Category: Press Releases

Philadelphia, June 16, 2015 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter, City and agency officials announced preliminary information about public transportation options during the World Meeting of Families convening, September 22-25, 2015, and the weekend of the Papal Visit, September 26-27, 2015.rnrn“At this point, we are about three months away from hosting the largest event in this City’s history,” said Mayor Nutter. “We wanted to begin sharing information with residents and business owners as soon as possible so that they can begin making arrangements for this week, whether they plan to attend any of the World Meeting of Families events or just need to go about their daily routines. Make no mistake, the City of Philadelphia will have the world’s attention, and we are doing our part to be as prepared and coordinated as possible.”rnrnWith more than 1.5 million people expected for the Papal Visit on Saturday and Sunday, and substantial crowds for the World Meeting of Families convening during the week, it is critical for visitors and residents to understand the logistics involved in getting into Center City Philadelphia. Travelers should keep in mind:rnrnBe prepared to walk to your destination after debarking transit—up to a couple of milesrnPrivate vehicles will not be a viable transportation optionrnPublic transportation routes and schedules will be vastly altered for efficiency and capacityrnContinue to check WorldMeeting2015.org for transportation updates and sign up to receive the Papal Visit Playbook, a guide for residents and visitors to navigate Center City neighborhoods during the event.rnSEPTA rnrnDuring the World Meeting of Families convening, September 22-25, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) will operate all services on normal weekday schedules. During the Papal Visit on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, service will be truncated drastically throughout the rail network to accommodate the events and maximize operational efficiency.rnrnSEPTA will reduce the number of stations that will be used from the usual 282 to 31 on its Regional Rail, Market-Frankford Line subway/elevated, Broad Street Line subway, trolley lines and Norristown High Speed Line. (The 31 stations are boarding locations only and are shown as blue dots on the SEPTA system map attached.) Event drop-off locations in Center City will be announced at a later date.rnrnCity officials urge those who will take SEPTA to plan ahead. Regular riders who rely on SEPTA for daily commuting will likely be severely impacted by the adjustments made to accommodate event attendees and should plan accordingly.rnrnA special $10, three-day SEPTA transit pass, valid from Saturday, September 26 through Monday, September 28, will be sold for travel on subways, buses and trolleys. Standard SEPTA passes and tokens can also be used on these transit modes. For Regional Rail, a one-day special event pass valid for Saturday, and another valid for Sunday, will be sold for $10 each in advance. Only those riders with the pre-purchased special event passes will be permitted to ride Regional Rail. Quantities for sale will be limited to the number of riders SEPTA can carry on the vehicles in operation. No passes will be sold on the day of the event.rnrnThe following is a summary of the major service adjustments SEPTA is planning to make for the weekend of the Papal Visit, September 26-27:rnrn Regional Rail: SEPTA will maximize service capabilities by shrinking the railroad. The number of stations served will be significantly reduced and trains will operate express-type, pick-up only service to the event from 18 select outlying stations. Similarly, post-event service will express from Center City Philadelphia to the selected outlying stations.rnrnAt this time, SEPTA plans to operate pick-up only service at these specific stations:rnrnPaoli/Thorndale Line – Paoli and Radnor StationsrnNorristown/Manayunk Line – Norristown Transportation CenterrnChesnut Hill West Line – Chestnut Hill West StationrnLansdale/Doylestown Line – Lansdale and Fort Washington StationsrnWarminster Line – Warminster StationrnWest Trenton Line – Woodbourne StationrnFox Chase Line – Fox Chase StationrnTrenton Line – Croydon and Cornwells Heights StationsrnMedia/Elywn Line – Media and Primos StationsrnWilmington/Newark Line – Wilmington and Marcus Hook StationsrnAirport Line – Terminals C & D, Terminal B and Eastwick StationrnMarket-Frankford Line: Similar to Regional Rail, pick-up only service will be available westbound from Frankford Transportation Center and the Girard Avenue Station; eastbound pick-up only service will operate from 69th Street Transportation Center and 52nd Street Station, with drop-offs at yet-to-be-determined Center City stations. After the event, service will express back to the outlying stations. Riders will not be able to board or exit the Market-Frankford Line from any other stations.rnrnBroad Street Line: Pick-up service will operate northbound from AT&T Station only; southbound pick-up service will be available at Fern Rock Transportation Center and