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LIFESTYLEissue

Improvements coming to Cohox

Rebuild Philadelphia last week celebrated a groundbreaking for site improvements at Cohocksink Recreation Center, 2901 Cedar St. in Port Richmond.

Among those in attendance were Councilman Mark Squilla, state Rep. Joe Hohenstein, residents and representatives of Community Ventures.

The $4.45 million renovation project is funded by the city’s Rebuild program, with project oversight led by Community Ventures. The Rebuild initiative is an investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in 72 neighborhood parks, recreation centers and libraries across Philadelphia.

The city also received funding from the state Department of Community and Economic Development totaling $1 million and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources totaling $600,000.

“I am honored to play a small part in making sure that Cohocksink gets the improvements it needs to make it a place where our kids can play safely,” Hohenstein said. “Our rec centers are part of the beating heart of the city, and our kids deserve no less than the best facilities to learn and grow.”

“It’s been a long time coming, but we are finally here to break ground on a much-improved renovation of the Cohox Recreation Center,” Squilla said. “We collaborated with the community to ensure their voices were heard while we planned the redesign of the playground.”

Please see REBUILD/ Page 2

GENEROUS ALUMS

OF THE CLASS

Photo Credit: Rebuild Philadelphia

North Catholic alums announce scholarship recipients

The Northeast Catholic Alumni Association has chosen the scholarship recipients of its annual $500,000 in tuition grants. The recipients are 10 in grade school, 20 in high school and five in college, who are the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of alumni association members. The money is given over three years for students in grade school and four years for

REBUILD

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students in high school and college.

• The following students received $32,000: Allison Szychulski (Little Flower graduate, DeSales University); Molly McGovern (Camden Catholic, St. Joseph’s); Tatum McHugh (Nazareth Academy, St. Joseph’s); Jessica Wojnar (Holy Cross, Holy Family); Christopher McCole (Roman Catholic, St. Joseph’s).

• The following students received

“Our team is always thrilled to work on Rebuild projects, and Cohocksink is no different,” said Community Ventures Director of Development Troy Hannigan. “We look forward to continuing to work closely with Cohox community members and the Rebuild team to see this project come to life.”

Cohocksink Recreation Center will be updated with the following:

• Exterior site signage

• New playground safety surface and equipment

• Exterior lighting and security cameras

• Sports field upgrades

• Basketball court relocation

• Perimeter fencing improvements

• Sidewalk Improvements

• New trees

“Recreation centers are the heart of every community, and therefore should be a priority investment,” said Aparna Palantino, director of the city Department of Parks and Recreation’s Capital Program Office. “The capital improvements to come at this site will help grow this tight-knit community

$20,000: Emma Hand (St. Jerome graduate, St. Hubert); Samantha Hand (St. Jerome, St. Hubert); Michael Comey (Our Lady of Port Richmond, St. Joseph’s Prep); Chase Pantalone (Franklin Towne Charter, Father Judge); Caroline Malloy (Blessed Trinity, St. Hubert).

• The following students received $16,000: Max Witalec (Our Lady of Port Richmond graduate, St. Joseph’s Prep); Jayson Lux (James Martin School, Neumann-Goretti); Salvatore Celebre (Franklin Towne Charter, Roman Catholic); Michael Szychulski (St. Katherine of Siena, Father Judge); Joseph McCook (Our Lady of Port Richmond, Archbishop Wood).

• The following students received $12,000: Patrick Haney (Holy Trinity graduate, Conwell-Egan); Brigid McConnell (St. Albert the Great, Archbishop Wood); Joshua Zaleski (St. Cecilia, Father Judge); Shaylee Wallace (St. Katherine of Siena, St. Hubert); Valerie Bray (Nativity of Our Lord, Villa Joseph Marie).

DiNessa (St. Cecilia, Archbishop Wood); Joseph Rowan (Franklin Towne Charter, Father Judge).

• The following students received $9,000: Katelyn McGerry (St. Katherine of Siena); Isabella Janda (St. Katherine of Siena); Emily Tieri (St. George).

