Donate thrift goods
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will be open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through August to accept donations. Call 215-624-9130. ••
Tacony Arts Day on Aug. 1
State Sen. Joe Picozzi will hold the first Tacony Community Arts Day on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the 6900 block of Torresdale Ave. The event will be in partnership with City Councilman Mike Driscoll, Mural Arts Philadelphia, Tacony Community Development Corporation and Tacony LAB Community Art Center. There will be live artists and performances, demonstrations, face painting, family services and local artisan vendors. ••
Block party outside Oxley Post
The American Legion Oxley Post 133 Auxiliary will hold its annual block party on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The party will be on the 7900 block of Torresdale Ave., from Rhawn Street to Decatur Street, The theme is Summer of Love. All are welcome. There will be vendors, crafters, music, face painting, games, street chalk art, food and drink, 50-50, small basket raffle and a Best Hippie Costume Contest. Free parking is available at New Foundations Elementary School, Torresdale and Rhawn. For more information, call Kay at 267-255-5234. ••
Donate blood
The American Red Cross is encouraging people to donate blood. The Northeast Philadelphia Blood Donation Center, 1401 Rhawn St., is open Monday-Wednesday, 11:45 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday from 10:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday-Sunday, 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Blood can also be donated on July 27 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road; and on July 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fox Chase Cancer Center Medical Center Building, 333 Cottman Ave. Schedule an appointment to give blood by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 800-RED CROSS. ••
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:
• July 25: Norphans at the Beach, Keenan’s, North Wildwood
• Sept. 8: Photos on steps of North Catholic building
• Sept. 22: Alumni Association Golf Outing, North Hills Country Club
• Oct. 3: Homecoming/all-year reunion at Cannstatter’s, 1-5 p.m.
• 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 ••
Community picnics
State Sen. Tina Tartaglione will hold four community picnics in the summer. There will be free refreshments, a DJ, backpack giveaways, raffles, games and face painting. The schedule is Tuesday, July 28, Bridesburg Recreation Center, 4601 Richmond St.; Thursday, July 30, Heitzman Recreation Center, 2136 Castor Ave.; Tuesday, Aug. 4, Margaret Tartaglione Park, 5773-5945 Frankford Ave. (Cheltenham Avenue entrance); and Thursday, Aug. 6, Norris Square Park, 2100 N. Howard St. Times are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 215-533-0440. ••
Senior singles group to hold breakfast meeting
The Senior Singles Breakfast Group will meet on Sunday July 26, at 11:30 a.m. at Cafe Oley, 1051 County Line Road, in Huntingdon Valley. ••
Program at NE Regional
Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave., will host Resume Review and Professional Styling on Thursday, July 23, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Get job assistance from experienced professionals, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, take advantage of professional styling sessions and delivery package options. No appointments required. ••
Welsh Road Library programming
Welsh Road Library, 9233 Roosevelt Blvd., will host Science in the Summer on Wednesdays through Aug. 19, at 2 p.m. Participants will perform chemical experiments. The program is best suited for second- to seventh-graders.
The Museum of the American Revolution will return on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 3 p.m. for an archaeological exploration of discoveries under the museum. All ages welcome. ••
Book club meeting at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will hold an evening book club meeting on Tuesday, July 28, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss I Who Have Never Known Men, by Jacqueline Harpman. Deep underground, 39 women live imprisoned in a cage. As numberless years pass, a young girl — the 40th prisoner — sits alone and outcast in the corner. Soon she will show herself to be the key to the others’ escape and survival in the strange world that awaits them above ground. Copies of the book are available to borrow. ••
Events at Drexel Library
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will hold a friendly Crossword Puzzle Race for all ages at 10:30 a.m. every Friday in July.
Master gardener Barbara Mancini, Penn State Extension Program, will be at the library on Monday, Aug. 3, at 1 p.m. for Container Gardening with Native Plants, a presentation on gardening with native plants in containers. ••
Preschool storytime at Drexel Library
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host preschool storytime and play on Thursdays, July 23 and Aug. 6 and 20, at 10:30 a.m. There will be fun stories and songs followed by creative play. For children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. 215-685-9383. ••
Programming at Lawncrest Library
Lawncrest Library, 6098 Rising Sun Ave., will hold a Neighborhood City Hall on Thursday, July 23, from noon to 5 p.m. Neighborhood Community Action Center staff will be on site on the first and fourth Thursday of the month.
