Category: SOUTH JERSEY

Warhawks Release New EP ‘Stardust Disco’

Gloucester City, NJ (February 2020)–The Warhawks, a local band from Gloucester City announced the release of their new  EP ‘Stardust Disco’ which is available on all music platforms. It was released on New Rivals Entertainment.

The six new songs were recorded, mixed, mastered, and produced by Dave Downham at Gradwell Recording House in Haddon Heights, NJ during the summer and fall of 2019.

If you’re interested in a physical copy (CD), contact the band at thewarhawksnj@gmail.com. CDs will also be available at all shows.

The band would like to thank Stephen F. James for the phenomenal co

ver artwork. Also thanks to Doug Green of New Rivals Entertainment and Kevin Day of Part Time PR for all of the hard work.

Listen to

Stardust Disco

below and connect with The Warhawks on

Facebook

,

Instagram

and

Twitter

.

Related:

Entertainment

Authorities Investigate Bias Incident in Swainton

Cape May Court House, New Jersey (February 4, 2020)– Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland announces the Middle Township Police Department reported a racial, white supremacist slur was discovered on January 31, 2020, painted on a telephone pole, located on a utility power access road, in the Swainton neighborhood of Middle Township.

Middle Township Police took immediate steps to remove/obscure the racist slur. The public creation/display of such a racial slur is known as a “bias incident”; which is defined as a negative act which occurs to a person, private property or public property on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin or ethnicity.

New Jersey has a specific bias crime criminal statute that provides that a “person is guilty of a crime of bias intimidation if he commits, attempts to commit, conspires to commit, or threatens the immediate commission of …” certain criminal offenses (.e.- theft, assault, property damage, homicide, etc.) “with the purpose to intimidate an individual or group of individuals because of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity”. As of now, the racial slur that was found in Swainton is considered a “bias incident” although there is an ongoing investigation. It is important that any bias incident is reported to local law enforcement even if you do not believe it was a “bias crime”.

Chief of Detectives Paul Skill of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s office states; “We have zero tolerance for bias crimes in Cape May County. Law enforcement needs to know about any such incident (whether or not it is a crime) to first make sure that any victim’s needs are addressed, to assure the public that law enforcement will act when there is any bias incident or crime and that any perpetrators are found and criminal charged.”

County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland states; “We need to know about any bias incidents to provide law enforcement with an accurate picture of activities that even if they are not currently a crime – they could lead to crimes in the future; or be evidence of hate groups in our community or being organized in our community and planning or engaged in potential bias crimes.”

If you are a victim of or witness a bias incident or bias crime in Cape May County report the incident to your local police by dialing 911, or contacting the Cape May County Prosecutor’s office (609) 465-1135, ex. 3331 or the New Jersey Department of Criminal Justice Bias Crime Tip line (800) 277-BIAS(2427).

American Water Implements Temporary Treatment Change in Water Treatment Plants

February, 2020

CAMDEN City, N.J.–(

BUSINESS WIRE

)–As part of an annual maintenance program for its water distribution system, New Jersey American Water will temporarily change the water treatment process from a chloramine (combined) residual to free chlorine residual at the company’s Raritan-Millstone and Canal Road Water Treatment plants. These surface

water treatment plants serve New Jersey American Water customers in the following counties: Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset and Union.

“This periodic, scheduled change in disinfectant is a standard water treatment practice that allows us to continue to ensure safe, high-quality water for our customers,” said Matthew Csik, Director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance, New Jersey American Water. “We perform this distribution system maintenance program every year as an added measure to further disinfect the pipelines in our distribution system.”

The temporary treatment process will begin on Monday, February 10, 2020, and continue until the end of April 2020. During this period, some customers may notice a slight taste and smell of chlorine in their water. This is normal and will only be temporary until the system maintenance is complete. Customers who wish to reduce the taste of chlorine can place water in an uncovered glass container in the refrigerator overnight to dissipate chlorine faster.

“As always, we will continue to monitor water quality in the system to ensure that customers receive water that meets or is better than federal and state drinking water standards,” Csik said.

The temporary treatment change applies to New Jersey American Water customers in the following communities. (Communities with an asterisk purchase water from New Jersey American Water.)

