Koresh Dance Company to perform at Suzanne Roberts Theatre
Koresh Dance Company’s 2023 Home Season performance, Masquerade, will take place May 4-7 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. Masquerade is an intra-active contemporary operatic dance performance by the Koresh Dance Company and choreographed by Roni Koresh with original music composed and sung live by American soprano and composer Sage DeAgro-Ruopp. Masquerade is a collaborative and theatrical work elevated by the element of live singing and dance. Audience members will be immersed in an unpredictable environment of new, electronic symphonic music and movement, encapsulating the liminal space of reality folding in on itself. The line between reality and fiction no longer exists. Truth belongs to the imagination of the beholder. Tickets: $45 adults or $35 students/seniors. Call 215-985-0420 or visit https://www.koreshdance.org/home-season. Group (10+) discounts available. Email pr@koreshdance.org.
2nd Ward supporting Gym
Democratic mayoral candidate Helen Gym has been endorsed by the 2nd Ward, known as a high-turnout ward.
“I’m running on a 30-year track record of taking on this city’s biggest fights and delivering solutions that improved people’s lives,” Gym said. “I’ve been doing it way before I ever had a formal title or political power. I’ll be bringing this same relentlessness and tenacity all the way to the mayor’s office. Thank you to the Second Ward Democrats for standing with us. Together, we will win the future that our city deserves, which means safer neighborhoods, stronger schools and a fairer economy.”
“The Second Ward Democrats are proud to have resoundingly endorsed Helen Gym for Mayor,” said Julia Tackett, leader of the ward. “In her career as an educator, a community organizer and a member of City Council, Helen has demonstrated tenacity and imagination in bringing solutions to our city, and a talent for building and working with coalitions to bring different populations together. I applaud our committee people for administering a robust and thorough candidate vetting process, and look forward to engaging our voters on the issues that matter to them.”
Gym has also been endorsed by Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers, Working Families Party, AFSCME DC 47, Unite Here Locals 274, 634 and 54, Teamsters Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division, Reclaim Philadelphia, 1st Ward Democrats, Amistad Movement Power, Free the Ballot, Straight Ahead and Neighborhood Networks. ••
Rhynhart released economic development plan
Democratic mayoral candidate Rebecca Rhynhart released her plan to support small business growth, spur economic development and create pathways to jobs with family-sustaining wages.
“As mayor, I will work hard every day to grow our economy and create new, well-paying jobs while making sure that our residents have the skills needed to get those jobs,” Rhynhart said. “We must reduce the red tape of government processes and rethink our overall tax strategy so that new and small businesses can find success without passing the tax burden to our most vulnerable residents. As mayor, I will create job pipelines for workers from our most disadvantaged neighborhoods to well-paying jobs in growing sectors such as the life sciences. With this comprehensive strategy, we can ensure our whole city is lifted up.”
Rhynhart’s plan highlights the following as key priorities for her administration:
• Work with business owners to identify and correct the bureaucratic red tape and missteps in city departments and the workforce system
• Continue to lower the wage tax, lower business taxes for small businesses and rethink the overall tax strategy so that it balances the need for business growth without passing the burden onto low- and middle-income residents
• Create and strengthen efforts to encourage business creation and expansion among black-owned companies
• Work with the private sector as well as education and training institutions to make sure that all residents have the skills needed to fully participate in the economy
• Invest in and strengthen commercial corridors
“I have outlined a plan for my mayoral administration to work with business, community, nonprofit and labor leaders to build an inclusive economy where every Philadelphian can thrive. This will mean a government that provides basic services effectively and efficiently and doesn’t get in the way of the innovation and creativity we know comes naturally to Philadelphia,” Rhynhart said.
The full plan is available at rebeccaforphiladelphia.com/economic-development. ••
Gym nabs One PA endorsement
Democratic mayoral candidate Helen Gym was endorsed by One Pennsylvania, a grassroots group of mothers, workers, students, seniors and community members.
