Category: Press Releases

Starting this week constituents can meet with Congressional staff every 1st Wednesday at the Salvation Army Kroc Center and every Tuesday in Northwest PhillyrnrnWASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-02) announced today that his mobile office locations will grow to two additional locations in his Philadelphia-area district. Starting this week, representatives from Congressman Fattah's staff will be available on the first Wednesday of every month at the Salvation Army Kroc Center on Wissahickon Avenue. An eighth mobile location was also added in Northwest Philadelphia.rnrn"Each week constituents are invited to visit my staff at one of our mobile offices located around the district. Now—with the addition of two new mobile locations—we are expanding our commitment to reach you where you are, understanding that it's not always possible for you to visit my district office," Congressman Fattah said. "I urge any resident of my district who needs help with a federal agency, or wants to learn more about my work in Philadelphia and Washington, to stop by their nearest mobile office today."rnrnSince launching his mobile offices almost a year ago, staff have met and helped thousands of Pennsylvanians during the weekly office hours. The informal format offers additional opportunities for constituents to interact face-to-face with Congressional representatives and have their questions answered and voices heard.rnrnMobile office hours are open to the public and require no appointment. Mobile office locations are open from 10AM-5PM on their specified day, unless otherwise noted:rnrnEvery Tuesday from 10AM to 3PM – COUNCILWOMAN BASS' DISTRICT OFFICErn4439-A Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144rnrn1st Tuesday of Each Month – ROXBOROUGH YMCArn7201 Ridge Ave Philadelphia, PA 19128rnrn2nd Tuesday of Each Month – WEST PHILADELPHIA YMCArn5120 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19139rnrn3rd Tuesday of Each Month – COLUMBIA NORTH YMCArn1400 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19121rnrn1st Wednesday of Each Month – SALVATION ARMY KROC CENTERrn4200 Wissahickon Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19129rnrn2nd Wednesday of Each Month – CHRISTIAN STREET YMCArn1724 Christian Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146rnrn3rd Wednesday of Each Month – THE PALMrn117 Ardmore Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003rnrn4th Wednesday of Each Month – HAVERFORD YMCA rn891 N. Eagle Road, Havertown, PA 19083rnrn rnrnSOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka FattahrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.fattah.house.gov

PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia responded to the first frigid weather of the 2015-2016 winter season by declaring a Code Blue beginning at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, January 4th until approximately 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5th.rnrn“We have had a mild winter so far and this is the first real cold snap of the season, so I want to encourage citizens to stay indoors – wherever you may be – limit your exposure to the elements, keep warm, check in on your elderly neighbors and practice safe home heating,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “Most importantly, if you see someone in need, contact the appropriate authorities for help.”rnrnCity of Philadelphia departments have compiled a list of helpful cold weather tips for citizens:rnrnCitizens should contact the Project Home Outreach Hotline (215-232-1984) if they observe a homeless person(s) in need of assistance. During the call, citizens should provide the address, location and description of the person in need.rnrnWinter-Proof Your Home: Residents can take steps to avoid expensive plumbing repairs, costly damage to personal property stored in unheated areas, and keep the water flowing freely in their home in the winter by following these easy-to-do tips to maintain home water systems:rnrnShut off outside water faucets from the inside valves. To drain these faucets, leave the outside valves open.rnKeep the area around your water meter above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.rnWrap your water meter and its connecting pipe with insulation.rnCaulk windows near water meters or pipes. Cover these windows with plastic.rnReplace or cover cracked or broken windows.rnWrap and insulate all water pipes in unheated areas such as sheds, under kitchen floors, and in garages.rnLet water trickle overnight in extremely cold weather to keep your pipesrnfrom freezing.rnIf the water service line or other internal pipes freeze or break, call a plumber to thaw the frozen water in the service line or to repair the damaged or broken pipe.rnrnIf you don’t have water in your home, check with your neighbors to determine if there is an issue with the pipes in your home, or if there may be a bigger problem with a City pipe. If many people do not have water on your block, call 3-1-1 or the Water Department to report the issue.rnrnPrevent Fires and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Many fires and emergencies happen every year in Philadelphia because of faulty heating units. Call the Department of Licenses and Inspections at 215-686-2463 for a fire inspection if you are unsure whether your heat source is safe. If you rent and do not have heat, contact your building owner. If your heat does not come back on within a reasonable time, contact the Department of Licenses and Inspections at 215-686-2463.rnrnUse electric heaters with extreme caution to prevent shock, fire and burns. Keep items at least three feet from heat sources, to help prevent fire. Never use a gas oven or burner to heat your home.rnrnThe Philadelphia Fire Code permits the use of portable kerosene heaters only in one and two family dwellings. Portable propane heaters can only be use outdoors. Keep heater at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including furniture, bedding, clothing, pets, and people. Only use space heaters to heat a room. Never use them to cook food, dry clothes or heat water for humidification. Always keep portable heaters away from the entrance to rooms, in case you need to get out quickly. Don’t use extension cords with electric heaters. If you must use an extension cord, only use a properly rated extension cord that doesn’t get hot when in use at the highest setting.rnrnAlways have a working smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector in rooms where you sleep, especially when using portable heaters. Test the smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector to make sure they are working properly. You should have at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home and in each bedroom.rnrnKeep Your Pets Safe and Warm This Winter: Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze, become lost or be stolen, injured or killed. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.rnrnNever leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.rnrnIt is against City ordinance to leave a dog outside without shelter during Code Blue conditions. If you see a dog outside without appropriate shelter, call the Pennsylvania ASPCA at 215-426-6300.rnrnStay informedrnrnTune to local news for weather updates.rnFor more winter weather tips, visit the Philadelphia Office of EmergencyrnManagement online at www.phila.gov/ready. You can also follow @PhilaOEM on Twitter or find them on Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, YouTube and Blogspot.rnOther City Twitter accounts to follow for information: @PhiladelphiaGov; @Philly311; @PhilaStreets; @PhillyPolice; and @PhillyFireDept.rnPOSTED ONrnJanuary 6, 2016rnFROMrnOffice of the Mayor

PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim F. Kenney was sworn in as the 99th Mayor of the City of Philadelphia in a morning ceremony at the Academy of Music. Mayor Kenney delivered his Inaugural Address during the ceremony; text of the speech as prepared follows. Please check against delivery.rnrn“First, thank you to my parents and my children for their support today and on all days.rnrnThank you also to the Council President and City Council for having me — and a special congratulations to our new members. I look forward to working together in the years to come.rnrnAnd, finally, thank you to Governor Rendell, Mayor Street, Mayor Green, Mayor Goode, Mayor Nutter, Justice Dougherty and all our tremendous city workers. The collective decades of service to Philadelphia in this room today is truly awesome. So, please, everyone, join me in giving our city’s leaders and workers a round of applausernrnI asked some of my predecessors for advice on the address I’m about to deliver. And above all else, they asked that I keep it brief. Admittedly, that’s never really been a big problem for me. Back in February, I believe I sped-read what was supposed to be a fifteen-minute announcement speech in about 60 secondsrnrnWe actually held that first campaign speech in the Mayor’s Reception Room. I wanted to launch our campaign there because the first time I was ever in City Hall was when my mother took me to that very room to see my father promoted in the Fire Department.rnrnFrom a pretty early age, I understood that Dad didn’t just work to support our family…he worked for all of Philadelphia’s families. And that meant that, sometimes, he was even going to be required to put other families’ before our own.rnrnWhen you’re a child, that kind of sacrifice just seems normal. It’s your reality. But looking back, I see how extraordinary the sacrifice was that both my parents made. During my Dad’s long hours at the firehouse, my mother raised all four of us, while also working outside the home, so that we could attend parochial school.rnrnWhen I went to the Prep, the Jesuit Brothers articulated my parents’ sacrifices as “magis,” which loosely translated means “doing more”.rnrnAt the end of the day, it was the Jesuits’ teaching and my parents’ selflessness that led me to this stage. Together, they taught me that you can never truly be happy unless you’re serving othersrnrnOver the last year, I articulated a lot of different ways that I believe our administration can serve the city: expanded pre-k, stronger neighborhood commercial corridors, community schools, community policing. And while those policies cover a wide range of issues, they all come from one fundamental truth: government functions properly when it’s accessible and accountable to the people.rnrnI learned that truth in my earliest days working for the government. I started my political career working in constituent services. It was my job to help folks get their water turned back on, to change the alley lights, and to replace the basketball net at the rec center. And when you spend all day on the phone with people, you realize that when government just works as it’s supposed to, it can dramatically change people’s livesrnrnFor the one in four people in this city living in poverty, an effective public transportation system can make the difference of whether or not they can afford to go to a job interview. For a young family, affordable pre-k can make the difference of whether or not they save for college. For an immigrant entrepreneur, a City Commerce representative who can speak their native language can make the difference between a business that succeeds or fails.rnrnAccordingly, the vision that will guide my administration is that City government should first and foremost deliver efficient, effective services to all Philadelphians; regardless if they live in the Northeast or Southwest; if they’re a new transplant or if their family has lived here for generationsrnrnThat may sound like a “back to basics” approach. But, in reality, it is as large and as difficult a goal as has ever been announced on this stage.rnrnProviding efficient and effective services means that our government has to be ethical and open with taxpayers about the work they pay us to do.rnrnProviding efficient and effective services means educating all our children where they live. Our kids should not have to wake up before dawn and take three different buses to get to a good school. But in order to make quality schools in every neighborhood a reality, we will need the private sector and our non-profit partners to come together with the city to create community schools.rnrnProviding efficient and effective services also means that everyone feels that they can walk the streets safely and with dignity. But in order to make that a reality in Philadelphia, we will have to all put aside our differences and acknowledge both: that black lives do matter, and that the overwhelming majority of our police are decent, hard working public servants who risk their lives every day. We just need to give them the tools to establish strong relationships with the communities they are sworn to protect and serve.rnrnFurthermore, providing efficient and effective services means that parents working two or three jobs will not live in poverty. But in order to create a living wage economy: our large, corporate banks will have to invest in our small, neighborhood businesses, our C-suite executives will have to hire our returning citizens, and we will have to stop pitting the growth of blue collar jobs at the Port against white collar jobs in our hospitals and tech firms – we have to do both.rnrnTo achieve this vision, we will all have to work together. Government simply cannot do it alone – we need our businesses, our non-profits, our universities and everyday Philadelphians to come together and row in the same direction.rnrnThat kind of unity may seem impossible to some, but there are so many Philadelphians who are already doing it. There are volunteer mentors who go to South Philly High School every day to keep our kids in school and off the streets. There are corporations that fund scholarships for our parochial students, like the Neumann Goretti’s Women Basketball Team, so that those young women could become not only national champions on the court, but also the first in their families to go to college. There are police officers who volunteer with PAL programs, so that more children’s first interaction with police officers are positive and fun. There are community activists who organize so that we are all forced to acknowledge and do something about injustice in our society. There are community development corporations that work with neighbors and developers to make sure that our city grows but doesn’t lose our oldest residents in the process.rnrnSo, to those Philadelphians and all the rest who have entrusted me with this great responsibility, thank you. I promise to serve you, to be accountable to you and, most importantly, to work with you. So we can make every Philadelphia neighborhood the best that it can be.”rnrnContact: press@phila.govrnrnPOSTED ONrnJanuary 4, 2016rnFROMrnOffice of the Mayor

10:00 a.m.: Kenney is sworn in as the 99th Mayor of the City of PhiladelphiarnWhere: The Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102rnrn12:30 p.m.: Kenney and other newly inaugurated elected officials greets Philadelphians on his way from the Academy to City HallrnWhere: Begins at Broad and Locust Streets and processes Northrnrn2:00 p.m: Kenney attends various City Council receptionsrnWhere: Various Offices, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107rnrn3:15 p.m: Kenney signs Executive OrdersrnWhere: Mayor’s Reception Room 202, City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107rnrn5:00 p.m: Kenney attends reception for The Fund for the School District of PhiladelphiarnWhere: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 119 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104rnrn6:30 p.m: Kenney gives remarks at Kenney 2015 Inaugural Block PartyrnWhere: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 119 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104rnrn###rnrnPOSTED ONrnJanuary 4, 2016rnFROMrnOffice of the Mayor

Unlike defaulting on mortgages, car loans and credit cards, student loans are largely non-dischargeable. Watch "Student Loans (and Other Things) You Can Never Discharge Under Bankruptcy?"rn

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rnPHILADELPHIA, PA (PRWEB) DECEMBER 31, 2015rnrnTaxes, marital support and student loans. None of these are dischargeable under Chapter 7. Or are they?rnrnWatch The American Law Journal television new video now online ”Student Loans (and Other Things) You Can Never Discharge Under Bankruptcy?”rnrnHost attorney Christopher Naughton welcomed Pennsylvania debtor’s attorney George Lutz, creditor’s counsel Jon Pearson of Ballard Spahr and consumer rights attorney Mark Cuker of Williams Cuker Berezofsky. The attorney panel examined how student loans have been characterized so differently compared with mortgages, auto loans and credit card debt.rnrn”BAPCPA (the ‘new’ bankruptcy laws of 2005) made it slightly more difficult to write off student loans, but that pertained to private loans, which makes up a vey small segment of the student loan population,” said Pearson in the discussion. “Even before there was a Bankruptcy code, Congress did not want people walking away from their loans. And showing an ‘undue hardship’ has become more difficult over time as well.”rnrnAbout The American Law JournalrnThe American Law Journal is the weekly talk-feature program airing Monday evenings on the CNN-News affiliate for Philadelphia WFMZ-TV 69. All programs are available at http://www.LawJournalTV.com.rnrnThe program won an Emmy for the program "Sexual Orientation, LGBT & the Workplace: ENDA of Discrimination?" in the Interview/Discussion category of the 2015 Emmy Awards in the Mid Atlantic chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The program was also nominated in three other categories.

