Fourth of July Committee Treasurer Gary Weaver announces the inclusion of fireworks in this year's celebration.

The most exciting news for Lawncrest residents came at the middle of last night’s Lawncrest Community Association meeting: the Fourth of July Committee announced the inclusion of fireworks in the 95th Annual July 4th celebration.

Thanks to the Greater Philadelphia Traditions Fund and a bill passed by City Council — with the help of U.S. Rep. Bob Brady and Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez — Lawncrest will put on a fireworks display at dusk on July 3, bringing the day’s festivities to an end. continue reading »

Some of the members of Lawncrest's Fourth of July Committee: Standing (l to r): Bill Dolbow, Eva Baumgartel, Suzanne Turner, Steve Cartledge. Seated (l to r): Hank Baumgartel, Gary Weaver. Photo by Maria Konidaris.

Jean Pleis volunteers with Lawncrest’s Fourth of July Celebration Committee because her father, Gene Mansdoerfer, or “Mr. Olney,” did the same in his community.

“He got me involved right away and drilled the Fourth of July into me,” Pleis said. “I wish I could do more in his memory to honor him.”

Gary Weaver, the committee’s treasurer, invests his time in the cause because his mother was born on the holiday.

This year will mark the 95th anniversary of the Lawncrest Fourth of July parade and fireworks celebration, assuming it all comes together. continue reading »

It was July 4th and the street was quiet – too quiet. It’s been four years since we left our little home in Lawncrest, and we are still not used to the serenity of the Far Northeast, after living just a couple of blocks away from Independence Day central for Northeast Philadelphia. continue reading »

By Shannon McDonald

Here’s a summary of the week’s Northeast news we didn’t cover. See others here.

A Mayfair priest was struck by a drunk driver outside his parish. Pastor Joseph Accardi was struck outside St. Bernard’s Parish at Cottage Street and Bleigh Avenue Tuesday night. He was taken to Aria’s Torresdale campus, where he remains in stable condition with broken ribs. continue reading »

Happy Birthday, America!  As the city of Independence and brotherly love, Philadelphia is preparing for another spectacular celebration.  Despite the financial crisis, Philadelphia won’t be skimping on its budget for welcoming another festive July 4th.  Whether you are choosing to have a block party, picnic or venture to Penn’s Landing for the remarkable fireworks display, this year is sure to hold some memorable events for all ages and styles. continue reading »