Roxborough: Inspired Community Leader Continuing a Lifetime of Activism
Every morning, activist the Rev. Richard Fernandez picks up the phone to call politicians’ offices. Fernandez began his activism in the 1960s while he was attending Penn University. He became involved in the civil rights movement and worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “When I was in college I hitchhiked down to Montgomery (Alabama),” […]
Roxborough: Older Residents Stay Active with Protest Organization
The phrase “staying active” has taken on a new meaning for residents of the Cathedral Village Retirement Community in Roxborough and it’s political. The retirees formed the activists group Indivisible Village in January 2017 for residents there who wanted to engage in politics and fight for change. Indivisible Village is a local chapter of the national Indivisible […]
Manayunk: Q&A With A Local Legend Who Turned His Life Around
After a traumatic accident, doctors told Dave Scarpello he would never walk again. The Manayunk native who has lived in the area for 32 years, proved them wrong. He ran in the Broad Street Run this year, spent his days on disability participating in running clubs, started the Roxborough Manayunk News Facebook page and became a […]
Roxborough: Retired Firefighter’s Antique Store Gives New Life To Old Kitchen Appliances
About 20 years ago, Rich Boris’ life took a turn to the past. Boris started working as a security guard at a shop on Main Street in Roxborough after retiring from the Philadelphia Fire Department. The shop called Two by Four sold old-fashioned appliances. Boris noticed that many people purchased these items and began to […]
Roxborough: Local Resident Works Tirelessly To Preserve Roxborough
Retired social worker Donald Simon is an avid proponent for his community. Simon works tirelessly to ensure it remains the way he and his neighbors believe it should be. When he’s not spending his time playing piano and drums, or working as a trail ambassador to ensure the safety of the Wissahickon Valley Park grounds, he’s serving as […]
Chestnut Hill: Safety, Community Enhancement are Top Priorities for Business District Executive Director
Martha Sharkey is the executive director for the Chestnut Hill Business Association and is one of the primary people leading the way in bringing new businesses, programs and community safety projects to the local community. Sharkey, who has held her current position for three years, believes that helping bring new people to the neighborhood will ultimately […]
Manayunk: Thanks4Giving Clothing Drive Provides Local and City-Wide Benefits
North Light Community Center has been serving families in Manayunk and nearby Roxborough for 80 years, and the Thanks4Giving Clothing Drive, which runs until December 31st, is one of the ways North Light is able to continue its success. The drive was created by Joe DeCandido, CEO of ADVENT, and it’s a partnership with Impact […]
Roxborough: Former Phillie Donates $95k to Philadelphia Agricultural School
W.B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences will renovate their greenhouses, thanks to a $95,000 donation from The Hamels Foundation, co-founded by former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels and his wife Heidi. Teacher Lisa Blum runs the greenhouses, which have been in need of repair for some time now. “It’s been a frustrating 14 years here […]
Roxborough: Cleaning Up the Drug Problem in Honor of Tim Strain
Tim Strain was 18-years-old when he burned his hand on the muffler of his lawn mower. He then went to the hospital, where he was prescribed Percocet. After a few days staying home, Strain went to his girlfriend’s house. When his pain came back and he did not have his medicine on him, his girlfriend’s […]
Roxborough: Combating the Issue of Overdevelopment
Right now, at the corner of Henry Avenue and Maris Street, there sits an empty lot. But because of the by-right development, a new apartment building is in the works. Thanks to by-right, and much to the dismay of the neighbors, the ROCK Construction and Development corporation was able buy the piece of land at […]