By Alexis Abate
A revamped playground area, an outdoor classroom complete with gardens and a campus-style reading space, rain barrels, a tree infiltration system and the implementation of porous pavements are just some of the innovative green infrastructures planned for George W. Nebinger School, 601 Carpenter St., and its surrounding neighborhoods.
By Joseph Myers
Mysterious matters have enthralled Melissa Pandola since childhood. A fanatic of that which seems to defy the rational realm, she continued her search for solutions Saturday at Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine St.
By Joseph Myers
Many people must figuratively find themselves to acquire comfort. Steve Carter, however, has needed a literal application to secure solace. Curiosity last year drove the resident of the 700 block of St. Albans Street to research his life, with his sleuthing revealing a 34-year distinction as a missing child. His odyssey has proven empowering and has him hoping to determine his past’s influence on his present.
Join in the feasting and fun of the second annual Philadelphia Burger Brawl 3 to 6 p.m. May 6 at Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine St., as the city’s best chefs compete for the “Best Burger” title. Attendees may sample the burger creations, including a vegan option, and vote for the winner.
OPINION > VIEW FINDER: PHOTO OF THE WEEK
By Greg Bezanis
Triangle Park, 601 Christian St., is gaining support by countless neighbors to stay a green space even after its owner recently implemented a new security fence to keep people out.
The Palumbo Soccer Team will hold tryouts 8 a.m. for ages 8 to 11 and 10 a.m. for ages 12 to 15 April 28 at Starr Garden, Sixth and Lombard streets. Potential players are to bring cleats, shin guards, a soccer ball and water, with those who have played on a Palumbo team before needing to bring their uniform. Visit palumbosoccer.org.
By Joseph Myers
Mick Jagger opined “Childhood living is easy to do” in The Rolling Stones’ 1971 song “Wild Horses.” As reality often counters the performer’s sentiment, Ciara Stith and Ali Jennings recently resolved to remedy troubling circumstances for downtrodden children and young adults.
The crisp smell of spring lingered in the air Saturday morning in the Italian Market, as volunteers banded together in the warm, sunny weather to sweep the sidewalks and streets — what used to be a time-honored South Philly practice.
The 81st annual Easter Promenade at Passyunk Avenue and South Street helped all patrons, with the first 1,000 receiving bunny ears, to enjoy Easter Sunday.
By Amanda L. Snyder
An intruder swiped cash and electronics, including an ATM, from a Bella Vista store early Monday.
By Amanda L. Snyder
A former West Passyunk resident will spend up to about seven decades in prison for two separate crimes.
By Amanda L. Snyder
A Florida man is in jail after driving under the influence and getting in an alleged crash that killed a girl and injured four others.
»COMMUNITY PROFILE
Boundaries: South Street to Washington Avenue, Sixth to 11th Street
Origin of Name: The name is Italian and means “pretty view.” Real-estate agents dubbed it Bella Vista as a selling point because many dwellings have views of the Center City skyline and Ben Franklin Bridge.
Brief History: Many Italian immigrants who entered Philadelphia via Washington Avenue gravitated to the neighborhood because it had become a settlement for natives of Spadafora, Italy. The Palumbo family, for one, built boarding homes for immigrants. The first Italian immigrant bathhouse later became the Fante-Leone Pool at Montrose and Darien streets.
Alfred “Freddie” Cocozza, better known as opera legend Mario Lanza, grew up at Sixth and Christian streets and made his first public appearance at 19, singing “Ave Maria” at St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Church, 714 Montrose St., where he was an altar boy.
Bella Vista has lost some of its treasures: Verdi Hall, 713 Christian St., which opened in 1905, and later became an Italian cinema, and Fabiani Italian Hospital, 10th and Christian streets, which was founded by Vincent Fabiani in 1904.
Famous Residents: Mario Lanza; “father of jazz guitar” Eddie Lang, born Salvatore Massaro in 1902, who was a Bing Crosby accompanist; author/lecturer and social activist Frances E.W. Harper, who devoted her life to championing the rights of slaves and free blacks.
Major Landmarks: Italian Market, said to be the country’s oldest open-air market; the former Fante-Leone Pool; Fleisher Art Memorial, 719 Catharine; Mario Lanza Museum, 712 Montrose; Palumbo’s Restaurant, Ninth and Catharine streets, which burned down in 1994.
U.S. Congressional District: 1st, Bob Brady (D)
U.S. Senators: Bob Casey (D); Pat Toomey (R)
Pennsylvania Governor: Tom Corbett (R)
State Senate District 1st, Lawrence M. Farnese Jr. (D)
State House District: 175th, Michael H. O'Brien (D); 182nd, Babette Josephs (D); 186th, Kenyatta Johnson (D)
City Council District: 1st, Frank DiCicco (D)
Ward: 2nd
Police District: 3rd, Capt. Michael Ryan; Community Relations Officers Ace Delgado and Gary Harkins
Civic Groups: Bella Vista United Civic Association, Bella Vista Town Watch
Libraries: Santore, 932 S Seventh St.
Schools: Christopher Columbus Charter School, 916 Christian St. and 1242-46 S. 12th St. in Passyunk Square; Fleisher Art Memorial, which teaches art classes; George W. Nebinger School, 601 Carpenter St.
Places Of Worship: Christian Street Baptist Church, 1024 Christian St.; The Church of the Crucifixion, 620 S. Eighth St.; Christ's United Presbyterian Church, 1020 S. 10th St.; Church of the Living God, 801 S. 11th St.; synagogue Lubavitch House, 754 S. Ninth St.; New Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 919 S. 13th St.; St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 808 S. Hutchinson St.; Waters Memorial AME Church, 609 S. Clifton St.
Rec Centers: Palumbo Rec Center, 10th and Fitzwater streets
Parks: Bardascino Park, 10th and Carpenter streets; Cianfrani Park, Eighth and Fitzwater streets; Palumbo Park, 723 Catharine St.; Triangle Park, Sixth and Christian streets
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