Category: Press Releases

CITY OF PHILADELPHIArnMAYOR’S OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONSrn rnrnFor Immediate Release: January 24, 2016rnContact: Lauren Hitt, 215-686-6210, Lauren.Hitt@phila.govrnrn rnrnTrash and Recycling Collection Cancelled Mondayrn rnrnPHILADELPHIA – As the City of Philadelphia continues its plowing operation in the wake of the weekend blizzard, all trash and recycling collections for Monday are cancelled because sanitation trucks continue to be used for plowing.rnrn rnrnResidents whose trash and recycling are normally picked up Monday should hold their trash and recycling one week. An announcement about Tuesday trash and recycling collection will be made and announced on Monday.rnCity crews continue their efforts to clear snow from all streets. While the city’s primary roads are generally passable, plows are still being used to widen them. Secondary, tertiary and residential streets will be the main focus of current plowing. This plowing is a collective effort involving the Streets Department and 12 other departments and agencies.rnrn rnrnDrivers should continue to take heed. Traveling in Philadelphia will continue to pose challenges as this plowing operation continues. On-street parking may be limited, so use of mass-transit — where available — is recommended.rnrn rnrnResidents can help speed the plowing process by making sure that cars are not parked too far from curbs, nor parked too close to corners of their blocks.

CITY OF PHILADELPHIArnMAYOR’S OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONSrn rnFor Immediate Release: January 20, 2016rnContact: Lauren Hitt, 267-438-7976, Lauren.Hitt@phila.govrnrn rnrnCity Revises Trash and Recycling CollectionrnIn Advance of Stormrnrn rnrnPhiladelphia, January 21, 2016 – The City of Philadelphia Streets Department has revised its trash collection schedule in advance of the impending snowstorm.rnrnFor those who have normal THURSDAY trash and recycling collection, which was to be picked up Friday because of the MLK holiday, leave your trash at the curb Friday as scheduled.rnrnFor those who have normal FRIDAY trash and recycling collection, which was to be picked up Saturday because of the MLK holiday, please hold your trash until next week; the trash trucks will be used to plow starting Friday evening.rnrnMayor Jim Kenney announced that all city departments and agencies stand ready to provide a coordinated response to the impending snowstorm.rnrn“We’re going to get through this together, as a city,” said Kenney at a late afternoon news conference. The mayor urged residents to help by clearing steps and sidewalks, by helping neighbors do so, and by checking on elderly neighbors.rnrnThe Streets Department plans to begin its plowing operation Friday evening. The department will dispatch a full deployment of approximately 400 plows and more than 600 personnel.rnrnThe Office of Emergency managed will not make a decision on the declaration of a snow emergency until after the forecast is updated Friday morning. But drivers should avoid parking on snow emergency routes when they return home from work on Friday. Those routes can be found at www.philadelphiastreets.com, and they are marked by signs on the streets.rnrnThe city’s Emergency Operations Center is expected to begin a partial activation with core services by Saturday morning, and then move to a full activation as conditions warrant.rnrnAll city residents are required to clear a path of three feet in front of their property within six hours of a snow event ending, including curb cuts. Don’t shovel snow back into the street, as it is both against the law and disrespectful of the city crews that have worked hard to clear them.

