911 centers will have more funding from surcharge increase
The Shapiro administration announced that funding for the state’s 61 county-based Public Safety Answering Points, commonly called “911 centers,” is on track to meet or exceed the April 1 to March 31, 2025, projection of $370 million. The 2024 second-quarter revenue for 911 centers was $97.1 million, which exceeds the projected $92.5 million quarterly revenue total.
There are about 2,500 PSAP telecommunicators in Pennsylvania, and they answer about 15.2 million requests for emergency assistance annually.
“Our PSAPs, and the dedicated staff who answer the call 24 hours a day, are the backbone of the public safety network in Pennsylvania,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “This revenue increase affirms the Shapiro administration commitment to supporting their long-term, sustainable growth as we continue to build out cutting-edge Next Generation 911 technology.”
In 2023, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Act 34, which extended the state’s 911 program through Jan. 31, 2029. A critical component of Act 34 increased funding by an estimated $47.7 million per year by increasing the monthly phone surcharge for 911 services from $1.65 to $1.95 from March 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2026. The fee increase was necessary to counter the increasing costs of providing quality 911 services across the state.
Since 2015, the surcharge has been integral to support the planning, coordinating, testing and implementation of Next Generation 911 service across the state. NG911 includes many of the services that callers expect as mobile network technology improves, such as Text-to-911 and improved caller location data. Plans to continue the improvement of 911 service in Pennsylvania include behind-the-scenes improvements and cost-saving measures, such as regionalization of services used by individual county PSAPs, better Geographic Information System data, and building out redundant systems to ensure seamless information sharing.
“Both the callers who need assistance and the first responders who will provide the help they need are benefiting from this funding,” said PEMA Deputy Director for 911 Greg Kline. “It is our mission to make sure they have the best information, tools and resources they need to do their jobs to keep residents and visitors safe across Pennsylvania.”
PA to join IRS Direct File; residents can file taxes for free next year
Pennsylvania will join IRS Direct File for filing season 2025, ensuring people have access to a free, easy-to-use online tool when they file their federal taxes next year. Direct File will build on myPATH, Pennsylvania’s free tool to file state income taxes and apply for tax cuts like the Property Tax/Rent Rebate.
Using the Direct File online filing tool, qualifying taxpayers will first be able to complete their 2024 federal tax returns. Following that step, Direct File will direct qualifying taxpayers to Pennsylvania’s state income tax filing system, myPATH, where they will be able to file and complete their 2024 Pennsylvania state returns. Some information, including W-2s and demographic information, will automatically be uploaded to their state return to help save time and ensure folks don’t have to input their information twice.
Free admission for kids on Labor Day weekend at Museum of the American Revolution
Join the Museum of the American Revolution over Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, for family-friendly activities, hands-on crafts, live performances and a chance to explore the special exhibit Witness to Revolution: The Unlikely Travels of Washington’s Tent. Throughout the holiday weekend, children 12 and under will receive free admission when tickets are purchased at the front desk.
Bailar en FDR
Want to learn how to dance salsa and bachata? ¡Vamos a Bailar en FDR! Join Fairmount Park Conservancy at the historic FDR Park Boathouse for an all-levels dance lesson from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. followed by a social dance from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. hosted by DJ Val Flores & Philly Outdoor Bachata & Salsa. Free to join. Dates are Aug. 9, Aug. 23 and Sept. 27.
City reintroduces single ride pass for bikes
The City of Philadelphia and Bicycle Transit Systems announced the return of the Single Ride Pass for Indego – the city’s bikeshare initiative. Single ride now joins the existing 24-hour, monthly and yearly ride passes.
The City serves as owner of the Indego bikeshare initiative; Bicycle Transit Systems serves as operator responsible for carrying out maintenance, marketing and customer service; and Independence Blue Cross is the title sponsor of the program.
Throughout 2024, Indego will add 750 new docking points, partitioned into 35-40 stations, and an additional 375 Indego e-bikes to the system. Over 100 additional classic bikes will also be deployed to ensure that a core fleet of class bikes remains available to Indego Passholders. Key areas for expansion include Mill Creek/Parkside, Kingsessing, Kensington/Richmond, Wynnefield/Overbrook and Upper East Falls.
At the conclusion of the 2024 expansion, the Indego bikeshare system will service Philadelphia with more than 5,500 docks and a fleet of nearly 3,000 bikes. This growth is guided by the 2023 Indego Equity Plan – a five-year plan intended to establish a path for Indego to continue to grow and operate in an equitable manner.
Indego’s Single Ride costs $4.50 for 30 minutes of use on any classic bike. If you choose to ride an Indego Electric bike, there will be an additional fee of 30¢ per minute (no additional fee for Indego classic bikes). The 30-minute Single Ride starts the moment you begin your first ride. If your ride exceeds 30 minutes, you will be charged an additional $4.50 for every 30 minutes.
