#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Winter warning
(Photo by @postcardsfromsouthphilly)
Historic Center City church gets massive makeover
Rev. Robin Hynicka, pastor to the Arch Street United Methodist Church near City Hall, says his congregation’s ongoing, $6.7 million renovation project — which has kept the landmark, 155-year-old building surrounded by scaffolding of one kind or another for nearly eight years — is also playing a critical role in its sacred work.
“We have a unique place … to be a symbol of equity, a symbol of justice, a symbol of loving kindness. We’re also a center where folks gather to contemplate and prepare to act in ways that bring greater justice and equity into the world,” he said. “And if we don’t maintain this building, that goes away.”
Billy Penn paid a visit, which included a visit to the very scenic, and very cold, roof. Continue reading …
Bookstores, book clubs and ‘book-ish’ events: A booklovers guide to Philly
For Tina Long, opening a bookstore was a lifelong dream. One she expected to accomplish in her later year — until job stress and the pandemic sped up her timeline.
“I realized that it might be OK to just start your dream earlier in life,” said Long, who co-owns Cupid’s Bookshop in Manayunk.
She’s far from alone. From themed book stores and book clubs to events and social circles, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Billy Penn pulled together this guide to help out the city’s readers, novice and experienced. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Everything you need to know about ICE’s plan to open a detention center in Berks County. [Spotlight PA]
• ACLU of Pa., Parady La’s family seek records after Upper Darby man dies in ICE custody: “We need accountability.” [WHYY]
• With waters rising, Pennsylvania’s historical treasures, like Philly’s Fairmount Water Works, must “adapt or collapse.” [Inside Climate News]
• Philly’s aviation chief, who oversaw the PHL and Northeast Philadelphia airports since late 2022, is leaving for a job in San Diego later this month. [PhillyVoice]
• South Philly residents’ lawsuit against FDR Park renovations can continue, judge rules. [WHYY]
• Students walked out of Pa. and N.J. high schools on Friday to protest ICE and show support for immigrants in their communities. [NBC10]
• For Philadelphia’s Latino communities, Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl moment is personal — and political. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🍹 Non-alcoholic options beyond Dry January
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Monday, Feb. 9: Philadelphia Orchestra Musicians Chamber Music Concert
Hear renowned musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra play works in The College of Physicians of Philadelphia’s historic Mitchell Hall at the Mütter Museum. $50 tickets. (6:30 to 9 p.m.)
Monday, Feb. 9: Author Talk: “Injustice Town: A Corrupt City, a Wrongly Convicted Man, and a Struggle for Freedom”
The powerful story of a falsely imprisoned man and a sweeping indictment of a city and the criminal justice system. Hosted in partnership with WHYY, WURD-Radio, and WHYY’s Bridging Blocks Program. At Parkway Central. (6 p.m.)
Monday, Feb. 9: “You Got Served” – A Live Reading
Theatre Contra is taking the iconic script of this dance movie classic and bringing it to life onstage. Crews will clash, friendships will be tested, and somebody is absolutely getting served. At Tattooed Mom. General admission tickets at the door. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Tuesday, Feb. 10: Cobbs Creek Little Nature Playground Design Workshop #1
Join your neighbors in designing new Little Nature Playgrounds and child-friendly murals for Cobb’s Creek Park. (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 11: Greater Philadelphia: A New History for the Twenty-First Century
A panel discussion with Charlene Mires and Howard Gillette where we will explore the making of the three-volume publication that celebrates Philadelphia’s role as the beating heart of the nation’s story, unearthing the hidden histories, points of pride, people, places, and communities in the city and region we all love. At Johnson Park Library in Camden, NJ. (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 11: Profs & Pints Philadelphia: The Dark Side of Fairy-Tale Romance
Examine nightmarish elements of the tales we’ve repackaged as the stuff of lovers’ dreams, from romcoms to reality TV shows to wedding venues to Valentine’s Day, which idealize the idea of a “fairy-tale romance,” while the fairy tales underlying all the hype actually can be profoundly unsettling and full of reasons to run like hell. $14.77 in advance, $17 at the door. (6:30 p.m.)
Friday, Feb 13: Lunar New Year Celebration
How do people celebrate Lunar New Year, and what traditions make this holiday special? Learn about Lunar New Year customs and share good wishes with friends and the community. At FACTS Charter School, 1023 Callowhill Street. (4 to 6 p.m.)
