Programs at Richmond Library
Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St., offers a Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program that meets Mondays and Tuesdays from 2-6 p.m. and Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2-5 p.m. LEAP is a free, drop-in afterschool program that provides homework help and activities for students in grades K-12 every day after school.
Preschool Storytime and Play Group meets every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Join Ms. Meghan for stories and songs for ages 4 and under with caregivers. Stay after Storytime to play. Siblings welcome.
A Children’s Crochet Club, recommended for ages 7 and up, meets every Wednesday at 4 p.m.
An adult Horror Book Club will meet on Monday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. and every third Monday of the month.
The Chess Club meets Mondays from 4-6 p.m. All ages and skill levels welcome.
Read, Baby, Read Storytime and Play Group meets on Thursdays 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.
Call 215-685-9992. ••
Help repair Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Philadelphia’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial, located at 108 Spruce St., near Penn’s Landing, was badly vandalized last August, with the thief making off with brass lighting plate covers and custom-made concrete skateboard barriers.
Despite IBEW Local 98 stepping up to offer to cover all costs of the labor required to repair the extensive damage, officials of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial just announced that they still need $50,000 to cover the costs of materials. IBEW Local 98, which has long supported military vets, police officers, firefighters and all first responders, is leading a fundraising effort on behalf of the Memorial.
“Approximately 58,000 members of the U.S. military died in service to our nation in the Vietnam War, many of them Philadelphians,” said Mark Lynch Jr., Business Manager of IBEW Local 98. “Our city’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a beautiful, moving tribute to those brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. The fact that someone would vandalize it is a disgrace. It’s now up to everyday Philadelphians, as well as to our corporate and philanthropic communities, to raise the funds needed to return the Memorial to its original glory.”Checks payable to “Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial” can be mailed to the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial, P.O. Box 29425, Philadelphia, PA 19125. You can also make a secure online donation on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial website (https://pvvm.org/).
Vendors/crafters wanted
St. Hubert Parent Association will host a vendor/craft fair on Saturday, April 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost per table is $20 and a $20 value product donation. Venmo payment to @st-hubert-pa or mail to St. Hubert High School, 7320 Torresdale Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19136. For more information, email Sheila Picinich at s.picinich@olcalvaryschool.org or Sandy Vaughan at sacoleman@philasd.org. ••
Bingo in Bridesburg
Bunny Family Bingo will take place on Sunday, March 10, at 4435 Almond St. Doors will open at 2 p.m., and six rounds of bingo will be played from 3-5. The cost is $20, with discounts available for full tables. There will be games, music, prizes, a 50/50 and an appearance by the “Bunny.” All ages are welcome. Bring daubers. For tickets, text 267-339-2396 or email HSABridesburg@gmail.com. ••
Support Storm the Heavens
Storm the Heavens Fund will hold its sixth annual Bean’s Ball on March 9 at 7 p.m. at Vie, 600 N. Broad St.
The masquerade ball will be held in memory of Philomena “Bean” Stendardo, an 8-year-old from Port Richmond who died in 2017 of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a fatal form of brain cancer that mostly affects kids under 11.
