South Philly Review | Current Edition

Your chance to be Beekeeper for a Day

By Mark Zimmaro South Philly Review

Mark Berman has assembled quite a network.

The Pennsport native took up beekeeping about nine years ago and even started his own company Anna Bee’s Honey LLC last year.

Now he’s responsible for about 800,000 honey bees that live among 13 colonies in one gated park in Grays Ferry. Keeping bees can be a lot of work and take up a lot of time. But Berman forges forward each weekend to help nearly a million bees survive.

“I dedicate one day a week to checking up on all 13 colonies,” he said. “It’s a lot of work and it’s exhausting. But being a bee keeper is a lot of education, it’s a lot of work and you’re constantly learning. After nine years, I’m still learning what I’m looking at. You can’t do it over the winter, so if you’re like me, you forget half of what you learned the year before.”

Berman jokes at forgetting what he’s learned about the vital insects. In fact, he’s received a Master of Beekeeping certificate through an online program at Cornell University after earning a scholarship through the Bee Conservancy.

His apiary is now home to several swarms of bees that he saved from around the city including swarms salvaged from a street dining space at Tria Cafe in Rittenhouse Square,

along the river on Kelly Drive and a planter along Jeweler’s Row.

“I’m way over my head in bees,” Berman admits. “I have 13 colonies, which is way too much and causes too much anxiety because I have a full time-job besides that. But it’s also fun.”

Since last year, Berman has been trying to get others interested in beekeeping by offering Beekeeper for a Day experiences, which are a twohour immersive, hands-on journey for all ages demonstrating beekeep-

ing and teaching about honeybees and their life cycle and role in nature.

Pam Jones of Germantown had been watching videos of bees and became intrigued. It came as a stroke of luck that her friend Kim Haevel signed up for a Beekeeper for a Day experience so Jones was quick to join.

“I was on TikTok and saw a video on the honey comb,” Jones said. “It looked so appealing and I thought, ‘How does this happen?’ I wanted to look into more about bees. Two days later, my friend Kim said she was

coming to this. So I’m here.”

The two women were part of a group of more than a dozen eager bee enthusiasts who learned first-hard from Berman about the behavior of honey bees. Berman used wooden frames with illustrations to help enlighten his teachings. Then it was time to suit up and get up-close and personal with the winged insects.

“I was little scared, but I held it and I felt the warmth,” said North Philly resident Radiah Whaley Fowler. “I learned a lot and I’m not as scared anymore. Before, I would have been back there by the gates. From one to 10 of how scared I was, when I came in, I was a 15. Now I’m about a seven.”

It’s actually the bees that are in danger. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, more than half of North America’s 4,000 native bee species are in decline, with one in four species at risk of extinction. That’s what makes Berman’s mission — and passion — so important. Some have already joined the fight, including Whaley Fowler’s cousin, who goes by the name of Miss Honey Bee. She started her own apiary in North Philly.

“I could do this all day,” she said. “I love nature. I love being outdoors. I joined Girl Scouts when I was a junior in high school. I was always interested in reconnecting with nature and when I was living in Atlanta, I planted some trees and I think that put me

AROUND TOWN

Ars Nova Workshop receives grant

South Philly’s Ars Nova Workshop received $2,625 as a 2024 Capital Support grantee from the Presser Foundation.

Ars Nova Workshop’s grant supported its work in filling out a database to get to know its audiences better. The organization is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit jazz and experimental music presenting organization.

The grant was part of $474,125 of Capital Support grants handed out to 16 music organizations by the Presser Foundation this year. These grants are designated for capital projects of music presenting, music performing and music education organizations in the greater Philadelphia area. ••

Scanlon introduces bill for older adults and people with disabilities

Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon joined Sen. Bob Casey, chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, in introducing the Alternatives to Guardianship Education Act to improve the awareness of guardianship alternatives for health care workers, educators, family members and court workers and court-related personnel through education programs.

Although some procedures exist to ensure guardian trustworthiness, egregious incidents of abuse have occurred to people under guardianship. Less restrictive alternatives to guardianship, such as supported decision-making and advance directives, offer ways to help people make decisions without losing their independence. However, public awareness of these alternatives may be limited. Awareness of guardianship alternatives by people who frequently interact with older adults, people with disabilities and other individuals at risk of guardianship determinations may help reduce unnecessary guardianship arrangements and preserve decision-making rights.