Essex County

:

Irvington, Maplewood, Millburn and West Orange

Hunterdon County

: Flemington Borough*, Raritan Township, Readington Township and Tewksbury Township

Mercer County

: Hopewell Township, Lawrence Township, Princeton Borough, Princeton Junction, Princeton Township, Trenton* and West Windsor Township

Middlesex County

: Cranbury Township, Dunellen Borough, Edison Township, Jamesburg Borough, Middlesex Borough, Monroe Township, North Brunswick*, Piscataway Township, Plainsboro Township, South Brunswick Township and South Plainfield Borough

Morris County

: Chatham Township, Florham Park Borough, Long Hill Township, Mendham Township and Mendham Borough

Somerset County

: Bedminster Township, Bernards Township, Bernardsville Borough, Bound Brook Borough, Branchburg Township, Bridgewater Township, Far Hills Borough, Franklin Township, Green Brook Township, Hillsborough Township, Manville Borough, Millstone Borough, Montgomery Township, North Plainfield Borough, Peapack & Gladstone Borough, Raritan Borough, Rocky Hill*, Somerville Borough, South Bound Brook Borough, Warren Township and Watchung Borough

Union County

: Berkley Heights Township, City of Rahway*, Clark Township, Cranford Township, City of Elizabeth (Liberty)*, Fanwood Borough, Garwood Borough, Hillside Township, Kenilworth Borough, Linden City, Mountainside Borough, New Providence Borough, Plainfield City, Roselle Borough, Roselle Park Borough, Scotch Plains Township, Springfield Township, Summit, Union Township, Westfield Township and Winfield Park Township*

New Jersey American Water has used

chloramines

in its water treatment process since the 1970s. For more information, visit

newjerseyamwater.com

.

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.7 million people. For more information, visit

www.newjerseyamwater.com

and follow New Jersey American Water on

Twitter

and

Facebook

.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit

amwater.com

and follow American Water on

Twitter

,

Facebook

and

LinkedIn

.

Rams Students Attend March for Life Rally

By

gostrum

/

WASHINGTON, DC (January 25, 2020)–Father Philip Ramos led a group of Ram Students down to Washington, DC on Friday, January 24, 2020 to March for Life with Catholics from all over the world. Here is the Gloucester Catholic contingent with Bishop Dennis Sullivan, Diocese of Camden.

Related:

Gloucester Catholic

Religion

Gloucester City News

New Jersey American Water Invests $2.3 Million in Haddonfield and Haddon Heights Infrastructure

CAMDEN CITY, N.J. – FEB.  2020 – New Jersey American Water will replace approximately 11,300 feet of aging water main in Haddonfield and Haddon Heights beginning this week. The project also includes replacing 19 fire hydrants and 230 utility- owned service lines along the pipeline route. The company will upgrade the aging water lines, installed as far back as the late 1700s, with new, larger ductile iron main along the following streets:

• West Redman Avenue from approximately 768 Redman Avenue to Linden Avenue, Haddonfield

Peyton Avenue from West Redman Avenue to Woodland Avenue, Haddonfield

Linden Avenue from Kings Highway to Elm Avenue, Haddonfield

First Avenue from Garden Street to Chews Landing Road, Haddon Heights

Crest Avenue from Mansfield Avenue to Chews Landing Road, Haddon Heights

Garden Street from First Avenue to Crest Avenue, Haddon Heights

This $2.3 million investment will continue to advance water service reliability and increase water flows for household consumption and fire protection in these communities. This improvement is part of New Jersey American Water’s multimillion- dollar initiative to accelerate the renewal of water infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life in more than 100 communities across the state.

New Jersey American Water’s local, qualified contractor, Pioneer Pipe Contractors, Inc., will begin work on or about Feb. 6 and expects to finish by the end of May, weather permitting. Work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Work outside of these hours is not anticipated unless required to maintain project schedule. Final street restorations will be completed in the summer of 2020.

For the public’s and workers’ safety, traffic restrictions and/or alternating traffic patterns are likely to occur during work hours. All emergency vehicles and local traffic will be allowed access during construction. New Jersey American Water values the safety of its workers and advises drivers and pedestrians to take caution in the vicinity of work sites.

