Philabundance receives $250K donation
The Energy Transfer/Sunoco Foundation donated $250,000 to Philabundance to provide fuel for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, allowing Philabundance to provide hundreds of thousands of meals to communities in need.
“We are enormously grateful for this generous donation and longstanding partnership,” said Loree Jones Brown, Philabundance CEO. “During this time of inflation, as food and fuel costs remain extremely high, this donation helps make it possible for Philabundance to keep our fleet of trucks on the road, distributing fresh produce, dairy products, meat, non-perishable foods and prepared meals to the communities that we serve. This will help people in the Greater Philadelphia metropolitan area who face hunger every day.”
Philabundance’s decade-plus partnership with Energy Transfer and Sunoco LP has resulted in more than $3.2 million toward its mission to drive hunger from communities today while working to end hunger for good. For more than 13 years, the Energy Transfer/Sunoco Foundation has provided financial support that goes toward the fuel needed for the Philabundance fleet of trucks, vans and cars.
“The opportunity for our Partnership and Foundation to support Philabundance and the mission to end hunger is an incredible honor for us,” Chris Curia, Chairman of the Energy Transfer/Sunoco Foundation explained. “Strengthening local communities by prioritizing critical issues, such as hunger and health, is essential to us. The work that Philabundance does to rid Pennsylvania of food insecurity positively impacts the lives of so many.”
Philabundance has a fleet of 18 trucks, five vans and eight other company vehicles that travel more than 250,000 miles each year. The partnership and support of The Energy Transfer/Sunoco Foundation has enabled Philabundance to expand its ability to source food and provide emergency food assistance to more residents, including seniors and children.
Arts and Aging event looking for artists
Artists 55 and over can submit their work for the 21st Annual Celebrate Arts & Aging event with a chance to be displayed at one of three locations in the city.
This year’s event will be a combination of in-person exhibits and a virtual art show, with art displayed at the Free Library of Philadelphia Parkway Central, South Philadelphia Older Adult Center, and Center on the Hill during the month of May.
Artists aged 55 or older are encouraged to submit their unique works of art, which can be in the form of a painting, drawing, or photograph. All entries must be submitted in a digital image format, and only one piece of artwork will be accepted per artist. To submit an entry, artists should download the Art Submission Form from PCA’s website, review the art submission criteria, complete the form, and email a digital image of their work to Amanda.Buonomo@pcaCares.org. The form may also be mailed to PCA headquarters, 642 N. Broad St, Phila, PA 19130.
All entries must be submitted to PCA by April 5. Successful applicants will receive an acceptance letter with additional information about the exhibitions by April 17.
“We are excited that in PCA’s 50th anniversary year, we get another opportunity to invite older Philadelphians to showcase their talents and creativity,” said Dr. Najja R. Orr, Philadelphia Corporation for Aging President & CEO. “Through this empowering program, older adults can meet others with similar interests and experiences and build lasting relationships through their shared love of the arts.”
Since the program’s inception over 20 years ago, PCA’s Celebrate Arts & Aging program has focused on enhancing the quality of life for older adults through the arts by providing an outlet tailored specifically for them for self expression and to reap the countless benefits of participating in the arts. This commitment to arts-based programming is supported by research which has shown that such activities can boost cognitive functioning, reduce loneliness and social isolation, and promote overall well-being.
18th Ward endorses Gym
Democratic mayoral candidate Helen Gym has been endorsed by the 18th Democratic Ward, a high-turnout ward in the River Wards.
“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the 18th Ward Democrats, representing a powerful, diverse and passionate cross-section of Philadelphians,” Gym said. “And I’m equally proud of the inclusive, democratic process through which the ward made this endorsement, which should be a model for wards across the city. This endorsement demonstrates what this campaign has long-believed: that running on the issues that matter to everyday people, including safety at home, dignity at work and a high-quality public education for every child, is a winning strategy. I look forward to working with residents of the 18th Ward to tackle the issues facing this city head on and transform Philadelphia into the best place in the country to live and raise a family.”
“Ward 18 is proud to endorse Helen Gym for mayor because we know she will continue to fight for working-class Philadelphians in our neighborhood and in every neighborhood across our city,” said Lauren Rinaldi, 18th Ward leader. “We know she will work tirelessly to support an equitable, vibrant and safer city for all of us.”
The announcement follows other endorsements garnered by Gym, including Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers, UNITE HERE Philadelphia, AFSCME DC 47, Working Families Party, AFT Pennsylvania, Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance, Teamsters Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division, Reclaim Philadelphia, One Pennsylvania, First Ward Democrats, Second Ward Democrats, Ward 39A Democrats, Make the Road Action, Amistad Movement Power, Philly Neighborhood Networks, Free the Ballot and Straight Ahead. ••
Election lineup
The following candidates have filed for the May 16 primary and remain on the ballot, at least for now:
• Mayor: Democrat – Allan Domb, Amen Brown, Cherelle Parker, Delscia Gray, Derek Green, Helen Gym, James DeLeon, Jeff Brown, Rebecca Rhynhart, Maria Quinones Sanchez, Warren Bloom. Republican – David Oh.
