Ground broke Friday on Tacony's new Engine 38 Firehouse after the original was lost to I-95 reconstruction.

At the Intersection of Magee Avenue and Keystone Street in Tacony Friday morning, the first pinch of soil was cast from a silver shovel as Mayor Michael Nutter helped lead the way for the new Engine 38 Firehouse.

Due to the construction of the I-95 South ramp, the old Engine 38 Firehouse had to be demolished. Not only will the new firehouse bring back its original firefighters, but it will also serve as the city’s first entirely green municipal building.

“It has its green certifications,” said Commissioner Lloyd Ayers of the Philadelphia Fire Department. “It has a roof that is going to be a roof that is vegetated so that you can have control runoff and we can make the best of our rainwater.” continue reading »

Some of the tools Dr. Roger Barth uses to make beer

Dr. Roger Barth of West Chester is not your ordinary chemistry professor. The name of his West Chester University class is called The Chemistry of Beer.

That brewed alcoholic drink — the one many enjoy on weekends, after a hard day’s work, at a family barbecue and during Philly’s very own Beer Week — yes, that drink, is broken down to a science. continue reading »

As of March 2011, the Philadelphia crime rate has increased compared to what it was in March of last year. Many organizations like the recently opened BE Arts Academy on Broad Street, have been aiming to get the kids off the streets and into a safe environment. The Holmesburg Boys Club has been quietly doing this for the past 50 years.

The large white brick building at Lansing and Ditman streets houses a full basketball court that doubles indoor hockey rink with boards and glass.  Unlike many other boys and girls clubs in Philadelphia, Holmesburg is entirely owned and operated by volunteers.

“We pay our own bills. We pay our own utilities,” says Matthew Mullins, the political liaison for the club. “This is a privately owned arena.” continue reading »

The New Year is upon us once more, leaving us wondering where 2009 went.  Here at NEast Philly we have had a great first year and would like to thank you, our readers, for your support, attention and contributions.

New Year’s Eve is a time to break out the champagne and celebrate a great ending or a fresh beginning. This year, there are parties being held all over the city in celebration of another year’s approach.

For those of you looking to stick close to home, check out some of these Dec. 31 parties. The Grey Lodge Pub will host Brew Years Eve, beginning at 9 p.m. with a DJ, door prizes, food and more. For a wider food selection but heavier price tag, Chickie’s and Pete’s offers an all inclusive option in addition to a pay-as-you-go deal.

If you’re looking to get out of the NEast for the night, the Crystal Tea Room is having its fourth annual midnight party to ring in the New Year at Penn Square.  In an attempt to outdo last year’s celebration, there will be live bands, alcoholic beverage discounts and a night full of dancing. Independence Hall will host the seventh annual Glitter City Gala, a black tie-optional event. Offering entertainment, live bands, drinks and food, this party is a great way to ring in the New Year with friends.

Wherever you end up, remember to be safe. Driving conditions are sure to be dangerous with all the late-night partying. If you’re drinking, leave the car keys home and make use of SEPTA, a cab or a designated driver. Start the New Year off right by getting home safe.

Happy 2010 from NEast Philly!

A Woman’s View is a column about women’s issues written by Donna Ward. The column appears every other Thursday on NEastPhilly.com. See others here. Read other NEastPhilly columns here.

Food For Thought will take a break this week for the holidays. If you’re in need of a last-minute dessert recipe for the holiday, try this one for Lemon Meringue Pie.

Have a safe and tasty holiday!

Food For Thought is a NEast restaurant review column written by Donna Ward that runs every other Thursday on NEastPhilly.com. See all of Donna’s reviews here. Read other NEastPhilly columns here.