Washington Ave. Connector project complete
South Philadelphia residents have a new, greener route to the Delaware River waterfront following the completion of a $9.5 million project to improve Washington Avenue from 4th Street to Columbus Boulevard.
The city and Delaware River Waterfront Corp. marked the completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony near 4th Street, celebrating upgrades designed to make the busy corridor safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders and motorists.
The Washington Avenue Connector project includes a 14-foot-wide, separated multi-use trail linking the Delaware River Trail to Jefferson Square Park at 4th Street. It also closes a gap between existing bike lanes along Washington Avenue, bike lanes on Moyamensing Avenue and the waterfront trail.
“The Washington Avenue Connector is our largest connector street project to date and an important part of our work to reconnect Philadelphia’s neighborhoods to the Delaware River,” said Joseph Forkin, DRWC’s president and CEO. “Easy, safe access to the river helps make the Waterfront part of everyday life in Philadelphia.”
The project also features repaved streets, upgraded traffic signals, high-visibility crosswalks, four pedestrian refuge islands, sidewalk extensions and 78 Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible curb ramps.
Pedestrian improvements include 35 new light poles, 66 native trees, raised planters, benches and hundreds of native shrubs, grasses and perennials. Three new bike racks provide parking for six bicycles, while 12 trash and recycling receptacles were installed along the corridor.
“Together, we have improved traffic safety and quality of life for residents, visitors and businesses,” Streets Commissioner Kristin Del Rossi said.
Planning began in 2018 after community members raised concerns that the corridor was unsafe and unwelcoming. Construction started in April 2025, with the work managed by the city’s streets department and funded through a combination of state and city sources.
The $9.5 million project was awarded to Heidelberg Materials TDPC LLC. Design funding came from the William Penn Foundation. ••
$371.5M state investment to fuel PhilaPort expansion
South Philadelphia’s waterfront is poised for a major expansion after Gov. Josh Shapiro announced a $371.5 million state investment in the Port of Philadelphia, a move expected to unlock an additional $466 million in private and federal funding.
The investment will support the largest expansion in PhilaPort’s history, increasing container capacity by 122% and automobile capacity by 18%. Officials project the expansion will create more than 6,000 jobs and generate $45 million in state and local tax revenue.
The funding includes $31 million for dredging at Southport Berth I, $145 million for reclamation work at Southport Berth II and the North Wharf, $109.4 million for land acquisition and $58.1 million for cranes and other equipment.
The project also calls for a new 2,000-foot berth at Southport Marine Terminal, the first new berth there in 50 years, along with the acquisition of the 152-acre Mustin Yard property to expand automobile and container cargo operations.
“The combination of public and private investment being directed to South Philly is a promising sign for economic development across our region,” U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon said.
PhilaPort supported more than 8,000 jobs and contributed nearly $1.2 billion in economic output statewide in 2025, according to the announcement.
Port officials said the expansion will strengthen trade operations and support family-sustaining jobs. The broader growth plan is valued at more than $837 million and includes additional improvements at Tioga Marine Terminal. ••
Wilma Theater launches digital platform
Philadelphia’s Wilma Theater is expanding its reach beyond the stage with Watch Wilma, a new digital platform offering filmed performances from theater companies across Pennsylvania.
Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Digital Accelerator Program, the platform will feature productions by the Wilma, Pittsburgh’s City Theatre and Philadelphia’s Azuka Theatre.
The fall lineup includes Horsegirl & Cowdaddy, available through Nov. 1; City Theatre’s In Clay, streaming Oct. 20 to Nov. 8; and Azuka Theatre’s #Charlottesville, available Nov. 5-19.
The productions are filmed before live audiences using multiple cameras and edited to capture each show’s artistic style. Streams include closed captions and are available on demand during limited viewing windows.
Single-production tickets cost $35, while a three-show package is available for $95.
The Wilma developed its digital theater offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching audiences in all 50 states and more than 20 countries since 2020. The new platform builds on that work while giving audiences another way to experience live theater and helping partner companies reach viewers unable to attend in person.
Tickets and additional information are available at wilmatheater.org. ••
Audition to be the Sole Survivor
Rivers Casino will host an in-person casting call for the reality show Survivor on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Doors open at 8 a.m. Survivor legend Cirie Fields will make a special appearance. During the casting call, aspiring castaways can make their case in a one-minute on-camera pitch for why they should be selected as a player on an upcoming season of Survivor. The day will be filled with Survivor trivia and giveaways. Print, complete and bring the required waiver and release form that can be found at https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/survivor-casting-call-philadelphia-2026/ ••
Honor local fallen Vietnam veterans
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 266 is holding it 29th annual name reading at the Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Front and Spruce streets, on Oct. 24 at noon. The public is invited to honor the 648 Philadelphia men who gave their lives in Vietnam. Chapter 266 is also looking for new members. Contact Chuck at 215-722-3518 or linedog716@yahoo.com ••
Virtual 5K run will raise money for diabetes foundation
The Kopp Foundation for Diabetes is holding a virtual 5K run from Nov. 13-20, in honor of World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14. Every step supports KFD’s mission to empower youth, expand diabetes education and build a healthier future for people impacted by Type 1 Diabetes. The fee is $25 and there is a 10 percent discount if participants share the picture on Instagram. Register by Nov. 16 at https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Philadelphia/KFDStepUpChallenge.
