Grants available for yard-tree giveaways
TreePhilly in partnership with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and TD Bank is offering five grants of $500 along with 50 or 100 trees to Philadelphia community groups who wish to organize yard-tree giveaways in their neighborhoods this autumn.
Grant recipients will distribute free yard trees to their communities in October and November. Grant recipients will also receive $500 to underwrite the cost of the project, as well as event planning assistance and educational support from TreePhilly. Civic associations, community development corporations, nonprofits, schools, religious organizations and businesses are all eligible. Only not-for-profit organizations and groups with fiscal sponsors may collect the cash award.
Applications are due by Aug. 19. For information, visit treephilly.org or email to treephilly@phila.gov or call 215–683–0233. ••
Friends of Pennypack Park to host cleanup
The Friends of Pennypack Park invite the public to take part in a park cleanup event and a movie night later this month.
The cleanup will be on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Pennypack on the Delaware from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The entrance is on State Road just south of Rhawn Street. Volunteers can use the event to fulfill community service obligations. Participants should wear long pants and comfortable but sturdy shoes or sneakers. Bug repellent and sunblock are recommended. The FOPP will provide tools, equipment and refreshments.
On Monday, Aug. 29, the FOPP will hold a public showing of Home, starting at dusk at the Pine Road picnic area. The entrance is on Pine Road just south of Bloomfield Avenue.
For information, call 215–934-PARK. ••
Eco-Spirituality Retreat is next weekend
Cranaleith Spiritual Center will host a multi-day Eco-Spirituality Retreat, from Friday, Aug. 26, through Sunday, Aug. 28, at 13476 Proctor Road. Participants will immerse themselves in nature through reflection, gardening, walking the grounds and resting in solitude. The cost is $150, including meals and lodging.
The program begins at 7 p.m. on Aug. 26 and concludes at noon on Aug. 28. Visit cranaleith.org or call 215–934–6206 to register. ••
Free concerts announced in Tacony
Tacony will host two free Thursday night concerts this summer. Disston Recreation Center, 4423 Longshore Ave., will be the site of concerts on Aug. 18 (Charlie Gracie) and Aug. 25 (Scribe Video Center Street Movies and Mike Shackleton).
All concerts start at 7 p.m. ••
Local singer to perform at block party
Cam Anthony, a former Tacony Academy Charter School student, will be hosting a song release and birthday block party on Friday, Aug. 19, from 5 to 9 p.m., at the high school, 6201 Keystone St.
Cam will perform live and participate in various games. The public is invited. The singer has appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, performed twice at President Barack Obama’s Easter egg hunts and opened for KEM’s What Christmas Means concert with Patti LaBelle and Ron Isley. ••
Celebration of love at Shaare Shamayim
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, welcomes all couples and singles to share in Tu B’av, a joyous holiday dating to Biblical times that is celebrated in modern Israel as a holiday of love.
In modern-day Israel, Tu B’Av is a beloved cultural and festival date, comparable to Valentine’s Day. Sweethearts coming to Shaare Shamayim on Thursday, Aug. 18, may choose to wear white for the occasion. The event begins at 7 p.m.
Admission is $10 per person. Register at 215–677–1600 or www.shaareshamayim.org ••
Annual Kids Fest event to be held Saturday
State Rep. Martina White (R-170th dist.) is inviting families from across the Northeast to attend her second annual Kids Fest on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Somerton Youth Organization, 1400 Southampton Road.
The day will feature free food, games and activities. There will also be representatives from city and state government and local sports and community groups.
For information, call 215–330–3711 or stop by White’s office at 10752 Bustleton Ave., Suite C. ••
‘Summer Night’ concert is at Cannstatter’s
The Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame will present a Philly Streetcorner Summer Night on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. There will be performances by the Sam Reed Quartet, Frankie and the Fashions, Relatives by Appointment and the Belairs, featuring Billy Carlucci.
Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com ••
Neumann/Goretti reunion at the shore
Sts. John Neumann and Maria Goretti will hold an all-class reunion on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Keenan’s Irish Pub in North Wildwood.