The art club will meet on Friday, July 24, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. The club is open to all skill levels and to anyone 12 and older.
A Beginner English class will take place on Saturday, July 25, from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
The library will distribute lunches for kids 18 and younger every weekday from 1-2 p.m. through Aug. 21.
Beginner Friendly Yoga takes place every Saturday, from 11 a.m. to noon, at the library. Mats provided. All ages welcome. ••
Car show, flea market
Good Shepherd Church, 10901 Calera Road, will hold a car show and flea market, both in memory of Camera Bob Parncutt, on Saturday, Aug. 8.
The flea market will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Vendor spots are $25. Setup time is 8 a.m.
The church is teaming with Misled Car Club for the car show, 4-8 p.m. Registration is $20, and winners will receive trophies. DJ Tom Parker will be spinning the tunes.
Food will be for sale at both events.
To register as a flea market vendor or for more information, call Rosemarie at 215-868-5304. ••
Chick-fil-A raises $108K for rare disorder
More than 60 locally owned Chick-fil-A restaurants in the Philadelphia region raised more than $108,000 for the Rett Syndrome Research Trust through this year’s “Mac & Cheese for Molly” campaign. The annual fundraiser honors Molly Foley, a Philadelphia-area resident diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that primarily affects girls and can impair speech, movement and communication. Proceeds from the campaign support research into treatments and a cure for the condition.
“It is an honor to partner with Miracles for Molly to support the Rett Syndrome Research Trust,” said Bob Fanelli, owner-operator of Chick-fil-A Whitman Square, 9711 Roosevelt Blvd. “Seeing more than 60 Chick-fil-A restaurants across the Philadelphia area come together behind this cause speaks to the power of our local community and our shared commitment to making a difference.” ••
Fundraiser a big success
The Last Big Event for Susan’s Charity raised $15,000 and collected more than 300 games and toys during a recent fundraiser at the Churchville home of Mike and Annette Perzel. The charity will be donating the games and toys to Gwen & Olivia’s Branches for distribution at Christmas. Susan’s Charity for Children is named in memory of Susan Perzel, mother of Mike, a retired Mayfair insurance broker. ••
Planting with Purpose
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus, 7600 Central Ave., will host Planting with Purpose, a free program designed to support individuals and families through nutrition education and access to fresh food, on Tuesday, July 28, from 6-7 p.m. Participants learn how healthy eating can reduce the risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Through hands-on gardening, group nutrition sessions and guidance from registered dietitians, participants gain practical tools to make healthier choices every day. The program also provides fresh produce and easy-to-use home gardening kits. To register, call 215-728-4861 or email PlantingwithPurpose@fccc.edu ••
Trip to Lancaster County
St. Dominic’s Respect Life Ministry will hold a trip to see the musical Joshua at Sight & Sound Theatres, Lancaster County, on Thursday, Oct. 8. There will be lunch at Shady Maple Smorgasbord and shopping at Kitchen Kettle Village. Cost is $197. For reservations and information, call Susan, 215-333-4313, or Lisa, 215-331-2751. ••
Upcoming operas
Amici Opera Company will present the following upcoming performances of Tossini’s The Italian Girl in Algiers:
Saturday, July 25, at 4 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 1501 W. Brigantine Ave. The cost is $30.
Sunday, July 26, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
Tuesday, July 28, at 6 p.m. at La Piovra, 7901 High School Road, Elkins Park. The cost is $54.95 and includes dinner and the show (tips and tax not included). For reservations, call 215-606-3800.
Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Sign up for silent retreat
The Mother Boniface Spirituality Center, 3501 Solly Ave., invites adults to the week‑long Come and Rest Awhile: Silent Directed Retreat from July 26 to Aug. 2. There will be private rooms, daily Mass, meals, optional spiritual direction and time for prayer and reflection in a peaceful setting. Cost is $750; scholarships are available. For details and registration, visit msbt.org/mbsc or call 267‑350‑1830. ••
Concert schedule
The Pennypack Music Festival concerts are Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Doors open at 5. Admission is free. The schedule is below.