“It’s important to protect vulnerable members of our communities from overly invasive restrictions to their independence and self-determination,” said Scanlon. “Guardianship should be a last resort to be used only when there are no suitable, less restrictive options. I’m proud to join Sen. Casey in introducing this bill to help increase awareness of less re -

strictive supports available to our neighbors who need help making decisions and managing life.” ••

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop begins catering service

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop PHL at 308 South St. is venturing into the catering realm.

Individuals with upcoming events can order catering online for pickup or delivery from any Philadelphia restaurant location. Guests can fill out an online inquiry form, where a BDShop PHL team member can help if they have any questions, or head right to the catering tab on the BDShop PHL website to place an order through their catering partner, CaterCow Catering.

“We believe every moment is worth celebrating, and our new catering options are the perfect way to elevate any event in your life,” said Alex Flack, co-owner of Brooklyn Dumpling Shop PHL. “We’re always seeking innovative ways to connect with our community and share our love for dumplings, making each bite a journey that brings people together.” ••

Veterans Parade accepting applications for participants

Applications are now open for companies, nonprofits, school marching bands, or veteran service organizations eager to participate in the Parade or Vet Fest., scheduled for Nov. 10 at noon. Applications to march in the parade or participate in the festival can be found at PhillyVeteransParade. org.

Additionally, VSO applicants will be allocated a table at Vet Fest, providing a direct platform for community outreach. This presents an opportunity to engage with veterans, families and other attendees, showcasing their company or organization and the services offered.

Drawing more than 7,000 participants annually, including veterans, ROTC members, VSOs, veteran-owned businesses and corporations with strong veteran ties, as well as musical groups, the annual Veterans Parade is a significant community event. Vet Fest offers a lively and family-friendly environment featuring live bands,

food trucks and a beer garden. Moreover, attendees, including veterans and their families, can access a range of resources in a supportive atmosphere. These include job recruitment, healthcare benefits, educational opportunities, financial assistance and workshops.

“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the 10th year of Philadelphia’s Veterans Parade and Festival,” said Anthony Murphy, president of the Philadelphia Veterans Parade. “This event serves as a vital gathering for our community, bound together by a shared and unique experience. It’s a moment to honor and celebrate our collective history and pay homage to those who have paved the way for us.”

For sponsorship inquiries, businesses can email stevephillabaum@ gmail.com.

Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate

Applications are available for the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Individuals who qualify can receive a rebate from $380 to $1,000 from property taxes or rent paid last year. The application must be filed by June 30. To qualify, you must be a senior citizen 65 years of age or older, a widow or widower 50 years of age or older, or a disabled person 18 years or older. Homeowners and renters who have annual incomes of $45,000 or less could qualify. Only half of your annual Social Security or SSI income is counted toward the income guideline. For more information or an application, call Polish American Social Services at 215-923-1900. ••

Entertainment at Parx

Parx Casino is offering the following upcoming entertainment:

May 17: Femmes of Rock

May 18: Sebastian Bach

May 31: Reik

June 1: Joss Stone

June 14: Almost Queen, a tribute to Queen

June 21: Corinne Bailey Rae

July 13: Clay Walker

Aug. 3: Tyler Henry, The Hollywood Medium

Aug. 10: Dylan Scott

Sept. 7: Australian Pink Floyd

Nov. 21: Aaron Lewis

Nov. 23: Steve Trevino ••

on a journey. When I came back to Philly I joined (Pennsylvania Horticultural Society) and became a tree tender. I held a carpenter bee during the pandemic and I think that made me want to develop my connection with the species that was calling my name.”

Joining the Beekeeper for a Day experience doesn’t necessarily mean participants need to continue on a path of beekeeping. The experience has been enjoyed by adventure seekers looking to learn everything about the species to those just wanting to partake in a unique date. No matter the intentions, those that complete the experience depart with a bottle of honey harvested from Anna Bee’s Honey’s apiary located in Grays Ferry at Growing Together Garden. Berman said the apiary produces about 400-700 pounds of honey a year. The Beekeeper experience costs $75 a person and full protective gear is provided for all participants.

“I’ve only been doing this since last June, but it’s a perfect space for it and people seem really excited to come check out the bees,” Berman said.

He had many satisfied customers on a chilly April Saturday morning.

“This is my first experience and I was quite nervous around bees, because that’s what you’re taught, but they were quite interesting,” Whaley Fowler said. “They have quite a society and organization.”

