Veterans parade names grand marshals
The Philadelphia Veterans Parade and Festival announced Municipal Court President Judge Patrick Dugan and retired Sgt Maj. JoAnn Tresco as co-grand marshals of the parade, on Sunday, Nov. 6, at noon. Tresco is an advocate for female veterans, raising money and awareness. Dugan, a retired U.S. Army captain, is a founder of Veterans Court and has served overseas in Panama, South Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Anthony Murphy, president of the Philadelphia Veterans Parade, said, “Throughout their civilian lives, both Judge Dugan and JoAnn Tresco have worked in unique ways to raise awareness of issues impacting veterans and helping those with the greatest needs.” ••
Casino trip, Christmas show
Holy Innocents Parish is organizing a trip to Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City on Thursday, Dec. 1. A bus will leave L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 9:30 a.m. The cost is $85, non-refundable.
The trip includes a ticket to The Modern Gentlemen, a Christmas show, at 3 p.m.; bus transportation; $25 in slot play; and a $15 food voucher. The bus will leave the casino at 5 p.m.
To reserve your seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
Richmond Library programs
Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St., is offering two adult programs. Yoga takes place Mondays in November at 5:30 p.m. Donations accepted. A Crochet Circle meets Wednesdays in November at 4 p.m. Bring a crochet project with you.
The library is also offering four children’s programs. A dinosaur party will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m. There will be stories, crafts and games. Preschool story and a play group will meet on Wednesdays, Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 30 at 10:30 a.m. The group is for ages 4 and under with a caregiver. Siblings welcome. Read, Baby, Read Storytime and Play Group will meet on Thursdays, Nov. 3, 10 and 17, at 10:30 a.m. The group is for babies with caregivers. Siblings are welcome. The free Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) meets Mondays through Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. and Fridays from 3-5 p.m. There will be homework help and activities for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Call 215-685-9992. ••
Senior fair on Nov. 9
City Council President Darrell Clarke will hold a senior fair on Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 1-3 p.m., at Holy Name of Jesus Church hall, 701 Gaul St.
The event will feature plenty of vendors.
Call 215-634-2468. ••
Breakfast with Santa
St. Hubert, 7320 Torresdale Ave., will host Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The cost is $35, or $25 for kids 12 and under. Admission is free for kids 2 and under. The event will feature an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, an indoor snowball fight, coloring station, craft corner, letters to Santa, selfie station, make-your-own reindeer food, Christmas bean bag toss, dancing and face painting. A picture with Santa is $5. Proceeds benefit the Faculty Scholarship Fund. Email [email protected]. ••
Hohenstein announces state money for neighborhood projects
State Rep. Joe Hohenstein announced $7.75 million from a state grant approved by the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program that will support the Tioga Marine Terminal Revitalization project, Caring for Friends, AdvanSix Inc., the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia and the Tacony Boat Launch.
“With the amount of money coming to our neighborhoods, we’re going to be seeing some big changes,” Hohenstein said. “I’m proud of being able to work with Gov. Wolf and my colleagues in the House and Senate to make sure your tax dollars end up benefiting you and the spaces we use everyday. I’ve worked hard to make sure these projects get the financial support they need to make it across the finish line and benefit our communities for years to come.”
RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and are meant to generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity.
More information is available by contacting Hohenstein’s district office at 215-744-2600. ••
Democrats derail Markie’s Law
The state House of Representatives failed to override Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of Markie’s Law, named in memory of Markie Mason, an 8-year-old Lawrence County boy who died after being stabbed 147 times in 2019. The killer had been paroled at the end of his minimum sentence for homicide, even after being convicted of committing two separate violent assaults of other inmates while in prison. The bill would have postponed consideration of a violent inmate’s parole an additional 24 months following the inmate’s minimum release date for each conviction of a violent offense while incarcerated. In addition, it would have suspended consideration of an inmate’s parole an additional 12 months if the inmate attempted to escape, smuggle contraband or retaliate or intimidate witnesses while incarcerated.
Sens. Tina Tartaglione and Jim Dillon voted for the bill, while Sen. Nikil Saval voted against it. Democratic Reps. Joe Hohenstein and Mary Isaacson voted against the override.
“I hope those who voted ‘no’ can’t sleep at night,” said Rep. Aaron Bernstine. “Harrisburg Democrats chose to let violent criminals walk freely among us today.” ••
State money for projects in 175th district
State Rep. Mary Isaacson has secured a total of $14 million for 10 separate projects throughout the 175th Legislative District.
The Sunday Breakfast Association of Philadelphia gained $1.5 million for renovations in its building as well as transitional living spaces and a new dining hall.
The Delaware River Waterfront Corp. was awarded $2 million to repair the bulkhead along the trail, install lighting and for repaving and stabilizing the trail.
Old City District received $1 million to connect Philadelphia’s historic district to the riverfront as well as educate the nearly 4 million visitors each year about the Lenni Lenape nation, the first people to live on the land before William Penn.
Temple University Hospital was awarded $2 million to modernize its Behavioral Health Facility to help people with substance use disorder.
The Pennsylvania Association/Philadelphia Ballet received $1.5 million to expand and complete its existing facility – the Center for Dance – as well as construction of new studios, a dancer wellness/physical therapy center, a costume shop, classroom and a gallery to display local art.
