Ars Nova Workshop receives grant
South Philly’s Ars Nova Workshop received $2,625 as a 2024 Capital Support grantee from the Presser Foundation.
Ars Nova Workshop’s grant supported its work in filling out a database to get to know its audiences better. The organization is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit jazz and experimental music presenting organization.
The grant was part of $474,125 of Capital Support grants handed out to 16 music organizations by the Presser Foundation this year. These grants are designated for capital projects of music presenting, music performing and music education organizations in the greater Philadelphia area.
Scanlon introduces bill for older adults and people with disabilities
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon joined Sen. Bob Casey, chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, in introducing the Alternatives to Guardianship Education Act to improve the awareness of guardianship alternatives for health care workers, educators, family members and court workers and court-related personnel through education programs.
Although some procedures exist to ensure guardian trustworthiness, egregious incidents of abuse have occurred to people under guardianship. Less restrictive alternatives to guardianship, such as supported decision-making and advance directives, offer ways to help people make decisions without losing their independence. However, public awareness of these alternatives may be limited. Awareness of guardianship alternatives by people who frequently interact with older adults, people with disabilities and other individuals at risk of guardianship determinations may help reduce unnecessary guardianship arrangements and preserve decision-making rights.
“It’s important to protect vulnerable members of our communities from overly invasive restrictions to their independence and self-determination,” said Scanlon. “Guardianship should be a last resort to be used only when there are no suitable, less restrictive options. I’m proud to join Sen. Casey in introducing this bill to help increase awareness of less restrictive supports available to our neighbors who need help making decisions and managing life.”
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop begins catering service
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop PHL at 308 South St. is venturing into the catering realm.
Individuals with upcoming events can order catering online for pickup or delivery from any Philadelphia restaurant location. Guests can fill out an online inquiry form, where a BDShop PHL team member can help if they have any questions, or head right to the catering tab on the BDShop PHL website to place an order through their catering partner, CaterCow Catering.
“We believe every moment is worth celebrating, and our new catering options are the perfect way to elevate any event in your life,” said Alex Flack, co-owner of Brooklyn Dumpling Shop PHL. “We’re always seeking innovative ways to connect with our community and share our love for dumplings, making each bite a journey that brings people together.”
Veterans Parade accepting applications for participants
Applications are now open for companies, nonprofits, school marching bands, or veteran service organizations eager to participate in the Parade or Vet Fest., scheduled for Nov. 10 at noon. Applications to march in the parade or participate in the festival can be found at PhillyVeteransParade.org.
Additionally, VSO applicants will be allocated a table at Vet Fest, providing a direct platform for community outreach. This presents an opportunity to engage with veterans, families and other attendees, showcasing their company or organization and the services offered.
Drawing more than 7,000 participants annually, including veterans, ROTC members, VSOs, veteran-owned businesses and corporations with strong veteran ties, as well as musical groups, the annual Veterans Parade is a significant community event. Vet Fest offers a lively and family-friendly environment featuring live bands, food trucks and a beer garden. Moreover, attendees, including veterans and their families, can access a range of resources in a supportive atmosphere. These include job recruitment, healthcare benefits, educational opportunities, financial assistance and workshops.
“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the 10th year of Philadelphia’s Veterans Parade and Festival,” said Anthony Murphy, president of the Philadelphia Veterans Parade. “This event serves as a vital gathering for our community, bound together by a shared and unique experience. It’s a moment to honor and celebrate our collective history and pay homage to those who have paved the way for us.”
For sponsorship inquiries, businesses can email stevephillabaum@gmail.com.
WXPN announces 24-Hour Song Challenge
WXPN is inviting local songwriters to participate in a 24-Hour Song Challenge on June 1 at noon, when it will announce a song prompt to start the challenge. Artists will then have 24 hours to write a brand-new, original song, record a video of their performance, upload it to YouTube, and share it to the WXPN 24-Hour Song Challenge website to be judged by a panel.