July 22: Bad Kid (Bad Company, Kid Rock); July 29: Pure Petty (Tom Petty); Aug. 5: The Land of Ozz (Ozzy, Black Sabbath); Aug. 12: Street Survivors (Lynyrd Skynyrd); Aug. 19: Well Alright (Rolling Stones); Aug. 26: LeCompt. ••
Wiffle ball tourney for charity
The Holly Colwell Save 2nd Base Wiffle Ball Tournament will take place on Saturday, July 25, at 9:30 a.m. at Hayes Playground (Bustleton Bengals), 9945 President St. The tournament is open to teams 14-and-older and 13-and-under. Teams are made up of 5 to 10 players. The cost is $30 per player. Proceeds will go to cancer patients. The winning team can donate $500 to the cancer charity of its choice. Food and drink will be available for purchase, and there will be raffles and a 50-50. Volunteer umpires are needed, and they will be given food and a T-shirt. The public is invited to attend. Contact Nick Tarducci at 215-964-1944 or nicholastarducci@yahoo.com or Christine Tarducci at 215-906-8179 or myforboys@comcast.net.
8th District Captain Townhall
The 8th Police District, 3100 Red Lion Road, will hold Captain Townhall meetings at 6 p.m. on the following dates: Thursdays, July 30, Aug. 27, Sept. 24 and Oct. 29 and Tuesday, Nov. 24. ••
Picozzi bill on predatory towing passes
Sen. Joe Picozzi announced that the House of Representatives has passed his bill to strengthen protections for motorists and crack down on predatory towing and it now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature. Senate Bill 779 strengthens enforcement of Pennsylvania’s towing law by creating criminal penalties for those who knowingly violate consumer protection requirements. The bill targets bad actors who take advantage of motorists following accidents, breakdowns and other emergencies. The legislation strengthens existing consumer protections by allowing law enforcement to enforce violations involving unauthorized repairs, deceptive towing practices, improper billing and payment requirements.
“Motorists should never have to worry about being taken advantage of during an already stressful situation,” Picozzi said. “We are standing up for consumers and making sure those deceptive towing operators are held accountable.” ••
Picozzi’s bill to fund law enforcement investigations passes
Sen. Joe Picozzi announced that his Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Act to help law enforcement agencies solve more homicides and violent crimes has been included in the 2026-27 state budget. The legislation, also known as Senate Bill 911, creates a grant program through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency that will provide local law enforcement agencies with resources to hire and retain detectives and investigators, modernize investigative technology and strengthen violent crime investigations. In Pennsylvania, more than a quarter of homicides remain unsolved, and many law enforcement agencies face shortages of personnel and access to modern investigative resources. The initial funding for the VICTIM Act through the fiscal code is $2.5 million. The funding may be used to hire and train investigators, modernize evidence collection and forensic technology, support witness assistance efforts and enhance crime-analysis capabilities. The bill also includes reporting and evaluation requirements to ensure accountability and measure results.
“Every unsolved homicide leaves a family without answers and a community without closure,” Picozzi said. “The inclusion of the VICTIM Act in this year’s budget is a real investment in our law enforcement officers who serve our communities every day. When we provide them with resources they need, they deliver more justice for victims and safer neighborhoods for everyone.” ••
Apply to become Philly police officer
The Philadelphia Police Department is accepting applications for new police officer recruits through Aug. 2. Prospective applicants can learn more about the hiring process, salary and benefits, qualifications, specialized career opportunities and view the department’s new recruitment videos by visiting www.JoinPhillyPD.com/Reels. Additional information about becoming a Philadelphia police officer is available at JoinPhillyPD.com. ••
American flag raising scheduled for National Night Out at Roosevelt Rec
City Councilman Mike Driscoll is sponsoring Tacony Town Watch’s National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 3-7 p.m. at Roosevelt Playground, 6455 Walker St. This event is usually hosted at Russo Park, but renovations – including a mulri-purpose turf field for St. Hubert – will be underway. There will be a ceremony to retire the playground’s tattered American flag and raise a new one, provided by state Rep. Jared Solomon. A representative from American Legion William D. Oxley Post 133 and a U.S. Air Force Officer will be present to perform the ceremony. The Greater Kensington String Band will entertain. ••
New website for Times
The Northeast Times has returned to the website patimes.media. The website includes news, sports, opinion, crime, entertainment and features, and a link to sign up for a free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox. The site includes an option to read the current issue in “flipbook” style and a link to subscribe to the print edition. Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram and on X @NETimesOfficial. In addition to the Times being delivered to homes, the paper can be found at these spots: https://patimes.media/pickup-locations/. ••
Roller Derby at NE Racquet Club
Penn Jersey Roller Derby will present the Jimmy James Invitational on Aug. 15-16 at Northeast Racquet Club & Fitness Center, 9389 Krewstown Road. For more information, visit the Penn Jersey Roller Derby page on Facebook. ••
Volunteer at Fox Chase Farm
Fox Chase Farm is looking for adult volunteers. Opportunities include weekend community programs and events, garden and greenhouse support, animal care support, administrative duties during events, general grounds care, weekly and monthly highlights newsletters and farm educational ambassadors. For more information, contact Angela at 215-400-3310, Option 3 or acaristo@philasd.org ••
