Philadelphia Museum of Art names new contemporary art curators
The Philadelphia Museum of Art has appointed Joanna Robotham as its John Alchin and Hal Marryatt Curator of Contemporary Art and Colm Peare as assistant curator of modern and contemporary art.
Robotham joins the museum Sept. 8 after 10 years at the Tampa Museum of Art, where she oversaw modern and contemporary collections and organized exhibitions featuring artists including Jun Kaneko, Suchitra Mattai, Pepe Mar and Frank Stella. At the Philadelphia museum, she will oversee exhibitions, interpretation and the growth of its contemporary art collection, which includes about 1,200 works spanning painting, sculpture, film and digital media.
“Their fresh perspective and vision strengthen our commitment to supporting living artists and expanding the conversations our institution can foster,” museum Director and CEO Daniel Weiss said.
Peare will join Oct. 5 from London’s Royal Academy of Arts, where he worked on exhibitions including “Painting the French Riviera” and “Rose Wylie.” He previously worked at the Barbican Art Gallery. ••
PA expands solar program for schools
The state Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Community and Economic Development highlighted the state’s investment in school solar projects during a visit to the Steelton-Highspire School District’s new solar array.
The district received nearly $450,000 through the state’s Solar for Schools program to install a 1.7-megawatt solar array. The project is expected to meet 100 percent of the district’s electricity needs and save about $3.6 million over 20 years.
“The Solar for Schools program enables school districts across Pennsylvania to lower their electricity bills and invest those savings into their students,” DCED Secretary Rick Siger said.
DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley said solar power can help schools reduce emissions, save money and improve air quality.
Created by Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2024, the Solar for Schools program has invested nearly $27.2 million in 84 schools statewide. The 2026-27 state budget includes an additional $25 million for the program. ••
Philly K-12 School Fair returns Sept. 19
Philadelphia families will have a chance to compare school options and meet directly with educators at the 12th annual K-12 Philly School Fair on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Organized by Elevate 215, the city’s largest school fair is expected to bring together more than 175 schools and thousands of families. More than 4,000 families have already registered, putting the event on pace to surpass last year’s record attendance of more than 6,000.
The fair will feature neighborhood, special-admissions and career and technical education schools from the School District of Philadelphia, along with charter, cyber, faith-based and private schools. Families can ask about academics, admissions, transportation, extracurricular activities and school culture.
“The Fair empowers families with the information they need to confidently choose the best educational path for their child,” said Sam Obrochta, Elevate 215’s interim director of access initiatives.
New this year is Ausome Village, a space featuring more than 20 organizations supporting neurodivergent students and families, in partnership with CHOP’s Center for Autism Research.
The event also will offer family resources, tutoring, scholarships, health screenings and other community services. The school district’s school-selection deadline is Oct. 30, while the Apply Philly Charter deadline is Jan. 15. ••
Flea market Sept. 12 at FDR Park
The FDR Park Flea Market will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the FDR Park Welcome Center, 1800 Pattison Ave. There will be handmade and vintage goods from more than 50 vendors, everything from custom rubber ducks to vintage clothing to fresh flowers and plants. The market will support both local vendors and FDR Park itself. The event is free. For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/flea-market-at-fdr-park-tickets-1996370746644 ••
Water bills going up once again
New water, sewer and stormwater rates took effect on Sept. 1, the Philadelphia Water Department announced. For a typical residential customer using 3,220 gallons per month, the monthly bill is now $96.16, an increase of $6.74, or 7.5 percent, from $89.42. The independent Philadelphia Water, Sewer, and Storm Water Rate Board sets rates for the Water Department. There will be another rate increase next year. Anyone who has difficulty paying a water bill should call 215-685-6300. ••
Thrill Show on Sept. 19
The 71st annual Hero Thrill Show will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 5 p.m. at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The cost is $15 per person or $35 for a family up to five. For more information, visit herothrillshow.org. ••
Volunteer for child literacy program
Philly Reading Coaches is looking for volunteers for the 2026-27 school year. Each coach reads one-on-one with a K-3rd grader for at least one hour per week after school. Visit ost.phila.gov/philly-reading-coaches or email PRC@phila.gov ••
New website for Review
The South Philly Review has returned to the website patimes.media.
The website includes news, arts and entertainment, crime, sports, opinion and a way to sign up for a free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox. The site also includes a way to read the paper in “flipbook” style and a link to subscribe to the print edition. Copies of the paper can be found at the locations in this link: https://patimes.media/pickup-locations/#spr
Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, on Facebook and on X @SoPhReview. ••
North Catholic 100th anniversary events
A number of events are planned for the 100th anniversary of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales ministry in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the opening of Northeast Catholic High School.
Here is the schedule:
• Sept. 22: Alumni Association Golf Outing, North Hills Country Club
• Oct. 3: Homecoming/all-year reunion at Cannstatter’s, 1-5 p.m.
• Nov. 1: Mass at North Catholic building, coffee and doughnuts afterward
• Nov. 8: Gathering of Alumni, family and friends, FOP Lodge 5
• Nov. 11: Veterans Day at St. Dominic
Call 215-543-1051 or necathalum@aol.com ••
3 performances of Oliver
The Star Players will present Oliver from Oct. 9-11 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. Buy on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or Starplayers2013@gmail.com. ••
See Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
The Star Players will present Scrooge: A Christmas Carol on Friday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St. in Manayunk. Tickets cost $10. Buy on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, call 215-685-8714 or email Starplayers2013@gmail.com. ••
Caribbean cruise in January
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter will cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl to the Caribbean (Dominican Republic and St. Thomas), leaving out of Philadelphia’s Southport Marine Terminal, 5400 S. Broad St., Building 3, on Jan. 13 and returning Jan. 23. Group amenities include 5% off inside cabins, 10%-15% off ocean view , balcony, open bar/soda packages, shore excursion credits and 300 Wi-Fi minutes. Call Bernadette at 570-401-8417 for cost and additional information. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Host foreign exchange student
ASSE International Student Exchange Program is seeking local families to host foreign exchange students. Students come from countries such as Italy, Denmark, Spain, France, 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 Holly at 800-677-2773, visit asse.com or send an email to asseusasouth@asse.com 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. ••
