Bella Victor Ministries event
Bella Victor Ministries will hold an event on Saturday, July 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Lulu Country Club, 1600 Limekiln Pike, Glenside. The donation is $20. Coffee will be served. To RSVP, call 215-526-7749. ••
Movie in Burholme Park
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., Burholme Park, will host Friends of Ryerss Outdoor Movie Night on Saturday, June 28, from 7-11 p.m. The showing will be Moana 2, at 9 p.m. Visit ryerssmuseum.org. ••
Deep dive into history of Byberry
The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia invites the public to discover the history of Byberry at a free neighborhood celebration on Saturday, June 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Byberry Friends Meeting, 3001 Byberry Road. The celebration will feature information tables by area history and heritage groups; displays of historic maps and photos; tours of Byberry Meetinghouse and Byberry Library; opportunities to share your favorite local history stories; and free refreshments and parking. More information on the Poquessing Trail of History can be found at https://preservationalliance.com/explore-historic-philadelphia/poquessing/ ••
Bus trip to Atlantic City
Holy Innocents is running a casino trip on Friday, Aug. 15. A bus will depart L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 7:30 a.m. There is an option to attend the wedding/blessing of the sea. Mass will begin at 10 a.m. at the Hard Rock Casino Arena. The bus will depart the Hard Rock at 12:15 p.m. for Resorts Casino, and there will be a $10 slot package for all on the bus. The procession to the sea will take place at 1:15 p.m., and the bus will depart for home at 5 p.m. The cost is $40, due by Aug. 1. To reserve your seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
Children’s author at library
Lawncrest Library, 6098 Rising Sun Ave., will host Meet the Author: Eric Velasquez on Friday, June 27, at 3 p.m. Velasquez is an award-winning children’s picture book author and illustrator. Free books will be available while supplies last. ••
Half-price sale at thrift shop
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai,will have a half-price sale through June 30. There will also be a bag sale (fill a bag of clothes for $5). The thrift shop will be closed July and August. Hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The shop is closed Saturdays. Call 215-624-9130. ••
North Catholic alums announce tuition grants
The Northeast Catholic Alumni Association has chosen the following recipients of its $500,000 in yearly tuition grants.
Nazareth Academy High School: Lyla Dempsey, Olivia Bygott, Grace Whartenby, Meghan McKenna, Madilyn Klingenberger, Emily Lalka, Abigail Sullivan, Kayne Puchon.
Little Flower: Amanda Leeper, Avery Harr.
Father Judge: Jack Szychulski, Colin Dempsey, Michael Grab.
Neumann-Goretti: Scarlett Mendys.
Archbishop Carroll: Emma McCole.
Archbishop Ryan: Ansleigh Lapacinski, Rylee Flaville.
Archbishop Wood: Brayden McCook.
Holy Cross: Kevin Wojnar.
Roman Catholic: Robert Diorio.
Camden Catholic: Michael Flaton.
St. Hubert: Juliana Nigro-Fredell.
College: Katie Crompton (Holy Family), Owen Donnelly (Villanova), Hayden Johnston (Chestnut Hill), Luka Schwoerer (La Salle), Shane Szychulski (Holy Family).
