Community fund seeking donations
The Times’ 77th annual Eleanor Smylie Community Fund outreach program is here to help needy people in the Northeast for Christmas and Hanukkah. The fund — named in memory of our late chairwoman — relies on the generosity of our readers. All money collected will be used to buy supermarket gift cards for individuals and families. For those who donate, we’ll publish your names. Please let us know if you want your donation to remain anonymous. To donate or request help, or if you know of someone who could use assistance, write a letter to Eleanor Smylie Community Fund, 1810 Underwood Blvd., Suite 1, Delran, NJ 08075. Include a name and contact information for an agency or person for verification. Everything about the process will remain anonymous. Thank you for your consideration. ••
Teamsters 830 collecting food for the needy
Teamsters Local Union 830 is partnering with the nonprofit Feast for Friends to collect non-perishable food items to help feed struggling Philadelphians during the holiday season. The union has set up a large food collection box in its hall lobby (12298 Townsend Road) and is inviting its members and Northeast neighbors to drop-off non-perishable food items weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., through New Year’s Day. Some of the non-perishable food items that the group is collecting are canned vegetables, canned soup, canned pasta, boxed pasta, canned meats, peanut butter, jelly, macaroni & cheese and dried beans. ••
Tree lighting in Fox Chase
The Rockledge Fox Chase Business Association will hold a tree-lighting ceremony at Lions Park, 7964 Oxford Ave., on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 2-5 p.m. There will be face painting, ornament making, crafters/vendors, hot chocolate, cookies, holiday music, singing and an appearance by Santa Claus. ••
Police meeting in 8th district
The 8th Police District will hold a PSA 1 meeting on Friday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. at Immaculate Mary Home, 2990 Holme Ave. ••
Donate toys
State Rep. Ed Neilson will be conducting a holiday toy drive through Dec. 5 as part of Toys for Tots. Drop off new, unwrapped toys at his office at 16 Old Ashton Road. Call 215-330-3714. ••
Register for holiday crafting
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host Holiday Crafting with Pam Thomas on Monday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. Expert craft maker Pam Thomas will help you make an ornamental Christmas tree on canvas. To register, call 215-685-8756. ••
Do you have unclaimed property?
State Rep. Martina White will team with the Pennsylvania Treasury to host an unclaimed property event at her office at 2901 Southampton Road on Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 215-330-3711. ••
Anniversary celebration
Hair Way to Beauty, 7546 Castor Ave. in Rhawnhurst, will be celebrating 10 years of ownership by Eileen Teti on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and Friday and Saturday, Nov. 28-29. Hours are Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a special retail sale on Small Business Saturday. Call 215-745-1947 or book online at Hairwaytobeauty.com. ••
Donate for Thanksgiving
Caring for Friends, 12271 Townsend Road, is seeking donations to provide meals for homebound people for Thanksgiving. Turkeys, shelf-stable food, money, gift cards and volunteers are needed. Email Marti Berk at [email protected]. ••
Tai chi classes
Holmesburg Library, 7810 Frankford Ave., will host tai chi classes on Tuesdays, Dec. 2, 9 and 16, at 2 p.m. Teacher Michael McCormick will lead the class in a relaxed, fun environment. Wear comfortable clothes. Call 215-685-8756. ••
Christmas shopping
St. Hubert will hold a trip to the Pennsylvania Christmas + Gift Show at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg on Sunday, Dec. 7. A bus will depart St. Hubert at 8 a.m. and return about 6 p.m. The cost is $95. Call 267-231-7367 or email [email protected] ••
Trip to the Tropicana
Holy Innocents will hold a Christmas casino trip to the Tropicana on Thursday, Dec. 4. A bus will depart from L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 10 a.m. The cost is $125 and includes transportation, $25 slot play, a ticket to Dance to the Holidays at 3:30 p.m. and a full hot and cold buffet. The bus will depart the Tropicana at 5:30 p.m. To reserve your seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
Joey C as Sinatra
Joey Commentucci will present a Tribute to Frank Sinatra dinner show on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Maltese Room, 2049 Bristol Pike, in Bensalem. Doors open at 6 p.m. The cost is $40 per person and includes a buffet dinner, show and one glass of wine or beer. Call Tom O’Neill at 215-675-9700 or email [email protected]. ••
Job fair at PATH
People Acting To Help Inc. will be holding a job fair with walk-in interviews at its headquarters at 1919 Cottman Ave. (at Castor Avenue) on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. All potential job applicants for positions at PATH are welcome to attend. PATH is hiring for positions in both its mental health and intellectual disability programs, from entry-level residential to credentialed clinical and program staff. Bring your resumes. Free parking is available in the PATH lot at Bleigh and Elgin avenues. Visit pathcenter.org. ••
Care packages for sailors
