Free tax filing resources available
With tax season underway, the Shapiro administration is reminding Pennsylvanians that the Department of Revenue offers free online tools and resources that can help people seamlessly file their tax returns.
“If you’re looking to save time and money this tax season, we’re here to help. In fact, we have options available that will make the tax-filing process free and painless for many Pennsylvanians,” said Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne. “We want to do everything we can to make sure people are aware that these tools exist. They can help relieve stress and financial burden for many people.”
Roughly 2.1 million Pennsylvanians are eligible this tax season to use Direct File. This online tax filing tool offers taxpayers the option to file their federal and state tax returns at no cost directly with the IRS and Department of Revenue.
Direct File is being offered this year in Pennsylvania for the first time. Pennsylvania is one of 25 states partnering with the IRS to offer Direct File after it was successfully piloted last year.
The IRS offers an eligibility checker at directfile.irs.gov that will walk you through the steps to see if you’re eligible. Visit pa.gov/directfile for further information.
Young announces over $673K for transportation projects
State Rep. Regina Young announced that two grants totaling $673,120 have been awarded to organizations from the Multimodal Transportation Fund, administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
The city will receive $442,120 for an employee and pedestrian pathway connection at Philadelphia International Airport. The project will create safer and more accessible continuous walkways between terminals, commercial buildings and plazas.
Another project will receive $231,000 for preliminary engineering of the signalization project for South Broad Street adjacent to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. These projects will improve connectivity for pedestrian and vehicular safety and accessibility.
“Transportation is a priority in our area,” said Young. “As we continue to see the redevelopment of the Navy Yard area, traffic and safety improvements are required for the increased tourism and industry coming to South Broad Street. Safety and accessibility enhancements for the Philadelphia International Airport are always in order as air traffic and commerce fuels our economy.
“I’m glad to see this funding awarded for these important high-traffic and active areas to ensure safety and access for travelers, commuters and our workforce.”
The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the state. Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development.
Youth, lifeguard jobs available with bonuses
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation announced the launch of registration for its 2025 summer camp season.
Over 7,000 youth participate in Parks & Recreation’s affordable engaging programs held at neighborhood parks, recreation centers and playgrounds across Philadelphia. Campers enjoy a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, sports, educational programs and field trips. In addition to general day camps, specialty camps offer unique experiences in performing and visual arts, nature exploration and sports for children with specific interests. Camps will operate from July 7 to Aug. 15.
As a result of additional $3 million in funding from Mayor Cherelle Parker’s “One Philly Budget” specifically for youth sports and activities, Parks & Recreation and its partners, including Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative, will expand programming to include structured activities that teach conflict resolution skills and provide mentorship, reducing the likelihood of violence by ensuring safe, supportive environments where youth can grow.
“We’re excited to welcome campers back for a summer of fun, friendship and exploration,” said Susan Slawson, commissioner, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. “Our camps bring energy to neighborhoods, creating spaces for kids to learn, play and make lifelong memories. At the same time, we are providing much-needed jobs as there is a critical need for lifeguards to help keep our pools open and our communities safe this summer.”
To register, find a playground or recreation center near you by using the Parks & Rec’s Finder app. Call or visit the location to confirm that space is still available. Print the Youth Registration and Waivers form and fill it out and bring it to the location. Registration forms are available online, but registration is not complete until families visit their chosen camp. If you are not able to print the form, visit the location to fill out a form.
In addition to summer camp registration, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation is kicking off lifeguard recruitment for city pools, offering competitive pay starting at $16 per hour, with the potential to earn up to $18 per hour. Lifeguard positions are eligible to receive a $1,000 end-of-season bonus for those who meet the April 15 deadline, or a $500 bonus for those who submit applications before May 15.
Free training and Red Cross certification are available for those ages 16-24 interested in becoming lifeguards.
KYLD presents LUNA
Asian-American contemporary dance company Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers (KYL/D), will open it 27th Home Season, LUNA (月)/Dance, Myth and Nature, at the Mandell Theater, 3220 Chestnut St., March 28-29. LUNA (月) invites audiences on a luminous journey through a series of original danceworks that explore the moon as a symbol of connection, reflection and transformation. From ancient mythology to the natural rhythms of the tides, LUNA (月) weaves together diverse cultural perspectives and artistic visions. Tickets: $75 VIP Reception/$45 General/$25 Students (discounts for groups). Reservations at kyld.org/2025.
3-part series celebrates Philadelphia dance community
Philadelphia Dance Projects presents its annual spring series DANCE UP CLOSE ’25 with three midweek productions featuring a celebration of collaborative creativity of the Philadelphia dance community.
The series opens on April 2 and April 3 with Kayliani Sood and Allison Smith sharing a program with OreOluwa Badaki, Anna Martone and Jonathan Van Arneman, joined by drummers Assumane Silla and Jonathan Delgado. Chloe Marie presents a new work featuring an all-star list of local dancers on April 30 and May 1. The series concludes on June 4 with a special film screening of Aidan Un’s love letter to Philadelphia street dance You Don’t Have to Go Home, But … followed by a live dance jam.
