Category: Press Releases

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Governor Tom Corbett today issued the following statement in response to a recent letter to the state House of Representatives from Patrick B. Gillespie, the business manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council – AFL-CIO.rnThe letter called for the House to support transportation funding. It also mentioned that his organization agrees to a change in the Prevailing Wage Law threshold from $25,000 to $100,000 for transportation projects only.rnCorbett said:rn”I thank Pat for his support, leadership and willingness to compromise on the issue of prevailing wage.rn”A yes vote on transportation is a vote for safety, for jobs and for the very future of Pennsylvania.rn”I urge House members to embrace this momentum in the true spirit of bipartisanship and bring a comprehensive transportation funding plan to my desk.rn”Together we have the chance to bring about a real change for a better Pennsylvania.”rnMedia contact: Steve Chizmar, 717-783-1116rnSOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the GovernorrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.governor.state.pa.us

bestofluxury.com proclaims the best Philadelphia fine dining establishments for November 2013.rnrnnn(PRWEB) November 10, 2013nnbestofluxury.com has declared the best Philadelphia restaurants in the affluent living industry for the month of November 2013. Thousands providing fine dining restaurants within the industry are put to the test in order to learn which restaurants offer the most impressive fine dining restaurants to businesses in need. Businesses searching for impressive affluent living restaurants to help them access the ratings online to find restaurants which have been analyzed by an independent third party.nnrnnnTo most adequately assist purchasers of affluent living fine dining establishments the independent research team at bestofluxury.com performs a meticulous evaluation of experienced and prominent Philadelphia fine dining establishments. The evaluation involves the use of a set of evaluation criteria consisting of five areas of evaluation to benchmark and compare contesting Philadelphia fine dining establishments based on their core competencies. The five areas of evaluation include expertise, cuisine, availability, environment, and recognition.nnrnnnTo view the rankings of the best Philadelphia fine dining restaurants click here.nnrnnnAbout bestofluxury.comnnrnnnbestofluxury.com is an online producer of independent reviews and ratings. The ratings of the top luxury fine dining restaurants are released monthly to assist businesses in connecting with Philadelphia fine dining restaurants which feature a history of effective fine dining restaurants. Thousands of luxury fine dining restaurants are put to the test while only the absolute best fine dining restaurants are featured in the ratings.nnrnnnPhiladelphia fine dining establishments interested in being evaluated and released can visit:nnrnnnhttp://bestofluxury.news-prs.com/us/apply-for-rankings

Drexel University Online will celebrate National Distance Learning Week with its seventh annual awards ceremony, honoring exceptional leaders, faculty and staff for their accomplishments and dedication to online learning, on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.rnrn (PRWEB) November 08, 2013 Drexel University Online will celebrate (NDLW) with its […]

Philadelphia treatment center offers programs to stop drug dependency in its tracks. Call (855) 912-7867 for an appointment at Drug Addiction Treatment Centers.rnrn

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) November 06, 2013nnA Philadelphia drug detox is presenting a video explaining its services for people living in Philadelphia and surrounding cities through Drug Addiction Treatment Centers. Those cities include Ardmore, Upper Darby, Camden, Springfield, Wallingford, and Cherry Hill.nnrnnnDrug detoxification is used to reduce or relieve withdrawal symptoms while helping the addicted individual adjust to living without drug use; drug detoxification is not meant to treat addiction but rather an early step in long-term treatment. Detoxification may be achieved drug free or may use medications as an aspect of treatment. Often, drug detoxification and treatment will occur in a community program that lasts several months and takes place in a residential rather than medical center.nnrnnnDrug addicts will go to any lengths for their substance. They medicate themselves so life issues become irrelevant. Drugs affect a person’s life in many, many ways.nnrnnnThe drug detox center immediately begins with physical detoxification. Withdrawal symptoms can seemingly cripple a person physically and emotionally. If a person chooses to detox without supervision, then that person loses control of his or her mental and physical faculties.nnrnnnDrug detoxification varies depending on the location of treatment, but most detox centers provide treatment to avoid the symptoms of physical withdrawal to alcohol & other drugs. Most also incorporate counseling and therapy during detox to help with the consequences of withdrawal.nnrnnnSome withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, muscle aches, cold sweats, increasing heart rate, increased blood pressure, irritability, and anxiety. This process’ duration differs between individuals, but it’s important to stay safe and comfortable through the whole detox process. Age, gender, type of substance that was used, how long a person has used it and a medical history are taken into consideration when planning out the detox process.nnrnnnMen, women and teens might find themselves caught in a web of addiction. Drug Addiction Treatment Centers can lead a person to healing, hope and recovery.nnrnnnFor more information on Drug Addiction Treatment Centers in Philadelphia, please visit http://drugdetox.org or call (888) 444-9148.

