Mayor and Campaign for Working Families kick off tax season
Mayor Cherelle Parker and Dr. Nikia Owens, presidenwebsite
t-CEO of Campaign for Working Families Inc., officially launched the tax season and announced the availability of free services for low- to moderate-income individuals and families in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Through collaboration with the City of Philadelphia, City Council and other agencies, CWF will ensure that tax support directly reaches “underserved communities.” Its partnerships are designed to maximize tax refunds and credits for low- to moderate-income individuals and families, putting more money back into the pockets of working Philadelphia residents during these inflationary times.
“With the start of tax season, our goal is to help as many individuals and families as possible take advantage of free, high-quality tax preparation, ensuring they are aware and receive the refunds and credits they are entitled to, which is especially beneficial during these inflationary times,” said Owens.
Owens added that these timely tax credits and refunds are critical to reducing poverty among low-income families and workers. Critical tax credits increase annual gross income for many people facing poverty. Over the years, CWF has secured tax credits and refunds for thousands of working families and individuals, resulting in one of the nation’s most effective anti-poverty initiatives impacting Philadelphia, the most impoverished big city in the U.S. The City and the volunteer-driven CWF want to get the word out widely, as eligible residents leave $50 million in unclaimed tax refunds on the table annually.
Under the Income Tax Credit option, a family can get about $7,000 back on its tax return. Those who are single, with no kids, can receive even more.
CWF will leverage its expertise in the federal Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs to offer secure, IRS-certified tax preparation at no cost to eligible taxpayers in partnership with local nonprofits to increase accessibility.
Those interested in free tax services can find more information about site locations, hours of operation and eligibility criteria by visiting www.cwfphilly.org, emailing getinfo@cwfphilly.org or calling 215-454-6483.
Holocaust reparations tax exemption bill discussed
The Pennsylvania House Finance Committee held a hearing to discuss H.B. 416 introduced by state Rep. Ben Waxman. The bill would exempt reparation payments and court judgments for stolen property for victims of the Holocaust from the state’s Personal Income Tax.
“While no amount of restitution can make up for the damage done to members of persecuted populations during the Holocaust, these payments help victims and their families recover financial losses, offer supplemental support to survivors who may be living on limited incomes and can provide a sense of justice,” Waxman said. “Allowing victims of the Holocaust to retain 100 percent of their reparation payments and restitution awards is one small step that we as legislators can take in recognizing the lasting impact of this tragedy on the world and in honoring survivors and their families.”
During the hearing, the committee heard testimony from Rachel Howe, vice president of 3G Philly, an organization made up of grandchildren of Holocaust survivors.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Celebrate Women’s History Month at the Museum of the American Revolution this March to uncover a fuller, more inclusive history of the nation’s beginnings. Discover lesser-known stories of Revolutionary women through in-gallery programming, extensive online resources and more.
All Women’s History Month activities are included with regular Museum admission. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets to the Museum can be purchased by calling 215-253-6731, at AmRevMuseum.org or at the front desk. Save $2 per adult ticket by purchasing online. Kids ages 5 and under are always free. All tickets are valid for two consecutive days.
Jazz festival fundraiser
The Germantown Jazz Festival will hold a Black History Month fundraiser on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 5 p.m. at the Joseph Coleman Northwest Regional Library, 68 W. Chelten Ave. Admission is free. The Josh Lee Trio will entertain. Donations are being accepted at givebutter.com/ceap-funding. ••
Jazz festival fundraiser
The Germantown Jazz Jamm, with a performance by Austin Wagner, will take place on Wednesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. at Attic Brewing Company, 137 Berkley St. Proceeds will benefit the Germantown Jazz Festival. ••
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. ••
Landau completes survey on arts
CouncilwomanRue Landau revealed the results of her citywide survey about Philadelphia’s creative community. More than 360 multidisciplinary artists responded to the survey and mentioned significant challenges facing them, including financial instability, limited access to affordable workspaces, limited funding opportunities, a need for stronger institutional support and confusion and inconsistency in finding resources and opportunities.
Landau’s office aimed to learn directly from artists about the challenges, needs and opportunities within the Philadelphia arts ecosystem in the midst of the abrupt closure of University of the Arts.
Landau hosted a panel discussion at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, titled “Survey Says: An Analytical Approach to Supporting Philadelphia Artists,” to unveil and discuss the findings.
The panel discussion featured Landau, Val Gay (Creative Philadelphia), Jane Golden (Mural Arts Philadelphia) and Rachel Zimmerman (InLiquid), among others. It was moderated by artist and Landau’s Arts & Culture Liaison, Lauren Rinaldi.
“The artist survey was conducted with Philadelphians and our city’s cultural sector in mind,” Landau said. “With the recent UArts closure and the changing landscape of our city, artists need our support now more than ever. We need to be the city that steps up to support our creatives.”
The full report can be viewed online here: https://bit.ly/SurveySaysReportPHL ••
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 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. ••
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/. ••
Sign up for free Review newsletter
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 free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox.
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. ••
Germantown Jazz Festival in April
The Germantown Jazz Festival will take place from April 25-27. Venues are Germantown Friends School, Vernon Park, First Presbyterian Church and The Nile Cafe. There will be performances, workshops, food vendors and cultural experiences. For more information, visit GermantownJazzFestival.com or call Sherri Pennington at 267-882-7385. ••
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. ••