• The following students received $6,000: Hugh Regan (St. Christopher); Leah Donnelly (St. Christopher); Ryan Prosperi (St. Cecilia); Julianna Kirchenbauer (St. Christopher).

• The following students received $3,000: Olivia Dougherty (Nativity of Our Lord); Frances Wallace (Mother of Divine Grace); Michael Roche (St. Katherine of Siena). ••

BRIEFS

AROUND THE TOWN THE

and provide a high-quality site for all current and future activities the children and youth will experience.”

Every Rebuild site is designed in collaboration with community members of all ages. In addition to garnering feedback from community meetings, Community Ventures’ community engagement team worked with Port Richmond youth attending the summer program to visualize their desires for Cohocksink and to educate them on the design and construction process.

“These improvements will make a dramatic difference in the everyday lives of our community members,” said Cohocksink Recreation Leader Gerard Walsh. “We are grateful for Rebuild’s investment and look forward to seeing our dreams turn into reality here at Cohocksink.”

The building will remain open and active for programming during construction. Outdoor field activities will be held until July 1, after which they will relocate to Bridesburg, 4601 Richmond St., and Cione, 2600 Aramingo Ave. ••

• The following students received $8,000: Kayne Puchon (MaST Community Charter School graduate, Nazareth Academy); Catherine Gasiewski (Blessed Trinity, St. Hubert); Britney Teszner (Our Lady of Port Richmond, Little Flower); Kaitlyn

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

June 5

Mark Wahlberg, Movie Actor (53)

Joe Gatto, Comedian (48)

June 6

Kenny Pickett, Eagles Quarterback (26)

Carole Baskin, Activist (63)

June 7

Mike Pence, Vice President (65)

Tom Jones, Pop Singer (84)

June 8

Kanye West, Rapper (47)

Bonnie Tyler, Pop Singer (73)

June 9

Zach Hyman, Hockey Player (32)

Natalie Portman, Movie Actress (43)

June 10

Kate Upton, Model (32)

Bill Burr, Comedian (56)

June 11

Mehmet Oz, TV Show Host (64)

Greta Van Susteren, TV Show Host (70)

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 cost is $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.

Ukrainian Folk Festival in August

The Ukrainian Folk Festival will take place on Sunday, Aug. 25, from noon to 8 p.m., at the Ukrainian American Sport Center — Tryzub, County Line and Lower State roads, Horsham.

There will be Ukrainian folk art, music, dance, crafts and historical reenactments, a variety of food and refreshments and a vendors grove. Admission is $15, and a portion will be donated to relief of war victims in Ukraine. Kids under 15 will be admitted free. Parking is free. Call 267-664-3857, email info@ tryzub.org or visit www.tryzub.org

Photo Credit: Rebuild Philadelphia

Holy Inn traveling to A.C.

Holy Innocents is sponsoring a casino trip on Thursday, Aug. 15.

A bus will depart L Street and Hunting Park Avenue at 9:30 a.m., with an option to attend the Wedding of the Sea festival at Hard Rock Casino Arena.

There will be a Mass at noon, followed by a procession to the sea at 1:15 p.m. and a $10 slot package at Resorts Casino. The bus will depart Resorts at 5 p.m.

The cost is $40, due by Aug. 1.

To reserve your seat, call Cindy at 215-535-2740.

St. Hubert headed to A.C.

St. Hubert will hold its ninth annual summer fun day trip on Monday, June 17. A bus will depart the school, 7320 Torresdale Ave., at 8:45 a.m. and arrive back about 9 p.m. There will be a one-hour ride on an Atlantic Citybased cruise ship and a four-hour stay at Resorts Casino, with $15 back in slot

cash and a $15 food voucher. There will be a sit-down dinner and complimentary wine tasting at Tomasello Winery. The cost is $115. Contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or mclifford@huberts.