For Immediate Release: January 20, 2016rnContact: Lauren Hitt, 267-438-7976, Lauren.Hitt@phila.govrnrnCity to Start Brining Tonight for Anticipated Snow EventrnrnPHILADELPHIA – City of Philadelphia departments and agencies have begun preparations for this weekend’s anticipated snow event.rnrnThe Streets Department on Wednesday evening will dispatch trucks to brine main arteries, bridge decks and streets in higher elevations. Brining is most effective when done 48-hours in advance of expected snow.rnrnSalting of streets does not begin until the snow arrives. The size of the Department’s salting/plowing operation will depend on the forecast at the time, but the department is preparing for a full deployment.rnrnStreets Department crews are currently checking all equipment to be ready for the deployment.rnrnThe Office of Emergency Management is closely monitoring the track of the storm. OEM will coordinate calls with city leadership and city agencies, such as Police, Fire, Streets, SEPTA, PennDOT, the School District of Philadelphia, and the National Weather Service. If necessary, OEM will activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center to monitor the impact of the storm throughout the city and to coordinate response operations among agencies.rnrnAs the City is getting ready, we encourage the public to do same:rnrnMake sure your shovels and de-icing supplies are ready.rnSign up for emergency alerts from the Office of Emergency Management through ReadyPhiladelphia.rnFollow @PhilaOEM for the latest updates.rnVisit www.phila.gov/ready for updates and to check out our Winter Weather Guide with more tips to prepare for snow storms

From 3D printing to medical imaging software, the newest residents of the University City Science Center’s Port business incubator are developing the next generation of healthcare and technology solutions.rnrnPHILADELPHIA, PA (PRWEB) JANUARY 20, 2016rnrnFrom 3D printing to medical imaging software, the newest residents of the University City Science Center’s Port business incubator are developing the next generation of healthcare and technology solutions. ConquerAb, Immunome, and Orange Maker are each occupying lab and office space at 3624 Market Street while Keosys has taken office space at 3711 Market Street.rnrnSpun out of MIT with IP licensed from Thomas Jefferson University, Immunome is a biotechnology company with a growing pipeline of cancer immunotherapy candidates designed to work by stimulating the body’s immune system. Immunome’s proprietary RealMAb™ technology enables the simultaneous discovery of novel cancer antigens, molecules that causes the immune system to produce antibodies, and the native human antibodies that target those antigens and neutralize them.rnrnOriginally established in Los Angles by a Drexel alumnus, Orange Maker has established an East Coast research lab here in Philadelphia. The company has created a unique process and is formulating advanced materials for professional grade 3D printing applications which enable continuous high-resolution printing, rather than the traditional layer-by-layer approach. Orange Maker was a member at ic@3401 where the company continued to leverage its relationship with Drexel University. Orange Maker participated in a six-month lab on-boarding program, receiving guidance from Drexel and the Science Center to help the company meet specific milestones before signing on as an official Port resident in January 2016.rnrnKeosys Medical Imaging, a graduate of the Science Center’s Digital Health Accelerator, provides innovative medical imaging solutions for multisite clinical trials and telemedicine. Headquartered in France, Keosys has become a European leader in Imaging Data Management Systems and advanced medical imaging software. Keosys is participating in the Science Center’s Global Soft Landing Program which leverages the assets and resources of the Science Center and the Greater Philadelphia entrepreneurial community to help global companies establish a foothold in the region’s life sciences and technology markets.rnrnConquerAb is addressing undesirable immune responses to protein-based therapies. ConquerAb™ includes consulting services and a proprietary technology platform, with medical device development opportunities.rnrnThe Science Center’s Port business incubator helps emerging life sciences, physical sciences, and digital technology companies operate and grow through a suite of related programs and facilities. The Port provides co‐working spaces, cubicles, fully furnished offices, and wet and dry labs directly in the heart of the Science Center’s legacy campus at uCity Square. Beyond the physical infrastructure, Port residents are immediately plugged in to a rich network of resources where they can access the programs, the people and the support that can help grow their businesses. Port resident companies raised more than $150 million in private capital from 2009-2014.rnrnAbout the Science Center rnThe University City Science Center is a dynamic hub for innovation, and entrepreneurship and technology development in the Greater Philadelphia region. It provides business incubation, programming, lab and office facilities, and support services for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and growing and established companies. Since it was founded in 1963, graduate organizations and current residents of the University City Science Center’s Port business incubators have created more than 15,000 jobs that remain in the Greater Philadelphia region today and contribute more than $9 billion to the regional economy annually. The Science Center is leveraging its history as the nation’s oldest and largest urban research park as it joins forces with Wexford Science + Technology, a BioMed Realty company, to expand its footprint and rebrand its physical campus as uCity Square — a true mixed-use community of ingenuity. For more information about the Science Center, go to ucscreview.org.

