Fiedler, Cephas seek change to Pa. tax rules
State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler and Morgan Cephas, both Philadelphia Democrats, have introduced legislation that would repeal Pennsylvania’s constitutional Uniformity Clause and clear the way for a progressive tax system.
House Bill 2807, introduced Sept. 28, would amend the state Constitution to remove a provision dating to 1874 that requires taxes to be applied uniformly to the same class of subjects. Fiedler, whose district includes parts of South Philadelphia, said the provision makes it difficult to require higher tax rates on higher incomes and larger businesses.
“Pennsylvania desperately needs revenue to fund our schools, roads, public transit and more,” Fiedler said, arguing that the clause puts an undue burden on working-class residents.
Cephas said Philadelphia’s working families face high state and local taxes and that the current system limits efforts to change that.
State Sen. Tim Kearney introduced a companion resolution in the Senate. The proposed constitutional amendment has been introduced twice previously. If approved by lawmakers, constitutional amendments also require voter approval. ••
BalletX opens 21st season with Prohibition-era Philadelphia premiere
South Philadelphia-based BalletX will kick off its 21st season with a two-week Fall Series at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, Nov. 4-15, featuring three contemporary works — including a world premiere set in Prohibition-era Philadelphia.
Loughlan Prior, choreographer in residence at New Zealand Ballet, will debut Speakeasy, a theatrical blend of contemporary ballet and jazz that explores the city’s past through dance, original music, costumes and sets.
The program also includes Amy Hall Garner’s Switching the Groove, a high-energy work that mixes ballet and contemporary movement, and Christian Denice’s In the Wake, a meditation on healing, memory and connection that debuted with BalletX in 2025.
“We are thrilled to leap into a new frontier,” said Christine Cox, BalletX artistic and executive director. “These three visionary choreographers fully embody the bold steps our company has planned for its third decade of dance.”
The company will host a season-opening gala Nov. 3. Young Patrons Circle members can attend a special Nov. 13 performance with discounted tickets and an after-party. ••
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration at Penn Museum
The Penn Museum will celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a free family festival Saturday, Oct. 10, featuring native artists, hands-on activities, storytelling and a film screening.
The Firstival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and includes free admission to the museum’s galleries, exhibitions and activities. The event is part of the Philadelphia Historic District’s 52 Weeks of Firsts and Penn and Philly’s 250 Years of Shared History.
Multidisciplinary artist Holly Wilson, Delaware Nation Lenape and a descendant of the Delaware Tribe of Indians, will lead an artist talk at 11:30 a.m., followed by a mask-making workshop at noon. Wilson’s “Native Futurism,” a large-scale installation at the museum’s East Entrance, includes a 20-foot painting of children catching fireflies, photographs of plants indigenous to the Philadelphia region and archival images of Lenape people.
Other activities include a family experience in the Native North America Gallery at 1:30 p.m. and a Wampum bracelet workshop at 2 p.m. A screening of “In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America” begins at 3 p.m., followed by a panel discussion. ••
Over $3.5M in grants coming to Waxman’s district
More than $3.5 million in state grant funding is headed to 13 projects in Rep. Ben Waxman’s Center City district, including improvements at several Philadelphia cultural, recreational and community institutions.
Waxman announced $3,539,211 in Local Share Account funding Sept. 15. The grants include $530,794 for drainage and soil restoration at the Palumbo Recreation Center field, $350,000 for turfgrass at the Marian Anderson Recreation Center and $500,000 for enhanced lighting in Rittenhouse Square.
Other awards include $425,000 for elevator modernization at Moore College of Art and Design, $400,000 to renovate Charles Albert Tindley’s study and living quarters at Tindley Temple United Methodist Church and $203,683 for elevator modernization at Philadelphia Theatre Company.
The Philadelphia Clef Club of the Performing Arts also will receive $250,000 in funding secured with House Appropriations Chairman Jordan Harris to renovate its cultural facility.
“This $3.5 million in funding will directly support organizations that are doing the work of creating community in our neighborhoods,” Waxman said.
The Local Share Account program is funded by gaming revenue and supports economic development, infrastructure and community projects. ••
Sinatra tribute show in Bensalem
Joey C will perform his Tribute to Sinatra Dinner Show on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Maltese Room, 2049 Bristol Pike, in Bensalem. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 and the show at 7:30. Tickets are $50 for a buffet dinner and the show, and include a complimentary glass of beer or wine. For tickets, contact Tom O’Neill at 215-675-9700 or OneillsCatering@comcast.net. ••
Apply to become police officer
The Philadelphia Police Department is accepting applications from individuals interested in beginning a career in law enforcement. The application period runs through Oct. 11. New recruits are also eligible for a $2,000 signing bonus. Prospective applicants can learn more about the hiring process, salary and benefits, qualifications and specialized career opportunities, and view the department’s recruitment videos at JoinPhillyPD.com. ••
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/ ••
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 ••
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. ••
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. ••
Pulaski Day Parade on Oct. 4
The 93rd annual Pulaski Day Parade will take place on Sunday, Oct. 4, beginning at noon from 19th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The parade will proceed on the Parkway to 16th Street, then make a U-turn and proceed on the Parkway to the reviewing stand at Logan Circle (19th and the Parkway). The parade will be televised live from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Channel 6.
For more details, visit the Pulaski Day Parade link on the top of the front page of PolishAmericanCenter.com ••
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. ••