Car show at Bonk’s Bonk’s Bar, 3467 Richmond St., will host a Father’s Day weekend car show on Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will be classic original and restored muscle cars. ••

BRIEFS AROUND THE TOWN

Programs at Richmond Library

Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St., offers a Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program that meets Mondays and Tuesdays from 2-6 p.m. and Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2-5 p.m. LEAP is a free, drop-in afterschool program that provides homework help and activities for students in grades K-12 every day after school.

Summer Reading will continue through Aug. 9. Children up to age 12 can earn free books and prizes for tracking their reading and learning activities. Stop in any time during the summer to sign up and get a game board.

A preschool storytime and play group will meet on Wednesdays, June 5, 12 and 26, at 10:30 a.m. Join Ms. Meghan for stories and songs for ages 4 and under with caregivers. Stay after storytime to play. Siblings welcome.

The Chess Club will meet on Mondays, June 10, 17 and 24, from 4-6 p.m. Free and open to the public. All ages and skill levels welcome.

The Read, Baby, Read Storytime & Play Group will meet on Thursdays, June 13, 20 and 27, at 10:30 a.m. Join Ms. Meghan for lap time with stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces for babies with caregivers. Stay after storytime to play. Siblings welcome.

An advanced-care directive workshop is set for Saturday, June 15, at noon. Presented by Lori McCole-Mazur, endof-life doula.

Monday Fun Day will take place at 3 p.m., from June 17 to Aug. 12. Stop in every Monday for a new activity. Do crafts and science experiments, play games and build with Lego bricks.

The Horror Book Club will meet on Monday, June 17, at 6 p.m. For ages 18-plus.

Call 215-685-9992.

••

Band will play at Fillmore

Multi-platinum-selling Canadian pop-rock band Marianas Trench announced its 2024 North American tour. The Force of Nature tour includes a stop at The Fillmore, 29 E. Allen St., on Sept. 30. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.marianastrench.net.

Work permits for illegals and their families

The American Business Immigration Coalition held a news conference urging President Biden to grant legal work permits to long-term immigrants, including undocumented spouses and immediate family of United States citizens, “DREAMers” ineligible for DACA and long-term workers without a path to legal status.

State Rep. Joe Hohenstein said, “We can provide some degree of dignity to people who have been here for so long without it.”

Sign up for basketball camp

The 18th annual Jaguar Summer Basketball Camp will take place in the air-conditioned Marian Center at St. Ephrem, in Bensalem, from July 22-26.

The camp is for boys and girls in kindergarten through 12th grade, and will include fundamentals and competition.

The cost is $150 and includes a free basketball and T-shirt. Campers must bring their own lunch.

The camp is under the direction of former college coach Dan Williams.

For a brochure or questions, email WilliamsD@LSCHS.org.

Car show at Ryan

The Archbishop Ryan Annual Alumni Car Show will take place on June 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school, 11201 Academy Road (rain date June 30). Admission is free. In addition to vintage and custom cars on display, there will be food, adult beverages, merchandise vendors, a 50/50 raffle, door prizes, a DJ and the classic rock band Mojo Channel.

Prizes for cars include Top 40 Awards, Principal’s Award, Hottest Ride on Campus for current Ryan students who enter a car, Father Renè Alumni Award for Ryan alums who enter a car and the Father Noel Legacy Award. To register a car, the cost is $20 online, $25 the day of the event. The cost for merchandise vendor registration is $25, to be paid online prior to the event. Registration for merchandise vendors will not be accepted the day of the event. Sponsorships are available. To register or learn more, visit: WWW.ARHS.ME/CARSHOW ••

Samer Abdelsamie, DMD

Evil Genius embraces Pride Month in its own inimitable way

By Tom Rimback STAR

Philadelphia local craft brewery Evil Genius, 1727 N. Front St., is surpassing its own high bar with this year’s celebration of Pride Month all June long. The celebration started with the release of the official beer of Pride Month, Love is Love Pride Beer, on June 1.

The Pride-themed beer makes its return for the month of June with proceeds earmarked to benefit the Trevor Project, which helps at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth.

