Postpartum awareness bill signed into law
State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, Gina Curry and Lisa Borowski joined Gov. Josh Shapiro for the ceremonial signing of H.B. 2127, which directs the Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign around perinatal and postpartum depression.
“Around a decade ago was the time I both became a mom and had the chance to interview mothers struggling with postpartum depression as a reporter,” Fiedler said. “That time taught me that even through the beauty and joys of parenthood, there can be moments of immense darkness. I knew when I was elected that I wanted to work hard to ensure no one has to go through PPD alone. And now, years later, I am proud to say that with the help of my colleagues Rep. Curry and Rep. Borowski, we’ve successfully passed legislation to improve the health of new moms and babies in Pennsylvania.”
The signing ceremony is the result of a legislative push from maternal and reproductive health organizations, including March of Dimes, Maternity Care Coalition, the Pennsylvania Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the PA American College of Nurse-Midwives, Planned Parenthood Keystone and Pennsylvania Health Access Network.
If untreated, maternal mental health conditions can lead to serious and sometimes fatal consequences for mothers and babies. They are the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death in the state, according to the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee. The bill was officially signed into law on Oct. 16.
Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate
Treasurer Stacy Garrity encouraged seniors and people with disabilities to apply for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program as soon as possible. The deadline is Dec. 31.
“This year’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is a huge success,” Garrity said. “We’ve already made more than 503,000 payments totaling over $305 million. This money can make a huge difference, especially for Pennsylvanians who are struggling to make ends meet – and thanks to great work by the General Assembly and the governor to expand the program, more people are eligible than ever before. I encourage everyone who qualifies to apply as soon as possible.”
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program benefits Pennsylvanians age 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The household income limit for rebates is $45,000 for both homeowners and renters. Claimants may exclude half of their Social Security income. The maximum standard rebate is $1,000.
For more information about eligibility and how to apply, Pennsylvania residents can contact their state legislators, visit the Department of Revenue’s website or call 888-222-9190. Applications can be submitted online with Revenue’s myPATH system.
SPHS Classes Jan./June ’64 & Jan. ’65 reunion
South Philadelphia High School will hold its 60th class reunion luncheon for classes January/June 1964 and January 1965 on Nov. 2 at noon at the Waterfall Room, 2015 S. Water St. Tickets are $70 and include buffet dinner and music. Cash bar. For tickets and more information contact Linda Lewandowski at 215-271-1674, Anna Marie Rosato at 856-371-7332 or Barbara MacCahery at 267-335-7072.
Rare sword donated to the Museum of the American Revolution
The sword of a soldier who served in the Continental Army’s Corps of Light Infantry, given to him by the Marquis de Lafayette and carried at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 alongside Alexander Hamilton, has been donated to the Museum of the American Revolution. It will be on public display in the museum’s core exhibit starting Nov. 5.
Jeremiah Keeler, who was born in Ridgefield, Connecticut, in 1760 and initially served in the Connecticut militia as a teenager, is said to have used the sword as a crutch on his long walk home at the end of the Revolutionary War. At the Siege of Yorktown, Keeler and his comrades in the Corps of Light Infantry famously assaulted a British redoubt, which led the Continental Army and its French allies to victory. Alexander Hamilton commanded that brave attack. Now, this witness object – donated by Keeler’s great-great-great-great-granddaughter in memory of her mother who cherished the family heirloom – will help to tell the stories of common soldiers whose service and sacrifice contributed to the founding of the American nation.
“The Museum of the American Revolution is honored that Sgt. Keeler’s descendants have entrusted us to preserve this incredibly rare sword for future generations,” said museum president and CEO Scott Stephenson. “We are excited to share the story of this young Connecticut veteran of America’s first greatest generation with visitors from across the country and around the world.”
The sword was donated by Suzanne Reynolds of Birmingham, Michigan, alongside her two sisters and her son, in memory of her mother, Helene Keeler Spangler. Reynolds said her mother cherished the sword her whole life as a symbol of pride in her heritage.