About New Jersey American Water

New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.7 million people. For more information, visit www.newjerseyamwater.com and follow New Jersey American Water on Twitter and Facebook.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The

company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water

on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Thomas P. Caruso of Wildwood, formerly of Runnemede

Thomas P. Caruso, passed peacefully after a courageous two year battle with cancer on February 5, 2020, of Wildwood; formerly of Runnemede. Age 62.

Beloved son of the late Paul and Cass. Devoted brother of Paul Caruso (Linda) and Cathy Ingrasci (Pete). Loving uncle of Courtney Caruso (Scott Papetti), Samantha Caruso, Peter Ingrasci, and Katie Ingrasci.

There will be a visitation from 9am to 11am Saturday, February 8

th

at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1704 Old Black Horse Pike, Chews Landing, NJ. Funeral service 11am at the Church. Interment at St. John’s Episcopal Churchyard Cemetery, adjacent to the Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to the National Institute of Mental Health Gift Fund, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6229A, MSC 9655, Bethesda, MD 20892-0655 or by visiting

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/connect-with-nimh/donate-to-mental-health-research.shtml

LOTTERY POSTS RECORD SALES AND STATE CONTRIBUTION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019

TRENTON (Feb. 3, 2020) –

The New Jersey Lottery posted record sales and a record contribution to the State according to the latest Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2019 released today, which is available for review on the

Lottery’s website

.

In Fiscal Year 2019, the Lottery generated $3.48 billion in sales, a $182 million increase over the prior year. The substantial increase in sales translated into a record contribution to the State in Fiscal Year 2019 of over $1.10 billion, which is used to support New Jersey’s public employee pension system. The success was shared by New Jersey players, who won more than $2 billion in prizes, and retailers, who earned $198 million in commissions.

“Impressive jackpots were an important component of total Lottery sales during Fiscal Year 2019,” said New Jersey Lottery Acting Executive Director James A. Carey, Jr. “Mega Millions had a $1.5 billion jackpot in October 2018 and also brought a $267 million jackpot to a New Jersey ticketholder in March 2019. Powerball jackpots performed well too, with a $687 million jackpot in October 2018 and a $768 million jackpot in March 2019. The high jackpots drove combined sales of the two multi-state games to approximately $521 million.”

In May of 2019, the Division of State Lottery amended the services agreement with its sales and marketing vendor Northstar New Jersey Lottery Group, which revised the formula for calculating the incentive payment owed to Northstar in Fiscal Year 2019 and in future years, and increased the performance targets that are used to calculate any incentive payment owed to Northstar. As a result, the incentive compensation paid to Northstar for FY 2019 totaled $26.1 million, significantly lower than the $33.9 million incentive payment that would have been owed to Northstar in FY 2019 under the previous contractual terms, saving taxpayers $7.8 million. For comparison purposes, in Fiscal Year 2018, the Lottery paid $31.8 million to Northstar in incentive compensation. Under the new contract terms, in FY 2019, the incentive compensation dropped, even as sales increased from $3.299 billion to $3.482 billion.

The Lottery is the State’s fifth largest individual revenue producer benefiting the residents of New Jersey. Since its inception in 1970, the Lottery has contributed over $28 billion to the State, helping to bolster the public employee pension system for teachers, police and fire personnel and other public employees, as well as supporting businesses and communities throughout New Jersey.

Donald Norcross Complains The President Is Guilty

While Continuing To Ignore Camden Tax Incentive Scandal

Gustafson says Norcross should “stop whining about this impeachment nonsense.”

COLLINGSWOOD – Claire Gustafson, Republican candidate for Congress in New Jersey’s first

Gloucestercitynews.net graphic files

congressional district, called out Congressman Donald Norcross over one of his campaign’s social media posts today. The post said, “The President is guilty & everybody knows it. Senate Republicans are sweeping this under the rug & trying to cover it up from the American people. #ImpeachmentDay”

“It’s laughable that Congressman Donald Norcross who

bragged

he ‘led the charge on getting the Economic Opportunity Act passed into law,’ the very law that led to the tax incentive scandals that Governor Phil Murphy

said

was ‘a rigged system’ and ‘was designed by special interests to benefit special interests’ has the guts to claim anyone is guilty of anything when some of the special interests the Governor was talking about were Donald Norcross’ family members,” Claire Gustafson said, “There was possibly wrongdoing involved with the tax breaks that went to companies that moved to Camden and everyone, including the Governor, knows it.”

