Congressional Art Contest open
Congressman Dwight Evans’s office is accepting submissions from high school artists in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition. The deadline for students to submit their artwork is April 23. The 3rd District includes Northwest and West Philadelphia and parts of North, South, Southwest and Center City Philadelphia.
Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the Artistic Discovery competition began, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.
The winning artwork will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol, along with the winning artwork from all participating districts from around the country. It will also be featured on House.gov’s Congressional Art Competition page.
Last year’s first-place winner from Evans’ district was Blessin Atkins, an 11th-grade student at The City School. Her self-portrait was entitled Inner Reflection.
For more information, visit evans.house.gov/services/art-competition.
Eviction diversion bill supported by City Council
Councilmembers Kendra Brooks, Jamie Gauthier, Nicolas O’Rourke and Rue Landau introduced a bill to make Philadelphia’s nationally acclaimed Eviction Diversion Program permanent. The program, which was set to expire this June, has helped thousands of renters and small landlords resolve issues without going to eviction court.
“The Eviction Diversion Program has been a successful, game-changing initiative keeping thousands of low-income renters in their homes across Philadelphia since its inception,” said Landau, a South Philly resident. “As a former housing attorney who has spent my career working for housing justice, I couldn’t be more excited at the prospect of EDP becoming permanent in Philadelphia.”
Young bill to keep energy efficiency plans moving clears House
Lawmakers passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Regina Young that would make sure energy efficiency plans in the state are not being denied or delayed due to the use of mechanical insulation in them.
Act 129 of 2008 requires electric distribution companies to complete an energy efficiency and conservation plan for their distribution areas every five years. Plans must be approved by the state Public Utility Commission to ensure they are cost-effective and reduce energy consumption.
Specifically, Young’s bill (H.B. 491) would clarify that the PUC cannot deny a required energy efficiency program application solely because it contains mechanical insulation in its plan. She said the bill is necessary because the insulation material has reportedly been used to reject or delay applications, and that some people have questioned the effectiveness and economic viability of its use.
“Mechanical insulation is used to insulate equipment, machines and industrial processes, as opposed to building envelope insulation used in walls and roofs of homes and buildings,” Young said. “It protects workers from burns, reduces noise pollution and is essential for energy conservation in heating and cooling pipes. It is safe and industry standard.
“The intent of my bill is to clarify that mechanical insulation is appropriate material so that electric distribution companies can continue their work toward energy efficiency without delay while using the best materials available.”
Mother Bethel, Tindley Temple receive grant money
Two South Philly churches are among eight recipients to receive $1 million in grants.
Partners for Sacred Places and the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia announced that the Philadelphia Fund for Black Sacred Places is awarding $1 million in grants to eight black-led churches in Philadelphia, which includes Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal and Tindley Temple United Methodist. The grants for capital projects – plus support to more open their spaces to the public – will assist the churches in preserving their historic architecture while expanding their capacity to serve their neighborhoods.
In addition to preservation, the grants will facilitate property assessments by architects to address needs beyond immediate repairs, ensuring the buildings can continue to meet community needs. Churches will undergo a process that will allow them to receive planning and capital funding to cover various expenses from structural renovations to program development.
“Black churches anchor their communities,” said the Rev. Betsy Ivey, Director of PFBSP. “They are a stabilizing presence that deserve this recognition and assistance to bring their communities back together. This funding will assist these churches with renovations, training and technical assistance while enabling them to open their doors even wider to the public.”
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.
Settlement Music to celebrate
Settlement Music School will hold its 116th anniversary gala on May 4 at 6:30 p.m. at 2300 Arena, 2300 S. Swanson St. The theme is Art Sparks. There will be music, food, dancing to the band Snacktime and a celebration of the work of the Kardon Center for Arts Therapy.
To donate, go to settlementmusic.org/give-now/annual-gala/
To enter the raffle and auction, visit settlementmusic.org/raffle ••
Goretti/Neumann reunion
The Millay Club Alumni Association is holding an all-class reunion for graduates of St. Maria Goretti, South Catholic, Bishop Neumann, St. John Neumann and Neumann-Goretti on Sunday, April 28, from 1-5 p.m. at Chickie’s & Pete’s, 1526 Packer Ave.
Guests must be 21 or older.
The cost is $40 and includes a buffet, DJ and dancing. There will be a cash bar. Go to millayclub.org.
Holistic approach to creativity
Cranaleith Spiritual Center will present Spiritual Practices for Creative Fulfillment on Tuesdays, April 23 and 30 and May 7, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $75 for the online series. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••
Entertainment at Parx
Parx Casino is offering the following upcoming entertainment:
April 18: Joe Conklin’s Comedy Night, with Joey Kola and Gary Delena
April 20: Psychic Matt Fraser
April 27: Andrew Dice Clay
May 11: Tracy Morgan
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 ••
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. ••
Donate clothes
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a clothing drive on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to noon at 604 Township Line Road, Cheltenham. Bring your gently used clothing, accessories, books and small trinkets in bags or boxed for pick-up. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Charity fashion show
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a fashion show, Couture For The Cure, on Sunday, May 5, at Spring Mill Manor, 171 Jacksonville Road, Ivyland. The cost is $68 and includes full-course lunch and fashion show. There will be raffles, boutiques and jewelry and craft vendors. BOC Productions will present Fashions from Marlene’s of Collingswood, New Jersey. Doors open at 10 a.m. for shopping. Lunch will start at 12:30 p.m. Call Lorraine at 610-277-3631 for tickets. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Trip to Glencairn
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will visit Glencairn Museum, in Bryn Athyn, on Wednesday, May 1, at 10:15 a.m. There will be a video and tour. The cost is $18, payable to CSS Sisterhood and mailed to 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115. Include your name, email address and phone number. ••
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. ••