A $2.5 million grant was awarded to the Northwest Arch LLC to completely renovate the inside and outside of the Trocadero building, which will include a full-service restaurant and careful work to preserve the original architecture.
Some $1 million was awarded to the L-A Battery QOZ for the Louis Kahn Barge project. The funding will be used for site work to ensure safe access to the waterfront and the relocation of the historic Louis Kahn Barge on the property that will be central in establishing a new destination for visitors to the neighborhood and region. It will also include a music barge and pedestrian pathways, emergency vehicle access points and parking.
The New Kensington Community Development Corp. received $3 million to construct new homes in Kensington. These homes will be energy efficient, ADA accessible and will include quality finishes and appliances.
The National Constitution Center was awarded $500,000 to make upgrades to the interior and exterior.
“The variety of funds awarded reflect the greatness and diversity of our district,” Isaacson said. “I am ecstatic that this funding will help so many wonderful causes that will improve the quality of life for Philadelphia residents and visitors alike.” ••
Bingo on Nov. 12
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Trenton Avenue and Cumberland Street, will be having bingo on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 1-4 p.m. Doors will open at noon. Packages are $20 and include lunch. Call 215-423-0792. ••
Auction on Nov. 26
Emanuel United Church of Christ, 2628 Fillmore St., will host its annual fall auction on Saturday, Nov. 26. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the drawing begins promptly at noon. Admission is $5 and includes a hot dog. The cost of raffle tickets is $5 a sheet or three sheets for $10. ••
Walk to end Alzheimer’s
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s — Philadelphia is taking place on Nov. 12 at Citizens Bank Park. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease — a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In the tri-state area alone, there are more than 489,000 people living with the disease and 809,000 caregivers. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. To register and receive the latest updates on this year’s walk, visit act.alz.org/philadelphia. ••
Support Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America is organizing an event at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, 4268 Richmond St., on Saturday, Dec. 17, at noon.
The group will place fresh, decorated balsam wreaths on every grave and memorial.
Wreaths may be sponsored for $15 apiece at WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/pages/164416. The location ID is PAMHRC. The group ID is PA0529P. The deadline is Nov. 21. Checks can be mailed to Wreaths Across America, P.O. Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623.
For more information, call Gary Roman at 215-749-0756. ••
Drivers refresher course
The Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host an AARP Drivers 2 Day Refresher Course on Monday, Nov. 7, and Tuesday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are no tests to pass, and most insurance companies provide a discount for completing the course. The cost is $20 for AARP members, or $25 for non-AARP members. There will be a small break for lunch. A dairy lunch is permitted. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Take part in Thanksgiving parade
The 45th annual Mayfair-Holmesburg Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Sunday, Nov. 20, from noon to 3 p.m. The community is invited to enter homemade floats, banners or vehicles, and organizations are encouraged to march. Volunteer banner carriers will receive six hours of community service. Apply by Nov. 6 at thanksgivingparade.org. Donations can be made on PayPal via thanksgivingparade or on Venmo at Mhthanksgivingparade. For more information, email [email protected]. ••
Flea market at Roosevelt Mall
The Roosevelt Mall Flea Market will run outdoors in the parking lot at 2445 Cottman Ave., every Sunday through November. The market runs 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 150 vendors will be on hand featuring new and used items, household goods, electronics and all types of general merchandise. One parking space is $30. Bring your own tables. There is plenty of free parking. For reservations, call 215-625-FLEA (3532). ••
Flea market
A flea market will be held at Almond and Cumberland streets, behind First Class Daycare, in the parking lot every Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Vendors are needed.
For a space, call Vicky at 215-426-9654 or Colleen at 267-393-5997. ••
Portside Arts Center classes at Cherry Street Pier
Portside Arts Center at Cherry Street Pier, 121 N. Columbus Blvd., will host kids and adult classes.
Children’s Saturday class will be held on Saturdays, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The class is for ages 4 to 10. Cost is $15 per class or four classes for $55.
Teen Portfolio Building Workshop will be held on Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., for ages 11 to 17. Cost is $20 per class or four for $70.
Family Art Night will be held every first Friday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for all ages. Cost is $25 per family.
For more details or to enroll, visit www.portsideartscenter.org.
Cruise the Mediterranean
Norwegian Cruise Line will host a Mediterranean cruise from Rome to Venice on Oct. 10-19, 2023. The trip is all inclusive with round-trip airfare, a beverage package, all meals, three specialty dinners, taxes, transfers and all gratuities. The cost for a balcony sea view cabin is $3,511 per person. For more information, contact Fillmore Travel’s Kevin Fries at 215-498-8294 or [email protected]. ••
South Phila. HS class of ‘68 reunion
The South Philadelphia High School Class of 1968 will hold its 55th reunion on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Waterfall Room, 2015 S. Water St. Tickets cost $60 and include buffet dinner and open bar. For tickets and more information, call Arleen Liberi [609-922-2419], Maria Leati [856-287-3734] or Stephen Michielli [267-252-2740]. ••
Upcoming cruise
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a fully escorted Holy Lands & Aegean Majesty cruise that will sail Oct. 6-17, 2023, featuring 10 ports-of-call. Rates, including airfare, range from $4,198 to $7,998 per person, double occupancy. Call 215-788-9408 for information and reservations. ••