American Legion Post 133, 7900 Torresdale Ave., is collecting holiday care packages for the USS San Diego, in memory of Navy CS2 Patrick J. Finley, a 25-year-old Mayfair resident who was stationed on the cruiser before he died of cancer in March. Donations are requested by Dec. 15. Requested items include beef jerky/Slim Jims, peanut butter pretzels/crackers, chips, Ritz Crackers, Club Crackers, microwave popcorn, Mac & cheese, hot sauce, seasonings, energy bars, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes and floss. ••
Spiritual Advent series
The Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, 3501 Solly Ave., will host Singing Our Way Through Advent: A Journey of Scripture, Song, & Sacred Reflection on Tuesdays, Dec. 2 and 9, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (includes lunch). The spiritual Advent series will explore Mary’s Magnificat (Dec. 2) and the biblical roots of beloved carols (Dec. 9) through music, scripture and prayerful ritual. The cost is $25 per session or $40 for both sessions. The facilitators will be Sister Theresa Ahern, MSBT, and Theresa Leonetti O’Connor. To register, call 267-350-1830, go to https://msbt.org/event/singing-our-way-through-advent/ or email [email protected]. ••
Sounds of the Season at Glen Foerd
Glen Foerd will present Sounds of the Season with Organist Isza Wu on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 7-9 p.m. The holiday program will showcase the historic 1902 Haskell pipe organ inside Glen Foerd’s Gilded Age mansion. Isabella “Isza” Wu, an organist and Fellow of the Curtis Institute of Music, will lead an evening that highlights the instrument’s shimmering highs, warm midrange and powerful bass. The program will include classical selections and holiday hymns. Guests will also be invited to join in a seasonal carol sing-along. Tickets are $25, or $20 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at www.glenfoerd.org/events
Glen Foerd is at 5001 Grant Ave. ••
Charity gift wrapping
Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Board of Associates of Fox Chase Cancer Center, is running its annual holiday gift wrapping at Willow Grove Park, 2500 W. Moreland Road, Willow Grove, from Nov. 28 to Dec. 24. Stop by the kiosk to have your holiday gifts wrapped. The event supports patient care and cancer research. ••
Leaf collection
City Councilman Brian O’Neill announced that the streets department’s 2025 Fall Leaf Collection and Recycling Program will go through Dec. 20. Bagged leaf drop-off will be offered citywide on Saturdays only at 13 locations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Dec. 6, 13 and 20). The 10th Councilmanic District’s bagged leaf drop-off station is 7901 Ridgeway St. (Fox Chase Recreation Center). Residents can also drop off bagged leaves at the Northeast Sanitation Convenience Center at State Road and Ashburner Street, open Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bagged leaves to be recycled at the specified drop-off locations will only be accepted in biodegradable paper bags. Otherwise, leaves set out at the curb, either in bags or containers, will be collected as trash. Mechanical leaf collection will also be offered on a designated weekly schedule in areas with a heavy concentration of leaves. Collection crews are scheduled to be in the Northeast through Nov. 28. To find out when your block is scheduled for mechanical collection, visit phila.gov/leaf-recycling
To find the bagged leaf drop-off location closest to you or to find out if mechanical leaf collection will be offered on your street, call O’Neill’s office at 215-686-3422. ••
Trip to New York mansion
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation will visit Lyndhurst Mansion, which sits on its own 67-acre park beside the Hudson River in Tarrytown, New York, on Thursday, Dec. 4. A hot buffet luncheon will be served. The all-inclusive cost is $168. Call 215-788-7537 for reservations. ••
Victorian Christmas at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host a Victorian Christmas open house on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register or for more information, call 215-685-0599 or visit https://robertryerss.org. ••
Apply for LIHEAP
State Sen. Tina Tartaglione announced that the 2025-26 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program season will continue through April 10, 2026. Cash grants range from $200 to $1,000, based on region, annual income and number of people living in the home. Apply at compass.state.pa.us. For more information, call 866-857-7095. ••
December bingo at Loudenslager
Corp. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., is offering community bingo on Fridays, Dec. 12 and 19. Doors open at 6 p.m. There are dollar hot dogs and free popcorn. ••
Sign up for free newsletter
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/. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Help available for veterans
State Rep. Jared Solomon hosts a veterans clinic at his office at 7104 Frankford Ave. on the second Thursday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A representative from American Legion Post 810 assists veterans with benefits. To make an appointment, call 215-543-6755. ••
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. ••
Gone cruisin’
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is planning to go on two cruises next year.
