Haddington and Cobbs Creek: Teaching the Philly Bop Dance at Community Libraries
On Saturday afternoons throughout the summer, the Cobbs Creek and Haddington branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia host Philly Bop dance classes. The bop is a style of dance that was popular in the 1950s and throughout the 1960s that was created by African Americans based upon 1920’s era Lindy Hop, Jitterbug and East […]
Haddington: Eyekonz Sports League Takes A Trip Out Of The City
A kickstand jammed its way into a windblown patch of grass at the top of a hill on Radnor High School’s campus. Black rotating tires on a three-wheeled stroller stopped spinning as a small baby was hoisted from the seat and cradled in the arms of Aminta Ghilyard. Ghilyard, the assistant coach with Eyekonz Sports […]
Haddington: Volunteer Wants Library to Serve as ‘Beacon in the Neighborhood’
Sheila Washington is a 62-year-old Overbrook resident who is passionate about the area. She has been the president of Friends of Haddington Library since 2008. Despite being retired, she loves volunteering in the Haddington library. “I know this library like the back of my hand,” said Washington. “This is my library and I’m very proud of […]
Haddington: Urban Tree Connection Promotes Growth for Community
Skip Wiener knows it sometimes takes a little dirty work to make a difference, which is why he founded the West Philadelphia-based non-profit organization, Urban Tree Connection. The Urban Tree Connection’s purpose is to revitalize vacant lots and homes into green spaces, promoting community engagement in low-income areas within the Parkside and Haddington communities through […]
Haddington: Revitalization Strives to Bring New Life to West Market Street Corridor
[vimeo 65434018] One of Philadelphia’s oldest high speed lines, the Market Frankford Blue Line, allows commuters to travel between Center City and West Philadelphia within a matter of minutes. However, from 1999 to 2009 the train line underwent a major transformation, which created several unexpected issues for city officials, residents and businesses near five of the […]
Haddington: Lack of Reentry Agencies Leaves City to Fill the Gap
Every day, an average of 87 prisoners from the Philadelphia County Jail are released back into Philadelphia. For many of those freed, their return to jail is inevitable. The risk of returning to prison greatly increases without the aid of a reintegration agency or service. Early last year, The Philly Rising Collaborative, a city agency […]
Carroll Park: Residents Plan to Take Action in Community Meeting
In a rousing community policy meeting, residents and liaisons for local organizations assembled to discuss and develop action plans for multiple neighborhood issues. “We want to see results and to sustain those results,” Mike Cormany, a local school crossing guard, said. Attendees gathered in a meeting held in a small conference room in the office […]
Haddington: Zoning Prompts Church to Sell Property
St. Joseph’s Baptist Church in Haddington has decided to part ways with its off-site property after a decision passed that denied usage of the church as a rehabilitation center for ex-offenders. The decision was made after residents expressed concern with the program, worrying a facility like that would negatively affect home values. “The program was […]
Haddington: Ruby Street Residents Oppose Proposed Rehab Center
Each morning, Kirk Hightower grabs his broom and dustpan and takes to the 200 block of North Ruby Street. On this day, he shares it with more than half a dozen stray cats. Referred to admiringly by neighbors as Captain Kirk, Hightower spends nearly 20 minutes sweeping. He starts with his porch before making his […]
Haddington: Bike Shop Helps Create, Embrace Community Cycle Culture
[vimeo 50529074] Tucked away on a small residential street in West Philadelphia, Haddington’s Neighborhood Bike Works shop is easy to miss. If it were not for the front tire and handlebars of a bike protruding from the wall above the door of the workshop, the average passerby might mistake it as an extension of the car […]