Tribute to Peter Nero coming to Kimmel Center
South Philly resident Matthew Koveal, executive director of The No Name Pops, introduced special guest conductor, Carl Topilow, and renowned pianist George Burton, who will appear at the Pops’ upcoming concert, Timeless: A Tribute to the Legacy of Peter Nero, at the Kimmel Center on April 20 at 3 p.m. Tickets range in price from $51 to $121 and can be purchased at www.ensembleartsphilly.org or by calling 215-893-1999.
This production is the premiere appearance of famed conductor Carl Topilow in Philadelphia. Highlights of the music include such hits of Nero’s as Sunday in New York, The Summer of ’42 and pieces like “Fantasy and Improvisations,” “Scratch My Bach” and “Variations on I Got Rhythm.”
The two headliners share a special, personal connection with Nero. Topilow, conductor and director of the Orchestral Program at the Cleveland Institute of Music for over 40 years, performed with Nero at the Institute’s 10th anniversary concert. And Burton, an acclaimed pianist who grew up in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia, garnered the winning votes of judges in the prestigious 2002 Peter Nero Piano Competition, including from Maestro Nero himself.
Application process for DA’s Crime Victim Advisory Council now open
District Attorney Larry Krasner joined survivors and co-survivors of homicide and violent crime to announce that the application process for the District Attorney’s Office Crime Victims Advisory Council is now open, following a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Launched in June 2018, the CVAC will once again be composed of more than a dozen Philadelphia residents who have felt the trauma of violent crime, including homicide, sexual assault and domestic violence. Eligible applicants must be a survivor or co-survivor of violent crime; a resident of Philadelphia County; be able and committed to attend monthly CVAC meetings; and work collaboratively with the Council in fulfilling its mission.
Crime survivors who are interested in applying to volunteer with the CVAC should contact the DAO’s Chief of Staff, Jennifer Lin (Jennifer.Lin@phila.gov), and the DAO’s Chief of Community Engagement, G. Lamar Stewart (GLamar.Stewart@phila.gov). The deadline for applications is March 15.
Landau propose consumer protection
Councilwoman Rue Landau is introducing a consumer protection ordinance at the request of the Parker administration.
The ordinance would empower the Law Department to investigate potential violations such as misleading financing plans and false advertising of product conditions.
If violations are found, the Law Department can take action in the Court of Common Pleas, seeking remedies such as injunctive relief, civil penalties of up to $2,000 per violation and compensatory damages and restitution for affected consumers.
“Our aim is ultimately to ensure that no one falls victim to predatory practices, and that every Philadelphian has confidence and security in the city’s commitment to protecting them from scams and fraud,” Landau said. “I deeply value the mayor prioritizing this ordinance in her first 100 days, and I’m proud to introduce it and stand up for working Philadelphians.”
Mayor Cherelle Parker said, “This ordinance reaffirms my administration’s strong commitment to fostering a fairer and equitable business environment in Philadelphia, where consumers are respected and protected from exploitation and misleading promises and claims. I want to commend Councilmember Landau’s commitment to consumer protection this early in her first term, and I look forward to finding ways to work with her and her team moving forward on consumer protection issues. In addition to the protections available under state law, there are steps the City of Philadelphia can take to better safeguard consumers from fraudulent claims and tactics. This legislation is a step in the right direction.”
“The Consumer Protection Ordinance will allow the city to take legal action against bad actors whose deceptive business practices cause financial harm to consumers in Philadelphia,” said City Solicitor Renee Garcia. “I am grateful to Councilmember Landau for introducing this legislation and to Mayor Parker for pushing the ordinance forward. The Law Department will continue to work with City Council and the Parker administration on innovative legal solutions to protect our residents and promote a secure, equitable and vibrant economy.”
While the ordinance does not provide a private right of action, it ensures that the city is empowered to act on behalf of the public, acting as a guardian for working families when necessary. The legislation aligns with the existing state consumer protection law, reinforcing practices already deemed illegal at the state level. ••
Evans, Scanlon vote against Laken Riley Act
U.S. Reps. Dwight Evans and Mary Gay Scanlon voted against the Laken Riley Act, named in memory of a Georgia nursing student murdered by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela. The suspect crossed the Texas border in 2022, made his way to Georgia, was arrested for shoplifting, but didn’t show up for court. The Act would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take aliens into custody if they’ve been charged in the U.S. with burglary, theft, larceny or shoplifting. It passed 251-170, backed by all Republicans and 37 Democrats. The Act mourns the loss of Laken Riley and other victims of the Biden administration’s open borders policies and calls on Biden to stop releasing illegal aliens and reinstate the Remain in Mexico policy. ••
Support police survivors luncheon
FOP Lodge 5 will host a luncheon for all families of Philadelphia police officers killed in the line of duty on Wednesday, May 1.
To offset the costs associated with the event, money is raised through an ad book form. Donations are tax deductible.
The cost is $700 for the back cover, $600 for the inside cover, $500 for the center page, $450 for a full page and $400 for a half-page.
Advertisements can be emailed to shawthorn@fop5.org.