A lot of the excitement surrounded Berman’s buzzing enthusiasm.

“I love his passion,” Jones said. “His head is brimming with all kinds of things he wants to tell us. To see someone that passionate about whatever it is they are doing, as long as it’s good-natured, is wonderful to see. He’s so gracious with his knowledge and his time.” ••

Dance, music and puppets, with an Indonesian flair

South Philly’s EgoPo Classic Theater will celebrate 30 years of production with the world-premiere adaptation of the Ramayana.

More than 28 years in the making, Ramayana will be performed June 12-16 under an outdoor tent in the Navy Yard (Lot 624, 5000 S. 11th St.) and will be surrounded by Rama’s Fest — an Indonesian Food and Cultural Festival.

Ramayana is a great epic poem of India and was composed verbally in Sanskrit around 300 BCE by the poet Valmiki. In Indonesia, where it has become the national and cultural touchstone, it is most famously told in the form of an all-night Wayang Kulit or shadow puppet festival.

Inspired by these Indonesian forms, the three-company team of Papermoon Puppet Theater of Java, Kalanari Theatre Movement of Bali and EgoPo Classic Theater will produce the work with live music, puppetry and contemporary Indonesian dance.

“The Ramayana has been a career-long dream of mine,” said founding artistic director Lane Savadove. “The project started in the early days of EgoPo and so it feels fitting for it to be the highlight of our 30th anniversary season. More than at any point in my lifetime, the world desperately needs to develop the empathy that is essential in recognizing the humanity in every individual no matter our differences.”

Premium reserved seats ($50) and VIP premium ($100) are available at www. egopo.org/ramayana. General admission lawn seats are available for free on dayof performances.

Roughly 28 years ago, Savadove served for a year as the Resident Director at the National Cultural Center of Indonesia in Solo, Java. During his time there, he trained with nationally acclaimed Indonesian artists and produced a first draft of the Ramayana, which examined the pitfalls of cultural globalization. Due to political realities in both countries, the project sat on hold until 2017.

Theater Communications Group funded a group of EgoPo artists to visit Indonesia and resume plans for a major collaboration. There they met with Papermoon and Kalanari artists and resumed work on the adaptation. After several developmental visits, a 10-person EgoPo ensemble spent five weeks in Java with the Indonesian companies finishing the

adaptation for presentation in Philadelphia.

The project will come to fruition in June, featuring a cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural ensemble of dancers, actors, puppeteers and musicians from Indonesian and the United States. EgoPo will be hosting 12 Indonesian artists during May and June and programming unique community engagement and public performance events throughout their stay. Sinta Penyami Storms, co-founder of Gapura Philadelphia and founder of Modero Dance & Co., will be curating these events as well as Rama’s Fest, which surrounds Ramayana and will feature up to 20 Southeast Asian vendors daily with the goal of celebrating and supporting Philadelphia’s local Indonesian community, one of the largest in the U.S.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this project,” said Storms.

“I appreciate Lane and EgoPo for involving me as an Indonesian artist and cultural adviser. In the past, our traditional culture was often appropriated, and our community was exploited. It is truly refreshing to be able to represent our people in a respectful manner. I am excited to engage with the community, highlight our local vendors and educate the public about our culture.”

Evening performances will be at 7:30 from June 12-16, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on June 15. ••

May 15

Andy Murray, Tennis Player (37)

Kevin Von Erich, Wrestler (67)

May 16

Tucker Carlson, Journalist (55)

Olga Korbut, Gymnast (69)

May 17

Kim Mulkey, Basketball Coach (62)

Derek Hough, Dancer (39)

May 18

Tina Fey, TV Actress (54)

George Strait, Country Singer (72)

May 19

Sam Smith, Pop Singer (32)

Lainey Wilson, Country Singer (32)

May 20

Cher, Pop Singer (78)

Busta Rhymes, Rapper (52)

May 21

Josh Allen, Football Player (28)

Tom Daley, Diver (30)

AROUND TOWN

WXPN announces 24-Hour Song Challenge

WXPN is inviting local songwriters to participate in a 24-Hour Song Challenge on June 1 at noon, when it will announce a song prompt to start the challenge. Artists will then have 24 hours to write a brand-new, original song, record a video of their performance, upload it to YouTube, and share it to the WXPN 24-Hour Song Challenge website to be judged by a panel.

