Category: Press Releases

It’s Spring in Philadelphia and many trees are under attack from insects and diseases that can weaken or destroy tree health. Giroud Tree and Lawn provides tips on how to identify Spring’s most destructive pests and the tree service actions required to keep trees healthy.rn

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Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) April 20, 2015

As Spring takes hold in Philadelphia, tree insects and diseases are emerging. According to Giroud Tree and Lawn, many trees are facing formidable problems that can weaken or destroy tree health. Early detection and targeted treatment are among the tree service keys to controlling destructive tree insects and diseases.

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“As we roll into May, healthy deciduous trees should display a full crown of lush, green leaves,” explains Lou Giroud, President of Giroud Tree and Lawn and ISA Certified Arborist. “Evergreens should have new buds and vibrant color. The picture is significantly different for trees with insect or disease problems.”    

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Sick trees display clear warning signs. Homeowners should be alert for any of the top five symptoms:rn
1. Damaged Leaves: Chewed, yellowing or discolored leaves. rn
2. Late or Partial Leaf-Out: Tree leafs out later than others of the same type, has lack of new growth, dwarf leaves or only some sections of the tree leaf-out. rn
3. Decay: Mushrooms or shelf fungi growing out of the root system or trunk of a tree, cavity or peeling bark.rn
4. Insects: Signs of insect activity on the leaves, branches or trunk. Heavy hitters for Spring are Aphids, Leaf Miners, Lacebugs and Soft Scales.rn
5. Excessive deadwood: Dead branches can be a serious safety hazard to people and property.

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Ash trees in particular are under attack in the Philadelphia region from Emerald Ash Borer. Treatment is the only option to protect Ash trees from this 100% fatal pest which has destroyed millions of trees in over 20 states. Additionally, Eastern Hemlocks are being destroyed by Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. This pest can also be controlled but treatment must be carefully timed for when the Adelgid is most vulnerable

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Early detection is the key to saving trees suffering from insect or disease problems. Homeowners concerned about tree health, should contact a tree service company with ISA Certified Arborists. The Arborist will inspect the trees, diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.

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About Giroud Tree and Lawnrn
Giroud Tree and Lawn specializes in tree service, tree removal and lawn care programs that make customers love doing business with the company since 1974. Serving Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties, the company offers professional tree and lawn evaluation, tree pruning, tree removal, insect and disease control, fertilizing, stump removal and traditional and 100% organic lawn programs to keep lawns healthy and green . Giroud Arborists are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and have the knowledge and experience required to diagnose, treat and maintain tree and lawn health. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded the Angie's List Super Service Award® every year since 2005. The “Giroud Treework for Charity” program donates free tree care services to parks, historical sites and other non-profit organizations located in the Company’s service area. For more information, visit the company website at http://www.giroudtree.com or call 215-682-7704.

Philadelphia, Pennslyvania (PRWEB) April 19, 2015

Broccoli sprout extract protects against oral cancer in mice and proved tolerable in a small group of healthy human volunteers, the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI), partner with UPMC CancerCenter, announced today at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.

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The promising results will be further explored in a human clinical trial, which will recruit participants at high risk for head and neck cancer recurrence later this year. This research is funded through Pitt’s Specialized Program of Research Excellence grant in head and neck cancer from the National Cancer Institute.

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“People who are cured of head and neck cancer are still at very high risk for a second cancer in their mouth or throat, and, unfortunately, these second cancers are commonly fatal,” said lead author Julie Bauman, M.D., M.P.H., co-director of the UPMC Head and Neck Cancer Center of Excellence. “So we’re developing a safe, natural molecule found in cruciferous vegetables to protect the oral lining where these cancers form.”

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Previous studies, including large-scale trials in China, have shown that cruciferous vegetables that have a high concentration of sulforaphane – such as broccoli, cabbage and garden cress – help mitigate the effects of environmental carcinogens.

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Dr. Bauman collaborated with Daniel E. Johnson, Ph.D., professor of medicine at Pitt and a senior scientist in the UPCI Head and Neck Cancer Program, to test sulforaphane in the laboratory. For several months, Dr. Johnson and his team gave sulforaphane to mice predisposed to oral cancer and found that it significantly reduced the incidence and number of tumors.

