REAL ID deadline is May 7
With less than two months remaining until the May 7 federal REAL ID enforcement deadline, officials from the state Department of Transportation, Philadelphia International Airport, American Automobile Association and the Transportation Security Administration are encouraging Pennsylvanians to prepare now to ensure they can fly domestically without disruptions.
These efforts reflect the Shapiro administration’s commitment to ensuring residents have the information and opportunities they need to comply with the federal deadline.
Getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, but beginning May 7, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID), to board a domestic commercial flight and enter military bases and other federal facilities that require ID at the door. More than 2.5 million Pennsylvanians have gotten a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card since they became available in the state in 2019. For more information on REAL ID, visit PennDOT’s REAL ID website at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/real-id.html.
DREAMGIRLS at Walnut Street Theatre
Walnut Street Theatre is bringing the award-winning musical DREAMGIRLS to life to close its 216th season. The production opens April 2 and runs through May 4.
The Broadway musical tells the story of a 1960s Supremes-like girl group that catches its big break during an amateur competition. But will their friendship – and their music – survive the rapid rise from obscurity to pop super stardom? Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, DREAMGIRLS has vocal performances and a score filled with pop, R&B, gospel, disco and more. For tickets and information, visit WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com or call 215-574-3550.
‘Don Giovanni’ at Opera Philadelphia
Opera Philadelphia closes its 2024-25 season at the historic Academy of Music with a new production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni, which follows a charming predator who uses people without care for their hearts, or the consequences of his actions. When he murders the father of a woman he’s assaulted, the sleazy nobleman sets in motion events that could lead to his downfall. Will he get away with his crimes and unrepentant pursuit of selfish desire? Or will there be hell to pay? The show runs April 25 through May 4. It is performed in Italian with English supertitles.
Chinese Lantern Festival returns
Historic Philadelphia announced return of the 2025 Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square, June 20 to Aug. 31.
For 2025’s Year of the Snake, the Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival in Franklin Square will showcase giant lighted sculptures crafted from steel frames and wrapped in vibrant silk, blending light and culture. The 200-foot-long dragon returns along with never-before-seen giant lantern displays, with more lights, more lanterns and more wattage than ever before. Visitors will embark on a magical journey through forest-themed displays and a radiant underwater realm, where lanterns and interactive delights showcase the splendor of China’s culture alongside diverse wildlife and vibrant marine wonders.
In addition to the light installations, guests can enjoy live cultural stage performances, see the choreographed fountain light show in the historic Rendell Family Fountain, taste food and drink options including Asian cuisine and American comfort food, drink a toast at the Cocktail Garden and shop for Chinese folk artists’ crafts. Guests can also play Philly Mini Golf and ride the Parx Liberty Carousel at a discounted rate. A portion of the proceeds from the festival benefits Historic Philadelphia Inc. for the programming and care of the public space and its many year-round free events. Ticket information at phillychineselanternfestival.org.
Traffic safety improvements coming via PennDOT
The state Department of Transportation will distribute about $20.4 million in Automated Red-Light Enforcement funding to 25 municipalities statewide to fund 31 safety projects.
“This program helps communities across the state make important investments in traffic flow and safety,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These improvements complement the many road, bridge and multimodal projects happening in Pennsylvania and are in line with the Shapiro administration’s commitment to invest in Pennsylvania’s infrastructure and help keep communities connected safely to opportunity and each other.”
Pennsylvania’s ARLE program aims to improve safety at signalized intersections by providing automated enforcement at locations where data shows red-light running has been an issue. Grant funding is supplied by fines from red light violations at 38 intersections in Philadelphia. State law specifies that projects improving safety, enhancing mobility and reducing congestion can be considered for funding. Municipalities submitted 24 applications, totaling $33.5 million in requests.
Projects approved in Philadelphia include:
- $1.5 million to continue the Slow Zone program and bring the speed management toolkit to two neighborhoods experiencing high rates of crash-related injuries and deaths. The Indiana project area is located in the Fairhill/West Kensington neighborhood in the area of Allegheny Avenue, Front Street, Lehigh Avenue and 2nd Street. The Hestonville project area is located in West Philadelphia in the area of Lancaster Avenue, 52nd Street, Girard Avenue and 54th Street.
