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.
A horror book club, for anyone 18 or older, will meet on Monday, May 20, at 6 p.m.
A chess club will meet on Monday, May 20, from 4-6 p.m. The club is free and open to all ages and skill levels.
Philly Baby Jam is scheduled for Monday, May 20, at 11:30 a.m. Join theater company Ninth Planet for a one-hour interactive performance for babies and toddlers up to 18 months and their caregivers. There will be live music, dance and play.
A preschool storytime and play group will meet on Wednesdays, May 15, 22 and 29, 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.
The Read, Baby, Read Storytime & Play Group will meet on Thursdays, May 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.
Call 215-685-9992. ••
Memorial Day observance
The Charles J. Glenn Vietnam Memorial invites all to its annual Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 27, at noon. The location is Marlborough and Wildey streets in Fishtown. The Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums band will be present, along with the Vietnam Memorial Society Honor Guard. ••
Celebrate Armed Forces Day
Tony & Nick’s Steaks, 39 E. Oregon Ave., will be supporting the Michael Strange Foundation on Saturday, May 18, in honor of Armed Forces Day. All proceeds from sides and drinks purchased from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. will be donated to the Michael Strange Foundation, which assists Gold Star families in their grieving process by providing unconditional support and services by professionals in several fields, and also by those who have suffered similar losses so that the healing process can begin. The Delaware Sea Cadets will be on hand at noon. Navy Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Petty Officer First Class Michael Strange, a Wissinoming native and 2004 North Catholic graduate, died in 2011 of wounds caused when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard crashed in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was 25. Donations can be sent through Venmo @michael_strange_foundation ••
St. Hubert headed to A.C.
St. Hubert will hold its ninth annual summer fun day trip on Monday, June 17. A bus will depart the school, 7320 Torresdale Ave., at 8:45 a.m. and arrive back about 9 p.m. There will be a one-hour ride on an Atlantic City-based cruise ship and a four-hour stay at Resorts Casino, with $15 back in slot cash and a $15 food voucher. There will be a sit-down dinner and complimentary wine tasting at Tomasello Winery. The cost is $115. Contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or [email protected]. ••
Bluegrass-classical music
The nonprofit Lyra Society will host Harp’N Hoedown, an anniversary celebration, on Wednesday, May 15, from 6-9 p.m., at BLDG39 at the Frankford Arsenal, 5401 Tacony St. The Lyra Society provides harps, harp lessons and harp presentations at no cost to School District of Philadelphia students. Performances will include a live bluegrass-classical band featuring musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra. Tickets are available for purchase at https://lyrasociety.org/twenty ••
Meeting Thursday in Port Richmond
Port Richmond Neighborhood Action will meet on Thursday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the Block Church, 2537 E. Monmouth St.
Organizations will discuss Mental Health Month.
The owner of the new Earn Everything Gym will be in attendance and will award someone a gym gift card.
May 16 is National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day. PRNA is asking neighbors to think of neighbors who deserve recognition. Email deserving candidates to [email protected] so they can be considered for recognition at the meeting. ••
Donate to veterans
Donations will be accepted for the Veterans Multi-Service center on three days at the IGA, Aramingo Avenue and York Street.
The dates are Friday, May 17, 3-6 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, noon to 6 p.m.
Donations of money, non-perishables and personal care/hygiene products will be accepted for men and women veterans. ••
Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate
Applications are available for the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Individuals who qualify can receive a rebate from $380 to $1,000 from property taxes or rent paid last year. The application must be filed by June 30. To qualify, you must be a senior citizen 65 years of age or older, a widow or widower 50 years of age or older, or a disabled person 18 years or older. Homeowners and renters who have annual incomes of $45,000 or less could qualify. Only half of your annual Social Security or SSI income is counted toward the income guideline. For more information or an application, call Polish American Social Services at 215-923-1900. ••
Silent Bob
The Dave McCormick for Senate campaign released a digital ad slamming U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr.’s silence on the Biden administration’s proposal to bring Gazan refugees to the United States.
