Stop signs coming to Christian Street
In an effort to curb traffic accidents, changes are coming to several intersections in South Philly’s Graduate Hospital neighborhood.
The city streets department will begin removing traffic signals at certain intersections along Christian Street in favor of all-way stop signs in July.
Signals will be removed on Christian Street at the intersections of 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 23rd and 24th streets. The intersections of Christian and 15th, 16th, 22nd and Grays Ferry Avenue will remain signalized as stations deemed warranted by Pennsylvania traffic code.
Pa. House passes bill to address inadequate school facilities
State Reps. Mary Isaacson and Elizabeth Fiedler and House Education Committee Chairman Peter Schweyer authored legislation that seeks to address unsafe and inadequate school facilities across Pennsylvania. The bill passed the House last week.
House Bill 1408 would enact PlanCon 2.0, legislation that was recommended by the Pennsylvania Public School Building Construction and Reconstruction Advisory Committee, and has not been invested in since 2016. It is a reimbursement program for school construction.
This version of PlanCon 2.0 would allow for a more streamlined application process, an updated reimbursement formula and an incentive for high-performance building standards.
“Our children deserve to learn in healthy and safe environments,” Isaacson said. “They cannot be expected to fully absorb their lessons when they are studying inside buildings filled with toxic lead and asbestos. I have been in classrooms in which it literally rains inside when it pours outside, and this legislation will go a long way towards addressing these facility issues. I have advocated since taking office to fund our facilities and it feels so incredible to see this legislation actually move.”
PGW awarded $10M grant for infrastructure safety
Philadelphia Gas Works has been provisionally awarded a $10 million Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
PGW is installing modern, durable (polyethylene) plastic natural gas lines to increase safety and enhance natural gas service reliability. Replacing aging cast iron pipes with material that does not rust or corrode and that eliminates methane escape will help PGW meet its 2050 goal of reducing methane emissions by 80 percent.
“We are grateful to PHMSA for their commitment to improving natural gas safety and service for Philadelphia residents,” said Joseph Hawkinson, Vice President of Field Operations at PGW. “This PHMSA grant will be used to install several miles of new natural gas pipelines that make operations safer for our communities as well as our employees and contributes to the shared climate goals of PGW and the City.”
Each year, PGW installs more than 30 miles of natural gas lines, and with each mile of new main, emissions are virtually eliminated. The PHMSA funding contributes to PGW’s expected goal of completing the replacement of its cast iron pipelines by 2058.
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 are at 9801 Frankford Avenue and online. Class days and times are online (through Aug. 24, Tuesday and Thursday, 6-7 p.m.) and in person (through 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. ••
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. ••
Campaign reform
State Reps. Jared Solomon and Malcolm Kenyatta introduced several election-reform bills, including ones that would establish an independent commission to draw congressional lines and require any elected official convicted of a crime to resign immediately upon conviction.
“It’s overdue for us to renew a commitment between trust and transparency regarding the entire election process – from campaign and redistricting reforms to accountability of an elected official,” Solomon said. “People need to trust that we are working for them.” ••
Opera shows
Amici Opera Company has the following upcoming performances:
Verdi’s Oberto on Sundays, July 9, and July 23, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave.
Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci on Sunday, July 16, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale. The show will also take place on Tuesday, July 18, at 6 p.m. at La Piovra, 7901 High School Road, Elkins Park. The cost is $54.95 (not including tax and tip) and includes dinner. Make a reservation at 215-606-3800.
Verdi’s Rigoletto on Sunday, July 30, at 3 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer, and Sunday, Aug. 6, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods.
DeBussy’s Pelleas & Melisande on Saturdays, Aug. 5 and 12, at 4 p.m. at United Methodist Church of the Redeemer.
