Author: Coleen Mary O’Hara

Kensington: Local Gardens Cultivate Community, Help Revitalize Neighborhoods

May 4, 2016James M. Kirn and

It was in the 1970s when drug use and the violent state of the neighborhood spurred a unique change among a small group of Puerto Rican women in West Kensington. These women, called the Grupo

Kensington: Community Center Works to Serve Neighborhood’s Needs

April 11, 2016Coleen Mary O'Hara

The Community Center at Visitation (CCV) is one of many outreach facilities dedicated to improving the quality of life in Kensington. Led by Sister Betty Scanlon, a Sister of Mercy and director of CCV, the

Fairhill: Puerto Rican School of Music Reflects the Beat of the Community

March 21, 2016James M. Kirn and

The Puerto Rican Institute of Music sits on North 5th Street, a road surrounded by Latino influence. Walking by on any afternoon you might even hear the beat of plena – traditional Puerto Rican music –

West Kensington: Peace Corps Alumnus Continues Work With Latino Community

March 2, 2016Coleen Mary O'Hara and James M. Kirn

Entering the Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) is an experience in itself. With bright colors, the side-by-side row homes create a place that becomes a safe haven for youth in Kensington. Through numerous after-school programs, garden

Kensington: Neighbor Helps Improve Access to Healthy Food Through Co-Op

February 12, 2016Coleen Mary O'Hara and

The Kensington Community Food Co-Op started in 2008 when the community came together to talk about issues in the neighborhood. Residents weren’t satisfied with the healthy food options that were available. Conversations evolved from those

Center City: Committee of Seventy Makes Strides To Increase Young Voter Turnout

November 18, 2015pnadmin and

The mayoral election may be over but the staff at the Committee of Seventy says that increasing voter turnout is not a seasonal mission to them. Founded in 1904, the Committee of Seventy has been pushing to help

Graduate Hospital Area: A Fireside Chat with Christina Saboe

October 27, 2015pnadmin and

“I’m one of those types that if you implant an idea in my brain, I can’t get rid of it,” said Christina Saboe, owner of Fireside Camp Supply located on South Street. Her two-year-old camping

Center City: “We Have an Ongoing Need to Increase the Quality of Our Political Leadership.”

September 29, 2015pnadmin and

David Thornburgh may have Pittsburgh roots but his passion lies on the other side of the Keystone state in Philadelphia politics. As the President and CEO of the historic Committee of Seventy, a non-profit organization

New Business: Five Businesses You Should Not Miss Out On

September 8, 2015pnadmin and

Philadelphia is a city rich in history and culture but much has changed since Billy Penn was here. The soon-to-be weekend home for the Pope has more a dozen fortune 500 companies and several large