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The annual Philadelphia Marathon returns this weekend, with thousands of runners participating in the event and many guests visiting the city. Good luck to anyone who is running!

The event brings a lot of excitement to the streets, but also means road closures, delays and detours. During the three-day event, which also includes the Rothman Institute 8K and Kids Fun Run on Saturday, motorists are advised to use alternate routes and avoid areas along the race course. There will be increased security in the Benjamin Franklin Parkway area, with parking and traffic regulations strictly enforced.

Major areas impacted during the Marathon weekend include:

• The Benjamin Franklin Parkway – Friday, Nov 21 through Sunday, Nov 23
• Citywide along the 26.2-mile route of the Philadelphia Marathon on Sunday, Nov 23 (see map)
• The I-676 off-ramps at 22nd Street (westbound) and 23rd Street (eastbound) will be closed on Sunday, Nov 23 after 4 a.m. for event security preparation.

Motorists and pedestrians can expect significant delays when trying to cross roads or streets that are adjacent to the course. Police will allow traffic through intersections along the course, when possible, depending on the flow of the race participants. All streets are scheduled to be reopened by 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov 23.  Continue Reading

Some open resistance to standardized testing has bubbled up around the city over the past couple years, with instances of parents and students opting out of the annual Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) tests. The issue will go before the City Council’s Education Committee today from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The PSSAs are given to students in grades 3-8 to measure yearly progress. Opponents, who also include teachers, have argued that elementary and middle school curricula have focused too heavily on preparing students for the exams.

The public is invited to today’s meeting, which was scheduled to hear testimony on a resolution authorizing the committee to “conduct hearings concerning the time and financial cost of standardized testing administered to Philadelphia public school students as well as the effects of testing on teaching and learning.”

The meeting is in the City Council Chambers Room 400. Be sure to bring your photo ID if you plan to attend.

We continue publishing breakfast and lunch menus served at schools in the School District of Philadelphia. Here’s the menu for Monday, Oct 27 through Friday, Oct 31. 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 three cereals will be offered daily and served with a yogurt parfait or a bake-crafter bar.

Monday

Chicken Sausage, Egg & Cheese on English Muffin
Chewy Bar
Choose 1: Apple Juice or Fresh Pear
Variety of Milk

Tuesday

Breakfast Burrito
Cinni Mini Swirls
Choose 1: Peach Cup or Fresh Apple
Variety of Milk  Continue Reading

Theo.

Theo is a beautiful black male pit bull terrier looking for a new home. He’s only 9 months old. He was surrendered to the local animal control last week by his owner.

What makes this dog stand out is the fact that his owner obviously loved him very much and wants to make sure he finds a loving new home. He/she wrote a detailed letter about Theo (see below) describing everything he likes, dislikes, etc. Most people who surrender a pet do not even want to fill some basic information out, according to volunteers who work at the shelter.

Theo is available for adoption or foster care.

If you’re interested in meeting Theo please note that all resident dogs and family members need to come to ACCT to meet him before he can go into foster care or be adopted. Theo will be neutered, vaccinated and chipped before going to a new home.

Here’s more information on the ACCT shelter and its hours:

Animal Care & Control Team of Philadelphia
111 W. Hunting Park Avenue
(267) 385-3800 | phone
(215) 261-6092 | fax
info@acctphilly.org

Adoptions Hours: 1 – 8 p.m., weekdays; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., weekends. Email: adopt@acctphilly.org

Foster Care Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., everyday. Email: foster@acctphilly.org

“I’m Coco (A15060773), a 3-year-old female terrier pit bull mix. I had a home but for some reason I am now living in the shelter through no fault of my own. I’m a friendly, social dog who loves to play with toys. I’m a little exuberant when I meet people, especially after being stuck in my cage for a while but who could blame me? I just like to play! I am interested in other dogs, so if you have a dog looking for a sibling, let’s set up a meet! I’m spayed, microchipped and up to date on all of my shots too so I can go home with you immediately! In short: I am the total package!

Check out my video here and more photos of me here.”

This is just one of the many wonderful dogs in urgent need of adoption, foster care, or rescue at Philadelphia’s animal control shelter, ACCT. You can stop by and meet them at 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia. Please check www.acctphilly.org for hours.

Come in and take home a forever friend today! To check the status of an animal, call 267-385-3800 or email acctpetfinder@gmail.com.

It’s impossible to resist Joey’s adorable head tilts. (Photo courtesy ACCT Philly).

Joey is a 3-5 year-old fella with a great personality and love for life! Joey is about 60 pounds or so, so he’s a bigger boy but he is still a lap dog. He is a super friendly guy who just loves being around people and is an all-around happy dog. He is a mellow, very gentle boy. He is happy to sit by your side or give you a hug and just snuggle. He’s also happy to go outside and play and take a walk and get some fresh air.

Joey is a very gentle player and is adorable when he does zoomies. He walks great on a freedom no-pull harness, so if you’re looking for a walking buddy then Joey is your guy. He is very friendly and happy with everyone that he meets, including children. He also gets along great with other dogs.

Joey is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped, so he’s ready to go home with you. He is an absolute joy to be around and would much rather be in a loving home than the shelter. Joey is currently a Pen Pal at Philadelphia Animal Care and Control, which means he has two buddies dedicated to spending lots of time with him and getting to know him best. He is an amazing boy who truly deserves a great home. Come meet this boy today.

Please contact his pen pals at Always8bball@aol.com for more information on Joey.