Weiss sentencing delayed
A judge last month approved a request for continuance in the next phase of the federal tax-fraud case against local gay-bar owner Michael Weiss.
Weiss was scheduled for sentencing Oct. 15, but Judge Jan DeBois approved a continuance requested by both the defense and the prosecution, and sentencing is now set for 2 p.m. Nov. 15 in Courtroom 12-B at the U.S. District Courthouse, 601 Market St.
Weiss, co-owner of Woody’s and president of the board of Voyeur, pleaded guilty in June to corruptly endeavoring to impede the due administration of the tax code and two counts of aiding and abetting the preparation and filing of false tax returns. The charges stemmed from Weiss’ financial dealings with the Palmer Social Club, an after-hours venue on Spring Garden Street. He was charged with underreporting the club’s earnings in its 2004 and 2005 tax filings by more than $1.6 million.
Weiss could face 10-16 months in prison.
Final school-violence hearings
The Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations is hosting its final hearings on inter-group violence within Philadelphia’s public schools in the coming weeks.
The last two hearings in the series will be held from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 26 at Woodland Playground, 4740 Woodland Ave., and from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 16 at Columbus Square Playground, 12th and Wharton streets.
Students who’ve been victims of violence motivated by their sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion or other factors are encouraged to testify about their experiences. At the conclusion of the hearings, the commission will issue a report for the school district with recommendations to curb school violence.
To testify, contact Naarah’ Crawley at [email protected] or (215) 686-4674. Written testimony can also be submitted to [email protected].
Midterm cramming
In the week preceding the upcoming midterm elections, the National Constitution Center will arm visitors with all the information they need before heading to the polls.
The NCC, 525 Arch St., will host “Elections: 101” from Oct. 27-Nov. 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The interactive program will allow guests to learn about the election process and the history of midterm elections, as well as the candidates running in next month’s election and the top issues they’re debating.
Visitors can participate in the “Capitol Hill Game Show,” and the NCC will also have craft tables set up for kids to make their own campaign buttons and other election-related items.
Once they’ve learned about the candidates, guests are invited to cast their votes for their favorite politicos at an outdoor election exhibit.
The exhibit is free with admission to the museum.
For more information, visit www.constitutioncenter.org or call (215) 409-6700.
HIV vaccine talk at Tavern
The University of Pennsylvania’s HIV Vaccine Trials Unit will host a conversation about HIV vaccine research from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St.
The unit seeks HIV-negative gay and bisexual men and transgender women to volunteer for an HIV vaccine study. The first 25 guests who arrive for the presentation will receive a $10 coupon redeemable at Tavern on Camac.
Community members who are not eligible for the trial are still encouraged to attend in order to spread the word and learn how they can support such efforts.
For more information, visit www.phillyvax.org.
— Jen Colletta