the Cecil B. Moore Station, with drop-offs at yet-to-be-determined Center City stations. Riders will not be able to board or exit the Board Street Line from any of the other stations.rnrnTrolley: Operating normal service: Route 15 Service from 63rd & Girard; Route 11 and 13 service from Darby Transportation Center; Route 34 Trolley service from 61st & Baltimore; Route 36 Service from 60th & Eastwick. There will also be service from a limited number of stations on the Norristown High Speed Line and Route 101 Media and Route 102 Sharon Hill Trolley Lines.rnrnBus: At least 26 buses in the Center City and surrounding areas will be on detours due to street closures. Select bus routes will operate on weekday schedules throughout the weekend to accommodate ridership increases.rnrnSEPTA will provide complete service information and updates on its website, www.septa.org.rnrnAmtrakrnrnAmtrak is prepared to move significant numbers of people into and out of Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families convening. Amtrak officials are working closely with partners at SEPTA and New Jersey Transit (NJ TRANSIT) to optimize schedules and accommodate as many people as possible. Amtrak will monitor and adjust seat inventory as needed as the World Meeting of Families approaches. Officials encourage passengers to book tickets as far in advance as possible, and based on those bookings Amtrak will add coaches – and possibly even operate extra trains – as necessary. All Amtrak trains will require reservations the weekend of the Papal visit. Passengers will not be permitted to purchase tickets on board trains.rnrnAmtrak will provide complete service information and updates on its website, www.amtrak.com.rnrnPhiladelphia International AirportrnrnPhiladelphia International Airport (PHL) officials are looking forward to welcoming visitors from around the world for the World Meeting of Families convening and the Papal Visit. PHL expects a significant increase in the number of national and international travelers arriving in the days and weeks leading up to the event. PHL officials are working closely with partners at SEPTA to ensure that passengers and employees are able to travel to and from the Airport.rnrnPHL will provide complete service information and updates on its website, www.phl.org.rnrnNJ TRANSITrnrnNJ TRANSIT officials are developing a transportation plan for the World Meeting of Families convening and Papal Visit that will accommodate as many customers as possible, recognizing the physical constraints of the system. However, there are key pieces of information that customers planning to use NJT need to know as it will not be a typical weekend travel experience.rnrnNJ TRANSIT’s regular weekend service on the Atlantic City Rail Line and River Line will NOT operate on September 26-27. NJ TRANSIT will offer special tickets targeted specifically for the different service options that will be available. Those tickets will go on sale later this summer. No one will be allowed to board without a special ticket – passengers will not be permitted to purchase tickets on board trains.rnrnNJ TRANSIT will provide complete service information and updates on its website, www.njtransit.com.rnrn PATCOrnrnThe Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) will provide express, non-stop service westbound to Center City Philadelphia on September 26-27 between each of the following four New Jersey stations and 9th/10th & Locust Streets station:rnrnLindenwoldrnWoodcrestrnFerry AvenuernBroadway/Camden/ Walter Rand Transportation CenterrnPassengers can board only at these four stations and all passengers will disembark at 9th/10th & Locust Streets station in Philadelphia. There will be no PATCO service or operations at any station other than those above.rnrnFor the return trip eastbound to New Jersey, trains will depart 9th/10th & Locust Streets station and stop only at the stations listed above.rnrnSpecial fares will be in effect on September 26-27. A one-day pass will cost $5.00 and a two-day pass will cost $10.00. Customers who have FREEDOM cards will be able to pay $2.50 for a one-way single ride. FREEDOM card one-day and two-day passes can be purchased prior to the dates of travel, beginning in mid-July.rnrnThere are spaces for approximately 3,300 cars at the PATCO Lindenwold station, 1,900 spaces at PATCO Ferry Avenue station and 2,700 spaces at PATCO Woodcrest station. PATCO does not offer parking spaces at the PATCO Broadway station in Camden. Passengers should expect parking spaces to fill quickly. Broadway-Camden serves as the transfer point for New Jersey Transit buses and the RiverLINE at Walter Rand Transportation Center.rnrnPATCO will provide complete service information and updates on its website, www.ridepatco.org.