Bathroom upgrades coming to George W. Childs School
The School District of Philadelphia approved a $2.25 million bathroom modernization at the George W. Childs School at 1599 Wharton St. The project will renovate eight existing restrooms with new ADA-compliant entries.
The restrooms are receiving new ADA-compliant entries, water closets, lavatories, urinals, water bottle filling stations, new flooring and wall finishes, along with new light fixtures, local mechanical exhaust and new domestic and sanitary risers, stacks and laterals. The project is expected to be completed by March 2027 and will be funded through the district’s capital budget over the next four years.
Christmas in July at River Twice
River Twice on East Passyunk Avenue is bringing back its Christmas in July Dinner Series for the third straight year, with six notable chefs for five dinners from July 15-19.
The series will feature some of the biggest names in Philadelphia’s culinary scene as well as two chefs who are coming in from Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Owner/operator Amanda Rucker and chef Randy Rucker, the husband-and-wife team behind River Twice will host five consecutive collaboration dinners.
The series includes Zachary Engel of Galit in Chicago on July 15, Justine MacNeil and Ed Crochet of Fiore Fine Foods on July 16, Kevin Tien of Moon Rabbit in Washington, D.C. on July 17, Ian Graye of Pietramala on July 18 and Shola Olunloyo of StudioKitchen on July 19.
All dinners begin at 5 p.m., with 50 seats available per night. Dinners cost $150 per person, or $175 at the seven-seat chef’s counter, and each will feature a collaborative multi-course menu with beverage pairing options as well as by the glass. Due to the nature of the events, dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated. Reservations can be made via Resy.
SEPTA approves Wayfinding Signage
SEPTA will advance its SEPTA Metro Wayfinding program under a contract approved by the SEPTA Board, allowing it to move forward to design, fabricate and install new signage and wayfinding for 27 stations on the Broad Street Line and in Center City.
Phase 1 of a multi-phase project, the station overhauls will begin later this year and continue into 2025. Phase 2, which includes the remainder of the Market-Frankford Line and Subway-Surface Trolleys, will begin next year.
“The overarching goal of this project is to make the system easy to understand and navigate for everyone who uses it,” said SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie Richards. “We’re unifying our subway, elevated and trolley lines into a single, easy-to-use network that makes SEPTA accessible and welcoming to all.”
The SEPTA Metro improvements include easy-to-see-and-read colors, letters and numbers for each SEPTA Metro line; new maps and signs that show bus connections and highlight SEPTA’s most frequent bus lines, along with the entire Trolley network; new station entrance signage and illuminated pylons to make stations easier to find; new “neighborhood maps” and exit signage to help riders find their destinations; adjusting station names to eliminate duplicates, such as “Girard” (Broad-Girard) on the Broad Street Line and “Girard” (Front-Girard) on the Market-Frankford Line; and merging complexes, such as “15th St/City Hall” instead of having two separate station names.
Plan to modernize PA Energy Development Authority passes House
A bill introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler and passed by the House of Representatives would accelerate Pennsylvania’s energy production.
The bill was co-introduced by state Reps. Jennifer O’Mara and Mandy Steele.
The bill would update the duties and powers of the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority to enable the body to apply for and leverage billions of federal dollars available through the Inflation Reduction Act.
“With the federal government now implementing the $550 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the $783 billion Inflation Reduction Act, we have an incredible opportunity in front of us to jumpstart energy production and create good jobs in Pennsylvania. But to do that, PEDA needs the tools to seize these funds,” Fiedler said. “I’m excited to work with my Senate colleagues and get this done for working Pennsylvanians.”
The bill is backed by labor unions such as the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, the Allegheny County Labor Council, IBEW Region 3 and Local 98 and Operating Engineers Local No. 542. It also has the support of the Philadelphia Green Capitol Corp. and environmental groups, including Conservation Voters of PA, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club-PA, PennFuture, and the PA Clean Air Council.
On June 3, the House Consumer Protection, Utilities and Technology Committee held a hearing to consider the bill. Robert S. Bair, president of the Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, wrote a letter of support on behalf of the 130,000 members he represents.
“Pennsylvania has always been a leader in energy production. Generations of Pennsylvanians have worked in the energy sector and raised families through that work. We have an opportunity and obligation to stay a leader. But if we are going to do that, we can’t sit still. New York, Maryland, Colorado, Missouri and Nevada are just some of the states that have created brand new public-private energy financing authorities like PEDA to prepare for this moment,” Bair said. “Passing H.B. 2338 would put Pennsylvanians to work and accelerate energy production across the commonwealth. We urge its swift passage.”
Maryrose Myrtetus, executive director of the Philadelphia Green Capital Corp., spoke in support of the legislation.