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“The clear benefit of sulforaphane in preventing oral cancer in mice raises hope that this well-tolerated compound also may act to prevent oral cancer in humans who face chronic exposure to environmental pollutants and carcinogens,” said Dr. Johnson.    

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Dr. Bauman treated 10 healthy volunteers with fruit juice mixed with sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extract. The volunteers had no ill-effects from the extract and protective changes were detectable in the lining of their mouths, meaning it was absorbed and directed to at-risk tissue.

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These findings were enough to prompt a clinical trial that will recruit 40 volunteers who have been curatively treated for head and neck cancer. The participants will regularly take capsules containing broccoli seed powder to determine if they can tolerate the regimen and whether it has enough of an impact on their oral lining to prevent cancer. From there, larger clinical trials could be warranted.

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“We call this ‘green chemoprevention,’ where simple seed preparations or plant extracts are used to prevent disease,” said Dr. Bauman, also an associate professor in Pitt’s School of Medicine. “Green chemoprevention requires less money and fewer resources than a traditional pharmaceutical study, and could be more easily disseminated in developing countries where head and neck cancer is a significant problem.”

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Additional authors on this research are Yan Zhang, Ph.D., Malabika Sen, Ph.D., Daniel P. Normolle, Ph.D., Thomas W. Kensler, Ph.D., Sumita Trivedi, M.B.B.S., and Siddharth H. Sheth, D.O., M.P.H., all of Pitt; Jennifer R. Grandis, M.D., F.A.C.S., of Pitt at the time the research was conducted; and Patricia A. Egner, M.S., of Johns Hopkins University.

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About UPCIrn
As the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in western Pennsylvania, UPCI is a recognized leader in providing innovative cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment; bio-medical research; compassionate patient care and support; and community-based outreach services. Investigators at UPCI, a partner with UPMC CancerCenter, are world-renowned for their work in clinical and basic cancer research.