The winner will receive $1,000, a one-year WXPN Program Partner Membership ($1,500 value), 10 hours of recording time at Milkboy Studios in Philadelphia and the opportunity to perform their winning song onstage at WXPN’s 2024 XPoNential Music Festival in September. The three runners-up will each receive $500 and a one-year basic-level WXPN membership ($120 value).
Registration is open and songwriters must sign up by May 23 at songchallenge.xpn.org.
“With so many talented, independent songwriters in our broadcast area, we’re looking to find some of the most creative during the song challenge,” said Bruce Warren, WXPN Associate General Manager for Programming. “It’s a unique and exciting opportunity for songwriters of all experience levels to showcase their talent.”
City controller announces audit of special exemption contracts
City Controller Christy Brady announced her office will conduct an audit of special exemption contracts for city departments that gave contracts to vendors without going through the public bidding process and allowed expenditures to carry over beyond the contracted year.
The audit is being conducted after concerns were raised by City Council President Kenyatta Johnson during a recent budget hearing and after the release of a preliminary report by the Inspector General’s Office involving the Office of Homeless Services.
“We are conducting a deeper dive into how the city issues contracts after concerns recently raised by city leaders along with prior audit findings involving procurement practices,” said Brady. “We want to ensure that taxpayer-funded contracts are being awarded properly and fairly. Most importantly, we want to make sure essential services are being delivered to all residents and businesses.”
Certain city departments are exempt from the public bidding process if they need to procure goods or services for immediate needs, as stipulated in the city charter. It includes the Department of Public Health, Department of Human Services, Office of Homeless Services and the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities. However, this practice can potentially create issues and concerns, because it circumvents the scrutiny and oversight of the standard RFP process, resulting in unaccounted for expenditures and budget shortfalls.
In addition, it was already discovered that some city departments without the exemption were using these departments to issue contracts and avoid the public bidding process. This practice can create situations where an exempt department has no oversight of the contract or work being performed but assumes the full responsibility of maintaining the contract.
“While the city charter recognizes the exemption for specific departments, it presents the possibility that the city could be paying too much for products and services, directing contracts to specific individuals or organizations that may not be qualified to perform the work, and putting minority businesses at a competitive disadvantage,” said Brady. “Furthermore, it creates an environment absent from accountability and liability.”
The Controller’s Office will review several key areas of contracting, including determining whether departments encumbered amounts substantially lower than the contract amount compared to what was actually spent; performing services that occurred under one contract but paying for them using another contract with the same vendor; exempt departments that have been contracting for similar services with the same vendor in the same period; and reviewing the number of instances that departments without the exemption have been using exempt departments to avoid the city’s contracting process.
The City Controller anticipates the audit work will take several months depending on the volume of records that need to be reviewed and the potential findings.
Prolific Gun Offender Unit created by DA’s office
District Attorney Larry Krasner announced the launch of a new prosecution unit at the District Attorney’s Office that will focus on adults and juveniles who repeatedly and illegally possess firearms in the city.
The DAO’s Prolific Gun Offenders Unit will prosecute the following gun offenses: Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Straw Purchases; Ghost Guns, Juveniles in Possession of Firearms; and individuals who are arrested and charged with the manufacturing and distribution of polymer firearms, also known as “ghost guns.” The DAO’s Prolific Gun Offenders Unit will also utilize criminal intelligence gathering in collaboration with law enforcement and the Gun Violence Task Force to ascertain whether those arrested are actively involved with street groups who commit violence in Philadelphia.
Assistant District Attorneys assigned to the DAO’s Prolific Gun Offenders Unit will also handle bail revocation hearings and will work closely with the DAO’s Charging Unit to appeal low cash bail rulings by Philadelphia Bail Commissioners for those who pose a danger to the community.