Elementary School: Declan Grab (St. Katherine of Siena), Mackenzie O’Connor (St. Matthew), Brayden Zaleski (St. Cecilia), David Crompton (St. Matthew), Thomas Donahue (Our Lady of Calvary), Colin Mendys (St. George), Steven Waker (St. Katherine of Siena), Mikayla Cameron (St. Albert the Great), Sophia Kaiser (St. Christopher), Gavin Kropp (St. Cecilia). ••
Art at Glen Foerd
The public is invited to a day of lunch, art making and a tour of Glen Foerd on Saturday, June 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meeting place is Tacony LAB, 6918 Torresdale Ave., and all will take a SEPTA bus to Glen Foerd. The event is free, and lunch and all materials will be provided. ••
Storytime at Glen Foerd
Family Storytime will take place at Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., on Thursdays, June 26 and July 3, 10, 17 and 31, at 10:30 a.m. Storytime is presented by Torresdale and Welsh Road libraries. Kids ages 1-5 with an adult are invited. Call 215-685-0494. ••
5 Points Night Market on June 26
The 5 Points Night Market will take place on Thursday, June 26, from 5-9 p.m. on Rising Sun Avenue, from Cottman Avenue to St. Vincent Street, in Burholme. There will be more than 20 food trucks, music, vendors, live performances and activities for all ages. The free event is part of the city’s Wawa Welcome America festival. To apply as a vendor, food truck or performer, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsQIeudEXIlfVoZxFfxG76rcn-G-bPnSPicLU-zK4-QyRpPg/viewform. ••
Free concert
The Danube Swabian Association, 1277 Southampton Road, invites the public to a free concert on Friday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m., featuring the Tri-County Band. Call Fred at 267-257-3094. ••
Free concert at local church
Internationally known singer, songwriter and storyteller Sally Klein O’Connor, from Improbable People Ministries, will give a free concert on Sunday, June 29, at 11 a.m. at Rhawnhurst Presbyterian Church, 7701 Loretto Ave. O’Connor’s music and personal stories bring a message of hope to the hurting. The public is invited. ••
Opera in the Northeast
Amici Opera Company will hold a performance of Massenet’s Thais, on Saturday, June 28, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave. Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Craft bags at library
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will offer Grab & Go Craft Bags at 11 a.m. on the following Mondays: June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28, Aug. 4, 11. The bags are for children in kindergarten to fifth grade. Call 215-685-9383. ••
July events at Bustleton Library
Summer of Wonder in July at Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., includes storytime on Tuesdays at 11 a.m.; Mad Science, Singin’ Scholars or another fun program on Wednesdays at 2 p.m.; and Kids Summer Movie Series on Thursdays (except July 3) at 2 p.m. Stop in the library and earn stickers and prizes for reading and other learning activities all summer long. ••
Free vacation Bible school
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., is holding a Free Vacation Bible School from Monday, July 14, through Friday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. All children 4 years old through sixth grade are invited to attend. ••
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 25 (Romeo Delight, tribute to Van Halen), July 2 (Idol Kings, tribute to Journey and REO Speedwagon), July 9 (Irish Night, Ed Kelly’s birthday celebration, Jamison and Bogside Rogues), July 16 (Kick it Out, tribute to Heart), July 23 (Starman, tribute to David Bowie), July 30 (Crystal Ship, tribute to the Doors), Aug. 6 (Street Survivor, tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd), Aug. 13 (The Launch, tribute to Queen, Boston and Styx) and Aug. 20 (LeCompt). ••
Trip to see Nunsense
On Wednesday, Aug. 13, the Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a bus trip to see the musical comedy Nunsense at Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee-On-Delaware, Monroe County. Cost is $144 and includes buffet luncheon at Shawnee Inn, ticket to see show and round-trip motorcoach. Bus departs at 9:15 a.m. from 604 Cottman Ave., Cheltenham, and returns about 6:30 p.m. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Call Sharyn at 267-265-5348. ••
Outing to Philadelphia
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to Philadelphia on Thursday, June 26, featuring lunch on the Moshulu, the oldest and largest square-rigged vessel still afloat, which now sits stationary at Penn’s Landing. Also on the itinerary is a tour of the Masonic Temple, a national historic landmark on Broad Street, constructed in 1873. The cost is $145. Call 215-788-9408 for a flyer/reservation form or visit http://www.bristolhistory.org. ••
Enjoy the music of Bobby Darin
The Maryln Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is going to New York City on Sept. 6 to see the Broadway show about Bobby Darin, Just In Time. The cost is $270, which includes orchestra seat and coach bus. The bus leaves from 604 Township Line Road, Cheltenham, at 9:15 a.m. and returns about 7:30 p.m. This event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. To reserve a ticket, call Penny at 215-342-4231. ••
July 4 fun
One River Alliance and State Street Events will present Freedom Fest on Friday, July 4, from 5-9:30 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Park, 9201 N. Delaware Ave. There will be fireworks at 9:15, a 100-foot ferris wheel, 20 food trucks, five live bands, more than 50 vendors and beer gardens. ••
Third Thursdays at Glen Foerd
Third Thursdays at Glen Foerd resume July 17 with entertainment and refreshments for everyone. There will be a happy hour, live music, food, games, 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. The event is pay-what-you-wish (recommended donation amount is $10). Other dates are Aug. 21 and Sept. 18. Register at www.glenfoerd.org/events. For more information, call 215-632-5330. ••
Volunteers needed
Volunteers are needed to help operate the KleinLife Farmers Market, 10100 Jamison Ave., when it opens on Friday, July 18. Volunteers are needed to help with setting up and breaking down the stand, sales and support services from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market will be open for sales to the public from noon to 3 p.m. every Friday through the fall. In addition, KleinLife is looking for volunteers to assist with gardening work Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To volunteer and for additional information, call 215-698-7300, Ext. 196. ••
Curfew, underage drinking
Curfew in Philadelphia is 9:30 p.m. for anyone 13 and under and 10 p.m. for those ages 14-17. If police pick up someone for a curfew violation in the Northeast, the young person will be taken home, to the Community Evening Resource Center at 4704 Leiper St. in Frankford or to the 2nd, 7th, 8th or 15th police districts. The penalty for a curfew violation can be up to $300.
