City announces survey for new public art at Airport
The Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy is seeking input through April 19 to complete a site-specific public artwork that will be installed in Philadelphia International Airport. The artwork by Serena Saunders titled “Up, Up and Away” is being commissioned through the city’s Percent for Art Program as part of renovations to the PHL Airport restrooms in Terminal A-West.
“Up, Up and Away” will be comprised of three distinct but cohesive components: a three-dimensional wall installation, a floor tile installation and a mural above the ceiling. The three-dimensional wall installation will feature 10 hand-painted circles of imagery that is uniquely representative of Philadelphia.
OACCE is gathering public input through an online survey on which 10 images best represent the uniqueness of Philadelphia to airport visitors and should be incorporated into the final painting. Saunders has compiled 15 possible Philly images based on community suggestions to include themes of transportation, activism, black joy, nature, grittiness, murals, community and unity.
Philadelphians are encouraged to complete the survey at https://www.creativephl.org/ by April 19 to vote for their top 10 avorite images that Saunders will hand paint into the blank circles to complete the artwork.
This Percent for Art opportunity was nationally announced as an open Call for Artists in spring of 2022 and 111 artists applied. OACCE assembled a Percent for Art Committee to guide the selection of the artist and through a public engaged process that included virtual meetings and online surveys. Saunders was chosen by the committee as the winning artist. Her design “Up, Up and Away” was granted final approval by the Philadelphia Art Commission on Sept. 13, 2023 and the artwork is expected to be installed by fall 2024.
Fiedler applauds state funding for local transportation project
State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler announced that state funding worth $300,000 was awarded to Wharton Piers JCE LLC to construct roads and sidewalks for new development at Wharton Piers.
Fiedler, who represents Pennsylvania’s 184th Legislative District in South Philadelphia, emphasized the importance of this project to the community.
“Safe roads and sidewalks promote connection between neighbors and access to new areas,” Fiedler said. “I’m glad to see state funding awarded to support transportation, including walking, in South Philly. I look forward to seeing the finished product.”
This funding comes from the Multimodal Transportation Fund from the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The MTF provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth.
Evans releases ‘State of the District’
Congressman Dwight Evans released his State of the District report for 2023, now available on his website, evans.house.gov. This report covers his accomplishments in constituent savings, community project funding and legislation for 2023.
Some highlights of the 10-page report include:
- $16.8 million returned to or saved for constituents in cases involving federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs, with $7.4 million of that total from IRS cases. The 2023 figure brings Evans’ office’s total to more than $41 million returned to or saved for constituents during his first seven years in Congress.
- Details of $16.6 million in federal funding that Evans secured for 14 Philadelphia community projects, including three affordable-housing initiatives and three food-market projects.
- Key initiatives he voted for that were implemented in 2023, such as the $35-per-month cost cap for insulin for Medicare beneficiaries – “President Biden and I support extending this cost protection to all ages,” Evans said.
“Despite the challenges of a Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, my commitments and priorities remain unwavering. I have continued working to help Philadelphians have affordable housing, quality school buildings and safety,” Evans said.
‘Where Eagles Fly’ musical benefits Eagles Autism Foundation
Where Eagles Fly – The Musical tells timeless stories of courage and humanity, set against a backdrop of momentous historical events. Direct from Ireland, the musical makes its U.S. debut in Philadelphia and runs from Sept. 26 to Oct. 6 at the Miller Theater, 250 S. Broad St. Opening Night, which is a benefit for the Eagles Autism Foundation, will be on Sept. 27. Tickets range in price from $40 to $130. Tickets can be ordered at https://www.ensembleartsphilly.org/events-and-tickets/2024-25/rentals/where-eagles-fly/.
Premiering this new musical in Philadelphia is both a homecoming and an acknowledgment of the deep and enduring links with ancestors who made this journey all those years ago when Philadelphia became a cradle of Irish culture.
Harris announces $1.85 million in grants for infrastructure projects
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris announced that two transportation infrastructure projects in his legislative district were awarded state grants totaling $1.85 million.
According to Harris, the Philadelphia Department of Streets was awarded $1.6 million to improve the street alignment of the intersections of Grays Ferry Avenue, Bainbridge Street and South 23rd and 24th streets.
The Schuylkill River Development Corporation also was awarded $250,000 to rehabilitate two sections of bulkhead along the Schuylkill Banks trail located in the city.
“As chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, it is my duty to oversee the state funding earmarked in the state budget for grants programs like the Multimodal Transportation Fund,” Harris said. “As state representative for the district, it is my honor to help bring back these state dollars to projects in our community that will improve Philadelphia’s transportation infrastructure and the well-being of our communities.”
Harris said the grants, which come from the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, are awarded to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to residents of the commonwealth. Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets in the state.
Goretti/Neumann reunion
The Millay Club Alumni Association is holding an all-class reunion for graduates of St. Maria Goretti, South Catholic, Bishop Neumann, St. John Neumann and Neumann-Goretti on Sunday, April 28, from 1-5 p.m. at Chickie’s & Pete’s, 1526 Packer Ave.
Guests must be 21 or older.
The cost is $40 and includes a buffet, DJ and dancing. There will be a cash bar.Tickets must be purchased by April 13. Go to millayclub.org.