The winner will receive $1,000, a one-year WXPN Program Partner Membership ($1,500 value), 10 hours of recording time at Milkboy Studios in Philadelphia and the opportunity to perform their winning song onstage at WXPN’s 2024 XPoNential Music Festival in September. The three runners-up will each receive $500 and a one-year basic-level WXPN membership ($120 value).

Registration is open and songwriters must sign up by May 23 at songchallenge.xpn.org.

“With so many talented, independent songwriters in our broadcast area, we’re looking to find some of the most creative during the song challenge,”

said Bruce Warren, WXPN Associate

General

Manager for Programming.

“It’s a unique and exciting opportunity for songwriters of all experience levels to showcase their talent.” ••

Celebrate Armed Forces Day

Tony & Nick’s Steaks, 39 E. Oregon Ave., will be supporting the Michael Strange Foundation on Saturday, May 18, in honor of Armed Forces Day. All proceeds from sides and drinks purchased from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. will be donated to the Michael Strange Foundation, which assists Gold Star families in their grieving process by providing unconditional support and services by professionals in several fields, and also by those who have suffered similar losses so that the healing process can begin. The Delaware Sea Cadets will be on hand at noon. Navy Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 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. Donations can be sent through Venmo @michael_strange_foundation ••

Advertising Director John Gallo jgallo@southphillyreview.com

VP of Sales Arlene Reyes areyes@newspapermediagroup.com

General Manager Brandon Chamberlain bchamberlain@newspapermediagroup.com

Associate Editor Mark Zimmaro mzimmaro@newspapermediagroup.com

Associate Editor Tom Rimback trimback@newspapermediagroup.com

Editorial news@southphillyreview.com Socials and obituaries social.obits@southphillyreview.com

Among the Top Cancer Centers in the Nation

Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University is now a Comprehensive Cancer Center. It’s the top National Cancer Institute designation that many strive to earn, but few nationwide achieve. This designation demonstrates our commitment to cancer prevention, and our expertise and leadership in delivering uncompromising care and breakthrough cancer research. Jefferson Health’s exceptional cancer care just got, well, even more exceptional.

With multiple treatment locations throughout the region

Until Every Cancer is Cured | Jeffersonhealth.org/Cancer

of

SIDNEY KIMMEL CANCER CENTER

As part

the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Research Consortium, we’re working with Drexel University to transform breakthrough research into life-changing cancer treatments.

Annual Health Expo 2024

JEFFERSON METHODIST HOSPITAL (Broad Street Entrance)

FREE Health Screenings

Cholesterol and glucose (fasting recommended), blood pressure and stroke, foot and ankle, osteoporosis heel scans and mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women.

FREE Health Information and Consultations

Stop by our information booths for consultations with experts in their fields including nutrition counseling, obstetrics and gynecology/multispecialty services at 1300 and 1302 Wolf Street, “hands only” CPR, cancer education, bike safety and more!

Family Fun and More

Food and refreshments at no cost to attendees, Paw Patrol cartoon guests, face painting, balloon artist AND MORE!

Registration is only required for mammograms and osteoporosis heel scans.

More skilled workers needed

For many years “American Workers Need You” has promoted the need for more skilled workers throughout the United States of America. It is great to hear in the national news media that America’s high school and college students are more focused on trade programs and highly skilled technical jobs that will provide them with job skills that will last them a lifetime. With the changes in the labor market, students are graduating college and are facing unpredictable or limited job opportunities and higher student debt. Younger Americans see there is a large demand for high-skilled workers, which will get them a positive return from attending schools that offer trade and technology programs.

It is also good to hear reports that large numbers of young Americans are focused on the job skills badly needed in the United States. In addition, America is experiencing the impact of inflation and found that employment opportunities in the trades pay well. They also see that America’s consumers are focused more on spending their dollars on what is made in the United States, which keeps Americans employed.

From the responses we receive, Americans never thought they would see our country reach the point where such a sizable percentage of products sold in America are foreign made. Now that we experienced the aftermath of many years of allowing America’s industries and jobs to be outsourced around the world, we have the chance of a lifetime to rebuild America’s industries with the latest technology and keep American workers on the job.

Our efforts are bipartisan and nonsectarian, and our goals have never changed: Buy American, support American workers, support American businesses and welcome more people to get involved so we can reach the present goal of a 50/50 balance between American made and foreign made where we shop. Thanks for your participation. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Email them to Michael@AmericanWorkersRadio.com. Michael Blichasz

Biden’s predecessor

He stated, I’ll only be a dictator on the first day

Guaranteed whatever happens will naturally evolve his way.

