Neighborhood Chatter: May news and notes

By Bill Gelman

Step up to the plate to help strike out ALS. On Thursday, May 11 — one week from today — the Phillies family will host the Phillies Phestival, the fun-filled autograph and auction party for fans of all ages, at Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way. ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is the devastating neuromuscular condition for which there is no known cause or cure. The event is 4–6 p.m., rain or shine. There will be player autograph sessions, a chance to throw in the bullpens, booth sessions with Charlie Manuel and the Phillie Phanatic, a silent auction, games and more. Since 1984, the Phillies have raised more than $17 million for the ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter’s patient services and research. For more information, including a preview of silent auction items, visit phillies.com/philliesphestival. …

In other Phillies news, St. Anthony of Padua School student Sasha Flynn is looking forward to an exciting night at the ballpark this weekend. She will be honored on the field before Saturday’s (May 6) game against the Washington Nationals as a 2017 Most Improved Reader during the annual Comcast Phanatic About Reading Night. Teachers nominated the students. The five Most Outstanding Readers and five Most Improved Readers were chosen out of 35,000 participants in the tri-state area….

The Fumo Family Branch, 2437 S. Broad St., is taking part in Saturday’s Free Comic Book Day. The program geared for ages 6 to 16 starts at 2 p.m. The free comic books will be handed out first-come, first-served while supplies last. Call 215–685–1758 …

In other Fumo Library news, the branch is hosting an informative presentation about the soda tax on Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m. Bring your questions and a straw. ….

It’s time to celebrate the lives of Babe Heffron and “Wild Bill” Guarnere. The special gathering is taking place Tuesday, May 9 at the Irish Pub, 1123 Walnut St., from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50. There will be drink specials, appetizers, music, raffle prizes and more. Besides toasting these Battle of the Bulge legends, the gathering will serve as a kick-off celebration of adding Bill’s Statue next to one of his best friends, Babe, at Second and Reed streets. For more information, contact Rich, 215–520–6953, or email babeheffronmemorialfund@gmail.com. …

Regular SPR readers know the name Mamma Maria, as she appears in the paper on a weekly basis. Her homemade gnocchi are often the talk of South Philly. But next week, the popular chef/owner will be celebrating a very special occasion — 25 years on the avenue. The special occasion is booked for May 11 at 1637 E. Passyunk Ave. …

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Trinity, 2300 S. 18th St., recently welcomed Dr. Allen George Biester as director of music. He received his bachelor’s of arts and master’s of arts degrees from the University of Maryland. Biester’s distinguished career as an educator has included faculty positions at Gloucester County College, the Virginia Military Institute and the Gymnázium Petra Bezrcue, Frýdek-Místek, in the Czech Republic.