FBI Philadelphia Teen Academy applications now open
FBI Philadelphia is now accepting applications for its Teen Academies for summer 2024. The Teen Academy programs allow high school students an opportunity to get a look into today’s FBI.
Open to rising ninth- through 12th-grade high school students, this program gives an inside look at some aspects of the FBI from national security to cyber and violent crimes. Students also get visibility of our division’s critical response groups to include weapons of mass destruction, crisis negotiations, SWAT and the Evidence Response Team.
This year, FBI Philadelphia will be hosting three academies: Abington, York and Clarksboro, New Jersey.
“Today’s students are tomorrow’s future at the FBI,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, special agent in charge of FBI Philadelphia. “If you are a student and our mission statement at the FBI – to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States – resonates with you, participating in one of our Teen Academies is the perfect opportunity to learn more about a career with the FBI.”
Applicants must submit materials by April 30. The Teen Academy Applications and more information can be found here: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/philadelphia/community-outreach.
State Police unveil “PSP Tips” as public’s new crime-fighting tool
The Pennsylvania State Police unveiled PSP Tips, a new way for the public to share information related to active investigations, cold-cases, the apprehension of wanted persons or locating missing persons.
“Assistance from the public is often vital to solving crimes or locating missing or wanted individuals,” said Lt. Col. George Bivens, Deputy Commissioner of Operations. “The social media platforms, the toll-free number and the online tip form are all easy ways to send us information that may solve a case or get a dangerous individual off the streets.”
PSP Tips includes information on nearly 100 cold case homicides, missing persons and other unsolved crimes. New cases will be added frequently.
Featured cases include the 1973 homicide of an 8-year-old girl in Greene County, the unsolved killing in 1977 of a high school junior in Blair County, the 1981 disappearance of a Lackawanna County teenager and the search for the children of Susan Reinert, a Montgomery County teacher found murdered near Harrisburg in 1979.
Your tip could provide investigators with a long-awaited breakthrough that will finally bring closure and justice for the victim’s families. All information submitted to PSP Tips can be provided anonymously, if desired. All cases in which PSP requests public assistance can be viewed at the following social media sites: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PSPTips and Twitter: https://twitter.com/PSP_TIPS. Each site provides a toll-free phone number, 800-4PA-TIPS (800-472-8477), and a link to an online tip submission form.
Midget wrestling on Thursday
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. ••
Your creative potential
Cranaleith Spiritual Center will present A Healing Path to a More Creative Life on Tuesdays, April 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. ••
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. ••
Entertainment at Parx
Parx Casino is offering the following upcoming entertainment:
April 4: Joe Conklin’s Comedy Night, with John Pizzi and Peaches Rodriquez
April 5: Buddy Guy
April 6: Nick Swardson
April 12: Anthony Rodia
April 13: Vietnamese Show – Spring of Love
April 18: Joe Conklin’s Comedy Night, with Joey Kola and Gary Delena
April 20: Psychic Matt Fraser
April 27: Andrew Dice Clay
May 11: Tracy Morgan
May 17: Femmes of Rock
May 18: Sebastian Bach
May 31: Reik
June 1: Joss Stone
June 14: Almost Queen, a tribute to Queen
June 21: Corinne Bailey Rae
July 13: Clay Walker
Aug. 3: Tyler Henry, The Hollywood Medium
Aug. 10: Dylan Scott
Sept. 7: Australian Pink Floyd
Nov. 21: Aaron Lewis
Nov. 23: Steve Trevino ••
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. ••
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. ••
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, 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. ••
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. ••
Trip to Glencairn
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will visit Glencairn Museum, in Bryn Athyn, on Wednesday, May 1, at 10:15 a.m. There will be a video and tour. The cost is $18, payable to CSS Sisterhood and mailed to 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115. Include your name, email address and phone number. ••
Xfinity Internet speed increases
Xfinity Internet customers are getting faster speeds at no additional cost, as the need for data increases in households.
“Streaming live sports, gaming and other data-rich applications are driving internet consumption to new heights,” said Emily Waldorf, senior vice president, Consumer Internet Services, Comcast. ”We have regularly increased speeds over the past two decades to provide customers with the connectivity they need to power their increasingly connected lives. And, with the potential that funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program will not be renewed, this year we have really leaned into boosting speeds for these customers so that they can take advantage of these new capabilities.”
New and existing customers started taking advantage of speed increases on March 6.
Benefits include reliability, digital security and advanced WiFi capacity.
The federal government recently announced that the Affordable Connectivity Program could end as early as April if it does not receive additional funding.
ACP participants who are existing Xfinity customers or new to Xfinity can take advantage of current promotional offers. Customers are encouraged to call 800-Xfinity to learn more about what offers may be available in their area.
Xfinity customers benefiting from ACP are automatically eligible to enroll in Internet Essentials for as low as $9.95 a month or Internet Essentials Plus, which doubles the speed of traditional Internet Essentials for $29.95 per month. There are no credit checks or cancellation fees, and equipment is included.Visit https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service. ••
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. ••
Support Michael Strange Foundation
The public is invited to attend two events held by the Michael Strange Foundation. On June 15, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., at American Legion Post, 9151 Old Newtown Road, there will be a live band, food and music. On June 16, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Parx horse racing track, third floor, Gold Star families will be on hand. Requested donations for each event are $40 per person. U.S. Navy 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. ••
