Programs at Richmond Library
Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St., offers a Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program that meets Mondays and Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m. and Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3-5 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 will meet on Wednesdays, March 27, and April 3, 10, 17 and 24, 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, will meet on Wednesday, March 27, at 4 p.m.
Read, Baby, Read Storytime and Play Group will meet on Thursdays, March 28, and April 11, 18 and 25, 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.
A Chess club will meet on Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, from 4-6 p.m.
A horror book club will meet on Monday, April 16, at 6 p.m. The club is for people 18 and older.
A Latin jazz concert will take place on Tuesday, April 16, at 4 p.m.
Paint & Plant will take place on Tuesday, April 23, at 4 p.m. Decorate a flower pot then plant seeds to take home with you. For children and families.
Call 215-685-9992. ••
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. ••
Learn about Alzheimer’s care
The Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures reports that, last year, 465,000 dementia family caregivers in Pennsylvania provided 822 million hours of unpaid care valued at $13 billion.
Among dementia caregivers, 76.6% reported at least one chronic condition, 32.5% reported depression and 16% reported poor physical health.
“Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia is incredibly demanding, and the act of caregiving for a loved one can impact many aspects of a care partner’s own health,” said Kristina Fransel, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter. “As disease-related symptoms worsen for the person living with dementia, caregiving responsibilities intensify. Over time, caregivers can experience increased emotional and physical stress making it more difficult to care for their loved ones, and for themselves.”
According to the new report, 83% of the help provided to older adults in the United States comes from family members, friends or other unpaid caregivers. Nearly half of all caregivers (48%) who provide help to older adults do so for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Nationwide, there are an estimated 11.5 million caregivers providing unpaid care for people living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Last year, these caregivers provided 18.4 billion hours of care valued at nearly $347 billion.
“The cost of caregiving is yet one more stressor for families,” Fransel said. “The lifetime cost of caring for someone with dementia is estimated at nearly $400,000 with 70 percent of this cost borne by family caregivers — this is often a financial burden for which very few families are prepared.”
The average life expectancy following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is four to eight years, but some individuals can live with the disease longer, up to 20 years. Caregivers are encouraged to reassess care decisions and options regularly.
The Alzheimer’s Association website has information about caregiving throughout the disease continuum, various care options and resources to help with financial and legal planning. The Alzheimer’s Association Community Resource Finder can help families find local residential care options by entering their ZIP code.
Fransel said, “The new report clearly shows that dementia caregivers need more support now and that will only increase in the coming years. The Alzheimer’s Association provides support for all caregivers through our 24/7 Helpline, local support groups, care consultations and additional local resources that can help relieve some of the burden they’re facing. And most importantly, caregivers need to know they are not alone and we are here to help.”To learn more about the resources available for caregivers and families or to learn more about the Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, visit alz.org. ••
Council bans license plate flipping
City Council unanimously passed legislation sponsored by Councilman Mike Driscoll cracking down on “tag flippers,” devices allowing drivers to change or alter the license plate displayed on their vehicle.
“Tag-flipping devices belong in a James Bond movie, not on our city’s streets,” Driscoll said. “Their recent proliferation is a symptom of the sense of lawlessness that’s pervaded our city and detracted from the quality of life of Philadelphians.”
Driscoll’s bill defines a tag or license plate flipper as “a manual, electric or mechanical device designed or adapted to be installed on a motor vehicle” that switches “between two or more license plates for the purpose of allowing a motor vehicle operator to change the license plate displayed on the operator’s vehicle; or hide a license plate from view by flipping the license plate so that the license plate number is not visible.”
The legislation prohibits the purchase, installation, possession for the purpose of installing, manufacture, sale, offer to sell or otherwise distribute a license plate flipping device in the city. It imposes a $2,000 fine on those found to have violated the ordinance.
“These devices are most commonly used by individuals when engaged in illegal activity like street racing, drifting or for evading tolls,” Driscoll said. “A tag flipper could be used by someone fleeing the scene of an accident, perhaps one in which there’s serious harm or injury. The vehicle is caught on camera, but a tag flipper prevents the driver from being held accountable.”
