A research team from Drexel University is seeking feedback from Philadelphia residents on how they are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of making things easier in the near future and long term.

The research team aims to collect reliable information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work and health (physical and mental health) to effectively assess the needs of communities and support them better:

“We all have shown great solidarity toward one another and we hope that this extends to taking part in this study. Thank you for helping us help you! Do not hesitate to share this survey link with your friends, family and colleagues.”  Continue Reading

Here’s a great new initiative from a group of local organizers to show public support for the city’s essential workers during theses challenging times. Italy had songs on balconies, New York City banged on pots and pans, and Philly folks are invited to dance at their doorway. A daily, Philadelphia Doorway Dance Party for Essential Workers kicks off Tuesday, May 5 at 6:30 p.m. and here’s how it works:

The group asks all Philadelphians to gather in their doorway or door area at 6:30 p.m. to dance to the sound of the “Rocky” theme and then “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” the upbeat tune from the Sound of Philadelphia’s “McFadden & Whitehead” (see video below). The group has reached out to local radio stations to play these tunes. So far, two stations, Radio One & iHeart Radio, have agreed to participate in the initiative.  Continue Reading

Photo courtesy of cinéSPEAK

Local cinephiles will have to wait until at least the Fall for the launch of cinéSPEAK’s brick-and-mortar microcinema in West Philly. The new 75-seat theater was originally planned to open at the Calvary Center for Culture and Community at 48th and Baltimore in June, but the COVID-19 pandemic made these plans impossible.

In the meantime, the organization, which has been holding mobile film screenings for almost seven years, has launched a virtual cinema featuring independent titles from around the world previously only available in-theater. Each week, cinéSPEAK premieres entertaining and provocative domestic and international cinematic works.  Continue Reading

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is launching a new Town Hall series to continue a dialogue with the community during the COVID-19 crisis. Town halls will take place every other Thursday at 4:30 p.m. The first town hall will be Thursday, April 16 and will focus on public benefits and how to access them. A representative from Benefits Data Trust will share information and answer questions about public assistance, including programs like WIC, unemployment, and Medicaid.  Continue Reading

UC Green, the non-profit community greening organization serving West Philadelphia zip codes 19143, 19139 and 19104, is accepting applications from property owners (residents or organizations) for a free street tree through Tuesday, May 5. Trees will be planted in November 2020.

UC Green is encouraging residents to plant a tree as a great way to invest in the future of their neighborhood. UC Green’s services include cutting cement for tree pits where needed, facilitating the city permitting process, procuring 4-to-6-foot-tall saplings, planting the trees with community volunteers, and supporting tree care and maintenance at no cost to the applicant. These services are provided in partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Tree Tenders Program.  Continue Reading

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier is inviting residents to join her at a 3rd District Virtual Town Hall this Thursday, April 2, at 4:30 p.m.

Participants will receive the latest information on City services and resources available during the COVID-19 crisis. There will also be an opportunity for small-group discussions.

The Town Hall will be accessible both via video chat and by phone. For more information about how to join in, click here. The event is co-hosted by University City Science Center and Venture Cafe Philadelphia.  Continue Reading