Festivals, Exhibitions And Events In The Greater Philadelphia Region January 2016 Through December 2016rnrnJANUARY 2016rnrnThrough January 3, 2016rnSPEAKING OUT FOR EQUALITY: THE CONSTITUTION, GAY RIGHTS, AND THE SUPREME COURT. In honor of the 50th anniversary of one of the nation’s first gay rights demonstrations, this exhibit at the National Constitution Center addresses the Reminder Day demonstrations outside of Independence Hall and explores the impact the demonstrations had on the gay rights movement. (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.orgrnrnThrough January 4, 2016 rnSTRENGTH AND SPLENDOR: WROUGHT IRON FROM THE MUSÉE LE SECQ DES TOURNELLES, ROUEN. At the Barnes Foundation, 150 works—dating from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century—show iron’s versatility. (215) 278-7350, barnesfoundation.orgrnrnThrough January 7, 2016rnMIND ILLUMINDATED: ART AND THE BRAIN. The Mütter Museum presents Philadelphia artist and neuroscientist Greg Dunn’s widely acclaimed paintings that blend art and science. (215) 560-8564, muttermuseum.orgrnrnThrough January 10, 2016 rnAUDUBON TO WARHOL: THE ART OF AMERICAN STILL LIFE. Featuring oil paintings and watercolors from the early 19th to the mid-20th centuries, this exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art displays masterpieces drawn from private and public collections across the country. (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.orgrnrnThrough January 10, 2016 rnREPTILES: THE BEAUTIFUL AND THE DEADLY. Deadly snakes, colorful lizards and bizarre turtles from around the world make appearances at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. (215) 299-1000, ansp.orgrnrnThrough January 10, 2016rnA CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL. After two sold-out seasons on Broadway, this classic holiday movie from 1983 comes to the Walnut Street Theatre stage. The show incorporates heartfelt songs and plenty of humor as audiences follow Ralphie through all of the obstacles that stand between him and his Christmas dream. (215) 574-3550, www.walnutstreettheatre.org/rnrnThrough January 10, 2016rnTHE THREE MUSKETEERS (THE LATER YEARS). This musical adventure comes to the People’s Light & Theatre. It stars Athos, Porthos, Artemis and a chicken hunt for justice against the evil Lord Mazorotti. (610) 644-3500, peopleslight.orgrnrnThrough January 10, 2016rnA LONGWOOD GARDENS CHRISTMAS. Thousands of poinsettias, towering Christmas trees and fragrant flowers transform Longwood Gardens’ indoor gardens, where concerts take place daily. Outside, 500,000 lights glitter in the trees, and fountains dance to seasonal music. (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.orgrnrnThrough January 17, 2016 rnLEGO® CASTLE ADVENTURE. This popular traveling exhibition makes its last stop at the Mercer Museum. Families discover the world of castle-building using one of the greatest building materials of all time—LEGO bricks. (215) 345-0210, mercermuseum.orgrnrnJanuary 1, 2016rnMUMMERS PARADE. Thousands of decorative strutters kick off the New Year by marching along Broad Street in this festive day-long event. One of the five Mummers divisions, the Fancy Brigades, put on two elaborate Broadway-style performances for ticket holders at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. phillymummers.comrnrnJanuary 19-March 6, 2016rnHARVEY. This Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway and Hollywood comedy comes to the Walnut Street Theatre. It’s a laugh-out-loud comedy about Elwood P. Dowd and his invisible rabbit, Harvey. When Elwood’s sister takes him to a sanatorium, the doctor mistakenly commits Elwood’s sister as a patient. Elwood and Harvey slip out of the hospital and go into town, creating chaos and confusion for everyone. (215) 574-3550, walnutstreettheatre.comrnrnJanuary 29-February 28, 2016rnEXIT STRATEGY. At the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, the Philadelphia Theatre Company presents a thrilling play about a public school in Chicago targeted for closure as faculty and students fight to keep it open. (215) 985-0420, philadelphiatheatrecompany.orgrnrnJanuary 30-February 7, 2016rnPHILADELPHIA AUTO SHOW. The Pennsylvania Convention Center transforms into a car lover’s dream, with 700 pre-production, hot-production, classic and green vehicles from a range of manufacturers. phillyautoshow.comrnrnJanuary 30-May 30, 2016 rnTARANTULAS: ALIVE AND UP CLOSE. The most fearsome of spiders are on view at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, with 20 different species of live tarantulas available for face-to-face encounters and interactive activities. (215) 299-1000, ansp.orgrnrnFEBRUARY 2016rnrnThrough February 7, 2016rnNATURAL SELECTIONS: ANDREW WYETH PLANT STUDIES. A selection of Andrew Wyeth’s watercolor and pencil studies at the Brandywine Museum of Art highlights the beauty and intricacy of nature’s designs in segmented forms. (610) 388-2700, brandywine.org/museumrnrnFebruary 4-7, 2016rnSTRENGTH AND LONGING. The Pennsylvania Ballet experiments with movements and sounds of cool jazz and troubled beats reflecting the post-war era at the Academy of Music. (215) 893-1999, paballet.orgrnrnFebruary 10-March 20, 2016rnSENSE AND SENSIBILITY. The regional premiere of this timeless tale by Jane Austen comes to People’s Light & Theatre. After the death of their father, the Dashwood sisters become penniless. Even though they have very different perspectives on life and love, they keep each other in line and support each other through everything. (610) 644-3500, peopleslight.orgrnrnFebruary 12-November 8, 2016rnHEADED TO THE WHITE HOUSE. What does it take to run for the highest office in the land? At the National Constitution Center, visitors become candidates with their own campaigns. As they learn the strategy and legacy of making a run for the White House, presidential wannabes engage with an interactive speech coach, make their own campaign stickers and create a TV commercial—all while learning about the constitutional legacy of national elections. (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.orgrnrnFebruary 13-November 27, 2016rnTHE GOLDEN AGE OF KING MIDAS. This exclusive world premiere exhibition at the Penn Museum features rare art and artifacts excavated from King Midas’ ancient city of Gordion, including items found in his father’s tomb. (215) 898-4000, penn.museumrnrnFebruary 21-May 9, 2016rnPICASSO: THE GREAT WAR, EXPERIMENTATION AND CHANGE. This traveling exhibition makes its first stop in Philadelphia at the Barnes Foundation. Inspired by the Columbus Museum of Art’s Still Life with Compote and Glass, the show features 50 works by Picasso and some 15 other works by his contemporaries. (215) 278-7350, barnesfoundation.orgrnrnFebruary 23-28, 2016rnPIPPIN. From the composer of Wicked comes this Tony Award®-winning musical at the Academy of Music. It features acrobatics, magical feats and unforgettable songs. (215) 893-1999, academyofmusic.orgrnrnFebruary 24-May 15, 2016rnINTERNATIONAL POP. This exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art chronicles a global phenomenon that generated distinct artistic forms due to the growing cultural, political and social landscapes of the 1950s and up to the early 1970s. This exhibit features 122 works from 20 artists that include paintings, sculptures and films. (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.orgrnrnMARCH 2016rnrnThrough March 20, 2016 rnART OF THE ZO: TEXTILES FROM MYANMAR, INDIA AND BANGLADESH. The Philadelphia Museum of Art showcases works made by the Zo peoples of South Asia, such as skirts, capes, blankets and more. In addition to textiles, the exhibit includes earrings, bracelets and necklaces. (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.orgrnrnThrough March 27, 2016 rnDRAWN FROM COURTLY INDIA: THE CONLEY HARRIS AND HOWARD TRUELOVE COLLECTION. