Henry Meigs Award Nominations Sought

The Schuylkill Center is seeking nominations for the 12th annual Henry Meigs Award for Environmental Leadership.

In the memory of one of the center’s founders, Henry Meigs, this award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in an environmental field, from community education to regional leadership, scientific research to ecological restoration.

In addition to celebrating the Philadelphia area’s environmental leaders, the Meigs Awards honor emerging youth leaders. The Meigs Youth Environmental Leadership Award is given to a person of age 18 or younger for excellence in an environmentally oriented project or to those who have shown outstanding dedication to the environment overall. Youth award winners show great promise for leadership in an environmental field in the future. Nominations for the youth award are due April 10.

The leadership honored with the Meigs Award can take many forms, and the Schuylkill Center welcomes nominations for anyone

who hasmade a lasting impact on the Philadelphia region with a vision for a sustainable future, whether through environmental practice, principles, or technologies. Nominations are due May 1.

Details about the Meigs Awards and nomination forms can be found on the Schuylkill Center’s website, schuylkillcenter.org.

Policy Pow Wows

State Rep. Pamela DeLissio, D-194, will host Policy Pow Wows, informal, roundtable-style discussions on specific policy issues, at her district office, 6511 Ridge Ave., Roxborough.

Light refreshments will be provided, but feel free to BYOB, alcohol or non-alcoholic. RSVP requested. Wednesday, April 12, at 7 p.m.: Policy topics: Sanctuary cities and abortion ban.

Monday, May 15, at 7 p.m.: Policy topics: Elimination of statute of limitations for sexual abuse of children, andgun control.

Cars& Coffee Can Drive

The Roxborough Ridge Runners will hold this season’s Cars & Coffee Can Drive, when the gearheads will gather at the Ivy Ridge Shopping Center in Roxborough, Saturday, April 15, from 8 to 11 a.m.

All makes, models and years of cars are welcome.

Spectators are invited to check out the classic cars and trucks.

The Ridge Runners will be accepting can food donations for Philabundance and North Light’s foodbanks.

Those who make a monetary donation can get a ride in the car of their choice.

Tax Forms Available

State tax forms for Pennsylvania income tax filing, schedules and instruction booklets are available for free at state Rep. Pamela A. DeLissio’s district office, 6511 Ridge Ave., Roxborough.

Her office also can help lowincome and older adult constituents find free taxpreparation services in the area.

Federal income tax forms are available at local IRS offices, or may be downloaded by going to the IRS website at irs.gov.

The deadline to file federal and state income taxes this year is Tuesday, April 18.

2016 Property Tax/ Rent Rebate Program applications are also now available in DeLissio’s district office.

The application deadline for eligible residents to receive a rebate on their paid 2016 property taxes or rent is June 30.

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older and people with disabilities 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income is excluded; and cost-of-living adjustments cannotbe thebasis to solely disqualify an applicant.

The maximum standard rebate is$650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Revenue Department automatically calculates the supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners. Applications can also be filed online at www.revenue.pa.gov.

To learn more, or for help in filing an application, contact DeLissio’s office at 215482-8726 or visit DeLissio’s district office 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Sunday Literacy Program

The Free Library of Philadelphia will pilot a Sunday Literacy Programat 11 libraries

This program is intended to offer additional help to students struggling to read in first through third grades. Continuing throughout the school year, each library hosting a Sunday Literacy Program will have two sessions for students. Each session will be run by a teacher and will include the following elements: read aloud, independent reading, literacy games and writing.

Registration is required to participate, but families can register on their first visit. Participants should planto arrive at the beginning of one of the sessions.

Session 1 will be held from 1 to 2:45 p.m. Session 2 will be held from 3 to 4:45 p.m.

Participating libraries include the Andorra Library, 705 E. Cathedral Road, Roxborough; the Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library, 68W. Chelten Ave., Germantown; and the West Oak Lane Library, 2000Washington Lane, West Oak Lane.

The Sunday Literacy Program is part of Read by Fourth, a citywide effort of more than 100 organizations convened and managed by the Free Library that aims to majorly increase the number of students in Philadelphia entering the fourth grade at reading level by 2020.

Lectures in Basic Civics

The Roxborough YMCA will offer several one-hour lectures on the makeup and functions of our federal government.

All lectures will be at the Roxborough YMCA, 7201 Ridge Ave., Roxborough, from 1 to 2 p.m. on alternate Wednesdays.

The lectures will be free, and no reservations are necessary. Refreshments will be served.!

Lecture topics will include Our U.S. system of government: A constitutional federal republic; Our main branches of government: Congress, the presidency and the judiciary; What do separation of powers and checks and balances mean?; Why do we have two houses of Congress and how are they different?; What are the real powers and limitations of the presidency?; How do the Supreme Court and federal courts work?; and How do constitutional amendments work?

Lectures will be presented by Paul Selbst, PhD, a professor of politics and government at Temple University’s Lifelong Learning Institute.

The Y invites residents to come, learn and get a free copy of a pocket Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.

Senior Citizens Dinner

Join your neighbors every Wednesday evening from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Roxborough Memorial Hospital Cafeteria for a $5meal and a visit with friends.

Job Corps

Job Corps is the nation’s leading career technical training program for out of school youth ages 16 to 24. Whether you have graduated or dropped out of high school, this no-cost, government-funded program can assist you with learning a technical trade in construction, health care, auto repair or culinary arts

Orientations are held Tuesdays at the Career Link office, 5847 Germantown Ave., Germantown. Arrive by 9 a.m. Parents should accompany minors under age 18, and all parents are welcome to attend.