The 2024 launch of Love is Love Pride Beer debuted at a Pride Block Party June 1. Evil Genius closed the street outside the Fishtown Lab and presented a full day of live music and entertainment.

Throughout June, Evil Genius will also celebrate the gay musical icons with three Pride drag shows in June – celebrating the music of Kesha, Taylor Swift and, finally, female country music icons.

Congratulations to Franklin Towne class of ‘24

Franklin Towne Charter High School was scheduled to graduate Tuesday night at Temple’s Liacouras Center.

“We are proud of our graduating students and grateful to the hundreds of families who entrust us with providing more than 1,300 children per year the highest quality high school experience possible,” said CEO Brianna O’Donnell.

“During its 25 years of serving Philadelphia’s families Franklin Towne Charter High School has educated students from every ZIP code in the city. As we look forward to welcoming in students for the 2024-2025 school year, there is no question, Franklin Towne Charter High School is here to stay, and will continue to live up to Niche.com’s accolade as one Philadelphia’s most diverse high schools for many decades to come.”

In all, there were 305 graduates.

The commencement speaker wasRyan Manion, CEO of the Travis Manion Foundation, host of the Resilient Life Podcast and author of Knock at the Door.

The valedictorian was Patricia Palanik, who will attend Princeton. The salutatorian was Savannah Goral, who will attend Holy Family.

The following awards were presented: Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald Scholarship (Gabrielle Torres, Temple); Joseph L. Bianchino Jr. Scholarship (Ryan Sullivan, trade apprenticeship program); Mentor Award (Daniel Nogowski, Widener); Towne Student Award (Brandon Leaks, Penn State); Towne Service Award (Emma Dahl, Elizabethtown); Phoenix Award (Joseph Hill, U.S. Army); Math Award (Patricia Palanik, Princeton); Science Award (Felisha Nguyen, Arcadia); History Award (Meiara Staton, Maryland Eastern Shore); English Award (Gabrielle Torres, Temple); Foreign Language Award (Abigail Pennisi, Kutztown); Art Award

(Hunter Stewart, tattoo apprenticeship program); Cosmetology Award (Lydia Taylor, Jean Madeline Aveda Institute); Videography Award (Dariel Gutierrez, Community College of Philadelphia); Woodshop Award (Pedro Lopez, U.S. Navy); Culinary Award (Meiara Staton, Maryland Eastern Shore); Music Award (Jermaine Carter, Southern California); Fashion Design Award (Hailey Ritsky, Widener); Scholar-Athletes of the Year (Samuel Garcia-Barrios, Villanova, and Emma Dahl, Elizabethtown); Athletes of the Year (Braedyn Clinton, Widener, and Meiara Staton, Maryland Eastern Shore); Warrior Award (Brandon Leaks, Penn State). ••

On June 9, the brunch-time theme will be a Hoedown Throwdown.

The country music-themed event celebrating some of the iconic figures in country music will be limited to patrons 18-and-older and includes a brunch food and cocktail menu.

At the June 23 Pride Month Brunch, the music of everybody’s favorite Eagles’ brother’s girlfriend takes center stage as Pride Month celebrates Taylor Swift.

Pride Month celebrations conclude on June 30 with the We R Who We R Brunch.

The music of Kesha will be featured as the month-long celebration ends with one final brunch-time blowout.

Tickets for Drag Shows are on Ticket Leap by searching for Evil Genius Beer Company. For more information on Evil Genius or to find its beer near you, reach out to info@evilgeniusbeer.com or give them a shout on social media @ evilgeniusbeer.

BRIEFS

AROUND THE TOWN THE

Sunday flea market returns

A flea market will take place every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November at Liberty Plaza, 90 Franklin Mills Blvd. (near Knights Road). The cost for vendors is $30 per parking space. For more information, call 215-625-FLEA (3532) or visit PhilaFleaMarkets.org.

