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 […]
Old City: 5 Ways Philadelphia Impacted American History
Philadelphia can be considered the birthplace of American politics. Although Philadelphia held a strong influence over the formation of the United States, politics in the city today remain detached from influencing the national political scene. To understand current Philadelphia politics, understanding the events of 18th century Philadelphia is paramount to feel the city’s passion for intense politics. […]
Old City: PhillyCAM Provides Community with Media Access
Philadelphia fought to get its public access television for 27 years and, on October 23, 2009, that fight came to an end. Philadelphia Community Access Media (PhillyCAM) started its cable broadcasting on Comcast and Verizon. PhillyCAM is non-profit organization that operates Philadelphia’s public access television. Located on the corner at Seventh and Ranstead streets, the doors […]
Arts & Entertainment: Laurel Raczka Brings Community, Artists And Scholars Together
Laurel Raczka is the executive director of the Painted Bride Art Center in Old City. The Painted Bride Art Center, founded in 1969, is an art venue that caters to artists of varying disciplines that works with independent artists to bring arts to the community. Although leadership of the Painted Bride has changed through the years, its mission […]
Old City: “What is Good for Our Residents is Probably Good for Our Community.”
Job Itzkowitz is the executive director of the Old City District in Philadelphia. Since starting the job in August of 2014, he has lead a staff that is committed to the improvement of the Old City District for residents and visitors alike. The operations office is located at 231 Market St., where Itzkowitz leads a team of four, who […]
Old City: Where You’re Never Too Spoiled
Rene Galvin opened Never Too Spoiled in 2008 as a seasonal shop in Atlantic City’s Historic Gardner’s Basin. Galvin opened the small storefront mostly to run Internet sales out of but after falling in love with it, she decided to make it a more permanent business. The little shop down the shore blossomed into a quirky and vibrant boutique […]
Old City: Animals Go From PAWS to Pethood
In 2006, the Philadelphia Animal Care and Control Association (PACCA) euthanized 90 percent of the animals that were brought to them. In an effort to ratify the high frequency of euthanasia and provide a better alternative, Dana Spain founded the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) as PACCA’s life-saving department. In 2009, PAWS broke away from PACCA, […]
Old City: Carriage Driver Turned Teacher
Kelly Filbert is a horse carriage driver in Old City. Being a horse carriage driver has made her find a love for history. She wants to pass her knowledge on to everyone who steps into her carriage. Can you explain the difference between this job and other jobs you have worked? This job is […]
Sustainable Living: Five Eco-Friendly Businesses in Philadelphia
When a business is sustainable, its practices demonstrate how to make a profit while also promoting, addressing and being conscious of environmental issues. Here are a few businesses that focus their mission not only on making money but remaining environmentally sound. Moon + Arrow 754 S. 4th St. Originating as a handmade jewelry line five years ago, Moon […]
Old City: Miles Butler Builds Community to Save The Planet
As a lifelong activist and a current leader in Philadelphia’s sustainability community, Miles Butler has dedicated most of his life toward spreading knowledge and awareness of environmental protection. Raised in Mt. Airy, Butler lived in Massachusetts for a few years, then moved back to Philly to pursue his passion as a musician and environmentalist. In 2014, […]