The group is headed to Bermuda and Charleston, South Carolina from April 30 to May 7, on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel, sailing from Philadelphia; Rates range from $1,710 to $2,283 per person, double occupancy, and includes the cruise, service gratuities and beverage and dining package gratuities.
There will be a trip to Greece from Aug. 29 to Sept. 7. Rates range from $4,957 to $5,771 per person, double occupancy, and include round-trip airfare from Philadelphia, the cruise, beverages and taxes.
Passports are required. For a flyer, call 215-788-9408. For reservations, call 800-423-0247. ••
Bird walks every Monday
Fox Chase Farm, 8500 Pine Road, holds a free weekly bird walk, every Monday from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. Bring your own binoculars. Email [email protected] ••
Volunteer at Fox Chase Farm
Fox Chase Farm is looking for adult volunteers. Opportunities include weekend community programs and events, garden and greenhouse support, animal care support, administrative duties during events, general grounds care, weekly and monthly highlights newsletters and farm educational ambassadors. For more information, contact Angela at 215-400-3310, Option 3 or [email protected] ••
Parkinson’s support group at Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, 7604 Central Ave., will host a meeting of a Parkinson’s disease support group in its Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse on Dec. 10 from 5-6 p.m. The meeting is open to people diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their families, and is led by nurse practitioner June Ro. Dr. Teodora Schellato, a urologist, and physical therapist Sonia Williams-Joseph will be the guest speakers. To register, contact Ro at 215-707-2619 or [email protected]. ••
Breakfast with Santa
The Mayfair Diner, 7373 Frankford Ave., invites children to Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 6-7, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Star Players choir will perform at 11 a.m. Call 215-624-8886. ••
Spanish Advent morning of reflection
The Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, 3501 Solly Ave., will host Spanish Advent Morning of Reflection — “From Darkness to Light” on Monday, Dec. 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a contemplative morning of silence, prayer and shared reflection in Spanish, journeying from the shadows of the world toward the light of Bethlehem, guided by Scripture and community. The cost is $25 and includes a morning snack and lunch. The facilitator will be Sister Maria Rincon, MSBT. Register by calling 267-350-1835, emailing [email protected] or going to https://msbt.org/event/manana-de-reflexion-de-adviento-en-espanol/?occurrence=2025-12-15 ••
Volunteer for child literacy program
Philly Reading Coaches is a program that combines early reading support, access to books and community volunteers to boost reading skills for the city’s children. The program works by pairing trained volunteers with young students – kindergarten through 3rd grade – and by providing fun and child-guided reading experiences that help build reading skills and motivation. Each child in the program also receives 25 free books to take home. PRC is funded by the Office of Children and Families and implemented by Out-of-School Time Providers. PRC operates in 14 elementary schools throughout the city. Locations and schedules can be found here: http://ost.phila.gov/locations-and-schedules/
Volunteers must be 16 years or older and must submit the required clearances for working with children. Begin your application here: bit.ly/ApplyPRC ••
Monthly food pantry
St. Mark’s Church, 4442 Frankford Ave., hosts the Matthew 25 Food Pantry on the second Saturday of each month from 9-10 a.m. The pantry is a ministry of the Court St. Francis de Sales Catholic Daughters of the Americas. ••
Apply for scholarships
Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia, a K-8th grade scholarship program, has opened its 2026-27 scholarship lottery application. CSFP is a privately funded program that provides financial access to students from “under-resourced” Philadelphia families, ensuring that they have access to tuition-based schools. The application is open through March 1, 2026. Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia also offers resources for families, access to school selection support, events hosted at cultural institutions and the opportunity to receive funding to attend summer camps. To be eligible for a CSFP scholarship, families must be residents of Philadelphia with children in kindergarten through 8th grade and meet household income guidelines. Students who are chosen through the lottery will receive a scholarship through 8th grade. Up to three children per family, per year, can receive a scholarship. To learn more about Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia and apply for the 2026-27 scholarship lottery, visit www.csfphiladelphia.org/apply ••
Donate to veterans
The Quaker City English Dart League will hold a tournament at William D. Oxley Post 133, 7900 Torresdale Ave. (at Decatur Street), on Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. and will be holding a Chinese raffle and collecting nonperishable food, toiletries and gift cards for veterans and their families. For more information, call Kay Brookes at 267-255-5234 or Bob Brookes at 215-820-2754 or email [email protected] or [email protected]. ••
Historical Society of Frankford to meet
The Historical Society of Frankford is hosting Carol Smith, the archivist for both Christ Church and its Preservation Trust, at its meeting and lecture on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. She will demonstrate the Digitizing Philadelphia’s Historic Congregations website, and discuss individual records found during the project. The meeting and lecture will occur at the HSF library/museum at 1507 Orthodox St. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is available across the street at Frankford Friends School. ••
Football book signings
The Historical Society of Frankford will host a meet and greet and authors’ signing on Dec. 7 from 1-3 p.m. Books for sale will be the newly published Frankford Yellow Jackets: Philadelphia’s First NFL Team, by Brian Michaels and Andrew Weicker, and The Eagles Encyclopedia: Champions II, by Ray Didinger. The event will occur at the Society’s library/museum at 1507 Orthodox St. and is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is available across the street at Frankford Friends School. ••
Literacy event at Lawncrest Library
Lawncrest Library, 6098 Rising Sun Ave., hosts LEAP after-school programs Mondays and Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays to Fridays from 3-5 p.m. The after-school leader offers homework help and fun activities such as stories, games, crafts, dance parties, puzzles, scavenger hunts and movies.
