For $1, you’ll get three chances to dunk one of a dozen Lawncrest community leaders into a tub of water. Business owners, rec center coaches, pastors and more have volunteered for stints in the dunk tank, part of Lawncrest’s 97th annual Fourth of July celebration.

See photos from last year’s event below: continue reading »

Lonnie Haile helps one of his pupil's footwork. Photo by Laura D'Alfonso.

In part two of a two-part series, NEast Philly examines what goes into making an athletic association successful, and what two neighborhoods are doing to keep kids active. Read part one

With one of the more unique community athletics offerings in the Northeast, Heavy Hitta’s Boxing in Lawncrest has rapidly grown since the days in which its members sparred on the open field behind Lawncrest Recreation Center.

The swift advance speaks to not only the dedication of the club’s coaches and members, but to the neighborhood’s desire for a strong community sports representation. The club’s boxers are training vigorously for Fists Full of Dynamite, an Independence Day weekend boxing tournament to be held within Rec Center.

Founded by club president Rick Terrell in late 2009, Heavy Hitta’s Boxing moved from the field to the clubhouse just this past May. Terrell admits that the club nearly happened accidentally. continue reading »