PHILADELPHIA — In recognition of the recent Catholic Schools Week (Jan. 26-30), the Connelly Foundation announced Wednesday on Celebrating Our Nation Day, a unique opportunity for Archdiocese of Philadelphia schools, Independence Mission Schools, and private independent Catholic schools to commemorate the nation’s semiquincentennial with visits to the Museum of the American Revolution. experiencing history in the nation’s birthplace.
The initiative will offer one grade per school a fully funded trip to the museum, with travel and admission covered.
Students will have access to the museum’s permanent exhibits as well as “The Declaration’s Journey” exhibition, which honors the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding by exploring the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today.
The field trips will be funded by the Connelly Foundation and are available to Catholic elementary schools and high schools within the Philadelphia region, including the over 160 schools across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Schools, Independence Mission Schools, and private independent Catholic schools.
“Catholic Schools Week is about celebrating faith, learning, and the formation of young people, and there is no better place to do that than in Philadelphia, where our nation’s story began,” said Tom Riley, president of the Connelly Foundation. “By fully funding these museum visits, we’re giving students the opportunity to engage directly with the ideals that shaped our country, and to see themselves as part of the ongoing American experiment as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding.”
This offering complements the existing Connelly Access Program, which for over 30 years has been connecting cultural organizations with an enthusiastic audience of Catholic elementary school students.
Each year, the foundation awards funding to Catholic schools in Philadelphia, which they can use to book field trips, assemblies, and workshops for students grade 4-8. There are 48 Catholic elementary schools that participate in the program. Over 20 cultural organizations partner in the program, including the Museum of the American Revolution, which has been a CAP provider since 2018.
“This initiative brings classroom learning to life in a powerful and memorable way,” said Jay DeFruscio, chief operating officer of Archdiocese of Philadelphia Secondary Schools. “Thanks to the generosity of the Connelly Foundation, our students will be able to experience our nation’s history firsthand, deepening their understanding of civic responsibility, faith, and the values that continue to guide our schools and communities.”
“We are honored to welcome students from Catholic schools across the region as they explore the people, ideas, and events that shaped our nation,” said R. Scott Stephenson, chief executive officer of the Museum of the American Revolution. “These visits offer students a meaningful opportunity to connect the past to the present, especially through our Declaration’s Journey exhibition, as Philadelphia prepares to mark America’s 250th anniversary.”
The museum has been a grantee of the Connelly Foundation since 2013. The foundation was also a funder of “The Declaration’s Journey” exhibition.
As the administrator of the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, the foundation and its partners are supporting Philadelphia-area programs celebrating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding and developing enriching experiences that bring America’s history to life for the next generation.
Each school may select which grade will participate, with visits taking place during 2026.
Booking instructions will be shared with schools soon. For information about The Museum of the American Revolution, go to www.amrevmuseum.org.
The Connelly Foundation was founded in 1955 by John and Josephine Connelly.
John Connelly achieved remarkable business success as president of Connelly Containers and later Crown Cork and Seal, both manufacturing companies based in Philadelphia. He and Josephine, strongly motivated by their Catholic faith and their love for the Philadelphia region, dedicated their good fortune to helping others.
Over the past 70 years, the Connelly Foundation has donated more than $500 million to nonprofit organizations in the Philadelphia area focusing on education, human services, the arts and civic life.
For more information, visit www.connellyfdn.org.
Seventh grade student Max Travea, left, and his big brother eighth grader Sam Travea competed in the St. Francis of Assisi Religion Bee during the recent Catholic School Week. They were the last two contestants standing. (COURTESY OF THE TRAVEA FAMILY)
Brothers earn top two places in St. Francis of Assisi Religion Bee
Oh brother! The competition was stiff in the recent Religion Bee held at St. Francis of Assisi School in Springfield on Jan. 28 during Catholic School’s Week. The last two contestants standing in the friendly competition were the Travea brothers.
Eighth grader Sam Travea, 13, was declared the winner of the competition, bettering his brother, Max Travea, 12, a seventh grader.
Mrs. Mullen is Sam’s eighth grade religion teacher and Miss Adams is Max’s seventh grade religion teacher.
Their younger brother, fourth grader Ben, 9, was front and center, cheering both contestants through several rounds of exciting friendly competition.
The boys are the sons of KelliAnne and Frank Travea of Springfield.
“All of the candidates had to study nearly 250 religious questions in a study guide,” stated their proud mom. “Sam and Max were study partners at home and often quizzed each other nearly every night. As you can imagine being so close in age, Sam and Max compete with one another, but they truly were encouraging each other throughout the religion bee.”
Sam is now qualified to move on to the Archdiocese Preliminary Religion Bee to be held in February at Cardinal O’Hara High School. For more information about St. Francis of Assisi School, go to http://sfaschool.com.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education hosts the annual elementary school Religion Bee for students in grades 5 to 8 who attend Catholic schools. The bee tests their knowledge of theology, faith, scripture, sacraments, prayer and other aspects of Catholic doctrine, promoting deeper understanding and growth in Catholic teachings.
Patricia King and Orlando Haddad, the Brazilian musical husband-wife duo Minas, will entertain at the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corp.’s gala on April 10 to celebrate the completion of the $20 million restoration of the Lansdowne Theater. (COURTESY OF MINAS)
Lansdowne Theater to celebrate restoration with special guests
Supporters of the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corp. will gather at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 10, to celebrate the completion of the $20 million restoration of the historic Lansdowne Theater.
Built in 1927, the theater is one of the last remaining theaters from the 1920s in the Philadelphia region.
The celebration will include remarks from Delaware County and state officials, as well as representatives of the Historic Lansdowne Theater Corp., the nonprofit owner and developer of the theater. The evening will conclude with a performance by area favorite Brazilian band, Minas.
