Fiedler bill to make utility rate information easier to find
South Philadelphia residents looking for answers about rising utility bills could soon have an easier way to track rate increases under legislation introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler.
House Bill 2584, sponsored by Fiedler, passed the House unanimously and would require the Public Utility Commission to create a centralized, searchable database containing information about utility rates under its jurisdiction.
Currently, information about rate increases is available on separate pages of the commission’s website, requiring consumers to research individual cases to understand how rates are determined.
“As utility bills continue to rise month after month, electric customers deserve to know how those decisions were made — without having to spend countless hours researching and tracking down information,” Fiedler said.
The bill is companion legislation to Senate Bill 1254, sponsored by state Sen. Michele Brooks. The measure is supported by the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate.
House Bill 2584 now awaits further consideration in the state Senate. Supporters say the database would improve transparency and accountability as families and businesses face rising utility costs. ••
South Street-area cider stroll to benefit The Food Trust
South Street-area residents can raise a glass to a good cause Nov. 1, when Philly Cider Week wraps up with a fall-themed cider stroll at Headhouse Shambles.
The free, all-ages event will run from 3 to 7 p.m., bringing cider makers, food vendors, artists and live music to the historic market area after the Headhouse Farmers Market closes for the day.
Attendees can sample Pennsylvania ciders, grab local eats and listen to Chuck Darwin & The Knuckledraggers. Other activities include a raffle for cidery visits and experiences, face painting, tarot readings, art vendors and hot, nonalcoholic cider.
All proceeds will support The Food Trust’s work to improve access to nutritious food in Philadelphia communities.
Admission is free, with food and drinks available for purchase. Optional cider passports, which benefit The Food Trust, are available at a discounted price in advance. Guests must be 21 or older to consume alcoholic beverages.
The event marks the closing celebration of the eighth annual Philly Cider Week. ••
Philadelphia Flower Show to celebrate gardening’s cultural influence
Gardens have inspired artists, designers, chefs and storytellers for centuries. In 2027, the Philadelphia Flower Show will put that influence on full display.
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s 198th annual show, titled “ICONIC,” will run March 13-21 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch St. A members-only preview day is scheduled for March 12. The show will celebrate gardening’s impact on art, fashion, food, literature and culture while marking the society’s 200th anniversary.
More than 30 major exhibitors will create gardens, floral arrangements and horticultural displays exploring the theme from a variety of creative perspectives.
A new Pennsylvania Public Gardens Showcase will bring together five of the state’s leading public gardens: Chanticleer Garden, Longwood Gardens, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden and The Arboretum at Penn State.
“ICONIC gives our exhibitors the freedom to explore that rich history while imagining what gardening can become next,” said Seth Pearsoll, the society’s vice president and creative director.
Visitors can also explore the Hamilton Horticourt’s plant and botanical art competitions, attend the free Know to Grow gardening speaker series, shop the Marketplace and bring young gardeners to the interactive Kids Cocoon.
The after-hours party, “Flowers After Hours: Stylin’ & Wildin’,” is scheduled for March 20 from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m., featuring music, dancing and botanical-inspired fashion.
Tickets are on sale now. Online adult admission is $45 on weekdays and $55 on weekends. A $60 adult flex ticket allows admission on any day, while discounted twilight tickets start at 4 p.m. for $35 on weekdays and $45 on weekends. The $105 Floral Fanatic Pass includes daily admission throughout the show’s nine-day public run.
The Flower Show is the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s main fundraiser for greening initiatives throughout the Philadelphia region.
More information and tickets are available at phsonline.org. ••
Apply for up to $1K rebates on property taxes or rent
Older Pennsylvanians, widows and widowers, and people with disabilities have until Dec. 31 to apply for state rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025.
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program provides eligible applicants with up to $1,000 in relief, with the amount determined by income. The program is available to residents age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
Applicants must meet income requirements and reapply each year. The maximum standard rebate is available to those with annual incomes of $8,550 or less. Those earning between $8,551 and $16,040 may qualify for a $770 rebate, while applicants earning between $16,041 and $19,240 may receive $460. Those with incomes between $19,241 and $48,110 may qualify for $380.
The state Department of Revenue has processed 491,343 rebates totaling $294.7 million so far in 2026 for property taxes and rent paid in 2025, according to the Shapiro administration.
Eligible residents can apply online through the state’s myPATH system or find information about eligibility and assistance at pa.gov/ptrr. Online applications are available in English and Spanish, and no account is required.
In-person assistance is available through Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging and state legislators’ offices.
Residents checking the status of an existing claim can use the “Where’s My Rebate?” tool on myPATH. They will need their Social Security number, claim year and date of birth. ••
Fiedler-backed bill targets loud streaming ads
Pennsylvania lawmakers are taking aim at one of streaming’s most annoying interruptions: commercials that suddenly blast louder than the show you’re watching.
The state House voted 189-14 on Oct. 19 to approve House Bill 2790, bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler that would prohibit excessively loud advertisements on streaming services.