“I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to our partners in Philadelphia City Council for securing the funding to make this new initiative a reality,” Krasner said. “I’m confident that under the leadership of Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Palmer, the Prolific Gun Offender Unit will vigorously and appropriately prosecute and convict the relatively small number of people who pose a significant threat to public safety in our city.”
Waxman wants unit at correctional institution a permanent fixture statewide
State Rep. Ben Waxman is calling for the “Scandinavian Unit” at SCI Chester to be used permanently at correctional institutions across Pennsylvania.
The Scandinavian Unit is modeled after prisons in Scandinavia, where the core values are safety, transparency and innovation, with a focus on normality and reintegration into the community upon release.
“It’s time for a shift in how we handle corrections in PA. The Scandinavian Unit at SCI Chester isn’t just a program, it’s a new horizon in rehabilitation and human rights,” Waxman said. “This model focuses on transformative care, not just incarceration. In the next state budget, I will strongly advocate for us to include funding that would make the Scandinavian Unit a permanent fixture in our state’s corrections system.”
This unit is the result of a multiyear partnership with the Norwegian Correctional Service, the Swedish Prison and Probation Service, and the Danish Prison and Probation Service. In 2019, state Department of Corrections employees traveled to Norway, Sweden and Denmark to see for themselves how Scandinavian countries approach incarceration.
The unit provides a quiet environment where residents live in single-person cells with a shared kitchen surrounded by outdoor green space and plants.
Waxman has written a letter to the Department of Corrections calling for funding that would make this unit a permanent fixture within Pennsylvania’s correctional system.
Celebrate Armed Forces Day
Tony & Nick’s Steaks, 39 E. Oregon Ave., will be supporting the Michael Strange Foundation on Saturday, May 18, in honor of Armed Forces Day. All proceeds from sides and drinks purchased from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. will be donated to the Michael Strange Foundation, which assists Gold Star families in their grieving process by providing unconditional support and services by professionals in several fields, and also by those who have suffered similar losses so that the healing process can begin. The Delaware Sea Cadets will be on hand at noon. Navy Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Petty Officer First Class Michael Strange, a Wissinoming native and 2004 North Catholic graduate, died in 2011 of wounds caused when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard crashed in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was 25. Donations can be sent through Venmo @michael_strange_foundation ••
Troopers Association condemns firing
Pennsylvania State Troopers Association President Stephen Polishan condemned the decision by the Pennsylvania State Police to fire a trooper who conducted a March 2 Philadelphia traffic stop along Interstate 76.
Polishan said:
“This decision is reprehensible. This young trooper, on the job for only six months, deserved better from our department. The department’s leadership should have fought against the attacks made about this young man’s character. Instead, they abandoned him. We can only conclude this decision is a response to a politically charged atmosphere in Philadelphia and across Pennsylvania, which is making it increasingly difficult for law enforcement to carry out even their most basic duties.
“Like countless other traffic stops, this incident should’ve ended with a traffic ticket or warning and the driver being sent on their way. But a driver in a second car pulled up directly behind the trooper’s cruiser with dark, blacked-out windows, in violation of stopping on a limited access highway. Blacked-out windows also are illegal in Pennsylvania because they’re considered potentially dangerous to law enforcement officers, who cannot see if a threat exists in an automobile.
“The trooper, in the field on his own, now has his attention divided. He approached the second car with blacked-out windows, and the driver ignored orders to leave the scene. Following his training, the trooper arrested both individuals when they refused to cooperate and follow his orders.
“The growing lack of respect for law enforcement and the rule of law and the failure to understand when one’s actions may lead to a member of law enforcement feeling threatened are becoming an epidemic that must end. All this is being done at the expense of those who are putting it on the line every day.
“Every member of the Pennsylvania State Police is required to recite our Call of Honor, which includes a line we all take very seriously: ‘It is my duty to obey the law and to enforce it without any consideration of class, color, creed or condition.’ Those are words we live by. Today, our department sent a terrible message to all troopers that politics matter more than doing the right thing.” ••
Democrats celebrate trooper firing
While the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association condemned the firing of a trooper, members of the Philadelphia House Delegation said they were grateful to the Pennsylvania State Police for conducting a thorough investigation into the traffic stop and arrest of Celena Morrison and Darius McLean on I-76 in March.