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Pennsylvania State Board of Funeral Directors revoked the funeral director and funeral supervisor licenses of Janet M. Dailey, as well as the establishment license of Powell Mortuary Services, which Dailey owned and operated in the city of Philadelphia. In addition, the Board imposed the maximum civil penalty of $180,000 for Dailey and $120,000 for the funeral home for multiple violations of the Funeral Director Law.rnrnDailey, who also faces criminal charges, and Powell Mortuary Services failed to properly store remains of three deceased individuals, permitted the remains to deteriorate, failed to promptly dispose of the remains, and treated the deceased in a disrespectful and undignified manner. Furthermore, Powell Mortuary Services violated the Funeral Director Law by practicing on a lapsed license for more than three years and practiced at a location other than the one for which the Board had issued its license. The Board also found Dailey guilty of failing to maintain required records with respect to the funeral services. rnrnOn August 25, 2015, three decomposing bodies were found by neighbors in a garage on the 2600 block of Hagert Street, around the corner from Powell Mortuary Services located at 2432 N. 27th St. in Philadelphia. rnrn"Dailey and Powell Mortuary Services failed to fulfill one of the most fundamental responsibilities that a licensee has, to treat the deceased with dignity and respect," the Board noted in the final adjudication.rnrn"The Department of State, through the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, is committed to protecting the health and safety of the public from unethical practitioners," said Pennsylvania Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortés.rnrnThe Bureau's 29 boards and commissions license and oversee nearly 1 million active professionals and businesses, including a range of occupations in health and business fields.rnrnA comprehensive list of sanctions imposed by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs is available online.rnrnThe Bureau also maintains a searchable database which allows the public to check the license status of all the professionals and establishments it licenses.rnrnAnyone who suspects unlicensed activity by an individual or facility, or who has been a victim of unethical treatment, can file a complaint either online or through the Bureau's hotline at rn1-800-822-2113.rnrnMEDIA CONTACT: Adriana Arvizo, (717) 772-2146rnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Department of StaternrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.state.pa.us

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rnPHILADELPHIA, PA (PRWEB) JANUARY 18, 2016rnrnSnow, wind and ice is a lethal combination for trees, especially if a tree is dead, decayed or structurally unstable. Giroud Tree and Lawn provides tips for identifying dangerous trees, determining when a safety inspection by an ISA Certified Arborist is needed and taking action such as tree removal if a tree is found to be hazardous.rnrnA storm can easily topple a dead tree because it no longer has a thriving root system to keep it stable. Additionally, large dead limbs are most vulnerable to breakage in high winds. When trees and limbs fall, the damage can be costly.rnrn"That’s why it’s important for homeowners to know if the tree hanging over the house is a hazard," says Lou Giroud, ISA Certified Arborist and President of Giroud Tree and Lawn near Philadelphia PA. “Homeowners can get a sense of whether a tree is in serious decline or already dead by doing a few basic tests.”rnrn1. Did the tree show signs of stress last summer? Premature fall color change, early leaf drop, abnormally small or pale leaves, or new growth that wilted are all indicators of a potential problem. rn2. Does the trunk have a cavity or signs of splitting? Scan the trunk and main leaders for holes (cavities), decay and cracked or split crotches. rn3. Is the bark peeling from the trunk? Gently pull on a piece of bark. It should not break off easily. rn4. Are twigs and buds developing normally? Scrape either a twig or bud with a thumbnail. It should be a healthy green, not brown or otherwise discolored. rnrn5. Is new growth surviving the strains of winter? Try to bend a twig, does it snap because it’s dry and brittle?rnrn“If a tree is displaying any of the above warning signs, the homeowner should have an ISA Certified Arborist do a thorough evaluation and determine the best course of action.” recommends Lou Giroud. “Next steps may include tree removal, cabling weak limbs or deadwood removal.”rnFinally, if heavy snow strikes, take special care of trees like White Pines, Arborvitae, Bradford Pear and Birch. Before the snow gets too heavy, shake or brush it off of shrubs and small trees to prevent breakage.rnrnAbout Giroud Tree and Lawn rnGiroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, tree removal and lawn care programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal and traditional and 100% organic lawn programs to keep lawns healthy and green . Giroud Arborists are ISA Certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to properly diagnose, treat and maintain trees and lawn health. The company is Accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award® every year since 2005. The “Giroud Treework for Charity” program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Company’s service area. For more information, visit the company website at https://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.