- $2 million to continue the “Signal Integration” program and to focus the program on City Avenue, between Presidential Boulevard and 77th Street, which runs as adaptive response signal control. With updated signal integration via fiber, the corridor will be retimed and operated via ATMS. Funds may also be used to supplement similar signal integration projects throughout the city.
- $1.5 million to improve safety for transit users at intersections along SEPTA’s Trolley Modernization corridors. Proposed work will improve sight distance, reduce pedestrian crossing time and allocate additional right-of-way time for transit. The project will be concentrated on remaining intersections with high crash clusters along Lancaster Avenue from 40th Street to 52nd Street, Woodland Avenue from 50th Street to Cemetery Avenue and Baltimore Avenue from 54th Street to 61st Street.
- $2 million to construct modern roundabouts at two or more locations citywide, replace geometrically over-capacity or overly complex signalized intersections having adequate existing right-of-way. Proposed locations are 11th and Wagner Avenue and 10th and Fisher Avenue.
- $3.6 million for Roosevelt Blvd. Parallel Corridor Intersection Modifications. The program will fund design and construction at several locations, determined by project viability, crash data and funding gaps for projects underway. Possible corridors for intersection improvements include Castor Avenue (from Van Kirk to Cottman), Rising Sun Avenue (from Van Kirk to Cottman) and Adams Avenue (from Rising Sun to Roosevelt Boulevard). Other corridors and intersections may be considered in the vicinity of Roosevelt Boulevard, depending on need. This project will help to slow traffic at intersections, improve sight distance between drivers and pedestrians and reduce pedestrian vulnerability by reducing pedestrian crossing times.
Evans releases ‘State of the District’ report
U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans released his State of the District report covering 2024, now available on his website, evans.house.gov. The report covers his accomplishments in constituent savings, community project funding and legislation for 2024.
Some highlights of the 14-page report include:
● $4.5 million returned to or saved for constituents in cases involving federal agencies such as the IRS, Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. The 2024 figure brings Evans’ office’s total to more than $45.5 million returned to or saved for constituents during his first eight years in Congress.
● Details of $13.3 million in federal funding that Evans secured for 15 Philadelphia community projects, including more than $8.2 million going toward affordable-housing initiatives.
● Key initiatives he voted for that continued to be implemented in 2024, such as several multi-million-dollar federal grants for Philadelphia from the Biden Infrastructure and Jobs Act. One example is $29.7 million in federal funding to improve pedestrian safety across Philadelphia, including in front of schools.
“Despite the challenges of narrow but total Republican control of Washington, my commitments and priorities remain unwavering. I will continue working to help Philadelphians have affordable housing, quality school buildings and safety,” Evans said.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be on Sunday, March 16, beginning at 11 a.m. at 16th Street and JFK Boulevard. The theme is St. Patrick, Bless Those Dedicated to Serving Others. Archbishop Nelson Perez will celebrate a Mass at 9 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 20th and Locust streets. The parade route goes west on the Ben Franklin Parkway to the art museum. The parade will be shown from noon to 3 p.m. on Channel 57. For more information, go to phillyparade.com. ••
Do-nothing City Council
City Council voted 16-1 to condemn President Donald Trump for “likening himself to, and acting like, a king.” All Democrats and members of the Working Families Party voted for the resolution, sponsored by Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier. Republican Councilman Brian O’Neill voted against the resolution, which was merely ceremonial. The resolution followed a social media post by Trump mentioning his order that New York stop a new program that charges drivers $9 to enter Manhattan. He ended the post with, “Long Live The King.” ••
Kids can learn from Stevie the Inventor
Local innovator and STEM educator Stevie the Inventor is bringing hands-on Nanobot Building Classes to the Free Library of Philadelphia. These workshops are intended to provide children and families with an interactive experience in robotics, engineering and invention.
Stevie the Inventor’s DIY Nanobot Kits come equipped with tiny car bots and all the necessary components for assembly, giving participants the opportunity to build, test and customize their own moving nanobots. His mission is to empower young learners by teaching them the basics of engineering while fostering problem-solving skills and innovation.
Upcoming classes are at Independence Library, 18 S. 7th St., on Saturday, March 15, at 1 p.m.; Wynnefield Library, 5325 Overbrook Ave., on Tuesday, March 18, at 4 p.m.; and at Olney Library, 5501 N. 5th St., on Saturday, April 12, at 1 p.m.