The Single Ride is for one continuous 30-minute trip. Note that the 30 minutes cannot be split into multiple trips.
The increased Indego Electric bike fee on the Single Ride supports the higher operational costs of maintaining the fleet of electric bikes. For all other pass types, the additional fee for Indego Electric bikes remains 20¢ per minute (7¢ per minute for Access passes).
The Single Ride Pass can be purchased just like any other Indego pass. Select the Single Ride on the official Indego mobile app, and when you’re ready to ride, unlock a bike using the mobile unlock feature. When you’re finished, make sure to firmly dock the bike to avoid any additional fees.
Women’s Film Festival returns to Philly
From Aug. 15-25, the Women’s Film Festival will feature screenings, workshops and networking opportunities for the filmmakers and audiences. Selections come from the submissions received domestically and internationally. This year also boasts films from local filmmakers that will be spotlighted in the Philly Philmmakers program.
Opening night will be a thriller by two local filmmakers with the feature film, Last Known Location, written by and starring West Chester resident Aimee Donnelly and directed by her husband, Danny Donnelly. The film will be screened at the Perelman building of the Philadelphia Museum of Art followed by a party at Rittenhouse Grill. The subsequent films will primarily take place at the Neighborhood House Performance Venue at Christ Church with a special “Dinner and a Movie” night at City Winery.
Halloween comes early with Glass Casa, a dark comedy directed by filmmaker Laa Marcus, and the closing night film Lost Joy, a horror film with twists and turns co-written and starring Winter Bassett.
Other highlights include several educational documentaries. Jailhouse to Milhouse takes a look at the journey of Pamela Hayden, voice of Milhouse and several other characters on “The Simpsons.” After surviving an abusive boarding school and juvenile jail, Pamela now speaks to teen girls about overcoming obstacles. Interception: Jaynes Kennedy • American Sportscaster chronicles the tumultuous story of Jayne Kennedy, a black woman who tackled the racial lines of American sportscasting.
The festival features comedies, documentaries, features and short programs “By, For and About Women.” The mission of the Women’s Film Festival is to provide a vehicle to tell women’s stories and to uplift and support women filmmakers.
Supporting onlines businesses
City Councilwoman Rue Landau, chairwoman of the Committee of Technology and Information Services, held a roundtable discussion with online small business owners. Landau sought insights and experiences from the city’s entrepreneurs to inform future policies and initiatives to better support and sustain online businesses based in Philadelphia.
“Small businesses are crucial to our economy, and the rise of online businesses has brought new opportunities and challenges,” Landau said. “We want to continue to foster a thriving city that encourages both traditional and online small business entrepreneurs.”
Guests included businesses South Fellini, Remark Glass, Philly Cookie Co, This Corner, Omoi, Ps&Qs and Yowie. The group covered a range of topics, including digital marketing and e-commerce strategies, access to funding and financial resources, regulatory challenges and opportunities, and collaboration opportunities.
Online small business owners from various sectors were invited to participate and share their insights. The feedback gathered will shape policies and initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of online businesses in Philadelphia. ••
Hero Thrill Show is Sept. 21
The 69th annual Hero Thrill Show will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, from noon to 5 p.m., at the Wells Fargo Center parking lot.
Featured will be the Sound of Philadelphia music by DJ legend Bob Pantano, performances and displays of K-9 and bicycle units, the elite Philadelphia Police Motorcycle Highway Patrol Drill Team, mounted police horse, fire engines, crime-fighting equipment by the Police Aviation Unit, Bomb Squad, Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Marine Unit, firearms instructors, Police Academy and SWAT Unit.
Tickets are $15 for individuals and $35 for a family (up to five).
Proceeds pay for the college tuition of children of Philadelphia police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
For more information, go to herothrillshow.org. ••
Entertainment at Parx
Parx Casino is offering the following upcoming entertainment:
Aug. 23: The Marshall Tucker Band
Sept. 7: Australian Pink Floyd
Sept. 21: Dustin Lynch
Oct. 4: Heather McDonald
Oct. 18: Straight No Chaser
Oct. 19: Giggly Squad Live
Oct. 25: Michael Blaustein
Nov. 9: Air Supply
Nov. 21: Aaron Lewis
Nov. 23: Steve Trevino
Dec. 7: Kathleen Madigan ••
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. ••
Party for West Catholic girls class of ‘69
West Catholic Girls Class of 1969 will have its 55th anniversary party on Sunday, Sept. 29, at Anthony’s Ristorante, 865 W. Springfield Road, Springfield. The cost for the luncheon is $65. Call Hannah at 610-764-3249. ••
Ukrainian Folk Festival on Aug. 25
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. ••