For more than four decades, Minas has been a leader in world music and Brazilian jazz in the United States. Led by husband-and-wife duo Orlando Haddad and Patricia King, longtime Lansdowne residents, the ensemble blends Brazilian traditions — including samba, bossa nova, baião and axé — with American jazz, blues, folk and classical music.
The Lansdowne Theater reopened with its century-old glory restored. (KATHLEEN E. CAREY – DAILY TIMES)
Minas has performed at renowned venues such as The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and the Kimmel Center, released eight CDs and two vinyl albums, and earned multiple Grammy nominations. Their music is available on major streaming platforms.
“This project represents years of dedication by our community, partners and supporters,” said Matt Schultz, executive director of the corporation. “Reopening the Lansdowne Theater preserves a beloved cultural landmark while creating a vibrant gathering place to enjoy live performances for future generations to come.”
Tickets for the celebration range from $30 to $100 are on sale, available at www.LansdowneTheater.org or by calling 610-920-0200.
All proceeds will support the ongoing maintenance of the theater. The event is being held in conjunction with Delco Gives, a countywide annual initiative to strengthen philanthropy throughout Delaware County.
The event is generously sponsored by Aqua, PECO, WSFS Bank and Visit Delco.
Dr. Austin Duckett, Penn State Brandywine’s new director of student affairs (COURTESY OF PENN STATE)
Penn State Brandywine names director of student affairs
Penn State Brandywine has appointed Dr. Austin L. Duckett as director of student affairs.
Duckett is a seasoned higher education leader with two decades of experience shaping meaningful student opportunities across new student orientation, campus engagement and programming, student union management, leadership development, residence life and student conduct.
He has served at several regional higher education institutions, including Ursinus College, West Chester University and Widener University, where he was the assistant dean of students.
Regional Chancellor Marilyn Wells noted Duckett’s extensive experience in student affairs and his leadership skills will be great assets for the campus.
“Austin’s approach and philosophy to engaged campus communities, exceptional communication and executive leadership, fresh perspectives and dissertation research are inspiring for moving student affairs and Penn State Brandywine to new levels of growth and success,” Wells stated.
As a member of the Chancellor’s Council at Brandywine, Duckett will participate in the overall leadership and management of the campus. He will also provide leadership and direction for all student affairs units and student government.
“Penn State Brandywine is a regional gem, uniquely positioned to deliver a world-class education to students across our region,” Duckett said. “I am excited to join Regional Chancellor Wells, the campus leadership team and the greater Penn State community to increase access, retention and community impact.”
Penn State Brandywine is located at 25 Yearsley Mill Road in Middletown Township. For more information about the school: http://brandywine.psu.edu.
Seniors invited to SEPTA Senior ID application event
State Rep. Greg Vitali is partnering with state Sen. Tim Kearney and his staff to host a SEPTA Senior ID Event.
It will be Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Surrey Services for Seniors, 505 Parkway in Broomall.
Folks who are 65 and older can complete an application for a free SEPTA Senior Key Card. Additionally, those who already have a Senior Key can get help renewing expired passes.
To register, call 610-789-3000. Attendees should bring a Pennsylvania Identification Card.
Stylistics, plus tribute artists, perform concert in Delco
Entertainer Joe Staffieri announced tickets are on sale for a spring show featuring the world-famous Stylistics.
The group, featuring the original voice of Stylistics member Russell Thompkins Jr., will perform at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 12 at Chichester High School Theater, 3333 Chichester Ave., Upper Chichester.
The Stylistics have many famous hits, including “Betcha By Golly, Wow,” “You Make Me Feel Brand New,” and more.
Staffieri’s show will also feature the popular Tommy Cono.
Known as The Voice of Tribute, Cono honors artists like Frankie Valli, Elvis Presley, Bobby Rydell and more with his powerful voice and unforgettable stage presence. He has performed at casinos and shows all over the country.
The show will also feature Deborah Benton, performing as a Dionne Warwick tribute artist, as well as the talented R&B performer Jay Gentile, who will perform music from the 1970s and ’80s.
Staffieri will host the show. Tickets are $40 for general admission and $45 for VIP. For tickets, call Staffieri at 610-745-2672.
PHS Flower Show returns with new experiences for guests
As the 2026 Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Philadelphia Flower Show, “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening,” returns to the Pennsylvania Convention Center Feb. 28 to March 8, PHS has announced its list of can’t-miss experiences for attendees.
From breathtaking gardens and international floral artistry to hands-on workshops, family-friendly fun, and signature after-hours events, the Flower Show offers unforgettable moments for visitors of all ages and interests.
Now in its 197th year, the award-winning PHS Philadelphia Flower Show is the nation’s largest and the world’s longest-running horticultural event.
Serving as PHS’s main fundraiser, the Show supports the organization’s year-round work to create healthier, greener communities throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.
In celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, “Rooted: Origins of American Gardening” honors the people, places, and traditions that have shaped gardening in the United States, inviting visitors to explore how personal stories, culture, and creativity are deeply connected through plants.
Courtesy of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) Philadelphia Flower Show
The show is more than a place to view beautiful exhibits, it is a hub for discovery, creativity and shared experiences.
To support this multi-dimensional experience, PHS will debut a thoughtfully reimagined layout supported by a new wayfinding framework that helps guests easily navigate the show through five core experiences: See, Shop, Make, Learn and Play.
From first look to final stroll, the framework encourages guests to move through the show with intention, curiosity, and delight.
Tickets for the 2026 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show are on sale at tickets.phsonline.org. For the latest information, visit http://phsonline.org/the-flower-show.
For questions, email flowershowtickets@pennhort.org.
Readers can send community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.