Yoga, crochet at library
Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St., will be holding two adult programs this month.
Yoga will take place on Monday, Dec. 19, at 5:30 p.m. Bring a yoga mat if you have one; if not, one will be provided. Donations accepted but not required.
A Crochet Circle will meet on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. on Dec 14, 21 and 28. Learn how to crochet. Bring a project with you. For adults of all experience levels. ••
Help Ferko String Band
Ferko String Band, 2630 Bridge St., is asking for volunteers for the Jan. 1 Mummers Parade.
People of any age are welcome to help with props, costuming and other chores.
Anyone interested can email ferkosb100@gmail.com or call 610-459-9303. ••
Buy from small biz
American Workers Radio is promoting December as National Small Business Month. For more information, visit NationalSmallBusinessMonth.com or AmericanWorkersRadio.com. ••
Library programs for kids
Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St., will be hosting a few upcoming children’s programs.
Preschool Storytime and Play Group will meet Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. on Dec 14, 21 and 28. Join Ms. Meghan for stories and songs for ages 4 and under with caregivers. Stay after storytime to play. Siblings welcome.
Read, Baby, Read Storytime and Play Group will meet on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. on Dec 15, 22 and 29. Join Ms. Meghan for lap time with stories, songs, rhymes and bounces for babies with caregivers. Stay after storytime to play. Siblings welcome.
LEAP (Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program) meets Mondays to Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. and Fridays from 3-5 p.m. LEAP is a free afterschool program that offers homework help and activities for students in grades K-12. ••
Nina Ahmad running for Council
Nina Ahmad has announced she will run in the Democratic primary for City Council at large in 2023.
Ahmad previously served as Philadelphia’s deputy mayor for two years, launching the city’s Commission for Women, managing the Office of Black Male Engagement and the Youth Commission and working closely with the office of LGBTQ Affairs.
“I’m running to make Philadelphia a healthier, stronger city,” Ahmad said. “All of our challenges are, at their root, health challenges. From crime and gun violence to housing and the environment, if we make Philadelphia a healthier city, we can make it a stronger, safer city. As a biomedical scientist, I’ve spent my life taking on these kinds of challenges and I’ve used science and data to find new solutions to old problems. That’s my agenda for Philadelphia: A healthier city for a stronger future.”
Ahmad ran for auditor general in 2020, losing in the general election. She also lost the 2018 primary for lieutenant governor.
Today, Ahmad is the president of the state chapter of the National Organization for Women. Previously, as the head of the Philadelphia chapter of NOW, she led the fight against the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office after it initially refused to fire male prosecutors who had emailed degrading pornographic images.
Ahmad grew up during the violent war of Independence of Bangladesh and came to the United States alone when she was 21. After improving her English by watching American television shows and waiting tables at a diner, she earned her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and worked as a molecular biologist and entrepreneur.
Ryan Boyer, business manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, said, “Nina is an inspiring leader and a true champion for the underdogs of our city. I know she’ll throw her heart – as she always does – into finding innovative solutions to Philadelphia’s biggest problems.” ••
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. 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. ••
Bingo 3 times a week
The Ukrainian Cathedral, at Brown and Franklin streets, hosts bingo every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Games start at 6:30. Call 215-829-8103. ••
Free help for the holidays
International School of Coaching’s Master Coach Paula Michele Boyle and her team of trained specialists are reaching out to support the community for those feeling frustrated or unsatisfied with their lives, careers and relationships. The session you will receive with a certified Life Coach is available from Thanksgiving to New Year 2023. To register or learn more, visit lifecoachphilly.com. ••
Boyle Dem chair of Budget Committee
U.S. House Democrats voted unanimously to elect Rep. Brendan Boyle (PA-02) as ranking member of the Budget Committee.
“I am grateful to my Democratic colleagues for entrusting me with leading the House Budget Committee,” Boyle said. “Budgets reflect our values, and I plan to advocate for working and middle-class families in my future efforts on this committee. As ranking member, I will work toward finding common ground with the majority members of this committee so that, in the end, we hopefully can enact a budget that is fair and equitable to all. I will not stop fighting for the values we share, and an economy that works for everyone.”
Republicans took control of the House in last month’s election. Democratic Rep. John Yarmuth had been the chairman, but did not seek re-election.
Yarmuth said, “Brendan possesses keen political instincts and will be critical in pushing back against Republican disinformation. His ability to combine both the policy and politics make him the right member at the right time for this role.”
“Congressman Brendan Boyle is a remarkable legislator who has fought hard for lower costs and better-paying jobs throughout his tenure in Congress”, said incoming Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “I congratulate Brendan on his election as he leads the effort to defend our priorities on the House Budget Committee, including the protection of Social Security and Medicare from attacks by the extreme MAGA Republicans.” ••
Rap show at Fillmore
Rapper Yeat will perform on Sunday, March 12, at 8 p.m. at the Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St.
Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com. ••
Key Glock to perform at Fillmore
Hip-hop artist Key Glock will perform at the Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on Wednesday, March 15, at 7 p.m.
Key Glock will be joined by fellow Memphis native Big Scarr.
Key Glock will be performing songs from his catalog, including PRE5L, the five-song EP he released in November.
Tickets are on sale at keyglock.com. ••
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 fkevin910@comcast.net. ••
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. ••