Statement on Station House ShootingrnrnPHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney released the following statement on the shooting at Station House Transition Home this morning.rnrn“This morning a man who had dedicated his career to helping our City’s most vulnerable lost his life, and one of his co-workers was badly injured. It’s a heartbreaking tragedy.rnrnI’ve spoken with Mayor Goode and assured him that the shelter, its staff, the victims and their families have the full support of the City behind them. The PPD is working diligently to apprehend the shooter, and anyone with tips regarding the shooter are asked to call 215-686-TIPS (8477). The City will also assist the shelter with a review of its security procedures as part of our continuing efforts to make all of our shelter safe spaces for their residents.rnrnI implore Philadelphians in need of shelter services to continue to utilize them as we enter a Code Blue this evening. The City is squarely focused on your safety. If you know of a homeless person in need of shelter please call our 24-hour hotline at 215-232-1984.”

The tin của Thành phố Philadelphia rnrnPhiladelphia’s new Mayor, Jim Kenney attended a press conference at Girard College this week to discuss the 21st Annual Martin Luther King Day of Service happening on January 18th. Philadelphia has had a record number of volunteers participate, and we don’t want this year to be an exception! Sign up to get involved in your community today!rnrnMayor Kenney also announced Eastern State Penitentiary as the winners of the 18th annual Harris Wofford Active Citizenship Award because, “it’s a critical part of their mission to explore the fairness of the criminal justice system and directly invite visitors of all backgrounds into the conversation surrounding principles of Dr. King” said Mayor Kenney.rnrnThe King Day of Service was created via federal legislation in 1994 by Senator Harris Wofford and Congressman John Lewis, both veterans of the civil rights movement with Dr. King. The Greater Philadelphia region quickly adopted this service based movement. Volunteers of all ages will join together across the city to celebrate the legacy and leadership of Dr. King by serving their community.rnrnThe Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service is well on its way to having yet another national record turnout on January 18th! Over 140,000 volunteers are expected to participate in projects across the region.rnrnDon’t miss out! Be a part of this historic day of service: volunteer or register your very own community project right here: http://mlkdayofservice.org/

BeachGlow founder Dane Kunkel prepares for this summer’s annual music festival at the Shore, which will once again raise funds to help Little Kids Rock expand music education in Philadelphia-area public schools, including Franklin Learning Center, where the donated instruments are one component of a new music programrn

