Around Town

Young’s bill to streamline energy efficiency plans passed in House

The PA House passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Regina Young that would allow for energy-efficiency plans for electric distribution companies such as PECO or Penelec to be approved regardless of whether they use mechanical insulation.

“My bill addresses the situation where contractors are being denied or put through long delays because of their inclusion of mechanical insulation as a cost-efficiency measure,” Young said, “This would clarify that mechanical insulation is appropriate material that prevents workers from burns, reduces noise pollution and improves energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption. It is safe and standard and shouldn’t be the reason for delays or denials.”

Mechanical insulation refers to different materials made to insulate mechanical systems like ducts, pipes and equipment to reduce energy consumption, control temperature and enhance safety. Mechanical insulation is applied solely to mechanical systems and components.

Act 129 of 2008 requires electric distribution companies to complete an energy efficiency and conservation plan for their distribution areas every five years. Plans must be approved by the state Public Utility Commission to ensure they are cost-effective and reduce energy consumption.

Young said that various plans are being denied or delayed because they include mechanical insulation. House Bill 543 would clarify that the PUC cannot deny an energy-efficiency program application solely because it contains mechanical insulation within its plan.

State making birth certificates more easily available

The state Departments of Labor & Industry and Health announced a new initiative allowing Pennsylvanians to receive on-the-spot birth certificates at PA CareerLink locations – helping more Pennsylvanians access the documents they need to enter the workforce, faster and more efficiently than before.

The pilot program reinforces the Shapiro administration’s commitment to eliminating common barriers to employment, such as a lack of a state-issued birth certificate. Just like the traditional process of obtaining a state birth certificate, this service is available only to people born in Pennsylvania.

“Having access to your birth certificate shouldn’t be what holds you back from starting a new job or applying for housing,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “Initiatives such as this represent how we are removing barriers, expanding opportunity and getting stuff done for Pennsylvanians.”

DOH strongly supports the PA CareerLink pilot program that speeds up the process of receiving a birth certificate for people seeking new jobs and other opportunities. DOH offers multiple options for obtaining a birth certificate, including online, through the mail or in-person at a Vital Records public office. 

“We value this partnership with Labor & Industry to benefit Pennsylvanians,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “The fastest and least expensive way for Pennsylvanians to receive their official birth certificate is through the Department of Health’s Division of Vital Records. There is no reason for Pennsylvanians to pay an extra fee to use third-party vendors to obtain their birth certificates.”

Town halls to shape city’s arts and culture

Creative Philadelphia, the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, is launching a series of community Arts & Culture Town Halls to engage neighbors across the city in shaping Philadelphia’s first comprehensive Cultural Plan by bringing the conversation to each of the city’s 10 Council districts. The discussions will take place through June as well as one citywide conversation for teens and young adults and another for independent artists.

The citywide effort is designed to lift up the voices of Philadelphians from every neighborhood — artists, creatives, cultural organizations, faith leaders, youth, elders and community members alike — to co-create a vision for how arts and culture can drive community health and well-being and a cleaner, greener, safer and more economically mobile Philadelphia for all.

“Arts and culture are much more than a ‘nice to have;’ they are essential to building strong, safe and thriving neighborhoods,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker. “Our administration is committed to making sure that every voice is heard and that our cultural policies reflect the cultural richness, creativity and brilliance of this city. These sessions are about listening and learning from Philadelphians so we can build a future rooted in shared prosperity and cultural pride.”

The 12 town halls will include facilitated discussions, storytelling, artistic expression and open dialogue. Residents are encouraged to share their experiences and dreams for Philadelphia’s creative future.

“Philadelphia’s culture lives in every block party, mural, open mic, church choir and dance class,” said Val Gay, Chief Cultural Officer and Executive Director, Creative Philadelphia. “This plan isn’t being written behind closed doors — it’s being co-created by, for and with the people. We’re showing up to listen to what’s working, what’s needed and how we can truly honor and support the creatives and culture bearers who are the lifeblood of this city. We must move away from the starving artist and scarcity mindset. Philadelphia is abundant with arts, culture and the talented people to make it all happen.”

South Philly residents in the 1st District can attend the town hall on May 31 at 2 p.m. at the Old Pine Community Center, 401 Lombard St. A meeting for residents in the 2nd District will be announced in the future. A complete schedule, along with links to pre-session surveys specific to each district, is available on CreativePHL.org/ShapePhilly. All Philadelphia residents are encouraged to sign up for the session in their district and take the pre-session survey to ensure their voice is heard.

O’Neill wants higher Homestead Exemption

Councilman Brian O’Neill introduced legislation to increase the Homestead Exemption from $100,000 to $110,000. If you own your primary residence, you are eligible to receive the Homestead Exemption, which reduces the taxable portion of your property’s assessed value. There are no income limits. Under the new $110,000 exemption, more than 30,000 enrolled owner-occupants in O’Neill’s district would save more than $1,500 annually (an increase of $140). If you are enrolled in the Homestead Exemption, you do not need to reapply. To enroll in the Homestead Exemption or if you have any questions about the program, call 215-686-3422. ••

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 ways 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. ••

Krasner releases first TV ad

Larry Krasner’s re-election campaign released its first ad of the election cycle.

“For seven years, I’ve stood up for Philadelphia,” Krasner says in the ad. “Some people don’t like that. Donald Trump and his billionaire buddies. The shooting groups and gun lobby. A system that denied people justice for too long. They can come for Philly, but I’m not backing down. They can F around and find out.”

The ad also points to the record number of exonerations won by Krasner’s office, which has freed nearly 50 people who the district attorney claims have been wrongfully convicted.

“Our first ad reinforces what Philadelphians already know: Larry is a fighter who will stand up for them against bullies, whether it’s Donald Trump, local shooting groups or the powerful gun lobby. Larry doesn’t like bullies and Philadelphia doesn’t, either,” said campaign manager Josh Uretsky. “We know that Larry’s record and his vision resonates at a time when our values and our way of life are under attack by Trump and his billionaire campaign contributors, and they want someone who will stand up for them and not kowtow to special interests or a broken status quo.”

The ad began running May 1 on cable and streaming television.

Krasner’s campaign believes it leads Pat Dugan, his opponent in the May 20 Democratic primary, by nearly 40 points. ••

Theater performance of Honk!

The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Honk! The Ugly Duckling Musical on May 30-31 and June 1, at 7 p.m., at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St., in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, follow @starplayersPPR on X, like the group’s page on Facebook or contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or Starplayers2013@gmail.com. ••

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. ••

Pacific Wine Country tour

The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is going on a Pacific Wine Country cruise aboard the Sapphire Princess, May 10-17. Ports-of-call include Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Astoria (Oregon) and Victoria and Vancouver (Canada). Rates range from $3,048 to $3,578 per person, double occupancy, which includes round-trip airfare from Philadelphia, port charges, government fees, taxes and transfers to and from the ship. Call 215-788-9408 for more information. ••

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. ••

GirlzDay at the convention center

GirlzDay: Our World, Our Way, hosted by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, will take place on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 11th and Arch streets.

The event is geared to girls in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Tickets cost $35.

There will be keynote speakers, a dance party, interactive breakout sessions, live science experiments, gaming stations, an indoor roller rink, lunch, giveaways and a goody bag. For tickets, sponsorships and more information, visit www.gsep.org/girlzday ••

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. ••

Cruise in July

The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is traveling on an Independence Day Celebration cruise, July 1-8. Ports-of-call include New York, Newport, Boston on July 4 and Halifax, Nova Scotia. A passport is required. Rates range from $1,920 to $2,680 per person, double occupancy. For a flyer, call 215-788-9408. ••