Old City: Painted Bride Arts Center Is Committed To Creating A New Mission For The Community
Although the beloved, mosaic-covered structure in Old City will not be getting a historic designation, The Painted Bride is making new plans. The art center’s executive director, Laurel Raczka, is seeking new ways to sustain the center at 230 Vine St. and broaden its existing audience. Raczka said the property will go up for sale […]
Nicetown: Adult Day Care Provides Needed Services for Seniors
Barbara Willis-Powell has dedicated the last eight years of her life to the Mercy Neighborhood Ministries’ adult day care program, serving seniors 60 years of age and older. For her, it’s all about the family atmosphere at the organization, located at 1939 W. Venango St. Each Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., seniors fill the […]
Tioga: Change Through Political Uncertainty Remains Focus of Tioga United
While the nation awaits President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration, there remains an uneasy feeling among some members of the Tioga community as they wait to see what unfolds. However, community leaders like those associated with Tioga United are determined to keep the conversation moving forward within the neighborhood by encouraging people to join the discussion. Tioga United is a 20-year-old nonprofit organization led by co-founder […]
Nicetown-Tioga: Mercy Neighborhood Ministries Continues to Service The Community
Mercy Neighborhood Ministries (MNM) has been a focal point to the Nicetown community since 1997 and Sister Ann Provost, the executive director of the ministry, has been there since the beginning. MNM has a wide range of programs that cater to the improvement of the children in the neighborhood. A program was recently implemented at the ministry is […]
Nicetown: Restaurant’s Roadblock Leads to One-Year Anniversary
While the one year anniversary of Sister Muhammad’s Kitchen re-opening approaches, the staff couldn’t help but appreciate how much of an impact the restaurant has had in the community. In 2011, Sister Muhammad Kitchen was forced to shut down due to eminent domain and reconstruction plans by the Nicetown Community Development Corporation. Their purpose was […]
Nicetown: Elijah Jones, Youth of the Year
Elijah Jones, a 17-year-old Simon Gratz High School student, makes a difference in the Nicetown Boys and Girls Club by using his leadership skills, athletic abilities and guidance, in order to improve the lives of the youth in his neighborhood. Running for this year’s “Youth of the Year” was just another notch on his belt, […]
Nicetown-Tioga: Community Leader is a Resourceful Librarian
The Nicetown-Tioga Library dates back to 1961 and inhibits a space which was called Linton’s Restaurant. The current adult/teen librarian, Marsha Stender, is not just your average librarian. She also gives encouragement, confidence and hope by helping adults and teens find books, use computers and navigate their lives. How long have you been working at […]
Allegheny West: Foundation Provides Backbone for Community
The Allegheny West Foundation has a huge influence on the community today. From housing and commercial development plans to orchestrating youth programs, the organization has a hand in everything. The foundation has teamed up with many organizations throughout the community to work toward a common goal – revamping the neighborhood. It worked closely with the North 22nd Street […]
Tioga-Nicetown and Allegheny West: Five Things You Didn’t Know
Tioga-Nicetown and Allegheny West are rarely seen in the mainstream media. When they are, it usually involves poverty, drugs or violence. But these neighborhoods are lively areas with plenty of interesting people and things to do. Here are a few things you might not have known about these North Philadelphia communities. 1. South Philly has Pat’s […]
Nicetown: Parents, Teachers Protest at School District
In the debate about whether to turn over Edward T. Steel Elementary School to the administration of Mastery Charter Schools, the voices for the current leadership at Steel have been loud and clear. They are not happy with how this process has gone. Parents, children, teachers and activists recently gathered outside the Philadelphia School District […]