The Open Enrollment Period for health insurance is coming soon. Get the lowest costs on high-quality health coverage through Pennie, Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace. Pennie Certified Assisters can help you in person at Lawncrest Library, Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. Stop by, discover how Pennie can connect you to savings in 2026, and find the best plan for you.
Every Thursday at 1:30 p.m., an English conversation group for adults meets. The group is for intermediate-advanced English speakers. ••
Preschool storytime and play
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Preschool Storytime & Play on Thursdays, Dec. 11, Jan. 8, Feb. 12 and 26, 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. ••
Christmas Tea
Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave., will hold a Christmas Tea on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. The event is free and will include fellowship, music, prayer, sandwiches, pastries and tea. RSVP to 215-342-2085. ••
Bingo at Loudenslager
Corp. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., is offering community bingo every second and fourth Friday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and games begin at 7:30. There are dollar hot dogs and free popcorn. ••
Free performance of Nutcracker Ballet
Settlement Music School’s Kardon-Northeast Branch, 3745 Clarendon Ave., will present a free performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 11 a.m. The Kardon-Northeast string ensemble will perform to open the show. ••
Senior singles to meet for breakfast
The Senior Singles Breakfast Group will meet on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m. at BeWell Bakery & Cafe, 2651 Huntingdon Pike, Huntingdon Valley. Call 215-380-9144. ••
Polish Christmas festival
The Polish American Christmas season festival, “Mikolajki,” sponsored by the Pulaski Day Parade Committee and the Polish American Cultural Center, will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 2-7 p.m., in St. John Cantius Hall, 4435 Almond St. (at Orthodox Street), in Bridesburg. Enjoy Polish food, entertainment, vendors and the singing of koledy. Admission is free. More information is at PolishAmericanCenter.com. ••
Caroling around the fire pit
Memorial Presbyterian Church of Fox Chase, 7902 Oxford Ave., will host a fire pit and caroling event in its parking lot on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m. There will be hot dogs, s’mores and hot chocolate.
The church hosts a senior lunch on the third Wednesday of the month at noon. There will be soup, sandwiches, salads and dessert. Upcoming dates are Dec. 17, Jan. 21, Feb. 18 and March 18. ••
Elvis in Huntingdon Valley
The Women’s Club of Huntingdon Valley holds luncheon meetings on the second Thursday of the month (noon to 2 p.m.) at Gloria Dei Fellowship Hall, 570 Welsh Road. On Jan. 8, Elvis Pretzel will entertain with Elvis Presley music. For more information, email Doreen ([email protected]) or check out the club on Facebook. ••
Holme Circle Civic to meet
Holme Circle Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. at St. Jerome parish hall, 8100 Colfax St. Follow the Civic group on Facebook, X and Instagram. ••
Scholarship contest for HS seniors
TruMark Financial® Credit Union is accepting applications for its third annual Difference Makers Scholarship, an award that honors high school seniors who are using their time, talents and compassion to create lasting change in their communities.
The program not only supports students financially but contributes to the nonprofit organizations they partner with.
Top scholarship awards include $7,500 for first place, $4,000 for second and $3,000 for third, with additional $350 scholarships for students placing 4th through 10th. To further encourage community partnerships, a $350 donation will also be made to the nonprofit organization associated with each of the 10 student finalists.
To be eligible for the 2026 Difference Makers Scholarship, applicants must:
• Be high school seniors planning to attend a college, university, trade school or certificate program.
• Have completed a volunteer project, either through a nonprofit organization or one they created independently.
• Have a sponsoring teacher who supports their application.
• Reside in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery or Philadelphia counties.
