MMA fights at Rivers
Cage Wars 56, an evening of mixed martial arts, is coming to Rivers Casino on Saturday, March 4, at 7 p.m. The fights will take place in the Event Center, and tickets starting at $60 are on sale at CageWarsMMA.com/tickets.
The main event is Chris Kwiatkowski going against Oscar Garcia Jr. in a bantamweight bout. Kwiatkowski, 2-0 as a pro, trains at Marquez Mixed Martial Arts, 4500 Worth St. Garcia is 1-1 and trains in Bloomsburg. ••
Bingo on March 11
St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, at Trenton Avenue and Cumberland Street, will hold bingo on Saturday, March 11, from 1-4 p.m. Doors open at noon. Packages are $20 and include lunch. Call 215-423-0792. ••
Work at Rivers steakhouse
Philadelphia’s soon-to-open newest restaurant, Martorano’s Prime at Rivers Casino, is seeking cooks and servers to complete its team. Qualified candidates can receive on-the-spot job offers at the casino’s food and beverage hiring event on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Prospective employees for the new Italian-American steakhouse are encouraged to start the application process by visiting the careers page at RiversCasino.com/Philadelphia before attending the career fair.
On-the-spot interviews will be conducted. ••
Sports Hall of Fame ceremony set
The City All Star Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame will hold its 29th awards banquet on Tuesday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road.
The class of 2023 consists of former North Catholic soccer coach Jerry Brindisi; former Northeast High football coach Harvey “Brew” Schumer; Frank “Roscoe” Natale, who has coached baseball and been athletic director at Southern and Bok and been football coach at Bok, Bartram and Southern; and former La Salle University and Archbishop Ryan baseball coach Mike Lake.
In addition, the class of 2020 will be recognized. The banquet honoring them was postponed due to COVID.
Those inductees are former La Salle University basketball player Craig Conlin; coach and youth league organizer Lou DeCree; retired longtime women’s college basketball official Dennis DeMayo; Division I football official Joe Griesser; Joe Hand, a leading TV distributor of closed-circuit and pay-per-view boxing; Mike Hawkins, the PIAA District 12 chairman and former football coach and athletic director at Germantown High School; Steve Kane, the longtime former boys basketball coach at University City who led the Jaguars to the 1995 Public League title; Mike Koplove, who pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cleveland Indians; Kathy Lonergan, a Division I women’s basketball referee; Dave Mastropietro, a baseball star at La Salle University; and Dr. Anthony Salem, a former minor league baseball player.
Tickets cost $75 in advance and $80 at the door. Tables of 10 cost $750.
Checks can be made payable to Philadelphia City All Star Chapter, and mailed to PAHOF, P.O. Box 672, Levittown, PA 19055-9998 (include email address and inductee name on check). No paper tickets will be issued. Instead, guests will go to a welcome table at the FOP to get their seat assignments.
Organizers are also looking for sponsors for an ad book.
For tickets or ads, contact Steve DiSangro at [email protected] or 215-421-7556. ••
Join Mamma Mia!
The Star Players are looking for some young males to join the ensemble or have small speaking roles in an upcoming production of Mamma Mia!
The show is June 2-4 at Venice Island Performing Arts Center in Manayunk. Rehearsals take place at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St.
Any young males who want to join the show can contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or [email protected]. ••
Wildwood days in June
The Lutheran Settlement House Senior Center is sponsoring a trip to Wildwood from June 5-9.
The cost is $650 and includes round-trip transportation; four nights at Oceanfront Hotel; four full breakfasts and dinners; a visit to historic Smithville and Cape May; and a dolphin watch cruise.
The trip is for people 55 and older. A deposit is due by March 6. Contact Geneva Scafe at [email protected] or 215-426-8610, Ext. 1206. ••
No voting by illegals
The U.S. House passed, 260-162, a resolution to overturn a Washington, D.C. law that allows noncitizens, including illegal immigrants, to vote in local elections. Forty-two Democrats voted for the resolution. Rep. Brendan Boyle voted against the resolution, and President Biden opposes it. ••
Oh running for mayor
Republican David Oh has resigned from City Council to run for mayor.
Oh, a married father of four, said he has strong name recognition and high favorability.
A lawyer, he lives in Southwest Philadelphia. He’s a former assistant district attorney and U.S. Army veteran. He was elected to a Council at-large seat in 2011 and re-elected in ‘15 and ‘19. ••
Green details gun violence plan
Democratic mayoral candidate Derek Green released his plan to combat the gun violence epidemic in Philadelphia.
Green noted that, in 2022, there were more than 2,200 shootings, with 74% of the victims and shooters being black men.
“A Green administration will create the first ever Gun Violence Suppression Division by fundamentally shifting resources within the Police Department,” he said.