Forms, along with checks or money orders payable to FOP Survivors’ Fund, are due by April 5. They can be sent to Samantha Hawthorn, FOP Lodge 5/Ad Sponsor, 11630 Caroline Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154.
The annual Survivors’ Fund event will be held at the FOP, 11630 Caroline Road, on Saturday, May 18, from 3-7 p.m.
For more information, call Samantha Hawthorn at 215-629-3602. ••
Landau wants hearings on sidewalk dining
Councilwoman Rue Landau has introduced a resolution that would examine the current state of streeteries and sidewalk cafes in Philadelphia. The resolution calls for hearings that would result in a review of the city’s regulations and policies regarding outdoor dining as well as a consideration of possible improvements that could allow more restaurants to participate in the program and enhance the vibrancy of the restaurant scene and support small businesses.
Landau’s resolution aims to renew the discussion around outdoor dining by holding hearings on the current regulations and identifying areas of improvement to the program to enable more “equitable” access to streetery and sidewalk café licenses and approvals.
“As a city known for its culinary diversity and innovation, Philadelphia’s outdoor dining scene has become an important part of our city. However, the transition from emergency COVID conditions to permanent outdoor dining regulations has posed significant challenges for many of our restaurants,” Landau said. “Through this resolution, we want to revisit and consider improvements to our current policies, ensuring fair access to streeteries and sidewalk cafes for all restaurateurs. By holding hearings and collecting feedback from the community, we will work towards a more ‘inclusive’ and thriving dining experience that helps both our small businesses and residents alike.”
“Philadelphia’s culinary scene often ranks in the top three reasons why travelers choose to visit our city,” said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia. “We support continuing the dialogue and bringing communities together to discuss streeteries and their impact on the culinary scene, neighborhood vibrancy, and in exploring regulations and policies that would democratize the process for restaurant owners and operators.” ••
Weight-loss program
The New You Program is a behavioral weight-loss program that provides support through weekly meetings and accountability. As a member, you will learn how to manage your cravings and learn how to lose weight and maintain it. A new group is starting March 25. For more information, call Sophia at 267-254-4050 or email Ilya Khaytin at Ikhaytin@verizon.net. ••
Bus trip to Lancaster County
St. William Travel is planning a trip to Lancaster County on June 20. There will be a Magic & Wonder Theater show, buffet lunch at Shady Maple, round trip by motorcoach, with all taxes and gratuities included. The costs $120. Bus departs from Gloria Dei Estates, 1304 Rhawn St., at 9:15 a.m. and returns 6:15 p.m. Check or money order payable to St. William Travel can be sent c/o 206 Benner St., Philadelphia, PA 19111. Call 215-745-7199. ••
Sign up for senior softball
The Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced players for its 68-and-over and 58-and-over leagues. The 58-plus teams play Tuesdays and Thursdays. The 68-plus teams play Mondays and Fridays. All games start at 10 a.m. and are played at Crispin Fields, at Holme and Convent avenues. Games start mid-April and run till the end of September. No games in July. For the 58-plus league, call Mike Bojanowski at 215-801-4869. For the 68-plus league, call Marty King at 215-409-5021. ••
VFW looking for members
Bustleton-Somerton/CTR1 Michael J. Strange VFW Post 6617 meets on the third Wednesday of every month at American Legion Post 810, 9151 Old Newtown Road.
Meetings start at 7:30 p.m.
If you are a military veteran who served in a designated combat zone, you are eligible to join the VFW.
Call Commander Israel Wolmark at 215-725-0630 if you would like to join the post. ••
Trip to Northern Europe
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is presenting a Northern Europe: Iceland, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium and London cruise, July 25 to Aug. 4, 2024, aboard the new “Norwegian Prima.”
Rates per person are $6,261 and $6,495, which include roundtrip airfare from Philadelphia.
Deposit of $350 per person double occupancy is required when booking.
Call 215-788-9408. ••
Solomon at TBYN
Take Back Your Neighborhood will meet on Monday, March 18, at 6:30 p.m. at Max Myers Recreation Center, 1601 Hellerman St. The guest will be state Rep. Jared Solomon, who will discuss his campaign for attorney general. ••
Bill on colorectal cancer screenings
State Reps. Pat Gallagher, Tarik Khan and Perry Warren announced plans to introduce legislation that would update state insurance laws to expand coverage for colorectal cancer screenings. Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths even though it is a very treatable form of cancer when caught early. When detected in its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 90%. The legislators said their legislation would update Pennsylvania’s Insurance Company Law to reduce the age when colorectal cancer screenings are covered to 45 from 50. Current law requires health insurance coverage for routine colorectal cancer screenings starting at age 50 based on American Cancer Society standards published in 2008.
Gallagher, who is a colorectal cancer survivor, said the legislation could result in more early detections and ultimately save lives.
“As a survivor of colorectal cancer, I know firsthand the impact that early detection and proper care can have on an individual’s journey through the labyrinth of cancer,” Gallagher said. “This legislation is not just about updating insurance coverage; it’s about saving lives and ensuring that no one has to face the challenges of colorectal cancer alone and that every Pennsylvanian, regardless of their circumstances, can access the screenings that could make all the difference.”