Call 215-224-0257 or go to the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Book club meeting on Monday
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be holding a Zoom session on Monday, July 10, at 7 p.m. The book is The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan. To register, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
Free art workshop
Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host Ryerss History in Color: an Art Workshop on Saturday, July 15, at 1 p.m. The art workshop is free and for kids and adults. Artist Linda Fernandez will guide a hands-on art-making workshop inspired by the stained glass windows of Ryerss Museum. After viewing the stained glass windows of the house and learning about the history of the Ryerss Museum, participants will create their own faux stained glass masterpiece to take home. All materials will be provided. Register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ryerss-history-in-color-an-art-workshop-tickets-639423722567?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or search Ryerss Museum and Library on Eventbrite.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. ••
Travel solo
Starr Bus Charter and Tours is planning its next solo trip to Corning, New York on July 26-27. The trip will feature visits to the Corning Museum of Glass and the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum. Travelers will explore 35 centuries of glass artistry, experience hands-on glass making, see historic aircraft and meet the craftsmen that restore them. There will be a buffet dinner and overnight hotel accommodations as well as a scenic boat ride on Seneca Lake. Call 609-587-0626. ••
A.J. Slick concert
C.P. McMenamy Post 178 Auxiliary will host an outdoor concert by A.J. Slick on Saturday, July 8, from 8 p.m. to midnight, at 8041 Frankford Ave. Bring your own chair. There will be raffles and a 50/50, with donations going to Semper Fido. All ages welcome, but must be 21 to drink. ••
Farm stand at Jeanes
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus has a farm stand that is open Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October. The stand is located next to parking lot C of Jeanes Campus and the Fox Chase Cancer Center Campus. Call 215-728-4861 or email Rosemarie.Schlegel@tuhs.temple.edu. ••
Parkinson’s support group
Temple University Hospital – Jeanes Campus is offering a Parkinson’s disease support group for those who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and their families. The group will meet on the second Wednesday of every other month from 6-7 p.m. at the Cheltenham Friends Meetinghouse, 7604 Central Ave. The schedule is Aug. 9, Oct. 11, Dec. 13 (holiday party) and Feb. 14. The group is led by nurse practitioner June Ro, and will include guest speakers. To register, contact Ro at 215-707-2619 or Jungyoon.Ro@tuhs.temple.edu. ••
Israeli Scouts performance
Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will host a performance of the Israeli Scouts Friendship Caravan on Wednesday, Aug. 2. The evening will start at 6:15 p.m. with a pay-as-you-wish pasta dinner, followed by Israeli music and dancing by the Scouts scheduled for 7:30. Call 215-677-1600 to make your reservation. ••
Day cruise
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a day trip on Tuesday, Aug. 22, that includes a narrated luncheon cruise on the “River Lady” paddlewheel out of Toms River, cruising on the Toms River and Barnegat Bay and free time on the Asbury Park boardwalk. All-inclusive cost is $118. Reservations close on July 7. Call 215-788-9408. ••
Third Thursday at Glen Foerd
Glen Foerd, Philadelphia’s public park and nonprofit cultural site along the Delaware River, presents the return of its free Third Thursday Summer Series of live music, food, family-fun activities and art. The Thursday dates will be July 20 and Aug. 17, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The public is invited to bring a blanket or chairs, enjoy lawn games, roam Glen Foerd’s grounds and explore its Gilded Age mansion, which will be open for free self-guided tours. Donations are appreciated but not required, and attendees are asked to register in advance by visiting Glen Foerd’s events page at www.glenfoerd.org/events. For more information on the Third Thursday Summer Series, visit www.glenfoerd.org or call 215-632-5330. ••
Trip to Ohio, Kentucky
St. Jerome’s Senior Citizens Club invites the public to join them for a five-day trip (Oct. 15-19) to the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, with a guided tour of Cincinnati, Ohio and Northern Kentucky. For reservations, questions or a brochure, call Diane McDowell at 267-496-2431. ••
Program for nonprofits
Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will present No Margin, No Mission: Taking Your Nonprofit to the Next Level of Success on Wednesday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Duane Carter will lead the program, which includes a light breakfast, lunch, workshop and a copy of his book, No Margin, No Mission. The cost is $97. To register or for more information, call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org/calendarofevents. ••
Conflict resolution in schools
H.B. 1448, introduced by state Rep. Anthony Bellmon and House Speaker Joanna McClinton, was voted out of the House Education Committee, 16-5, and is headed to the full House for consideration. The bill would require public schools to provide instruction on conflict resolution to all students. The instruction would include topics such as skills of conflict resolution; respect for different cultures, races and beliefs; effectively managing emotions; and how to resolve differences peacefully. The bill also would require the instruction to be age appropriate and incorporated into an appropriate area of study. The Department of Education would compose a list of evidence-based model programs schools can use to provide this instruction to students.
“In areas across the commonwealth, such as Philadelphia, we’re seeing far too many young lives taken by gun violence,” Bellmon said. “It’s imperative that our children know that conflicts can be resolved in a non-violent way, and that’s why I introduced this bill that can help save lives.” ••
Upcoming cruise
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a fully escorted Holy Lands & Aegean Majesty cruise from Oct. 6-17, visiting Israel, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and Italy. Rates, including airfare, range from $4,298 to $8,098 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. ••
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]. ••