For more information, call at 215-985-2319.

Journey’s Way Programs

Journey’s Way, Resources& Programs for People 55+, a division of Intercommunity Action Inc., invites community members to celebrate October at the Center at Journey’s Way, 403 Rector St.

It offers a wide range of programs for personal growth, fitness, education, creative expression and volunteering, plus information, resources and social services if needed. Participants can get a ride if they are 65-plus and lunch if they are 60-plus (optional suggested donations for both). Journey’s Way strives to keep prices affordable; many services are free of charge. Programs:

• Beginners tap dancing on Wednesdays at 3:30 p.m.

• Get assistance with LIHEAP and MEDICARE— just call for an appointment.

• Check out the Next Chapter discussion group and share the challenges and joys of aging Tuesdays from1 to 2 p.m.

March programs will be open to adults under 55 for the first time. The drop-in rate is $8 for those 55-plus and$9 for those under 55. Credit cards are accepted. Classes are all levels with the exception of beginner’s tap dance.

• Line Dance: Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. March 22 and 29. JW paid members: $25; JW registered members: $35; adults under age 55: $45.

• Tai Chi All Levels: Tuesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. March 21 and 28. JW paid members: $20; JW registered members: $28; adults under age 55: $36.

• Tai Chi All Levels: Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. March 23 and 30. JW paid members: $25; JW registered members: $35; adults under age 55: $45.

• Tap Dance Beginners: Thursdays from 2 to 3 p.m. March 23 and 30. JW paid members: $25; JW registered members: $35; adults under age 55: $45.

• Yoga All Levels: Mondays from11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 27. JW paid members: $20; JW registered members: $28; adults under age 55: $36.

•Yoga All Levels: Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:30a.m. March 23 and 30. JW paid members: $25; JW registered members: $35; adults under age 55: $45.

For further information, call 215-487-1750 ext. 1101.

Laurel Hill Cemetery events

INFORMATION>> Laurel Hill Cemetery is located at 3822 Ridge Ave., East Falls. For more information, visit thelaurelhillcemetery.org. Freeparking is located in the lot across the street from the Gate house. HOT SPOTS AND STORIES

PLOTS: >> In life and in death, we all have stories to tell and what better place to hear tales of wonder than Philadelphia’s most famous home of the dead? Join Laurel Hill Cemetery for an informative overview of Laurel Hill’s long and colorful history, which will include many of the marble masterpieces, stunning views and legendary stories that afford the cemetery its wow factor. This is the perfect tour for first-time visitors to Laurel Hill and anyone else who enjoys beautiful art, scenic nature and fascinating history. The walking tour will take place March 24 and April 8 and 28 at 10 a.m., departing from Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Gatehouse entrance at 3822 Ridge Ave. The cost is $12/ person, $10/students and seniors or $9/members. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at thelaurelhillcemetery.org. CLASSY BROADS AND DARING DAMES>> Laurel Hill Cemetery marks Women’s History Month with a program honoring some of our most accomplished broads and dames. What do the Broad Street Subway, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Atlantic City and the Titanic have in common? All are part of the life stories of some of the women buried in Central Laurel Hill Cemetery. Join us in meeting them as we walk through what is now considered the “youngest” section of Laurel Hill, established in 1855. This inspirational walking tour will conclude with a toast to classy broads and daring dames of past … and present. The tour will take place Saturday, March 25, at 1 p.m., departing from Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Gatehouse entrance at 3822 Ridge Ave. The cost is $15/person, $14/students and seniors or $13/members.

APRILFOOLS>> Learn the stories of the famous and the infamous, the real and the figurative folks of past and present not buried at Laurel Hill in this April Fools’ Day walk- ing tour. Shoes optional. Bring your sense of humor. The tour will take place Saturday, April 1, at 1 p.m., departing from Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Gatehouse entrance at 3822 Ridge Ave. The cost is $15/person, $14/students and seniors or $13/members. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at thelaurelhillcemetery.org.

CRYPTIC CRYPTS>> On this walking tour through Laurel Hill’s historic tombs, discover ancient symbols and architectural styles that have survived since the time of the pharaohs. Along theway, meet the individuals who revered such symbols enough to eternally memorialize them. Afterward, sip on the drink of the Gods and enjoy Mediterranean-inspired fare in the cemetery’s historic Gatehouse. The walking tour will take place Sunday, April 2, at 1 p.m., departing from Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Gatehouse entrance at 3822 Ridge Ave. The cost is $15/ person, $14/students and seniors or $13/members. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at thelaurelhillcemetery.org. DESIGNING FOR THE DEAD>> Noted architects like John Notman, William Strickland, Frank Furness, John J. McArthur, C.C. Zantzinger, Horace Trumbauer and Napoleon LeBrun competed fiercely for the chance to design for the dead. Join us on a walking tour of Laurel Hill Cemetery, where we will see monuments created by these early architects, as well as artists such as Alexander Milne Calder, his son Alexander Stirling Calder and sculptress Harriet Frishmuth, whose works grace many of Laurel Hill’s memorials. The tour will examine changing tastes and fashions in grave markers over the past two centuries, from the classical obelisks and urns of the Federal period, to the richly decorated crosses of the Gothic Revival, to the massive mausoleums of the Gilded Age. This walking tour will take place Saturday, April 8, at 1 p.m., departing from Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Gatehouse entrance at 3822 Ridge Ave. The cost is $15/ person, $14/students and seniors $13/ members. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at thelaurelhillcemetery.org.