South Philly artists receive funding from Pew Center
The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage awarded $10.2 million to 39 Philadelphia-area cultural organizations and artists, including $3.5 million to help ensure the future of several of the most prominent institutions in the city and $1 million in unrestricted fellowships to 12 local artists.
South Philly recipients included fellows Bettina Escauriza, Michelle Lopez and Shavon Norris as well as the Nichole Canuso Dance Company.
New this year, the Center’s “Evolving Futures” awards represent an investment toward a thriving future for the region’s cultural sector. The grants — which support Philadelphia organizations, including the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Asian Arts Initiative, Historic Germantown, Opera Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and People’s Light — come at a critical juncture following the pandemic, as the sector seeks to chart a path toward greater sustainability. Through this program, nine grants will help organizations undertake major operational adaptations designed to lead to long-term viability, relevance and success.
Additionally, 12 Philadelphia-area artists have been named Pew Fellows in the Arts, receiving $85,000 each, which is an additional $10,000 per artist this year.
Plus, 18 local arts and heritage organizations will receive funding to present timely and compelling public events and programs. As the country approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, several projects reflect on U.S. history, civic participation and the future of American democracy. Other projects highlight black artists, life and culture, or consider the environment and a changing climate.
Rebuild funding reaches $355M, less than half spent
City Controller Christy Brady issued the September 2024 Municipal Money Matters report that indicates the city has received $355 million in funding for Rebuild projects through various sources since the program’s inception. Rebuild expenditures have totaled about $150 million, less than half of the total funding secured.
The largest funding source comes from Rebuild bonds approved by the city, which include $178 million from two bonds that were issued. The city is anticipating an additional $100 million from a third bond that will be issued in the future.
In 2016, the Philadelphia Beverage Tax was proposed to expand the city’s Pre-K program, develop and support Community Schools and cover debt service on the Rebuild bonds. As reported in the City Controller’s March 2024 Municipal Money Matters, the city collected almost $520 million from the tax and spent $318 million for all programs supported by it. As of June 30, $35.7 million has been spent to pay the debt service on the Rebuild bonds, marking 20 percent of the total amount of Rebuild bonds issued to date.
Dept. of Health: Philadelphia residents are healthier, living longer
The city Department of Public Health announced the release of 2022 and preliminary 2023 data that indicate notable improvements in health and mortality among Philadelphians.
Newly released findings include:
- Declines in COVID-19 deaths. COVID-19 has dropped to the 13th-most common cause of death, mirroring national declines in COVID-19 deaths.
- Increases in life expectancy. From a low of 73.2 years in 2020, life expectancy has increased to 76.2 years, returning close to pre-pandemic levels (76.7 years). However, disparities in life expectancy by race/ethnicity persisted, with non-Hispanic Black men experiencing the lowest life expectancy of any demographic group (67.5 years).
- Declines in homicide and overdose deaths. Deaths due to homicide and unintentional drug overdose spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic — peaking in 2021 and 2022, respectively — then declined in 2023. These causes significantly contribute to early death among Philadelphians and disproportionately impact non-Hispanic black men.
According to Dr. Megan Todd, Chief Epidemiologist of the Department of Public Health, “These new findings are good news for Philadelphia. The rebound in life expectancy suggests that we are recovering from the negative health impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Although life expectancy has improved and deaths due to homicide and unintentional drug overdose have declined, Philadelphia is still facing serious public health crises.
Todd said, “Too many Philadelphians continue to die from overdoses, violence and chronic disease – issues that have threatened the city since long before COVID-19. And the impact of these deaths is far from equal. Structural factors like poverty and racism mean that race, ethnicity and neighborhood still dictate who bears the heaviest burden.”
The Health Department released the 2022 and preliminary 2023 data on PhilaStats, an interactive vital statistics dashboard.
First published in May 2022, PhilaStats tracks trends in births, deaths and population size over time, and by characteristics like age, neighborhood and race/ethnicity. To help interpret vital statistics in context, PhilaStats shows maps of birth and death outcomes alongside maps of social factors that impact health, like poverty, access to health insurance and unemployment. The dashboard aims to make vital statistics broadly accessible to community groups, journalists, researchers and other members of the public.
General election ballots available
On Sept. 20, the Philadelphia County Board of Elections successfully completed the Logic and Accuracy Testing of the absentee and mail-in ballots to be used in the general election on Nov. 5. With testing complete, the initial printing of mail ballots for the 2024 presidential general election has begun.
The Philadelphia County Board of Elections Office, located in City Hall, Room 140, is open for in-person mail ballot services. Visitors can access this office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Mail ballot drop-off location information is available at phila.gov/voting.
“With the 2024 general election fast approaching, our priority is to make sure every voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot easily and securely,” said election commissioner Chairman Omar Sabir. “By offering in-person mail ballot services, Satellite Election Offices and multiple drop-off locations, we are empowering Philadelphians to take part in this vital election. Your vote is your voice — make sure it’s heard.”
The deadline to register to vote is 11:59 p.m.. on Oct. 21. For more information, visit vote.phila.gov/register. The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is 5 p.m. on Oct. 29. Voters can apply in person or by mail. Visit vote.phila.gov/votebymail and apply. Election Day is Nov. 5. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit vote.phila.gov.
Fall First Fridays on East Passyunk Ave.