For tickets or information, call 215–389–0925 or email millayclub@gmail.com ••
Designer Bag Bingo event at Cannstatter’s
St. Bernard Church will sponsor a Designer Bag Bingo on Sunday, Sept. 25, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road.
The cost is $40, and includes buffet, beer, wine, soda and 10 games of bingo. There will also be tombola prizes, a 50/50 and men’s gifts. Call 215–333–0446 or email sbsecretary@aol.com ••
PPH hosting Caribbean fiesta on Aug. 26
The Philadelphia Protestant Home, 6500 Tabor Ave., will host a Caribbean fiesta on Friday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. in its social hall. WBCB (1490 AM) will play music from the 1940s, ’50s and ‘60s.
The concert is free and open to the public.
Call 215–697–8194. ••
Block party to be held at Lawndale church
Grace Community Bible Church, 648 Knorr St. in Lawndale, will hold a block party on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The community is invited to the free event. There will be lunch, games, face painting and a sharing of the word of God. For information, call 215–745–2799 or visit gracecbc.net ••
Free movie showing at Pennypack on Delaware
The Delaware River City Corporation will sponsor an outdoor movie on Thursday, Aug. 18, at Pennypack on the Delaware park, at State Road and Rhawn Street. Zootopia will play from 8 to 9:45 p.m. ••
Glen Foerd to host banjo society concert
Glen Foerd on the Delaware’s concert series resumes on Thursday, Aug. 18. The Philadelphia Banjo Society will perform from 7 to 8 p.m. at Glen Foerd, which is located at 5001 Grant Ave. The concert will feature a one-hour uninterrupted set. Admission is pay what you wish. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and pack a picnic dinner. ••
Money for projects available
Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development is seeking applications for the Neighborhood Assistance Program, which provides tax credits to encourage community organizations to invest in projects that serve distressed areas or support conservation efforts. The deadline is Sept. 16.
The state’s 2016–17 fiscal budget includes $18 million in NAP funding within the tax code. The program has five main components:
• Projects that serve distressed areas or that support neighborhood conservation that fall under affordable housing, community services, crime prevention, education, job training or neighborhood assistance;
• Projects that target specific problems that the state has designated as priorities in distressed areas;
• Long-term collaborations (five years or more) among business, government and community leaders to produce comprehensive, asset-based and relationship-driven approaches to community development;
• Charitable food programs that help regional food banks and emergency food providers; and,
• Enterprize zones programs for companies that invest in the rehabilitation, expansion or improvement of buildings or land within designated zones.
For more information, call 866–466–3972 or visit dced.pa.gov/nap. ••
Boyle wants to focus efforts on Zika virus
In a letter to U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, Rep. Brendan Boyle called upon the speaker to immediately address the growing threat of the Zika virus by convening a special session of Congress during the current summer break.
The Department of Health and Human Services warned that its budget for fighting Zika is quickly running out.
“We cannot afford to sit around and wait until Congress returns in September to address this global health threat that could have been addressed while Congress was still in session before mid-July,” Boyle said.
In his letter to the speaker, Boyle referenced the more than 6,400 confirmed cases of the Zika virus currently in the United States. In February, President Barack Obama requested $1.9 billion to address the Zika epidemic.
”It’s time for us to stop playing politics and address this public health issue as the urgent crisis it is,” Boyle said. “We have wasted precious time interjecting partisan roadblocks rather than combating a growing epidemic. We need to act now and pass a clean bill that supports expanded mosquito control efforts, enhances lab capacity to test for the Zika virus and advanced diagnostic methods, and expedites the development of a Zika vaccine.” ••
Frankford High School plans 1966 reunion
The 1966 class of Frankford High School, the 100th graduating class, is planning a 50th-year reunion. The event will be held on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 15, at The Buck Hotel, 1200 Buck Road in Feasterville-Trevose.
For details and registration information, visit fhsclassof66reunion.org, or contact Janet (Hall) Pratowski at 215–368–3858 or by mail at P.O. Box 870, Lansdale, PA 19446.
Tickets cost $75 per person and can be ordered through the website or by contacting Janet Pratowski. ••
Bees coming to Three Monkeys
The Philadelphia Beekeepers Guild will host Bees at the Bar on Tuesday, Aug. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Three Monkeys Cafe, 9645 James St.