• Election Commissioner: Democrat – Lisa Deeley, Omar Sabir. Republican – Seth Bluestein.
• City Controller: Democrat – Alexandra Hunt, Christy Brady, John Thomas. Republican – Aaron Bashir.
• City Council At Large (nominate 5): Democrat – Abu Edwards, Amanda McIllmurray, Charles Reyes, Christopher Booth, Curtis Segers, Deshawnda Williams, Derwood Selby, Donavan West, Erika Almiron, Eryn Santamoor, George Stevenson, Isaiah Thomas, Jalon Alexander, Jim Harrity, Job Itzkowitz, John B. Kelly, Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Luz Colon, Max Tuttleman, Melissa Robbins, Michelle Prettyman, Naderah Griffin, Nina Ahmad, Ogbonna Paul Hagins, Qiana Shedrick, Rue Landau, Sherrie Cohen, Wayne Dorsey. Republican – Drew Murray, Frank Cristinzio, Gary Grisafi, Jim Hasher, Mary Jane Kelly, Sam Oropeza.
• Register of Wills: Democrat – Elizabeth Lowe, John Sabatina, Rae Hall, Tracey Gordon. Republican – Linwood Holland.
• Sheriff: Democrat – Jackie Miles, Michael Untermeyer, Rochelle Bilal. Republican – Mark LaVelle.
• Common Pleas Court (nominate 10): Democrat – Qawi Abdul-Rahman, Wade Albert, Will Braveman, Jessica Brown, Melissa Francis, Damaris Garcia, Joseph Green, Kenneth Joel, Chesley Lightsey, Brian McLaughlin, John Padova, Natasha Taylor-Smith, Caroline Turner, Tamika Washington, Samantha Williams, Kay Yu.
• Municipal Court (nominate 2): Democrat – Melissa Francis, Rania Major, Colleen Osborne, Barbara Thomson Previdi, Caroline Turner. Republican – Rania Major.
• Supreme Court (nominate 1): Democrat – Deborah Kunselman, Dan McCaffery. Republican – Patricia McCullough, Carolyn Carluccio.
• Superior Court (nominate 2): Democrat – Jill Beck, Timika Lane, Pat Dugan. Republican – Maria Battista, Harry Smail.
• Commonwealth Court (nominate 1): Democrat – Bryan Neft, Matthew Wolf. Republican – Megan Martin, Josh Prince. ••
Drones to deter crime
Jalon Alexander, a Democratic candidate for City Council at large, is calling on Mayor Jim Kenney, members of Council and Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw to immediately implement a highly sophisticated drone program to help deter, combat and arrest violent criminals.
Alexander’s plan comes after the 17th murder this school year of a student. A 15-year-old boy who attended Kensington High School was shot multiple times in Oxford Circle on March 13.
“Unfortunately, if law enforcement had a drone program in place the shooter who gunned down the student would have already been arrested,” Alexander said. “Instead, he is on the run and despite the presence of stationary cameras, it is clear we do not have enough tools to apprehend violent criminals on the spot. We need to use drones ASAP to deter crime and make the city safer.”
Alexander, who is a cybersecurity lawyer, introduced a plan called Drone Force Philly in which each of the city’s 21 police districts would deploy two sophisticated drones. A 10-person unit would coordinate and operate the drones, providing coverage citywide.
“An individual was also shot 70 times on the porch of his home in Tioga, and like the student shooting in the Lower Northeast, an arrest has still not been made,” Alexander said. “If a drone had been stationed in the police precinct, it could have recorded the engagement and followed the shooter with live video to help police make an arrest. The city is less safe because a murderer who should have been caught – or deterred – is still on the streets. Drones must be a part of our gun violence solution going forward. The drones I am advocating include software to detect and respond to live shootings, much faster than humans.” ••
Nutter backs Rhynhart
Former Mayor Michael Nutter endorsed Rebecca Rhynhart in the Democratic mayoral primary.
Rhynhart is seeking to become Philadelphia’s 100th mayor, and first woman to hold the post.
Rhynhart worked as city treasurer and budget director under Nutter.
“Working in his administration was one of the key experiences that has prepared me for the role of mayor and I’m honored to earn his endorsement today,” she said.
“Rebecca Rhynhart not only has the best qualifications to excel in the role of mayor, she also has the courage to take on our city’s greatest challenges and make sure that the people of Philadelphia come out on top,” Nutter said. “I hired her as a key member of my administration and now I’m encouraging the voters of Philadelphia to hire Rebecca to serve as our next mayor.”
Former Mayor John Street has also endorsed Rhynhart.
