$1.5M in grants for music organizations
The Presser Foundation will award nearly $1.45 million in grants to 148 music organizations throughout the Greater Philadelphia area. This year, the number of applications and organizational diversity significantly increased. The Foundation received 142 proposals, an increase from 121 the previous year. Thirty-four new organizations applied for funding. Small organizations seeking support also rose, with 52 organizations operating with budgets under $100,000.
South Philly establishments receiving grant money are PhilHarmonia, Ars Nova Workshop, Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts and Tempesta di Mare.
This year’s grantees demonstrate commitments to several key areas. Community engagement emerged as a focus, with music presenting, music performing and music educating organizations forming local partnerships, presenting programs in non-traditional venues, developing multilingual programming and marketing, and offering free concerts and events. Diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives were also prominent, with organizations actively working to diversify their boards, staff and audiences. Many organizations focused on programming and commissioning works by “people of color” and women, while expanding financial assistance and improving venue accessibility. Educational outreach and youth programs remained a cornerstone, with organizations offering free or reduced-cost music lessons, establishing partnerships with local schools and creating mentorship and internship opportunities for young musicians.
“Music is an essential component of what makes cities shine,” said William B. McLaughlin III, chairman of the Advancement of Music Committee. “We are pleased to provide unprecedented support to various music organizations that deliver a wide range of services to communities in Greater Philadelphia. High-quality performances, an emphasis on educational outreach and community engagement, and a strong commitment to equity and inclusivity mark this year’s grantee recipients. They demonstrate how and why music is necessary in creating a vibrant community.”
Solar for Schools grant program sees demand statewide
The Department of Community and Economic Development released data on Solar for Schools applications that indicates demand for the program. School districts across Pennsylvania requested a total of $88,087,001 — more than triple the amount of available funding.
DCED accepted applications for its initial $25 million appropriation through Jan. 31. Eighty-eight grant applications from 25 counties in urban, rural and suburban areas were received.
Introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, the program is designed to help fund solar installations at school districts. It is a response to some issues facing Pennsylvanians, including school funding, rising costs and climate change.
“The enormous response from schools across the commonwealth, spanning 24 counties, indicates the immense need for creative solutions to our school funding crisis. It also tells us that there is a strong desire statewide for strategic investments in renewable energy,” Fiedler said. “In its pilot round alone, the demand for Solar for Schools grants far outpaces the amount of funding available, making our mission for this year’s state budget clear.”
Energy is the second-highest cost for schools, behind staffing. By generating their own renewable solar energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a project, allowing them to free funds that could be used on educational resources, staff, building repairs and student programming. Thanks to this ability to deliver tremendous to schools and taxpayers, the program has demonstrated that investments in clean energy can unite Pennsylvanians across geographic or ideological divide.
Solar for Schools last year passed the Senate 42-7.
Following the release of application data, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a $25 million appropriation for the second year of the program in his February budget address. DCED will award grants this spring.
REAL ID deadline is May 7
With less than two months remaining until the May 7 federal REAL ID enforcement deadline, officials from the state Department of Transportation, Philadelphia International Airport, American Automobile Association and the Transportation Security Administration are encouraging Pennsylvanians to prepare now to ensure they can fly domestically without disruptions.
These efforts reflect the Shapiro administration’s commitment to ensuring residents have the information and opportunities they need to comply with the federal deadline.
Getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, but beginning May 7, travelers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or ID card, or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID), to board a domestic commercial flight and enter military bases and other federal facilities that require ID at the door. More than 2.5 million Pennsylvanians have gotten a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card since they became available in the state in 2019. For more information on REAL ID, visit PennDOT’s REAL ID website at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/real-id.html.
Landau looking forward to budget process
Following Mayor Cherelle Parker’s budget address to City Council, Councilwoman Rue Landau issued the following statement:
“Today, Philadelphians heard from Mayor Cherelle Parker as she issued her address regarding her budget proposal for this upcoming fiscal year. Her proposal raises hopes — for a significant investment in housing, increased funding for initiatives and programs like PAIFUP & Vision Zero, a focus on investments in technology in government to make us more efficient for the public, and a continued commitment to Clean and Green.
“But, it also raises questions. Namely – how is the City going to balance proposed revenue cuts at this time as we face down pending federal funding cuts that will lead to a loss of services?
“I look forward to engaging in the budget process with my colleagues and asking questions to better understand this approach, and I am committed to doing everything in my power to make Philadelphia a place that both lifts up our most ‘marginalized’ populations by ensuring robust, essential city services are available and welcomes entrepreneurs, development, startups and businesses to make Philly their home.
