Morris Street I-95 ramp closure extended through November
South Philadelphia drivers heading for southbound I-95 from Morris Street will have to take the long way around for several more weeks.
PennDOT said the ramp from Morris Street to southbound I-95 will remain closed around the clock through Friday, Nov. 20, as bridge repairs continue. The closure is part of a $60.4 million project to make high-priority repairs to interstate bridges throughout the Philadelphia region.
During the closure, drivers will be detoured via Water Street, Tasker Street, Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Oregon Avenue and Front Street to reach southbound I-95. PennDOT is warning drivers to allow extra travel time, as backups and delays are expected along the detour.
The project includes repairs to deteriorated bridge decks and structural components as well as work on bridge railings, guiderails, expansion joints and concrete and steel supports. Crews also will clean and repaint overhead steel sign structures and upgrade roadway lighting to LED fixtures.
IEW Construction Group Inc. of Hamilton, New Jersey, is the project’s general contractor. The work is being funded entirely with federal funds.
Drivers can check traffic conditions, delays and roadway cameras through 511PA or by calling 511. ••
Fiedler bill to speed energy connections passes Pa. House
A bill backed by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler that aims to speed up the process of connecting small-scale energy projects to Pennsylvania’s electric grid has cleared the state House.
House Bill 2595, sponsored by Fiedler and Rep. John Inglis, passed 187-16 on Sept. 30. The legislation would require electric utilities to complete studies and safety reviews for new energy projects within 90 days and establish a timeline for any needed distribution upgrades.
Supporters say the current process can take more than a year in Pennsylvania, while neighboring states typically complete similar reviews within 60 days or less.
“This bill will help us get more energy online quickly, including clean renewable energy across the state,” Fiedler said. She said the measure could save money for schools and residents while removing barriers to small-scale energy generation.
The legislation also would establish a dispute-resolution process for delays. It now moves to the Senate for consideration. ••
Republican lawmakers seek probe of alleged antisemitism in Philly schools
Pennsylvania House Republican leaders are asking Attorney General Dave Sunday to investigate whether Jewish students in the School District of Philadelphia have faced a systemic pattern of discrimination.
State Rep. Martina White, a Republican who represents part of Philadelphia, authored a letter to Sunday requesting a review by the attorney general’s Civil Rights Enforcement Section. House Republican Leader Jesse Topper and other GOP lawmakers signed the letter.
The request cites reports of online threats against Jewish parents and students, a federal discrimination case involving swastika graffiti and concerns about curriculum materials connected to an initiative called “Teaching Palestine.”
“Jewish students, like students from all faith and ethnic backgrounds, deserve to learn in an environment where they are respected, included and free from discrimination,” White said. “It is impossible to learn when you are worried about continued aggressions.”
White said the issue is particularly urgent as the third anniversary of the attacks in Israel occurred on Oct. 7, citing a rise in antisemitism in the United States and worldwide.
“The School District of Philadelphia has a troubling history of not protecting its Jewish students,” White said. ••
House passes bill targeting vape sales to minors
A bill sponsored by state Rep. Amen Brown that would increase penalties for retailers who sell vaping products to minors has passed the House.
The CLEAR Act passed unanimously and would fine retailers $5,000 for each of their first two violations involving sales of e-cigarettes or flavored nicotine products to young people. A third violation would result in permanent revocation of the retailer’s cigarette license.
The bill specifically targets flavored vaping products, including varieties such as mango, cotton candy and mint.
“Vaping has become a silent epidemic in our schools and neighborhoods,” Brown said. “This is not just a public health issue — it’s a community safety issue.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, e-cigarettes were the most commonly used tobacco product among middle and high school students in 2024, with more than 1.2 million high school students reporting use.
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration. ••
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. ••
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 ••
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. ••
Free pet adoption event on Oct. 17
Doll 10 Beauty is partnering with Women’s Animal Center on a free pet adoption event for the community on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Dolls for Paws Adoption event will be hosted at Women’s Animal Center, 3839 Richlieu Road, Bensalem. The event will also feature complimentary refreshments and coloring activities for children. All adoption fees will be fully covered by Doll 10 Beauty. In addition, Women’s Animal Center includes spaying or neutering, vaccinations, microchipping and discounted veterinary services with 20% off the first annual wellness exam. Adopters will receive Doll 10 adoption gift bags. For more information, visit www.womensanimalcenter.org ••
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. ••
Rummage sales at Pres
Presentation BVM church hall, 100 Old Soldiers Road, Cheltenham, PA 19012, will host rummage sales on Friday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 215-379-1364. ••
Meet the candidates
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, will host its annual Meet the Candidates Brunch on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 10:30 a.m. The event is open to the community and there is no charge. Bagels and schmears will be served. RSVP at 215-677-1600. ••
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. 16, 1-3 p.m.: Book Club: How to Solve Your Own Murder, by Kristen Perrin.
Sunday, Oct. 18, 1-2 p.m.: Living History: The Continental Soldier – presented by historian Stephen Pierce. Suitable for ages 10 and up. Suggested $5 donation. Registration: ryerssmuseum@gmail.com
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 meetings of a Parkinson’s Disease Support Group on upcoming Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m.
The schedule and guest speakers: Oct. 14 (Luisa Enriquez, social worker); and Dec. 9 (Dr. Teodora Schellato, 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 ••