There will be live bees and honey samples, along with appearances by beekeepers. ••
Tot Rec program at McIlvain
McIlvain Playground, 5200 Penn St. in Frankford, is accepting applications for its Tot Rec program.
Registration fee is $20. Tuition is $90 per month for the five-day program, $75 for the three-day program and $65 for the two-day program, designed for children 2½ to 5 years of age.
Letters, numbers, shapes, colors and matching skills are a part of the daily curriculum. A monthly study packet on animals, dinosaurs, feelings, manners, seasons and weather round out the program. There are also monthly visitors or trips.
Call 215–685–1228 for an application. ••
Children’s acting classes set
Storybook Musical Theatre, an Abington-based professional children’s theater company, will be offering acting classes for children ages 5 to 11 at St. Peter’s Church, 654 N. Easton Road, Glenside, starting Sept. 8.
The classes will run for eight weeks and end with a student workshop showcase on Nov. 19.
Classes are divided into age groups, kindergarten to second grade and third to sixth grade. Professional actors will teach the classes.
There is a 10-percent discount if you register before Sept. 1.
For more information or to register, call 215–659–8550 or visit www.storybookmusical.org ••
Thrift shop reopening
Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai’s thrift shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., will reopen on Sunday, Sept. 4.
Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The shop is also open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Call 215–624–9130. ••
Caregiver seminar is open to the public
St. John Neumann Adult Day Services, 10400 Roosevelt Blvd. will host a caregiver seminar on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The seminar is open to the community.
A professional from Jefferson Elder Care will present on understanding and addressing challenging common behaviors with dementia.
For information, call 215–698–5656. ••
Car Show to be held Oct. 1
The Double Eagle Car Show, hosted by Valley of Philadelphia Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, will be held Saturday, Oct. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cannstatter Volksfest Verein, 9130 Academy Road. The rain date is Oct. 8.
All years, makes and models are welcome. There will be music, food, games and trophies. Registration is $20. Spectator admission is $5.
For information, call 267–495–9855, visit www.philascottishrite.org or email doubleeaglecarshow@gmail.com ••
Rhawnhurst teen receives honor
Aniya Wolfe, a 14-year-old from Rhawnhurst, was among the winners of the National Liberty Museum’s TD Bank Young Heroes Awards.
The program recognizes people ages 18 and younger who have championed liberty through their actions.
“At the National Liberty Museum, we are dedicated to encouraging people of all ages to find their own place in the story of liberty, and it is awe inspiring to see what these individuals have accomplished at such a young age to enact positive changes in their schools and communities,” said Kevin Orangers, vice president of programs for the National Liberty Museum. “We are honored that we can celebrate their accomplishments and share their stories of civic engagement, conflict resolution, promoting tolerance and diversity with visitors of the Museum in our special Young Heroes Exhibit. We hope the work they’ve done inspires other visitors to see an issue in their community and take action to make positive change.”
Aniya will be a freshman at the High School for Creative and Performing Arts. ••
Grief support group holding meetings
Donna Glatz, widow of slain Lawncrest jeweler William Glatz, will hold six upcoming sessions of Heal Your Heart From Loss. The Wednesday sessions will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The James E. Kinney Senior Center, 165 Township Road in Richboro, will host sessions on Aug. 24, Sept. 21 and Oct. 26.
The Free Library of Northampton Township, 25 Upper Holland Road in Richboro, will host sessions on Sept. 7, Oct. 12 and Nov. 9.
Glatz will share the story of her husband’s murder.
William Glatz was shot to death in 2010 during a robbery attempt inside his jewelry store at 6435 Rising Sun Ave.
For more information, email healyourheart8@gmail.com ••
Registration open for Tot Rec Program
Boyle Playground is accepting applications for its Tot Rec Program for the 2016–2017 school year. This is an academically based preschool program for children from ages 2½ through 4. The program will be held at 13049 Kelvin Ave.