First, declare martial law. That will be his acknowledged best

This will put every ounce of dissension to rest.

Policy and leadership positions will only be his cronies

“Yes men” at their best. No doubt a total bunch of phonies.

He’ll build a Secret Service of brainless, clueless and gullible

Gorillas who will be totally devoid of being caring or lovable.

His MAGA mob will follow like sheep and find much camaraderie as all will be of equal mind.

He will never let pertinent facts cloud his every decree

Most First Amendment rights no longer will we see. This DJ spins only misinformation and lies

And attracts only the frightened mindless flies.

Please wake up, dear citizens, of every rank and file

‘Cause every MAGA member practices daily screaming (hail victory) zeik heil. Ron Farbman

The McGillin’s Man

As a former patron of McGillin’s Olde Ale House and the widow of a Korean War veteran, I was very moved by Mark Zimmaro’s report on the celebration of an almost lifelong bartender who also served in Korea (“A toast to John Doyle,” May 8). It brought back memories.

The Korean War lasted from 19501953. They used to accept the enlistment of teenage soldiers. My Stan was only 17 when it started (He needed his mom to sign a permission form). He was sent into the battlefield at 18 as a medic. John Doyle was also a young soldier when he served years later in the demilitarized zone. I consider all these young veterans heroic.

Later Doyle found his life’s work at the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philadelphia and one of the oldest taverns in the country since opening in 1860.

During my single years before meeting Stan in 1971, I included McGillin’s in my list of weekend watering holes. That was just several years before Doyle started working there. He could have been my bartender. What a fun idea!

So kudos to this brave, hardworking and dedicated bartender. May he and his family enjoy this year of celebration!

Gloria C. Endres

City controller announces audit of special exemption contracts

City Controller Christy Brady announced her office will conduct an audit of special exemption contracts for city departments that gave contracts to vendors without going through the public bidding process and allowed expenditures to carry over beyond the contracted year.

The audit is being conducted after concerns were raised by City Council President Kenyatta Johnson during a recent budget hearing and after the release of a preliminary report by the Inspector General’s Office involving the Office of Homeless Services.

“We are conducting a deeper dive into how the city issues contracts after concerns recently raised by city leaders along with prior audit findings involving procurement practices,” said Brady. “We want to ensure that taxpayer-funded contracts are being awarded properly and fairly. Most importantly, we want to make sure essential services are being delivered to all residents and businesses.”

Certain city departments are exempt from the public bidding process if they need to procure goods or services for immediate needs, as stipulated in the city charter. It includes the Department of Public Health, Department of Human Services, Office of Homeless Services and the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities. However, this practice can potentially create issues and concerns, because it circumvents the scrutiny and oversight of the standard RFP process, resulting in unaccounted for expenditures and budget shortfalls.

In addition, it was already discovered

that some city departments without the exemption were using these departments to issue contracts and avoid the public bidding process. This practice can create situations where an exempt department has no oversight of the contract or work being performed but assumes the full responsibility of maintaining the contract.

“While the city charter recognizes the exemption for specific departments, it presents the possibility that the city could be paying too much for products and services, directing contracts to specific individuals or organizations that may not be qualified to perform the work, and putting minority businesses at a competitive disadvantage,” said Brady.

“Furthermore, it creates an environment absent from accountability and liability.”

The Controller’s Office will review several key areas of contracting, including determining whether departments encumbered amounts substantially lower than the contract amount compared to what was actually spent; performing services that occurred under one contract but paying for them using another contract with the same vendor; exempt departments that have been contracting for similar services with the same vendor in the same period; and reviewing the number of instances that departments without the exemption have been using exempt departments to avoid the city’s contracting process.

