Fishtown: Going Green in Housing
Improved recycling, hybrid cars and other ways of going green have become increasingly popular in recent years. “It’s a pattern, not a trend,” says Jim Maransky, owner and developer of The IceHouse Condominiums, located in the heart of Fishtown. Maransky says: “No one is buying cars that get eight miles to the gallon anymore. Why […]
Ridge Avenue: Hopes for Housing
The principal at John F. Reynolds Public School near Ridge Avenue see the transient nature of her students and their families as a significant problem for the children’s education.“We’ll have kids in September, they’ll leave in December, and then they’ll be back in June,” says Principal Cheryl Hackett. It’s obvious that housing isn’t great along […]
Kensington’s Little Angel
Wearing a neon green hat to match the color of his shirt and plaid shorts, Clifford Reynolds addressed the crowd with a look of sincerity and hope. As he spoke through the microphone, his words echoed more than to just the crowd standing in front of him, but to the community at whole. “We’d like […]
Kensington: A Sad and Beautiful Day
It was a bright and warm Saturday afternoon in Kensington. A week after the attack, family, friends and neighbors gathered in McPherson Square Park to show their support for the victim and to celebrate the 11-year-old girl’s return from the hospital after being raped on her way to school last Tuesday. “Let’s dedicate ourselves to […]
Ridge Avenue: Share A Blessing Ministry
It was 11:30 a.m. and people were waiting to to go inside Miller Memorial Baptist Church on North 22nd Street off Ridge Avenue. This isn’t uncommon for a Thursday afternoon because this is when the church hosts the Share A Blessing Ministry. Created 14 years ago by Deaconess Sarah Lynch, the ministry serves lunch to […]
Germantown: Lengthy Construction Angers Locals
The detours on Germantown Avenue are unavoidable. All main street corners are decorated with stacked signs warning about construction, cars are forced off of the main road, and sidewalks lined with barriers. “My father walks with a cane and I have a 4-month-old baby,” lamented Lashonda Copeland as she maneuvered a stroller around Germantown Avenue. […]
South Street: Teen Mob Creates Concern
After a group of teenagers assaulted two people, stole a taxi and ransacked a convenience story near South Street, community leaders and police were trying to determine what actions to take to prevent another such occurrence. Over 100 people showed up at Palumbo Recreation Center at 10th and Fitzwater streets. Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel spoke […]
Ludlow: Youth Baseball Brings the Community Together
Baseball has been a staple of early life for generations of American youths, but in some inner-city neighborhoods many children never get a chance to get in the game. In communities where parents sometimes struggle to keep their kids in school and off the streets, extra-curricular activities like baseball have often taken a backseat. “Baseball […]
South Philadelphia: Whole Body Wellness
With so many advances in modern clinical medicine occurring, many people may think these options are the best of the best. However, numerous people continue to rely on ancient methods of healing from around the world. In the area south of South Street, a healthy lifestyle is important and many people take part in healthy […]
Mantua: Young Writers Reach Out in the Community
On a scorching Saturday afternoon in the Mantua section of West Philadelphia, the Charles L. Durham Free Library is full of activity. Children are scattered across the building. Some are sitting at the tiny computer desks, playing matching games. Others are sitting in the corner, reading from different books. One little girl looks through a […]