New computer lab donated by Temple Computer Recycling Center, will service William Cramp Elementary School.rnrnPhiladelphia, November 4, 2013 – The City of Philadelphia celebrated a newly donated computer lab at William Cramp Elementary School in the Lawncrest section of Philadelphia. The PhillyRising Collaborative, the Office of Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez and Temple Computer Recycling Center partnered […]

Hometown celebrity gives back to local schools and recreation centers.rnrn rnrn rnrnPhiladelphia, October 30, 2013– Mayor Michael A. Nutter and Kevin Hart will visit several schools across the City to meet with students, teachers and administrators, whose schools will receive new laptops from a donation by Mr. Hart. In total, Mr. Hart is donating 500 computers to the City of Philadelphia and the School District of Philadelphia, including 200 desktops to the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation for use in recreation centers and 300 laptops to the District.rnrn rnrn“In order for Philadelphians to be competitive in the 21st century economy, we need to address the challenge of digital access and literacy. Ensuring our students have access to computers in their classrooms and increasing the number of public computers is critical to the future success of our citizens and City,” said Mayor Nutter. “I want to thank Kevin Hart for his incredibly generous gift to our schools, recreation centers and citizens of all ages. These computers will have a very meaningful impact on Philadelphia.”rnrn rnrnKevin Hart, who hosted the 2013 Wawa Welcome America! Philly 4th of July Jam, is a comedian, actor, writer, producer and businessman. He is a Philadelphia native.rnrn rnrn“I am blessed to be in a position that allows me to give back to the city that made me who I am,” said Kevin Hart.rnrnThe computers will be distributed to recipient schools by Friday, November 8th. The following schools will receive laptops:rnrn rnrnJohn F. Hartranft School;rnMorris E. Leeds Middle School;rnJohn F. McCloskey School;rnOverbrook Elementary School;rnRhodes Elementary School;rnAllen M. Stearne School;rnTilden Middle School; andrnMitchell S. Weir School.rn rnrn“We are extremely grateful to Kevin Hart for this generous donation,” said Dr. William R. Hite, Superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia. “These computers will allow our students to expand their studies, explore new course material, and prepare for college and careers for years to come.”rnrn rnrnIn addition, 27 local recreation facilities will also receive computers through the donation.rnrn rnrn“This generous donation of 200 computers that have been dedicated for the use in Recreation Centers near schools is an invaluable resource for our youth,” said Susan Slawson, First Deputy Commissioner for Recreation. “This gift will help thousands of young people gain necessary technology skills, bridge the digital divide and provide access to computers that otherwise wouldn’t exist.”rnrn rnrnThe list of school visit locations will be released tomorrow.

Building owners will have until November 25th to report, Mayor’s Office of Sustainability to offer ‘office hours.’rnOctober 30, 2013 – The City of Philadelphia has extended the reporting deadline for owners and/or operators of large commercial buildings in order to comply with the City’s new Building Energy Benchmarking Law. The deadline has been moved from Thursday, October 31 to Monday, November 25, 2013. The extension is being provided because data reporting was unavailable during the recent federal government shutdown.rnThe Mayor’s Office of Sustainability (MOS) will hold open office hours before the November 25 deadline in order to help building owners and managers comply with the new law. MOS will provide assistance at Temple University Center City, 1515 Market Street from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM on the following days: Wednesday, November 6; Friday, November 8; Tuesday, November 12; Wednesday, November 13; and Friday, November 15. These sessions are free, but attendees should RSVP by email to benchmarkinghelp@phila.gov.rnThe Building Energy Benchmarking Law, which was passed by City Council in June 2012 and signed by Mayor Nutter in August 2012, requires building owners and operators with more than 50,000 square feet of indoor floor space (or mixed-use buildings where at least 50,000 square feet of indoor space is devoted to commercial use) to report annual energy and water consumption using EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. Because Portfolio Manager, a free online tool, was unavailable during the recent federal government shutdown, the original compliance deadline of October 31, 2013 has been extended to Monday, November 25, 2013. Fines for non-compliance will go into effect after November 25, 2013.rnThe City’s benchmarking website provides details on the benefits of benchmarking, the regulations of which were finalized in July 2013, as well as complete reporting instructions for building owners. Hundreds of buildings throughout the city have already reported their energy and water usage, accounting for more than 60 million square feet of floor area.rnFull information about Philadelphia Building Energy Benchmarking, , can be found online at www.phila.gov/benchmarking. Questions may also be directed via email to benchmarkinghelp@phila.gov.

