marlowe; Aug. 3: Tyler Henry, The Hollywood Medium; Aug. 23: The Marshall Tucker Band; Sept. 7: Australian Pink Floyd; Sept. 21: Dustin Lynch; Oct. 4: Heather McDonald; Oct. 18: Straight No Chaser; Oct. 19: Giggly Squad Live; Oct. 25: Michael Blaustein; Nov. 9: Air Supply; Nov. 21: Aaron Lewis; Nov. 23: Steve Trevino; Dec. 7: Kathleen Madigan ••
Senior trip
St. Katherine of Siena Primrose senior club is running a trip 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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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 [email protected] or visit www.tryzub.org. ••
Free family event at Cranaleith
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, invites the community to a Home & Garden Day on Saturday, June 29, from 1-4 p.m. The event is free and for all ages. There will be historic house tours, nature-based crafts, an outdoor scavenger hunt, beehive and garden demonstrations and a family drum circle. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Healing, balance and peace
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host Tibetan Singing Bowls for Healing, Balance & Peace on Sunday, June 30, from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $30. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Book club to meet
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, July 1, at 7 p.m. The book is The Orphan’s Tale by Pam Jenoff. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Book club to meet on Zoom
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be hosting a Zoom session on Monday, Aug. 5, at 7 p.m. The book is The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristen Harmel. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Book club meeting in Sept.
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be hosting a Zoom session on Monday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. The book is Horse by Geraldine Brooks. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Book club to meet in Oct.
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. The book is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Book club meeting
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will hold a Zoom session on Monday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. The book is Blake Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Book club to meet in Dec.
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will host a Zoom session on Monday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. The book is The Bird Hotel by Joyce Maynard. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Trip to New York
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip on Tuesday, Oct. 8, to the Tenement Museum in New York, with lunch and free time in Manhattan’s Little Italy. The all-inclusive cost is $175. For a flyer and reservation form, call 215-788-9043. Reservations close on Aug. 30. ••
Party for West Catholic girls class of ‘69
West Catholic Girls Class of 1969 will have its 55th anniversary party on Sunday, Sept. 29, at Anthony’s Ristorante, 865 W. Springfield Road, Springfield. The cost for the luncheon is $65. Call Hannah at 610-764-3249. ••
Day of renewal for women
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host From Weary to Refreshed: The ABCs of Renewal for Women Leaders on Friday, June 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day will include lunch and yoga. The cost is $53. Call 215-934-6206. ••
Upcoming opera performances
Amici Opera Company will present Ponchielli’s La Gioconda on Sunday, June 23, at 3 p.m., and Saturday, June 29, at 4 p.m., at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
Amici will present Bizet’s Carmen on Sunday, June 30, at 3 p.m., and Saturday, July 20, at 4 p.m., at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Christian musical performances
Christian bands will perform at a free event on Saturday, June 29, at Holmesburg United Methodist Church, 8118 Frankford Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 7. There will be snacks and drinks. There is a parking lot and handicap-accessible entrance behind the church. All are welcome. Call 215-624-6900. ••
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 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 [email protected]. ••
Kid crafts and storytime
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host a Craft of the Week on Tuesdays, June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 and Aug. 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. Children in K-5 and preschoolers with an accompanying adult are welcome.
The library will host Preschool Storytime on Thursday, June 27, July 11 and 25 and Aug. 1 and 8 at 10:30 a.m. There will be stories, songs and fingerplays for children 3-5, accompanied by an adult.
Call 215-685-9383. ••
GOP wants income tax cut
Pennsylvania House Republicans held a news conference calling on House Democrats to call up for a vote — without amendment or partisan gimmicks — the bipartisan Senate-passed tax cut plan that would reduce the Personal Income Tax and eliminate the Gross Receipts Tax on electricity. Rep. Martina White said the tax cuts passed by the Senate and introduced in the House would benefit working-class Pennsylvanians.
“These tax cuts, which passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, are a solution designed to provide much-needed financial relief to the backbone of our commonwealth, working-class people,” she said. ••
Business meeting on June 24
The Castor Bustleton Cottman Business Association will meet on Monday, June 24, from 6-7 p.m. at PATH, 1919 Cottman Ave. Guest speakers will be from Community First Fund, which helps local businesses get funding and let them know about any grants available. ••
Resign upon conviction
State Reps. Jared Solomon and Malcolm Kenyatta are advocating for their legislation, H.B. 485, to require elected officials in Pennsylvania convicted of a crime to resign upon conviction.
“There’s an important distinction that needs to be addressed,” Solomon said. “A conviction should mean immediate resignation, not waiting for the appellate process to play out before we allow a convicted felon to take any form of office.” ••
McCormick wants to secure border
Dave McCormick, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate, released the following statement after Joe Biden released an executive order on the border:
“If Joe Biden were serious about securing our border, he wouldn’t have eliminated the Trump policies — which were working — on his first day in office.
“Biden’s open borders are completely out of control, enabling the scourge of fentanyl killing Pennsylvanians, known terrorists coming into communities, spiraling expenses for taxpayers and immeasurable human exploitation and suffering — and Bob Casey has unequivocally rubber-stamped his approach every step of the way.
“Career politician Bob Casey has voted: against the border wall, for mass amnesty, for sanctuary cities, against money to detect the fentanyl that’s killing Pennsylvanians, and against deporting criminal illegals.
“Pennsylvanians deserve a senator who will secure our border and keep them safe.” ••
Chick-fil-A fundraiser
The 8th Police District Advisory Council is organizing a fundraiser on June 27, from 5-8 p.m., at Chick-fil-A, 9711 Roosevelt Blvd. A portion of all sales from 5-8 p.m. will benefit the 8th PDAC. ••
Donate school supplies
The 8th Police District Advisory Council and Sock for the Streets are organizing a back-to-school fundraiser. School supplies and monetary donations are being collected through July 15. Donations can be sent to Socks for the Streets, 2841 Norcom Court, Philadelphia, PA 19154. For more information, contact Jennifer Malazita at 215-939-2569 or [email protected]. ••
Attend community resource fair
Socks for the Streets and the 8th Police District Advisory Council will hold a community resource fair on Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Christ the King School, 3205 Chesterfield Road. To register a table, call 215-939-2569 or email [email protected] or [email protected]. ••
Summer music camp
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will hold Find Your Song: An Exploration of Storytelling and Music-Making for Children from July 15-19. The camp is for children ages 6-12 and is open from 9:30 a.m. to noon. The cost is $125 for the week, or $27 per day. Call 215-934-6206. ••