“Seventy-one percent of Palestinians think Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Oct. 7 were justified, and yet Joe Biden is planning to invite Gazans to make a home in America. Bob Casey, who votes with Biden 98% of the time, has been completely silent. Pennsylvanians are desperate for leaders who will put their safety and the safety of their children first. Instead, they have an empty suit,” McCormick said. ••
Rapper at Fillmore
Puerto Rican rapper Yovng Chimi will stop at the Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on Tuesday, June 25.
Chimi is bringing fellow Puerto Rican talents Pressure 9×19 and Slayter.
Tickets are at LiveNation.com. ••
Chief Keef coming to Fillmore
Rapper Chief Keef announces “A Lil Tour,” his upcoming nationwide headlining tour.
He will be at The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on July 26, and will be joined by Lil Gnar and The Glo Boyz.
Tickets are available at ChiefKeef.com. ••
R&B singers at Fillmore
R&B performer Lucky Daye, whose album Algorithm is due out in June, will be in concert at the Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on Sunday, Aug. 4. Tickets are available at luckydaye.com.
Another R&B performer, PartyNextDoor, will bring his Sorry I’m Outside Tour to the Fillmore on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Tickets are available at https://www.ticketmaster.com/partynextdoor-tickets/artist/1940309. ••
Concert at Fillmore
Certified multi-platinum folk pop singer and songwriter David Kushner will stop at The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on Sept. 28.
Tickets are available at https://www.davidkushnermusic.com/tour. ••
Troopers Association condemns firing
Pennsylvania State Troopers Association President Stephen Polishan condemned the decision by the Pennsylvania State Police to fire a trooper who conducted a March 2 Philadelphia traffic stop along Interstate 76.
Polishan said:
“This decision is reprehensible. This young trooper, on the job for only six months, deserved better from our department. The department’s leadership should have fought against the attacks made about this young man’s character. Instead, they abandoned him. We can only conclude this decision is a response to a politically charged atmosphere in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania, which is making it increasingly difficult for law enforcement to carry out even their most basic duties.
“Like countless other traffic stops, this incident should’ve ended with a traffic ticket or warning and the driver being sent on their way. But a driver in a second car pulled up directly behind the trooper’s cruiser with dark, blacked-out windows, in violation of stopping on a limited access highway. Blacked-out windows also are illegal in Pennsylvania because they’re considered potentially dangerous to law enforcement officers, who cannot see if a threat exists in an automobile.
“The trooper, in the field on his own, now has his attention divided. He approached the second car with blacked-out windows, and the driver ignored orders to leave the scene. Following his training, the trooper arrested both individuals when they refused to cooperate and follow his orders.
“The growing lack of respect for law enforcement and the rule of law and the failure to understand when one’s actions may lead to a member of law enforcement feeling threatened are becoming an epidemic that must end. All this is being done at the expense of those who are putting it on the line every day.
“Every member of the Pennsylvania State Police is required to recite our Call of Honor, which includes a line we all take very seriously: ‘It is my duty to obey the law and to enforce it without any consideration of class, color, creed or condition.’ Those are words we live by. Today, our department sent a terrible message to all troopers that politics matter more than doing the right thing.” ••
Democrats celebrate trooper firing
While the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association condemned the firing of a trooper, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation said they were grateful to the Pennsylvania State Police for conducting a thorough investigation into the traffic stop and arrest of Celena Morrison and Darius McLean on I-76 in March.
“As chair of the delegation, I’m glad that the State Police have heard our concerns and took the time to hold a fair and impartial internal investigation into this matter, which has led to the officer involved no longer being employed by them,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas.
“I also commend the State Police for speeding up their commitment to make sure all officers working in Philadelphia have active body cameras. This will go a long way in protecting the citizens of Philadelphia as well as the hardworking members of the Pennsylvania State Police who serve and protect us day in and day out. This kind of transparency is critical when incidents like the one in March occur.”
