Trip to the Tropicana
Holy Innocents is planning a trip to the Tropicana Casino on Tuesday, Feb. 21. A bus will depart L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 9 a.m., and will leave the Tropicana at 4:30 p.m. The cost is $35, due by Feb. 13, and includes $20 in slot cash. To reserve a seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740. ••
Bingo on Saturday
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, at Trenton Avenue and Cumberland Street, will hold bingo on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 1-4 p.m. Doors open at noon. Packages are $20 and include lunch. Call 215-423-0792. ••
Programs for children at Richmond Library
Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St., is offering children’s programs in February.
Preschool Storytime and Play Group is scheduled for Wednesdays, Feb. 8, 15 and 22, at 10:30 a.m. Join Ms. Meghan for stories, songs and fun for ages 4 and under with caregivers. Stay after Storytime to play. Siblings welcome.
Read, Baby, Read Storytime and Play Group is set for Thursdays, Feb. 9, 16 and 23, at 10:30 a.m. Join Ms. Meghan for lap time with stories, songs, rhymes and bounces for babies with caregivers. Stay after Storytime to play. Siblings welcome.
Circus Workshop will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 4 p.m. Learn how to juggle, balance feathers, spin plates and spin lassos in this interactive workshop with the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts. For children and families.
Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) will be offered Mondays through Thursdays from 3-6 p.m. and Fridays from 3-5 p.m. LEAP is a free, drop-in afterschool program that offers homework help and activities for students in grades K-12 every day after school.
Call 215-685-9992. ••
Adult programs at Richmond Library
Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St., is offering adult programs in February.
Crochet Circle is set for Wednesdays, Feb. 8, 15 and 22, at 4 p.m. Learn how to crochet. Bring a project with you and join in crafting. For adults of all experience levels.
Philadelphia Legal Assistance: Tax Resource Table will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 28, from 3-5 p.m. Talk with an expert about IRS, audits, tax returns, tax debt, filing for free and rights as a taxpayer. Learn how to get legal aid.
Call 215-685-9992. ••
Help animal rescue
The nonprofit Fishtails Animal Rescue will host a Valentine’s-themed Sweetheart Social adoption event on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fishtown Animal Hospital, 233 E. Girard Ave. The cost of a professional photo is $20 and will go toward helping the animals of the rescue. Santuccis, Goldie and Ramona Susan’s Bake Shop will provide snacks and sweet treats. ••
North communion breakfast
The Northeast Catholic Alumni Communion Breakfast will take place on April 16 at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Register at www.northcatholicalumni.org. ••
Free tax preparation
The nonprofit Campaign for Working Families provides free tax preparation, including identifying tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit. There are more than 50,000 eligible Philadelphians who do not claim this credit each year, resulting in some $100 million left on the table. For more information about volunteering or CWF’s services, call 215-454-6483 or visit cwfphilly.org. ••
Special designation for Miraculous Medal Shrine
The Miraculous Medal Shrine, a Marian devotional destination and ministry of the Vincentians of the Eastern Province in Germantown, has been elevated by the Vatican to Minor Basilica status. This designation is shared by only one other church in Philadelphia, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, and 91 others across the United States. The Shrine, along with the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception that houses it, are now known as The Basilica Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
The new designation followed an application process of multiple years and culminated in a decree issued by Pope Francis. The Shrine is now promoted as an exemplary site of liturgical and pastoral activity within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Minor Basilicas are given prominence among other churches and shrines, receive certain honorifics and are tasked with special responsibilities.
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez said, “I am deeply grateful to the Holy Father for bestowing this tremendous honor on The Miraculous Medal Shrine. This moment is one of great joy for the entire Church in Philadelphia. The Miraculous Medal Shrine is a great gift drawing souls closer to Christ through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. I congratulate the Vincentians and all those working to sustain the Shrine and its ministry. May their work continue to bear great fruit.” ••
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. ••
Brown releases fundraising figure
Democratic mayoral candidate Jeff Brown announced that his campaign will report taking in close to $1.1 million from more than 500 contributors during the final eight weeks of 2022. The campaign ended 2022 with close to $500,000 cash on hand and has seen campaign donations since the beginning of 2023.
“We’ve been humbled by the fundraising support we’ve received since announcing our candidacy,” Brown said. “We were the first campaign to share our vision with the people of Philadelphia through our TV ads. We’ve heard how our message of addressing structural poverty, making our streets safer and ensuring Philadelphians have access to the basic public services they deserve has resonated with them. They believe we’ve got the experience and skills necessary to help turn this city around. And they’re backing up their enthusiasm by donating to our campaign. We’re just getting started, and together, we’re going to make Philadelphia the city we all deserve.” ••
Rhynhart details drug plan
Democratic mayoral candidate Rebecca Rhynhart held a news conference at McPherson Park in Kensington to discuss actions she would take to solve the crisis in Kensington fueled by the open-air drug market and the opioid epidemic.
