Philadelphia public schoolchildren returned to schools for full-time in-person learning on Aug. 31, first time since March 2020. Since the beginning of the current academic year, the School District of Philadelphia has been experiencing a shortage of school bus drivers, according to a recent announcement by Superintendent Dr. William R. Hite. This problem, actually, has been reported nationwide.

To mitigate this problem, the School District has launched a pilot program (Parent Flat Rate Program) that will offer a monthly payment to families who will opt out of bus, van or cab assignment and will transport their kids to and from school. All eligible families who will choose to enroll in this program will be offered $300 per month ($3,000 for the school year). Continue Reading

Here’s some great news from the area. Three new businesses have opened over the summer in the Garden Court neighborhood, and other area businesses have recently re-opened or are reopening soon after being closed due to the pandemic.

Openings

• Throttle Gear Apparel Company store has opened at 4746 Spruce St., in the former Aladdin Pizza space, which had been vacant for years. You won’t recognize this space now since it’s been completely redesigned. The store offers streetwear designed by local entrepreneur and motorcycle enthusiast Todd Briggs. He started the company in 2012 on the basis of his love for motorcycles and relieving stress while riding them. The store hours are: Tuesday-Thursday 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. (closed on Sundays & Mondays). For more info, visit: www.thrtl.com. Continue Reading

As the Delta variant began spreading earlier this summer, some Philadelphia area businesses, mostly restaurants, started requiring proof of COVID vaccination for entry. Other businesses, who do not require proof of vaccination, have to ask their customers and staff to mask up, according to updated citywide rules. In West Philly, the following businesses and event organizers are currently requiring proof of vaccination (and some of them masks, too):

• World Cafe Live is reopening its indoor space at 30th and Walnut for in-person events on September 29th after hosting events online for more than a year. The popular West Philly music venue has recently posted an update on its COVID-19 policy, which now includes proof of vaccination:

“Until further notice, all guests will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination for entry to World Cafe Live. Negative tests will not be accepted at this time.” Continue Reading

New Powel/SLAMS school building (photo from RogersArchitects.com)

A new public school building opened this morning in the Powelton Village neighborhood, as the 2021-2022 academic year begins and students return to full-time in-person learning for the first time since March 2020.

The new building, located at 3610 Warren St., houses the Samuel Powel Elementary School and the Science Leadership Academy Middle School (SLAMS). The 87,000-square-foot, two-story building is a joint project by Drexel University and developer Wexford Science and Technology.

To celebrate the opening of the new school building and the start of the new school year, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and School District Superintendent William R. Hite stopped by the school this morning. They greeted students and families and participated in the Opening Bell ceremony. Continue Reading

The family and friends of Haroon Sharifi, a West Philly resident with Afghan roots, who was stuck in Afghanistan for days after the Taliban takeover of the country, can now breathe a sigh of relief. Haroon arrived back in the United States on August 24th and has made his way back home to West Philly, according to information provided by his West Philly friends. But it took a joint effort by Haroon’s wife, Awista Hashimi (she had stayed in Philadelphia with their five children), and his West Philly friends and neighbors to bring him back home.

Earlier this month Haroon, a permanent resident who along with his wife and children was granted asylum in the U.S. five years ago, made an emergency trip to Kabul to help his family secure medical care for his seriously ill mother. His return flight was scheduled to take place last Monday, the day the airport closed to commercial flights after the Taliban takeover. Continue Reading

Throughout this month, SEPTA crews have been working on the Southwest Connection Improvement Program, rebuilding the main infrastructure on the Media/Elwyn Line between 30th Street Station and the Arsenal Interlocking, which is below Penn Medicine Station (former University City Station).

The work, which takes place every weekend, began on August 7th and is expected to be completed this Sunday, Aug. 29.

This Saturday and Sunday, there will be some SEPTA service changes to facilitate the construction: Continue Reading