This Saturday, Oct. 7, Philadelphia Family Pride will hold its eighth annual conference on issues LGBTQ parents face, titled “Family Matters.” The conference convenes in the McNeil Science and Technology Center at the University of the Sciences, near Clark Park. Registration is open until Saturday morning, though attendees who plan to bring children should register earlier to make sure the on-site childcare can accommodate them.

Stephanie Haynes, who runs the conference, said there were several changes this year, like a sliding-scale registration fee that lets attendees pay anywhere from $1 to $50; the conference will also feature photographer Kelly Burkhardt, who will take family portraits for free. Another novelty is an absence of change: This is the conference’s second year at USciences. Haynes hopes that this will become the conference’s permanent venue.  Continue Reading

We’ve previously reported on energy companies that go door-to-door in West Philly to market PECO alternatives that allegedly save you money. Now, a Philadelphia law firm wants to take some of them to court, arguing that they deceive their customers by charging low rates in the first few months and then raising fees.

In August, the firm Kohn, Swift & Graf announced they are looking for customers to join a class action lawsuit. The firm specializes in class action, and they have already sued some of the companies involved in other states, like Just Energy in New York and Direct Energy in Illinois. In the latter case, KS&G argues that the Direct Energy is “luring consumers into switching energy suppliers with false promises.” The firm has previously reached a settlement with Pennsylvania Gas & Electric in a similar case.  Continue Reading

Photos via Capogiro’s Facebook page.

The popular Italian frozen treat shop, Capogiro Gelato, is closing its location on the 3900 block of Walnut Street after eight years of operation. Philly Mag broke the news early Thursday afternoon and a few hours later, Capogiro posted the following message on their Facebook page:

“It is sad but true – this Saturday is the last night the neon will be all lit up. It has been a wonderful 8 years scooping for the University City community and we want to thank you for your support!”

So, hurry up and get a scoop or two before the Penn’s campus location at 3925 Walnut St. closes on Saturday, Sept. 30, at midnight. Or check out Capogiro’s other locations in the city.

West Philadelphia is home to many Ethiopian immigrants and Ethiopian-owned businesses. On Saturday, Sept. 30, the Ethiopian Community Association of Greater Philadelphia, located at 44th and Chestnut, and other Ethiopian organizations in the city will celebrate Ethiopian Day with a day-long festival. The annual event will kick off at 11 a.m. and will feature live music, cultural shows, games and activities for children, food, and more.

Over 15 vendors and 20 organizations will participate in the festival and street fair. The event is free and open to the public. Chestnut street between 44th and 43rd streets will be closed during the festival, from approximately 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Saturday, Sept. 30, community members are invited to visit the beautiful homes of the Garden Court neighborhood and dine on gourmet meals prepared by talented neighborhood chefs, while supporting the Cheryl Roebuck Scholarship Fund and community projects at the annual Garden Court Community Association (GCCA) Progressive Dinner.

The event will begin at 5:30 with registration followed by appetizers. Then, at 7 p.m., guests are invited to visit several pre-selected homes for dinner. Guests can choose from the following cuisines: classic Mexican, Belgian, Irish, Italian, Ethiopian, and more! It’s a really tasty way to get to know your neighbors. Dessert will be served at 8:30 p.m.  Continue Reading

Demolition of the one-story building at the southeast corner of 46th and Spruce Streets, which began early last week, is nearly complete. The building, which served as a social services building, Transition To Independent Living Center, was gutted by a fire in 2011 and remained vacant since then.  Continue Reading