“As chair of the delegation, I’m glad that the State Police have heard our concerns and took the time to hold a fair and impartial internal investigation into this matter, which has led to the officer involved no longer being employed by them,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas.
“I also commend the State Police for speeding up their commitment to make sure all officers working in Philadelphia have active body cameras. This will go a long way in protecting the citizens of Philadelphia as well as the hardworking members of the Pennsylvania State Police who serve and protect us day in and day out. This kind of transparency is critical when incidents like the one in March occur.”
State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, co-chair of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus and Democratic nominee for auditor general, said he was thankful PSP officials took the investigation seriously, though he said the traffic stop and what he claimed was an escalation of force by the trooper remain deeply troubling to him. Morrison and her husband are members of the LGBTQ+ community.
“The Pennsylvania State Police made good on its promise to us by conducting a fair and thorough investigation into the incident and by making sure the trooper involved did not interact with the public, especially after video of the escalation surfaced,” Kenyatta said. “This is why body-worn cameras are key. Historically marginalized and discriminated against people and communities should not have to get out their phones to record their interactions with police just to ensure accountability. It is incumbent on government to ensure that the law enforcement officers who are sworn to protect the public should bear that responsibility and accountability. I am heartened to see Pennsylvania moving in the right direction here.” ••
House GOP addresses illegals
State House Republicans have introduced legislation to combat illegal immigration in Pennsylvania in response to the Biden administration’s continued failure to secure the southern border. The legislation includes bills urging Congress and the federal government to ban flights carrying illegals into the country; requiring local cooperation with ICE when an illegal squatter is identified; and banning sanctuary municipalities. Rep. Martina White has introduced legislation to require $1 million minimum bail for assaulting a law enforcement officer, which was proposed in response to the attack on New York Police Department officers by a gang of illegal immigrants earlier this year.
“My legislation to set a minimum $1 million bail for assaulting a police officer sends a clear message: Pennsylvania stands firmly against violence toward those who protect and serve our communities,” she said. “We are committed to making sure those who would harm our officers, including illegal immigrants, will face serious consequences for their actions.” ••
Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate
Applications are available for the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Individuals who qualify can receive a rebate from $380 to $1,000 from property taxes or rent paid last year. The application must be filed by June 30. To qualify, you must be a senior citizen 65 years of age or older, a widow or widower 50 years of age or older, or a disabled person 18 years or older. Homeowners and renters who have annual incomes of $45,000 or less could qualify. Only half of your annual Social Security or SSI income is counted toward the income guideline. For more information or an application, call Polish American Social Services at 215-923-1900. ••
Entertainment at Parx
Parx Casino is offering the following upcoming entertainment:
May 17: Femmes of Rock
May 18: Sebastian Bach
May 31: Reik
June 1: Joss Stone
June 14: Almost Queen, a tribute to Queen
June 21: Corinne Bailey Rae
July 13: Clay Walker
Aug. 3: Tyler Henry, The Hollywood Medium
Aug. 10: Dylan Scott
Sept. 7: Australian Pink Floyd
Nov. 21: Aaron Lewis
Nov. 23: Steve Trevino ••
Summer, after-school programs
Applications are open for The College of Physicians of Philadelphia’s George and Judy Wohlreich Junior Fellows Program, a summer and after-school program for high school students interested in healthcare and medicine. The program is open to students who are currently freshmen who will be the first in their family to graduate from college, qualify for free or reduced-price school lunch and have no disciplinary problems on their school record.
