Councilman Denny O'Brien announces the 2012 Northeast Philadelphia Hall of Fame inductees. Photo/Rebecca Haegele

On October 21, Northeast Philadelphians will gather at Holy Family University. They’ll eat h’ordeuvres, listen to classical music and meet the historians who can answer almost any query about the region’s history.

They’ll be there as four people and seven houses of worship are added to a growing list of  Northeast Philadelphia Hall of Fame inductees. The new class of members was announced yesterday Holy Family, with President Sr. Francesca Onley and steering and selection committee members in attendance. continue reading »

Upper Holmesburg Civic Association President Stan Cywinski breaks the news to members that the Philadelphia Housing Authority has not settled on development plans for Liddonfield. Photo/Shannon McDonald

Upper Holmesburg residents holding their breath to find out what will occupy the site of the former Liddonfield Homes are in danger of turning blue.

When members left last month’s Upper Holmesburg Civic Association meeting, they expected to learn at the April meeting what proposal the Philadelphia Housing Authority would approve for redevelopment of the property on the 8800-block of Torresdale Avenue. No such luck. continue reading »

It’s time to consider the third class of the Northeast Philadelphia Hall of Fame.

Nominations are due April 1 for the event, which began in 2009 with the inaugural induction ceremony for Thomas Holme, the Disstons, Tom Gola, St. Katherine Drexel, Joan Krajewski, Aid for Friends and Harry Silcox. continue reading »

Contestants dig their faces into pies during Holy Family University's Pi Day contest. Photo/Matthew Flowers

What better way to celebrate Pi Day, than diving head-first into delicious pudding pies?  That is exactly what math enthusiasts from Holy Family University did March 14 (National Pi Day), to share their love for the history of the mathematical symbol .

Pi, the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter (3.14), was recognized as a national holiday by the House of Representatives in 2009, and has been celebrated annually ever since.

Using this day as a chance to explore the fun side of math and science, teachers and students across the United States hold different activities. The Pigers, Holy Family’s Math Club; and Kappa Mu Epsilon, the Math Honor Society, hold a pie-eating contest every year to celebrate Pi Day.  This year, 10 Holy Family students participated in the contest, with a $25 Wawa gift card as the prize. continue reading »

NEast Links: Bringing you additional Northeast news

The Mayfair car vandals struck again over night, this time letting the air out of tires on the 4000-blocks on Aldine and Teesedale streets. This time, a neighbor got a glimpse of the suspects [Fox29].

No injuries were reported Monday afternoon when a driver’s truck hit a pole and knocked down wires in Wissinoming. It’s not clear how the accident occurred [Action News].

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Upper Holmesburg residents study Holy Family University's early plans for the redevelopment of Liddonfield. Photo/Shannon McDonald

Of the 20 proposals awaiting consideration from the Philadelphia Housing Authority, the one from Holy Family University for the redevelopment of Liddonfield has the support of the Upper Holmesburg community.

If it wasn’t the speeches from Sr. Francesca Onley of HFU, 6th District Councilman Bobby Henon, developer John Parsons, Upper Holmesburg Civic Association President Stan Cywinski or UHCA board member Paul DeFinis, it was the applause and cheers from the 50-plus residents in attendance that proved the neighborhood is ready for a change.

Planning for Liddonfield’s future began early last year when the UHCA started working with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission to revitalize the neighborhood according to Philadelphia2035 goals.

“We were very practiced in our process, and that just may be our saving grace,” DeFinis said of his hopes that the effort Upper Holmesburg has made will be enough for the PHA.

With the help of politicians at the city, state and federal levels; a petition 4,000 signatures long; and support from the Holmesburg, Holme Circle, East Torresdale, Tacony and Morrell Park civic associations; the UHCA now waits to hear if the PHA will enter an agreement with Holy Family.

If that’s the case, John Parsons of BSI Construction (Island Green Country Club), outlined what he stressed are conceptual plans his development company has for the Liddonfield property at Torresdale Avenue and Megargee Street. continue reading »

Image/Google Maps

Fresh off the announcement that Fox Chase Cancer Center will merge with Temple University Health System, Holy Family University has announced its own partnership with the cancer treatment center.

With the start of the new year, the university will offer an exclusive RN-to-BSN program for FCCC staffers who want a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. continue reading »

It’s the day after Thanksgiving, which means it’s time for a NEast Philly tradition: our 12 Days of NEastmas holiday song.

This song, which first ran on Nov. 27, 2009, after we felt the Northeast really needed its own carol, has become a tradition.

You can click below for an instrumental version of the song, with our original NEast-y lyrics.  continue reading »

Sen. Stack (second from left) presents a $1.3 million grant to Holy Family University. With him are (L to R) Holy Family student Matthew Reese, Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Stephen Medvec, and President Sister Francesca Onley. Photo provided by the office of Senator Mike Stack.

From the office of Sen. Mike Stack:

State Sen. Mike Stack yesterday presented a significant state grant to Holy Family University.

The $1.3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital grant will go toward funding the recently completed structural improvements at the university’s library, including replacing windows, heating and air conditioning system and costly interior lights in order to become more energy efficient and reduce electric bills. continue reading »

Bruce Conner, front, with (L to R) Frank Hollingsworth, Lou Iatarola, Sam Katz, Jack McCarthy, Nancy Morozin and Rev. Paul Andel at the screening of Katz's documentary on Jan. 18. Photo by Hillary Shemin.

Holy Family University announces the establishment of the Bruce Conner Memorial Scholarship for History. The scholarship honors the memory of Bruce Conner, an alumnus of Holy Family University (class of 1976) and celebrates his passion for history, particularly local history. It will be awarded annually to one or more students majoring in history who demonstrate financial need. Preference will be given to students involved in local history initiatives and activities.

Initial funding for the scholarship is being provided by the Trustees of Lower Dublin Academy, a local charitable organization established in 1794 to support educational activities. Friends of Bruce Conner and of Northeast Philadelphia history are encouraged to donate to the scholarship fund as well. continue reading »