Under state law, underage drinking is a summary offense with a $500 fine for the first violation. Anyone receiving a citation for underage drinking can be asked about it on applications for jobs, college applications and appointments to military service academies. ••
Jeanes farm stand is open
The Temple University Hospital — Jeanes Campus farm stand, 7600 Central Ave., is open Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October. The stand is located next to Parking Lot C. Call 215-728-2131 or email [email protected] ••
Old website returns
The Northeast Times has returned to its original website, northeasttimes.com.
The website includes news, sports, opinion, crime, entertainment and features, and a link to sign up for a free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox. The site includes an option to read the current issue in “flipbook” style. Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and on X @NETimesOfficial. In addition to the Times being delivered to homes, the paper can be found at these spots: https://northeasttimes.com/pickup-locations/. ••
Activities at Rosemary Montagno Senior Center
The Rosemary Montagno Senior Center, 12601 Townsend Road, has the following schedule: Monday – free time activities, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday – bingo, 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Wednesday – pinochle and mahjong, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., ceramics, 10 a.m. to noon; Thursday – line dancing, 10:30 a.m. to noon; Friday – Pinochle 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ••
Join St. Anselm Seniors
St. Anselm has started a senior citizen club that meets most Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Hall, 12650 Dunksferry Road. The club is open to men and women 55 and older, and members don’t have to be St. Anselm parishioners. For more information, visit the St. Anselm Senior Citizens Club page on Facebook. ••
Chair yoga at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., hosts chair yoga on Wednesdays at 10:10 a.m. The class is presented by Yoga4Philly and sponsored by Friends of Bustleton Library. ••
Trip to Niagara Falls
Polish American Cultural Center is sponsoring a Niagara Falls, New York & Made in America Store trip from Thursday, July 10, to Sunday, July 13. There will be a canal Cruise and lunch, boat ride, underground railroad tour, wine testing, a visit to the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine and casino trip, with $25 slot play. The trip will be by motor coach, and there will be a three-night hotel stay with buffet breakfasts and dinners. The cost is $1,100 per person double occupancy, including taxes and gratuities. For more information and reservations, call Theresa Romanowski at 215-813-2780 or 215-922-1700. ••
St. Jerome trip to Mackinac Island
St. Jerome Seniors are planning a trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan from Aug. 19-25. Cost for double occupancy is $1,685 per person. For reservations and trip details, call Diane McDowell at 267-496-2431. ••
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. ••
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 at 7 p.m. There are dollar hot dogs and free popcorn. ••
Retreat in July
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center (3501 Solly Ave.) will host Come and Rest Awhile silent directed retreat from July 20-27. Take some time to pause in prayer, reflection and silence, attuning your ear and heart to the Holy Spirit. The retreat costs $650, which includes private accommodations and meals. Visit https://msbt.org/mbsc/ to register. Any questions, or to register by phone, call 267-350-1830. ••
English classes at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., hosts free intermediate English classes on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. To register, go to remind.com/join/dbhd4e or call 215-685-0472. ••
Programs at NE Regional
Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave., offers the following recurring programs:
• Crochet Club, Fridays at 11 a.m. in the second-floor Humanities Department. Bring your own materials.
• Mixed Level English Class, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-4 p.m. Call 215-685-0522.
• PA CareerLink® Job Search Assistance, Wednesdays, 2 to 4:30 p.m. Call 833-750-5627.
• Chess Club for Adults & Teens, Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m.
• One-on-One Basic Computer Help Appointments, Fridays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 215-685-0525.
• Thursday Computer Help: Various Subjects, Thursdays, 1-2 p.m.