Apply at Wohlreich Junior Fellows Program | The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
The year-long STEM Internship Program is aimed at Philadelphia high school students directly affected by violence who want to make a difference in their communities. The students explore the impact violence has on them and their communities, while improving their understanding of science, technology and medicine. There is a four-week summer internship in July and an after-school program once a week throughout the school year. The program is open to current sophomores and juniors (entering 11th or 12th grade in fall 2024) enrolled in a Philadelphia public or charter school.
Apply at STEM Internship | The College of Physicians of Philadelphia
There is no cost to apply or participate in the programs.
Learn more at https://collegeofphysicians.org/programs. ••
Car show and more
American Heritage Credit Union and BIG 98.1 will host the 20th annual car show and member appreciation day on May 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at AHCU headquarters at 2060 Red Lion Road. The free event is open to the community. All proceeds from will support the Kids-N-Hope Foundation. There will be craft vendors, food trucks, inflatables, a petting zoo, a clown and best-of-show car trophies.To register your car or car club for the show, visit AHCU.co/CarShow ••
See performance of Anything Goes
The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Cole Porter’s Anything Goes on May 31 and June 1-2 at 7 p.m. at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, at 7 Lock St. in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets are available on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at the Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, call director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714, like the group’s Facebook page, follow the group on Twitter @starplayersPPR or email Starplayers2013@gmail.com. ••
Bus trip to Lancaster County
St. William Travel is planning a trip to Lancaster County on June 20. There will be a Magic & Wonder Theater show, buffet lunch at Shady Maple, round trip by motorcoach, with all taxes and gratuities included. The costs $120. Bus departs from Gloria Dei Estates, 1304 Rhawn St., at 9:15 a.m. and returns 6:15 p.m. Check or money order payable to St. William Travel can be sent c/o 206 Benner St., Philadelphia, PA 19111. Call 215-745-7199. ••
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. ••
Trip to Northern Europe
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is presenting a Northern Europe: Iceland, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium and London cruise, July 25 to Aug. 4, aboard the new “Norwegian Prima.”
Rates per person are $6,261 and $6,495, which include roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia.
Deposit of $350 per person double occupancy is required when booking.
Call 215-788-9408. ••
Ukrainian Folk Festival in August
The Ukrainian Folk Festival will take place on Sunday, Aug. 25, from noon to 8 p.m., at the Ukrainian American Sport Center — Tryzub, County Line and Lower State roads, Horsham.
There will be Ukrainian folk art, music, dance, crafts and historical reenactments, a variety of food and refreshments and a vendors grove. Admission is $15, and a portion will be donated to relief of war victims in Ukraine. Kids under 15 will be admitted free. Parking is free. Call 267-664-3857, email info@tryzub.org or visit www.tryzub.org. ••
Searching for America’s funniest women
Comedy producers are searching for America’s funniest women in stand-up comedy to award more than $10,000 in national comedy bookings and the 2024 Ladies of Laughter titles this coming July and August in the New York metropolitan area.
Ladies of Laughter has separate categories for “Professionals” and “Newcomers.” Those chosen to compete will be judged on audience response, originality, material and delivery by a panel of producers, press and industry judges at four preliminary events taking place in New York City, New Jersey, Long Island and Westchester.
The winners from each event advance to the Grand Finale on Aug. 14 at Rodney’s Comedy Club in New York in front of a blue-ribbon panel of judges.
Those interested in entering the Ladies of Laughter “Her Time” competition should go to https://www.ladiesoflaughter.org. Contestants must be 18 years or older and must enter before June 15.Tickets for all events can be purchased at https://www.ladiesoflaughter.org/2024-contest ••
Support Michael Strange Foundation
The public is invited to attend two events held by the Michael Strange Foundation. On June 15, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., at American Legion Post, 9151 Old Newtown Road, there will be a live band, food and music. On June 16, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Parx horse racing track, third floor, Gold Star families will be on hand. Requested donations for each event are $40 per person. U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Michael Strange, a Wissinoming native and 2004 North Catholic graduate, died in 2011 of wounds caused when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard crashed in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was 25. ••