All performances will be at 7 p.m. at Christ Church Neighborhood House Theatre, 20 N. American St. General admission tickets at $15 each are available at https://buytickets.at/philadelphiadanceprojects.
Evans to celebrate birthday bash at Chris’ Jazz Café
Three-time Grammy-nominated producer/composer/pianist Orrin Evans is celebrating his half-century mark at the iconic Chris’ Jazz Café with a series of special shows with guest artists and friends from April 2-5. On April 5, Evans and the Captain Black Big Band will be joined by celebrated multi-award-winning vocalist Jazzmeia Horn. Showtimes are at 7 and 9 p.m. Admission is $30. On April 6, Evans will lead a birthday piano jam session featuring himself, Jason Moran, ELEW, Marc Cary and Ethan Iverson on pianos with Luques Curtis, Matt Parrish, Mark Whitfield Jr. and Byron Landham. Showtimes are at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Admission is $30. On April 7 and 8, the party continues when Evans shares the stage with musicians Buster Williams, Tim Warfield, Jaleel Shaw and Nasheet Watts. Showtimes are at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Admission is $35. For more information or to make reservations, call 215-568-3131 or visit https://www.ChrisJazzCafe.com.
Do-nothing City Council
City Council voted 16-1 to condemn President Donald Trump for “likening himself to, and acting like, a king.” All Democrats and members of the Working Families Party voted for the resolution, sponsored by Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier. Republican Councilman Brian O’Neill voted against the resolution, which was merely ceremonial. The resolution followed a social media post by Trump mentioning his order that New York stop a new program that charges drivers $9 to enter Manhattan. He ended the post with, “Long Live The King.” ••
Water Department wants to raise rates again
The Philadelphia Water Department filed advance notice with the Philadelphia Water, Sewer and Storm Water Rate Board of its request to increase water, sewer and stormwater rates and charges over two successive years.
Beginning in September 2025, for the average ratepayer who is not enrolled in a low-income assistance program, the new rate would mean an average monthly bill of about $91.31, an 11.7 percent increase. In 2026, rates would rise to an average monthly bill of about $96.68. The 2026 proposed rates represent a 5.9 percent increase.
Customers can learn about participating in the rate process at www.phila.gov/water/rateboard.
Community Legal Services, as Public Advocate, offers free resources to support public input, including assistance for stakeholders who may have difficulty participating in virtual or telephonic hearings. Email publicadvocate@clsphila.org or call 215-227-9988 for information or assistance.
The rate board will make a decision in June. ••
Senior softball needs players
The Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced softball players for its 58 & over and 68 & over leagues. The 58 & over league plays Tuesday and Thursday, while 68 & over plays Monday and Friday. All games are played at Crispin Field, at Holme and Convent avenues in the Northeast. Games start at 10 a.m. The season starts in mid-April and runs through September. For more information, call or text Mike Bojanowski at 215-801-4869 or Marty King at 215-409-5021. ••
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. ••
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. ••
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. ••
Theater performance of Honk!
The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Honk! The Ugly Duckling Musical on May 30-31 and June 1, at 7 p.m., at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St., in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, follow @starplayersPPR on X, like the group’s page on Facebook or contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or Starplayers2013@gmail.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. ••
Pacific Wine Country tour
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is going on a Pacific Wine Country cruise aboard the Sapphire Princess, May 10-17. Ports-of-call include Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Astoria (Oregon) and Victoria and Vancouver (Canada). Rates range from $3,048 to $3,578 per person, double occupancy, which includes round-trip airfare from Philadelphia, port charges, government fees, taxes and transfers to and from the ship. Call 215-788-9408 for more information. ••
Cruise in July
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is traveling on an Independence Day Celebration cruise, July 1-8. Ports-of-call include New York, Newport, Boston on July 4 and Halifax, Nova Scotia. A passport is required. Rates range from $1,920 to $2,680 per person, double occupancy. For a flyer, call 215-788-9408. ••
Fundraiser for cancer research, care
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Board of Associates, Fox Chase Cancer Center is holding a High Tea/Mini Bingo (five games) on Friday, March 28. It will be held at Maggio’s Banquet Hall, 400 2nd Street Pike, Southampton, starting at noon. Participants will be playing to win baskets. The cost is $55. Call Lorraine Braverman at 610-277-3631. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Trip to Hindu temple, lunch, chocolate
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to Robbinsville, New Jersey, on Thursday, April 10, featuring a tour of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, the largest Hindu temple outside of India, a three-course luncheon at The Cranberry Inn and a visit to David Bradley Chocolatier. All-inclusive cost is $130. Reservation deadline is March 15. Call 215-788-2106 or visit bristolhistory.org for a flyer/reservation form. ••
Folk music concert
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation, 321 Cedar St. in Bristol, will welcome folksinger Mary Roth to perform “Enchanting Appalachia,” an interactive program of music and history with a focus on the rich culture of Appalachia and its people, on Sunday, March 30, at 2 p.m. Light refreshment will be served. A donation of $5 per attendee is suggested. The public is invited. Call 215-788-9408 or go to www.bristolhistory.org. ••