The City Controller anticipates the audit work will take several months depending on the volume of records that need to be reviewed and the potential findings. ••

HOT SANDWICHES

FEATURING STROMBOLI

PIZZAS

Spicy Italian 1/2- $12.95 Whole- $13.95 Provolone & Mozzarella cheese, Sausage or Pulled Pork, Long Hots & Fried Onions

The Veg. Italian 1/2- $12.45 Whole- $13.45

Supreme 1/2- $12.45 Whole- $13.45

“The Prosciutto Gia” (16th Only) ...........1/2- $12.45 Whole- $13.45

Sharp Provolone & Spinach ,topped w/a light layer of onion, smoked bacon & fresh tomatoes

Smothered Fry

Pizza ........................ 1/2- $12.75 Whole- $14.75

Our Fresh Hand Tossed Pizza Smothered with French Fries, 3 cheeses, Bacon & Ranch Dressing

Breakfast Pizza .1/2- $12.45 Whole- $13.45

Starting w/a layer of Mozzarella, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage & Ham w/Maple Syrup

Pulled Pork 1/2- $12.95 Whole- $13.95 Onions, Pineapple, American cheese on a white pie topped with homemade pulled pork

Smoked Ham & Spinach with American Cheddar & Mozzarella

Chicken Steak, Broccoli Rabe, Roasted Peppers with American & Mozzarella

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak

Mozzarella,American

Tree removal in FDR Park, soccer fields to come

By Mark Zimmaro South Philly Review

Crews have worked quickly to remove several acres of trees to make way for new artificial turf athletic fields at FDR Park.

The removal of trees comes after a Court of Common Pleas judge decided the court did not have jurisdiction to hear a lawsuit by residents opposing the project.

“The City of Philadelphia is tearing down 441 trees at FDR Park,” said Green Party of Pennsylvania Steering Committee Member Alex Casper. “Many of them are heritage trees, sacred to the Lenni Lenape people. The city wants to make room for 16 artificial-turf soccer fields to host the FIFA World Cup. I myself go bird watching at FDR Park ever since I used to live in Point Breeze. The meadows and habitats within them are home to red-winged black birds, gray catbirds, red cardinals, tree swallows, etc. Destroying these habitats takes away a vital home for wildlife. I have urged our state and local Green Parties to sign on to the demand that the mayor protect these sacred trees and our cities best habitats.”

The Green Party of Pennsylvania Steering Committee endorsed a public letter to Mayor Cherelle Parker requesting that she end the slaughter of heritage trees in the park.

Joining Green Party of PA in opposing the demolition is Clean Air Council, Clean Water Action, EnviroPhilly, Green Party of Philadelphia, LandHealth Institute, Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania,

AROUND TOWN

Prolific Gun Offender Unit

created by DA’s office

District Attorney Larry Krasner announced the launch of a new prosecution unit at the District Attorney’s Office that will focus on adults and juveniles who repeatedly and illegally possess firearms in the city.

Monarch Defenders, Save The Meadows, SEAMAAC Inc., Sunrise Movement Philadelphia, PennEnvironment, Philly DSA, Philly Thrive and Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania. Other neighborhood and civic groups are also voicing displeasure in the removal of trees.

“Our community is adjacent to our beloved FDR Park,” said Barbara Capozzi, Packer Park Civic Association. “Fairmount Park Conservancy has said that the new fields are for neighborhood children. This is total deception on the part of these hypocrites. Attracting out-of-town tournament play has always been the priority under the subterfuge of the Master Plan. Drawing out-of-town tournaments will bring in huge tourism bucks but will destroy the beautiful park that so many thousands of people love.”

Capozzi said traffic concerns and

The DAO’s Prolific Gun Offenders Unit will prosecute the following gun offenses: Felon in Possession of a Firearm; Straw Purchases; Ghost Guns, Juveniles in Possession of Firearms; and individuals who are arrested and charged with the manufacturing and distribution of polymer firearms, also known as “ghost guns.” The DAO’s Prolific Gun Offenders Unit will also utilize criminal intelligence gathering in collaboration with law enforcement and the Gun Violence Task Force to ascertain whether those arrested are actively involved with street groups who commit violence in Philadelphia. Assistant District Attorneys assigned to the DAO’s Prolific Gun Offenders Unit will also handle bail revocation hearings and will work closely with the DAO’s Charging Unit

field participation preferences are a big reason for her group’s disapproval of the fields.

“Our community already has to bear the traffic congestion from the exploding and increasingly popular Sports Complex,” Capozzi said. “Now the city wants Packer Park and all of lower South Philadelphia to also bear the burden of the extra traffic from 12–18 ballfields, a host of basketball and tennis/pickleball courts and much more on the west side of the park. We have repeatedly asked for written assurance that the new fields will first benefit the youth teams and Latino soccer that currently play at FDR Park. Despite many, many requests, again as recently as last week, we have only lip service and nothing in writing that gives priority to our local kids and current park users.”