Driscoll emphasized the connection between tag flippers and efforts to protect the quality-of-life for city residents.
The legislation now goes to the mayor and will become law if approved. ••
Debate over judicial nominee
A group of Democratic state and local elected officials issued a statement urging the U.S. Senate to move forward with considering President Joe Biden’s nominee, Adeel Mangi, to the Philadelphia-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. If confirmed, Mangi would become the first Muslim American to serve on a federal appeals court.
Issuing the statement were state Reps. Tarik Khan, Arvind Venkat, Patty Kim and Jason Dawkins, state Sens. Nikil Saval and Sharif Street, Montgomery County Commissioner Neil Makhija and City Councilwoman Nina Ahmad.
They wrote, “Mr. Mangi is an excellent candidate and highly qualified individual whose nomination is now at risk due to a right-wing smear campaign tainted with Islamophobic rhetoric and outright lies. We are extremely disturbed that the nomination of a highly qualified judicial nominee would be in doubt because of the fact he is Muslim.”
Mangi will likely not be confirmed, as Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin and Catherine Cortez Masto are opposed.
Some law enforcement groups are also opposed, citing Mangi’s affiliation with the Alliance of Families for Justice, a prison reform organization that has advocated for the release of some cop killers. ••
Groups oppose pot legalization
A group of state lawmakers and coalition leaders held a news conference to highlight what it said are the many harms of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s agenda on marijuana, which is to legalize high-potency THC for retail recreational sale in Pennsylvania.
Evidence shows youth use and addiction rates increase in states that commercialize the recreational use of marijuana.
The American Medical Association and every other major health association is opposed to state legalization of retail marijuana for recreational use.
Additional groups opposed to marijuana legalization for recreational use include the American Automotive Association (AAA), the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police, the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association and the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association. ••
Your creative potential
Cranaleith Spiritual Center will present A Healing Path to a More Creative Life on Tuesdays, April 2, 9 and 16, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $75 for the online series. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••
FOP knocks Casey for ties to leftist group
FOP Lodge 27 held a news conference in response to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. joining the defund-the-police organization Indivisible Philadelphia for a campaign event and then receiving its endorsement. Indivisible Philadelphia has advocated to end cash bail.
“I represent over 1,300 law enforcement members here in Delaware County … Casey’s decision to align himself with these defund-the-police activists is alarming and extremely dangerous,” said Folcroft Deputy Police Chief and FOP Lodge 27 President Chris Eiserman. “Thankfully, Pennsylvania has a law-and-order Senate candidate that will work with the police and not against us: Dave McCormick. Delaware County FOP Lodge 27 is proud to support Dave McCormick and his run to replace Bob Casey as our senator.” ••
Guard against fraud
The city Department of Records offers Fraud Guard. Protect yourself against deed or mortgage fraud and get help if you are a victim. Call 215-MU6-2290 or visit phila.gov/deed-fraud. ••
Midget wrestling on April 4
The MicroMania Midget Wrestling Tour will come to Xfinity Live, 11th Street and Pattison Avenue, on Thursday, April 4. Doors open at 6 p.m. Matches start at 7. All ages are welcome, but must be 21 to drink. Tickets start at $25. Go to micromaniatour.com. ••
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. ••
Support police survivors luncheon
FOP Lodge 5 will host a luncheon for all families of Philadelphia police officers killed in the line of duty on Wednesday, May 1.
To offset the costs associated with the event, money is raised through an ad book form. Donations are tax deductible.
The cost is $700 for the back cover, $600 for the inside cover, $500 for the center page, $450 for a full page and $400 for a half-page.
Advertisements can be emailed to shawthorn@fop5.org.
Forms, along with checks or money orders payable to FOP Survivors’ Fund, are due by April 5. They can be sent to Samantha Hawthorn, FOP Lodge 5/Ad Sponsor, 11630 Caroline Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154.
