March 6, 2008
Back on My Feet
by Ricki Ptakowski

“The 76ers had a special group of visitors at their practice today, as members from Back on My Feet stopped by PCOM to watch the Sixers practice and meet with some of the players and coaches.

Back on My Feet is a non-profit organization that assists Philadelphia’s homeless population get ‘back on their feet’ by promoting self awareness through running and exercising.”

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March 4, 2008 
Seven in Philadelphia region honored for environment
By: Sandy Bauers

“A regional tree-planting effort, a youth group that refurbishes bicycles, and a solar-home builder are among seven regional "sustainability innovators" recognized last night by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.

This was the second year for the awards program, designed to "celebrate these leaders and encourage more to follow," said Patrick Starr, vice president of the organization's southeast region.

Fourteen finalists were selected from 47 nominees representing facets of "sustainability," from the environment to economic and social justice.”

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76ers Read To Achieve

“During the month of March, the Sixers celebrate Reading Month with special activities highlighted by Andre's Book Drive , which encourages fans to donate a new book. In addition to Hip-Hop and other 76ers special guests spreading their enthusiasm throughout the Delaware Valley, during each March home game there is also a 76ers Reading Corner at select locations in the Wachovia Center.”

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Teacher All-Star" during the 8th Annual Teacher Appreciation Night at Citizens Bank Park!
Nominate a Teacher All-Star

“The Phillies in conjunction with the News in Education Department of The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News are teaming up for the eighth straight year to help you say "thank you" to the great educators in the region during Teacher Appreciation Night on Friday, May 2 at Citizens Bank Park.”

Entry deadline is noon on Friday, April 4, 2008.

For more information and nomination guidelines:

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February 7, 2008
Phila. Students Promote College Aid Program
By: Martha Woodall

“White-Williams Scholars, the nonprofit organization that provides academic and financial support to low-income college students, is scheduled to introduce a student-recruitment initiative tomorrow. The program has selected 25 students from 21 Philadelphia public high schools for its new Scholar Ambassador Program, which helps spread the word about White-Williams Scholars. The students will be inducted into the program during a ceremony at 1 p.m. tomorrow at the PNC Bank at 1600 Market St.”

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February 1, 2008
Underserved Children to Get Free Dental Care

Philadelphia, PA – Tomorrow, February 2, Philadelphia Safe and Sound (PSS) will partner with the Pennsylvania Dental Hygiene Association (PDHA) for its Sixth Annual Statewide Children’s Dental Hygiene Sealant Program. Members of the PDHA and dental hygiene students from the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) will place clear, protective sealants on the children’s permanent back teeth. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the CCP Dental Hygiene Clinic at 1800 Spring Garden Street.

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January 31, 2008
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Tougher tactics, lofty goals
By: Andrew Maykuth

“Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey yesterday unveiled a crime-fighting strategy that aims to achieve lofty goals in his first year - 100 fewer homicides and a 20 percent cut in violent crimes - by shifting a relatively small number of officers onto street duty.”

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January 26, 2008
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Their passion for recycling
By: Lini S. Kadaba

“When Florence Brodman moved into her new retirement apartment, she intended the guest bath for visitors. …Brodman and four compatriots at the Villages at Pine Valley in Northeast Philadelphia - all veteran recyclers - were outraged when they moved into the building and found no place to toss paper and plastic but into the trash.

So they took it upon themselves to start a program for the four-story building's 89 units, one that not only helps the environment but puts the facility in compliance with recycling regulations. …Nearly a year later, the gang spends hours collecting newspapers, aluminum cans, plastic and phone books - a labor of love in a city with a residential recycling rate far behind most major cities'. Once a month, they drive the load to the Friends of Pennypack Park's monthly collection of recyclables.”

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January 25, 2008
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Nutter: Enforce Phila.'s gun laws
The mayor is setting up a legal showdown with the state Supreme Court, which banned such city ordinances.
By: Jeff Shields

“Mayor Nutter yesterday said he would enforce new city gun-control laws even without state authorization to do so - setting up a possible legal and political showdown between the state and the new mayor.