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rnPHILADELPHIA, PA (PRWEB) JANUARY 13, 2016rnrnOn Thursday morning at 10 o’clock, BeachGlow: Concerts for Charity and Little Kids Rock will hand-deliver brand-new musical instruments to Franklin Learning Center, which is among the first of several need-based Philadelphia public schools to receive a unique and comprehensive new music program as they face challenges amidst diminishing budgets. The donation comes from Little Kids Rock, a national nonprofit organization serving more than 215,000 children with music education, and made possible by funds raised by BeachGlow, a national nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness and funds for youth-related causes through music festivals. Representatives from both organizations will present the instruments to the students and teacher in the high school classroom, where BeachGlow’s 20-year-old founder and CEO Dane Kunkel will speak to the students about how he pursued his mission to educate a new generation of charitable giving by forming his company as a high school student, himself.rnrnKunkel and members of the BeachGlow team will join Little Kids Rock in augmenting the Modern Band music program at Franklin Learning Center by delivering an electronic drum kit, two Epiphone Les Paul electric guitars, three acoustic guitars, 10 music stands, two wireless microphones and four microphone stands to add to the 15 keyboards, one bass guitar and amp and other accompanying resources previously donated by Little Kids Rock.rnrnEach year BeachGlow, the all-volunteer and only nonprofit dance music concert producer in the nation, selects a worthy charity to be the beneficiary at its annual beach music festival, which raises tens of thousands of dollars. Past beneficiaries include Harmony Ministries in Haiti, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, and the American Red Cross. The beneficiary of 2015 and 2016 is Little Kids Rock.rnrnBeachGlow’s 2015 summer music festival in Atlantic City was cut short due to dangerous weather, but Kunkel remains dedicated to helping Little Kids Rock, which uses the funds raised to donate instruments, popular music curriculum, and training to public school teachers in the area. Last year’s festival resulted in new music programs for two Atlantic City public schools and eight Philadelphia public schools.rnrn“I am so excited to extend and expand our positive impact on kids’ lives through music,” says Kunkel. “Our mission at BeachGlow is to use the power of music to raise awareness among young people about important social issues and causes and to raise funds for charities that directly affect youth. Little Kids Rock’s mission is to make sure all kids have this powerful medium – music — available to them in school.”rnrnKunkel, his family, and staff – whom are all volunteer – will feature Little Kids Rock in its year-long promotions, and at the beach-based summer music festival. Through this partnership, BeachGlow will help Little Kids Rock unlock kids’ inner music-makers and inspire them to live rich, purposeful lives.rnrn“We are so grateful to be the charity beneficiary of BeachGlow: Concerts for Charity once again,” says Little Kids Rock founder and CEO, David Wish. “It will be a very special moment when Dane gets to literally deliver the gift of music to Philadelphia public school students that could really use the support!”rnrnWHERE: Franklin Learning Center, 616 N. 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19130rnWHEN: Thursday, January 14, 10:00 – 10:30amrnAbout BeachGlow: Concerts for Charity, Inc. rnrnBeachGlow: Concerts for Charity, Inc. is a national nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that gives 100 percent of its proceeds to charity. The company was founded in 2011 by Dane Kunkel, who was 16 at the time. BeachGlow was incorporated in 2012, trademarked in 2013, and received 501(c)(3) status in 2014. Today, Kunkel heads up a board of directors, a growing staff, and many festival volunteers who make it possible to raise money and awareness for worthy causes. For more information, please visit http://www.BeachGlow.org.rnrnAbout Little Kids Rock rnLittle Kids Rock is a national nonprofit that is dedicated to unlocking children’s inner music makers by revitalizing music education in public schools. The organization partners with school districts to train public school teachers to run its innovative Modern Band curriculum and donates all of the accompanying instruments and resources necessary to teach popular music in a way that empowers students to experience instant achievement. Little Kids Rock started as a schoolteacher’s vision to give his students access to music education while diminishing budgets for the arts made that more and more difficult to do. What began as a single after-school guitar class has since exploded into a national movement that is bringing free, weekly music lessons to more than 200,000 public school children due to the efforts of more than 1,500 teachers in 29 cities nationwide. To date, Little Kids Rock has served over 400,000 students. http://www.LittleKidsRock.org