“I believe that giving kids the chance to invent and create at an early age is my way of giving back to my community,” Stevie said. “If we can spark their curiosity now, they’ll have the confidence to build the future.”For more information about Stevie the Inventor’s Nanobot Building Classes or to schedule a session at your library or school, email stevethelegacy@gmail.com or call 267-244-2101. ••
Variety show at Buck Hotel
Joey C’s Variety Dinner Show will take place on Friday, April 4, at the Top of the Buck Ballroom, 1200 Buck Road, Feasterville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served at 6:30. The show starts at 8. There will be tributes to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Tickets are $85, which includes tax and gratuity. There will be a cash bar. Tickets are available at Thebuckhotel.com/eventscalendar. For more information, call 215-317-7675. ••
Deeley wants federal tax exemption for poll workers
The National Association of Counties Board of Directors, at its annual legislative conference, approved by voice vote an interim policy resolution sponsored by city elections commissioner Lisa Deeley that calls on Congress to enact legislation exempting compensation paid to election day workers from federal income, Social Security and Medicare taxes. Its passage enables the board to advocate for the tax exemption on Capitol Hill.
Deeley’s resolution was co-sponsored by a bipartisan coalition of 27 county officials from six states. At the conference, Deeley worked with the Finance, Pensions & Intergovernmental Affairs Policy Steering Committee to slightly amend the language, changing “precinct poll workers” to “temporary election workers” to be more inclusive of states that have all-mail elections, like Oregon. This change allowed the resolution to pass the committee unanimously.
In January, Deeley sent a letter to the Pennsylvania congressional delegations advocating that the poll worker pay tax exemption be included in the forthcoming Tax Cuts and Jobs Act extension bills being discussed in Washington.
“The Pew Center on the States said that poll workers constitute the ‘largest one-day workforce in the country,’ ” Deeley said. “In a time when our country is so divided, we are still united by our democracy. Whether you are from King County, Washington or King County, Texas or somewhere in between we all have elections, and for those elections to happen you need poll workers. Exempting their pay from federal taxes is something that members of all parties should be able to get behind.” ••
Senior softball needs players
The Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced softball players for its 58 & over and 68 & over leagues. The 58 & over league plays Tuesday and Thursday, while 68 & over plays Monday and Friday. All games are played at Crispin Field, at Holme and Convent avenues in the Northeast. Games start at 10 a.m. The season starts in mid-April and runs through September. For more information, call or text Mike Bojanowski at 215-801-4869 or Marty King at 215-409-5021. ••
Real estate tax refund deadline extended
Councilwomen Jamie Gauthier and Rue Landau co-introduced an ordinance extending the deadline for low-income taxpayers to apply for a refund or forgiveness of real estate taxes. The ordinance will allow for the 2025 application deadline to be extended to Sept. 30. The extension will also permit the retroactive qualification for future applicants as well as institute an auto-enrollment process for the Department of Revenue to proactively register qualified applicants.
Homeowners can apply online via the Philadelphia Tax Center, by mail or in person at one of the city’s services centers. Based on state guidelines, participants cannot exceed a total yearly gross income of $33,500 for a single person. A married couple cannot exceed a yearly gross of $41,500.
Homeowners who enroll in the low-income tax freeze before the deadline will have their property tax bill frozen at its 2024 amount, even if their assessed property value or tax rate increased. This program helps seniors and other low-income homeowners stay in their residences as housing costs and property tax bills increase.
“With expenses surging, it’s more crucial than ever to do all we can to help Philadelphians save money and stay in their homes,” Landau said. “This is one more tool in our toolbox here in City Council to help seniors and low-income Philadelphians with their housing costs.” ••
Jazz festival fundraiser
The Germantown Jazz Jamm, with a performance by Austin Wagner, will take place on Wednesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. at Attic Brewing Company, 137 Berkley St. Proceeds will benefit the Germantown Jazz Festival. ••
Host foreign exchange student
World Heritage International Student Exchange Program is seeking local families to host foreign exchange students. World Heritage students come from countries such as Italy, Denmark, Spain, France, Germany, Ukraine, Japan and Australia. They are ages 15-18. Host families may be single parents, couples and single persons.
The exchange students have pocket money for personal expenses and full health, accident and liability insurance.
If interested in hosting an exchange student, call Debra at 800-888-9040, visit www.world-heritage.org or send an email to info@world-heritage.org to request more information or start the application process. ••
Sign up for free Review newsletter
The South Philly Review has a new website: https://patimes.media/
The website includes news, arts and entertainment, crime, sports, opinion and ways to subscribe and sign up for a free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox.