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Congressman Chaka Fattah (PA-02) announced today that the University of Pennsylvania and Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) have both received grant awards from the U.S. Department of Education. The awards are part of the Student Support Services (SSS) Program which seeks to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants.rnrnThe University of Pennsylvania will receive $277,857 and the Community College of Philadelphia will receive $257,087 to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and motivate students toward successful completion of their undergraduate degrees.rnrn"I am extremely proud to announce the Community College of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania as recipients of this competitive funding award from the Department of Education. The grant awards are critical to ensure that these exemplary institutions can continue to improve and expand their support services for students who need additional assistance as they navigate postsecondary education," Congressman Fattah said. "Many of the 400 students who will benefit from this funding come from disadvantaged backgrounds and may be the first in their family to attend college. The support services offered by Penn and CCP will help them successfully navigate the college experience, develop their financial literacy skills and knowledge, and ultimately prepare them to graduate and reach their fullest potential."rnrnThe University of Pennsylvania's Student Support Services program will aid 175 SSS-eligible students through successful evidence-based programs focused on preparing students to graduate with the preparation necessary to embark on a professional career or graduate studies. The services include individualized counseling, peer coaching and mentoring, and other programs that will increase the college retention and graduation rates of students.rnrnCCP's TRIO Student Support Services program aims to help 225 students annually by providing support services necessary for completion of postsecondary education; these include needs assessments, academic support and advising, financial literacy sessions, grant aid to eligible students, and workshops. Both grant awards will also help support each school's Summer Bridge Program.rnrnCollege access has been a key policy priority of Congressman Fattah since entering Congress. He is the architect of GEAR UP, the nation's most successful college preparedness program. In the House, he has successfully pushed to increase funding for federal programs that help postsecondary institutions attract and retain students from low-income families, including GEAR UP and TRIO. Fattah currently sits on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, which oversees funding for the Department of Education.rnrn rnrnSOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka FattahrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.fattah.house.gov

The survey, a partnered effort between the Mayor’s Commission on Aging and AARP, will support Philadelphia’s efforts to become an age-friendly cityrnrn Philadelphia, August 10, 2015 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter, in partnership with the Mayor’s Commission on Aging and AARP Pennsylvania, announced the release of a city-wide survey, the results of which will be used to identify challenges and opportunities to address issues affecting Philadelphia’s age-friendliness and livability, such as safety, transportation and housing.rnrn“Philadelphia is committed to being a great place to live, work and visit. And since the early days of our Administration, we have worked hard to improve the overall quality of life for all of our residents, no matter their age, race or income,” said Mayor Nutter. “We know that different communities have different needs. I want to encourage Philadelphians, especially our seniors, to participate in this survey to help us better understand the diverse needs within our communities and what we can do as a city to support our residents, bringing Philadelphia closer to being an age-friendly city.”rnrnSurveys will be available online at www.phila.gov/agefriendly and at Free Library locations across the city. The surveys will be collected through September 2015.rnrn“As the baby-boom generation ages, communities need to plan for potential challenges that come with an aging population,” said Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP PA State Director. “AARP is helping cities become great places for all ages by adopting such features as safe, walkable streets, better housing and transportation options, and access to key services.”rnrnSince the 2010 Census, Pennsylvania’s 65 and older population has grown by 8.9 percent. Over the next 20 years, projections indicate this group will make up nearly a quarter of the state’s total population,with more than 3.2 million residents (Penn State Data Center, 2015). More than 12 percent of Philadelphia’s 1.5 million residents are 65 or older (Census, 2010).rnrnFor more information on the Commission on Aging, log on to www.phila.gov/aging.rnrn rnrnAARP has 1.8 million members in Pennsylvania. Follow AARP Pennsylvania on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AARPPA and on Twitter @AARPPA.rnrn AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world’s largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

