It always seemed too good to be true. The experiment in buying wine at special kiosks in grocery stores around the state, including one at the Fresh Grocer at 40th and Walnut, is over.

The Pronto Wine Kiosk program which included around 100 kiosks across various Pennsylvania locations is being shut down due to some monetary disputes between the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) that runs the kiosks and the machine supplier, a Conshohocken-based company Simple Brands L.L.C. The PLCB claims to not have been reimbursed by Simple Brands for over $1 million in expenses it incurred from the kiosks wiring and stocking. Simple Brands were supposed to supply the machines at no cost to PLCB, while sharing the profits.

The kiosks had all kinds of age verification technology and even a built-in Breathalyzer (important for the one at 40th and Walnut streets, which is surrounded by students). But customers often said the kiosks were difficult to operate.

Penn’s student newspaper The Daily Pennsylvanian reports that the Fresh Grocer has expressed disappointment over the kiosk closing. It quotes Carly Spross, the Fresh Grocer Marketing Director, who said that this service brought “convenience” to the Fresh Grocer’s customers and “helped bring in additional foot traffic to our stores.”

West Philly resident Wendell Pritchett, an urban historian and former aid to Mayor Michael Nutter, has been appointed to the School Reform Commission, the body that oversees the administration of Philadelphia’s public schools.

Pritchett, who is chancellor of Rutgers University-Camden, will fill one of the two Commission openings left vacant by the recent departures of chair Robert Archie and member Johnny Irizarry. The quick appointment of Pritchett gives the commission the necessary quorum of three. Other members include Denise McGregor Armbrister, whose term expires in January, and Joseph Dworetzky, who commutes to SRC meetings from the West Coast.

Pritchett, a familiar face at youth baseball games and the University City Swim Club, is a close Nutter ally and served as the Mayor’s deputy chief of staff and director of policy. He taught at the University of Pennsylvania School of Law from 2001-2009 and was the school’s associate dean from 2006-2008.

Pritchett will jump right into the new post. One key issue the commission will face in the next couple of months is the looming closure of several schools in the city.

Our readers Zem and Jakey, who live at 49th and Springfield, found these adorable kittens in the hurricane and are trying to adopt them out.

“Once poor bedraggled kittens, these four little boys have become incredibly playful and snugglable. They will bound about, chasing and pouncing on one another and on their toys, and then, collapse in a purring kitten pile. They love being held and will sit on your shoulders if you let them. They are extremely social and get along well together, adopt them in pairs, or on their own. They want your love!”

If you are interested please email Zem at: arrangingtapestry [at] gmail.com

The Walnut West Library Chess Club is in need of volunteer coaches to assist in conducting a weekly class and acting as mentors to the young student players. You do not need to be a Master player, but knowledge of the game would be very helpful.

The club is going into its fourth year and has experienced rapid growth and recognition at the city-wide tournaments held every month of the school year. It is a very rewarding experience for the right person. The club meets on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the library, 201 S. 40th Street.

To apply or for more information, contact Joe Clarke at: philly.joe.c [at] gmail.com

Dock Street Brewery will host the only Philadelphia’s screening of the new documentary Urban Roots on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 8:30 p.m. The film, produced by Tree Media, tells the story of the urban farming phenomenon in Detroit.

The film follows a group of local farmers who are working to turn a troubled industrial city into a model of local farming and sustainability. It is a timely and inspiring film that shows hope for us all in a sustainable and prosperous future after the end of the industrial age.

The screening is free and Dock Street is donating $1 per beer sold during the screening to the Tree Media Foundation which works to put farms in local schools. The film will be screened on the new and improved projector screen. It is recommended that you arrive early to secure a seat.

Here’s a trailer:

Urban Roots Trailer from Tree Media on Vimeo.

A fire destroyed the third floor of a three-story building at 4006 Market St. this morning. The building houses the Bo Sing Chinese restaurant on the first floor. The fire appeared to have started on the third floor of the building. Firefighters had to cut part of the roof off to check for flames. A cause of the fire has not yet been determined.