Legislature passes measure to include pets in domestic violence settings
Pennsylvania lawmakers gave final approval to a groundbreaking bill that explicitly allows companion animals to be included in “Protection From Abuse” orders. This legislative milestone is celebrated by animal advocates, domestic violence organizations and law enforcement across the commonwealth.
This significant win follows an enduring campaign led by Animal Wellness Action and Humane Action Pennsylvania and a coalition of animal welfare groups, children’s advocates, domestic violence organizations and law enforcement agencies. The bill’s success not only highlights the importance of safeguarding animals but brings attention to the link between animal abuse and domestic violence.
“Protecting animals is about protecting families,” said Natalie Ahwesh, state director for Animal Wellness Action and executive director of Humane Action Pennsylvania. “With HB1210, we’re taking a crucial step forward to ensure that individuals and their beloved companions can escape abusive situations safely.”
William Penn Foundation awards $8 million to support small arts and culture organizations
The William Penn Foundation awarded $8 million to the Philadelphia Cultural Fund to manage a four-year initiative providing small arts and culture organizations with general operating support grants and capacity strengthening services. Among the largest arts and culture grants awarded in the Foundation’s 75-plus-year history, the initiative is projected to benefit 200-plus organizations with small operating budgets under $1.5 million.
“Many small arts and culture organizations have very limited staff, making it hard to identify and access sources of funding,” said William Penn Foundation Chief Philanthropy Officer Elliot Weinbaum. “PCF has a process in place to reduce those barriers. We are pleased to be able to match the funding provided to PCF by the City of Philadelphia to support the small arts organizations that play such important cultural, social and civic roles in our communities.”
PCF was strategically selected for this initiative because of its longstanding relationships with and deep knowledge of the city’s small and mid-sized arts organizations. With an accessible open application, robust peer review process and experience providing general operating grants, PCF has the infrastructure to support smaller organizations.
In 2026 and 2028, eligible organizations will have the opportunity to apply for PCF’s Art & Culture Grants. This year, as part of PCF’s strategic planning, they will develop a process to award additional matching funds to a subset of organizations that apply and meet additional eligibility criteria. Beyond financial support, this subset of grantees who receive the matching funds will gain access to capacity-building workshops, including organizational development, financial planning and marketing, to strengthen their long-term impact and sustainability.
Christmas Market at the Navy Yard on Thursdays
The Christmas Market Series returns on select Thursdays throughout the holiday season. The event opened on Nov. 21 but guests can still catch the market on Dec. 5 and Dec. 19 from 5-8 p.m. at Alchemy X at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, 1200 Constitution Ave.
This family-friendly event will feature a curated selection of local vendors, holiday shopping, food trucks onsite, music and free kids craft. It’s the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit while supporting local businesses selling handmade gifts, seasonal treats and more.
Professional Ultimate Frisbee tryouts in January
The Philadelphia Phoenix of the Ultimate Frisbee Association will host open tryouts for the 2025 season on Jan. 11 at the UPenn Bubble at 31st and Chestnut streets.
Aspiring athletes 18 and over can register and compete for a spot on the professional team’s roster. Tryouts will be held from 5-8 p.m.
The open tryout event will feature targeted skills assessment, a combine and game simulation with current Phoenix team members. Participants will be evaluated by the Hotbird coaching staff and scouts and top competitors will be invited to participate in a second-round closed tryout on Jan. 25.
Registration is $70 and closes on Jan. 8. An early registration special closes Dec. 1, which is $80 and includes an official 2025 pinnie. For more information and to register for the tryouts, visit phoenixulti.com or email info@phlphoenix.com. To learn more about the team and the UFA, visit watchufa.com/phoenix.
Support cancer research
Philly Kicking Cancer’s Ugly Sweater Party will take place on Friday, Dec. 6, from 7-9 p.m. at O’Neal’s Pub, 611 S. 3rd St. Tickets cost $20. There will be an open bar, 50-50 and prizes for the ugliest sweaters. ••
Boscov’s announces holiday hours
All Boscov’s stores will be closed Thanksgiving Day, allowing coworkers to spend the holiday with their families. Black Friday specials will be available on Thanksgiving at boscovs.com, with free shipping that day and on Cyber Monday. Stores will be open on Black Friday from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. The hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1. ••
A retreat for moms
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center (3501 Solly Ave.) will present Renew and Breathe: Part 1- A Mother’s Yes with Grace and Hope on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The speaker will be Stephanie McCarthy, a Catholic wife, mother and spiritual director. The retreat is open to mothers of all ages for faith sharing and reflection with other mothers. Part 2 will be on Jan. 11. Part 3 will be on March 1. Each retreat costs $55, or $150 for all three if registered by Dec. 6. Each retreat day includes continental breakfast and lunch. To register or for more information, call 267-350-1830 or visit msbt.org. ••
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. ••
