ACT LOCALLY: GRID'S Round-up of local events and newsy bits

Courtesy of Tom's ShoesSaturday, April 2, 9am – 1pm

Come out and join the Urban Blazers, a non-profit organization, as they clean up Mander Playground (East Fairmount Park) in hopes of making it a safer, more attractive place for people in the community. The park is located on 33^rd and Diamond Streets. For more information, please contact: info@urbanblazers.org

Saturday, April 2, 9am – 2pm

It’s that time again! Philly’s 4^th Annual Spring Cleanup is here once again. Help “Keep Up the Sweep Up” by participating in this annual spring cleaning event to help put an end to litter and illegal dumping. Last year, 230 projects took place across the city but, this year, Mayor Nutter wants to top that to make our city as beautiful as it can be. For more information, http://www.philadelphiastreets.com/philly-spring-cleanup.aspx

Sunday, April 3, 10am – 2pm

Roll up your sleeves and register now to volunteer at the Awbury Arboretum, where you’ll join other participants to beautify the historic green space in the heart of urban Philadelphia by planting vegetables, removing invasive plants and maintaining trails so neighbors and visitors alike may continue to be transported from city street to country retreat. This event will take place rain or shine. The $12 registration cost is a transportation fee. If you do NOT need transportation to the event, please contact Rashmi Mathur at 215-814-5234 or mathur.rashmi@epa.gov for a complimentary registration. https://www.brownfields2011.org/en/MobileWorkshop/14/Volunteer_Event_Make_a_Difference_and_Discover_Philadelphia_in_a_Unique_Way

Sunday, April 3, 1pm – 2:30pm

Dock Street Brewery and Restaurant will host a 75-minute, all-levels yoga session with Justicia Friese followed by a tutored beer tasting with Dock Street’s Rosemarie Certo in the brewery. The cost is $25 which includes both the yoga session and beer tasting. Purchase tickets through PayPal at www.dockstreetbeer.com. Keep in mind that there is limited availability, so please make sure to get your tickets well in advance. Tickets are $25 until March 27th and $35 after.

Tuesday, April 5 ALL DAY!

Tom’s Shoes encourages everyone to go “One Day Without Shoes” in order to raise awareness about the millions of people who are at risk in underdeveloped countries for diseases like, podoconiosis, caused by walking barefoot on volcanic soil. Last year, over 250,000 people went barefoot. This year, don’t miss out on this opportunity to help raise awareness!  http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/learn-more

Wednesday, April 6, 6pm – 8pm

The Standard Tap in Northern Liberties hosts its monthly “Green Drinks” social networking event that helps green communities come together. Bring your friends and family for a chance to spend a night networking all that is green. This is a monthly event. Local refreshments will be served. For more information, http://www.greendrinks.org/PA/Delaware%20Valley

Philadelphia2035: Help plan the future face of Philly

citizensplanninginstitute.org

Philadelphia2035 is a comprehensive plan that is part of the city's "Integrated Planing and Zoning Process." Its goal is to align Philly's zoning code changes with comprehensive and strategic planning that will guide the city for the next 25 years.

Early this year the draft version of the citywide portion of the plan was released and planning for the 18 strategic district plans has begun.

Even if you are not familiar with the plan, or zoning and planning regulations in general, you can and should participate in the creation of Philadelphia2035. On Wednesday, March 23 the Philadelphia City Planning Commission will host an open house to provide information and details about the plan, and offer the public an opportunity to read over the plan and offer feedback (in the mean time you can download the entire plan at phila2035.org)

Event details:

WHAT:The Philadelphia City Planning Commission will welcome the public at an open house to showcase the recently released draft version of the citywide portion of Philadelphia2035: the Comprehensive Plan.  Philadelphia2035 will guide the City's physical development future for the next 25 years.  Although the draft of this comprehensive plan has been available since mid-February, the open house will give Philadelphians the opportunity to review sections of the draft at display stations and to offer feedback directly to City Planning Commission staff.  

The event is one of a long line of public forums that the City Planning Commission has conducted about Philadelphia2035.  Seeking public input every step of the way, the Commission has sponsored several workshops and informational meetings since winter of 2010.  The Commission is still in the process of collecting public opinion and plans to finalize the Citywide Plan document by June 2011. 
 
WHERE: Center for Architecture, 1218 Arch Street, Philadelphia
 
WHEN: March 23, 2011, 3:30-7:30 p.m.
 
CONTACT: Alan Urek, alan.urek@phila.gov(215) 683-4628

You can also visit the Philadelphia Citizens Planning Institute for the top ten ideas from public meetings held thus far.

Sweep Up: Register for the 4th Annual Spring Cleanup

It’s almost time for Philly’s 4^th Annual Spring Cleanup! Last year the event attracted more than 11,000 volunteers working on 230 projects across the city. This year, Mayor Nutter and the Streets Department are hoping to top that, but can only do so with your help.

To register as a volunteer, or submit a project request (TODAY is the deadline!) visit: phillycleanup.com. The volunteer page will assist you in finding a clean-up project right in your neighborhood, where you’ll team up with fellow volunteers.

So what are you waiting for? Register today and help beautify our city.

4^th Annual Philly Spring Cleanup

Saturday, April 2^nd, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Various locations and time slots available

ACT LOCALLY: GRID'S Round-up of local events and newsy bits

Sunday, March 27, 6pm

Whole Foods for the Whole Family: keep your family healthy by filling your refrigerator with foods that you’ll be able to find at your local co-op. Join Marie Winters as she discusses the benefits and medicinal properties of everyday fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Find out how eating seasonally helps to keep the body naturally healthy and learn different ways to use first spring fruits and vegetables to improve your health and wellbeing. This event will teach you about gentle detoxing using food and juice, and immune support for the whole family. Hosted by Philly Community Wellness at 1241 Carpenter Street. RSVP by emailing southphillyfoodcoop.events@gmail.com.

Sunday, March 27, 11:45am-1:30pm

Let’s have lunch with city leaders! Join Center City Proprietors Association members and friends to become familiar with Philadelphia’s business, civic, political and cultural leaders. Featuring University of Pennsylvania’s president, Dr.Amy Gutmann. The luncheon includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert and coffee. Reservations and pre-payment are required: $40 for members, $50 for non-members. Cancellations must be made 48 hours in advance. No-shows will be billed. This event will take place at Capital Grille, 1338 Chestnut Street.

More events after the jump!

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One Little Did It: Non-Profit Wins Letter 27 Contest

Back in January, we told you about Letter 27’s contest for non-profits to win a complete re-design (new logo, tagline, five-page website, brochure, identity package, and brand guidelines.) We’re happy to announce that One Little Did, a Philadelphia non-profit that helps high school students get into college, has one the big prize!

One Little Did’s mission is to close the college gap in Philadelphia by offering low-income students free academic planning, mentoring and admissions consulting. Ultimately, the organization hopes to transform the culture that exists in many low-income areas to one that fosters the pursuit of secondary education.

More on One Little Did here.

The College Gap from One Little Did on Vimeo.

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