Arlen Specter US Squash Center
On October 2, the Arlen Specter US Squash Center welcomed Philadelphia to the world’s largest community squash center and the sport’s new national headquarters, housed in the historic Pennsylvania State Armory Building on Drexel University’s campus. The grand opening celebration was held during the 2021 U.S. Open Squash Championships. It included a ribbon-cutting and welcoming remarks from the Specter family and community leaders.
Comcast NBCUniversal
Comcast celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by showcasing and celebrating the contributions of the Latino community with unique programming and content, conversations meant to inspire change and movement, and programs designed to support Latino entrepreneurs.
10.27 Healing Partnership
It has been three years since 11 lives were taken in an anti-Semitic attack on three Pittsburgh congregations. On Wednesday, Oct. 27, the 10.27 Healing Partnership invites the community to come together for a Commemorative Ceremony. We will honor the lives lost, support the people affected and take a stand against hate. The event begins at 4:30 PM in Schenley Park on Prospect Drive, with community activities beforehand. For more info visit 1027healingpartnership.org.
Audacy
Audacy announced the return of its marquee event, the “We Can Survive” concert at the iconic Hollywood Bowl on Oct. 23. This year the show will unite artists and listeners focused on the theme of mental health, one of Audacy Serves’ pillars of focus for supporting sound communities.
Select Properties
Select Properties Inc. recently broke ground in Souderton for the new Towne Gate Commons mixed-use development, where local residents will shop, dine and celebrate. The event brought together local officials and business leaders, and drew front page coverage in The Lansdale Reporter.
Fitler Club
The Fitler Club, Philadelphia’s premier “eat, stay, work, play” destination, launched the second series of its celebrated Artists in Residence Program. The new collection features pieces from 17 of Philadelphia’s most talented and diverse artists, who have loaned their work to be showcased in Fitler Club’s collaborative workspace, “Offsite.” As part of Fitler Club’s mission to identify and support the city’s rich local talent, the Artists in Residence Collection 2.0 celebrates artists who are either originally from Philadelphia, currently live locally, or have strong ties to the city.
PA Family Support Alliance
The head of the Pa. Family Support Alliance warned of a coming spike in child abuse incidents in the fall. Angela Liddle, president and CEO of the child advocacy group, said reports dropped during the pandemic lockdown because watchdogs such as teachers and physicians weren’t able to spot and report abuse. With children back in class and pandemic restrictions lifted, those legally required to report abuse will be able to do so again.
Chester Housing Authority
The Chester Housing Authority was awarded a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of its Urban Development Capital Fund Emergency Safety and Security Program. CHA will use the funds to install security cameras at the Ruth L. Bennett homes as part of comprehensive security measures.
Friends Select School
Friends Select School lower school director Dave Younkin showcased the school’s transformation as part of the DesignPhiladelphia festival at the Cherry Street Pier. Digging deep into the building’s classrooms, art studios, theater, common spaces and even bathrooms, Younkin highlighted ways that the school’s new design better reflects and enhances the values and strengths of a progressive Quaker education.
Trust for Public Land
The Trust for Public Land Pennsylvania State Director Owen Franklin spoke on the need for more green spaces in community places at the recent Fast Forward Philly forum. Franklin’s talk explored how green spaces promote resilient, connected communities and help curb the urban heat crisis. He highlighted how the Heat Response PHL project is using public art to engage communities and find creative solutions to extreme heat.
No Crayon Left Behind
Ten years ago, Emily Skopov saw an elegant solution to two problems: too many crayons went from restaurants to landfills, and too many kids lacked art supplies. She founded No Crayon Left Behind to collect used crayons, repackage them, and provide them to kids. The grassroots effort evolved into a nonprofit that ultimately donated more than two million crayons to kids in need throughout the U.S. and the world. NCLB announced this month that it will end operations due to the pandemic. Although bittersweet, we are so grateful for their incredible achievements and proud to have played a part in supporting them.
