Fade Out HIV event offers free HIV testing
DKBmed, in partnership with the Major League Barber Company and Bebashi, a Philadelphia-area nonprofit community health organization, is launching a multipart educational initiative at several barbershops across Philadelphia. Entitled Fade Out HIV: Barber and Clinician Outreach in Philadelphia, the program is designed to address critical gaps in the care of black residents who are affected by the ongoing HIV epidemic. The project is funded by a grant from biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences Inc to address HIV in the black community by partnering with barbershops in historically black neighborhoods.
Free community screening events are scheduled on Feb. 7, including Suite Cuts (2100 S. 20th St.) from 2-5 p.m.; Hair Wizards (1801 Cottman Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and ESPM Hair Zone (5929 W. Girard Ave.) from 6-9 p.m.
People who choose to undergo screening for HIV and other conditions will receive a $20 Visa gift card for their participation. The HIV finger prick blood test is confidential and takes place in Bebashi’s mobile testing lab. Results are available within minutes.
$220M renovations to paint and rehabilitate the Commodore Barry Bridge
Skanska announced it has been awarded a contract by the Delaware River Port Authority to carry out the $220 million phase-three painting and rehabilitation of the Commodore Barry Bridge in Chester and Bridgeport, New Jersey. Serving as a critical passageway, the project will revitalize the bridge and upgrade the user experience.
“We are proud to play a pivotal role in advancing the critical infrastructure improvements for this vital link between Pennsylvania and New Jersey,” said Bill Matre, Skanska Koch senior vice president and general manager. “Upon completion, the revitalization of the Commodore Barry Bridge will ensure long-term reliability and safety, and significantly enhance the commute for the 41,000 vehicles that utilize the passageway daily.”
The scope of the bid-build project includes blast cleaning and repainting the cantilever truss, steel barriers, and overhead gantries as well as repairing and strengthening the truss members, stringers, bearings, vibration absorbers, wind pins and the installation of temporary jacking systems. Additional project work includes concrete deck repairs, the application of protective coatings, spall repairs to piers and pier caps, replacement of 14,000 linear feet of electrical conduit and wiring, and the replacement of the existing movable barrier and barrier machine. The project is expected to be completed in 2028.
Kindergarten registration opens for Philly school district students
Registration for kindergarten in the School District of Philadelphia has begun. The “Thrive at Five” campaign invites families to register their children for kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year.
Families with children who will be the age of 5 on or before Sept. 1, 2025 are encouraged to register. While admissions are rolling, the district encourages early registration from now to May 31. Early registration is crucial to help families secure their spot and make informed decisions about the first step in their child’s education.
“We cannot Accelerate Philly if we aren’t taking care of our youngest learners and getting them into high-quality early childhood programs is crucial,” said Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. “We all play a part in helping Philadelphia’s children thrive and now is the time to get our students registered for next school year.”
Families can complete kindergarten registration through the district’s website at philasd.org/thriveatfive or in person at their neighborhood school.
Philadelphia House Delegation elects new leaders
The Philadelphia House Delegation elected its new slate of leadership for the 2025-26 legislative session. In addition, the group voted to amend its bylaws for the separation of the treasurer and secretary as two elected officers.
State Rep. Morgan Cephas was re-elected chairwoman for a second term. Rep. Joe Hohenstein was elected vice chair; Rep. Anthony Bellmon, secretary; and state Roni Green, treasurer.
Cephas said she and the delegation have hit the ground running in this session to address their collective priorities for Philadelphia.
“The collective experience in this slate of leaders is a consummate representation of our city, which will inform our approach of the issues facing each and every neighborhood in Philadelphia,” said Cephas. “The priorities of our delegation in this new legislative session will be fully assessed and addressed by this group. From transit funding to affordable housing, to public safety and ensuring a living wage, this delegation is ready to put in the work to deliver real relief and opportunity for all Philadelphians.”
Hohenstein said he is ready to address the needs of funding for SEPTA. “I grew up riding the Frankford El to school, so I’m familiar with the needs of Philadelphia families to have a fully functioning and safe mass transit system in this city. Finding a solution for recurring and stable funding for SEPTA has to be our No. 1 priority in the coming months. I’m anxious to find a solution that will benefit everyone and keep our city moving.”
Bellmon said he will continue the fight to increase public safety and security for all communities across the city. “Public safety is at the forefront of concerns of all Philadelphians. While incidents continue to drop, we still have a way to go to ensure that all families feel safe enough to sit out on their front stoop and not worry about what’s coming down the street. Our efforts to end gun violence, increase safety on the streets and ensure real protections for all Philadelphians are paramount to lifting up our entire city.”
Green is a longtime advocate for workers and good-paying jobs across Pennsylvania. “I look forward to leading this delegation in the fight for better wages, good-paying jobs and apprenticeships, and ensuring the safety and respect for all workers across our city.”
