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. ••
Religion Bee finalists
Our Lady of Port Richmond seventh-grader Olivia Rydzik and St. Peter the Apostle eighth-grader Adam Svonavec will be participating in Wednesday’s Office of Catholic Education championship round of the Archdiocesan Elementary School Religion Bee.
The contest is scheduled for the St. John Neumann Center, 1039 N. Lawrence St.
Olivia and Adam are two of 10 contestants. ••
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 gscafe@lshphilly.org or 215-426-8610, Ext. 1206. ••
Children’s programs at Richmond Library
Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St., is hosting children’s programs this month.
Storytime Yoga will take place on Tuesdays, March 7 and 14, at 11 a.m. It’s intended for ages 2-5. Siblings welcome.
Preschool Storytime and Play Group is set for Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 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 will meet on Thursdays, March 9, 16, 23 and 30, 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. The program is made possible by a grant from the William Penn Foundation.
Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program meets 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. ••
Library programs
Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St., is hosting programs in March.
Crochet Circle, for adults, will take place on Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, at 4 p.m.
Philadelphia Legal Assistance: Property Tax and Mortgage Issues will take place on Tuesday, March 28, from 3-5 p.m.
A free SAT Crash Course is set for Tuesday, March 28, from 4-7 p.m.
Call 215-685-9992. ••
Town hall with Hohenstein, Krasner
State Rep. Joe Hohenstein will host Town Hall on Gun Violence Through the Lens of Disability on Thursday, March 2, from 5-8 p.m. at the Baptist Worship Center, 4790 James St.
Hohenstein will be joined by District Attorney Larry Krasner, police officers and advocates from the disability community. The event will touch on the impact of gun violence on physical and mental health.
Registration is required. To register or submit questions, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gun-violence-through-the-lens-of-disability-tickets-537778498967.
For more information, call 215-744-2600 or email RepHohenstein@PAHouse.net. ••
Adopt dog at Phila. Brewing Company
On Friday, March 3, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., the Pennsylvania SPCA will be holding a Happy Hour Adoption Event (canines only) at Philadelphia Brewing Company, 2440 Frankford Ave. ••
Library programs for all ages
Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St., is hosting programs for all ages in March.
Jewelry Making with Beads is scheduled for Friday, March 10, from 3-5 p.m. The program is free, and all supplies will be provided.
Stop by the library on Tuesday, March 21, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. to learn from a Mütter Museum educator and see objects from the medical history museum’s collection of anatomical specimens, models and instruments.
A Chess Club will meet on Mondays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 4-6 p.m. The club is free and open to the public, and no registration is required.
Call 215-685-9992. ••
Lane closures for bridge repairs
PennDOT announced that regional bridge repairs will continue on Interstate 95 under a $44.6 million bridge improvement project to perform high-priority repairs on several structures on I-95, Interstate 476 and Interstate 295 in Philadelphia, Delaware and Bucks counties.
On Wednesday, March 1, and Thursday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., lane closures will be in place on the ramp from Aramingo Avenue to southbound I-95 between the Bridge Street/Harbison Avenue (Exit 27) and Betsy Ross Bridge (Exit 26) interchanges.
On Thursday, March 2, and Friday, March 3, from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning, lane closures will be in place on the ramp from Aramingo Avenue to southbound I-95 between the Bridge Street/Harbison Avenue (Exit 27) and Betsy Ross Bridge (Exit 26) interchanges.
All scheduled activities are weather dependent.
Blue Bell-based Driscoll Construction Company Inc. is the general contractor on the project, which is financed with 100% federal funds. ••
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. ••
1st Ward for Gym
Democratic mayoral candidate Helen Gym has been endorsed by the South Philadelphia-based 1st Ward Democrats.
The ward issued the following statement: “The 1st Ward is an organizing ward, committed to bringing more and more of our neighbors into the fight for a city that uplifts working-class Philadelphians. With overwhelming support, we voted to endorse Helen Gym for mayor. We endorse Helen because she has always been with us in the fight for well-funded schools, family-sustaining jobs and safe, vibrant communities. We look forward to talking with our neighbors about what our city can accomplish with Helen as mayor.”
