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Evans introduces school repair bill

Congressman Dwight Evans (D-3rd dist.) has introduced his innovative school-repair bill, which would make it easier for school districts to use the current federal historic rehabilitation tax credit to upgrade historic school buildings that will continue to operate as schools after renovation.

“Many Philadelphia schools have had serious problems like asbestos, lead or mold, and some need vital repairs to their heating, cooling, electrical system or roof – and these types of issues also affect many schools across Pennsylvania and the nation. Our students, teachers and school staff deserve safe, healthy places to learn and work,” Evans said. “A similar idea has worked in Virginia – let’s put it to use across America.”

Evans said he believes his bill, the Rehabilitation of Historic Schools Act, and a companion Senate bill can gain bipartisan support over time in part because the legislation has private-sector involvement. An earlier version of Evans’ legislation previously passed the House as part of an infrastructure bill.

“This is one tool in the toolbox. I will again be supporting other federal assistance for school repairs and renovations, and we also need more state and local funding for this purpose. We need to have as many tools in the toolbox as possible. I want to thank my House co-sponsors and the Senate sponsors for their leadership and commitment to repairing and renovating our schools.”

Learn to start nonprofit

A new website includes resources for people who want to start a nonprofit.

The website was created to help people who cannot afford a lawyer or who have questions about the process.

The site includes free and low-cost legal tools.

For more information, visit https://panonprofitlaw.com/. ••

Exhibitions at Academy of Natural Sciences

An exhibition at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 19th and the Parkway, 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. ••

Memorial Day ceremony

The public is invited to honor the fallen on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, at noon at the Charles J. Glenn III Memorial, at Marlborough and Wildey streets in Fishtown. The event will feature the Vietnam Veterans Society and the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums. ••

Variety dinner show

Joey C’s Variety Dinner Show will take place on Friday, May 19, at Georgine’s Restaurant, 1320 Newport Road in Bristol. Joey C sings in the style of Frank Sinatra and will be joined by Robert Cabella as Dean Martin and Angelo Capone as Jerry Lewis. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner at 6:45 and the show at 8. Tickets cost $75. There will be a cash bar. For tickets or more information, go to Joey C on Facebook or call 215-317-7675. ••

Cornhole at St. Martha

St. Martha Parish, 11301 Academy Road, will host a Cornhole Tournament on June 17, at 11 a.m. Teams must register by May 25. The cost is $50 a team (all ages) and includes two

tournament T-shirts and a chance to win a cash prize. There will be basket raffles, a 50-50, craft beer pull, food, kids crafts and T-shirt sales. Proceeds will benefit the parish Raising the Roof campaign. To register, to become a sponsor or for more information, call Kathy Cantz at 215-632-4742 or Mary Beth Ricks at 215-459-3430. ••

English classes for Ukrainians

Holy Family University’s English as a Second Language initiative for newly arrived Ukrainian adults is accepting new applicants. The classes are free and open to members of the community who are at least 18 years old. Classes start in June at 9801 Frankford Avenue and online. Class days and times are online (June 6 to Aug. 24, Tuesday and Thursday, 6-7 p.m.) and in person (June 21 to July 31, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m.). Since last fall, more than 100 newly arrived Ukrainians have attended classes at no cost to help them improve their English proficiency and become familiar with the Philadelphia community. Interested applicants can register at holyfamily.edu/ukraine-esl. ••

Free Philly Orchestra concert

The Philadelphia Orchestra will present Our City, Your Orchestra Live, a free concert on Wednesday, May 31, at 7 p.m. at Northeast High School. The concert will feature works by Leonard Bernstein, John Williams, Valerie Coleman and others, along with a performance by the Northeast High marching band. The evening will include food trucks, games, face painting, moonbounces and balloon art. The orchestra will include contrabassoonist Holly Blake, a Northeast High graduate. Reserve tickets at philorch.org. ••

Hoops camp for boys and girls

The 17th annual Jaguar St. Ephrem Basketball Camp for Boys and Girls will take place from Monday, July 24, to Friday, July 28. The cost is $150 and includes a basketball and T-shirt. The camp is held in the air-conditioned Marian Center at St. Ephrem Parish, 5400 Hulmeville Road in Bensalem. The camp is under the direction of former college coach Dan Williams. For more information, email Williams at WilliamsD@LSCHS.org. ••

5K for charity

Madison’s Miracles Inc. – a charity in memory of Fox Chase native Madison Klepesky – will present the Flying Angels 5K on June 10 at 8 a.m. in Beaufort, South Carolina. Sponsorships are available at $1,250, $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000. To make a donation, send checks payable to Madison’s Miracles Inc. to 4 Fox Sparrow Road, Beaufort, SC 29907. For more information, call 267-226-9500, visit https://www.madisonsmiraclesinc.org/ or email madisonsmiracles@aol.com.

Madison Klepesky, a St. Cecilia and St. Hubert graduate, was 18 when she died in a car accident caused by a speeding drunk driver in 2021 in South Carolina. She was a student at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. She would have turned 20 on June 10, the day of the 5K. ••

Franklin Mills flea market to open

The Roosevelt Mall flea market has closed due to major construction and total renovations of the mall, with additional retail stores being built where the market operated. Philadelphia Flea Markets will move to Liberty Plaza, at Liberty Bell and Franklin Mills boulevards, just off Knights Road. The market will operate every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., beginning May 28 and through November. For more information, call Tony at 215-625-FLEA or log onto www.PhilaFleaMarkets.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. ••

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