“I am so proud to be endorsed by One Pennsylvania,” Gym said. “I’m a tough Philly mom who has spent an entire career taking on this city’s toughest fights. I stood side by side with One Pennsylvania for many of those fights. Together, we passed Fair Workweek and created an eviction diversion program that ensured thousands of families could keep a roof over their head. As mayor, I’ll stay focused on making this a city where working families can thrive. This is a moment for change and change is coming on May 16.”
“Philadelphia is at a crossroads. Still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic fallout, Philadelphians, especially black and brown working Philadelphians, are struggling to pay their rent and mortgages, put food on their table and keep themselves and their families safe,” said Steve Paul, co-executive director of One PA. “For far too long, the solutions to these problems coming from City Hall have been austerity budgets, closing of public schools and tax cuts for corporations and the rich in this city. Helen Gym has consistently been on the right side of each of these fights. From helping pass Fair Workweek legislation to ensuring tenants were protected from unfair and unjust evictions, Helen has always been a champion for poor and working-class Philadelphians.”
In addition to One Pennsylvania, Helen Gym has been endorsed by Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers, Working Families Party, AFSCME DC 47, Unite Here Locals 274, 634 and 54, Teamsters Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division, Reclaim Philadelphia, First Ward Democrats, Second Ward Democrats, Amistad Movement Power, Free the Ballot, Straight Ahead and Neighborhood Networks. ••
Supermarkets hiring
ShopRite and Fresh Grocer will host hiring fairs for candidates looking for career opportunities and experience in retail on Saturday, March 11.
The walk-up job fair is taking place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interested candidates can speak with a hiring representative for an immediate interview. Full-time, part-time and management positions are available, depending on location.
Available positions, including general, perishable, front end and stocking clerks, feature flexible hours and a variety of cross training to provide employees with the knowledge, skills and tools to work throughout the store. ••
Sign up for senior softball
The Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced players for their 59-and-over and 68-and-over leagues. The seasons start mid-April and will go until the end of September. There will be about 30 games, plus playoffs. No games are played in July. The 59-and-over games are Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 68-and-over games are Mondays and Fridays. All games are played at Crispin Field, Holme and Convent avenues. Games start at 10 a.m. For more information on the 59-and-over league, call John Troy at 215-292-1437. For more information on the 68-and-over league, call Marty King at 215-409-5021. ••
Sports Hall of Fame banquet set
The City All Star Chapter Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame will hold its 29th awards banquet on Tuesday, April 18, at 5:30 p.m. at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, 11630 Caroline Road.
The class of 2023 consists of former North Catholic soccer coach Jerry Brindisi; former Northeast High football coach Harvey “Brew Schumer; Frank “Roscoe” Natale, who has coached baseball and been athletic director at Southern and Bok and been football coach at Bok, Bartram and Southern; and former La Salle University and Archbishop Ryan baseball coach Mike Lake.
In addition, the class of 2020 will be recognized. The banquet honoring them was postponed due to COVID.
Those inductees are former La Salle University basketball player Craig Conlin; coach and youth league organizer Lou DeCree; retired longtime women’s college basketball official Dennis DeMayo; Division I football official Joe Griesser; Joe Hand, a leading TV distributor of closed-circuit and pay-per-view boxing; Mike Hawkins, the PIAA District 12 chairman and former football coach and athletic director at Germantown High School; Steve Kane, the longtime former boys basketball coach at University City who led the Jaguars to the 1995 Public League title; Mike Koplove, who pitched for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cleveland Indians; Kathy Lonergan, a Division I women’s basketball referee; Dave Mastropietro, a baseball star at La Salle University; and Dr. Anthony Salem, a former minor league baseball player.
Tickets cost $75 in advance and $80 at the door. Tables of 10 cost $750.
Checks can be made payable to Philadelphia City All Star Chapter, and mailed to PAHOF, P.O. Box 672, Levittown, PA 19055-9998 (include email address and inductee name on check). No paper tickets will be issued. Instead, guests will go to a welcome table at the FOP to get their seat assignments.