• Gadget Help, Mondays and Wednesdays upon request. Call 215-685-0525.
• Computer Skills for Beginners, Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m. Register at 215-474-1235.
• English Conversation Group – Intermediate-plus, Mondays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Register at 215-474-1235. ••
Cruise in July
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is traveling on an Independence Day Celebration cruise, July 1-8. Ports-of-call include New York, Newport, Boston on July 4 and Halifax, Nova Scotia. A passport is required. Rates range from $1,920 to $2,680 per person, double occupancy. For a flyer, call 215-788-9408. ••
Travel with Maternity BVM Seniors
Maternity BVM Seniors have announced their 2025 group trip schedule. People are invited to join them on the following trips: Sight and Sound – Noah, Thursday, Sept. 25, $180; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Sea Watch Resort, Oct. 6-10; Tropicana – Blockbuster Broadway, Monday, Nov. 17, $80. For information, call Betty Ann at 215-964-7125 or Connie at 215-338-9141. ••
Ukrainian festival in August
The Ukrainian Folk Festival will take place on Sunday, Aug. 24, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Ukrainian American Sport Center — Tryzub, County Line and Lower State roads, Horsham.
The event will feature folk art, live music, dance, food, refreshments, vendors, arts and crafts displays and live historical reenactments.
Admission is $20, with a portion donated to the relief of war victims in Ukraine.
Kids under 15 are admitted free.
Parking is free.
For more information, call 267-664-3857 or visit www.tryzub.org. ••
Cruise to Italy, Greece, Turkey
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring an “Antiquity to Anatolia” cruise, Oct. 29 to Nov. 9, aboard Oceania Cruises’ “Oceania Vista,” sailing from Rome and visiting Cinque Terre, Naples/Pompeii and Taormina (Sicily), Italy; Cephalonia, Katakolon, Athens and Santorini, Greece; and Ephesus and Istanbul, Turkey. Rates per person, including round-trip air from Philadelphia, range from $6,150 to $6,450. For flyers, call 215-788-9408 or go to http://www.bristolhistory.org. ••
Ethnic food fair in November
St. Stephen’s Orthodox Cathedral, 8598 Verree Road, will host an ethnic food fair on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 8-9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be homemade pierogies, halupki and other ethnic foods from around the world. ••
Golf outing to benefit statue for women veterans
The Bucks County Department of Veterans Affairs will sponsor its annual golf outing on July 28 at Spring Mill Country Club & Manor in Ivyland. The cost is $200 per golfer, with registration at 10 a.m. and a shotgun start at noon. There will be lunch and dinner. Sponsorships are available. Proceeds will benefit a statue project for women veterans. For more information, call Matt Allen at 215-345-3881. ••
Sign up for basketball camp
The 19th annual Jaguar Summer Basketball Camp will take place from July 21-25 at the air-conditioned Marian Center at St. Ephrem, in Bensalem. The camp is for boys and girls in kindergarten through 12th grade and will be a mix of fun, fundamentals and competition. The cost is $150 and includes a free basketball and T-shirt. Campers must bring lunch. The camp is under the direction of former college coach Dan Williams. To request a brochure or for more information, email Williams at [email protected]. ••
Golfing for a cause
The Leigh Leckerman Foundation will hold Tee for Leigh, its second annual golf classic, on Friday, Sept. 5, at Bensalem Country Club. The cost is $200 per golfer, $800 for a foursome or $60 for dinner only. Sponsorships are available, including those for holes and beverage carts. Proceeds will benefit the foundation, which provides addiction-related services, including detox inpatient and outpatient services and housing. For more information, visit LeighsHelp.org. ••
Sign up for benefit wiffle ball tournament
The eighth annual Holly Colwell Save 2nd Base Wiffle Ball Tournament will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2, at Hayes Playground (Bustleton Bengals), 9945 President St. The tournament serves as a fundraiser for breast cancer patients. The winning team will be able to donate $500 to the cancer charity of their choice. Teams are made up of 5-10 players, ages 16 and older. The registration fee is $30 per player. The registration and payment deadlines are July 2. Check-in begins at 8 a.m., with first pitch at 9 a.m. Volunteer umpires are needed, and will receive a T-shirt. For more information, contact Nick Tarducci at 215-964-1944 or [email protected] or Chris Tarducci at 215-906-8179 or [email protected]. ••
Parkinson’s support group at Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, 7604 Central Ave., will host meetings of a Parkinson’s disease support group in its Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse. The meetings, from 5-6 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every other month, are open to people diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their families, and are led by nurse practitioner June Ro. The schedule, with guest speakers, is Aug. 13 (Dr. Molly Cincotta, neurologist), Oct. 8 (social worker Luisa Enriquez) and Dec. 10 (Dr. Teodora Schellato, urologist, and physical therapist Sonia Williams-Joseph).
