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Cedar Park youth receive CPN Gary Bronson Memorial Scholarship (video)

July 25, 2022

On Friday, July 22, a group of local youth enrolled in higher education institutions, received Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) Gary Bronson Memorial scholarships. The awards were presented during intermission at the Jazz in Cedar Park concert. Darryl Bundrige introduced the scholars.

Scholarships are provided by the Gary Bronson Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is named in honor of the visionary Cedar Park resident who founded the CPN Scholarship Committee in 1988. The awards have been given for 33 years to young adults living in Cedar Park who are committed to pursuing higher education. This was the first in-person award ceremony since 2019.

Here’s a video of the ceremony taken by Patrick DiGiacomo:

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Heat emergency declared in Philadelphia for Thursday, July 21; Check out cooling centers in West Philly

July 20, 2022

This year’s first Heat Health Emergency has been declared in Philadelphia due to forecast heat index values. The heat emergency is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 21 and end at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 21. It may be extended if the forecast worsens.

A declaration of a Heat Health Emergency activates the City’s heat emergency programs, which include the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA) Heatline, cooling centers, home visits by special field teams, enhanced daytime outreach for people experiencing homelessness, and the City’s reminder to the public to safely check on older friends, relatives, and neighbors from a distance. Continue Reading

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Distrito restaurant at 40th and Chestnut closes indefinitely

July 19, 2022

One of University City’s most popular restaurants, Distrito, has closed its doors while chef Jose Garces, who owns the establishment, is “re-evaluating the business,” according to reports.

The upscale-casual Mexican restaurant, which opened in 2008 at 40th and Chestnut, was struggling financially due to the lack of customers during the summer months and closed abruptly on July 9th, according to a report by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

There is hope though that Garces will reopen the restaurant in late August when students return to campus after the summer break. By that time he hopes to have a “solid business plan going forward.” Garces did not give a definitive answer and said he would make the decision based on the economic situation (rising food costs, etc.) at that time.

The Distrito staff who lost their jobs as a result of the closure will be offered jobs at other restaurants owned by the famous chef, according to the report.

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SEPTA Trolley Tunnel to close for maintenance on Friday evening (July 8)

July 7, 2022

SEPTA’s Trolley Tunnel, which connects West Philly with Center City, will close for maintenance for more than two weeks starting at 10 p.m. on Friday, July 8. Trolley routes 10, 11, 13, 34 and 36 will not operate in the tunnel for the duration of this annual project titled “Trolley Tunnel Blitz”. Trolley service will begin/end at 40th and Market where riders may switch from/to the Market-Frankford Line.

During the 2022 Trolley Tunnel Blitz, SEPTA crews will conduct heavy cleaning and maintenance at all stations, replace worn track rail at various locations and four miles of overhead contact wire, as well as demolish and rebuild the full length of the eastbound 22nd Street platform.

The tunnel is expected to reopen for trolley service at 5 a.m. on Monday, July 25. For more information, check out this flyer.

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SEPTA Trolley Modernization project underway; Fill out a survey

June 27, 2022

An artist’s rendering of an improved off-street trolley station planned by SEPTA.

SEPTA is working on a Trolley Modernization Project, a multi-year effort that includes the replacement of its entire fleet of trolleys with new, longer and more accessible light rail vehicles. The plan also includes the reconstruction of trolley stations to make the platforms more accessible, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A new trolley line will also be added in the Parkside area as part of this project.

Currently, SEPTA is gathering feedback from the community via an online survey. This short survey provides some additional information on the project and asks for your opinion on different elements, such as the design of the new vehicles and stations, trolley service, and more.

For more information about this project and to access the survey, go here.

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City releases outdoor pool opening schedule

June 20, 2022

Kelly Pool is opening June 23 (Facebook photo).

The Philadelphia Department of Parks & Rec has released a schedule for the start of the 2022 public outdoor pool season. This year, the city will open 50 out of 63 operating outdoor pools, 10 more than last summer. It has been reported that Philadelphia is experiencing a lifeguard shortage. Pools will begin opening tomorrow, June 21.

Here’s the schedule for West Philly pools and O’Connor pool in Center City West:

Tuesday, June 21

• Mill Creek (743 N. 48th St., 19139) Continue Reading

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