Organizers are also looking for sponsors for an ad book.
For tickets or ads, contact Steve DiSangro at disangroref@aol.com or 215-421-7556. ••
Celebrating 100 years of SMT
St. Martin of Tours Parish invites all school alumni, current and past parishioners and friends to a 100th anniversary Mass in the upper church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., on Sunday, April 30, at noon. The Mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Edward Adams. Afterward, there will be a “Past & Present — Building Our Future” celebration at Cannstatter’s, 9130 Academy Road, from 2-6 p.m. Tickets cost $35 and include food, soft drinks, music and door prizes. The event is for ages 21-plus. Tickets must be purchased in advance in the rectory, after all Masses, through Venmo (@smotphilly) or with check to St. Martin of Tours Church, 5450 Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19124, Attn: Centennial Celebration. Proceeds will benefit church improvements. ••
Exhibitions at Academy of Natural Sciences
An exhibition at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 19th and the Parkway, presents a new perspective on insects and reveals their beauty.
Microsculpture: The Insect Portraits of Levon Biss is a series of portraits that capture the microscopic form of insects in high-resolution detail. It will be on view until April 23.
Each photograph makes visible the many intricate adaptations to the form of insects.
Award-winning British photographer Levon Biss created the exhibition, which showcases the insect collection of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History in Oxford, England. Pinned specimens from the Academy’s own entomology collection are added to provide visitors an up-close look at the actual size of insects compared to similar-looking insects in the photographs.
Meanwhile, an exhibition celebrates the diversity of birds, their role in ecosystems and people’s relationships with them. Conversations With Birds spotlights familiar local birds, such as house sparrows and cardinals, and goes beyond to introduce the variety of migrators that pass through on journeys across the globe.
The exhibition features avian photography and video by local birders and wildlife photographers. There will be hands-on activities that explain the body architecture that enables birds to do what they do.
Conversations With Birds is free with general museum admission and on view through Sunday, May 21.
Visit ansp.org.
Go see Mamma Mia!
The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Mamma Mia! from June 2-4 at 7 p.m. at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St. in Manayunk. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets are available at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St., or on Venmo @TheStarplayers. For more information, contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or Starplayers2013@gmail.com. ••
Trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan
The Polish American Cultural Center Museum volunteers are sponsoring a 7-day, 6-night trip to Mackinac Island, Michigan from July 9-15. The trip consists of a ferry ride to Mackinac Island, two nights at the Grand Hotel, a horse-drawn carriage ride and visits to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the Henry Ford Museum and the National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods. The price includes bus transportation, hotels, six breakfasts, six dinners, a buffet luncheon at the Grand Hotel, admission to all attractions, baggage handling, taxes and gratuities. Call Theresa Romanowski at 215-813-2780 or 215-922-1700.
South Phila. HS class of ‘68 reunion
The South Philadelphia High School Class of 1968 will hold its 55th reunion on Saturday, Oct. 21, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Waterfall Room, 2015 S. Water St. Tickets cost $60 and include buffet dinner and open bar. For tickets and more information, call Arleen Liberi [609-922-2419], Maria Leati [856-287-3734] or Stephen Michielli [267-252-2740]. ••
Upcoming cruise
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a fully escorted Holy Lands & Aegean Majesty cruise that will sail Oct. 6-17, featuring 10 ports-of-call. Rates, including airfare, range from $4,198 to $7,998 per person, double occupancy. Call 215-788-9408 for information and reservations. ••
Cruise the Mediterranean
Norwegian Cruise Line will host a Mediterranean cruise from Rome to Venice on Oct. 10-19. The trip is all inclusive with round-trip airfare, a beverage package, all meals, three specialty dinners, taxes, transfers and all gratuities. The cost for a balcony sea view cabin is $3,511 per person. For more information, contact Fillmore Travel’s Kevin Fries at 215-498-8294 or fkevin910@comcast.net.