Participants can run the 5K in their usual spot, be it a trail in a park or a treadmill in a gym. Since this is a virtual run, they can run the 5K all at once or in stages, as long as they submit their information by Nov. 20. This 5K raises both awareness about diabetes and funds for the work Kopp Foundation, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to transforming Type 1 Diabetes care through innovation, equity and leadership. According to the International Diabetes Federation, one in nine adults worldwide have diabetes and by 2050 the number of people living with the disease is expected to reach 853 million.
World Diabetes Day takes place on Nov. 14, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1922. It was created by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization, and it is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign. To learn more about World Diabetes Day, go to https://worlddiabetesday.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:
• 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 ••
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. ••
Get free smoke alarm
The Philadelphia Fire Department provides free smoke alarms to city residents. Call 311 to request installation. ••
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. ••
Shopping for a good cause
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is partnering with Boscov’s “Friends Helping Friends” on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at all Boscov’s locations, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. The group is selling shopping passes for $5 each, which can represent savings of up to 25% off purchases. Call 215-675-6985 to purchase shopping passes. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Book review and lunch
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Board of Associates, Fox Chase Cancer Center is holding a book review and lunch on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 1-4 p.m. at Guiseppe’s Pizza and Family Restaurant, 990 Second Street Pike, Richboro. The book to be discussed is Culpability, by Bruce Holsinger. The cost is $55 and includes a full-course lunch and a discussion of the book. To purchase tickets, call Debbie at 215-464-4983. The event supports cancer research and patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Special luncheon for charity
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is holding a Fall in Paris luncheon with entertainment at Bella Tori at the Mansion, 321 S. Bellevue Ave., Langhorne, on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon consists of salad, crudité of fresh vegetables with French and other imported cheeses, chicken fricassee, cod meuniere and pasta Provençal and assorted French-inspired mini pastries. There will be a cash bar. Entertainment provided by vocalist Calvin Pressley. In addition, there will be a cash-only sale of new and gently used handbags. The cost is $65 per person. Call Beth at 215-742-2703 or Laurie at 215-605-3016 for reservations. The deadline for reservations is Oct. 30. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Gift-wrapped with love
Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Board of Associates of Fox Chase Cancer Center, is running its 2026 holiday gift wrapping at the Willow Grove Park Mall, 2500 W. Moreland Road, Willow Grove, from Friday, Nov. 27, through Thursday, Dec. 24. Stop by the kiosk to have your holiday treasures wrapped. Call 215-464-4983 for more information. The event supports patient care and cancer research. ••
Opera on Oct. 24
Amici Opera Company will present Verdi’s Rigoletto on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 4 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 Brigantine Ave., Brigantine. Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Exhibit on 1876 centennial
The Frankford Historical Society, 1507 Orthodox St., is hosting an ongoing exhibit. Using historic maps, photographs, artifacts and documents, Frankford and the 1876 Centennial provides a snapshot of Frankford at the time of the centennial. Still in the midst of an industrial depression, Frankford’s developing industries were not heavily represented at the Exhibition, but they were the heartbeat of the neighborhood. The fair offered Frankford visitors technological expertise and inspiration as well as a variety of souvenirs. Among the artifacts preserved in the Historical Society of Frankford’s collections is a rare carved chair from the Pennsylvania Pavilion, a match to ones owned by the Smithsonian Institution, the Atwater Kent holdings and in a private collection. The exhibit is open through the rest of the year during regular hours, which are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. ••
Upcoming events at Ryerss
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host the following upcoming programs:
Friday, Oct. 23, 1-3 p.m.: Fibercraft Friends
Saturday, Oct. 24, 1-3 p.m.: Halloween Party – “Ghostbusters & Monster Hunters.” Crafts, games and snacks. Free. ••
Polka party at Polish Home
The Associated Polish Home, 9150 Academy Road, invites the public to its annual fall polka party on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 2-6 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Dennis Polisky and the Maestro’s Men. The donation is $20. There will be a cash bar and Polish kitchen. For tickets and reservations, contact John at 215-906-1825 or PolishHome@gmail.com. ••
Live oldies music at Polish Home
The Associated Polish Home, 9150 Academy Road, will welcome the Joey D and Johnny B Rockin Oldies Band on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 7-11 p.m. The donation is $10. Doors open at 6 p.m. There will be a cash bar and kitchen. For tickets and information, call John Wisniewski at 215-906-1825. ••
Parkinson’s support group
Jeanes Hospital, 7604 Central Ave., will host a meeting of a Parkinson’s Disease Support Group on Wednesday, Dec. 9, from 5-6 p.m. The guest speaker will be Dr. Teodora Schellato, a urologist. To register, contact June Ro at 215-707-2619 or Jungyoon.Ro@tuhs.temple.edu ••
Take part in Thanksgiving parade
The 49th annual Mayfair-Holmesburg Thanksgiving Parade will take place on Sunday, Nov. 22, at noon on Frankford Avenue. The grand marshal will be Torresdale Flower Shop and owner Antoniette Montgomery. Organizers are encouraging local businesses, schools, organizations and community groups to participate by entering a float, marching unit or other parade entry. Banner carriers are needed and will receive six community service hours. Carriers must be in seventh grade or above.
Apply at https://thanksgivingparade.org/2026Parade%20Application%20Form.pdf
Interested volunteers may email info@thanksgivingparade.org.
For more information, visit www.thanksgivingparade.org
To make a donation, go to https://paypal.me/thanksgivingparade or https://www.venmo.com/u/Mhthanksgivingparade ••