State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and Democratic nominee for auditor general, said he was thankful PSP officials took the investigation seriously, though he said the traffic stop and what he claimed was an escalation of force by the trooper remain deeply troubling to him. Morrison and her husband are members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“The Pennsylvania State Police made good on its promise to us by conducting a fair and thorough investigation into the incident and by making sure the trooper involved did not interact with the public, especially after video of the escalation surfaced,” Kenyatta said. “This is why body-worn cameras are key. Historically marginalized and discriminated against people and communities should not have to get out their phones to record their interactions with police just to ensure accountability. It is incumbent on government to ensure that the law enforcement officers who are sworn to protect the public should bear that responsibility and accountability. I am heartened to see Pennsylvania moving in the right direction here.” ••
Car show and more
American Heritage Credit Union and BIG 98.1 will host the 20th annual car show and member appreciation day on May 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at AHCU headquarters at 2060 Red Lion Road. The free event is open to the community. All proceeds from will support the Kids-N-Hope Foundation. There will be craft vendors, food trucks, inflatables, a petting zoo, a clown and best-of-show car trophies.To register your car or car club for the show, visit AHCU.co/CarShow ••
Attend FOP Survivors’ Fund event
FOP Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road, will host its annual Survivors’ Fund event on Saturday, May 18, from 3-7 p.m.
For more information, call Samantha Hawthorn at 215-629-3602. ••
Memorial Day remembrances
The Northeast Catholic Alumni Association will host a Memorial Day Mass and Service on Monday, May 27. Mass will be at 9 a.m. at Resurrection of Our Lord Church, Castor and Shelmire avenues. At 10 a.m., an honor guard will recognize the nearly 300 Northeast Catholic brothers who gave their lives in service to their country in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan, during a ceremony at the Our Lady of Fatima Grotto located at 2700 Rhawn St. All are welcome. ••
See performance of Anything Goes
The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Cole Porter’s Anything Goes on May 31 and June 1-2 at 7 p.m. at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, at 7 Lock St. in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets are available on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at the Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, call director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714, like the group’s Facebook page, follow the group on Twitter @starplayersPPR or email [email protected]. ••
Car show at Bonk’s
Bonk’s Bar, 3467 Richmond St., will host a Father’s Day weekend car show on Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be classic original and restored muscle cars. ••
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 cost is $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. ••
Senior trip
St. Katherine of Siena Primrose senior club is running a trip 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. ••
Sunday flea market returns
A flea market will take place every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November at Liberty Plaza, 90 Franklin Mills Blvd. (near Knights Road). The cost for vendors is $30 per parking space. For more information, call 215-625-FLEA (3532) or visit PhilaFleaMarkets.org. ••
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. ••
Ukrainian Folk Festival in August
The Ukrainian Folk Festival will take place on Sunday, Aug. 25, from noon to 8 p.m., at the Ukrainian American Sport Center — Tryzub, County Line and Lower State roads, Horsham.
There will be Ukrainian folk art, music, dance, crafts and historical reenactments, a variety of food and refreshments and a vendors grove. Admission is $15, and a portion will be donated to relief of war victims in Ukraine. Kids under 15 will be admitted free. Parking is free. Call 267-664-3857, email [email protected] or visit www.tryzub.org. ••
Searching for America’s funniest women
Comedy producers are searching for America’s funniest women in stand-up comedy to award more than $10,000 in national comedy bookings and the 2024 Ladies of Laughter titles this coming July and August in the New York metropolitan area.
Ladies of Laughter has separate categories for “Professionals” and “Newcomers.” Those chosen to compete will be judged on audience response, originality, material and delivery by a panel of producers, press and industry judges at four preliminary events taking place in New York City, New Jersey, Long Island and Westchester.
The winners from each event advance to the Grand Finale on Aug. 14 at Rodney’s Comedy Club in New York in front of a blue-ribbon panel of judges.
Those interested in entering the Ladies of Laughter “Her Time” competition should go to https://www.ladiesoflaughter.org. Contestants must be 18 years or older and must enter before June 15.Tickets for all events can be purchased at https://www.ladiesoflaughter.org/2024-contest ••
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, 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. ••