Philomena’s parents, Mark and Mina, started the Storm the Heavens Fund to spread awareness and fund research for DIPG.Tickets cost $275. For information on tickets, sponsorships and event booklet ads or to make a donation, visit StormTheHeavens.org. ••
St. Patrick’s Day party
City Councilman Mike Driscoll, state Sen. Jimmy Dillon and Rep. Pat Gallagher are sponsoring a St. Patrick’s Day celebration for seniors on Wednesday, March 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. There will be breakfast, music, Irish dancers and a photo booth. RSVP to Michele Fleming at 267-878-3516. ••
Finance program at local church
Bella Victor Ministries will present Finance of the Future on Sunday, Feb. 25, from 2 to 4:40 p.m., at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave. Coffee and cake will be served. Call 215-526-7749 or visit BellaVictorMinistries.com. ••
Concert at Fillmore
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Marcus King will perform on Oct. 12 at the Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St. The concert will be in support of his new album, Mood Swings. For tickets, go to https://www.marcuskingofficial.com/. ••
Sean Paul at Fillmore
Sean Paul will bring his Greatest Tour 2024 to the Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on Friday, May 10. Paul, a Jamaican, has released seven albums in the dance hall and reggae genres. Tickets are available at livenation.com. ••
Concert at Fillmore
British singer and songwriter Craig David announced his 7 Days Commitment Tour, which includes a stop at The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on Wednesday, May 15. Tickets are available at LiveNation.com. ••
Music festival at Fillmore
The Madaraka Festival will return with a national tour across 13 cities, including a stop at The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on Sunday, June 2. The concert lineup will include musicians such as Nyashinski, Eddy Kenzo, Naomi Achu, Dynamq and Simon Javan Okelo. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com. ••
Frank Franklin coming to Fillmore
Singer-songwriter Frank Turner will bring his Undefeated Tour to the Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on Saturday, June 22. The show will feature support from Amigo the Devil, Bridge City Sinners, Micah Schnabel and Vanessa Jean Speckman. Tickets are available at https://frank-turner.com/live-gigs/. ••
Comic at Rivers
Comedian Carlos Mencia is bringing his No Hate No Fear stand-up tour to Rivers Casino on Saturday, April 20, at 8 p.m. His show include social commentary and personal anecdotes.
Tickets for the performance start at $39.
For tickets and more information, visit RiversCasino.com/Philadelphia ••
Photography exhibit
The Halide Project, 1627 N. 2nd St., will present Living Image, on Saturday, March 2, from 6-9 p.m. The seventh annual call-for-entry exhibition will include a selection of artists who use analog darkroom and historic process techniques. The gallery will also be open by appointment until April 14. For more information, visit TheHalideProject.org. ••
Sign up for senior softball
The Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced players for its 68-and-over and 58-and-over leagues. The 58-plus teams play Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 68-plus teams play Mondays and Fridays. All games start at 10 a.m. and are played at Crispin Fields, at Holme and Convent avenues. Games start mid-April and run till the end of September. No games in July. For the 58-plus league, call Mike Bojanowski at 215-801-4869. For the 68-plus league, call Marty King at 215-409-5021. ••
Dental education program
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and research shows cavities are the most common childhood disease in the United States.
Doc Bresler’s Cavity Busters Community Outreach dental educators offer a free early childhood dental education program to preschools, daycare centers, elementary schools, day camps and other educational organizations that teach children about proper oral health in a fun and interactive way and how not to be afraid of going to the dentist.
In age-appropriate, 30-minute lessons for children ages 2-6, dental educators teach how to combat cavities with proper brushing and flossing techniques, healthy nutrition and visiting the dentist twice yearly for checkups and cleanings.
The program explains to children what they can expect to see, hear, smell and experience during a dental visit. The lesson allows children to share their individual experiences and emotions in a supportive format, with any early misconceptions or misinformation explained away. When the program is over, each child goes home with a goody bag containing a new toothbrush, coloring book, stickers and important parent information that reinforces lessons they have learned and encourages them to practice good dental hygiene at home.
The early dental education program is available year round. For information, email community@cavitybusters.com.
For more early childhood oral and dental health information, visit cavitybusters.com.
Doc Bresler’s Cavity Busters is home to eight Philadelphia and suburban locations. ••
Transparency by tax preparers
Councilwoman Rue Landau has introduced a bill aimed at ensuring transparency by requiring tax preparers to inform consumers of the existence of free tax services that are available citywide and to disclose their tax preparation fees.
The proposed bill mandates that tax preparation service providers furnish consumers with crucial information regarding the availability of no-cost tax preparation services such as the national Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs offered by nonprofits and the city, state and federal programs. The city revenue department will maintain and update a resource for Philadelphians with information about these programs and how to qualify. Furthermore, tax preparation service providers are obligated to provide a detailed explanation of the costs associated with their services up front.
Landau emphasized the importance of the legislation, saying, “Too many Philadelphians shell out too much money for commercial tax prep services, unaware of free alternatives. Many of them are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, one of the most effective anti-poverty tools implemented by the federal government. Our push for transparent fee disclosure is a small but important step to help ensure more money stays where it belongs – in the pockets of low- and moderate-income families. It’s about empowerment and informed decisions.”
Under the proposed bill, violations of these provisions will incur a fine of $500 for each offense.