The annual Survivors’ Fund event will be held at the FOP, 11630 Caroline Road, on Saturday, May 18, from 3-7 p.m.
For more information, call Samantha Hawthorn at 215-629-3602. ••
Bus trip to Lancaster County
St. William Travel is planning a trip to Lancaster County on June 20. There will be a Magic & Wonder Theater show, buffet lunch at Shady Maple, round trip by motorcoach, with all taxes and gratuities included. The costs $120. Bus departs from Gloria Dei Estates, 1304 Rhawn St., at 9:15 a.m. and returns 6:15 p.m. Check or money order payable to St. William Travel can be sent c/o 206 Benner St., Philadelphia, PA 19111. Call 215-745-7199. ••
Holistic approach to creativity
Cranaleith Spiritual Center will present Spiritual Practices for Creative Fulfillment on Tuesdays, April 23 and 30 and May 7, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $75 for the online series. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••
BashfortheWorld kicks off tour
BashfortheWorld announced his first headline tour, From Dallas with Love, in support of his independently released album, Mundo.
The musical artist will stop at the Foundry at the Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on Saturday, May 18.
Tickets are available at LiveNation.com. ••
The Pretenders at the Fillmore
The Pretenders have announced plans for a U.S. summer tour, which includes a stop at the Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on July 14.
For tickets and more information, go to thepretenders.com.
Concert at Fillmore
American blues, country and Americana singer, guitarist and songwriter Charley Crockett will stop at the Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on July 19 as part of his $10 Cowboy Tour.”
Crockett’s album, $10 Cowboy, will be out April 26.
Tickets are at CharleyCrockett.com. ••
Pop punk at Fillmore
Pop punk group New Found Glory announced a North American tour that will stop at the Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on Aug. 22.
Joining them will be Sincere Engineer.Tickets are at nfg.shofetti.com. ••
2 senior trips
St. Katherine of Siena Primrose senior club is running two trips.
The first trip will be on Tuesday, May 14, to Lancaster to see Mystery, a variety magic show featuring illusionist John Brett Myers, at Magic & Wonder Theater. The cost is $130 and includes a buffet lunch at Miller’s restaurant.
The second trip will be on Friday, June 21, to Shawnee Playhouse for a sit-down luncheon and the musical My Fair Lady. The cost is $110.
Call Catherine Murphy at 215-919-4399 for reservations. ••
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. ••
History-themed bus trip
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to the historic Village of Roebling and historic Bordentown on Thursday, April 11. The itinerary will include a docent-led tour of the Roebling Museum and a leisurely walking tour of the Village, established in 1905 by Charles G. Roebling as a complete self-sustaining community for the workers of the Roebling Steel Mill, followed by lunch at the Old Town Pub in Bordentown and a visit to Point Breeze, the former estate of Joseph Bonaparte. The all-inclusive cost is $125. For a flyer and reservation form, call 215-788-2106. ••
Donate clothes
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a clothing drive on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to noon at 604 Township Line Road, Cheltenham. Bring your gently used clothing, accessories, books and small trinkets in bags or boxed for pick-up. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Charity fashion show
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a fashion show, Couture For The Cure, on Sunday, May 5, at Spring Mill Manor, 171 Jacksonville Road, Ivyland. The cost is $68 and includes full-course lunch and fashion show. There will be raffles, boutiques and jewelry and craft vendors. BOC Productions will present Fashions from Marlene’s of Collingswood, New Jersey. Doors open at 10 a.m. for shopping. Lunch will start at 12:30 p.m. Call Lorraine at 610-277-3631 for tickets. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Tumor support group
Fox Chase Cancer Center’s neuroendocrine tumor support group will meet on April 17, from 4-5 p.m. This is an open group for people diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors who are receiving treatment. Interested patients should email Anjali Albanese at Anjali.Albanese@fccc.edu or Mark Itzen at Mark.Itzen@fccc.edu for a link to participate. ••
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. Call 215-788-9408. ••