The Gun Violence Suppression Division will consist of prosecutors and both city and federal agents to reduce homicides by 25% in year one of the administration. This division will be empowered to circumvent the District Attorney’s Office to process cases through a Memorandum of Understanding between the city and federal authorities.
“The new police chief will appoint a proven top deputy to stand up and lead the new division that could scale up to as many as 500 officers, state police and agents, including 100 Philadelphia Police Department detectives, that will be focused on working in the police districts where 90% of the gun violence happens,” Green said.
With the use of state and city funds, a Green administration will invest $50 million into the new division in order to reimburse the federal government for the 100 prosecutors and agents who serve in the division. Perpetrators of gun violence will be looking at federal time.
“Gone will be the days when gun offenders are not afraid of the consequences of possessing and using illegal guns in our city,” Green said.
Philadelphia averaged more than 525 murders from 2020-22. ••
Working Families makes endorsements
The far-left Pennsylvania Working Families Party released its endorsements for the Democratic primary.
The slate consists of Helen Gym for mayor; Isaiah Thomas, Erika Almirón, Rue Landau and Amanda McIllmurray for City Council at large; Jamie Gauthier in the 3rd Councilmanic District; and Seth Anderson-Oberman in the 8th Councilmanic District.
Working Families Councilwoman Kendra Brooks released the following statement:
“The Pennsylvania Working Families Party slate demonstrates the growing strength of our shared movements for justice. From labor leaders and grassroots organizers to youth advocates and housing justice champions, this diverse group of candidates come from a variety of backgrounds and share a commitment to improving conditions for working families in Philadelphia. I’m proud to support this powerful slate of candidates through this election cycle and look forward to working alongside them as elected officials to deliver a safe, healthy, thriving city for every resident.” ••
McIllmurray building support
The Working Families Party endorsed Amanda McIllmurray in the Democratic primary for City Council at large.
“The Working Families Party and I have fought together for poor and working families like mine at the ballot box and in the streets for years. We’ve taken power out of the hands of corporations, political bosses and Republicans and put it back into the hands of our neighbors. They’re a political powerhouse. I’m honored to have their endorsement in my race for City Council at large as we continue to fight for a better future for all Philadelphians regardless of race, ZIP code or income,” McIllmurray said.
McIllmurray has also been endorsed by Neighborhood Networks, Amistad Movement Power, Free the Ballot, Straight Ahead, UniteHERE Locals 274 and 634, Reclaim Philadelphia, District Attorney Larry Krasner, state Sen. Nikil Saval and state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler and Rick Krajewski. ••
Hospitality, food workers for Gym
Democratic mayoral candidate Helen Gym was endorsed by UNITE HERE Philly, which has thousands of members who work in the hospitality and food service industries.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have earned UNITE HERE’s endorsement,” Gym said. “We’ve partnered together to pass some of the boldest legislation in the country to protect the dignity of Philadelphia service workers and confront our city’s shamefully high poverty rate. Whether it was Fair Workweek or the Black Workers Matter Economic Recovery Package, UNITE HERE has been an incredible and unrelenting ally for economic justice and the empowerment of Philadelphia workers. As mayor, I will continue to fight alongside service workers to make this a city where working families can thrive.”
UNITE HERE Philly Locals 274, 634 and 54 include bartenders, cooks, cashiers, dishwashers, restaurant servers and support staff.
Gym has also been endorsed by AFSCME DC 47, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and Working Families Party. ••
Reclaim announces more endorsements
Reclaim Philadelphia officially announced its second round of endorsements, following previous endorsements of Helen Gym for mayor and Amanda McIllmurray for City Council at large.
Reclaim is also backing Erika Almirón, Isaiah Thomas, Katherine Gilmore Richardson and Rue Landau for Council at large. In the at-large general election, Reclaim will support incumbent Kendra Brooks and Nicolas O’Rourke, both running on the Working Families Party ticket. ••
Drink up
National Margarita Day is Wednesday, Feb. 22.
Local restaurants celebrating the day include Añejo Philly, 1001 N. 2nd St., specials from 5-7 p.m.; Cantina Dos Segundos, 931 N. 2nd St., open 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; El Camino Real, 1040 N. 2nd St., open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with specials from 4-6 p.m.; and Las Cazuelas BYOB, 426 W. Girard Ave., open from noon to 9 p.m. ••
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. ••
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. For more information on the 68-and-over league, call Marty King at 215-409-5021. ••
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. ••
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. 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. 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.
Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program 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. 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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Concert at Brooklyn Bowl
Electric Callboy will appear at Brooklyn Bowl, 1009 Canal St., on Sept. 14.
Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.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. ••
Sisterhood meeting in March
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will meet on Tuesday, March 14, at 1 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. ••
Go see Mamma Mia!
The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Mamma Mia! from June 2-4 at 7 p.m. at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St. in Manayunk. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets are available at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St., or on Venmo @TheStarplayers. For more information, contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or [email protected]. ••
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. ••
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]. ••