“Our goal at PGCC is to attract at least $5 billion of federal funds to Southeast PA through a combination of grants, tax credits, rebates and lending capital, which could create up to 50,000 jobs,” Myrtetus said. “House Bill 2338 will allow PEDA to take full advantage of this historic investment and the opportunity to attract billions of dollars to the commonwealth. That’s why this bill is so timely, and so very important.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Scanlon introduces bill to provide legal representation for foster children
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, co-chair of the Congressional Caucuses on Foster Youth and Access to Legal Aid, joined Claudia Tenney in introducing the Ensuring Legal Representation for Child Welfare Act, which will help provide legal representation for children in foster care and the child welfare system throughout the country.
Currently, the right to counsel in child protection proceedings is inconsistent across the country. Some states have a guaranteed right to counsel, others have limits on appointed counsel depending on the age of the child or duration of the case, and some have no right to counsel at all. The presence of legal representation in child protection proceedings can help facilitate communication between all parties involved, leading to more informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of the child, ultimately promoting justice and safeguarding the rights of children and parents alike. The Ensuring Legal Representation for Child Welfare Act amends Title IV-B of the Social Security Act to instruct states to provide information about and access to independent legal representation to children and parents in child welfare proceedings.
“With so much at stake in child protection proceedings, attorneys have a critical role to make sure that the voices of children and parents are heard, and their rights are protected,” said Scanlon. “These attorneys can facilitate communication between parties and assist the courts in making informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of the child and family as a whole. I am proud to join Rep. Tenney in introducing this bipartisan legislation to promote justice and safeguard the rights of children and parents alike.”
This bill is endorsed by the Center for the Rights of Abused Children and the National Association of Counsel for Children.
Legislation to help schools assess facilities needs and access funds
State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Lindsay Powell, Tarik Khan and Tarah Probst introduced a bill that would create a School Facilities Office within the state Department of Education. The proposed office would be designed to help lawmakers and school district officials assess school facilities so they can adequately address facilities needs across the state.
“The deterioration of our school buildings is a statewide educational and public health issue, and we need to start funding them with that importance,” Fiedler said. “But if we are going to use millions of dollars in public money, we have to do it wisely and ensure no funds are wasted. We have a chance now to provide our children with the 21st-century learning spaces they deserve — let’s seize the opportunity and do it right.”
In 2023, Commonwealth Court ruled that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and that it is not enough for students to learn in facilities that are “generally safe,” the facilities “must be safe and adequate.”
With $175 million for environmental repairs included in last year’s budget and millions more proposed this year, gaining a better understanding of the state’s school facility needs will be critical to ensuring these dollars are invested wisely, the legislators said.
The School Facilities Office created by this legislation would increase transparency and enable state leaders to understand how much funding is needed and where it is needed most. It would give PDE the tools to help schools assess infrastructure needs to provide safe, sustainable and equitable learning environments; to secure and leverage federal, state and local resources to improve facilities; and to maintain a statewide school facilities inventory.
Research shows that the quality of school facilities has far-reaching impacts on both students and teachers. Without safe teaching environments, it is difficult for educators to prepare large numbers of diverse learners to become the next generation of Pennsylvania’s workforce. Unhealthy or unsafe facilities affect teacher recruitment, retention and commitment, while potentially worsening the health, behavior and achievement of students.
The bill awaits consideration in the House.
Taste of History Food Tour
The Founding Footsteps BYOB Trolley has launched “A Taste of History Food Tour” with over 10 stops in 4 neighborhoods.
The tour will run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday through the end of the summer in Philly’s top foodie neighborhoods. At each location, guests will be led through a 3-4 block walk, where they will not only learn about the neighborhood’s origins and the role food played in its’ creation, but by the end, they’ll have sampled items from over 10 locations.
Stops and samples along the tour will include La Colombe Coffee, Federal Donuts, The Angelo Pizza, Campo’s and Shane Confectionery in Old City; John’s Water Ice, Chef Peter McAndrew’s highly acclaimed Paesano’s, Christina Martinez’s South Philly Barbacoa, DiBruno Bros and Isgro’s Bakery in South Philly; and Dim Sum Garden and Matcha Panda in Center City and Chinatown. The tour will end just outside of Reading Terminal Market.
Guests will receive a free self-guided tour of the market along with a gift card to come back to explore at their leisure.
“Everyone should expect to leave with a full belly and a true understanding of how the city’s neighborhoods and food earned us our City of Brotherly Love nickname,” said Founding Footsteps’ guide and tour curator James Gormley. “Food is a dynamic representation of the many different immigrant communities that sought refuge in a city that embraced diversity and it is through this food that we will learn their stories. In a city that welcomes change, celebrates diversity and embraces creativity and small businesses, this tour was built on the realization that the story of Philadelphia is best told through the flavors that have shaped it.”
A Taste of History will run $99 per person and tickets are available at FoundingFootsteps.com.