For registration information, call 215–685–0368. ••
Senior trip to Wildwood in September
The Rosemary Montagno Senior Center, 12601 Townsend Road, is sponsoring a trip to Wildwood from Sept. 11–15. The cost is $490. There will be five days and four nights at the Adventurer Motor Inn.
The trip includes four full breakfasts, lunch and tour of Renault Winery, four dinners and time at Resorts Casino.
Call 215–673–7734. ••
Nazareth announces board members
Nazareth Hospital appointed three new members to its board of directors.
The new appointees are Nicholas J. Caramenico III, a CPA, and Sister Loretta T. Felici.
Caramenico is a board member and the treasurer of the Suburban Development Corporation and also serves on the West Norriton Township Industrial Development Authority Board. He graduated from Temple University and resides in Norristown.
Sister Loretta Felici has been the President/CEO of CSFN Mission & Ministry since 2007. She is the leader of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in the Holy Family Province,
“We are excited to welcome our new board members,” said Nancy Cherone, executive director of Nazareth. “Their leadership, skills and commitment to the community will help Nazareth shape its future.” ••
Folk Festival mainstage lineup set
The 55th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival will take place Aug. 18–21 at the Old Pool Farm, in Upper Salford Township, near Schwenksville, Montgomery County.
Here is the lineup on the mainstage:
Friday, Aug. 19: Anderson East, Bakithi Kumato, Darlingside, David Myles, Iris Dement, The Lone Bellow and Tempest.
Saturday, Aug. 20: Buffy Sainte-Marie, Del & Dawg, Peter Yarrow, Robin & Linda Williams, Sharon Shannon, Si Kahn, The Stray Birds, Vishten and The Wood Brothers.
Sunday, Aug. 21: The Great Groove Band, Buckwheat Zydeco Band (featuring C.J. Chenier), Los Lobos, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Rock My Soul: Featuring The Fairfield Four & The McCray Sisters and The Pine Leaf Boys.
Tickets can be purchased at www.folkfest.org
To volunteer or for additional information, call 800–556-FOLK. ••
Brain injury group honors Murt
State Rep. Thomas Murt (R-152nd dist.) was awarded the prestigious Public Policy Award by the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania at its annual conference in Lancaster.
At the presentation, Murt was praised for his work in crafting legislation to support victims of traumatic brain injuries.
Murt was also recognized for the workshops and programs he hosts in his district that featured leading speakers in the field of brain trauma and the state-of-the-art technologies and therapies that are available to victims of such injury.
Murt has also sponsored legislation on insurance reform to better address the needs of the victims of traumatic brain injuries.
“I am very grateful for this award and recognition,” Murt said. “I am looking forward to introducing more legislation that supports and assists victims of traumatic brain injuries.” ••
Tartaglione votes for budget
State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-2nd dist.) said that increased investments in basic and higher education were critical aspects of the spending plan that was approved by the Senate.
The overall budget was $31.53 billion.
The measure passed the Senate 47 to 3. Tartaglione and Sen. John Sabatina Jr. (D-5th dist.) voted for the proposal.
The revised budget proposal was later passed by the House.
“There are significant fiscal challenges this year and revenues are scarce, so it is important to recognize the new investments in education. The state spending plan includes $250 million more for basic education, special education, Pre-K and Head Start and increases funding for higher education,” Tartaglione said.
“The state budget plan that passed the Senate today stretched dollars to cover increased mandated expenses such as debt service payments, pension costs and corrections. The plan helps maintain human services initiatives and social safety net programs. I am pleased that this budget invests more in education and provides additional resources for schools.” ••
Murt addressing opioid problem
State Rep. Tom Murt (R-152nd dist.) joined a bipartisan majority of his colleagues in combating Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis by calling for a special session of the Legislature.
Gov. Tom Wolf has endorsed the plan.
“Deaths from opioid abuse have been staggering families throughout our commonwealth, but it has had a shattering impact in the communities of Philadelphia,” Murt said. “This problem cuts across all age groups, economic sectors and racial demographics.”
While opioids have provided relief to those who previously suffered intolerable pain, the use, overuse and abuse of this class of drugs cost thousands of lives and the commonwealth more than $12.2 million in hospitalization costs annually, according to the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council.