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, practice sketches, drawings and lightly colored compositions dating to the 16th and 19th centuries capture the mysteries of the royal courts of Northern India. (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.orgrnrnMarch 3-13, 2016rnDON QUIXOTE. The Pennsylvania Ballet brings this classic novel to life at the Academy of Music with fancy footwork, authentic Spanish dancing and comic interludes as Don Quixote searches for his ideal woman. (215) 893-1999, paballet.orgrnrnMarch 5-6, 2016rnPALEOPALOOZA. This family festival celebrates dinosaurs and other fossils at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University with live birds, guided tours of Dinosaur Hall, games, crafts and other activities for dinosaur experts of all ages. (215) 299-1000, ansp.orgrnrnMarch 5-13, 2016rnPHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW. The Pennsylvania Convention Center is the site of the oldest and largest indoor show of its kind. The annual gardening celebration features top-of-the-line horticulture and landscape design, entertainment and more than 150 vendors. (215) 988-8800, theflowershow.comrnrnMarch 15, 2016-May 1, 2016rnPETER AND THE STARCATCHER. Based on a 2006 novel that serves as a prequel to Peter Pan, this Tony Award®-winning play comes to the Walnut Street Theatre. Audiences go on an adventure through Neverland as Molly and an orphan seek to find out how a boy named Peter became the boy who never grew up. (215) 574-3550, walnutstreettheatre.orgrnrnMarch 15-20, 2016rnTHE SOUND OF MUSIC. Rodger & Hammerstein’s beloved spirited and romantic musical comes to the Academy of Music. The award-winning story of Maria and the von Trapp family leaves audiences singing and toe-tapping. (215) 893-1999, academyofmusic.orgrnrnMarch 16-April 24, 2016rnRICHARD III. Based on the historical play by William Shakespeare, the People’s Light & Theatre chronicles England’s Richard III’s rise to power and his subsequent reign. (610) 644-3500, peopleslight.orgrnrnMarch 22-April 3, 2016rnBEAUTIFUL—THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL. This lively musical at the Academy of Music chronicles Carole King’s break in to the record business as a teenager, as well as her tumultuous personal life that led to finding her true voice. (215) 893-1999, academyofmusic.orgrnrnAPRIL 2016rnrnThrough April 3, 2016rnPROCESSION: THE ART OF NORMAN LEWIS. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts displays 90 paintings and works by Norman Lewis dating from the early 1930s to the late 1970s. (215) 972-7600, pafa.orgrnrnThrough April 6, 2016 rnWORK ON WHAT YOU LOVE: BRUCE MAU RETHINKING DESIGN. This exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art celebrates a world-renowned designer who focuses on solutions to global challenges. The display showcases his work within the last 10 years, including his current design “Massive Change Network.” (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.orgrnrnApril 8-10, 2016 rnTHE PHILADELPHIA INVITATIONAL FURNITURE SHOW. Held at the 23rd Street Armory, this nationally acclaimed show is the finest exhibition of one-of-a-kind home furnishings that run the gamut from innovative contemporary designs to adaptations of classical stylings. (215) 387-8590, philaifs.comrnrnApril 8-23, 2016rnPHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS (PIFA). A visually stunning, fire-based performance on the Camden waterfront kicks off the 15-day extravaganza, featuring 50+ events, a street fair and a large plaza installation at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. pifa.orgrnrnApril 8-May 8, 2016rnSEX WITH STRANGERS. This smart and funny play at the Philadelphia Theatre Company is about two people meeting by chance when they are trapped overnight in a remote bed and breakfast during a snowstorm. (215) 985-0420, philadelphiatheatrecompany.orgrnrnApril 22-30, 2016rnPHILADELPHIA SCIENCE FESTIVAL. With hands-on events for kids, sophisticated activities for adults and a carnival that takes place along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the Philadelphia Science Festival takes science out of the lab and demonstrates the role it plays in everyday life. (215) 448-1200, philasciencefestival.orgrnrnApril 28-30, 2016rnTHE PENN RELAYS. For the 121st year, high school, college and even professional track stars compete at Franklin Field during the oldest collegiate meet in the nation. With an average of one race every five minutes over 33 hours of competition, it’s the most action-packed too. (215) 898-6145, thepennrelays.comrnrnApril 2016 (TBD)rnFAIRMOUNT ARTS CRAWL. The bars, restaurants and shops in the Fairmount neighborhood turn into galleries. More than 30 businesses host more than 70 exhibits, in addition to live music, dancing, kids’ activities and live demonstrations. fairmountcdc.orgrnrnMAY 2016rnrnThrough May 15, 2016rnDOWN THE RABBIT HOLE: CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF ALICE IN WONDERLAND. When Alice fell down the rabbit hole 150 years ago, the world rushed to follow her adventures in wonderland. The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia celebrates the sesquicentennial of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with a host of exhibitions and programs that explore the literary classic. (215) 732-1600, rosenbach.orgrnrnMay 1, 2016 rnBROAD STREET RUN. The 36th annual run, which raises money for the American Cancer Society, spans 10 miles from Olney to South Philadelphia. (215) 683-3594, broadstreetrun.comrnrnMay 1-31, 2016rnCELEBRATION OF BLACK WRITING. One of the oldest African-American literary events in the nation comes to Philadelphia each year and includes conferences and performing and literary arts with acclaimed journalists, writers, singers and performing artists from across the United States. (215) 232-4485, artsanctuary.orgrnrnMay 12-15, 2016rnA PROGRAM OF FIRSTS. The Pennsylvania Ballet performs a contemporary interpretation of classical-style ballet along with exceptional choreography at the Academy of Music. (215) 893-1999, paballet.orgrnrnMay 13-June 5, 2016 rnANNUAL STUDENT EXHIBITION. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the country’s oldest and largest art museum and school, previews the works of graduate and undergraduate art students during this 115th annual exhibition. (215) 972-7600, pafa.orgrnrnMay 13-14, 2016 rnABERDEEN DAD VAIL REGATTA. The largest collegiate regatta in the world takes place on the Schuylkill River and attracts more than 3,000 competitors from 125 colleges across the country and Canada. (215) 542 -1443, dadvail.orgrnrnMay 15-22, 2016 rnNEW HOPE CELEBRATES PRIDE. This annual New Hope, Bucks County event includes the Pride Parade, athletic events, performances, a dance and more. (215) 431-6674, newhopecelebrates.comrnrnMay 17-July 17, 2016rnSISTER ACT. The 1990s hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg comes to the stage at the Walnut Street Theatre with original music by eight-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Newsies). Lounge singer Deloris winds up hiding in a convent, finding lifelong friends and helping them find their voices. (215) 574-3550, walnutstreettheatre.orgrnrnMay 21-22, 2016 rnSOUTH 9TH STREET ITALIAN MARKET FESTIVAL. This annual festival features live entertainment, games and food, plus the Italian Market’s dazzling array of homemade sausages, delicious cannolis, imported meats and cheeses, luscious cappuccino, butcher-cut beef and poultry, specialty cookware and fresh pastas. (215) 545-4543, italianmarketfestival.comrnrnMay 21-22, 2016 rnSTRAWBERRY FESTIVAL. Strawberries of all sorts, live entertainment and pie-eating contests are just a couple of the festivities at this free annual event at Peddler’s Village. (215) 794-4000, peddlersvillage.comrnrnMay 26-June 5, 2016rnDEVON HORSE SHOW AND COUNTRY FAIR. The country’s oldest and largest event of its kind features hunters, jumpers, Saddlebreds, four-in-hand coaching, exhibitions and an old-fashioned fair at the Devon Show Grounds. (610) 964-0550, devonhorseshow.netrnrnMay 27-June 26, 2016rnHILARY AND CLINTON. The Philadelphia Theatre Company presents a provocative story about gender, power and possibilities in an alternate universe. Visitors to the Suzanne Roberts Theatre watch as a woman named Hilary tries to become president. (215) 985-0420, philadelphiatheatrecompany.orgrnrnMay 28-30, 2016 rnBRANDYWINE RIVER MUSEUM ANTIQUES SHOW. Outstanding furniture, glass, metalware, ceramics, folk art, quilts and other fine antiques from across the nation are featured at the Brandywine River Museum of Art. (610) 388-2700, brandywinemuseum.orgrnrnMay 28-30, 2016rnPHILADELPHIA ANTIQUES SHOW. Held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, this show features more than 50 exhibitors showcasing decorative art from Colonial through mid-century times with a variety of styles, antique silver, jewelry, books and prints. thephiladelphiaantiquesshow.orgrnrnMay 28-September 5, 2016 rnGARDEN RAILWAY. The Morris Arboretum presents G-scale model trains running along a quarter-mile track that features seven loops and tunnels with 12 rail lines, two cable cars and nine bridges. (215) 247-5777, morrisarboretum.orgrnrnMay-September 2016rnPECO MULTICULTURAL SERIES. Penn’s Landing celebrates the diverse cultures that make Philadelphia a distinct city through free events that include the Hispanic Fiesta, Islamic Heritage Festival, Irish Festival and Southeast Asian Dragon Boat Festival, among others. (215) 222-2FUN, delawareriverevents.comrnrnMay 2016 (TBD)rnRITTENHOUSE ROW SPRING FESTIVAL. Shopping and dining venues in the Rittenhouse neighborhood come together for a public street fest for a day of music, outdoor shopping, fashion events, international entertainment and food from some of the city’s most renowned restaurants. rittenhouserow.orgrnrnMay 2016 (TBD)rnTRENTON AVENUE ARTS FESTIVAL. During the annual festival, people who stroll along the Kensington/Fishtown neighborhood street find an incredible mix of local artists, musicians and food. The same day, the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby celebrates human-powered transit by pitting mobile sculptures against one another along a three-mile urban obstacle course. trentonaveartsfest.orgrnrnMay 2016 (TBD)rnROOTS PICNIC. Philly’s own Grammy®-winning hip-hop band The Roots bring together artists from various genres for a daylong concert at the Festival Pier at Penn’s Landing. (215) 928-8801, delawareriverevents.comrnrnJUNE 2016rnrnJune 9-12, 2016rnBALANCHINE AND BEYOND. Inspired by the medieval belief that humans have four temperaments, the Pennsylvania Ballet dancers fill the stage at the Academy of Music with emotions ranging from gloom to passion to anger. (215) 893-1999, paballet.orgrnrnJune 2-4, 2016 rnPHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL. Musicians, dancers, actors, jugglers, puppeteers and acrobats delight young audiences at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts during this 32nd annual event. (215) 898-3900, annenbergcenter.orgrnrnJune 3-12, 2016rnPHILLY BEER WEEK. The seventh annual celebration of the city’s vibrant beer culture features events ranging from tastings of locally crafted brews in cozy neighborhood taprooms to educational offerings like guided tastings and lectures or prix-fixe beer-pairing dinners. phillybeerweek.orgrnrnJune 12, 2016rnODUNDE FESTIVAL. The largest African-American street festival on the East Coast comes to South Street during this annual event that features cultural, historical and family-friendly events. (215) 732-8510, odundefestival.orgrnrnJune 12, 2016rnPRIDEDAY LGBT PARADE AND FESTIVAL. Celebrate gay pride with live music, food, drinks and the annual parade that marches on from 13th and Locust streets to Penn’s Landing. (215) 875-9288, phillypride.orgrnrnJune 16, 2016 rnBLOOMSDAY. James Joyce fans spend the day outside The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia to hear some of Philadelphia’s most interesting personalities read the author’s classic novel Ulysses during this open-air festival. (215) 732-1600, rosenbach.orgrnrnJune 23-September 5, 2016rnEMBRACING THE CONTEMPORARY: THE KEITH L. AND KATHERINE SACHS COLLECTIONS OF CONTEMPORARY ART. One of the finest exhibitions of contemporary art in the U.S. comes to the Philadelphia Museum of Art with outstanding works featuring European and American artists. (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.orgrnrnJune 25-26, 2016 rnMANAYUNK ARTS FESTIVAL. Featuring nearly 300 artists from around the country, along with crafts, food and music, this two-day festival runs along bustling Main Street in Philadelphia’s Manayunk neighborhood. (215) 482-9565, manayunk.comrnrnJune 25, 2016-January 16, 2017 rnDINOSAURS UNEARTHED. This multi-sensory experience at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University showcases roaring, moving, life-size dinosaurs, plus a dig site for young paleontologists. (215) 299-1000, ansp.orgrnrnJULY 2016rnrnJuly 2-October 9, 2016rnGET THE PICTURE! RECENT CHILDREN’S BOOK ILLUSTRATION. Today’s major American artists who create