Colasante receives honor
South Philly native Dom Colasante, CEO and co-founder of 2X, was recently recognized by EY as a Greater Philadelphia Entrepreneur of the Year. The award honors select leaders who demonstrate the value of entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact, among other core contributions and attributes.
Colasante was selected by an independent judging panel composed of previous award winners, leading CEOs and other business leaders. Candidates were evaluated based on their ability to create long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to their purpose and demonstrating growth and substantial impact, among other key indicators.
“Thank you to our partners at JP Morgan for trusting my vision when I was just starting 2X. My deepest gratitude also extends to our investors at Recognize, our private equity firm, who support us every day and believe in what we do,” said Colasante. “My thanks also go out to the nearly 1,000 team members globally. Everyone at 2X, from writers, designers, data analysts and marketing technologists to AI professionals, show up at their best because they share the same passion as I do — helping CMOs generate greater impact and produce more results.”
Colasante is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 National Awards. The National Award winners, including the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced in November.
Celebrate independence at Museum of American Revolution
The Museum of the American Revolution will celebrate independence with new tours, artifacts, displays and events.
Through July 4, guests can catch a live theatrical performance about real historical figures, create patriotic crafts with the whole family, take a walking tour of the neighborhood where American independence was born and much more.
Two new artifacts will be on display in the Museum’s core galleries. Just in time for the holiday, see a rare broadside printing of the Declaration of Independence published in Exeter, New Hampshire, between July 15-19, 1776. Plus, as British troops marched back to Boston following the battles at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, they exchanged fire with militiamen along the way. Check out a new-on-view window shutter that was pierced by a British musket ball that day, on loan from the Arlington Historical Society.
Fourth of July Week highlights include Neighborhood Walking Tours and Guided Gallery, Witness to Revolution Special Exhibition, USCIS Naturalization Ceremony, Red, White & Blue To-Do, “Meet Joseph Plumb Martin,” “Meet Elizabeth Freeman” and Revolution Place Discovery Center.
A full schedule of events as well as walking and guided tour tickets can be found at AmRevMuseum.org. All other Fourth of July Week offerings are included with regular museum admission. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets to the museum can be purchased by calling 215-253-6731, at AmRevMuseum.org or at the front desk. Save $2 per adult ticket by purchasing online. Kids ages 5 and under are always free. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days.
SEPTA to increase fines, penalties for quality-of-life offenses
SEPTA announced the return of an enforcement program for quality-of-life violations as part of an effort to discourage incidents, focus on repeat offenders and enhance the customer experience.
SEPTA Transit Police will issue Code Violation Notices for some of those low-level crimes, including alcohol consumption, public urination, smoking and littering. Under this policy, Transit Police will issue a ticket to the offender and forward a copy of the ticket to the city Office of Administrative Review. Fines will range from $25 to $150.
Offenders will have the option to pay the fine or request a court date. OAR will track unpaid fines, and chronic offenders will be banned from entering SEPTA property.
“The shift to Code Violation Notices demonstrates our commitment to stepping up enforcement of quality-of-life offenses,” said SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie Richards. “These violations are often the subject of customer complaints and can be associated with more serious crimes. Our customers and employees deserve to feel safe when they are traveling on SEPTA.”
Since 2019, SEPTA Transit Police have issued Administrative Enforcement Notices for quality-of-life violations. AENs carry a fine, but are not court-enforced. An evaluation of the AEN program determined that it is not effective in deterring anti-social behaviors that negatively impact SEPTA customers.
“Code Violation Notices are legal instruments backed by the courts,” said SEPTA Transit Police Chief Charles Lawson. “With this change, SEPTA is sending a clear message to would-be offenders: If you commit an offense on SEPTA property, you will be held accountable.”
Students in school choice schools outperforming peers
Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia, an education nonprofit providing families with financial access to K-8th-grade tuition-based schools, released a report detailing evidence that city students who utilize private school choice outperform their public school peers in both math and reading on standardized tests.
The CSFP family median household income is lower than Philadelphia’s, and 70% of CSFP scholarship recipients live in Philadelphia’s lowest-achieving public school neighborhoods. CSFP has 150-plus partner schools, and their median annual tuition is $4,950.
The report shows that CSFP students are more likely to be at or above proficiency in both math and reading the longer they are enrolled at a CSFP partner school and are more likely to score at or above proficient on their standardized exams compared to peers attending public school.
Among seventh-graders, 54% of CSFP students score at or above proficiency in math, compared to 19% of School District of Philadelphia students. In reading, 61% of CSFP students score at or above proficiency in reading compared to 38 percent in the school district.
Among fourth-graders, 47% of students score at or above proficiency in math compared to 23% in the school district. In reading, 59% of CSFP students score at or above proficiency compared to 30% in the school district.