Senior trip

St. Katherine of Siena Primrose senior club is running a trip on Friday, June 21, to Shawnee Playhouse for a sit-down luncheon and the musical My Fair Lady. The cost is $110. Call Catherine Murphy at 215-919-4399 for reservations. ••

Bingo at Loudenslager

Corp. John Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave., is offering community bingo every second and fourth Friday evenings. Doors open at 6:30, games start at 7:20. Refreshments available. ••

Supplied Photo

Lifestyle: Arts & Entertainment

PPH: The Right Place to Design Your Life

Living with intention requires setting a vision for yourself in the years ahead. The Philadelphia Protestant Home (PPH) is an ideal place for those 62 looking at their next move. Start by downloading our "Design Your Life" eBook at the PPH website and attend Margit Novak’s discussion of her book, Squint: Re-visioning the Second Half of Life and get a complimentary signed copy.

You’re also invited to the Tour of Homes Luncheon Series at 12:00 p.m. on June 11 and June 20. Enjoy a wonderful free lunch before touring the apartments and gardens, feeding the koi and visiting the greenhouse.

A garden oasis in the Lawndale section of Northeast Philadelphia

PPH is a non-profit Life Plan Community with one of the most affordable entrance

fees in Philadelphia, with its own swimming pool and wellness center on par with a commercial health club. Plus, it hosts four dining venues and an array of amenities. It’s all securely tucked away on an expansive 13-acre campus, offering a full range of care options, including independent living, personal care, memory care, shortterm rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Our diverse resident population is welcoming to those who identify as LGBTQ.

Victory Fiduciary Consulting

When Ashley was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, her world was turned upside down. The fear of losing her hair during chemotherapy added an extra layer of anxiety. For Ashley, her hair was more than just hair; it was tied to her identity, her role in the family business, and the way her children saw her. Determined to maintain her privacy and dignity through the toughest journey of her life, Ashley discovered cold capping, a revolutionary method that would ultimately save her hair.

Cold capping, a process involving wearing a special cap cooled to extremely low temperatures before, during, and after chemotherapy, works by constricting the blood vessels in the scalp, reducing the amount

of chemo drugs reaching the hair follicles. Despite requiring an aggressive treatment and capping being relatively new and not widely known, Ashley decided to give it a try.

The results were nothing short of miraculous. Ashley retained over 70% of her hair throughout treatment. This wasn’t just about vanity; it was about holding onto a sense of normalcy in an incredibly turbulent time. She continued working at her family-owned retirement planning business without drawing unwanted attention or pity. Her children saw her as the same strong and loving mom they had always known, not defined by her illness. Her employees and clients treated her as the

Compassionate Cold Capping is helping patients preserve their hair during chemotherapy.

Founder Ashley maintained her hair during an aggressive treatment for breast cancer. Now her company is helping women all over the Philadelphia area keep their hair through the revolutionary process of cold capping.

To reach Ashley directly call 215-600-3960 or visit phillycoldcapping.com

You’ll love this: As a non-profit, once you’re in, you’re IN. We love our residents, and it shows in all we do. We make moving outside the community for higher levels of care unnecessary – even if you outlive your money. As a non-profit, PPH helps residents stay in the community.

JOIN US FOR THESE FREE EVENTS AND GIVEAWAYS:

Tour of Homes Luncheon Series on Tuesday, June 11 • 12:00 p.m. or Thursday, June 20 • 12:00 p.m.

Get an inside peek at our model apartments.

Book Talk with Margit Novak on Wednesday, June 26 • 2:00 p.m.

capable businesswoman she had always been.

Inspired by her own success with cold capping, Ashley wanted to ensure other women could have the same opportunity to retain their hair, privacy, and dignity during cancer treatment. She founded Compassionate Cold Capping, a business dedicated to providing cold capping services and support. Through Compassionate Cold Capping, Ashley and her team offer personalized care, helping women navigate the process with the empathy and understanding only someone who has been through it can provide.

Meet the author and receive a free copy of her book, Squint: Re-visioning the Second Half of Life.

