Crafted in Philly Brewery Tour returns
For the second year BrewedAt has teamed up with Let’s Rallie for the Crafted in Philly Beer Tour.
From April 25-July 31, guests will have the opportunity to purchase their Crafted In Philly ticket to check out their favorites breweries in Philadelphia and the suburbs. The tickets will allow guests to enjoy one 8- to 12-ounce pour of their choice at participating breweries and be able to vote on their favorite beer style, brewery, overall atmosphere and more.
The 2025 event will feature 31 breweries and 34 locations around Philadelphia and the suburbs. Participants include Bitchin’ Kitten Brewery (Morrisville), Dock Street Brewing Company (Philadelphia), Workhorse Brewing Company (King of Prussia) and Yards Brewing (Philadelphia). Non-beer locations include Cider Belly Hard Cider (Philadelphia), Hale and True Cider Company (Philadelphia) and Young American Hard Cider & Tasting Room (Philadelphia). A full list of participating breweries can be found by visiting https://letsrallie.com/crafted-in-philly/.
“We can’t wait to do this event for the second year in Philly,” said BrewedAt founders Evan Blum and Cole Decker. “Last year we had about 11 participating locations for the inaugural event and this year the list has almost tripled, giving beer lovers more options in not just the city, but we added a bunch of breweries in the suburbs and outside of the city to give participants more options.”
Tickets for the second annual Crafted in Philly Brewery Crawl are $50 at https://letsrallie.ticketspice.com/craftedinphilly. ••
City promoting STI testing
The city Department of Public Health’s Division of HIV Health has launched its “Funky Junk” communications campaign focused on increasing citywide awareness of, and regular testing for, sexually transmitted infections. Messaging was strategically rolled out in mid-March to establish the campaign and start building local momentum ahead of national STI Awareness Week (April 13-19).
The campaign supports DHH’s Philly Keep On Loving, an ongoing initiative helping Philadelphians be proactive in protecting themselves and their partners from STIs and working to decrease the city’s rate of STIs, which has been on the rise during recent years. The ad series demonstrates the city’s commitment to connecting with target audiences in ways that are meaningful, resonate with them and provide a solution that fits with their lifestyle. The campaign features bold imagery accompanying headlines that pose questions such as “Drippy Ding-Dong?”, “Itchy Kitty?”, “Didn’t Wrap the Willy?”, and “Funky Junk?”
“Sometimes humor is the best approach to a serious subject because it helps people step back, realize they are not alone and feel more confident that whatever the situation is, it is more of a molehill than a mountain,” said Javontae Lee Williams, Prevention Program Manager, Division of HIV Health. “The subject of STIs is uncomfortable for many people, adding to the barriers we need to remove to elevate citywide sexual health. By using comical euphemisms and visuals, our ad campaign keeps it real for our populations most at risk. We acknowledge the discomfort of what they are going through and provide a simple solution.”
Each ad in the series, which was created by Bandujo Advertising + Design, is very light in tone and content to avoid any indication of judgment and to ensure audiences are clear in what to do: consider they may have an STI, then get tested. Ads connect people — via online clicks or QR codes — to PhillyKeepOnLoving.com, where they will find easy options for free, convenient, in-person or at-home testing, as well as other sexual wellness information and resources. The campaign includes digital ads, out-of-home displays (including bus shelters and billboards), coasters and posters displayed at bars and similar locations throughout the city, and activations in dating apps.
“Last year, Philadelphia ranked No. 1 of 100 metro areas with the highest STI rates — this year we are second highest,” said Charles Gregory Postell, Communications and Policy Coordinator for the Department of Public Health. “So yes, we’re seeing progress, but these rankings drive us to be even more aggressive, strategic and broad reaching in our campaigns. This is why Take Control Philly distributed 1 million free condoms last year and we’ve set an even higher goal this year. For us to make the necessary impact in STI control in Philadelphia, awareness and action must go hand in hand — whether that’s through condom distribution, grassroots efforts or dynamic ad campaigns.”
“Funky Junk” ads will run at least through April, which is designated as STI Awareness Month.More information about the Department of Public Health’s Philly Keep On Loving initiative, which, in addition to providing free condom kits, offers free STI testing, PrEP and other sexual wellness products, can be found at PhillyKeepOnLoving.com. ••
Dugan to air campaign ad
The first ad in the Democratic primary for district attorney was scheduled to air citywide on left-wing cable news channels CNN and MSNBC, sharing the story of challenger Pat Dugan, a former Army paratrooper and Municipal Court judge.
The ad, “Clothes Make the Man,” is able to run due to Dugan’s major fundraising advantage over DA Larry Krasner.
Recent filings show Krasner’s campaign has less than $165,000 in cash on hand, compared to Dugan’s campaign, which has raised more than $700,000, with more than $500,000 cash on hand.
The ad says, “I’m Pat Dugan. I wear my heart on my sleeve and my story on my back. A city champ jersey, growing up in Frankford; body armor protecting me in Iraq and Afghanistan; a black robe in my courtroom; green on game days – Go Birds! Now I’m running for D.A., to make our city as safe as it is great.”
A woman says, “Pat. He’s the real reformer. A second chance for nonviolent offenders.”