October 30, 2013– Mayor Michael A. Nutter officially launched FastFWD, an Urban Innovation Refinery, a partnership between the City of Philadelphia, GoodCompany Group, a social enterprise accelerator, and the Wharton Social Impact Initiative of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. FastFWD, formerly known as the Philadelphia Social Enterprise Partnership, is an initiative that […]

Franklin Square & RiverRink Sparkle With New Holiday Light Displays This YearrnrnPHILADELPHIA, Oct. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ –Dark winter nights turn glittery and bright with holiday lights that shimmer and shine all across Philadelphia and The Countryside®. With new displays at Franklin Square and the Blue Cross RiverRink, the season takes on a magical glow as a number of local attractions and neighborhoods pump up the power and light up the skies with sparkling colors and elaborate light displays like these shining examples:rn(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131029/PH06406 )rnBright Lights, Big City:rnThe holiday magic at Ben Franklin’s namesake park begins with the new Franklin Square’s Electrical Spectacle: A Holiday Light Show, featuring a 10-foot-tall kite made of lights that sparkle and spread the glow to lights throughout the square. The show runs every 30 minutes between 4:30 and 8:00 p.m., weather permitting. November 14-December 31, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas. 6th & Race Streets, (215) 629-4026, historicphiladelphia.orgrnIt’s year six for Philadelphia’s high-tech holiday show, The Comcast Holiday Spectacular, shown on The Comcast Experience video wall, one of the world’s highest-resolution LED (light-emitting diode) displays, in the lobby of the 58-story Comcast Center. Set to the music of a 64-piece orchestra, this year’s show includes new scenes featuring Olympic-caliber ice skaters and performers from the Walnut Street Theatre. The free 15-minute show occurs at the top of the hour, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (except 5:00 p.m. on weekdays). November 28-January 1. 17th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard, visitphilly.com/comcastrnAll new for the Blue Cross RiverRink’s 20th-anniversary season at Penn’s Landing, Bright Lights, Big Santa introduces a festive mash-up of color, lights, hip-hop beats and dancing elves that all come together in 3-D light show accompanied by holiday music. Part of the Waterfront Winterfest—complete with pine trees, fire pits, a heated pop-up restaurant, craft market and other activities—the light show runs every hour between 5:00-11:00 p.m. November 29-January 5. Columbus Boulevard & Market Street, (215) 925-RINK, riverrink.comrnA Philadelphia tradition since 1956, the Christmas Light Show at Macy’s in Center City illuminates a large wall inside the Wanamaker building, a National Historic Landmark, with almost 100,000 LED lights and finishes with sounds from the Wanamaker Organ. Performances take place at the top of the hour, November 29-December 31. 1300 Market Street, (215) 241-9000, wanamakerorgan.comrnSet amid the evergreens, Morris Arboretum’s Holiday Garden Railway showcases a miniature winter wonderland complete with a quarter-mile of model-train track; seven loops and tunnels; 15 different rail lines; cable cars, bridges and model trains that cruise past scaled replicas of historic monuments; and Philadelphia-area landmarks adorned with thousands of twinkling lights for the holidays. New this year: Friday Night Lights, providing evening viewings on select nights. November 22-January 5 (closed December 24-25, January 1). 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, (215) 247-5777, morrisarboretum.orgrnThe Independence Seaport Museum hosts the fourth-annual Parade of Lights. Indoors, participants visit with Santa and join in candy-making demos before moving outdoors to watch lighted and decorated tugboats and other vessels float along the Delaware River. rnDecember 14. 211 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 413-8655, phillyseaport.orgrnLocals have long known that the place to go for a boost of holiday spirit is South Philadelphia, a traditionally Italian enclave where the combination of civic pride and neighborhood camaraderie come together to create eye-popping homegrown lighting displays. Colorado and Smedley Streets are particular favorites for an instant jolt of seasonal spirit.rnCountryside Aglow:rnEach evening, beginning with the Grand Illumination, Peddler’s Village shimmers in the warm glow of one million jewel-colored twinkling lights and holiday greenery. From the treetops to the Colonial-style buildings to the quaint shops, the whole landscape sparkles and glows—making it the perfect setting for sipping cider, toasting marshmallows, holiday shopping, visiting Santa and more. November 22-January 5. Routes 202 & 263, Lahaska, (215) 794-4000, peddlersvillage.comrnThe holidays go red, white and green at Longwood Gardens during A Longwood Gardens Christmas, featuring 500,000 glowing lights, thousands of poinsettias, vibrantly decorated trees and dancing fountains throughout the vast grounds and conservatory. November 28-January 12. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.orgrnThe Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality.rnFor more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit visitphilly.com or uwishunu.com, where you can build itineraries; search event calendars; see photos and videos; view interactive maps; sign up for newsletters; listen to HearPhilly, an online radio station about what to see and do in the region; book hotel reservations and more. Or, call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Historic Philadelphia, at (800) 537-7676.rnNote to Editors: For high-resolution photos of Greater Philadelphia, visit the photo gallery of visitphilly.com/pressroom.rnSOURCE Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing CorporationrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://visitphilly.com