It is estimated that 40 heritage trees

to appeal low cash bail rulings by Philadelphia Bail Commissioners for those who pose a danger to the community.

“I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude to our partners in Philadelphia City Council for securing the funding to make this new initiative a reality,” Krasner said. “I’m confident that under the leadership of Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Palmer, the Prolific Gun Offender Unit will vigorously and appropriately prosecute and convict the relatively small number of people who pose a significant threat to public safety in our city.” ••

have already been removed this week.

“This phase of the project has already cost us 40 heritage trees that can’t be replaced in our lifetimes,” said Avigail Milder of Save the Meadows. “It will harm our health, our children’s health, our city’s health. And cost us millions of dollars, when nature has given us something so much better for free.”

A written response from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department was sent to Fox 29.

“The City and Fairmount Park Conservancy went through the proper channels to remove trees in FDR Park,” the department stated. “After two court procedures significantly delayed the start of work, the recent decision of the Orphans Court to remove the stay means the City could proceed with removing the trees as planned. Removing the trees is a necessary first step for the Picnic & Play phase of revitalizing FDR Park. This is a crucial element of the FDR Park Plan, which will resolve the persistent flooding that threatens to take over the park in a matter of decades and will also address the serious inequity of playable fields in Philadelphia. FDR Park’s size and location offer a unique opportunity to redefine what an urban park can be, by further integrating recreation with natural lands, planting tens of thousands of native trees and plants, and giving park users a wealth of activities and amenities all in one place. This reimagining of FDR Park is part of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s vision for a safer, cleaner, greener Philadelphia with access to economic opportunity for all.”

Car show and more

American Heritage Credit Union and BIG 98.1 will host the 20th annual car show and member appreciation day on May 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at AHCU headquarters at 2060 Red Lion Road. The free event is open to the community. All proceeds from will support the Kids-N-Hope Foundation. There will be craft vendors, food trucks, inflatables, a petting zoo, a clown and best-of-show car trophies.To register your car or car club for the show, visit AHCU.co/CarShow ••

CROSSWORD THEME: OPPOSITES

ACROSS

1. Clothing joint

5. *Opposite of good

8. *Pre-

12. Guesstimate (2 words)

13. Sudden impulse

14. Group dice game

15. Stead

16. Naive person

17. Fancy necktie

18. *Compass point opposites (2 words)

20. A pinch between the cheeks

21. Earth tremor

22. Before skip and a jump

23. Constantly worry about something

26. More infinitesimal

30. Catch a wink

31. One weber per square meter, pl.

34. *Pre-recorded

35. Deed hearings

37. Cribbage piece

38. Bread spreads

39. Plural of focus

40. Making the way, in a way

42. "I Like ___," 1952 campaign slogan

43. Of somber color

45. *Like bride's accessories (2 words)

47. 60 mins., pl.

48. Indiana ball player

50. One of Three Bears

52. *Day periods (2 words)

55. Vernacular

56. Part of church

57. Soap bubbles

59. Type of small salmon

60. Bound

61. Domingo, Pavarotti and Carreras, e.g.

62. Nicholas II of Russia, e.g.

63. Key next to spacebar

64. Where users review

DOWN

1. Fa follower

2. Between Ohio and Ontario

3. *Opposite of on land

4. Fluffy dessert

5. Hillsides in Scotland

6. Anti-seniors sentiment

7. *Opposite of awakward and clumsy

8. *Door instruction (2 words)

9. Fairy tale opener

10. Flat-bottomed boat

11. Bambino

13. Not like #26 Down

14. Popular breakfast item

19. MCAT and LSAT, e.g.

22. *Hers

23. *Switch positions (2 words)

24. Louisiana swamp

25. Glasses, for short

26. Three biblical sages

27. A logical connection (2 words)

28. Extract a memory, e.g.

29. Stitch again

32. R&R spots

33. Tolstoy's given name, in Russian

36. *Irwin Shaw's title opposites (2 words)

38. Checked out

40. Pimple fluid

41. Marked

44. Speak like Pericles

46. *Not airtight

48. Teacher's pet, e.g.

49. Balance sheet entry

50. *Cons

51. Muslim honorific

52. Facts

53. Donned

54. Nervous biter's victim

55. College assessment test, acr.

58. Janitor's tool

SUDOKU