At the first regular meeting of the new City Council yesterday, Council members Darrell L. Clarke and Donna Reed Miller introduced the same package of gun-control measures that languished last year while the state legislature refused to authorize them.”

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January 22, 2008
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Volunteers and dignitaries walk King’s walk
By: Melissa Dribben

“Forty years after the civil-rights leader's assassination and 13 years since Philadelphia's first official day of service in his memory, Germantown High was chosen to serve as host for the "signature project."

Citywide, 60,000 people had volunteered. At GHS, about 75 organizations - the Red Cross, the Mural Arts Program, Germantown Deaf Ministries Fellowship, the Eagles - provided opportunities for volunteers to do good deeds.”

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January 21, 2008
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Understanding peace from the inside out
By: Virginia A. Smith

“On the eve of the national holiday honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., questions about the nature of peace drew a small but engaged group to the Philadelphia Ethical Society in Rittenhouse Square yesterday.

"Peace-making takes many shapes and forms," whether political action or even artistic and literary expression, said John G. Duesler Jr., board chairman of Peace Action-Philadelphia, the event's sponsor. It was billed as an ethnic peace festival.”

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January 17, 2008
Philadelphia Safe and Sound Receives Gift from Hooked on Phonics

“Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Safe and Sound (PSS), a child advocacy and research organization, has received a product donation of almost $90,000 from Hooked on Phonics®. The reading and math programs, used to improve literacy and math skills, will serve more than 1,000 children in the PSS Network of Afterschool and Youth Development Programs.”

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January 16, 2008
The Philadelphia Inquirer
The rule here is: Raise your hand before you speak
By: Monica Yant Kinney

“The People's Plaza, which opened Monday at Independence National Historical Park, is a lovely patch of granite surrounded by green grass and a nation's grand history.
A sacred space for groups to gather in the shadow of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, the plaza is a $268,983 homage to free speech near Fifth and Market Streets.”

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January 12, 2008
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Latest mural an effort to bridge a racial divide
Philadelphia project is based on community dialogues.
By: Vernon Clark

“At 47th and Chestnut Streets in West Philadelphia yesterday, officials dedicated that mural - by a black artist and a white one - and declared that it captured the essence of community conversations that focused on similarities instead of differences.

Titled "Bringing Race Into Dialogue for Greater Engagement," or "Bridge," the brightly colored artwork depicts people of different races working together to scale a mountain.”

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January 11, 2008
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Her resolution: To heal her city
By: Annette John-Hall

“Dicie Gilmore has seen her Logan neighborhood deteriorate over the years. Her resolution is to work with the new city administration to bring it back. She waited hours to talk to Mayor Nutter.”

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January 10, 2008
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Organizers predict a record turnout for the King Day of Service
Many called to continue a legacy
By: Vernon Clark

“Citing the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s call to build a "beloved community," organizers of this year's King Day of Service said yesterday they expect a record number of volunteers for service projects throughout the Philadelphia area.

At a news conference at the National Constitution Center, Todd Bernstein, executive director of the 13th annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, said this year's program will enlist more volunteers on more projects than ever.

"On Jan. 21, we expect a record turnout of 60,000 volunteers on 6,000 projects," Bernstein told a capacity audience in an auditorium inside the Constitution Center.
Bernstein said the theme of "the Beloved Community" was particularly relevant.

"We need to understand, in celebrating Dr. King's legacy, that it is the responsibility of everyone to make a difference," he said.

Mayor Nutter, who drew loud cheers as he joined Bernstein on stage, told the crowd, "All of us have an obligation and responsibility to serve."

Addressing an audience that included many school students and community activists, Nutter said, "There is one office bigger than all elective offices, and that is 'citizen.' "

"I want to encourage all of us to be 'citizen servants,' " the mayor said.”

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January 7, 2008
Philadelphia safe and sound offers professional training to its  network of afterschool and youth development providers

“Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Safe and Sound (PSS), a child advocacy non-profit has released its Winter 2008 Network of Afterschool and Youth Development Programs Professional Development Training Catalogue. Aimed at community-based providers in the PSS Network, the courses are offered throughout the year in partnership with United Way’s Impact Initiative.”

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