Gustafson added, “If Donald Norcross is truly concerned with anyone being guilty of anything maybe he should stop whining about this impeachment nonsense and answer my challenge for him to use the bully pulpit of his congressional seat to have an honest investigation launched into exactly what led to the Camden tax incentive scandal and that if any wrongdoing is discovered those responsible are punished.”

“Maybe, while Governor Murphy is here in South Jersey to headline a fundraiser for Norcross, the Governor can explain why he is supporting the guy who bragged about getting the law passed that led to the ‘rigged system’ the Governor complained about. I and many other folks in South Jersey look forward to hearing the Governor explain it,” Gustafson said.

FBI NEWS: Would-Be Mass Shooters Sentenced

Couple’s Obsession Led Them to Plan Attack

Elizabeth Lecron and Vincent Armstrong were obsessed with mass shooters.

The Toledo, Ohio, couple immersed themselves in online subculture dedicated to the topic. In 2018, they traveled to Columbine High School to visit the site of the 1999 school shooting, where they took pictures of themselves dressed like the shooters and posing with weapons. Lecron also wrote to one notorious mass shooter in prison to express her admiration for him.

But investigators say it wasn’t just a morbid fascination.

The couple, led by Lecron, wrote detailed plans making it clear they intended to become mass shooters themselves. They expressed violent, anti-government beliefs and their plans to act on them.

“Unfortunately, we address these types of threats frequently,” said Special Agent Ryan Presley, who oversaw this investigation out of the FBI’s Cleveland Field Office. “The challenge is figuring out who is just talking and who is making serious plans.”

In this case, the would-be shooters documented their violent plans.

Thankfully, a concerned citizen who became aware of their activity called the Toledo Police Department, which shared the tip with Detective Louie Espinosa and FBI Special Agent Sara Pedersen of the Bureau’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).

The JTTF learned that the couple’s plans were serious and that they had stockpiled weapons and bomb-making materials.

“This is an example of why the JTTF model works—everyone worked together to keep our community safe from a potentially dangerous threat.”

Ryan Presley, special agent, FBI Cleveland

Lecron and Armstrong had scouted out venues for their attacks. One was a Toledo business the couple frequented. They knew the business had few entrances and exits, which they thought would make it difficult for potential victims to escape. They discussed details down to the type of shoes they would wear and how to create a diversion at the scene.

With the overwhelming evidence against them, Lecron and Armstrong both pleaded guilty. Lecron admitted to providing material support to terrorism and was sentenced in November 2019 to 15 years in prison. Armstrong pleaded guilty to a lesser conspiracy charge and was sentenced in December 2019 to six years.

Lecron’s prosecution is believed to be the first time a material support charge—a very serious charge usually brought against international terrorism suspects—has been used in a domestic terrorism case. Presley attributed this to the work of the investigative team and partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Ohio.

And without the tip from the concerned citizen, this story could have ended in a mass shooting—instead, the two would-be shooters are behind bars.

“I can’t say enough good things about the Toledo Police Department,” Presley said. “They have created an environment in which citizens feel comfortable bringing these types of things forward. This is an example of why the JTTF model works—everyone worked together to keep our community safe from a potentially dangerous threat.”

Resources

Toledo Woman Sentenced for Planning Two Terrorist Attacks

Toledo Man Sentenced for Planning Terrorist Attack in Toledo’s Entertainment District

Philadelphia\’s Sensory-Friendly Attractions & Performances

PHILADELPHIA, PA–Inclusivity is embedded in the original promise of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Today, the region keeps that promise to residents and visitors with sensory sensitivity. Some of Philly’s most popular attractions, including

The Franklin Institute

and

Please Touch

Museum

®

have sensory-friendly policies and programming. So, too, do eminent arts organizations such as

Pennsylvania Ballet

and

The

Philadelphia Orchestra.

Much credit for the region’s expanding sensory-friendly offerings goes to professor

Roger Ideishi

and

Art-Reach

,

who, together, facilitate arts and cultural environments that respect both the needs of people with cognitive disabilities and the expression of the artists and attractions themselves.

