January 7, 2015
The School District of Philadelphia began considering applications for new charter schools this week. Two schools in particular have been the topic of discussion among some in the neighborhoods recently.
The district received over a dozen applications from charter schools interested in opening new schools in West Philly.
One of the proposed new charters is the Philadelphia Music and Dance Charter School, which has applied to open a school at the old West Philadelphia High School (48th and Walnut), has drawn attention from nearby community organizations. In the application, officials from the proposed school note that they spoke with many in the community, including community associations, about the school. Continue Reading
January 7, 2015
UPDATE 2 (1/7/2015): We received a great update from the person who rescued the dog. The dog is now being fostered by a Project MEOW volunteer in West Philly and may be adopted!
UPDATE (12/30/2014, 12:30 p.m.): The dog has been picked up and is in foster care now. She doesn’t have tags or a microchip. She has minor abrasions, but otherwise is fine (not injured as it was reported earlier).
The person who is fostering the dog told us that she will try to keep her until her owner is found. If you have any information about the dog, or would like to contact this person please check out her Craigslist posting.
Earlier: A reader found this dog this morning outside West Philadelphia High School (49th and Chestnut). The dog’s leg appeared injured and he/she couldn’t be moved.
January 6, 2015
UPDATE (1/7/2015): If you’re on Twitter, you can report an unshoveled sidewalk to @Philly311:
(1/6/2015): 
Winter has finally arrived and reminded us all why we don’t like it that much. We wanted to pass along reminders about what to watch out for when temperatures drop below freezing and what to do when it snows. Stay warm and be careful as it’s slippery out there today.
City announces Code Blue
During bitter cold conditions, with temperatures near or below 20 degrees, the city issues a Code Blue weather advisory, which was announced at 6 p.m. on Monday. The Code Blue advisory triggers 24-hour outreach to homeless individuals and provides access to emergency housing network (see more here). If you see a homeless person outside and without a shelter during extremely cold conditions, you can call the Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215-232-1984.
Also a reminder to keep an eye on your pets and keep them inside when it gets too cold (or face penalties!). A new ordinance has been introduced in Philadelphia that makes it illegal to leave your dog outside during freezing (or extremely hot) temperatures. To report a dog left outdoors in severe weather call ACCT Philly at 267-385-3800 and dial 0 to speak with the dispatcher or email: fieldservices@acctphilly.org.
Winter Weather Advisory and Snow Removal
A winter weather advisory is in effect for today, and property and business owners are required to clear a path on the sidewalk within six hours of the end of the snowfall.
The Philadelphia Streets Department has reminded that property owners are subject to a fine starting at $50 for not complying with this policy. To report a sidewalk that has not been cleared, call the Streets Department Customer Affairs Unit at 215-686-5560.
In case of a heavy snowfall with a large accumulation of snow, the City may declare a snow emergency. Snow emergency means that vehicles parked along the snow emergency routes must be moved to alternate parking spaces, so City crews can clear the snow along these routes.
January 6, 2015
Youth from around the city have a unique chance this winter to learn storytelling basics at a free six-week long class. The class, presented by Project Arts, kicks off next week and culminates in a performance on Feb. 16.
This Wednesday, Project Arts and RISK!, a wildly popular storytelling podcast with hundreds of thousands of listeners and millions of downloads, present a Storytelling Slam contest to benefit the class. Young people ages 16 and up will compete in the contest, and 30 percent of the funds raised at the event will provide cash prizes for the top three winners. The show organizers are asking for a $5-$15 donation.
The storytelling class is also a chance for local young people to be heard and share their experiences with others. The project is “part art and part healing work,” according to Project Arts director Rich Wexler (more information about the class is available at: projectarts.info).
The Storytelling Slam will take place at The Rotunda (40th and Walnut), on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 7 – 10 p.m.
January 5, 2015
Photo courtesy of UCD.
Here are more details on the annual Christmas Tree and Electronics Recycling event at Clark Park.
The Tree-cycling event, sponsored by UC Green and University City District (UCD), will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Clark Park (43rd and Chester). Christmas trees collected at the event will be turned into wood chips that will be used in neighborhood community gardens. A $10 donation per tree will go to support UC Green programs.
Also, if you have some old electronics piling up at your house, this is a great chance to get rid of them in an eco-friendly way. eForce Recycling folks will be at the park as well, so bring your old electronics along with your tree. You can drop off anything with a plug, except smoke detectors, large appliances, and projection TVs. Electronics recycling is free of charge, unless you want to bring an old CRT (cathode ray tube) TV or computer monitor. In this case it will cost $20. For more information, visit the eForce Recycling Facebook page or call 215-964-6665.
If you can’t make it to this event, please check other tree-cycling opportunities in the area.
January 4, 2015
We continue publishing breakfast and lunch menus served at schools in the School District of Philadelphia. Here’s the menu for Monday, Jan. 5 through Friday, Jan. 9. If your school uses a Satellite menu, click here.
Come back every Sunday evening for the coming week’s menu.
BREAKFAST (K-12)
A variety of 3 cereals will be offered daily and served with a yogurt parfait or a mini loaf.
Monday
Choose 1: Mini French Toast or Chewy Bar
Choose 1: Apple Juice or Raisins
Variety of Milk
Tuesday
Choose 1: Chicken Sausage, Egg & Cheese on English Muffin or Cinnamon Granola Round
Choose 1: Pear Cup or Mixed Fruit Juice
Variety of Milk Continue Reading
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