“This bill is simple: what you set is what you should get,” Fiedler said. “As a lawmaker and as a parent, it’s frustrating for the video you’re watching to be interrupted by an ad at a much louder volume than the original video.”
Federal rules under the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act, known as the CALM Act, limit commercial volume on traditional television but do not cover internet-based streaming services. The law took effect in 2012.
Similar legislation has been enacted in California and Illinois. The Pennsylvania bill’s passage in the House moves it another step forward in the legislative process. ••
Proposed plan to prevent power outages
State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, who chairs the House Energy Committee, is backing a package of legislation aimed at preventing power outages and controlling electricity costs as demand from artificial intelligence data centers continues to grow.
House Democrats announced the three-pronged plan Oct. 19, focusing on increasing electricity generation, improving energy efficiency and managing peak demand.
The effort follows a state Public Utility Commission report warning that growing electricity demand could put Pennsylvania’s power grid at risk of failures far beyond established planning standards by 2030.
Fiedler’s bill, House Bill 2347, would modernize the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority to help finance new energy projects and encourage investment in energy supply.
Other proposals would streamline the siting of energy projects, establish efficiency standards for appliances, expand grid-scale battery storage and create a virtual power plant program to help manage electricity demand.
“My bill to modernize PEDA as a financing authority would unlock new energy supply, encourage innovation and put people to work across Pennsylvania,” Fiedler said.
Supporters say the measures could strengthen grid reliability and help protect consumers from rising utility bills. Most of the bills in the package have passed the House and are awaiting action in the state Senate. ••
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. ••
Frank, Elvis and Dean
The Chairman & The King will be performing on Thursday, Nov. 19, at Villa Barolo Ristorante, 1373 Easton Road, Warrington. Joey C will perform as Frank Sinatra, while Jeff Krick Jr. will entertain as Elvis Presley. Doors will be served at 6 p.m. The show starts at 7:30. Tickets are $100, including taxes and gratuities. For tickets, call Villa Barolo at 215-491-9370.
The Frank & Dean Together Again Dinner Show will come to the Maltese Room, 2049 Bristol Pike in Bensalem, on Saturday, Nov. 21. Joey C will perform as Frank Sinatra, while Robert Cabella will sing as Dean Martin. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6, followed by the show at 7:30. Tickets are $60 and include one complimentary glass of wine or beer. For tickets, call Tom O’Neill at 215-675-9700. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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 ••
Book club meeting on Zoom
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, Nov. 2, at 8 p.m. The book is Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng. For further information, or to register for the book club program, call Lynn Ratmansky at the synagogue office at 215-677-1600. ••
Amici to perform Carmen
Amici Opera Company will present four performances of Bizet’s Carmen.
Saturday, Nov. 14, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
Saturday, Nov. 21, at 4 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 Brigantine Ave., Brigantine.
Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 6 p.m. at La Piovra, 7901 High School Road, Elkins Park. The cost is $54.95 (tax and tips not included) for dinner, dessert and the show. For reservations, call 215-606-3800.
Sunday, Nov. 29, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale.
Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Apply for Glen Foerd Artist in Residence
Glen Foerd, the 18-acre public park and nonprofit cultural site along the Delaware River, is accepting applications for its 2027 Artist in Residence program through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.
One Philadelphia-based performance artist or collective will receive a $3,000 stipend for a residency running from January through October 2027, with a final performance or exhibition opening Oct. 10. Eligible practices include music, theater, film and social practice. Applicants will be notified by mid-January.
The residency invites artists to develop site-specific work through research and engagement with Glen Foerd’s collections, architecture, natural landscapes and audiences. The program emphasizes experimentation and public engagement, offering artists opportunities to explore the historic estate through contemporary creative practices.
The selected artist or collective will also lead an activity or artist talk for Glen Foerd’s Teen Arts summer program. Staff will assist with logistics and marketing.
The 2027 residency jurors are Alex Tatarsky and Pete Angevine:
Alex Tatarsky creates performances blending comedy, dance-theater, performance art and song. Using humor, language and audience interaction, Tatarsky explores how people construct community and identity. Tararsky’s work has been presented at MoMA PS1, the Whitney Museum of American Art, The Kitchen and Glen Foerd as its 2023 Artist in Residence.
Pete Angevine is an independent creative producer and musician whose work connects public art, experimental music, healing and the natural world. His collaborations span experimental theater, public murals, interactive sound sculptures, watershed science tours and a rapid-growth native forest, to name a few.
Prospective applicants can attend free tours and question-and-answer sessions at Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 8. A virtual information session will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20. Registration is required; links are available on the application information page.
Applications require contact information, a 250-word artist biography, a resume, a 500-word project proposal and five work samples. A recommendation letter is optional. The $10 application fee can be waived upon request.
For application details and submission links, visit www.glenfoerd.org/air-for-applicants. Questions may be directed to Isabel Brown, arts and culture program officer, at isabel@glenfoerd.org. ••
