Around Town
Bellmon, Harris present check to organization tackling ‘inequities’ in math
State Rep. Anthony Bellmon and House Appropriations Chair Jordan Harris presented a check worth $125,000 in state funding to the organization Black Girls Love Math.
BGLM was founded five years ago by Atiyah Harmon, who had spent two decades in the education system as a math teacher, principal and administrator. Harmon noticed that many black girls in Philadelphia were struggling in school with mathematics and that the results stemmed from an increasing disinterest in the subject. To combat the issue, she started BGLM and committed to eradicating what she claims is racial and gender inequity in mathematics.
A 2024 Vanderbilt University study found that 71% of black girls expressed a negative math identity. Additionally, the study found that 86% of black girls were unaware of the necessity of advanced math for their future aspirations.
“When you couple the inequities that predominantly black schools face with findings of massive disinterest and unawareness of the importance of such a crucial subject, it could spell a recipe for disaster for our youth,” Bellmon said. “We are very fortunate to have a dedicated, aspirational leader in our community in Ms. Harmon, who is constantly working to put an end to this cycle. Her organization is paving pathways to success for so many young black girls in our community, and I can’t wait to see their work continue with these state dollars they’ve earned.”
Some of the work BGLM has done includes successful partnerships with schools to provide curriculum, expose girls to women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers, and hold competitions challenging girls to solve social justice issues impacting their communities with math knowledge.
“Black Girls Love Math is doing the kind of transformational work our communities need — uplifting young black girls, building confidence and creating opportunities in STEM fields where they’ve long been underrepresented,” Harris said. “This $125,000 investment isn’t just about funding a program; it’s about affirming the brilliance of our young people and ensuring they have every resource to succeed.”
Bill to eliminate deceptive ‘junk fees’ passes House
Legislation that would require platforms for event tickets, lodging and food delivery to list the full, final price of their products upfront passed the House. The bill was introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler with a companion bill introduced by state Sen. Nick Pisciottano.
Junk fees are the unexpected, mandatory fees added to the price of a good or service at checkout, often associated with online purchases for items like concert tickets. These fees can add up to 30-percent more to the original price, and they cost the average American family more than $3,000 per year.
“Pennsylvanians are trying to make plans with their budgets in mind, but these hidden fees prevent people from making informed decisions,” said Fiedler. “It’s more than frustrating to be scouring for hours to plan your family vacation only to get to the checkout page to see the price skyrocket. Whether it’s a special occasion like a concert or a trip, we all deserve better treatment from these corporations.”
House Bill 1216 would protect Pennsylvania consumers against “bait and switch” pricing practices, while allowing small businesses to compete with the artificially lowered prices used by dominant, national corporations.
New pricing strategy for Xfinity WiFi
Following the launch and consumer reaction to Xfinity’s new 5-year guarantee, the company has launched its everyday pricing structure with four national internet tiers that include unlimited data and the advanced Xfinity WiFi Gateway for one monthly price. The move is part of the company’s broader strategy to give consumers all-in Xfinity WiFi plans. In addition, all plans include a line of Xfinity Mobile at no additional cost for a year.
“We said we were going to go ‘all-in’ on a new pricing strategy and we are delivering with our 5-year price lock and our new everyday price plans. Now all our Xfinity Internet packages are built on simplicity and transparency – no hidden fees, no confusion – just the best, most reliable and secure WiFi that sets a new standard for the ultimate connected experience,” said Steve Croney, Chief Operating Officer, Connectivity & Platforms, Comcast. “We’re coming out swinging with a superior WiFi product that easily beats the competition at an even better price point for customers.”
The Xfinity WiFi Gateway blankets the home with cybersecurity protection and provides other WiFi features and parental controls all accessible in the newly redesigned Xfinity app, allowing customers to manage their WiFi experience in the home.
An unlimited line of Xfinity Mobile is also included at no cost for a year with these plans. Xfinity Mobile customers have access to WiFi PowerBoost, a feature that increases Xfinity Mobile speeds up to 1 gig – no matter the plan they choose – when they are connected over WiFi in the home or anywhere else on the Xfinity WiFi network. With 90 percent of mobile traffic traveling over WiFi, Xfinity Mobile is created for how customers use their mobile devices.