“My promise to you is that I will work alongside my colleagues in City Council and the administration to ensure that our budget is a reflection of the needs and priorities of our big, wonderful, diverse city.
“The Mayor’s budget proposal is the start of a process that I look forward to engaging in, as my City Council colleagues and I work together to ask questions to understand what’s on the table.
“As we move through this year’s budget process, I encourage residents to make their voices heard. Your input is invaluable in shaping a budget that reflects the needs of our communities. I invite you to reach out to my office at 215-686-3420 or cmlandau@phila.gov and participate in upcoming public testimonies.”
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. There will be raffles and food. Entry is free. Donations are accepted. Proceeds will benefit the Germantown Jazz Festival. ••
Identify blighted properties
Community Preservation Alliance is a nonprofit dedicated to cleaning up blighted properties. People can submit the addresses of blighted properties. For more information, call 267-908-4015 or visit Act135.org. ••
Kids can learn from Stevie the Inventor
Local innovator and STEM educator Stevie the Inventor is bringing a hands-on Nanobot Building Class to the Free Library of Philadelphia. The workshops is intended to provide children and families with an interactive experience in robotics, engineering and invention.
Stevie the Inventor’s DIY Nanobot Kits come equipped with tiny car bots and all the necessary components for assembly, giving participants the opportunity to build, test and customize their own moving nanobots. His mission is to empower young learners by teaching them the basics of engineering while fostering problem-solving skills and innovation.
An upcoming class is at Olney Library, 5501 N. 5th St., on Saturday, April 12, at 1 p.m.
“I believe that giving kids the chance to invent and create at an early age is my way of giving back to my community,” Stevie said. “If we can spark their curiosity now, they’ll have the confidence to build the future.”For more information about Stevie the Inventor’s Nanobot Building Classes or to schedule a session at your library or school, email stevethelegacy@gmail.com or call 267-244-2101. ••
Variety show at Buck Hotel
Joey C’s Variety Dinner Show will take place on Friday, April 4, at the Top of the Buck Ballroom, 1200 Buck Road, Feasterville. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served at 6:30. The show starts at 8. There will be tributes to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. Tickets are $85, which includes tax and gratuity. There will be a cash bar. Tickets are available at Thebuckhotel.com/eventscalendar. For more information, call 215-317-7675. ••
Deeley wants federal tax exemption for poll workers
The National Association of Counties Board of Directors, at its annual legislative conference, approved by voice vote an interim policy resolution sponsored by city elections commissioner Lisa Deeley that calls on Congress to enact legislation exempting compensation paid to election day workers from federal income, Social Security and Medicare taxes. Its passage enables the board to advocate for the tax exemption on Capitol Hill.
Deeley’s resolution was co-sponsored by a bipartisan coalition of 27 county officials from six states. At the conference, Deeley worked with the Finance, Pensions & Intergovernmental Affairs Policy Steering Committee to slightly amend the language, changing “precinct poll workers” to “temporary election workers” to be more inclusive of states that have all-mail elections, like Oregon. This change allowed the resolution to pass the committee unanimously.
In January, Deeley sent a letter to the Pennsylvania congressional delegations advocating that the poll worker pay tax exemption be included in the forthcoming Tax Cuts and Jobs Act extension bills being discussed in Washington.
“The Pew Center on the States said that poll workers constitute the ‘largest one-day workforce in the country,’ ” Deeley said. “In a time when our country is so divided, we are still united by our democracy. Whether you are from King County, Washington or King County, Texas or somewhere in between we all have elections, and for those elections to happen you need poll workers. Exempting their pay from federal taxes is something that members of all parties should be able to get behind.” ••
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. ••
Real estate tax refund deadline extended
Councilwomen Jamie Gauthier and Rue Landau co-introduced an ordinance extending the deadline for low-income taxpayers to apply for a refund or forgiveness of real estate taxes. The ordinance will allow for the 2025 application deadline to be extended to Sept. 30. The extension will also permit the retroactive qualification for future applicants as well as institute an auto-enrollment process for the Department of Revenue to proactively register qualified applicants.
Homeowners can apply online via the Philadelphia Tax Center, by mail or in person at one of the city’s services centers. Based on state guidelines, participants cannot exceed a total yearly gross income of $33,500 for a single person. A married couple cannot exceed a yearly gross of $41,500.
Homeowners who enroll in the low-income tax freeze before the deadline will have their property tax bill frozen at its 2024 amount, even if their assessed property value or tax rate increased. This program helps seniors and other low-income homeowners stay in their residences as housing costs and property tax bills increase.