“My family and I are excited and proud for the sword to be displayed and appreciated for what it is – a historic artifact,” Reynolds said. “I think it’s important for people to know that these artifacts are out there, and that they can be shared with people in this country, and maybe even around the world. It’s hard to put into words how important this was to my mom, and I think that the most important thing for my family is to honor my mom with this donation.”
Council wants death penalty abolished
City Council voted 16-1 in favor of a resolution calling on the state Senate to pass House Bill 999, to abolish the death penalty in Pennsylvania. All 14 Democrats and both members of the Working Families Party voted for the resolution. Republican Councilman Brian O’Neill voted against the resolution. The last Pennsylvanian executed was Gary Heidnik, in 1999. Gov. Josh Shapiro has called for the General Assembly to repeal the death penalty and has continued the death penalty moratorium policy initiated by Gov. Tom Wolf. ••
Learn about scholarship program
Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia, a K-8th grade scholarship program, will hold a school fair to connect families with CSFP’s network of partner schools, program ambassadors and staff on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Community College of Philadelphia, Bonnell Building, 1700 Spring Garden St.
Parents will learn how to apply for scholarships.
Free school supplies will be given away, and there will be a prize raffle.
RSVP at https://www.csfphiladelphia.org/school-fair/ ••
Little Flower online auction
Little Flower High School has an online auction going until Nov. 12. In all, there are 100 prizes in a variety of categories. Bidding is open at LittleFlowerHighSchool.org, under the Alumnae Upcoming Events tab. A direct link is at https://new.biddingowl.com/item/dinner-at-union?AuctionItemId=7216adb1-de98-4276-87e5-dbd728240b48&QueryAuctionId=df2ea0e4-d408-4920-aad1-02a651569769&QueryCategory=+All&fbclid=IwY2xjawGDEHdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHck5yL8jTemXWZ4_iIFBuXdkOvtqNOoufcwtSBE3dHVwo5iWrvxH6PBlcw_aem_bYj1TSU6BVATkjTN3nOlUw ••
City approaching 1 million free condoms in 2024
The city Department of Public Health has distributed more than 800,000 free condoms this year, approaching its goal of 1 million.
The condom distribution is central to two Department of Public Health initiatives: Take Control Philly, aimed at lowering the rate of sexually transmitted diseases among Philadelphia youth ages 13 to 19, and Philly Keep On Loving, which helps adults be proactive in protecting themselves and partners from sexually transmitted infections.
“When used properly and consistently, condoms are highly effective in preventing STIs and STDs — in fact, since the HIV crisis elevated condom use in 1990, it’s estimated the practice has averted approximately 117 million new HIV infections worldwide,” said Charles Postell, Communications and Policy Coordinator, Department of Public Health. “This is why the City of Philadelphia has set the ambitious goal of distributing 1 million condoms this year. Our ultimate aim through Take Control Philly and Philly Keep On Loving is to motivate Philadelphians — especially those most at risk for STIs and STDs — to take proactive steps that support continual sexual wellness. A healthier Philly that can engage safely and confidently in sexual activities is a Philly that will thrive on every level.”
There are more than 100 walk-up condom distribution sites, which include universities, wellness resource centers, hospitals, bars and clubs, and nonprofit organizations.
More information about the Department of Public Health’s Philly Keep On Loving initiative can be found at PhillyKeepOnLoving.com. Information about the Take Control Philly initiative for teens is available at TakeControlPhilly.org. ••
Entertainment at Parx
Parx Casino is offering the following upcoming entertainment:
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. ••
Apply for scholarship
Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia opened its 2025-26 application season. CSFP will award 2,000 new scholarships to eligible students this year, while continuing to support prior recipients.
These need-based, K-8th grade scholarships are available for Philadelphia families interested in sending their students to more than 150 tuition-based schools throughout the city. The updated tier award amounts will total $1,250, $2,500 and $3,350, reflecting incremental updates to the previous tiered amounts. All CSFP students receive scholarships through eighth grade. CSFP scholarships are awarded through a random lottery and are available for up to three children per family per year.
Apply by Nov. 15 to be entered into a December lottery.
CSFP previously released a report detailing evidence that the fund’s students outperform their public school peers in both math and reading on standardized tests.Families can apply at www.csfphiladelphia.org/apply. ••