To register, contact Ro at 215-707-2619 or [email protected]. ••
Meeting in Fox Chase on July 9
The Fox Chase Town Watch and Fox Chase Civic Association meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at American Legion Loudenslager Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave. The group will meet on the following dates: July 9, Sept. 10, Oct. 8 and Nov. 12. ••
Events at Welsh Road Library
Welsh Road Library, 9233 Roosevelt Blvd., will hold several upcoming events.
Science in the Summer will return Wednesdays at 3 p.m. from July 16 to Aug. 12, for children in grades 2-6. Register at 215-685-0498.
Snakes Alive is scheduled for Thursday, July 24, at 1 p.m. Snake expert Scott Prior will lead an interactive presentation on different types of snakes, care, conservation and habitats. ••
Opera at worship service
Mezzo-soprano Rebecca Sacks, a member of Art City Opera, will perform at the 10 a.m. worship service of Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave., on Sunday, July 6. ••
Community picnics
State Sen. Tina Tartaglione will hold four community picnics in the summer.
The schedule is Tuesday, July 29, at Bridesburg Recreation Center, 4625 Richmond St.; Thursday, July 31, at Mayfair Recreation Center, 2990 St. Vincent St.; Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Wissinoming Park, 5773-5945 Frankford Ave.; and Thursday, Aug. 7, at Norris Square Park, 2100 N. Howard St.
Times are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children must be present to receive a backpack. There will be free refreshments, a DJ, back-to-school giveaways, games and face painting.
Call 215-291-4653. ••
Community safety day
State Rep. Jared Solomon will hold a Community Safety Day on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 4-6 p.m. at Roosevelt Playground, 6455 Walker St. Call 215-342-6340. ••
Preschool storytime and play
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Preschool Storytime & Play on Thursdays, July 10 and 24 and Aug. 7 and 21, at 10:30 a.m. There will be fun stories and songs followed by creative play. For children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••
Event at Bushrod
Bushrod Library, 6304 Castor Ave., will host Urban Gardening with Native Plants, presented by Penn State Extension program Master Gardener Barbara Mancini, on Wednesday, July 16, at noon. Learn about the benefits of native plant gardening, whether your landscape is a sidewalk in front of a rowhome, strip of grass or yard. To register, call 215-685-1471. ••
Mayfair Third Thursdays
The Mayfair Business Improvement District will hold Third Thursday Night Markets through September, 6 to 9:30 p.m., at Frankford, Cottman and Ryan avenues. The dates are July 17 (The Great Scott Band), Aug. 21 (The Bogside Rogues) and Sept. 18 (Jumper). ••
Driscoll bill gives Controller oversight of housing plan
To provide enhanced fiscal oversight of Mayor Cherelle Parker’s $800 million Housing Opportunities Made Easy (H.O.M.E.) Plan, City Council unanimously approved a bill that gives the City Controller authority to review all finances and activities involved with the program.
The bill’s sponsor, Councilman Mike Driscoll, introduced the legislation as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget negotiations. Under the new legislation, the City Controller’s Office will conduct reviews of contracts, pre-audit reviews of expenditures and audit H.O.M.E.-related expenditures. The City Controller will also have the right to observe invoicing vendors during H.O.M.E. construction activities, provided that such observation does not unreasonably interfere with the construction process.
“We must ensure that every tax dollar associated with the H.O.M.E. Plan is accounted for and achieves the mission of creating and preserving affordable housing,” Driscoll said. “Strong fiscal oversight is not just about balancing budgets — it’s about upholding the public’s trust, ensuring transparency and making sure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and effectively.
“The City Controller will act as our fiscal watchdog for this important program and provide the necessary oversight. We thank the City Controller’s Office for taking on this important role.”