“With expenses surging, it’s more crucial than ever to do all we can to help Philadelphians save money and stay in their homes,” Landau said. “This is one more tool in our toolbox here in City Council to help seniors and low-income Philadelphians with their housing costs.” ••
Music, dinner and art
The City Arts Salon, 5838 Germantown Ave. (entrance on Rittenhouse Street), will present “An Intimate Affair” on March 30, from 4-8 p.m. The event will feature the Karen Smith Experience, a catered dinner paired with wine and the “Organic Improvisation” art exhibit by Cory Neale and Allan Levine. The donation is $100. Proceeds 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, children’s activities and cultural experiences. For more information, visit GermantownJazzFestival.com or call Sherri Pennington at 267-882-7385. ••
Taekwondo competition
The Red Tiger Cup will take place on Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4, at Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, in Newtown. The fee is $80. Call 215-969-9962, email redtigertkd@gmail.com or visit red-tiger.com. ••
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. ••
Exhibition marking 5 years since COVID onset
The Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 19 S. 22nd St., is hosting Trusted Messengers: Community, Confidence, and COVID-19, an exhibition that marks five years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and considers how to build trust in public health. Initially developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Museum in Atlanta, the Philadelphia version features materials used in the development of the COVID vaccine at Penn and spotlights local healthcare workers and organizations.
Presented in the Thomson Gallery, the exhibition brings to life the concept of “trusted messengers” – the people and institutions that individuals and communities put faith in for healthcare information and decisions.
Visitors can expect to learn about the importance of trusted messengers and community-specific public health initiatives in making messages more accessible, acceptable and memorable, particularly for “historically underserved” communities. The exhibition will also invite them to consider the ongoing impacts of the pandemic on everyday life, mental health and their communities.
“The COVID-19 pandemic was a defining moment for all of us, especially those of us working in healthcare at the height of the crisis,” said Dr. Larry Kaiser, president and CEO of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. “Five years later, we’re still processing this moment in our shared history and its impacts on present and future healthcare concerns. This exhibition is an opportunity for reflection, learning and advocacy at a time when public health is under attack.”
Trusted Messengers will run until Feb. 2, 2026.
The exhibition is open to museum visitors. Tickets may be purchased at www.muttermuseum.org. ••
Comcast upgrades internet speeds
Comcast announced that it has upgraded Xfinity Internet speeds for more than 20 million customers for no additional cost. Xfinity Internet tiers, and the NOW branded prepaid products, will benefit from 50 to 100 percent faster upload speeds than before, helping customers upload large files in a flash when working from home or posting videos to social media in seconds. Download speeds will also increase for most Internet tiers.
With 94 percent of devices connecting to the internet via WiFi, fast speeds are only as good as the WiFi that connects them. At home, Xfinity’s WiFi gateways and extenders create a fast, reliable and secure connection to every corner of the house. Outside of the home, Comcast’s Xfinity Internet customers have access to the nation’s largest network of WiFi hotspots to connect on the go.
In addition to faster speeds, new and existing Xfinity Internet customers can now get a line of Unlimited on Xfinity Mobile included for a year when they subscribe to a 400 Mbps or faster plan. And with WiFi PowerBoost, Xfinity Mobile and Comcast Business Mobile customers seamlessly receive WiFi speeds up to 1 Gbps no matter what Internet speed tier they subscribe to, in and out of the home, on the nation’s largest and fastest WiFi network.
“Our faster download and upload speeds, combined with our world-class WiFi equipment, ultra-low-lag Internet experience and WiFi PowerBoost that delivers speeds up to a gig, are providing customers with a converged connectivity experience that we believe is unmatched in the industry,” said Emily Waldorf, senior vice president of Consumer Products, Comcast Connectivity and Platforms. “Because 90 percent of Xfinity Mobile Internet traffic travels over WiFi, not cellular, this combination of products delivers a faster internet and mobile experience and hundreds of dollars of savings to customers.”
Today’s speed increases are made possible by Comcast’s fiber-based network, which has been built to deliver an internet experience to the more than 64 million homes and businesses and across more than 23 million Xfinity WiFi hotspots in Comcast’s footprint. It is a culmination of years of research, technological breakthroughs and massive investments, including more than $80 billion over the last decade to build the nation’s largest converged wireless and wireline network.
Fast download and upload speeds are a feature of a connectivity experience that delivers benefits to consumers, including reliability, ultra-low-lag, high-performing WiFi in and out of the home and digital security.Customers can take advantage of the unlimited mobile line offer via their account on Xfinity.com, in the Xfinity app or by calling 800-XFINITY. For more information, visit www.xfinity.com. ••
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. ••
