#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
The circle of life at Roxborough Reservoir
(Photo by @phrankied)
Philly overdose deaths keep declining as wellness ecosystem grows
The number of overdose deaths in Philadelphia continues to retreat from the peaks of 2022. Health and service providers in and around Kensington credit much of that to the ready availability of Narcan, the nasal spray that can rescue drug users from an overdose.
At the same time, the city has spent huge amounts of energy and expense to combat the crisis, including a crackdown on nuisance activity and providing housing for up to a year as drug users pursue recovery. So what’s working? And what isn’t? Meir Rinde takes a deep, nuanced look. Continue reading …
‘Community is a top priority’: This S. Kensington bike shop is owned by its employees
Wawa is the most famous employee-owned company in Pa., but there are more than 300 others across the state, with many in Philly — including Keystone Bike Co., a worker-owned cooperative in South Kensington.
“A lot of bike shops have been closing the last couple of years,” said Zach Rachell, one of the worker-owners. “My personal feeling is that this kind of structure is what has helped us navigate the challenges of 2020, and even the tumultuous market that we’re in right now.” Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• The Department of Energy slashed more than $7.5 billion for clean energy projects in 16 Democratic-led states, yet Pennsylvania’s “green” hydrogen hubs survive, for now. [WHYY]
• A new Medicare dementia program offers free, enhanced support services to families in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. [WHYY]
• SEPTA’s City Hall Station is getting a face lift ahead of America’s 250th birthday celebrations, with new fare gates, railings and lights, among other upgrades. [PhillyVoice]
• More than 1,000 Philadelphians have signed a petition advocating for a safer Fairmount Park, weeks after Harry Fenton, a popular cycling advocate in the city, was killed while riding his bike in the park. [WHYY]
• From composting to solar panels, NFL stadiums, such as the Linc, are working to be more sustainable. [AP]
• Vandalism left the Swann Memorial Fountain partly broken, but a fix is in the works. [Inq$]
• From Kayageum to K-pop: Festival celebrated Korean culture and community in West Philly this past weekend. [Billy Penn]
• The Philadelphia Blues Society will host its first-ever annual blues festival this month. [WHYY]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker has no public events scheduled for Monday.
ON THE CALENDAR
🍂 Autumn festival lineup
🎃 Halloween events across Philly, now through October
👻 Dia de los Muertos events
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
Monday, Oct. 6: Printmaking by the People: Social Media 1776
Discover how revolutionary ideas spread in the 1700s through the power of printmaking. In this hands-on workshop, participants will create posters to keep and to donate to a major city mural. You’ll also discuss how the ideas in the Declaration of Independence can serve as a foundation for imagining a better America for the next 250 years. Ages 14+. At Fox Chase Library. Free registration required. (11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.)
Tuesday, Oct. 7: Silver Sneakers in the Park
This health-and-fitness program at Borski Park is designed for adults 65+ (though all ages are welcome!) and will include a variety of activities — including chair yoga, stretches, strength and balance, and more — to help older adults stay active and healthy. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and bring some water. (10:30 a.m.)
Tuesday, Oct. 7: Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect
WHYY hosts this screening and panel discussion celebrating the life and legacy of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. RSVP free. (Reception at 5:30 p.m.; program begins at 6:45 p.m.)
Tuesday, Oct. 7: Loud and Proud: A National Coming OUT Day Poetry Slam
The official OURFest poetry slam debuts with an open mic and cultivated showcase featuring original works. LGBTQ+ poets and spoken word artists are invited to share their stories, read their work, or speak from the heart. Hosted at Stir Lounge at 1705 Chancellor St. (7 to 9 p.m.)
Tuesday, Oct. 7: Track Changes
Track Changes is a listening, reading and conversation series where writers discuss their favorite records. Tonight features translators and writers Niina Pollari (N.C.) and olga mikolaivna (Philly). At the Pen & Pencil Club—the oldest continuously operating press club in the country. (7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Oct. 8: Chinatown Community Safety Meeting
Residents and police discuss community safety concerns. At Chinese Christian Church and Center at 11th and Vine streets. (11 a.m.)
Wednesday, Oct. 8: A Marvelous Night of Minerals: An ‘Earthly Matters’ Opening Celebration
Celebrate the opening of Science History Institute’s new permanent exhibit, where elements, crystals, gemstones — and even a meteorite! — tell stories of human curiosity about the natural world around us. Plus, a ribbon-cutting for the renovated lobby and gift shop. Free with registration. (5 to 8 p.m.)
Wednesday, Oct. 8: Binding Agents Presents: THE NEW RULES OF DINING OUT with Adam Reiner
James Beard-winning Adam Reiner discusses tips for dining out with moderator Kiki Aranita. $10 admission; $5 more for the book. (6:30 p.m.)
The post Opioid-related deaths drop; An employee-owned bike shop; Korean festival photos | Morning roundup appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY.
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