Theo tin Pennsylvania LotteryrnrnMIDDLETOWN, Pa., Jan. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Already the largest lottery jackpot in U.S. history, the Powerball® jackpot for Saturday, January 9, was boosted again on Friday to an $800 million annuity value or a $496 million cash prize – due to brisk ticket sales.rnrnThe jackpot rolled to $675 million on Wednesday night. On Thursday, continuing strong ticket sales pushed it to a $700 million annuity value or a $428.4 million cash prize.rnrn"We are into uncharted territory with this historic jackpot, so please don't wait to buy your ticket," said Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. "Some have suggested that it could reach $1 billion if it rolls again — but considering how many tickets are being sold for Saturday, the chances of another jackpot roll seem slim."rnrnThis jackpot has been rolling since the November 4, 2015, drawing. Since then, in Pennsylvania alone, Powerball has produced one $2 million winner, two $1 million winners and nearly 1.2 million winners of over $13.6 million in prizes. rnrnLottery retailers statewide are reporting brisk ticket sales. Tickets for the next Powerball drawing will be available until 9:59 p.m. on Saturday, January 9. The televised drawing takes place at 11 p.m. in Tallahassee, Florida.rnrnIf this jackpot is won by a Pennsylvania player, it would become the state's 20th multi-state jackpot win. The Pennsylvania Lottery has sold 17 jackpot-winning Powerball tickets and two jackpot-winning Mega Millions tickets.rnrnThe largest Powerball prize Pennsylvania has ever awarded was a $110.2 million cash-value jackpot claimed by a New Jersey couple in May, 2004. The state's largest Powerball group win was a $107.5 million cash jackpot shared by 48 transit workers in the Philadelphia area in April, 2012.rnrnSvitko reminded players that it only takes one ticket to win.rnrn"No matter the jackpot level, we encourage all players to always play responsibly," Svitko added. "A fun way to do that is to pool your ticket purchases with friends or family members, and we offer Pool Play forms on palottery.com that make it easy to manage your pool."rnrnHow to play Powerball: Players pay $2 and select five white balls from the first set of 69 numbers plus a single red ball, the Powerball, from a second set of 26 numbers. Players may select their own numbers using a Powerball playslip, or they may opt for computer-selected quick picks. Players must match all five numbers drawn plus the Powerball number to win the jackpot. There also are eight additional ways for players to win a cash prize.rnrnPurchasing the $1 Power Play option allows a winner to increase lower-tier prizes by a factor of 2, 3, 4 or 5, depending on the Power Play number drawn. A 10X multiplier will be available for the Match 4+1 prize and lower prize tiers when the jackpot is at or below $150 million, or when announced. The jackpot and the Match 5 prize are not multiplied. The Match 5 prize with the Power Play option is worth $2 million. It is $1 million without Power Play.rnrnPowerball is sold in 44 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In Pennsylvania, tickets are sold until 9:59 p.m. on drawing nights, Wednesday and Saturday.rnrnAbout the Pennsylvania Lottery: The Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state lottery that designates all its proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. Since its inception in 1971, the Pennsylvania Lottery has contributed more than $25.8 billion to programs that include property tax and rent rebates; free transit and reduced-fare shared rides; the low-cost prescription drug programs PACE and PACENET; long-term living services; and the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, including full- and part-time senior centers throughout the state.rnrnThe Pennsylvania Lottery reminds players to check every ticket, every time. Players must be 18 or older. Please play responsibly. For help with a gambling problem, call 1-800-848-1880.rnrnFor drawings results, winning numbers, winners' stories and to subscribe to the Lottery's RSS news feed, visit www.palottery.com. Like us on Facebook at or follow us at www.twitter.com/palottery. rnrnMEDIA CONTACT: Lottery Public Relations, 717-702-8008rnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania LotteryrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.palottery.comrnMore by this SourcernrnPowerball Soars: $900 Million Jackpotrn12:01 ETrnCash 5 Jackpot of $325,000 Won in Westmoreland CountyrnJan 08, 2016, 09:24 ETrnPennsylvania Powerball Quickly Boosted to Record $700 Million JackpotrnJan 07, 2016, 11:43 ETrnView all news by Pennsylvania LotteryrnJournalists and BloggersrnrnrnrnVisit PR Newswire for Journalists, our free resources for releases, photos and customized feeds. You can also send a free ProfNet request for experts.