#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Inside and outside reflections
(Photo by @karenbenson.eyeful)
Philly’s shelter expansion aims to create 1,000 more beds
Philadelphia’s new push to get to “a functional zero in homelessness” — meaning no one seeking shelter is turned away for lack of space — will depend in large part on creating enough new beds in existing buildings and upgrading shelters to make them more welcoming, officials say. Continue reading…
Historic slavery protest celebrated as Philly’s ‘52 Weeks of Firsts’ closes out February
The Philadelphia Historic District’s “52 Weeks of Firsts” rounded out February by commemorating the nation’s first public protest against slavery in America back in 1688, 88 years before the U.S. was founded and 177 years before the first Juneteenth.
The last “Firstival” during Black History Month balanced respectful remembrance with a celebration of activists, past and present, who fought to end slavery. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• As U.S. measles case counts rise, here’s what to know about infections and prevention in Pennsylvania. [WHYY]
• Reaction to U.S. military attacks on Iran was mixed in Philly and Pennsylvania: locally, protesters and many elected officials condemned Trump’s “unilateral” action without Congressional approval, while some Iranian Americans in the region express hope. [WHYYx2]
• Numerous people with Philly ties appear in the Epstein files. Here are the ones facing fallout. [PhillyVoice]
• SEPTA has begun using AI cameras on trolleys to ticket blocking vehicles; the warning period ends April 1. [WHYY/6ABC]
• Millions of dollars in funding from state and local governments are on their way for a new affordable senior housing project and youth services with Philly’s William Way LGBT Community Center and The Attic Youth Center. [PGN]
• The Philadelphia Museum of Art is changing its admissions policy this spring and summer, offering pay-what-you-wish Friday nights from April 10 to Sept. 4, Labor Day. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will join the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) for a ground breaking ceremony marking the first phase of the Westpark Apartments redevelopment in West Philadelphia. (10 a.m.)
She then will speak about the City of Philadelphia’s Pension Fund and its continued progress on the road to 100 percent funding. Her administration will outline the administration’s commitment to long-term fiscal stability, responsible stewardship and protecting retirement security. (2 p.m.)
Parker then helps welcome nearly 30 new paramedics and EMTs to the Philly Fire Department at their graduation ceremony. (6:30 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🌷 Philly Flower Show guide
🧨 Lunar New Year events guide
📚 Book lovers’ guide to Philly
🍹 Non-alcoholic Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Monday, March 2: Neapolitan Improv! Workshop/Jam/Show
Every first Sunday of the month on East Passyunk Avenue. No experience necessary. Begin with a workshop on the basics of improv comedy and practice time. Followed by a jam session and a show from a rotating cast of improv teams. Free, but suggested donation of $1. Light refreshments available. (6 to 8 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 3: Free Headshots
Get a FREE headshot photo taken at the Business Resource and Innovation Center in Parkway Central Library. Use your photo to enhance your professional portfolio and make your LinkedIn profile stand out among the selfies. (1 p.m.)
Tuesday, March 3: Lantern Making Workshop
Celebrate the end of Lunar New Year by learning the art of lantern making. In this workshop, participants will receive a DIY lantern kit, learn a brief history of the Lantern Festival, and get step-by-step guidance on creating their own lantern. $5 tickets/Sign up here: https://forms.gle/x9HxGBmwu4LbCq2h9. At Crane Community Center. (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, March 4: Community Meeting: What Should Happen to Market East?
Share your ideas on how to create a Market East that better serves the local community. A discussion about collectively advocating for community interests in its proposed redevelopment. At Winkel. Free RSVP. (5:30 to 7 p.m.)
Thursday, March 5: Vegan Seafood Pop-up
Philadelphia Brewing brings nostalgic New England-style seafood dishes, all vegan, back courtesy Oh My Cod Vegan Seafood Co. Enjoy beer-battered banana blossom fish and chips, buffalo shrymp, crabby cakes, lobsta mac and more. (4 to 8 p.m.)
Through March 6: East Passyunk Restaurant Week
21 participating restaurants, including Michelin Recommended, local favorites, buzzy newcomers and diverse cuisines.