“On my walk here from the Somerset station, I saw what residents and families of Kensington see every day: People injecting themselves with drugs in broad daylight, people leaned over and passed out, and trash piled up,” Rhynhart said. “This is not acceptable. Philadelphians are raising their families here. I am a mother and what I am seeing must end.”
Rhynhart’s strategies include:
• Deploying more police officers to Kensington and increasing foot patrols to provide safety for residents;
• Evaluating and improving the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion for low-level offenders, a program that has been successful in other cities;
• Breaking up the open-air drug market through a Drug Market Intervention program focused on dealers, offering them a choice between a way out of the lifestyle assisted by city services or incarceration;
• Appointing a drug czar who will report directly to the mayor to coordinate the city’s response;
• Implementing community responder teams with representatives from appropriate city departments and community-based harm-reduction organizations to offer services to those suffering from addiction; and
• Streamlining intake at city-contracted facilities to ensure that those seeking treatment receive immediate medical assistance that can serve as a bridge until they can receive long-term care.
During her remarks, Rhynhart emphasized the need to have a compassionate response for those who are suffering with substance use disorder, while holding those responsible accountable with real consequences.
“To the residents of Kensington who have continually said enough is enough, I hear you. To those suffering with addiction on the street, I see you. We cannot let this continue. I will lead with the courage necessary to fix this. As mayor, I will act immediately to restore the quality of life here in Kensington, and at the same time, help those suffering from addiction,” Rhynhart said. ••
Celebrating 100 years of SMT
St. Martin of Tours Parish invites all school alumni, current and past parishioners and friends to a 100th anniversary Mass in the upper church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., on Sunday, April 30, at noon. The Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Edward Adams. Afterward, there will be a “Past & Present — Building Our Future” celebration at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road, from 2-6 p.m. Tickets cost $35 and include food, soft drinks, music and door prizes. The event is for ages 21-plus. Tickets must be purchased in advance in the rectory, after all Masses, through Venmo (@smotphilly) or with check to St. Martin of Tours Church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19124, Attn: Centennial Celebration. Proceeds will benefit church improvements. ••
Sign up for senior softball
The Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced players for their 59-and-over and 68-and-over leagues. The seasons start mid-April and will go until the end of September. There will be about 30 games, plus playoffs. No games are played in July. The 59-and-over games are Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 68-and-over games are Mondays and Fridays. All games are played at Crispin Field, Holme and Convent avenues. Games start at 10 a.m. For more information on the 59-and-over league, call John Troy at 215-292-1437. ••
Lil Wayne to appear at the Fillmore
Grammy Award-winning rap icon Lil Wayne announced his 2023 tour coming this spring, with a stop at the Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on Monday, April 17. Tickets are on sale at Lilwayneofficial.com. ••
Hayley Kiyoko coming to Brooklyn Bowl
Celebrating her sophomore album, Panorama, pop star Hayley Kiyoko will embark on tour this spring. The tour includes a stop at Brooklyn Bowl, 1009 Canal St., on May 25. For tickets, go to https://www.hayleykiyokoofficial.com/tour. ••
Cruise the Mediterranean
Norwegian Cruise Line will host a Mediterranean cruise from Rome to Venice on Oct. 10-19. 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, 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, 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. ••
Sisterhood meeting
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will be hosting a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. A representative of Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy will be speaking about the use of strength bands in therapy. Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge. Call 215-677-1600. ••
Trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan
The Polish American Cultural Center Museum volunteers are sponsoring a 7-day, 6-night trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan from July 9-15. The trip consists of a ferry ride to Mackinac Island, two nights at the Grand Hotel, a horse-drawn carriage ride and visits to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the Henry Ford Museum and the National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods. The price includes bus transportation, hotels, six breakfasts, six dinners, a buffet luncheon at the Grand Hotel, admission to all attractions, baggage handling, taxes and gratuities. Call Theresa Romanowski at 215-813-2780 or 215-922-1700. ••
Poker series at Rivers
The Philadelphia Poker Championship Series will run Feb. 19 through March 12 at Rivers Casino. The series will feature $550,000 in guaranteed prize pools over 22 days. The packed schedule includes the $250,000 guaranteed Main Event as well as the Mystery Rush ($200,000) and Little Rush ($100,000) tournaments.
Buy-ins for the PPCS events range from $180 to $2,200, and players will have the opportunity to satellite into the Main Event and Mystery Rush tournaments. All three events will be two-day tournaments.
For more information, visit RiversCasino.com/Philadelphia. ••
Marley tribute at Brooklyn Bowl
Reggae band Jah People will perform the music of Bob Marley during a Bob Marley Birthday Bash at Brooklyn Bowl, 1009 Canal St., on Friday, Feb. 10.
Tickets are on sale at BrooklynBowl.com. ••
Sisterhood meeting in March
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will meet on Tuesday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. The speaker will be Rabbi Sandi Berliner. Her topic will be: “What’s on your seder plate – Updating your Seder.” Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free. Call 215-677-1600. ••