Here’s a look at Philadelphia venues and groups that have recently expanded their sensory-friendly programming:

Sensory-Friendly Attractions

:

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University –

Philadelphia’s dinosaur museum offers children with autism and their families exclusive Access to Science six Saturday or Sunday mornings (9-11 a.m.) per year. For these occasions and any day, visual, easy-to-follow pre-visit Museum Stories help prepare visitors of all developmental abilities for exploring the museum, including the exhibition

Survival of the Slowest

(February 15 – September 20, 2020)

.

January 26, February 23, May 2, June 7, July 11, August 23, September 26, October 24, November 18

and

December 29, 2020.

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 299-1060,

ansp.org

Brandywine River Museum of Art –

A bucolic campus surrounds galleries known for three generations of Wyeths, which open select mornings for free Sensory-Friendly Saturdays. Registered families receive pre-visit social stories and enjoy hands-on activities, along with support from experienced volunteers, fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones and sensory break areas. Any day, visitors may borrow a sensory-friendly museum pack containing social stories, fidgets, noise-cancelling headphones and activities suggestions.

March 28, 2020

.

1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, (610) 388-8120,

brandywine.org

The Franklin Institute –

On five Sensory-Friendly Sundays per year, the tri-state area’s most-visited museum opens its doors early (8 a.m.), modifies exhibits and employs trained staff and volunteers to create a comfortable environment for visitors on the autism spectrum. Guests who pre-register are admitted free of charge, as are visitors who arrive before 9:30 a.m. The event ends at noon. Every day, sensory alert maps are available for permanent and temporary exhibits.

March 15, June 14

and

October 4, 2020.

222 N. 20

th

Street, (215) 448-1200,

fi.edu

LEGOland Discovery Center

®

Philadelphia –

At Special Sensory Days (really, early evenings, 5-7 p.m.) at this indoor Montgomery County attraction, staff trained with The Ruttenberg

®

Autism Center help create a calm, quiet, gentle environment for children to play with the world’s most popular toys. Break rooms, reduced light, music therapy from Keep Music Alive and pre- and during-visit social stories are available to families, along with a reduced ticket price.

February 4, May 5, July 7

and

November 3, 2020.

Plymouth Meeting Mall, 500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting, (267) 245-9696,

legolanddiscoverycenter.com

National Constitution Center –

The museum dedicated to the four most powerful pages in U.S. history holds Sensory Friendly Days several times a year. Each all-day event comes with pre-visit guides, emotionally safe spaces, modified programming and staff trained to assist all guests.

February 3, 23

and

24, March 9, June 7, September 6

and

December 6, 2020.

525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700,

constitutioncenter.org

Philadelphia Museum of Art –

Sensory-Friendly Mornings take place quarterly before select Sunday Family Programs within galleries of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and on select summer Wednesdays and Saturdays as part of

Art Splash

, an interactive exhibition for children. With lowered lights and volume, fewer crowds, the 1.5-hour session offers sensory break areas, on-hand occupational therapists and hands-on art activities geared toward many developmental levels. Registered participants receive a pre-visit social guide.

February 23, 2020.

Main Building, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway; Perelman Building, 2525 Pennsylvania Avenue, (215) 763-8100,

philamuseum.org

Philadelphia Zoo –

America’s first zoo worked with the Center for Autism Research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to create KidZooU, a hands-on, child-centric exhibit that uses the Universal Design concept to offer an inclusive, enriching experience for children. Pre-visit materials, including a picture-exchange system, are available on the zoo’s website. 3400 W. Girard Avenue, (215) 243-1100,

philadelphiazoo.org

Please Touch Museum

®

–

The premise of this boundless little kid destination: Children learn through play. Every day, Please Touch offers a dedicated quiet space, sound-reducing headphones and staff trained to help everyone. Several Sunday mornings per year, Play Without Boundaries serves children with learning and developmental disabilities and on the autism spectrum with a sensory-friendly, all-access museum experience with Floreo virtual reality, therapy animals and community health experts.

March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2

and

September 6, 2020.