RSVP for these events and download a free copy of Design Your Life at PPHNortheastTimes.org or call (215) 6470849.

Ashley’s journey from a cancer patient to a business owner and advocate is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of dignity in healthcare. Her efforts ensure that many more women can face cancer with confidence, knowing they can still look and feel like themselves, preserving a critical part of their identity during the most challenging times. For more information on how cold capping works or to reach Ashley directly please call 215-600-3960 or visit phillycoldcapping. com. “Cancer already takes so much, you don’t have to let it take your hair”.

Turn Over a New Leaf.

YOU’RE INVITED TO PPH’S LIFESTYLE LUNCHEON DESIGN TOURS AND OTHER FABULOUS JUNE EVENTS.

A unique 62+ Philadelphia community where you can live as young as you feel.

PPH is the hub for active aging for Philadelphia’s 62+ crowd. Enjoy a full continuum of services, dining and activities on a 13-acre campus with 24/7 security.

INSPIRING CLASSES AND EVENTS!

Tour of Homes Luncheon Series

Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, June 20 || 12:00 pm RSVP is required.

Get an insider’s view of our stylish model apartment homes and design studio. Please join us for a tour and lunch with the opportunity to explore the PPH community.

Book Talk with Margit Novak

Wednesday, June 26 || 2:00 pm || RSVP is required. Esteemed author Margit Novak will be joining us to discuss her book, Squint: Re-visioning the Second Half of Life. She will be exploring how to see the abundant possibilities present in later life. Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of her book, which Margit will sign.

Please RSVP to join us for an event or a private tour. Call (215) 647-0849 or visit PPHNortheastTimes.org.

+ See Representative for full warranty details. *One coupon per household. No obligation

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PMAY Artists’ graduation recital on Saturday

The Philadelphia Alliance for Youth Artists’ Initiative program will hold a graduation recital on Saturday, June 8, at 6 p.m. at the Settlement Music School branch at 416 Queen St. The concert is free and open to everyone.

The five graduating seniors have earned more than $1 million in college scholarships. Also, eighth-grader Kwanyun Loo earned a full scholarship to Curtis Institute.

“Our mission is to prepare each student to be accepted into a top music conservatory or university program and go on to have a thriving music career,” said Najib Wong, director of the PMAY Artists’ program.

The PMAY Artists’ Initiative is a collaborative of Settlement Music School, Musicopia, Philadelphia Sinfonia, PYO Music Institute, Project 440 and Temple University Music Prep. Together, these partners support fifth- to 12th-graders from communities that are “historically excluded” in classical music, providing subsidized lessons, instruments, masterclasses, summer programs and college advising.

Gabriela Salvador-Riera,

who plays the violin, has a full scholarship to Oberlin College and Conservatory (Ohio). She’s been featured on NPR’s From the Top and WRTI’s Young Artist Spotlight, took second place at the National Sphinx Competition, performed solo with the Buffalo and Erie Philharmonic and is a concertmaster of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra.

Lucas Lauprasert, who plays the viola, has a full scholarship to Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University (Maryland). He’s a principal viola of the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, was the 2022 Ambler Symphony Menges Scholarship competition winner, was the Delaware Youth Symphony Orchestra Concerto competition winner and has been featured on NPR’s From the Top Kwanyun Loo, an eighth-grader who plays the cello, has a full scholarship to Curtis Institute of Music in Center City. He was the winner of the James Deitz Memorial Young Artist Competition and performed with the Main Line Symphony Orchestra, Old York Road Symphony and the Lansdowne Symphony.

Mandy Jiang, who plays the violin, has a full scholarship to Syracuse University. She’s the founder of the nonprofit We Are Music and a member of the Philadelphia School District All City Orchestra.

Aram Karpeh, who plays double bass, has a full scholarship to the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins.

Adam Elbohy, who plays violin, received scholarships to attend Oberlin College.

