The first Drexel University professor to take advantage of the school’s new Home Purchase Assistance Program, which entices faculty and staff to live near the school with a $15,000 forgivable loan to cover mortgage costs, cut the ribbon (literally) with his family on their front porch last week.

History professor George Ciccariello-Maher and his wife bought the house on the 300 block of N. 41st St. and Drexel celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the front porch on May 12. They also have a young child.

“Being first was a big deal since it meant taking a risk,” Drexel’s student newspaper The Triangle quoted Ciccariello-Maher as saying.

The boundaries for Drexel’s homebuying program are Mantua Avenue to the north and Chestnut Street to the south and from 31st Street to 42nd. Other schools in West Philly, including St. Joseph’s and the University of Pennsylvania operate similar programs.

Drexel President John Fry announced the program during a speech last October in which he laid out in broad strokes the University’s plan to help fix the “continued deterioration” of the bordering neighborhoods of Powelton Village and Mantua.

Fry oversaw similar measures at Penn, including the formation of the University City District, while serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in the late 90s.

Author Jacqueline Edelberg, the parent who helped turn her kids’ failing Chicago elementary school around, spoke to parents, teachers and community members earlier this month at the Henry C. Lea School (4700 Locust). Video of her 30-minute talk, which includes the story of how she and other parents changed their school and advice on improving schools in general, is below.

Edelberg co-wrote How to Walk to School: Blueprint for a Neighborhood School Renaissance, which has become sort of a how-to guide to improve urban neighborhood schools. The West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools invited Edelberg to Lea, where the group of about 200 parents and community members is focusing much of its efforts. Lea has gained much attention in recent days as a possible alternative to Penn Alexander School, which plans to cap enrollment in some grades this fall.

Edelberg’s strategy, which she talks about in detail in the video, included opening the school up to the community and parents. Experts from the neighborhood taught workshops in her school and parents were always present in the classrooms.

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If you have been piling up yucky stuff – anything from old cellphones and computers to cleaning solvents – somewhere in a closet, now is the time to get rid of it.

The Philadelphia Streets Department is conducting a household hazardous waste drop-off today at 4800 Parkside Ave. (take a left off northbound Belmont Ave. onto Parkside) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Summary list of items accepted (full list here):
Computers, TV’s and cellphones
Paint and Paint Related Materials (NOTE: Latex paint is not hazardous.)
Flammable Materials
Lawn and Garden Project and Outdoor Products
Fluorescent Light Tubes (transport in original box if possible) and
Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL)
Kitchen, Bathroom Products and Cleaning Solvents
Household Batteries (NOTE: Household batteries size D, C, AA, AAA and 9
volt are not considered hazardous.)
Automotive Products

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A woman was mugged early Sunday morning near 47th and Chester. She has reported her story on Craigslist and subsequently on some of the neighborhood listservs. We wanted to pass it along here in case anyone found any of her stuff. She asked that her name not be used. She writes:

I was mugged near the corner of 47th and Chester Saturday night/ Sunday morning. Stolen was my beloved vintage coach bag (black) with wallet, phone and personal items. If even just my bag or any of the contents can be recovered I would be so grateful!! A black moleskin planner ( my email is inside front cover), vintage 90’s liz claiborne sunglasses with suede case (they were my mom’s), a faux alligator wallet with ID, etc. NO QUESTIONS ASKED!! A small monetary reward will be yours!

The woman said she later called police and filed a report and added in an e-mail:

I just want to put it out there that the mugger knocked me down from behind, I didn’t see him coming. He ran very fast and with full body force semi-tackled me to the ground taking my bag in one fell swoop. Unfortunately I often come home late with no escort….. I’m in the restaurant business. I try to be as safe as possible but there’s always that one time…. I have been in West Philly for 5 years and love the neighborhood, it’s sad to feel uncomfortable here now. I’m sure I will move on from this soon but my experience has been very violating and emotionally difficult.

Her story prompted a response from resident Stephanie Zeck, who reminded folks that escorts are available:

The number for the university city walking escort is 215.898.9255 – they will meet a person at their location ( with approximately 15-20 minutes notice ) and walk them safely to their destination. after 3am and until 7am, Penn security takes over. I have had GREAT experiences with the escorts … they are kind and helpful, and will absolutely be there when you need them.

If you have any information on the stolen belongings, you can drop the woman a note at the craigslist e-mail address:

comm-zjezh-2375083597 — at — craigslist.org

Tonight is the Fourth Annual Art Auction to benefit City Kitties, the fantastic West Philly-based feline rescue organization. City Kitties is as busy as ever thanks in part to their amazing working helping to rescue cats from the Windermere Apartments fire earlier this year, which raised the organization’s profile across the city.

Dozens of artists from across the country have donated more than 200 original pieces for the auction, which runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Studio 34 Yoga | Healing | Arts (4522 Baltimore Ave.) The suggested admission donation is $5. The party that goes along with the auction will include complimentary wine, hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment.

The auction will feature original artwork, including photographs, paintings, drawings, sculpture, pottery, metalwork, jewelry, and more. The auction is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year.

Even if you’re not a cat person there are at least two reasons you should come to this event. First, the art. Second, West Philly would likely be overrun with stray and feral cats if these folks were not out there working the streets. City Kitties is no kill and volunteer-run.

Police are reporting that an arrest has been made in the late-morning murder of 39-year-old Yvette Saunders, a mother of six who was shot in the chest outside her home near 52nd and Kingsessing on the day before Mother’s Day.

The Philadelphia Inquirer has a short, heart-wrenching story about the shooting. The Inquirer‘s Mike Newall reports that Saunders was shot outside her home on the 5200 block of Reinhard Street trying to protect her 18-year-old son, the intended target of the alleged gunman.

Newall reports that Isaac Porterfield, 22, of the 500 block of North Vodges Street, has been charged in the killing. Police say Porterfield turned himself in.

The shooting was a result of a dispute between Porterfield and Saunders’ son, who accused a friend of Porterfield’s of beating up his girlfriend.

Saunders’ son was not hit in the shooting.