Pennsport: Christ Church South Philly Welcomes Community
Christ Church South Philly has impacted its Pennsport church community, emphasizing to its congregation the importance of love, family and praising Jesus Christ. The church began when its pastor, Jeff Boettcher (pictured below), wanted to broaden his horizons, start his own church and turned to church planting. Church planting is the practice of establishing a […]
Grays Ferry: Vare Recreation Center Reopens But Still Needs Work
“Originally, we had no idea of when we were going to reopen,” said Gina Batavick, the recreational leader at Vare Recreation Center. “We had a community meeting the last week of October and they told us four to six weeks, so they’re basically on target for six weeks.” After being forced to close down due to […]
Point Breeze: Bikes See Rise in Commuting Usage, Though Cars Remain Dominant
“The neighborhood is changing where we’re seeing more people use bikes,” said John Dietterle, about what those in the neighborhood have noticed as of late. The uptick in bicycle usage in Philadelphia in the last few years has not gone unnoticed. Especially by those such as Dietterle, a manager at VAC Auto Repair located at 25th and […]
Immigration: Five Ways To Support Immigrant Communities
Given America’s current political climate regarding immigration, many immigrant communities may feel at risk or even targeted. In a so-called sanctuary city like Philadelphia, immigrants can become active and engaged in community organizing to educate themselves and others about their rights in America. Here are five active organizations that offer educational programs and events for immigrant communities. Asian Arts Initiative […]
East Passyunk: South Philly Bikes Keeps Things Moving
At first glance, South Philly Bikes may seem like just a typical bike shop. But to Dan Oettinger (pictured above, left), owner for the past three years, his shop is much more. As the owner, repairman, mechanic and salesman of South Philly Bikes, located at the corner of 13th and Mifflin streets, Oettinger is proud of […]
Immigration: Artist Mobilizes Immigrant Communities For Social Justice
Ten years ago, Michelle Angela Ortiz hoped to be where she is today – a successful visual artist, skilled muralist and community arts educator. For more than 18 years, Ortiz has been using art as a tool for communication between communities. Through painting, printmaking and community arts practices, Ortiz is able to share the narratives […]
City Politics: New Sanctuary Movement Responds To ICE “Safe City” Raids With Prayer
New Sanctuary Movement, an interfaith immigrant justice organization, held a prayer vigil and Sukkot ritual outside of the Philadelphia offices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Thursday, October 5, in response to what ICE has titled “Operation Safe City.” The operation targeted individuals in sanctuary cities across the United States, culminating in a […]
Point Breeze: Meet Alex Kanderson; the Brains and the Brawn Behind Philadelphia Tech Repair
Just west of Broad Street on Dickinson Street is Philadelphia Tech Repair. Alex Kanderson–the store’s owner, manager and lone employee–sits inside the small shop. As the small chalk board outside 1411 Dickinson St. states, he fixes “phones, laptops, tablets and more” six days a week. Originally from Ocean City, New Jersey, Kanderson moved to the city […]
Passyunk Square: Father Vincent Farhat Pays Homage To His Family With Unconditional Love In And Out Of Church
Vincent Farhat (pictured above), pastor at St. Maron’s Catholic Church located at 1013 Ellsworth St., has taken the guidance from his upbringing to provide love and compassion to all people. Farhat’s relationship with his family has led him to dedicate his life to his church and to his faith. The 53-year-old Lebanese American was born […]
Arts and Entertainment: Five Murals To Put On Your Radar for Fall 2017
Philadelphia is a city where you can find murals and street art in many neighborhoods. From Isaiah Zagar’s Magic Gardens in South Philly to the “wicked” Philly-style graffiti seen around the city, the street art scene is constantly being evolving. Here are five works to keep an eye out for in fall 2017: Curing […]