The Neighborhood Is Sparkling!

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the Annual Community Clean-Up Event. Some neighbors were able to take advantage of a sunny Friday, and others joined us in the rain on Saturday. The Streets Department team came back on Sunday to finish up and the neighborhood looks great. We definitely accomplished our goal of improving the safety and appearance of our neighborhood. Check out our Instagram for other images from the day.

A big thank you to Senator Nikil Saval for the shredding. We will remind folks to save up throughout the year so we fill the truck even more.

Public Board Meeting

Next Tuesday 12/13 @ 7PM

Welcome to December! Join us for our monthly public Board meeting taking place next Tuesday, 12/13, at 7 PM on Zoom. Stay informed .

Zoom links will be sent out next week, but can always be found on our Civic calendar on the website. Click here or perhaps this one is better for you phone.

Find the agenda PDF here.

Holidays With McCall

Have fresh holiday greenery delivered to your (or a friend’s) door and support local students at the same time! Visit this website and enter code MCCALLPA001

McCall is looking forward to having family and community volunteers back in the classroom. Check out the schedule info here. Be aware you have to have all your clearances which takes a few weeks to complete. Plan ahead!

Upcoming Kindergartener? Sign up for an in-person tour at McCall. It’s a great public elementary and middle school.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – Glass

Philly has challenges recycling glass. But there’s a way to make sure it stays out of the landfill AND becomes a beautiful everyday household item – Bottle Underground and Remark Glass (both in the Bok Building). Find the glass collection drop off schedule here. As a teaser, check out the plates from juice jugs! Swoon…

You can also get involved as a volunteer here.

Shelter from the Cold

The cold can be dangerous, particularly for people experiencing homelessness.

If you see someone outside who may need help, request a street outreach team any time, any place, by calling 215-232-1984

The Gift of Greenery

Join Penn Medicine and Friends of FDR Park to get plants to homebound patients. Drop off your houseplants and cuttings at the FDR Community Clubhouse starting Wed. December 7th – Sat. December 10th. Find out more here.

Fun and festive ways to celebrate the holidays in Philadelphia

Tis the season to be jolly! Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and partners are hosting holiday events at sites across the city this month. Check out the upcoming events here. 

Learn more about Frank Furness

Documentary commemorating the life of visionary architect Frank Furness, who died in 1912. A Pennsylvania historical marker has been unveiled in front of his birthplace at 1426 Pine Street in Philadelphia. View the documentary here.

Free COVID Tests*

If you have *private health insurance, you can get eight free tests per person per month. That means a family of four gets 32 free tests monthly. Participants can either receive their eight free tests a month from provider-based pharmacies or be reimbursed by their provider for up to $12 for each test they purchase.

Blood Donation Advocacy

For years, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and medical experts have been pushing for a policy shift in blood donation that better reflects what we know now about HIV transmission and testing. GLAAD welcomed the WSP report as an ‘important step’ but added that ‘this fight is not over…” Check out the overview here.

Snow Birds in the Neighborhood?

While you’re enjoying warmer weather and sunnier days, your Philly residence could house those in need. HOSTS for HOSPITALS is looking for homes, Airbnbs, in-law suites, and vacant residences in the Greater Philadelphia area to open their doors to people traveling to receive medical care. For more information or to volunteer your residence click here.

Ice Skating close to home

Ice skating at Dilworth Park has already begun and beginning this Friday, you can ice skate at the BlueCross River Rink at Penn’s Landing too.

Check out this website to read about the Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park’s specials, and this one to read up on ice skating on the Delaware. Pro tip – if you have IBX insurance, you (and 3 guests) get free admission at the Blue Cross River Rink. They also are hiring.

Big changes coming to SEPTA

Do you use SEPTA regularly? If so, make sure you look at their new plan: SEPTA’s Bus Revolution (link in red)

SEPTA is looking for public input and feedback to their new plan.

Grab your ticket now

The Greek Orthodox Cathedral is hosting it’s holiday event on December 10th. Find out more and sign up here.

Independence Library

Our neighborhood library is back on their normal schedule. Monday-Friday from 1-5PM. Check their website for their hours before heading over because staff coverage impacts hours. To get your holds on material pickup days, please call the library when you are outside, and have your library card or photo ID ready.

Work for the City

Did you know that the City of Philadelphia has a job’s posting board that has over 175 opportunities open to the public? The job diversity is astounding and your dream job may be on the list. Check it out here.