children’s picture book art star in this exhibit at the Brandywine River Museum of Art. The paintings and drawings of eight talented people demonstrate the range and inclusiveness of the field. (610) 388-2700, brandywine.orgrnrnJuly 4, 2016 (exact dates TBD)rnWAWA WELCOME AMERICA. Celebrating the nation’s birthday, Wawa Welcome America is a multi-day party with free events for all ages throughout the city—including concerts, a parade and fireworks. welcomeamerica.comrnrnJuly 5-10, 2016 rnQFLIX PHILADELPHIA. This annual festival celebrates all genres of film that pertain to or were created by members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. This year’s venues are clustered along and near the Avenue of the Arts: Kimmel Center, Prince Music Theater and University of the Arts. qflixphilly.comrnrnJuly 8-10, 2016 rnBLOBFEST. This three-day extravaganza in Phoenixville is centered around the horror/sci-fi flick The Blob and includes screenings, themed competitions, a street fair and the recreation of the pivotal scene where hundreds of scared townspeople flee the Colonial Theatre. (610) 917-1228, thecolonialtheatre.comrnrnJuly 16, 2016 rnBASTILLE DAY. The masses storm the castle on Eastern State Penitentiary as reenactors and audience members playfully recreate the storming of the Bastille at the nation’s first “modern” prison. Emceed by “Edith Piaf,” Philly’s version of this historic event includes performances by experimental cabaret troupes, dancing baguettes, Napoleon, Joan of Arc and Marie Antoinette throwing more than 3,000 Tastykakes out to the assembled crowd. (215) 236-3300, easternstate.orgrnrnJuly 25-28, 2016rnDEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION. The Democratic Party plans to make history when they nominate their presidential candidate in Philadelphia. The city is used to being in the political spotlight: It hosted the DNC in 1936 and 1948 and the RNC in 1856 (the first), 1872, 1900, 1940, 1948 and 2000. phldnc.orgrnrnJuly 29-31, 2016 rnXPONENTIAL MUSIC FESTIVAL. WXPN, the public radio station of the University of Pennsylvania, brings together musical legends and new performers at Wiggins Park and the Susquehanna Bank Center on the Camden waterfront. xpn.orgrnrnAUGUST 2016rnrnAugust 4-7, 2016 rnBLACK STAR FILM FESTIVAL. Hailed by Ebony magazine as “the black Sundance,” this festival screens dozens of films about the global black experience and films by people of African descent. (267) 603-2755, blackstarfest.orgrnrnAugust 13, 2016rnBAYADA REGATTA. The BAYADA Regatta is the nation’s oldest and largest all-adaptive rowing competition for athletes with physical disabilities. Sponsored by BAYADA Home Health Care, the event takes place at the St. Joseph’s University Boathouse on the banks of the Schuylkill River. bayada.com/regattarnrnSEPTEMBER 2016rnrnSeptember 9-24, 2016rnFRINGE FESTIVAL. For two weeks of artistic pleasure, avant-garde performance meets street theater throughout the city. (215) 413-9006, fringearts.comrnrnSeptember 10-11, 2016rnMUSHROOM FESTIVAL. Kennett Square, the “Mushroom Capital of the World,” puts the fun in fungi during a weekend of food, music, parades, contests and other activities that are all part of this 31st annual festival. (610) 925-3300, mushroomfestival.orgrnrnSeptember 10-November 20, 2016 rnAUTUMN’S COLORS. Unusual gourds, a garden railway, dazzling chrysanthemums and live entertainment convert the floral sanctuary at Longwood Gardens into an autumnal wonderland. rn(610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.orgrnrnSeptember 12-November 1, 2016 rnSCARECROW COMPETITION AND DISPLAY. Throughout Peddler’s Village, 150 larger-than-life scarecrow creations are on display during this 37th annual event. (215) 794-4057, peddlersvillage.comrnrnSeptember 16-November 5, 2016 rnTERROR BEHIND THE WALLS. Eastern State Penitentiary invites thrill-seekers to celebrate Halloween by visiting a spooky haunted house inside an abandoned prison. (215) 236-3300, easternstate.orgrn rnrnSeptember 17-18, 2016rnSCARECROW FESTIVAL. Peddler’s Village hosts a weekend complete with scarecrow-making workshops, pumpkin painting, live entertainment and pumpkin pie-eating contests. (215) 794-4057, peddlersvillage.comrnrnSeptember 18, 2016 rnROCK ‘N’ ROLL PHILADEPHIA HALF MARATHON. Athletes enjoy miles, music and motivational crowds as they run throughout Fairmount Park dressed in Halloween gear to support the American Association for Cancer Research. (800) 311-1255, runrocknroll.comrn rnrnSeptember 25, 2016 rnDOWNINGTOWN FALL FEST. Neighbors and visitors enjoy live music, a variety of food, craft vendors and the Victory Beer Garden with a festival presented by Victory Brewing Company that blocks off East Lancaster Avenue. (610) 269-1523, downingtownfallfest.comrnrnSeptember 2016 (TBD)rnPHILADELPHA FOLK FESTIVAL. Philadelphia’s answer to Woodstock attracts musicians, storytellers and craftspeople for a weekend of song and merriment at Old Pool Farm. (800) 556-FOLK (3655), folkfest.orgrnrnOctober 2016rnrnOctober 1, 2016 rnPHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL. More than 140 teams race fiberglass dragon boats, complete with heads and tails, on a 500-meter course on the Schuylkill River. The annual fall event draws thousands of participants and spectators. (610) 642-2333, philadragonboatfestival.comrnrnrnOctober 6-14, 2016 rnDESIGN PHILADELPHIA. The largest and oldest festival of its kind in the nation with 120 events representing 400 nationally recognized designers is celebrated each fall, when venues all over town host exhibits, lectures, workshops and demonstrations that highlight architecture, fashion, furniture, multimedia and urban-planning design. designphiladelphia.orgrnrnOctober 8-9 (Studios West of Broad Street), 22-23 (Studios East of Broad Street) 2016 rn17th ANNUAL PHILADELPHIA OPEN STUDIO TOURS. Art connoisseurs and novices visit local artists of all mediums in their studios, found in neighborhoods throughout the city. (215) 546-7775, philaopenstudios.orgrnrnOctober 9, 2016rnOUTFEST. Part of the National Coming Out Day Festival, this event is the largest of its kind in the world. (215) 875-9288, phillypride.org rn rnrnOctober 20-30, 2016 rnPHILADELPHIA FILM FESTIVAL. The 25th annual festival showcases the best in independent and foreign cinema in theaters and venues throughout Philadelphia. (267) 239-2941, filmadelphia.orgrnrnOctober 21-22, 2016 rnHARRY POTTER FESTIVAL. The wizards of Hogwarts take over as Chestnut Hill transforms into a min-Hogsmeade with a costume parade, Horcruz hunt, Dumbledore’s Powers Maze, Potter Pub Crawl and more. (267) 239-2941, chestnuthillpa.comrnrnOctober 29-30, 2016 rnHEAD OF THE SCHUYLKILL REGATTA. Rowers as well as landlubbers look forward to one of the nation’s largest and most festive rowing events featuring athletes of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to Olympic-level racers. (215) 280-0483, hosr.orgrnrnOctober 2016-January 2017rnPAINT THE REVOLUTION: MEXICAN MODERNISM 1910-1950. This exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art explores the development of art in Mexico during this time period. The display showcases images, mural sketches, books and photographs. (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.orgrnrnOctober 2016 (TBD)rnLIBERTY MEDAL. The National Constitution Center presents awards to individuals who strive to secure liberty for people all over the world, with recipients including men, women and organizations. (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org/libertymedalrnrnOctober 2016 (TBD)rnMIDTOWN VILLAGE FALL FESTIVAL. The neighborhood block party to an ultra-fun level with music, food, sidewalk sales and other festivities. (215) 733-0191, midtownvillagephilly.orgrnrnrnrn rnrnNOVEMBER 2016rnrnNovember 5-6, 2016 rnAPPLE FESTIVAL. The 43rd annual Apple Festival at Peddler’s Village honors the classic fruit with old-fashioned country apple butter, apple cider, apple dumplings, apple fritters, caramel-dipped apples and pie-eating contests. (215) 794-4000, peddlersvillage.comrnrnNovember 5, 2016-January 29, 2017rnRURAL MODERNISM. The Brandywine River Museum of Art presents 50 works that include creations by Georgia O’Keefe and N.C. Wyeth, as well as scenes from rural regions in New England and Pennsylvania. (610) 388-2700, brandywine.orgrnrnNovember 10-13, 2016 rnPHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART CRAFT SHOW. Handmade textiles, jewelry and houseware of the highest quality are presented by the Philadelphia Museum of Art at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. (215) 684-7930, pmacraftshow.orgrnrnNovember 18-20, 2016 rnGORE-TEX PHILADELPHIA MARATHON. With a fast course that winds through the city’s historic downtown, past the stunning Philadelphia Museum of Art and along scenic Boathouse Row, this marathon has been one of the country’s premier running events since 1994. The weekend also includes an 8K race, half-marathon, a Kids Fun Run and the Health & Fitness Expo. (215) 683-2122, philadelphiamarathon.comrnrnNovember 24, 2016rnTHANKSGIVING DAY PARADE. Celebrating its 97th year, the 1.4-mile spectacle along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is the oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade in the country, and it continues to dazzle visitors with massive balloons, eye-catching floats, festive music, entertaining performances and visits from Santa. (215) 581-4507, facebook.com/6abcthanksgivingdayparadernrnNovember 2016 (TBD) rnFIRST PERSON ARTS FESTIVAL. Taking place at various venues throughout the city, this annual event is the only one in the world dedicated exclusively to art based on personal experiences. The multidisciplinary festival features storytelling shows, memoir readings, film screenings, new works in performance, experiential tours and workshops. (267) 402-2055, firstpersonarts.orgrnrnNovember 2016 (TBD)rnAUTUMN'S COLORS. This seasonal festival at Longwood Gardens features unusual gourds, a garden railway, dazzling chrysanthemums and live entertainment that converts the floral sanctuary into an autumnal wonderland. (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.orgrnrnDECEMBER 2016rn rnrnDecember 2016 (TBD)rnTHE GLORIOUS SOUND OF CHRISTMAS. Grammy®-winning conductor Bramwell Tovey leads traditional carols as well as originals such as “Rittenhouse Carol” with The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. (215) 893-1999, philorch.orgrnrnDecember 2016 (TBD)rnTHE NUTCRACKER. Pennsylvania Ballet’s 52nd anniversary season features its annual performance of George Balanchine’s holiday classic at the Academy of Music. (215) 893-1999, paballet.orgrnrnDecember 2016 (TBD)rnARMY-NAVY GAME. America’s favorite college football rivalry returns to Philadelphia, marking the city’s 86th year as host. The Army-Navy Game goes down at Lincoln Financial Field. Will the Navy Midshipmen continue their 13-year winning streak, or will the Black Knights emerge victorious? armynavygame.comrn rnrn VISIT PHILADELPHIA® makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county area.rnrnOn Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.rnrnContact(s):rnJenea Robinson, (215) 599-2291rnDonna Schorr, (215) 599-0782

ABC Travel Guides for Kids Names Top 7 US Family Travel Destinations for 2016rn

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rnPHILADELPHIA, Dec. 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Philly takes the top spot, 3 Florida cities are featured and Detroit's comeback continues. . .rnrnPhiladelphia, PA Time for an authentic Philly cheesesteak and a visit to the City of Brotherly Love as Franklin Square turns 10 and the National Constitution Center hosts Headed to the White House this election year. Kimpton, Omni and Loews Hotels love families. Best ice cream parlor is The Franklin Fountain.rnChicago, IL The Cubs are going to win the World Series in 2016 and Chicago's Museums, Lincoln Park Zoo and the Art Institute all remain among our nation's best. Stay at Residence Inn's 700th hotel or the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel.rnOrlando, FL More than just the theme park capital of the world, Disney Springs and nearby Kennedy Space Center's Heroes and Legends attraction features the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Stay at The Hard Rock Hotel.rnSt. Petersburg, FL Take a "Bird Quest" through the areas museums, parks and hotels and let your senses go wild at the hands-on exhibits at Great Explorations, Sunken Gardens and Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The Vinoy Renaissance Resort & Golf Club is a great choice for families.rnDetroit, MI Only in Motor City can you visit the largest penguin facility in the world; stop at a LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and enjoy an afternoon of Beatles at The Magical History Tour at The Henry Ford. For dinner kids will love the iconic Buddy's Pizza. Hyatt Place Detroit/Auburn Hills or Hyatt Place Detroit/Utica are great options for families.rnMiami, FL A Miami Culinary Tour in Little Havana is life changing and GameTime Miami, Jungle Island, Coral Gables Venetian Pool and Lincoln Road provide unique experiences for everyone. The Pizza Bar and Bodega are fun. The Palms Hotel & Spa is incredible for families.rnHilton Head, SC Beaches, bike trails, kayaking and water sports, horseback riding and we're just getting warmed up. Families will think they are in the Caribbean at Omni's Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort.rnMedia Contact: Matthew Rosenberger, 215-242-4011, mgr@fast.net and mgr@kidstravelguides.com.rnrnABOUT WWW.KIDSTRAVELGUIDES.COMrnrnABC Travel Guides for Kids is the premier producer and publisher of all-in-one alphabet, activity and souvenir guides specifically designed for kids.rnrnPhoto – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151230/318533rnrnSOURCE ABC Travel Guides for KidsrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.kidstravelguides.comrnJournalists 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.