October 24, 2013– Mayor Michael A. Nutter asked Councilman W. Wilson Goode, Jr. to introduce on behalf of the Administration an ordinance amending The Philadelphia Code by replacing the term “ex-offender” with the term “returning citizen”. Mayor Nutter also signed an Executive Order re-naming the Office of Re-integration Services for Ex-Offenders (R.I.S.E.) to simply, the Office of Re-integration Services (R.I.S.E.) in order to comply with the ordinance.rn rn“Every year, thousands of citizens are released from federal, state and local correctional facilities and return to their families and friends in Philadelphia. Their successful re-integration into our communities is often hindered by challenges like a lack of education or job-training, limited opportunities for employment, and having a criminal record. These challenges contribute to high recidivism rates, which also mean decreased safety for our citizens and increased costs for the City for police and prison services,” said Mayor Nutter. “The City of Philadelphia has already taken steps to ease the transition of returning citizens, including Ban-the-Box legislation for employers operating in the City and expanding services offered at R.I.S.E. But, it is also important that we re-examine how we refer to these people. The commonly used term ‘ex-offender’ carries with it a stigma which may increase the challenges these citizens face, while the term “returning citizen” more appropriately focuses on their engagement in the process of reintegration. As a government, the City of Philadelphia must do what it can to help their transition.”rn rnUnder the ordinance and the Executive Order, R.I.S.E. will continue its mission to promote safer communities and reduce law enforcement costs by assisting returning citizens to be constructive individuals who contribute positively to their communities. R.I.S.E. partners with businesses, faith & community organizations, and job-training providers to offer job placement services, life skills training, and literacy education to returning citizens.rn rn“This legislation is important in changing the general public’s perception of people who have served their time, paid their debt to society, and want to re-enter our City’s communities as hard-working, productive members,” said Councilman Goode. “I applaud Mayor Nutter, Deputy Mayor Gillison, and the men and women at the newly re-named Mayor’s Office of Re-Integration Services (R.I.S.E.) for their dedicated service to our city’s returning citizens, and for bringing attention to this important issue. It was truly my pleasure to sponsor this legislation, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to serve this group.”rn rnThe Executive Order defines a ‘returning citizen’ as an individual who has recently been released from a federal, state or local correctional facility, or a person who, while not recently incarcerated, has a criminal record or history. Under the Executive Order, the policy of the City of Philadelphia is to use the term ‘returning citizen’ on any official or unofficial communication, document, or other written material to describe such persons.