“This is the first time we’ve answered the question: Do CSFP students and CSFP partner schools outperform both district counterparts and public schools within the same neighborhood? The answer, based on this report, is a resounding yes,” said Keisha Jordan, president and CEO, Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia. “We recognize standardized test scores are just one indicator of academic success, but this report provides an important perspective on how tuition-based schools are serving students from under-resourced households. It shows that CSFP scholarships change lives and private school choice provides an opportunity to set students on a pathway to long-term success.” ••
PA Senate passes Stand with Israel Act
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity praised the Senate for passing the Stand with Israel Act. Senate Bill 1260, sponsored by Sens. Steve Santarsiero and Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, was approved, 41-7. SB 1260 will prohibit the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, along with SERS, PSERS and PMRS, from boycotting or divesting from Israel and companies doing business with Israel. It will also prohibit state funds from going directly to an institution of higher education that engages in such a boycott or divestment.
“Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East, and it’s important for Pennsylvania to show our steadfast support,” Garrity said. “I congratulate the Senate for passing this legislation with such a strong majority, and I thank Sens. Santarsiero and Phillips-Hill for taking the lead on this important issue. I urge the House of Representatives to consider it without delay and send this bill to Gov. Shapiro for his signature.” ••
Need speed cushions?
Do you want to calm traffic on your block?
The city is focusing on installing permanent asphalt speed cushions as its preferred measure, as speed cushions are quicker to design and install than other types of traffic calming.
The program is primarily intended for residents to request traffic calming for the streets where they live. Residents may also request traffic calming at nearby locations, such as a street by a school or library.
If your request is approved, you must submit a petition signed by at least 60 percent of the residents on the block.
Eligible blocks must be at least 400 feet long between stop signs or traffic signals, and be at least 26 feet wide (for one-way streets) or 34 feet wide (for two-way streets).
A street must not be a state highway or be a curving street.
Residents can call 311 to check the location’s eligibility. A request should be submitted only once.
The city will look at crash data and the street’s proximity to schools, parks, recreation centers, retirement homes or older adult homes.
Speed cushions are typically installed from May to October.
To request speed cushions, go to phila.gov, click “Services,” then “Streets, sidewalks & alleys,” and “Request traffic calming for a residential street.” ••
Become a block captain
The city welcomes new block captains to organize cleanups and block parties, plant flowers and trees and remind neighbors of trash and recycling collection days and guidelines.
To learn about becoming a block captain, go to phila.gov, click “Services,” then “Trash, recycling & city upkeep” and “Become a block captain.”
A resident must circulate a petition among neighbors to be elected a block captain. You need 51% of the residents on the block to sign the petition. You can collect only one adult signature per household.
For more information or to find out if you already have a block captain, call the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee at 215-685-3971. ••
Hero Thrill Show in Sept. 21
The 69th annual Hero Thrill Show will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, from noon to 5 p.m., at the Wells Fargo Center.
Tickets are $15 for individuals and $35 for a family (up to five).
Proceeds pay for the college tuition of Philadelphia police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
For more information, go to herothrillshow.org. ••
Entertainment at Parx
Parx Casino is offering the following upcoming entertainment:
July 13: Clay Walker
July 19: Debbie Gibson
July 26: Kameron Marlowe
Aug. 3: Tyler Henry, The Hollywood Medium
Aug. 23: The Marshall Tucker Band
Sept. 7: Australian Pink Floyd
Sept. 21: Dustin Lynch
Oct. 4: Heather McDonald
Oct. 18: Straight No Chaser
Oct. 19: Giggly Squad Live
Oct. 25: Michael Blaustein
Nov. 9: Air Supply
Nov. 21: Aaron Lewis
Nov. 23: Steve Trevino
Dec. 7: Kathleen Madigan ••
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.
Call Commander Israel Wolmark at 215-725-0630 if you would like to join the post. ••
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. ••
Party for West Catholic girls class of ‘69
West Catholic Girls Class of 1969 will have its 55th anniversary party on Sunday, Sept. 29, at Anthony’s Ristorante, 865 W. Springfield Road, Springfield. The cost for the luncheon is $65. Call Hannah at 610-764-3249. ••
Extended hours at Weitzman
The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 S. Independence Mall East (5th and Market streets) will offer extended hours for the July 4 holiday week.
People can watch the July 4 parade pass by the museum, then go inside with free admission.
Activities will include design your crown during a read-aloud and performance by Khalil Munir; sing and dance along with Two of a Kind, an interactive musical performance; a self-paced scavenger hunt for kids of all ages; sensory-friendly play with Adoughma Play; make-and-take 4th of July crafts; and shopping in the museum store.
The museum will be open daily through July 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. After July 7, the museum returns to Thursday through Sunday summer hours. ••
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 info@tryzub.org or visit www.tryzub.org. ••