• Complete required financial education video modules.
Applicants are not required to be members of TruMark Financial at the time of application; however, scholarship recipients will be required to become members before receiving their award.
Students will be evaluated based on the impact and reach of their work, number of verified volunteer hours, scalability of the project and storytelling ability in describing their initiative, along with completion of the required financial education components. A personal essay is also required.
The deadline for applications is April 30, 2026. To learn more or submit an application, visit www.trumarkonline.org/difference-makers-scholarship. ••
Driscoll bill would aid small business
City Councilman Mike Driscoll introduced legislation to exempt entrepreneurs, independent contractors and neighborhood businesses from portions of the Business Income & Receipts Tax.
The bill is designed to help thousands of sole proprietorships and single-member limited liability companies keep more of what they earn and reinvest directly into their communities.
“Philadelphia’s small business owners deserve a tax system that works for them, not against them,” Driscoll said. “Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs make up the backbone of our commercial corridors, neighborhood services and entrepreneurial ecosystem. This bill helps level the playing field and sends a clear message that Philadelphia welcomes and supports the people who power our local economy.”
The bill would:
• Exempt income earned by sole proprietors and single-member LLCs from some or all BIRT obligations beginning in tax year 2026.
• Provide tax relief to thousands of independent workers, contractors and entrepreneurs who currently face disproportionate compliance costs under BIRT.
• Encourage small business formation, expansion and long-term stability across neighborhood corridors by allowing individuals to reinvest their earnings locally ••
A Christmas Carol at St. James
St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5185 Castor Ave., will host two productions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Show times are 6:15 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 14. The donation is $5, and there will be refreshments. ••
Landau wants to expand sidewalk cafes
In the wake of three Philadelphia restaurants being given Michelin stars, Councilwoman Rue Landau has introduced a bill that would modernize and simplify the process by which restaurants in Philadelphia have to adhere to in order to operate a sidewalk café. The proposed legislation expands the areas of the city that allow “by-right” sidewalk cafes, removing the need for a district councilmember’s ordinance and speeding up the timeline from application to operation.
Following months of meetings with restaurateurs, small business owners and district councilmembers across the city, Landau introduced the bill to pave the way for more outdoor dining options ahead of the expected 2026 tourism boom. Restaurants and industry officials reported wait times as long as 12-18 months to acquire a sidewalk cafe license due to bureaucratic red tape.
The ordinance was introduced with wide cosponsorship and will head to the Streets Committee, where a hearing will take place in December. In addition, Landau has been working with the streets department, Licenses and Inspections and the Health Department to work on behind-the-scenes process updates to make the licensing process with these city departments easier as well.
“After months of meetings throughout the city, one message came across loud and clear from food service operators: Sidewalk Cafés can and should be the easiest, lowest-barrier option for outdoor dining,” Landau said. “With 2026 coming up, we need to make sure Philly is ready for the spotlight. More outdoor dining will be good for our tourism economy, good for our neighborhood vibrancy and good for our small businesses. With such an obvious path to success for our city’s economy and vivacity, it would be a mistake not to move forward.” ••
Picozzi backs safeguards for AI chatbots used by minors
As a member of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, Sen. Joe Picozzi voted in support of legislation to establish safeguards for artificial intelligence chatbots accessible by minors.
Senate Bill 1090, the Safeguarding Adolescents from Exploitative Chatbots and Harmful AI Technology Act, would establish clear, age-appropriate standards for chatbots that minors interact with; require safeguards to prevent content generation that encourages self-harm, suicide or violence against others; and require that users be directed to appropriate self-harm crisis resources whenever high-risk language is detected.
Multiple families have alleged in recent lawsuits that chatbot responses contributed to their teen’s death by suicide.
“As artificial intelligence becomes more accessible to students, it is imperative that guardrails are put in place to protect our most vulnerable and impressionable users,” Picozzi said. “This bipartisan legislation clearly defines emerging technologies like chatbots and AI companions and increases transparency, so families know what their children are doing online.”
A recent risk assessment warns that AI “companion” bots can exacerbate mental health problems for kids, including risks related to self-harm. Clinical commentators have also flagged the dangers posed by unrestricted chatbot use, in which the tool itself can worsen a user’s condition, and called for stronger guardrails such as the ones included in Senate Bill 1090.
The SAFECHAT bill will be sent to the full Senate for consideration. ••
Winter clothing drive
Catholic Community Services will present Operation Bundle Up on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Martin of Tours Church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd. The 12th annual winter clothing drive will provide cold-weather items to people in need. For more information, contact Lance Wright at 215-760-4101 or [email protected]. ••