Memorial Hall, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, (215) 581-3181,

pleasetouchmuseum.org

,

pleasetouchmuseum.org/pageblocks/accessibility-play-without-boundaries

Sesame Place –

Just over 25 miles northeast of Center City, this vibrant amusement and water park, home to Elmo, Big Bird, Abby Cadabby and Julia, has trained its staff in sensory awareness, motor and social skills, emotional awareness and communication. Sesame Place offers designated quiet rooms and low-sensory areas and a sensory guide for its attractions. 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, (215) 702-3566,

sesameplace.com

Sensory-Friendly Performances

:

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts –

The centerpiece of the Avenue of the Arts select productions with relaxed house rules, designated quiet areas, trained staff and Art-Reach volunteers and sensory-friendly kits (noise-cancelling headphones, weighted bean bags, fidget toys). Audience members are welcome to bring their own sensory-friendly stress relief devices and move about as they wish. New sensory-friendly performances dates TBA. 250 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

LiveConnections –

This music nonprofit prioritizes accessibility across its educational and concert programming, especially

Bridge Sessions,

at its partner venue, World Cafe Live. Skilled teaching artists lead 75-minute educational performances that mix in interactive activities and provide multiple ways for all-age participants to engage in music-making through call-and-response, movement, playing percussion instruments, creating rhythm poems and more. Lighting and sound adjustments, cool-down space, sensory toys and know-before-you-go guides are available. Dates TBA. 3025 Walnut Street, (267) 295-2946,

liveconnections.org

Montgomery Theater –

This intimate venue puts on one relaxed performance per family musical, play or comedy, offering pre-visit materials, partially up house lights, loosened rules, quiet space, sound mitigation and a modified refund policy. The next such performances:

The Marvelous Wonderettes

,

April 11, 2020;

Frozen Jr.

,

May 16, 2020;

The Witches

,

October 17, 2020;

The Carols

,

November 28, 2020.

124 N. Main Street, Souderton, (215) 723-9984,

montgomerytheater.org

Pennsylvania Ballet –

Philadelphia’s eminent ballet company proudly offers sensory-friendly performances throughout the season and during the wintertime run of

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker

®

. This spring, the PA Ballet 2 company will perform

Snow White

in a sensory-friendly setting at the Upper Darby Performing Arts Center. Pre-show materials guide patrons on going to the theater and tell the stories behind the choreography, music and characters. The theater adjusts sound and lighting and relaxes its rules — free movement and expression are welcome — and adds a quiet space and gluten-free concessions.

Snow White

,

April 18,  2020,

Upper Darby Performing Arts Center, 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Drexel Hill, (610) 622-1189,

udpac.org

;

Nutcracker

,

December 30, 2020,

Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street,

(215) 551-7000,

paballet.org

,

paballet.org/season-tickets/sensory-friendly-performances

People’s Light –

The mission of this large, nonprofit, professional suburban theater is education through performance. During Relaxed Performances, the house becomes a shush-free zone, so patrons with autism, ADD, ADHA, dementia and sensory sensitivities can freely express themselves during musicals and more. House lights remain low; startling lighting is reduced; sounds levels are lowered; crowds are limited; the lobby opens a quiet area, and fidget, stress- sensory toys and disposable ear plugs are available. Upcoming performances include:

Shakespeare in Love,

March 15, 2020

and

Songs for Nobodies

,

August 28, 2020.

39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, (610) 644-3500,

peopleslight.org

,

peopleslight.org/visit/accessibility/relaxed-performances

The Philadelphia Orchestra –

The orchestra has long shared its talents with children and families during their

Sound All Around

concerts, held on the comfortable carpet of the Academy of Music ballroom. The group also designates the Saturday edition of these popular, intimate performances as sensory-friendly (Brass,

February 8, 2020;

Ensemble,

March 21, 2020

). . The full orchestra’s sensory-friendly performances—and most family concerts—feature a no-shush policy, cool-down spaces, lighting adjustments, trained helpers and both planned and impromptu interaction between musicians and audience members, in Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Carnival of the Animals

,

March 7, 2020;

The Life and Times of Beethoven

,

May 2, 2020.

Academy, 240 S. Broad Street; Kimmel, 300 S. Broad Street, (215) 893-1900,

philorch.org

Theatre Horizon –

This Montgomery Country theater began offering an Autism Drama Program a decade ago and has served 680 children and adults in six-week, spring-through-fall sessions. Each season brings relaxed performances of major productions, dates TBA. 401 DeKalb Street, Norristown, (610) 283-2230,

theatrehorizon.org

VISIT PHILADELPHIA

®

is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog,

visitphilly.com

and

uwishunu.com

, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.