Consumers can sign up for Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile at www.xfinity.com or at their local Xfinity store. ••
Saints at the Shore
Saints at the Shore will take place on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 3-7 p.m. at Keenan’s Irish Pub, in North Wildwood. Graduates and friends of Southeast Catholic, Bishop Neumann, St. John Neumann, St. Maria Goretti and Neumann-Goretti are invited. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. The event will feature DJ Johnny Looch, drink specials, buffet, raffles, throwback merchandise and 50-50. Buy tickets at https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=hHzbrx ••
Review returns to old website
The South Philly Review has returned to its original website, southphillyreview.com.
The website includes news, arts and entertainment, crime, sports, opinion and a way to sign up for a free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox.
Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, on Facebook and on X @SoPhReview. ••
Trip to see Nunsense
On Wednesday, Aug. 13, the Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is running a bus trip to see the musical comedy Nunsense at Shawnee Playhouse in Shawnee-On-Delaware, Monroe County. Cost is $144 and includes buffet luncheon at Shawnee Inn, ticket to see show and round-trip motorcoach. Bus departs at 9:15 a.m. from 604 Cottman Ave., Cheltenham, and returns about 6:30 p.m. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Call Sharyn at 267-265-5348. ••
Sign up for basketball camp
The 19th annual Jaguar Summer Basketball Camp will take place from July 21-25 at the air-conditioned Marian Center at St. Ephrem, in Bensalem. The camp is for boys and girls in kindergarten through 12th grade and will be a mix of fun, fundamentals and competition. The cost is $150 and includes a free basketball and T-shirt. Campers must bring lunch. The camp is under the direction of former college coach Dan Williams. To request a brochure or for more information, email Williams at DanW@aol.com. ••
Golfing for a cause
The Leigh Leckerman Foundation will hold Tee for Leigh, its second annual golf classic, on Friday, Sept. 5, at Bensalem Country Club. The cost is $200 per golfer, $800 for a foursome or $60 for dinner only. Sponsorships are available, including those for holes and beverage carts. Proceeds will benefit the foundation, which provides addiction-related services, including detox inpatient and outpatient services and housing. For more information, visit LeighsHelp.org. ••
Enjoy the music of Bobby Darin
The Maryln Chakov Fein Chapter, Fox Chase Cancer Center is going to New York City on Sept. 6 to see the Broadway show about Bobby Darin, Just In Time. The cost is $270, which includes orchestra seat and coach bus. The bus leaves from 604 Township Line Road, Cheltenham, at 9:15 a.m. and returns about 7:30 p.m. This event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. To reserve a ticket, call Penny at 215-342-4231. ••
Host foreign exchange student
World Heritage International Student Exchange Program is seeking local families to host foreign exchange students. World Heritage students come from countries such as Italy, Denmark, Spain, France, Germany, Ukraine, Japan and Australia. They are ages 15-18. Host families may be single parents, couples and single persons.
The exchange students have pocket money for personal expenses and full health, accident and liability insurance.
If interested in hosting an exchange student, call Debra at 800-888-9040, visit www.world-heritage.org or send an email to info@world-heritage.org to request more information or start the application process. ••
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 Niagara Falls
Polish American Cultural Center is sponsoring a Niagara Falls, New York & Made in America Store trip from Thursday, July 10, to Sunday, July 13. There will be a canal Cruise and lunch, boat ride, underground railroad tour, wine testing, a visit to the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine and casino trip, with $25 slot play. The trip will be by motor coach, and there will be a three-night hotel stay with buffet breakfasts and dinners. The cost is $1,100 per person double occupancy, including taxes and gratuities. For more information and reservations, call Theresa Romanowski at 215-813-2780 or 215-922-1700. ••
Ukrainian festival in August
The Ukrainian Folk Festival will take place on Sunday, Aug. 24, from noon to 8 p.m. at the Ukrainian American Sport Center — Tryzub, County Line and Lower State roads, Horsham.
The event will feature folk art, live music, dance, food, refreshments, vendors, arts and crafts displays and live historical reenactments.
Admission is $20, with a portion donated to the relief of war victims in Ukraine.
Kids under 15 are admitted free.
Parking is free.
For more information, call 267-664-3857 or visit www.tryzub.org. ••