Creme-filled mini treats perfect for little sweet indulgencesrn rnrn rnPHILADELPHIA, Aug. 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Snack cake brand Tastykake has just launched a new line of Mini Cupcakes. The line includes mini versions of two of Tastykake's classic treats and one new variety sure to become a fan favorite. Two of the cakes feature REESE'S® […]

Join us on the plaza in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art this Saturday, August 8 from 1 to 3 PM. A public art project allows people all over the world to participate in the Pope's US visit.rnrnPHILADELPHIA, PA (PRWEB) AUGUST 06, 2015rnrnOn Saturday, August 8, 2015, join internationally renowned artist Meg Saligman when […]

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Today, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania outlined its plans to help manage needs for public safety, public health and transportation during the Papal visit.rnrn"Pennsylvania is committed to supporting event planning partners to prepare and help ensure a safe, secure Papal visit for residents of Philadelphia and surrounding areas in addition to all of the visitors from around the world," Governor Tom Wolf said. "Due to the size and scope of the event and the large crowds expected, Philadelphia and event organizers requested assistance from the commonwealth. We are ready to assist event organizers and planners to keep people safe and make this historic Papal visit to Philadelphia a success."rnrnPlanning for the event is being led by the United States Secret Service, along with the City of Philadelphia and the World Meeting of Families. As requested, Pennsylvania is providing resources, including personnel and equipment, to assist with public safety, security, public health, transportation and emergency management.rnrnDue to street closures in the City of Philadelphia and the needs of law enforcement and emergency agencies, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will close the following roads beginning on Friday, September 25th at 10 p.m.:rnrnI-76 eastbound from I-476 to I-95 and I-76 westbound from I-95 to U.S. Route 1 (Roosevelt Extension);rnI-676 in both directions from I-76 to I-95; andrnU.S. Route 1 in both directions from U.S. 30 to Belmont Avenue.rnPlease click here for a map: State roads during Papal visitrnrnThese are the only roads under PennDOT's jurisdiction that are expected to be closed. PennDOT is not anticipated to be responsible for any other closures. rnrnContrary to previous reports, I-95 will remain open to traffic with only selected ramps closed due to street closures within the city and security needs.rnrnIt is necessary to close portions of these roads to effectively move emergency vehicles to, through and from the event area, and because thousands of buses will be travelling to and from the event as well as to maintain public safety. Traffic will be routed to surrounding highways and PennDOT will remind drivers of these traffic changes from now through the Papal visit. In addition, PennDOT will coordinate with Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, and police and emergency medical services agencies to have health and safety action teams stationed on open highways where traffic will increase to assist motorists.rnrnIn order to assist local and federal law enforcement with public safety and crowd management efforts, the Pennsylvania State Police will provide approximately 1,100 requested personnel to the City of Philadelphia for the Papal visit. The Secret Service has further requested Pennsylvania National Guard members to assist with traffic management within the City of Philadelphia. The commonwealth anticipates fulfilling additional National Guard requests from surrounding counties.rnrn"The Pennsylvania State Police will provide vital staffing assistance to the Secret Service and Philadelphia Police," Governor Wolf said. "The men and women of the Pennsylvania National Guard – who are our friends, family members and neighbors – will primarily assist with traffic management. They will support law enforcement to keep visitors and residents safe and will play an important supportive role in making sure people can get to, through and from the event."rnrnThe Department of Health will provide requested Emergency Medical Services teams, ambulances and other transports, and other equipment and supplies necessary to provide adequate public health coverage for the anticipated crowds. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Department of Human Services will be on-site during the Papal visit to provide resources and coordination in the event of an emergency.rnrnMEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Sheridan, Governor's Office, 717-783-1116rnEugene Blaum, PennDOT, 610-205-6800rnrnFAQ rnrnTransportationrnrnWhy are state roads being closed?rnrnAs a result of requests from local governments and law enforcement, road closures within the City of Philadelphia and needs of law enforcement and first responders to maintain public safety, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will close various sections of state highways during the Papal Visit to Philadelphia. The highway restrictions will also best serve the travel demands in the region for moving event buses and emergency vehicles throughout the weekend.rnrnWhat roads will be closed?rnrnThe amount of road closures within Philadelphia, the anticipated large crowds, and the necessity for law enforcement and first responders to be able to travel within the city would make it near impossible for regular interstate travel to occur on many highways.rnrnOnly these roads will be closed beginning on Friday, September 25th at 10 p.m.:rnrnI-76 eastbound from I-476 to I-95 and I-76 westbound from I-95 to U.S. Route 1 (Roosevelt Extension);rnI-676 in both directions from I-76 to I-95; andrnU.S. Route 1 in both directions from U.S. 30 to Belmont Avenue.rnWill I-95 be closed?rnrnContrary to previous reports, I-95 will remain open to traffic with only selected ramps closed due to street closures within the city and other security needs.rnrnWhat other roads will be closed? rnrnThese are the only roads under PennDOT's jurisdiction that are expected to be closed. Other closures in the City of Philadelphia will be closed by the city streets department, law enforcement or event organizers. rnrnHow will you help drivers on other highways?rnrnPennDOT and Pennsylvania State Police will work with PEMA and local EMS providers to ensure additional access to health and safety resources for travelers.rnrnWho will manage traffic during the Papal visit?rnrnPennDOT is working closely with State Police, Philadelphia Police, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, County Emergency Operation Centers, and other regional and out-of-state transportation agencies to coordinate the traffic management plan during the Papal weekend. The Federal Highway Administration has reviewed and approved PennDOT's traffic management plan.rnrnHow will PennDOT let drivers know about highway closures?rnrnPennDOT is working with its neighboring mid-Atlantic transportation agencies to deploy a cohesive, long-distance travel advisory and diversion plan utilizing electronic Highway Message Signs to inform Philadelphia-bound travelers of locations of road closures; to provide information on alternatives for "through traffic" desiring to avoid the Philadelphia area; and information for those attending the Papal event.rnrnThrough this coordination, PennDOT and neighboring states will maximize the use of all available electronic Highway Message Signs from Baltimore to Scranton and throughout New Jersey to provide citizens with real time traffic information during the heaviest travel times, expected from Thursday, Sept. 24 through Monday, Sept. 28.rnrnWhy does PennDOT need to work with other states? rnrnThe aim of this interstate coordination is to disseminate travel information to encourage "non-Papal event" traffic to use alternate routes outside the metro Philadelphia area and divert as much "through" traffic as possible from the Philadelphia region.rnrnWill there be any other restrictions?rnrnFurther restrictions will be in place for moving oversized and super loads through Pennsylvania during the week of the WMOF.rnrnPublic HealthrnrnHow is the state helping event organizers with public health?rnrnDue to the size and diversity of the population of expected visitors for the World Meeting of Families and the Papal visit, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is working with Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management and Emergency Medical Services to ensure there is adequate infrastructure on site for public health needs. Event organizers and the City of Philadelphia have requested public health support from the commonwealth.rnrnWho is coordinating public health resources?rnrnThe Department of Health, in conjunction with Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, will coordinate the resource requests by working with providers across the state and surrounding states.rnrnWhat resources is the state supplying to assist with public health needs?rnrnThese resources include EMS teams, ambulances and utility vehicles, portable medical and health structures, cooling centers and other public health resources. Further, the Department of Health will work with the City of Philadelphia and World Meeting of Families to educate visitors on how to prepare and keep themselves healthy during the event.rnrnPublic Safety and SecurityrnrnWhy is the state sending public safety personnel to Philadelphia?rnrnThe scale and size of the Papal visit and anticipated crowds will require the Secret Service, City of Philadelphia and surrounding areas to increase the number of public safety personnel and resources on hand. As a result, various entities, including the Secret Service and Philadelphia, have requested assistance, resources and personnel from commonwealth agencies. rnrnWhat role will the Pennsylvania State Police play?rnrnAt the request of the event hosts, the Pennsylvania State Police is preparing to send nearly 1,100 troopers from throughout the commonwealth, to Philadelphia to assist the Philadelphia Police and the Secret Service. Additional troopers will be added to roadways expected to have increased traffic during the