By enacting measures to ensure transparent fee disclosure for tax preparation services, her bill aims to keep more money in the pockets of “vulnerable” communities.
The proposed ordinance would take effect on Nov. 1, pending approval by Council.
The bill has received co-sponsorship support from Councilmembers Gauthier, Jones Jr., Young, Driscoll, Brooks, Harrity and O’Rourke. ••
Ballot released for Philly Sports Hall of Fame
The Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame has released the ballot for its 21st class of inductees.
Brief career profiles for the nominees can be found at http://phillyhall.org/profiles.pdf
The Hall of Fame offers fans an opportunity to select their favorites from the ballot, though it’s not part of the official voting.
Living nominees are Andy Talley – Football; Art Still – Football; Brendan Hansen – Swimming; Chase Utley – Baseball; Cheryl Reeve – Basketball; Christy Morgan – Field Hockey; Clyde Simmons – Football; David Reid – Boxing; Donald Haldeman – Marksmanship; Dwight Muhammad Qawi – Boxing; Eddie Coyle – Paralympics-Powerlifting; Erik Williams – Football; Gail Ramsay – Squash; Jameer Nelson – Basketball; Jim Foster – Basketball; Mandee Amanda O’Leary – Lacrosse; Mary Ellen Clark – Swimming; Mike Rozier – Football; Paul Westhead – Basketball; Rod Brind’Amour – Hockey; Ryan Howard – Baseball; and Stan Walters – Football.
Heritage nominees are A.W. Tillinghast – Golf; Alice Putnam Willetts – Field Hockey/Lacrosse; Andrew Matter – Wrestling; Battling Levinsky – Boxing; Bertha Townsend Toulmin – Tennis; Charles Moore – Track & Field; Douglas Stewart – Soccer; E. Carroll Schaeffer – Swimming; Eddie Stanky – Baseball; Frank Spellman – Weightlifting; G. Diehl Mateer Jr. – Squash; George Benton – Boxing; George Munger – Football; Harry Schuh – Football; Joan Moore – Gymnastics; Ken Myers – Rowing; Mendy Rudolph – Basketball; Ralph Morgan – Basketball; and Roy Thomas – Baseball.
Fans may submit their selections online at http://phillyhall.org/fansvoice
The induction ceremony and reception will be Nov. 7 at Live! Casino & Hotel. ••
April book club
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be hosting a Zoom session on Monday, April 1, at 7 p.m. The book is The Gown by Jennifer Robson. To register or for more information, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Free tax preparation
People who need help preparing their federal income tax return can take advantage of the free assistance program offered by KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave. The program will run through April 12 and is available to everyone with incomes of up to $73,000 whether filling single or joint returns. Call 215-698-7300, Ext. 194 to make an appointment. Have all of your tax information, including last year’s federal tax return, W-2, 1099 and real estate tax bill. ••
Bingo at Loudenslager
Corp. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., is offering community bingo every second and fourth Friday evenings. Doors open at 6:30, games start at 7:20. Refreshments available. ••
VFW looking for members
Bustleton-Somerton/CTR1 Michael J. Strange VFW Post 6617 meets on the third Wednesday of every month at American Legion Post 810, 9151 Old Newtown Road. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. If you are a military veteran who served in a designated combat zone, you are eligible to join the VFW. Contact Commander Israel Wolmark at 215-725-0630 if you would like to join the post. ••
March book club
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be hosting a Zoom session on Monday, March 4, at 7 p.m. The book is The Star Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lois Nelson Spielman. To register or for more information, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Bingo in March
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim is hosting bingo on Zoom on Mondays, March 11 and March 18, starting at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $36 per person and includes two cards for eight games of bingo each night. Send your payment to the CSS office, 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115, attention: Bingo. Payment must be received no later than Feb. 26. Include your email address to receive the Zoom link. Call Gerry or Nancy at 215-677-1600. ••
Trip to Northern Europe
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is presenting a Northern Europe: Iceland, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium and London cruise, July 25 to Aug. 4, 2024, aboard the new “Norwegian Prima.” Rates per person are $6,261 and $6,495, which include roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia. Deposit of $350 per person double occupancy is required when booking. Final payment by Feb. 27. Call 215-788-9408. ••