And Key Resources For Convention And Destination Storiesrn

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rnThe 2016 Democratic National Convention will take place in Philadelphia, the birthplace of America and the country’s first World Heritage City, July 25-28, 2016. The city has enough history, art, culture, food, vibrant neighborhoods, parks and political landmarks to fill web, newspaper and magazine pages from now until the convention.rnrnHere are 10 things people might not know about the host city, plus key resources for convention and destination coverage.rnrn10 Philly Facts You (Probably) Don’t Know:rnrnOne-quarter of the U.S. population lives within a five-hour drive of Philadelphia.rnThe fast-growing Indego bike-share program launched in spring 2015 and in less than nine months accommodated 400,000 rides—with 85% of them taken by locals, making Philadelphia’s program a model for other cities including Los Angeles and Chicago.rnThe city was the first destination in the world to air a gay-themed television commercial in 2004. It was part of the campaign Philadelphia – Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay®.rnPhiladelphia is known as the City of Murals. Started as an anti-graffiti initiative in the 1980s, the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program has created 3,800 larger-than-life works and is the most influential mural arts organization in the world.rnIt’s not the first time the city has been in the political spotlight. The birthplace of America hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774. In more recent history, Philadelphia hosted the DNC in 1936 and 1948 and the RNC in 1856 (the first), 1872, 1900, 1940, 1948 and 2000.rnJust steps from Independence Hall, presidential hopeful Barack Obama delivered his famous speech on race, “A More Perfect Union,” at the National Constitution Center in 2008.rnIn the spirit of city founder William Penn’s vision for a “greene countrie town,” Philadelphia boasts the largest municipal park system, Fairmount Park. (Yes, bigger than Central Park.)rnPope Francis delivered three historic public addresses in Philadelphia in September 2015: a speech on immigration at Independence Hall, a statement about the importance of families on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and a Sunday mass, also on the Parkway.rnCheesesteaks are available 24/7, but most locals prefer roast pork sandwiches with broccoli rabe and provolone.rnHalf of the answers to the 100-question U.S. citizenship test study guide can be found in Philadelphia, where so many key historic events took place.rnDestination Resources For Media:rnrnvisitphilly.com/pressroom: Press releases about Philadelphia events and happenings, visitor stats, story ideas, high-resolution photos, vantage points and media contactsrnvisitphilly.isebox.net: High-definition b-roll library organized by topicrntwitter.com/visitphillypr: Just-for-media account focused on Philadelphia tourism newsrnConvention Resource For Media:rnrnphldnc.com: For all official Democratic National Convention coverage and informationrnVISIT PHILADELPHIA® makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the five-county area.rnrnOn Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.rnrnContact(s):rnDonna Schorr, (215) 599-0782

MIDDLETOWN, Pa., Dec. 28, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Pennsylvania Lottery's Cash 5 drawing on Christmas Eve saw two winning tickets sold in Lehigh and Philadelphia counties split a $225,000 jackpot.rnrnBoth tickets sold for the December 24 drawing correctly matched all five balls, 05-24-25-41-42, to each win $112,500, less applicable tax withholding. These retailers will each receive a $500 bonus for selling the big winning tickets:rnrnSunoco, 1602 S. 4th St., Allentown, Lehigh County;rnMonument Mail Room & Check, 4160 Monument Road, Philadelphia.rnThe prizes must be claimed and the tickets validated before the winners can be identified. Cash 5 winners have one year from the drawing date to claim prizes.rnrnThe Lottery encourages each holder of a jackpot-winning ticket to sign the back of the ticket, call the Lottery at 717-702-8146 and file a claim at any of Lottery's seven area offices or at Lottery headquarters in Middletown, Dauphin County.rnrnClaims may be filed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at area offices and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at headquarters.rnrnMore than 27,100 other Cash 5 tickets won prizes of various amounts in the drawing, producing "Winners, winners – everywhere!" Players should check every ticket, every time. Lower-tier prizes may be claimed at Lottery retailers.rnrnIn the 2014-15 fiscal year: In Lehigh County, the Pennsylvania Lottery awarded more than $52.2 million in prizes to winners and provided more than $32.5 million to programs that benefit older residents. In Philadelphia County, the Lottery awarded more than $287.6 million in prizes and contributed more than $307.3 million to benefit programs serving older adults. rnrnHow to play Cash 5: To play Cash 5, players pay $1 and select five numbers from 1 to 43. Players may select their own numbers using a Cash 5 playslip, or they may opt for computer-selected quick picks. Players must match all five numbers drawn to win the jackpot. Players also win prizes for matching two, three or four winning numbers. Cash 5 drawings are held seven nights a week, and tickets can be purchased up to seven draws (one week) in advance. Odds of winning the jackpot prize are 1-in-962,598; the overall odds of winning any prize are about 1-in-10.5.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.com

Crowley Maritime Corp. took delivery of Texas, the second of four new, Jones Act, product tankers, this week from Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSINC), the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA.rn

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rnPHILADELPHIA, PA. (PRWEB) DECEMBER 23, 2015rnCrowley Maritime Corp. took delivery of Texas, the second of four new, Jones Act, product tankers, today from Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSINC), the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA. The 50,000 dead-weight-tons (dwt), 330,000-barrel-capacity Texas joins sister ship Ohio, which was received by Crowley in October, as the first ever tankers to receive the American Bureau of Shipping’s (ABS) LNG-Ready Level 1 approval, meaning Crowley has the option to convert the tanker to liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion in the future. The remaining two product tankers being built by PSINC (formerly known as Aker Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc.) for Crowley are under construction with planned deliveries in 2016.rn“We are excited to close out 2015 with the addition of this technologically advanced vessel to our fleet of U.S.-coastwise product tankers,” said Crowley’s Rob Grune, senior vice president and general manager, petroleum and chemical transportation. “We constantly strive for ways to enhance the services we provide to our chemical and petroleum customers. The introduction of vessels like Ohio and Texas, with their advanced technology and environmentally friendly fuel options, prove that we are innovating the industry and we are doing it with American built, Jones Act vessels.”rn“We are proud to deliver another ship to Crowley and the first under our new name, Philly Shipyard. The Texas, like our 21 previously delivered vessels, continues the long tradition of men and women building quality vessels in Philadelphia,” remarked Philly Shipyard’s President and CEO Steinar Nerbovik. “As we continue to build the eight ships in our backlog, we are always looking for more skilled men and women to add to our team.”rnThe new 50,000 dwt product tankers are based on a proven Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) design which incorporates numerous fuel efficiency features, flexible cargo capability, and the latest regulatory requirements. The vessel is 600 feet long and is capable of carrying crude oil or refined petroleum products.rnCrowley’s Seattle-based, naval architecture and marine engineering subsidiary Jensen Maritime is providing construction management services for the product tankers. Jensen now has an on-site office and personnel at the Philadelphia shipyard to ensure strong working relationships with shipyard staff and a seamless construction and delivery program.rnAbout Philly Shipyard rnPhilly Shipyard is a leading U.S. commercial shipyard constructing vessels for operation in the Jones Act market. It possesses a state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility and has earned a reputation as the preferred provider of oceangoing merchant vessels with a track record of delivering quality ships. Philly Shipyard is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange and is majority-owned by Converto Capital Fund, which in turn is majority-owned by Aker ASA. Aker is a Norwegian industrial investment company that creates value through active ownership. Aker's investment portfolio is concentrated on key Norwegian industries that are international in scope: oil and gas, fisheries and biotechnology, and marine assets. Aker's industrial holdings comprise ownership interests in Aker Solutions, Kvaerner, Det norske oljeselskap, Aker BioMarine, Ocean Yield, Havfisk and Akastor.rnAbout Crowley rnJacksonville-based Crowley Holdings Inc., a holding company of the 123-year-old Crowley Maritime Corporation, is a privately held family and employee-owned company. The company provides marine solutions, energy and logistics services in domestic and international markets by means of six operating lines of business: Puerto Rico Liner Services, Caribbean and Latin America Liner Services, Logistics Services, Petroleum Services, Marine Services and Technical Services. Offered within these operating lines of business are: liner container shipping, logistics, contract towing and transportation; ship assist and escort; energy support; salvage and emergency response through its 50 percent ownership position in Ardent Global; vessel construction and naval architecture through its Jensen Maritime subsidiary; global ship management; government services, and petroleum and chemical transportation, distribution and sales. Additional information about Crowley, its subsidiaries and business units may be found on the Internet at http://www.crowley.com.rnAbout Jensen Maritime rnSeattle-based Jensen Maritime Consultants, Inc. is a full service naval architecture and marine engineering firm owned by Crowley Maritime Corporation. With more than 50 years’ experience working around the world, Jensen offers a diverse range of consulting, design and engineering services. The company is a recognized leader in the design of many types of workboats and offshore vessels and has built a favorable reputation over a long history of successful designs and conversions – always paying close attention to the entire design lifecycle. Jensen’s services include vessel design, construction management, production engineering, project management and salvage engineering as well as on-site consulting services and on-location assistance anywhere in the world. Additional information about Jensen may be found at http://www.jensenmaritime.com.rn# # #