The legislators were joined by Dr. Benjamin Abella, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine; Anna Payne, a stage four colon cancer patient and Democratic legislative candidate in a key Bucks County race; and Kim Hall-Jackson, a survivor of colorectal cancer and an advocate. ••
Dinner and a show
Villa Barolo Ristorante, 1373 Easton Road in Warrington, will present Joey C’s Variety Dinner on Thursday, March 21. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner is at 6, followed by the show at 7:30. The show will feature the sounds of Frank Sinatra and entertainment by Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis impersonators. Tickets are $100 and include taxes and gratuities. For tickets, call Villa Barolo at 215-491-9370. ••
Upcoming opera performances
Amici Opera Company will present Mozart’s Don Giovanni on Sunday, March 17, at 2:30 p.m. at Dock Woods, 275 Dock Drive, Lansdale. For more information, call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••
Book review for charity
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is having a book review on Tuesday, April 2, at 6 p.m. at Guiseppe’s, 990 Second Street Pike, Richboro. The book being discussed is Mad Honey by Jodi Piccoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. The cost is $45 per person, which includes dinner and dessert. Call Joyce at 267-808-2022 for reservations. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
History-themed bus trip
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to the historic Village of Roebling and historic Bordentown on Thursday, April 11. The itinerary will include a docent-led tour of the Roebling Museum and a leisurely walking tour of the Village, established in 1905 by Charles G. Roebling as a complete self-sustaining community for the workers of the Roebling Steel Mill, followed by lunch at the Old Town Pub in Bordentown and a visit to Point Breeze, the former estate of Joseph Bonaparte. The all-inclusive cost is $125. For a flyer and reservation form, call 215-788-2106. ••
Donate clothes
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a clothing drive on Saturday, April 20, from 9 a.m. to noon at 604 Township Line Road, Cheltenham. Bring your gently used clothing, accessories, books and small trinkets in bags or boxed for pick-up. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Charity fashion show
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a fashion show, Couture For The Cure, on Sunday, May 5, at Spring Mill Manor, 171 Jacksonville Road, Ivyland. The cost is $68 and includes full-course lunch and fashion show. There will be raffles, boutiques and jewelry and craft vendors. BOC Productions will present Fashions from Marlene’s of Collingswood, New Jersey. Doors open at 10 a.m. for shopping. Lunch will start at 12:30 p.m. Call Lorraine at 610-277-3631 for tickets. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Trip to Glencairn
The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will visit Glencairn Museum, in Bryn Athyn, on Wednesday, May 1, at 10:15 a.m. There will be a video and tour. The cost is $18, payable to CSS Sisterhood and mailed to 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115. Include your name, email address and phone number. ••
Xfinity Internet speed increases
Xfinity Internet customers are getting faster speeds at no additional cost, as the need for data increases in households.
“Streaming live sports, gaming and other data-rich applications are driving internet consumption to new heights,” said Emily Waldorf, senior vice president, Consumer Internet Services, Comcast. ”We have regularly increased speeds over the past two decades to provide customers with the connectivity they need to power their increasingly connected lives. And, with the potential that funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program will not be renewed, this year we have really leaned into boosting speeds for these customers so that they can take advantage of these new capabilities.”
New and existing customers started taking advantage of speed increases on March 6.
Benefits include reliability, digital security and advanced WiFi capacity.
The federal government recently announced that the Affordable Connectivity Program could end as early as April if it does not receive additional funding.
ACP participants who are existing Xfinity customers or new to Xfinity can take advantage of current promotional offers. Customers are encouraged to call 800-Xfinity to learn more about what offers may be available in their area.
Xfinity customers benefiting from ACP are automatically eligible to enroll in Internet Essentials for as low as $9.95 a month or Internet Essentials Plus, which doubles the speed of traditional Internet Essentials for $29.95 per month. There are no credit checks or cancellation fees, and equipment is included.Visit https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service. ••
Tumor support group
Fox Chase Cancer Center’s neuroendocrine tumor support group will meet on April 17, from 4-5 p.m. This is an open group for people diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors who are receiving treatment. Interested patients should email Anjali Albanese at Anjali.Albanese@fccc.edu or Mark Itzen at Mark.Itzen@fccc.edu for a link to participate. ••
Support Michael Strange Foundation
The public is invited to attend two events held by the Michael Strange Foundation. On June 15, from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., at American Legion Post, 9151 Old Newtown Road, there will be a live band, food and music. On June 16, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Parx horse racing track, third floor, Gold Star families will be on hand. Requested donations for each event are $40 per person. U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Michael Strange, a Wissinoming native and 2004 North Catholic graduate, died in 2011 of wounds caused when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter he was aboard crashed in Wardak Province, Afghanistan. He was 25. ••
April book club
The Book Club of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will be hosting a Zoom session on Monday, April 1, at 7 p.m. The book is The Gown by Jennifer Robson. To register or for more information, call Lynn Ratmansky at 215-677-1600. ••