“Rebecca has now earned the support of two of Philadelphia’s previous mayors,” said campaign manager Kellan White. “This fact demonstrates that, even in a crowded field, her qualifications and leadership style stands out to those who have done the job.” ••
Register for mayoral forum
The Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a mayoral forum on Tuesday, April 18, in the gym at Holy Family University, located in the Campus Center, close to the entrance at Frankford Avenue and Stevenson Lane. PHL17 will broadcast the forum from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The moderators will be Dan McElhatton, a lawyer, former city councilman and chair of the GNPCC’s government affairs committee; Northeast Times editor Tom Waring; and Jennifer Lewis-Hall, of PHL17. To register to attend, visit https://gnpcc.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/5106157. ••
Endorsements for Council candidate
Jalon Alexander, a Democratic candidate for City Council at large, has been endorsed by three North Philadelphia ward leaders: the Rev. Lewis Nash Sr., Keith Harris and Jewell Williams.
Alexander, 30, a cybersecurity attorney, is campaigning on a Drone Force Philly plan to prevent crime.
The plan would deploy two drones in each of the city’s 21 police districts to respond to gun violence and other violent crime in real time. A 10-member unit will monitor and operate the drones. Unlike stationery cameras, drones can follow a suspect and provide a live video feed as they try to flee.
“I think Jalon will have the opportunity to put a fresh breath of air in the crime and violence issue we have in the city of Philadelphia,” said Williams, a former sheriff. ••
Jane Fonda endorses Helen Gym
Democratic mayoral candidate Helen Gym was endorsed by the Jane Fonda PAC, which is focused on electing climate champions at all levels of government.
“The fossil fuel industry continues to make billions in profits while polluting our atmosphere and poisoning our communities,” Fonda said. “Unfortunately, many elected leaders fail to take action due to the overwhelming influence fossil fuel money has on our political system. This is why I established the Jane Fonda Climate PAC to help elect candidates like Helen.”
“I am so grateful to have the endorsement of the Jane Fonda Climate PAC as we work to seize this historic opportunity and transition our city away from fossil fuels and build a just, green, sustainable city for all,” Gym said.
As mayor, Gym plans to lead on a Green New Deal agenda to transform Philadelphia’s toxic, dilapidated and long-neglected public schools into green, sustainable and safe places to learn and work.
The announcement follows other endorsements earned by Gym, including Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers, UNITE HERE Philadelphia, AFSCME DC 47, Working Families Party, AFT Pennsylvania, Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance, Teamsters Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division, Reclaim Philadelphia, One Pennsylvania, Make the Road Action, 18th Ward Democrats, First Ward Democrats, Second Ward Democrats, Ward 39A Democrats, Amistad Movement Power, Philly Neighborhood Networks, Free the Ballot and Straight Ahead. ••
Domb’s action plan
Democratic mayoral candidate Allan Domb released his Pledge to Philadelphia, a plan to provide high-quality, effective city services in every neighborhood.
Domb lays out action steps. Among others, he will:
• Improve 911 response times with a focus on ensuring ambulance response times are 10 minutes or fewer.
• Clean every street by expanding the street cleaning pilot program to every neighborhood from April through November.
• Plow every street, restoring a program started under the John Street administration.
• Keep libraries and rec centers open seven days a week and adjust operating hours to enable residents to better use these facilities.
• Open every pool full time during summer months.
• Replace burned out or broken street lights within 72 hours after an outage has been reported.
• Tow abandoned cars within 48 hours after being confirmed as abandoned.
• Fix potholes and create a Pothole Tracker to create public accountability for repair time.
• Create a real-time Garbage Truck Tracker, modeled on the city’s snow plow tracker, to enable residents to bring out trash before the trucks arrive.
• Clean and seal abandoned buildings and clean vacant lots to improve community safety, while providing wrap-around services to people found living in abandoned buildings.
• Fix broken sidewalks and curbs, ensuring that sidewalks and curbs are repaired as streets are resurfaced.
“It’s time to fix the things that we know are broken and get the government of Philadelphia working again,” Domb said. “Philadelphia is a first-class city, but the failure of leadership from the mayor’s office has left too many Philadelphians with second-class services.
“I’ve spent 40 years building a business from the ground up and solving problems, and I’ll bring that to the mayor’s office. My Pledge to Philadelphia plan will deliver accountability and get back to the basics of delivering results for Philadelphians. I will get the trash picked up, get the potholes filled, get the streets cleaned, responsibly manage our finances and prioritize the safety and well-being of every neighborhood. That’s what Philadelphians deserve from their mayor.” ••
Ballet concert at Penn Charter
Metropolitan Ballet’s Variations/Collaborations concert will take place on Saturday, April 1, at 7 p.m. at Kurtz Center, William Penn Charter School, 3000 West School House Lane. Tickets for the evening of dance and music are $25. Purchase tickets at www.metropolitanballetcompany.org.
Settlement Music School’s William A. Loeb Chamber Ensemble and the Myer Schwartz Advanced Study Trio will also perform. ••
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. ••