visit. Working with PennDOT and PEMA, these troopers will have the primary purpose of assisting motorists and managing traffic.rnrnWhy is the Pennsylvania National Guard involved?rnrnPennsylvania National Guard members will assist the Secret Service and law enforcement with helping crowds move through the event area and keep routes open for emergency vehicles and law enforcement. The National Guard is members of our community who often are called to help during large-scale events.rnrnWhat will National Guard members do at the event?rnrnTheir primary goal will be to keep visitors and residents safe, as well as to manage road closures and direct traffic towards detours. The number of National Guard members in the City of Philadelphia and surrounding areas is still being determined.rnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the GovernorrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.governor.state.pa.us

Philadelphia, August 5, 2015 — As part of the ongoing preparations for the World Meeting of Families, Mayor Michael A. Nutter together with many of the City’s partners discussed transportation plans for the event. The following are Mayor Nutter’s prepared remarks, [please check against delivery]:rnrnAs Philadelphia and the region continue to prepare for the Papal Visit and the attendance of an estimated 1.5 million pilgrims during the World Meeting of Families, we want to provide the public with as much information about what they can expect during this incredible, once-in-lifetime event.rnrnThis is our third briefing. We are planning many more briefings as details are put in final form.rnrnBefore we get into specifics today, I want to set the stage. We are 7 ½ weeks away from an exciting, joyful, global event. We as a City and region should embrace and own this historic gathering, feel the enthusiasm and celebrate our shared beliefs in the central role that “Family” plays in our lives.rnrnPhiladelphia is the “Can Do” City and we can do and will do everything in our power, along with our many partners, to ensure a safe and secure event, a spiritual and joyful event.rnrnIt will also be one of those rare opportunities for Philadelphia to showcase on a global stage what we’ve been doing for quite some time – managing very large events or situations.rnrnAnd this World Meeting of Families could well be the largest ever. In Manila in 2003, Valencia, Spain in 2006 and in Milan in 2012, the closing Mass attendance was estimated at 1 million participants. The current general estimate for Philadelphia is a one million to one-and-one-half million people or morernrnWe believe Pope Francis and his message will encourage many more people to come to Philadelphia. We are all very excited about the prospect of so many women, men and children of faith coming to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.rnrnAt the same time, I understand there are many concerns. What will happen? How will it impact me, my family, my business, my employer? I get it. We get it. Yes, our daily routines will be disrupted, sometimes in minor ways, sometimes in significant ways.rnrnBut just as soon as we have even more concrete details to announce, we will do so. And that will give everyone enough time to take the appropriate actions, make prudent plans and prepare for an event like no other in this City’s history. This is an incredible moment in time for all of us.rnrnLet me note that as we prepare for this historic event, we are working and coordinating with a significant number of partners, including:rnrnUnited States Secret Service, Philadelphia Police, Philadelphia Fire, Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, PennDOT, Philadelphia Parking Authority, Delaware River Port Authoriy/PATCO, NJTransit, Department of Homeland Security, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania National Guard, Pennsylvania State Police, and our regional suburban partners in Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties.rnrnFor today, we will provide details regarding vehicle traffic in and around Center City, as well as updates from SEPTA and DRPA on their services.rnrnOur partners from the State will also highlight how they are working with us to ensure that the World Meeting of Families and Papal Visit run as smoothly as possible.rnrnWe are working very closely with the Governor Wolf and the State as we move into the final weeks before the Pope’s arrival, and we know that all of our State agencies will be a huge asset during this major event.rnPennDOT, Pennsylvania State Police and the PA National Guard will play major roles when it comes to traffic, transportation and public safety.rnIn short, there are many people and agencies working in concert to create the best, most thoughtfully executed plan for our City during the World Meeting of Families. All of the agencies here today will continue to release more detailed plans about their services as we get closer to the event.rnrnThe World Meeting of Families Congress will take place Tuesday, September 22nd through Friday, September 25th. The Papal Visit will take place that weekend, Saturday, September 26th & Sunday, September 27th.rnrnThink of it: 1.5 million visitors in addition to our 1.5 million residents who have to move around the city in their daily lives.rnrnAgain, with these numbers in mind, folks should start thinking ahead and making plans now because this event will impact the everyday life of our city and our city government.rnrnWe are working to make sure Philadelphia is open and accessible to everyone who wants to be here. But there are a few things to keep in mind if you do travel downtown for the event or any other activity:rnrnBe prepared to walk at least a few miles or more, depending on where you are and where you are goingrnPrivate vehicles will not be a viable option on the weekend in Center CityrnPublic transportation routes and schedules will be altered for efficiency and capacity – and SEPTA and the other agencies will tell us about their plans in just a moment.rnAs we have done with a number of our other special events, the City of Philadelphia has established what we call a “Traffic Box” for the Papal Visit.rnrnThe “Traffic Box” is basically an area where private vehicles can exit but can’t re-enter.rnWithin the Traffic Box there are Authorized Vehicle Access Roads, which are for emergency vehicles only and no other vehicles will be permitted to drive or park on them.rnThe “Traffic Box” established by the City will stretch from Center City to 38th Street in West Philadelphia. Depending on crowd size as it develops during the World Meeting of Families, it is slated to begin at 6 pm on Friday, September 25 with other parts west of the Schuylkill River at 10 pm.rnrnBoundaries are as follows for the Center City portion of the Traffic Box:rnrnNorthern Boundary: Spring Garden to Ridge, Ridge to Girard, Girard to Schuylkill RiverrnSouthern Boundary: South Street river to riverrnEast Boundary: Delaware Avenue from South Street to Spring Garden StreetrnWest Boundary: runs along the edge of the Schuylkill River and cuts up Kelly Drive stopping below the Girard Street BridgernFor the West Philadelphia portion of the Traffic Box, the boundaries will be:rnrnNorthern Boundary: Powelton Avenue from 32nd to 38thrnSouthern Boundary: University Avenue to Grays FerryrnEast Boundary: Runs along the edge of the Schuylkill River and train tracksrnWest Boundary: 38th Street from Powelton Avenue to University AvenuernBicycle and pedestrian traffic WILL be permitted within the “Traffic Box”.rnrnIn addition to the announcements related to transportation, we’re also announcing that operations of the City Courts, the First Judicial District, will be closed Wednesday, September 23rd through Monday, September 28th.rnrnDuring this period, the City of Philadelphia will be open for services, but there will limited service plans from Thursday through Monday. We plan to provide more details in the days to come regarding city service levels and impacts.rnrnOne final note before we hear from our partners.rnrnWe all need to take a collective moment of reflection and pride. We as a City, we the people, were chosen for this event. We are the chosen city and with that comes certain duties, responsibilities and pride. Yes, we will face challenges for a period of time. But we will face them together as a City, as a region as a community.rnrnIn the past, we’ve had road closures, we’ve had areas of the city cordoned off, and we’ve had disruptions in service for short periods of time – from snow storms to heavy rain events.rnrnWe’ve had huge events that have closed the Parkway.rnrnI guess what’s different here is that the proportions of this event are so large and the impacts are all going to happen at the same time. That’s unique, that’s different. But so is hosting the World Meeting of Families and I’m thrilled about that. This is our “one moment in time.” As the song goes, ‘You’re a winner for a lifetime, if you seize that one moment in time, make it shine.’rnrnWhen William Penn designed this City Center, he created an eye-pleasing grid. Today, it’s an incredibly walkable, bikeable and manageable area. Folks will be able to get around.rnrnWe are doing the planning, we’re assembling the needed resources and we’ve begun a long and detailed discussion with the public about what to expect. Much more information is to come.rnrnBut let’s not lose sight of the wonderful opportunity with which we’ve been presented. The Vatican looked all over the world and the United States and chose this city for this event.rnrnWe will be ready and we’re going to open our City to the world and when it’s over people we know what it means to be the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.rnrnClick here to download Traffic Diagram.rn[link=http://www.phila.gov/mayor/pdfs/WMOF%20Traffic%20Diagram.pdf]http://www.phila.gov/mayor/pdfs/WMOF%20Traffic%20Diagram.pdf[/link]