The Philadelphia House Delegation consists of 25 members of the state House of Representatives Democratic Caucus.
Theatre Exile receives $25K grant
South Philly’s Theatre Exile was approved by the National Endowment for the Arts for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $25,000. This grant will support the upcoming production Glitter In The Glass by R. Eric Thomas.
“The NEA is proud to continue our nearly 60 years of supporting the efforts of organizations and artists that help to shape our country’s vibrant arts sector and communities of all types across our nation,” said NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD.
Free Library of Philadelphia to celebrate Black History Month
The Free Library of Philadelphia invites patrons to join us in honoring Black History Month. Programming is scheduled across various neighborhood libraries, highlighting the contributions of African Americans throughout history and celebrating black culture and creativity.
“This year’s Black History Month programming theme is Cultural Roots: Black Histories to Black Futures,” said Kelly Richards, president and director, Free Library of Philadelphia. “As the African American community moves towards the future, it draws inspiration from our past; providing the space for us to celebrate the profound impact of African Americans on our society.”
Participants will get to experience a diverse array of events that celebrate topics like Culture and History, Music and Art, Family Programs, Cooking and Nutrition, and Health and Wellness. Those who partake in the celebrations will get to experience the featured exhibition entitled Black Histories of Philadelphia and explore the stories of some of Philadelphia’s black figures and the efforts being made to preserve their legacies.
For a list of upcoming events, visit freelibrary.org/blackhistorymonth.
City seeking airport interns
Councilman Brian O’Neill announced that the Philadelphia Department of Aviation is seeking college, high school and graduate students to participate in an internship program with Philadelphia International Airport. The internship program will benefit students by exposing them to a variety of aviation careers and by helping them build skills for the future workforce. The opportunity supports students throughout the region by providing real-world experience, access to professional development and connections, and support as they prepare to enter the workforce. To apply, send your resumes by Feb. 14 to resumes@phl.org. ••
Host foreign exchange student
World Heritage International Student Exchange Program is seeking local families to host foreign exchange students. World Heritage students come from countries such as Italy, Denmark, Spain, France, Germany, 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 Debra at 800-888-9040, visit www.world-heritage.org or send an email to info@world-heritage.org to request more information or start the application process. ••
Dinner, dancing and sounds of Sinatra
The Buck Hotel, 1200 Buck Road in Feasterville, will present Valentine’s Day with the Romantic Sounds of Sinatra & Friends, featuring Joey C, on Saturday, Feb. 15. Doors open at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 and the show at 8. The cost is $72, including taxes and gratuities. For tickets, go to thebuckhotel.com/eventscalendar. For more information, call 215-317-7675. ••
A cap on rental application fees
Councilwoman Rue Landau introduced the Move-in Affordability Plan, a package of legislation aimed at reducing rental fees and making housing more accessible for Philadelphians. The plan addresses two of the biggest financial barriers renters face when trying to secure housing: application fees and upfront security deposits.
“The high costs associated with securing a rental unit are simply too much for many Philadelphians, especially those with limited income or ‘complex’ rental histories,” said Landau, who worked as a tenant lawyer for several years. “These bills will help reduce the burden of upfront costs by regulating junk applications fees and allowing tenants to pay security deposits in installments, making it easier for individuals and families to secure housing and stay in their homes.”
The first bill caps rental application fees at $20. The second bill allows renters to pay their security deposits in up to four installments.
Nearly half of all Philadelphia households rent their homes. ••
A retreat for moms
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center (3501 Solly Ave.) will present The Paschal Mystery and Everyday Life on Saturday, March 1, 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. The retreat costs $55 and includes continental breakfast and lunch. To register or for more information, call 267-350-1830 or visit msbt.org. ••
New website for Review
The South Philly Review has a new website: https://patimes.media/
The website includes news, arts and entertainment, crime, sports, opinion and ways to subscribe and sign up for a newsletter.
The site includes an option to read the current issue in “flipbook” style.
Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, on Facebook at South Philly Review and on X @SoPhReview.
In addition to the Review being delivered to homes, the paper can be found at these spots: https://patimes.media/pickup-locations/#spr. ••
Cancer fundraiser
Jason Duff, a licensed clinical psychologist in the U.S. Navy, is organizing Mission: Possible on Sunday, Feb. 16, from noon to 8 p.m. at Craft Hall, 901 N. Delaware Ave. Duff, a Far Northeast native, is a lymphoma survivor. The family-friendly event will feature live music, drink specials, food and drink packages, raffles and a 50-50. Tickets cost $40. Proceeds go to Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia. Tickets are available at https://cancersupportphiladelphia.org/missionpossible/. To make a donation or for more information, go to https://www.missionpossiblephilly.com/. ••
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. ••