Help available for veterans
State Rep. Jared Solomon hosts a veterans clinic at his office at 7104 Frankford Ave. on the second Thursday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A representative from American Legion Post 810 assists veterans with benefits. To make an appointment, call 215-543-6755. ••
Bingo at Loudenslager
Corp. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., is offering community bingo every second and fourth Friday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and games begin at 7:30. There are dollar hot dogs and free popcorn. ••
Bird walks every Monday
Fox Chase Farm, 8500 Pine Road, holds a free weekly bird walk, every Monday from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. Bring your own binoculars. Email azaccagni@philasd.org ••
Monthly food pantry
St. Mark’s Church, 4442 Frankford Ave., hosts the Matthew 25 Food Pantry on the second Saturday of each month from 9-10 a.m. The pantry is a ministry of the Court St. Francis de Sales Catholic Daughters of the Americas. ••
Bingo at Cannstatter’s
Bingo is played every Thursday at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Bingo starts at 6:30. Call 215-322-0121. ••
Curfew, underage drinking
Curfew in Philadelphia is 9:30 p.m. for anyone 13 and under and 10 p.m. for those ages 14-17. If police pick up someone for a curfew violation in the Northeast, the young person will be taken home, to the Community Evening Resource Center at 4704 Leiper St. in Frankford or to the 2nd, 7th, 8th or 15th police districts. The penalty for a curfew violation can be up to $300.
Under state law, underage drinking is a summary offense with a $500 fine for the first violation. Anyone receiving a citation for underage drinking can be asked about it on applications for jobs, college applications and appointments to military service academies. ••
Chair yoga at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., hosts chair yoga on Wednesdays at 10:10 a.m. The class is presented by Yoga4Philly and sponsored by Friends of Bustleton Library. ••
English classes at Bustleton Library
Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., hosts free intermediate English classes on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. To register, go to remind.com/join/dbhd4e or call 215-685-0472. ••
Activities at Rosemary Montagno Senior Center
The Rosemary Montagno Senior Center, 12601 Townsend Road, has the following schedule: Monday – free time activities, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday – bingo, 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.; Wednesday – pinochle and mahjong, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., ceramics, 10 a.m. to noon; Thursday – line dancing, 10:30 a.m. to noon; Friday – Pinochle 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ••
Join St. Anselm Seniors
St. Anselm has started a senior citizen club that meets most Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory Hall, 12650 Dunksferry Road. The club is open to men and women 55 and older, and members don’t have to be St. Anselm parishioners. For more information, visit the St. Anselm Senior Citizens Club page on Facebook. ••
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. ••
Going to Greece
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation will travel to Greece from Aug. 29 to Sept. 7. Rates range from $4,957 to $5,771 per person, double occupancy, and include round-trip airfare from Philadelphia, the cruise, beverages and taxes. Passports are required. For a flyer, call 215-788-9408. For reservations, call 800-423-0247. ••
Patriotic Bingo
Catholic Daughters Court 2222 will hold Patriotic Bingo on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 6-10 p.m. at Marian Hall, 8532 Frankford Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $35, and tables of 10 are available for purchase. There will be 10 games for cash prizes, along with beer, wine, soda, water, coffee, tea, desserts and light snacks. The night will also include a 50-50, raffle baskets and pull-tab games. Proceeds will benefit the St. Dominic Church Restoration Fund. For tickets or more information, call Denise Barr at 484-467-3808. ••
Farm stand at Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus Auxiliary operates a farm stand Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October in the main lobby of the hospital, 7600 Central Ave. The stand offers locally grown produce, honey, maple syrup, apple butter and pumpkin butter. Call 215-728-2131 or email rosemarie.schlegel@tuhs.temple.edu. ••
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: Aug. 12 (Sonia Williams-Joseph, physical therapist); 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 ••
Come on down to Price is Right casting call
Rivers Casino will host a casting call for The Price is Right on Wednesday, July 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Event Center. Doors open at 10 a.m. Producers are looking for energetic, outgoing people to appear on a television taping of the game show. Auditions are open to people ages 18 and older who are legal U.S. residents. Potential contestants will meet with producers and have about one minute to show off their personality, enthusiasm and excitement. Two people will win travel to and accommodations in Los Angeles. One will be guaranteed a chance to be a contestant. Register at https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/the-price-is-right-contestant-search-philadelphia-july-22-2026/ ••
Craft bags for kids
Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, is offering grab-and-go craft bags on Mondays through Aug. 10. Visit the library at 11 a.m. to pick up a craft bag for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. Call 215-685-9383. ••
BVM Seniors trips
Maternity BVM Seniors Group will take part in the following trips:
• Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon, Sunday, Sept. 27, to Tuesday, Sept. 29;
• American Music Theater, Winter Wonderland, Tuesday, Dec. 8; $160.