A second woman says, “Safer neighborhoods for our families.” ••
STARR Restaurants expands to Ocean Casino Resort
Ocean Casino Resort announced a partnership with nationally acclaimed STARR Restaurants and award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr. As part of the partnership, STARR Restaurants will lend their expertise on the conceptualization and rollout of two new dining concepts opening at the resort this summer.
“It feels like a full-circle moment for me to work on restaurant projects in Atlantic City, a place where I formed some of my finest childhood memories, both at the beach and on America’s most popular boardwalk, where I worked as a teenager,” said Stephen Starr, founder and CEO of STARR Restaurants. “I’m excited to work with the team at Ocean Casino Resort to develop two new dining concepts this summer.”
Starr is the visionary and creative force behind STARR Restaurants, one of the largest multi-concept and independent restaurant groups in the country. Starr has earned multiple honors, including “Restaurateur of the Year” from both Bon Appétit and Zagat and “Outstanding Restaurateur” from the James Beard Foundation. The two restaurant concepts are expected to open this summer and will be located on the lobby level across from The Park.
Qualifying taxpayers can request wage tax refund
The city Department of Revenue is reminding taxpayers that they may be eligible for an Income-Based Wage Tax Refund if they meet specific criteria. Eligible taxpayers qualify for a lower wage tax rate and can request a refund for overpaid taxes. Taxpayers can apply for a refund for the years 2022, 2023 and 2024. The program provides substantial financial relief to low-income individuals and families.
“Although Revenue has made progress encouraging more people to request a refund, doubling the number of requests processed from 2023 to 2024,” said Revenue Commissioner Kathleen McColgan. “We know far more Philadelphians are eligible and leaving money on the table.”
To qualify for the refund, applicants must:
- Be approved for Pennsylvania Tax Forgiveness by filing a PA Schedule SP when filing their PA Personal Income Tax returns.
- Have an income below the limit set by Pennsylvania for the relevant tax year and family size. Note that these income limits change annually. Visit the state Department of Revenue’s website at revenue.pa.gov for the current income guidelines.
- Be in good standing, meaning not owe any taxes or fees to the City of Philadelphia.
Applicants must provide a copy of the completed PA-40 form and PA Schedule SP (tax forgiveness) for each tax year for which a refund is being requested and W-2 forms for the tax years for which a refund is being requested, showing federal, state, Medicare and local wages and withholdings. (Taxpayers who receive a Form 1099-DIV are not eligible.)
Taxpayers can submit refund petitions online at tax-services.phila.gov without a username and password, and the site is available on mobile devices. Applicants can select “Request Employee Wage Tax refund” from the homepage to get started. Detailed information, promotional flyers and paper applications are also available at phila.gov/revenue/income-refund.
Overdose awareness
Socks for the Streets will be welcoming Angels Across America for an upcoming overdose awareness event. Anyone who would like their loved one’s picture displayed on a banner can email it by April 18 to SocksfortheStreets@gmail.com. There is no need to resubmit a banner if it’s already displayed. ••
Celebrating St. Katharine Drexel
The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament invite supporters and friends to gather for the 2025 Annual Gala, a special afternoon honoring the enduring legacy of their foundress, St. Katharine Drexel, on Sunday, April 27, at 3 p.m. at The Buck Hotel, 1200 Buck Road, Feasterville.
This year’s gala commemorates the 25th anniversary of St. Katharine Drexel’s canonization. The event will feature a keynote address by Robert Gutherman, whose miraculous healing led to the first recognized miracle attributed to St. Katharine Drexel.
Sponsorships and advertisements for the gala can be purchased. All ads must be submitted by April 19.
For more information or to attend the gala, visit https://www.katharinedrexel.org/news-events/gala-2025/, contact the SBS Gala Committee at sbscm.cfgp@gmail.com or call 267-592-6711. ••
Garden day and plant sale
The Philadelphia County Penn State Master Gardeners’ annual Garden Day & Plant Sale returns for the 10th year on Sunday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fairmount Park Horticultural Center, 100 N. Horticulture Drive.
On sale will be a variety of affordable seedlings and native plants with blooms. Prices range from $4 for small vegetable starter plants to $30 for well-established, exotic house plants. Choose from hundreds of varieties of unique veggies, herbs, native plants and pollinators for all kinds of light and moisture conditions. All plants have been carefully cultivated by Penn State Master Gardeners or local farms and nurseries, and proceeds will support educational programs in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Master Gardeners will also host garden tours and gardening workshops and demonstrations throughout the day.
This is an outdoor event and will be held rain or shine.
For workshop details and the schedule of activities, visit https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/philadelphia/annual-plant-sale ••
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 April 25-27
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, children’s activities 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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Trip to Niagara Falls
Polish American Cultural Center is sponsoring a Niagara Falls, New York & Made in America Store trip from Thursday, July 10, to Sunday, July 13. There will be a canal Cruise and lunch, boat ride, underground railroad tour, wine testing, a visit to the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine and casino trip, with $25 slot play. The trip will be by motor coach, and there will be a three-night hotel stay with buffet breakfasts and dinners. The cost is $1,100 per person double occupancy, including taxes and gratuities. For more information and reservations, call Theresa Romanowski at 215-813-2780 or 215-922-1700. ••
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. ••