Along with the City Controller’s existing authority to oversee all city revenues and expenditures, the legislation will require the city to provide copies of its annual audited financial statements upon request to the City Controller to examine the accounts and records relating to the H.O.M.E. Plan. The Controller’s Office will be able to monitor all debt issuance associated with the program, given notice of upcoming project bids along with a recap of past bids and the vendor selected, and each requisition is signed and submitted for payment.
“This is a once-in-a-generation investment, and we owe it to the people of Philadelphia to get it right,” Driscoll said. “Oversight is not about slowing things down – it’s about building trust, ensuring equity and making sure this plan delivers on its promises.”
The mayor’s H.O.M.E. Plan includes housing production and preservation, home affordability, homeowner and renter assistance, related contractor training and support, blight and vacant property reduction, urban beautification and neighborhood infrastructure.
The fiscal oversight legislation goes into effect immediately. ••
Picozzi honors 11-year old plane crash hero
Sen. Joe Picozzi delivered remarks on the Senate floor honoring 11-year-old Andre “Trey” Howard, a Northeast resident whose extraordinary bravery following a recent plane crash captured the heart of the state.
Following the tragic crash on Cottman Avenue, Trey shielded his younger sister with his own body, sustaining serious injuries in the process. He has since made a remarkable recovery.
“Trey’s actions revealed a strength of character far beyond his years,” Picozzi said. “In a moment of chaos and danger, he did what few adults would be capable of — he shielded his younger sister with his own body, instinctively acting to protect her without regard to his own safety.”
Picozzi emphasized that Trey’s bravery is a reflection of the values that define the Great Northeast: family, sacrifice, and grit.
“This young man represents the very best of our community,” Picozzi said. “And if you need proof that Trey’s Philly spirit is alive and well, after waking up he asked, ‘Is my sister OK?’ and then, ‘Did the Eagles win the Super Bowl?’ ”
Picozzi closed the remarks with a salute to Trey and his family, saying, “Trey, welcome home. You are, without a doubt, a hero. May your story continue to inspire us to love more deeply and act more bravely in the face of adversity. Go Birds.” ••
Hohenstein bill on transit safety advances
The state House Judiciary Committee approved legislation introduced by Rep. Joe Hohenstein that would establish a grant program to help transit agencies fund and support increased security measures. These measures may include capital improvements (e.g., security cameras, bullet-proof partitions, security equipment, safety-related technology) and other initiatives (e.g., security training and security staffing).
“Transit workers play a massive role in Philadelphia and communities across Pennsylvania getting mass amounts of people where they need to go,” Hohenstein said. “Ensuring their safety is imperative, as it allows them to properly do their jobs without fearing for their well-being, and it keeps riders and the general public safe.”
House Bill 1145 heads to the full House for consideration. ••
Dougherty bill advances that would strengthen penalties for harming transit workers
The state House Transportation Committee approved legislation introduced by Rep. Sean Dougherty (D-172nd dist.) that would create stronger penalties for interference with the operation or movement of a public transit vehicle.
Under the legislation (H.B. 1416), any interference that causes the serious bodily injury or death of an operator would be punishable as a felony. Any interference that results in bodily injury or the fear of imminent serious bodily injury or death would also be subject to significant penalties.
“As public officials, it is our duty to do everything in our power to ensure the safety of all Pennsylvanians, especially those who provide essential services in our communities,” Dougherty said. “Nobody should have to fear not making it home after a day of work. I sincerely believe that this legislation will safeguard the well-being of transit operators and their passengers by strongly discouraging any form of violence against these individuals.”
On Oct. 26, 2023, longtime SEPTA employee Bernard Gribbin was tragically shot and killed while on duty and operating a Route 23 bus in Germantown.
The bill heads to the full House for consideration.
In February, a similar bill sponsored by Sens. Joe Picozzi, Frank Farry, Tracy Pennycuick and Tina Tartaglione passed the Senate 48-1 but the House has not acted on that measure. ••
Bingo on July 27
Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave., will host bingo on Sunday, July 27, at 2 p.m. There will be nine rounds with basket prizes and one round with a cash prize. The cost is $25, payable at the door. ••
See ‘Cher’ at Tropicana
St. William Travel is headed to see Cher the Ultimate Tribute on Thursday, July 31, at the Tropicana Casino. Guests will be given $25 in slots and a $20 meal voucher. A bus will leave Gloria Dei Estates, at Rhawn Street and Dungan Road, at 10 a.m. Call Betty at 215-745-7199. ••