For information, call Connie at 215-338-9141. ••
National Night Out at 8th district
The 8th Police District, 3100 Red Lion Road, will host National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 6-8 p.m. The event will be in partnership with the 8th Police District Advisory Council, and will include a back-to-school backpack giveaway. To register, email john.hanejko@phila.gov or call/text 267-601-2498. ••
Enter wiffle ball tournament
The 8th Police District will hold its fifth annual Wiffle Ball Tournament on Sunday, Aug. 30, at Parkwood Youth Organization, 3301 Mechanicsville Road. Anyone 12 and older is welcome to participate, and teams will consist of three or four players. Registration will start at 10 a.m. The day will include a youth and adult home run derby. To pre-register a team, email john.hanejko@phila.gov or call 267-601-2498. The top three teams will receive trophies. ••
Picozzi mobile office hours
State Sen. Joe Picozzi holds mobile office hours at the offices of City Councilmen Brian O’Neill and Mike Driscoll and two local libraries. Picozzi’s staff assists with state-related issues at O’Neill’s office at 432 Rhawn St. on the second Friday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon and at Driscoll’s office at 7552 Frankford Ave. on the third Tuesday of the month from noon to 3 p.m. Staff is at Tacony Library, 6742 Torresdale Ave., on the third Friday of the month from 1-5 p.m. and at Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., on the third Tuesday of the month from 4-7 p.m. ••
Fox Chase Civic meetings
Fox Chase Town Watch and Civic Association will meet on the following Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at American Legion Loudenslager Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave.: Sept. 9, Oct. 14 and Nov. 11. For more information, visit foxchasecivic.org ••
Movie night Aug. 28 at Burholme Park
City Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Councilman Brian O’Neill and state Rep. Sean Dougherty will sponsor a family movie night on Friday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. at Burholme Park, 401 Cottman Ave. The movie to be shown is Sing. The evening will include resources and refreshments. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. ••
Aug. 1 concert at Redemption Lutheran
Reese Revak and Friends will present a concert on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m. at Redemption Lutheran Church, 8001 Bustleton Ave. The concert will feature Bach’s Goldberg Variations on piano. All are welcome. Free will offering at the door. ••
Mayfair Third Thursdays
The Mayfair Business Improvement District and State Street Events will continue their Third Thursday Night Markets, featuring live music and vendors, from 6-9 p.m. at Frankford and Cottman avenues. Dates, themes and entertainment are Aug. 20 (Dog Days of Summer, So Eazy Band) and Sept. 17 (Mayfair Irish Night, Bogside Rogues). ••
BLOCS will serve 43,000-plus students this school year
BLOCS, Pennsylvania’s leading scholarship organization dedicated to the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit, announced a year of historic achievement in fundraising. As BLOCS closes the end of its fiscal year, the nonprofit organization reports it is on track to raise $250 million in need-based scholarships.
Through this level of funding, BLOCS estimates it will be able to serve more than 43,000 students in the coming school year. This is the largest population that BLOCS has served in a single school year in its 40-plus-year history.
