Riverwards Dems for Gym
The Riverwards Area Democrats have endorsed Helen Gym in the May 16 primary.
“Riverwards Area Democrats is proud to endorse Helen Gym for mayor by a vote of our membership,” said Molly Hartman, president of Riverwards Area Democrats. “Helen has an unparalleled reputation as a champion for progressive causes and a track record of effective policy results, including leading the passage of fair workweek laws, eviction diversion, paid sick leave and a $15 minimum wage for city workers. Between now and election day, RAD looks forward to working with our progressive partners across the city to do the work to elect Helen Gym.”
RAD is an independent, progressive, Democratic political organization in wards 5, 18, 25 and 31.
Gym has also been endorsed by Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers, UNITE HERE Philadelphia, AFSCME DC 47, Working Families Party, AFT Pennsylvania, Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance, Teamsters Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division, Reclaim Philadelphia, One Pennsylvania, Make the Road Action, First Ward Democrats, Health Professionals and Allied Employees AFT AFL-CIO, The Faculty and Staff Federation of Community College of Philadelphia, Jane Fonda Climate PAC, Second Ward Democrats, Ward 39A Democrats, Amistad Movement Power, Philly Neighborhood Networks, Free the Ballot and Straight Ahead. ••
Williams backs Alexander
State Sen. Anthony Williams endorsed Democratic City Council at-large candidate Jalon Alexander in the May 16 primary.
Williams said Alexander’s character, youth and ideas make him an ideal candidate.
“Jalon’s character is strong, which is the first attribute I look for in a candidate,” Williams said. “He also represents the next generation of leadership in our city. At age 30, and with his experience as a cybersecurity expert, he will bring energy and perspective we need to help solve the city’s problems. In fact, Jalon embodies similar attributes that I saw in House Speaker Joanna McClinton and state Rep. Jordan Harris when I first endorsed their candidacies.”
Williams, whose wife happens to be a certified drone pilot, said he is intrigued by Alexander’s “Drone Force Philly” proposal as a new tool in combating violent crime and illegal dumping.
“I hold Sen. Williams in the highest regard,” Alexander said. “To have a leader of his stature endorse our campaign makes me realize that our message is being recognized, especially as it relates to our innovative ideas toward fighting crime. I could not be more appreciative.”
Williams joins Philly Forward PAC and Mothers Demand Gun Sense in supporting Alexander’s candidacy. ••
Community and health fair
Lutheran Settlement House, 1340 Frankford Ave., will host a community and health fair on Tuesday, April 25, from noon to 3 p.m.
The event is free and open to all. Available services include hearing aid screenings, blood pressures, height and weight checks, senior services such as SEPTA card new or renewals and photos, mental health screenings and healthy cooking demo. Contact 215-426-8610 or mfinley@lshphilly.org for more information. ••
W.A.S.P. in concert at Fillmore
W.A.S.P. announced The 40th Never Stops World Tour 2023. The 33-city run includes a stop at the Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
Special guest Armored Saint will also be a part of the show.
Tickets are available at WASPnation.com. ••
Designer bag bingo
St. Hubert Alumnae Designer Bag Bingo is on Sunday, April 30, from 1-4 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Tickets cost $35 and include 15 rounds of bingo. A designer bag will be awarded to the winner of each round. Must be 18 to attend. For tickets, email SHAABingo1941@gmail.com. ••
Adult and teen library programs
Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St., is hosting Crochet Circle, for adults, on Wednesdays, April 19 and 26, at 4 p.m.
A chess club will meet on Monday, April 24, from 4-6 p.m. Beginners are welcome.
The library will present Philadelphia Legal Assistance: Child Custody and Protection from Abuse Resource Table on Tuesday, April 25, from 3-5 p.m.
Call 215-685-9992. ••
Children’s programs at Richmond Library
Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St., is hosting children’s programs.
Preschool Storytime and Play Group is set for Wednesdays, April 19 and 26, 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, April 20 and 27, 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. ••
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. Tours of the school will begin at 10 a.m. ••
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. Contact Geneva Scafe at gscafe@lshphilly.org or 215-426-8610, Ext. 1206. ••
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. ••
Lane closure on Frankford Avenue
PennDOT announced that the Philadelphia Water Department has begun utility construction 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. ••
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. ••
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]. ••
North Catholic reunion
Northeast Catholic Class of 1969 will meet on May 13 at 2 p.m. at Port Richmond Pub, 2601 E. Venango St. (at Almond Street). There will be a cash bar and food. To RSVP, contact Jack Devine (Jdnorth69@gmail.com or 215-379-3303); Tom Jordon (fishmantom@comcast.net); or Leo Filewicz (215-292-7193). ••
50th reunion
Northeast Catholic High School Class of ‘73 will hold its 50th reunion on June 1, from 6-10 p.m., at Brookside Manor, 50 Bustleton Pike, Feasterville. Tickets cost $73, payable to NC-73 Reunion. Mail to Mike Kaiser, 14014 Napier St., Philadelphia, PA 19116. Deadline is May 22. Cost includes appetizers, full buffet, dessert and open bar. ••
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. ••
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. ••
