#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Urban oasis
(Photo by @photolope)
The Billies look back at a year full of notable Philadelphians
About 150 Billy Penn readers and fans gathered to celebrate all things Philly at WHYY this week, as the hyperlocal news site hosted its Billies Awards, an annual celebration honoring notable community members and groups in the City of Brotherly Love.
Among the honorees was Chivonn Anderson, who opened Marsha’s, the city’s first women’s sports-centric bar, this year. When she took the podium, she said, “I grew up learning most of the things I know about myself from WHYY. [It’s] one of the coolest things in the world to be receiving an honor from organizations that helped raise me and are literally one of the reasons why Marsha’s exists.” Meet the other recipients. Continue reading …
Farewell to the historic Painted Bride building
The contentious demolition of the Painted Bride Art Center Building — one of artist Isaiah Zagar’s most famous mosaic city murals — is underway after six years of legal fights. Demolition equipment is currently clearing out the building’s interior. How did we get here? Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Council signs off on first phase of Mayor Parker’s housing plan — but not exactly as she wanted it — as well as on sidewalk cafes, a city bus station, mobile care and other issues on the last day of session. [WHYY/BP]
• The U.S. Mint unveils its 2026 coins — and a last chance to learn about the discontinued penny. [6ABC/BP]
• Who is moving into Center City’s new apartment buildings? A lot of transplants from other East Coast cities. [PhillyVoice]
• Philly is the epicenter of online sports gambling — and its attendant problems. [Inq$$]
• Philly’s school board begins exploring an agreement to hand over abandoned properties to the city, despite criticism. [WHYY]
• A Drexel after-school program combines dance, science and coding for a creative, integrated approach to learning. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
📚 WHYY Pop-Up Newsroom & Foster Care Resource Fair @ South Philly Library – Monday, Dec. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m.
🎄 Holiday lightings around Philly
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
🎞️ Ongoing: The Declaration’s Journey — Available on the WHYY YouTube Channel. New episodes will appear every two weeks.
Friday, Dec. 12: HopePHL’s 11th Kwanzaa Fire & Ice Event
Live ice sculpting, live musical performances, bonfire and resources, plus giveaways to complete every holiday gathering. At the Community Education Center, 3500 Lancaster Ave. First 50 guests get food from Lil’ Trent’s. (4 to 7 p.m.)
Friday, Dec. 12: Caroling and Cocoa
Gather at Columbus Square Park for a night of giant holiday characters and twinkling lights. Caroling starts promptly at 5:30 p.m., with cocoa, treats, and community cheer to follow.
Friday, Dec. 12: Philly Fights Hunger gallery and silent auction
An art show to support Philabundance. 30+ tattoo artists from across Philly create a hand-painted skateboard deck with their personal flair. All proceeds from the silent auction go to help hungry neighbors. At Forin Cafe. (7 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 13: 11th annual Rudolph Run
The annual Manayunk fun run returns with a 3-mile route along the canal path starting at 9 a.m. Try on Brooks footwear, enjoy post-run hot chocolate and treats, wear holiday attire! Red noses and jingle bells will be available. Canned food drive supports North Light Community Center. Sign up for free.
Saturday, Dec. 13: Passyunk Ave Hot Chocolate Crawl
Purchase a festive mug and pay-as-you-go with special prices, sipping on hot cocoa or a festive drink while strolling through the neighborhood and enjoy everything the local shops and restaurants have to offer. $14.75 tickets. (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 13: Haunted Christmas
Krampus, vendors, live music and more, from East Kensington Arts Committee. At Philadelphia Brewing. (12 to 7 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 13: Messiah Sing-along Benefit Concert
Sing along to choruses from Part One of Handel’s Messiah to support the Boys & Girls Choir of Saint Mark’s. Featuring soloists from the Saint Mark’s Choirs and accompanied on the recently restored Aeolian-Skinner organ. All proceeds benefit a tuition-free chorister training program for children and youth ages 7 and up. BYO scores or purchase for $10. (2 p.m.)
Saturday, Dec. 13: American Gold Live! A Holiday Ice Spectacular
Penn Ice Rink hosts figure skating champions Alysa Liu, Ilia Malinin, Isabeau Levito and more stars for two shows, at 1 and 6 p.m. Tickets start at $96.
Saturday, Dec. 13: 15th Annual Art Auction & Party
Celebrate Second State Press’ anniversary at HUDDLE (338 Brown St.). Raffles, local vendors, community partners, a silent auction, a print exchange and more chances to bring home original local artwork. $15-20 tickets. (6:30 to 9 p.m.)
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 13-14: Mt. Airy Holiday Art Market
The 2nd weekend of the annual event! Shop local and shop small. Saturday from 12 to 6 p.m., Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. At 7054 Germantown Ave (near Mt. Pleasant Ave)
Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 13-14: A Philly Holiday Spectacular
Sung by Broadway stars and returning Philly favorites Nikki Renée Daniels and Jeff Kready, with extra-festive special guests. At Marian Anderson Hall. (3 p.m. Saturday; 7:30 p.m. Sunday)
Sunday, Dec. 14: Gapura Holiday Market
Delicious Indonesian food, sweet treats, handmade goods and live performances! At 1612 S. Broad Street. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 14: Sports as Religion and Eagles Watch Party
Either online or in-person at the Phila. Ethical Society. Led by Penn professor Megan Robb. Free to RSVP. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 14: Holiday Charm Pop-Up
Design your own custom jewelry with winter-themed charms to create personalized joy just for you. At Needles and Bolts in Mt. Airy. (12 to 5 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 14: Jam Jar Art Market
Come shop all the goods that the artists of the Jar have to offer! Not just ink and ‘zines — ceramics, hand-bound books and stationery, prints, jewelry, and an abundance of other hand-crafted goods. You can also get some exclusive holiday flash, and take home some permanent art. At Hall Pass, 319 N. 11th Street. (1 to 6 p.m.)
Sunday, Dec. 14: Community Menorah Lighting
In partnership with Old City Jewish Arts Center, celebrate Hanukkah with a traditional menorah-lighting ceremony at 4:30 p.m. at the Betsy Ross House. Snacks and live music included. Rain or shine. (4 to 5 p.m.)
Through Sunday, Dec. 14: Pipe Up! at the Wanamaker
The final performances from the Bearded Ladies Cabaret in the historic Wanamaker building. Performers vary. Tickets are $11-52. (9 p.m. nightly)
The post Council’s busy last day; Painted Bride demolition; Billies winners | Morning Roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
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