“The cost for a student to get everything they need to attend college for classical music can be $15,000 a year. That price point can close many doors,” Wong said. “We are proud to support these students, many of whom are first-generation college students, and we have already seen incredible accomplishments from our graduates.” ••

To RSVP to the recital, go to https://www.pmayartists. org/events/2024/6/8/ pmay-graduation-recital-and-ceremony. Learn more about the PMAY Artists’ Initiative and how to apply at pmayartists.org

Happy anniversary to Lyra Society

The nonprofit Lyra Society recently celebrated its 20th anniversary during a Harp’N Hoedown at BLDG39 at the Frankford Arsenal.

Founded in 2004 by Elizabeth Hainen, Principal Harp of The Philadelphia Orchestra, the Lyra Society provides harps, harp lessons and harp presenta-

tions at no cost to students in the School District of Philadelphia.

“My goal in founding Lyra was to reignite music education in schools, despite the limited resources available in many city schools,” Hainen said.

Lyra also provides college and financial aid guidance, which has contributed to 100%

of Lyra graduates – many of whom are first-generation, low-income students – continuing their education in colleges, universities and conservatories. Executive Director Helen Gerhold, a professional harpist and longtime contributor to Lyra, said. “I want to share with students the magic we feel every day when we play in an orchestra or collaborate with other musicians. Our programs bring that feeling into ‘underserved’ communities.”

The anniversary celebration featured live bluegrass-classical music from The Philadelphia Orchestra. Proceeds from the sold-out event will fund Lyra’s programs. ••

Mandy Jiang

Gabriela Salvador-Riera Lucas Lauprasert

Kwanyun Loo

Adam Elbohy

Aram Karpeh

Photo credit: Peter Blaikie at Bachrach Photo

CROSSWORD THEME: SPACE

ACROSS

1. House pest

6. Emergency responder, acr.

9. Meme dance moves

13. Below, prefix

14. Swimmer's distance

15. Not urban

16. Take a base

17. Grazing spot

18. Stressful or unnerving

19. *Clint Eastwood's "Space ____"

21. *First U.S. space station

23. Salty dog's domain

24. Fail to mention

25. Spermatozoa counterpart

28. Ukrainian person, e.g.

30. State of submission

35. Network of nerves

37. Muscle or strength

39. ____ Mara, Africa

40. Shapeless form

41. Cliffside dwelling

43. *Saturn's environs, sing.

44. Poetic feet

46. Darn a sock, e.g.

47. Per person

48. Rendezvouses

50. Mine entrance

52. After-tax amount

53. Litter's littlest

55. French vineyard

57. *Sun's outer layer, not beer brand

60. *Second S in ISS

64. Ancient Celtic priest

65. Sun kiss

67. "Mea ____," or "my fault"

68. *"From the Earth to the Moon" author

69. In the past

70. Judge

71. Education station

72. Order's partner

73. Food between meals

DOWN

1. Reduced Instruction Set Computer

2. "I'm ____ you!"

3. Not many (2 words)

4. Dungeness and snow, e.g.

5. *Circles of light around sun and moon

6. 90-degree pipes, e.g.

7. *____ Jamison, the first African-American woman in space

8. Tetanus symptom

9. Two-fold

10. Diva's solo

11. Prickle on a wire

12. Sylvester Stallone's nickname

15. Johnny Cash's "Get ____"

20. Churchill/Roosevelt/Stalin meeting site

22. Model-builder's purchase

24. Gorge oneself

25. *Planet's path

26. Type of consonant

27. Skeleton, archaic

29. Attention-getting interjection

31. Like pink steak

32. Of the Orient

33. Jousting pole

34. *____-year

36. Opposite of flows

38. *Solar ____, sun's emission

42. Authoritative proclamation

45. Walked with long steps

49. *Solar System center

51. Parcels

54. Birth-related

56. One-eighty

57. Manitoba native

58. Couple's pronoun

59. Dorothy Hamill's turf

60. Jon of "Game of Thrones"

61. Pelvic parts

62. Petroleum-exporting grp.

63. Police informer

64. VHS successor

66. Palindromic title

SUDOKU