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Free book bags, school supplies, on-site student registration and more: Back to School Education Day this Friday in Parkside

August 17, 2017

The School District of Philadelphia is inviting families and community members to the School of the Future (4021 Parkside Ave.) for an annual Back to School Education Day on Friday, Aug. 18.

The event, which will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature on-site student registration, dental screenings, free book bags and supplies while materials last, important educational information sessions to help prepare families for next school year, and live entertainment.

Highlights of the event include a Family Engagement Pavilion and a Kids Zone with fun and educational games for students.

For more information, please visit http://www.philasd.org/face/backtoschool

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“Service of Solidarity” to be held in a West Philly church in response to Charlottesville tragedy

August 15, 2017

In response to the recent protest and tragedy in Charlottesville, Virginia, Philadelphia religious organizations will be holding the following events this week:

On Wednesday, Aug. 16, a march and rally under the banner of “Unmasking White Supremacy in Philadelphia” will take place beginning at 7 p.m. The following agenda has been scheduled, according to the event organizer “POWER”, an interfaith organization:

7:00 p.m. – Gather outside Congregation Rodeph Shalom Synagogue (615 N. Broad Street)
7:15 p.m. – March down Broad Street as “we unmask white supremacy in Philadelphia institutions”
8:00 p.m. – Rally and action inside Arch Street United Methodist Church (55 N. Broad Street)  Continue Reading

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2017 Tire Round-Up program can earn money for your block or community group

August 9, 2017

Illegally dumped tires near 50th and Warrington (Archived photo).

Philadelphia has a serious problem of illegally discarded tires, including in West Philly (see photo). This month, there’s a chance for local block captains and community groups to dispose of illegally dumped tires and also earn some money for their future projects by participating in the Streets Department’s 2017 Tire Round-Up program.

The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 26 in West Philadelphia, and registered participants may drop off their illegally discarded tires at the following temporary tire drop off locations:

• 51st Street & Woodland Avenue
• 49th Street & Parkside Avenue  Continue Reading

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Councilwoman Helen Gym to lead community rally in Malcolm X. Park today

July 25, 2017

Councilwoman Helen Gym will host a community gathering “to protect healthcare and education” tonight at Malcolm X. Park (52nd and Pine) from 6-8 p.m.

The gathering is one of three she will host over the next few weeks as part of “Resistance Summer.” The gathering comes as the U.S. Senate decides whether to go ahead with a debate on repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act.

Feel free to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on for the event.

Gym will also be in Vernon Park in Northwest Philly on Aug. 7 and Columbus Square in South Philly on Aug. 9.

 

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Fresh produce shares, cooking demos at Fresh Food Fest this summer in Parkside

July 19, 2017

A group of local non-profits and Reading Terminal Market are teaming up to bring more fresh and healthy food to Parkside residents this summer. The first-ever Parkside Fresh Food Fest kicked off on Viola Street between 41st St and Belmont Ave on July 6 and will be held on select Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m. throughout this summer. The festival brings fresh food to residents (via a food share program) and also includes cooking demonstrations from Reading Terminal, live entertainment and activities for families.

The next event in the series will take place this Thursday, July 20, and the remaining four events are scheduled on the following dates: Aug. 10, 24 and Sept. 14, 21.

The food share program was created after gauging residents’ interest in a potential subsidized Community Supported Agriculture service for East Parkside. Each food share includes fresh fruit, vegetables, locally-sourced eggs and/or dairy, and an assortment of other grocery items from Reading Terminal. Participation in the food share program requires a subscription (four-event subscription is $35), and some limited single shares ($10) will be available at each event. Information on each item in the food share package will be included along with a recipe card.

The series seeks to use food as the foundation to build community and utilize common public space. Attendees can also participate in organized art activities, bicycle safety workshops from the Indego Bike Share, and a Philadelphia Free Library Book Nook for children. Activities will vary each week and may include live music performances and a movie night.

The program is supported by the Knight Foundation.

More information about the fest can be found here. To subscribe to Parkside Market Food Share, click here and type the password “viola”.

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11th annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival to present ‘New Wave of Jazz’ this Saturday (sponsored)

July 14, 2017

                              Click to enlarge

One of the biggest local events of the year, the Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival, will return on Saturday, July 15 from noon to 7 p.m. to Saunders Park Greene at 39th and Powelton. The 11th edition of the festival, which has grown from a few hundred attendees to more than 3,000, will feature the “New Wave of Jazz.” Philadelphia saxophonist Jaleel Shaw will be headlining the event.

This year, the FREE festival offers a family-friendly event showcasing the best of Philadelphia: a mix of up and coming young artists who are shaping the future of jazz, a diverse gathering of people, a view of the city and a chance to enjoy a neighborhood that is rich in arts and culture.

Artisans and vendors along with a variety of specialty food trucks will be on site. Activities such as a moon bounce, face painting, community resources and digital pop-up computer lab will be available for everyone’s enjoyment. Free parking is available one block away at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center’s lot at Powelton Avenue and State Street.  Continue Reading

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