Gym has also been endorsed by Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers, Working Families Party, AFSCME DC 47, Unite Here Locals 274, 634 and 54, Teamsters Brotherhood of Maintenance Way Employees Division, Reclaim Philadelphia, Amistad Movement Power, Free the Ballot, Straight Ahead and Neighborhood Networks. ••
Drones to fight crime
Jalon Alexander, Democratic candidate for City Council at large, is proposing a drone fleet to combat gun violence and other serious crimes in Philadelphia.
Alexander said the city must make better use of technology, including the small flying robots. Under the proposal, each police district would be equipped with two drones to patrol the city and alert the nearest precinct with information related to active shooters, carjackings and other violent crimes.
“Drones have a proven track record of reducing and deterring crime,” Alexander said. “In addition to spotting violent crime, drone footage can also be saved to track and monitor illegal dumping activity. The machines are used effectively in over 1,100 jurisdictions in this country.”
Operating one drone at each police division allows the department to patrol all 147 square miles of Philadelphia simultaneously, Alexander said.
“As the initial responder and observer of crime, drones remove the potential for racial bias in law enforcement,” Alexander said. “Drones see crime, not color.”
Drone Force Philly would begin with 42 of the devices, two for each police district. ••
Ridge, Castille endorse Oh
Former Gov. and Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, former District Attorney and state Supreme Court Chief Justice Ron Castille and the Republican City Committee have endorsed David Oh for mayor.
Oh was in his third term in City Council when he resigned to enter the mayor’s race.
“It has been an honor to serve Philadelphians as a city councilman, but only a mayor committed to bold action can stop the wanton violence this city is experiencing and drive the positive changes we so desperately need,” he said. “I’m deeply honored to have the support of those who have taken a public stand to support my bid to lead our city in addressing the spiraling crime, educational failure, oppressive taxes, declining quality of life and unsatisfactory government accountability.”
A lawyer and former assistant district attorney, he was elected to Council in 2011. He is married with four children and lives in Southwest Philadelphia. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Lane closure on Frankford Avenue
PennDOT announced that the Philadelphia Water Department will begin utility construction next week on Frankford Avenue.
Through Wednesday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a weekday lane closure is scheduled on Frankford Avenue between Lehigh Avenue and Somerset Street.
All scheduled activities are weather dependent. ••
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. ••
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 disangroref@aol.com or 215-421-7556. ••
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. ••
Concert at Brooklyn Bowl
Electric Callboy will appear at Brooklyn Bowl, 1009 Canal St., on Sept. 14.
Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.com. ••
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 Starplayers2013@gmail.com. ••
2nd Ward supporting Gym
Democratic mayoral candidate Helen Gym has been endorsed by the 2nd Ward, known as a high-turnout ward.
I’m running on a 30-year track record of taking on this city’s biggest fights and delivering solutions that improved people’s lives,” Gym said. “I’ve been doing it way before I ever had a formal title or political power. I’ll be bringing this same relentlessness and tenacity all the way to the mayor’s office. Thank you to the Second Ward Democrats for standing with us. Together, we will win the future that our city deserves, which means safer neighborhoods, stronger schools and a fairer economy.”
“The Second Ward Democrats are proud to have resoundingly endorsed Helen Gym for Mayor,” said Julia Tackett, leader of the ward. “In her career as an educator, a community organizer and a member of City Council, Helen has demonstrated tenacity and imagination in bringing solutions to our city, and a talent for building and working with coalitions to bring different populations together. I applaud our committee people for administering a robust and thorough candidate vetting process, and look forward to engaging our voters on the issues that matter to them.”
Gym has also been endorsed by Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers, Working Families Party, AFSCME DC 47, Unite Here Locals 274, 634 and 54, Teamsters Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division, Reclaim Philadelphia, 1st Ward Democrats, Amistad Movement Power, Free the Ballot, Straight Ahead and Neighborhood Networks. ••
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 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, 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]. ••