The site includes an option to read the current issue in “flipbook” style.
Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, on Facebook at South Philly Review and on X @SoPhReview.
In addition to the Review being delivered to homes, the paper can be found at these spots: https://patimes.media/pickup-locations/#spr. ••
Germantown Jazz Festival in April
The Germantown Jazz Festival will take place from April 25-27. Venues are Germantown Friends School, Vernon Park, First Presbyterian Church and The Nile Cafe. There will be performances, workshops, food vendors and cultural experiences. For more information, visit GermantownJazzFestival.com or call Sherri Pennington at 267-882-7385. ••
Taekwondo competition
The Red Tiger Cup will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4, at Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, in Newtown. The fee is $80. Call 215-969-9962, email redtigertkd@gmail.com or visit red-tiger.com. ••
Theater performance of Honk!
The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Honk! The Ugly Duckling Musical on May 30-31 and June 1, at 7 p.m., at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St., in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, follow @starplayersPPR on X, like the group’s page on Facebook or contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or Starplayers2013@gmail.com. ••
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. ••
Pacific Wine Country tour
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is going on a Pacific Wine Country cruise aboard the Sapphire Princess, May 10-17. Ports-of-call include Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Astoria (Oregon) and Victoria and Vancouver (Canada). Rates range from $3,048 to $3,578 per person, double occupancy, which includes round-trip airfare from Philadelphia, port charges, government fees, taxes and transfers to and from the ship. Call 215-788-9408 for more information. ••
Cruise in July
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is traveling on an Independence Day Celebration cruise, July 1-8. Ports-of-call include New York, Newport, Boston on July 4 and Halifax, Nova Scotia. A passport is required. Rates range from $1,920 to $2,680 per person, double occupancy. For a flyer, call 215-788-9408. ••
Fundraiser for cancer research, care
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Board of Associates, Fox Chase Cancer Center is holding a High Tea/Mini Bingo (five games) on Friday, March 28. It will be held at Maggio’s Banquet Hall, 400 2nd Street Pike, Southampton, starting at noon. Participants will be playing to win baskets. The cost is $55. Call Lorraine Braverman at 610-277-3631. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Trip to Hindu temple, lunch, chocolate
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to Robbinsville, New Jersey, on Thursday, April 10, featuring a tour of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, the largest Hindu temple outside of India, a three-course luncheon at The Cranberry Inn and a visit to David Bradley Chocolatier. All-inclusive cost is $130. Reservation deadline is March 15. Call 215-788-2106 or visit bristolhistory.org for a flyer/reservation form. ••
Exhibition marking 5 years since COVID onset
The Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 19 S. 22nd St., on March 15 will open Trusted Messengers: Community, Confidence, and COVID-19, an exhibition that marks five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and considers how to build trust in public health. Initially developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Museum in Atlanta, the Philadelphia version features materials used in the development of the COVID vaccine at Penn and spotlights local healthcare workers and organizations.
Presented in the Thomson Gallery, the exhibition brings to life the concept of “trusted messengers” – the people and institutions that individuals and communities put faith in for healthcare information and decisions.
Visitors can expect to learn about the importance of trusted messengers and community-specific public health initiatives in making messages more accessible, acceptable and memorable, particularly for “historically underserved” communities. The exhibition will also invite them to consider the ongoing impacts of the pandemic on everyday life, mental health and their communities.
“The COVID-19 pandemic was a defining moment for all of us, especially those of us working in healthcare at the height of the crisis,” said Dr. Larry Kaiser, president and CEO of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. “Five years later, we’re still processing this moment in our shared history and its impacts on present and future healthcare concerns. This exhibition is an opportunity for reflection, learning and advocacy at a time when public health is under attack.”
Trusted Messengers will run until Feb. 2, 2026.
The exhibition is open to museum visitors. Tickets may be purchased at www.muttermuseum.org. ••
Folk music concert
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation, 321 Cedar St. in Bristol, will welcome folksinger Mary Roth to perform “Enchanting Appalachia,” an interactive program of music and history with a focus on the rich culture of Appalachia and its people, on Sunday, March 30, at 2 p.m. Light refreshment will be served. A donation of $5 per attendee is suggested. The public is invited. Call 215-788-9408 or go to www.bristolhistory.org. ••