Pennsylvania Cash 5 Tickets Sold on Opposite Sides of State Split $325,000rnrnMIDDLETOWN, Pa., Aug. 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Two winning tickets sold in Westmoreland County and Philadelphia split a $325,000 Cash 5 jackpot for the Tuesday, August 4, drawing.rnrnEach ticket correctly matched all five balls, 07-08-14-19-26, to win individual prizes of $162,500, less 25 percent federal withholding.rnrnThe following retailers will each receive a $500 bonus for selling the jackpot-winning tickets:rnrnChoice, 555 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, Westmoreland County; andrnM & P Newsstand, 130 Spring Garden St., 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 40,500 other Cash 5 tickets won prizes of various amounts in the drawing. Players should check every ticket, every time. Lower-tier prizes may be claimed at Lottery retailers.rnrnIn Westmoreland County, the Pennsylvania Lottery awarded more than $86.5 million in prizes to winners and provided more than $36.6 to programs that benefit older residents during the 2013-14 fiscal year. In Philadelphia, the Lottery awarded more than $290.2 million in prizes and contributed nearly $220.9 million to programs serving the county's older residents.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 CONTACTS: Gary Miller or Allen Zieglar, 717-702-8008rnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania LotteryrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.palottery.com

Rock Your Hair Signs On As Title Sponsor For The HYPE! Projects Pop & Rock Beauty Bash Tourrn rnrn rnSigns Celebrity Endorsement Deal With One Of Todays Fastest Rising Beauty Sensations Lexi NoelrnNEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) AUGUST 04, 2015rnRock Your Hair, http://www.rockyourhair.com has signed on as the title sponsor for the upcoming Pop & Rock […]

Philadelphia, July 30, 2015 — Mayor Michael A. Nutter and City Council President Darrell L. Clarke were joined by Philadelphia Board of Ethics Executive Director Shane Creamer as they signed landmark campaign disclosure legislation into law.rnrnThe legislation, Bill No. 150368, updates the Philadelphia Code to regulate campaign finance disclosures from non-candidate parties, such as nonprofit organizations, corporations, partnerships, and political action committees (PACs). The legislation, co-sponsored by Council President Clarke and Councilwoman Marian B. Tasco, passed unanimously on June 11, 2015 and was drafted in cooperation with the Board of Ethics.rnrn“Operating City government with the highest standards of ethics and integrity is one of the hallmarks of my Administration. Over the last seven years, we have accomplished a lot, but there is always more we can do,” said Mayor Nutter. “This law will illuminate Philadelphia’s election process by expanding the reporting requirements for organizations that fundraise for the purpose of spending money on elections. Policy-makers, the courts and the public have long recognized that the best way to check the potential influence of campaign dollars on the decision-making of elected officials is to require public disclosure. I applaud the Board of Ethics for addressing this ‘hidden’ aspect of our electoral process and thank City Council for passing this bill.”rnrnCouncil President Clarke said, “Public office holders in Philadelphia are held to high transparency standards, and so should the people and organizations that help them win elections. When millions of dollars from anonymous wealthy individuals and powerful organizations comprise the majority of campaign expenditures, it’s no wonder so many Americans are skeptical of our political system. The powerful and wealthy should abide by the same rules as everyone else who participates in elections. This law helps level the playing field in Philadelphia by requiring independent groups to disclose the source of their funding.”rnrnBoard of Ethics Executive Director Creamer said, “The Ethics Board commends Mayor Nutter and City Council, especially Council President Clarke, for passing and approving this important amendment to the City’s Campaign Finance Law. The new disclosure requirements will ensure that the public will be fully informed about who is spending money to influence City elections, as well as who is funding those efforts. This law puts Philadelphia in the vanguard of an effort to shed light on political spending by super PACs and non-profits that have been spending millions of dollars nationwide to influence federal, state and local elections since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision.”rnrnEffective upon signing, the law requires non-candidate parties to file campaign finance reports every two weeks starting six weeks before an election. Disclosures regarding electioneering communications, such as TV ads paid for by non-candidate parties, are also required within 50 days of an election.rnrn“The flood of undisclosed money since Citizens United has diminished the voices of individual voters and corroded our democracy. The City of Philadelphia today is placing another check on the wealthy and powerful who have become disproportionately influential in our politics,” Councilwoman Tasco said. “This law should be viewed as part of a larger strategy by individuals to reclaim our democracy, which includes reversing the methodical dilution of the Voting Rights Act by state legislatures, including Pennsylvania’s, over the past few decades.”