Every first Friday of the month, this historic corridor transforms into a lively hub of creativity, culture and community. Stroll along the avenue and discover local artists showcasing their talents, unique pop-up shops and delightful food specials from independently owned restaurants. From 5-9 p.m., celebrate the variety of arts offered on the Avenue. Whether you’re sampling fall-inspired cocktails, hunting for the perfect handcrafted gift or appreciating the creativity of EPA businesses, Fall First Fridays promise a festive atmosphere that brings everyone together. Dates of event are Nov. 1 and Dec. 6.
American Swedish Historical Museum receives $20K grant
State Rep. Regina Young announced that two organizations in the 185th Legislative District were awarded grants from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission through the Cultural and Historical Support Grant program.
The Cultural and Historical Support Grant program presents awards to organizations in the state’s museum community that are otherwise not supported by state agencies with the goal of fortifying these entities for continued operations.
The American Swedish Historical Museum received a grant of $20,400 and John Bartram Association/Bartram’s Garden received $53,100 for a total of $73,500 within the 185th Legislative District.
“I’m thankful that the PHMC recognizes the cultural and historical significance of these two gems of South Philadelphia. Both locations attract all-important tourism dollars through our region and serve as community hubs for connection and support within our local area,” said Young. “As a member of the House Tourism & Economic & Recreational Development Committee, I appreciate the importance of saving and supporting these important institutions for the history of our cultural communities and for the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”
These awards are part of nearly $4 million in Cultural and Historical Support Grants to 173 eligible entities. According to the PHMC, this is an increase over previous years’ awards by $2 million to better benefit Pennsylvania’s historical resources and strengthen the museum community.
Legislation to provide legal representation for foster youth passes House
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon’s Ensuring Legal Representation for Child Welfare Act passed the House as part of a bipartisan package of legislation to reauthorize and reform child welfare programs under Title IV-B of the Social Security Act. Scanlon’s bill would instruct states to provide information about available independent legal representation to children and parents in child welfare proceedings.
Scanlon, who serves as co-chair of both the Congressional Caucuses on Access to Legal Aid and Foster Youth, introduced the bipartisan bill earlier this summer alongside Rep. Claudia Tenney. Scanlon and Tenney’s bill is part of a bipartisan package called the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act, which encompasses policies from 16 different pieces of legislation from Republican and Democrat members of the Ways and Means Committee. The package reauthorizes Title IV-B for the first time since 2021 and delivers the first significant reforms since 2008. With about 369,000 children in foster care, this legislation offers vital assistance to help strengthen and keep families together and support the safety and well-being of children in foster care.
“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 to make informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of the child and family as a whole. I was proud to join Rep. Tenney in introducing the Ensuring Legal Representation for Child Welfare Act to promote justice and safeguard the rights of children and parents, and I am thrilled to see it pass the House as part of today’s historic, bipartisan child welfare reform package.”
Free pre-K spots available for 2024-25 school year
The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families and the School District of Philadelphia are encouraging families to enroll children aged 3 or 4 years old in the city’s free preschool options with seats still available at 350 locations across Philadelphia.
“How do we ensure our youngest learners are prepared for kindergarten and elementary school? We enroll them in one of Philadelphia’s many free preschools and we do it today,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker. “There is nothing more important in this school season than for parents and guardians to jump online and enroll their child as soon as possible, helping them succeed and helping us achieve a unified vision of serving all Philadelphia’s children.”
To help families search for and apply to locations, the city and school district collaborated alongside federal, state and preschool partners to launch a new enrollment portal called FreePhillyPreK. The FreePhillyPreK website provides information on all 370 locations with over 17,000 publicly funded preschool seats and allows families to submit a single application for up to three of their top choices. The unified application is also mobile-friendly, available in 12 different languages, and automatically saves application data for future use.
Interested families are encouraged to visit the interactive FreePhillyPreK site to select the nearest pre-K program with spots available, or call 844-745-7735 to speak to a representative who can help parents start an application.
To apply, families will need proof child’s age, proof of family residency, proof of household income and Caregiver ID. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
SPHS Classes Jan./June ’64 & Jan. ’65 reunion
South Philadelphia High School will hold its 60th class reunion luncheon for classes January/June 1964 and January 1965 on Nov. 2 at noon at the Waterfall Room, 2015 S. Water St. Tickets are $70 and include buffet dinner and music. Cash bar. For tickets and more information contact Linda Lewandowski at 215-271-1674, Anna Marie Rosato at 856-371-7332 or Barbara MacCahery at 267-335-7072.
Guys and Dolls on stage in Manayunk
The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Guys and Dolls from Oct. 11-13 at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St. in Manayunk.
Show time is 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets are available with Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St.
For more information, call Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714, visit the group’s Facebook page or follow @starplayersPPR on X. ••
Entertainment at Parx
Parx Casino is offering the following upcoming entertainment:
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. ••
Sign up for Philly Bike Ride
The third annual Philly Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, Oct. 19, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Riders will pass Independence Hall, City Hall, Love Park, Chinatown, Old City, Penn’s Landing and Boathouse Row on Kelly Drive. They can choose between a 20-mile course or a 7.6-mile version, both ending at the art museum.
The free post-ride festival features live music, wellness activities, a beer garden and food trucks.
The cost is $69, with various add-ons available.
A portion of proceeds will support the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and its Youth Cycling Program.
For more information, visit www.phillybikeride.com ••
