Evidence of the pressure on the historic building is just across the street from the Christ Memorial Church, where an apartment building aimed at students is under construction.

After years of speculation about its future, it appears that the end is near for the 131-year-old Christ Memorial Reformed Episcopal Church at 43rd and Chestnut.

Earlier this month the city issued a permit for the demolition of the church. The permit was issued to building owners Kalidave Limited Partners, which is run by local developer Guy Laren. Laren saved a Frank Furness church at 47th and Kingsessing from the wrecking ball three years ago, prompting some to hope he might salvage some of Isaac Pursell-designed English Gothic Revival building. He has not responded to calls or e-mails.  Continue Reading

People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Brightside Academy announced a new partnership to fast track individuals looking to break into the early childhood education field. The goal of the innovative employment strategy is to provide employment opportunities and create highly-skilled employees that are encouraged to continue an employment and educational journey in early childhood education.

PEC’s Center for Employment and Training (CET) will recruit individuals interested in this career path and prepare them for the program with five weeks of Professional Development Training, which provides an overview of critical employment skills applicable to every field, such as time management, effective communications, working on teams, presentations, and more. CET will also assist with resume building, interview skills, attire, transportation, child care, connections to resources, and assistance applying for the CDA voucher from the state of Pennsylvania.  Continue Reading

University City and West Philly residents can now safely dispose of unused prescription drugs by bringing them to the Penn Police headquarters, where a prescription drug take-back box has been installed. The box installation is a part of the Pennsylvania Prescription Drug Take-Back Program, which is focused on alleviating the health and safety concerns from the diversion and abuse of prescription drugs.

Improper disposal of prescription drugs can also create environmental hazards impacting groundwater, rivers, and harming wildlife.

Residents are encouraged to dispose of unwanted drugs safely by dropping them in the prescription drug take-back boxes installed around the city, including the new one at 4040 Chestnut Street and  another at 61st and Thompson Streets (19th Police District headquarters). For more drug take-back box locations in Philadelphia, check out this map.  Continue Reading

SEPTA Key Cards are now available for purchase at a number of retail locations, in addition to transit station and Bus Loop Fare Kiosks and SEPTA Sales Offices.

The initial launch of the “SEPTA Key External Retail Network” earlier this week included more than 100 locations where customers can purchase a Key Card and load/reload fares such as Weekly and Monthly TransPasses, Convenience Passes, and Travel Wallet value. The retail network will eventually grow to approximately 1,500 locations, including grocery stores, pharmacies and local convenience stores, among others, according to SEPTA.  Continue Reading

Heritage roses, historic boxwoods, vegetable and herb starts, native perennials, shrubs, trees and more will be available for sale at this year’s plant sale at Bartram’s Garden. The popular annual event will be held on Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. It is also a great opportunity to visit the 1731 Bartram House which will be open all day.

Throughout the day, horticulturalists will be on hand to answer questions and share garden-planning advice.

Bartram’s Garden members are invited to check out this year’s fabulous selection of plants during a Member Preview Party on Friday, April 20, plus enjoy discounts on plant and Welcome Center purchases.  Continue Reading

Editor’s Note: After a break, we’re resuming our posts about rescued cats and kittens available for adoption and other posts provided by Project MEOW, a volunteer-run organization that helps control West Philly’s stray and feral cat population through their TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) program and also has a rescued cat foster program. This story showcases that there is a special home for every cat.

Once upon a time a kitten named Newt was rescued in West Philly. Very typical orange boy lover… and also NOT! You see, Newt is one of those cats who must go outside to keep his behavior more moderate or else the demons take hold.

Diagnosed with Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome he became unpredictable, and even with medication he was biting and clawing the humans. Several adoptions failed because of his behavior. Fast forward to today, where Newt enjoys both the indoor life and outdoor life with his new human who understands his quirks.

He is fully vetted, microchipped and a neighborhood escort, walking folks to the bus stop when the mood strikes. Over time he might moderate his behavior and enjoy being indoors more and more. But for now, Newt is well, a neighborhood fixture, ambassador of good will and all around happy guy.  Continue Reading