“The only way to battle this problem is to proceed in a bipartisan way,” Murt said. “The families of Pennsylvania are depending on us.” ••
Ashley Furniture opens on Boulevard
Ashley Furniture recently opened at Whitman Square Shopping Center, on Roosevelt Boulevard, north of Grant Avenue.
“We’re very excited to welcome Ashley Furniture HomeStore to Whitman Square, a vibrant urban power center in Northeast Philadelphia that today remains 100 percent occupied,” said Adam Rosenzweig, Goldenberg Group’s senior vice president of Leasing & Asset Management. “In addition to being a perfect complement to the current tenant mix, Ashley Furniture’s presence will provide exciting opportunities to draw traffic to and from the Center’s dining amenities, including LongHorn Steakhouse, Famous Dave’s and Chick-fil-A.” ••
Kardon names leadership team
The Kardon-Northeast Branch Settlement Music School announced its new president, Karen Gurmankin, and four new members: Pam Henshall, Mary Beth Kramer, Dan Singleton and Chris Argerakis.
Gurmankin has long been involved with Settlement Music School and is the outgoing program director of Heart to Heart Case Management at KleinLife. She was previously an aide to U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz for more than 10 years. She joined the Kardon-Northeast Branch in 2009, most recently serving as vice president of the board of directors.
The new board members are Pam Henshall, president of the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce; Mary Beth Kramer, president at Kramer Consulting, which provides marketing and public relations services for the concrete industry; Daniel Singleton, manager of Clinical Informatics and Implementation Services at Aria Health; and Chris Argerakis, a music teacher for the School District of Philadelphia.
The Kardon-Northeast Branch is located at 3745 Clarenden Ave, near Knights Road. For more information on programs and services, call the branch at 215–320–2620 or visit www.settlementmusic.org ••
Taylor tax bill passes committee
The state House has passed legislation sponsored by Rep. John Taylor (R-177th dist.) that is intended to fuel job growth in Philadelphia.
Currently, the Uniformity Clause of the state Constitution requires that all taxes in Pennsylvania be applied uniformly among the same class of subjects. Taylor’s legislation — House Bill 1871 — will permit Philadelphia to impose taxes on real estate used for business purposes at a rate that exceeds the rate applicable to other real estate. That rate cannot vary by more than 15 percent from the rate applicable to other real estate.
Taylor said Philadelphia must then reduce the aggregate revenues of wage and business taxes by the amount of any real estate tax revenues attributable to the rate variance.
“Something must be done to encourage job growth in Philadelphia,” he said. “We must face the reality that since 1970, Philadelphia has lost more than a quarter of its jobs.”
The bill now moves to the Senate for a vote.
Because the bill would amend the state Constitution, it must pass the Legislature this session and again in the 2017–18 term. It would then go before the voters. ••
Folk Festival announces lineup
The 55th annual Philadelphia Folk Festival will take place Aug. 18–21 at the Old Pool Farm, in Upper Salford Township, near Schwenksville, Montgomery County.
The lineup will include Los Lobos; The Lone Bellow; Del & Dawg; The Wood Brothers; Darlingside; Buckwheat Zydeco Band, featuring C.J. Chenier; Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives; Buffy Sainte-Marie; Peter Yarrow; Pine Leaf Boys; Rock My Soul, featuring The McCrary Sisters and The Fairfield Four; Vishten; Tempest; Sharon Shannon; Sam Gleaves; Session Americana; Robin & Linda Williams; Spuyten Duyvil; Si Kahn; Bumper Jacksons; David Myles; and Mike Agranoff.
There will be a campers-only show on Aug. 18, hosted by David Dye and featuring Liz Longley, Quiet Life and The Sheepdogs.
Helen Leicht’s Philly Local Showcase will be on the afternoon of Aug. 20. That same day, Kathy O’Connell will host Kid’s Corner.
Others in attendance will include Gene Shay, the Great Groove Band, bagpiper Dennis Hangey and the Give and Take Jugglers.
Tickets can be purchased at www.folkfest.org
For additional information, call 800–556-FOLK. ••