“BLOCS is proud to reach this milestone of serving over 43,000 students in the coming year,” said CEO Rob Delany. “We are incredibly grateful to our more than 150 corporate donors, thousands of individual donors and hundreds of school partners who work with us in each facet of the EITC program to create opportunities for deserving students.”
In addition to the increased number of students served, BLOCS ensures that children receive the greatest scholarship support possible. More than 98 cents of every dollar contributed to BLOCS is directed to a student as a need-based scholarship.
BLOCS is the leading scholarship organization dedicated to raising need-based scholarships through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. As an independent charitable organization BLOCS provides access to high-quality, value-based education for children ages Pre-K through 12th grade across the state. Through the generosity of its donors, BLOCS partners with more than 500 schools. More can be found at www.blocs.org. ••
Neilson says budget will boost Navy Yard
State Rep. Ed Neilson, chair of the House Transportation Committee, announced that the 2026-27 Pennsylvania budget includes a significant economic development initiative that will help position the Philadelphia Navy Yard for future growth while creating and retaining family-sustaining jobs. The budget authorizes the state Department of Community and Economic Development to designate one additional Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone in a city and county of the first class, providing a tool to attract new investment in Philadelphia’s shipbuilding industry. Under the new budget language, DCED may designate up to 350 acres of underutilized property that was formerly used as a naval base or commercial shipbuilding facility as a Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone. Businesses locating within the designated area will be eligible for tax exemptions, abatements, deductions and credits available through the Keystone Opportunity Zone program for up to 10 years. Neilson noted that recent discussions throughout the region have underscored the importance of strengthening Pennsylvania’s manufacturing base and expanding opportunities for skilled trades workers. The legislation requires applications for the new Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone designation to be submitted to DCED by Oct. 1. If approved, the designation will become effective on Aug. 1, 2027, providing eligible businesses with incentives for up to a decade.
“This investment gives Philadelphia another competitive advantage in attracting shipbuilding and maritime businesses to the Navy Yard,” Neilson said. “These are exactly the kinds of jobs we should be fighting for — jobs that allow workers to support their families with good wages, quality healthcare and secure retirement benefits.” ••
Wiffle ball tourney for charity
The Holly Colwell Save 2nd Base Wiffle Ball Tournament will take place on Saturday, July 25, at 9:30 a.m. at Hayes Playground (Bustleton Bengals), 9945 President St. The tournament is open to teams 14-and-older and 13-and-under. Teams are made up of 5 to 10 players. The cost is $30 per player. Proceeds will go to cancer patients. The winning team can donate $500 to the cancer charity of its choice. Food and drink will be available for purchase, and there will be raffles and a 50-50. Volunteer umpires are needed, and they will be given food and a T-shirt. The public is invited to attend. Contact Nick Tarducci at 215-964-1944 or nicholastarducci@yahoo.com or Christine Tarducci at 215-906-8179 or myforboys@comcast.net.
Meanwhile, Home Runs for Holly will be holding a fundraiser at the Phillies vs. Washington Nationals game at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, Aug. 3, at 6:40 p.m. Tickets cost $36, and the seats are in the 400 level behind home plate. There will also be a pregame tailgate party. For tickets, call Christine at 215-906-8179 or Nick at 215-964-1944. ••
Thrill Show on Sept. 19
The 71st annual Hero Thrill Show will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 5 p.m. at Xfinity Mobile Arena. The cost is $15 per person or $35 for a family up to five. For more information, visit herothrillshow.org. ••
Programs at NE Regional
Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave., offers the following recurring programs:
• Crochet Club, Fridays at 11 a.m. in the second-floor Humanities Department. Bring your own materials.
• Mixed Level English Class, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-4 p.m. Call 215-685-0522.
• PA CareerLink® Job Search Assistance, Wednesdays, 2 to 4:30 p.m. Call 833-750-5627.
• Chess Club for Adults & Teens, Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m.
• One-on-One Basic Computer Help Appointments, Fridays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 215-685-0525.
• Thursday Computer Help: Various Subjects, Thursdays, 1-2 p.m.
• Gadget Help, Mondays and Wednesdays upon request. Call 215-685-0525.
• Computer Skills for Beginners, Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m. Register at 215-474-1235.
• English Conversation Group – Intermediate-plus, Mondays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Register at 215-474-1235. ••