Rivers, Lakes & Pools Set The Scene For The Region’s Many Fun Water Activitiesrn

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rnNorthbrook CanoernFrom sport fishing to swimming and boating to booze cruises, visitors and residents fall hook, line and sinker for the many ways to enjoy life on the water in the Philadelphia region. In Philadelphia proper, new waterfront parks and public projects can be spotted on the quiet, beautiful Schuylkill River to the west and the shipping waterway of the Delaware River 30 blocks to the east. Outside the city, lakes and rivers provide serene spots for enjoying the warm summer sunshine.rnrnHere are some of the region’s top spots for fishing, boating, swimming and enjoying the river views:rnrnDELAWARE RIVERrnrnBoating:rnrnGuests really get hands-on at the Independence Seaport Museum, located right on the Delaware River. To take advantage of the protected waters of the basin next to the building, the museum partners with the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation to rent row boats, swan boats and tandem kayaks, along with the required life jackets, at Penn’s Landing. Boaters must be age 6 or over. 211 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 413-8655, phillyseaport.orgrnBefore responding to the lure of the sea, it helps to learn how to sail. The American Sailing Association’s Liberty Sailing School of Philadelphia teaches sailing courses for beginners or advanced mates. All instructors are ASA Certified and U.S. Coast Guard-Licensed Captains. Philadelphia Marine Center, 235 N. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 393-7833, libertysailingschool.comrnFishing:rnrnFishing enthusiasts have been anxiously awaiting the debut of Pier 68, a brand new fishing dock in South Philadelphia. The refuge is one of very few places along the Delaware River waterfront where the sport is legally permitted. Columbus Boulevard & Pier 70 Boulevard, delawareriverwaterfront.comrnTouring:rnrnTraversing the upper Delaware River, New Hope Boat Rides offer 45-minute trips on the 37-foot Star of New Hope. Captain Timothy Yates describes local history while highlighting riverfront attractions. Tours run on weekends May through September and depart from the dock behind The Landing Restaurant. 22 N. Main Street, New Hope, (215) 205-1140, newhopeboatrides.comrnThose who can’t decide between a river cruise and a wine tasting need not choose. Patriot Harbor Line’s Delaware River Tours satisfy both activities with its various wine-education themes. For teetotalers, a variety of lightly narrated trips combine scenic city views with a bit of commentary about Philadelphia’s rich maritime past. All tours take place aboard a reproduction of a 1920s commuter yacht. Independence Seaport Museum on Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street, (800) 879-3370, phillybyboat.comrnThe humorously narrated Ride The Ducks tour entertains all the way through the Old City, Historic Philadelphia and South Street neighborhoods. But the oohs and aahs really start when the amphibious vehicle splashes down in the Delaware River for a short cruise. Tickets are available at the Independence Visitor Center. 6th & Market Streets, (877) 887-8225 (DUCK), philadelphia.ridetheducks.comrnGuests trade in boat shoes for dancing shoes on the Spirit of Philadelphia. Cruises up and down the Delaware River feature live entertainment, food, music and dancing—plus some of the best city skyline views around. Columbus Boulevard at Lombard Circle, (866) 394-8439, spiritcruises.com/philadelphiarnSplashing & Tubing:rnrnBucks County River Country is all about options, offering raft, canoe, kayak and tube trips along the upper Delaware River. People can even customize a river tour based on their interests.2 Walters Lane, Point Pleasant, (215) 297-5000, rivercountry.netrnIn summer 2015, the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation brings back its uber-popular Spruce Street Harbor Park. This pop-up, waterside oasis features a floating bar and restaurant, water gardens, lounge chairs, a hammock park, water sprays for a quick cool-off, food vendors and entertainment. Columbus Boulevard at Spruce Street, (215) 629-3200, sprucestreetharborpark.comrnEnjoying The View:rnrnThanks to Philly’s new Indego bike share program, visitors and locals can make easy use of the pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly Delaware River Trail, which is now open from Spring Garden Street to Sugarhouse Casino. When complete, the project will offer 6.5 miles of continuous riverfront trail with views of the Delaware River. (215) 629-3200, delawareriverwaterfront.comrnOpen seasonally, Morgan’s Pier bar and restaurant draws guests ranging from families out for an alfresco weekend lunch to the after-work crowd. The laid-back atmosphere, wooden docks and casual fare create a beachy feel right on the shores of the Delaware River. 221 N. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 279-7134, morganspier.comrnLocated in the shadow of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Race Street Pier features two levels for recreation. The upper terrace, dubbed the Grand Sky Promenade, rises 12 feet toward the bridge and is connected to the lower terrace by a multi-tiered seating area, perfect for watching the tide roll in. The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation conducts free yoga classes seven days a week in season. Columbus Boulevard & Race Street, (215) 629-3200, racestreetpier.comrnFormerly known as Pier 53, Washington Avenue Green offers sweeping views of the Delaware River from an elevated boardwalk. Follow markers relate the site’s history as a major immigration hub and as the nation’s first navy yard. Washington Avenue & Columbus Boulevard, washingtonavenuegreen.comrnSCHUYLKILL RIVERrnrnFishing:rnrnThose who head to Black Rock Sanctuary for a day of fishing are in for a bonus treat—bird-watching. The wetlands area is an important habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds. 953 Black Rock Road, Phoenixville, (610) 469-1916, chesco.org/ccparksrnAnglers in the know cast their lines from the Schuylkill Banks. The tidal Schuylkill River is home to more than 40 species of fish, including perch, sunfish, carp, bass and even shad. Popular fishing spots include the area between Locust and Walnut Streets, under the Walnut Street Bridge, on the pier by Race Street and on the lower trail just south of Martin Luther King Drive. (215) 222-2030, schuylkillbanks.orgrnTouring:rnrnThere’s a new kind of happy hour in town courtesy of Manayunk Hidden River Kayak Tours. After instruction and a 1.5-hour guided tour along the Schuylkill River, paddlers cap off the experience with their favorite beverage at a local pub. The company also runs a number of other kayak tour options, including a Sunday Brunch Tour, complete with a post-paddle jazz breakfast. Tours depart from the dock located behind Manayunk Brewing Company. 21 Main Street, (215) 482-8220, manayunkkayaktours.comrnIt’s sometimes called Philadelphia’s hidden river, but Patriot Harbor Lines’ Schuylkill River Cruises reveal the secrets of waterway. Tourgoers can opt for the one-hour Different Nights, Different Lights; Hidden River Cocktail Cruise; or Secrets of the Schuylkill Cruise. Longer options include Walnut to Walnut and Boat to Bartram’s Garden. All the tours highlight the river’s beautiful scenery, unique architecture and city skyscape views from a reproduction of a 1920s commuter boat. Walnut Street Dock at Schuylkill Banks, (800) 979-3370, phillybyboat.comrnEnjoying The View:rnrnThe 15-foot-wide, 2,000-foot-long, ADA-compliant concrete path that comprises the Schuylkill Banks Boardwalk provides runners, bikers and pedestrians with easy connections to the Schuylkill River Trail between Locust Street and the South Street Bridge. Those who want to take in the scenery can do so at any of the four overlooks offering city and waterfront views. Schuylkill River at Locust Street, (215) 222-6030, schuylkillbanks.orgrnA welcome addition to Philadelphia’s Manayunk neighborhood, Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center is a collaborative effort between the Philadelphia Water Department, the Parks and Recreation department and Manayunk residents. The waterfront attraction includes a 250-seat performing arts center devoted primarily to kids’ theater, an outdoor amphitheater, basketball and volleyball courts, a “sprayground” water feature and lots of park space with stunning sunrise and sunset water views. Main Street & Cotton Street, (215) 482-9565, manayunk.com/dsr/veniceisland.htmlrnWater Works Restaurant & Lounge successfully capitalizes on the inherent romance of the waterfront. Located below the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this iconic eatery offers indoor and outdoor seating along with spectacular, unobstructed river views. Lovebirds especially enjoy dining here at night, when the twinkling lights of Boathouse Row reflect off of the surface of the water. 640 Water Works Drive, (215) 236-9000, thewaterworksrestaurant.comrnOTHER WATERWAYSrnrnBoating:rnrnDo-it-yourself canoeists can paddle the historic Brandywine River with the help of Brandywine Outfitters. In addition to boat rentals and portage transportation, the company rents out its private 26-acre park—complete with a riverside patio, picnic benches, cooking and picnic areas, children’s play equipment and trails—for special events. 2096 Strasburg Road, Coatesville, (610) 486-6141, canoepa.netrnFrench Creek State Park’s two lakes—the 68-acre Hopewell Lake and the 22-acre Scotts Run Lake—each offer boat launches and seasonal boat mooring spaces. Landlubbers looking for a day on the water can head to the Hopewell Lake pool complex for boat rentals, available daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends during May and September. 843 Park Road, Elverson, (610) 582-9680, dcnr.state.pa.usrnWith six public launching areas and 1,450 acres of clear, calm waters, Lake Nockamixon is a boater’s dream. The Marina and Tohickon launch ramps are popular with sailboat, catamaran and windsurfing enthusiasts, while the Three Mile Run and Haycock launch facilities are favored by those with motorboats, kayaks and inflatable watercraft. Boat rentals are available throughout the summer. 1542 Mountain View Drive, Quakertown (215) 529-7300, dcnr.state.pa.usrnDaredevils eagerly anticipate high water conditions for white-water boating in the Tohickon Creek at Ralph Stover State Park. That’s when closed-deck canoes and kayaks can take on the challenging course. 5998 State Park Road, Pipersville (610) 982-5560, dcnr.state.pa.usrnFishing:rnrnThe 106-acre Anson B. Nixon Park is a gem of a fishing hole. Two ponds are stocked annually with trout, and a fishing dock with wheel chair access assures angling fun for everyone. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required for ages 16 and over. Waterworks Drive from N. Walnut Street (main access point), Kennett Square, (610) 444-1416, ansonbnixonpark.orgrnWith two lakes in its borders, French Creek State Park is an angler’s delight. The 22-acre cold-water Scotts Run Lake offers excellent trout and other cold-water species. Fishing and hatchery-raised trout are stocked throughout the year. Those who take on the challenge of Hopewell Lake’s 68 acres are rewarded with a wide variety of bass, northern pike, chain pickerel, walleye, muskellunge and many species of panfish. An ADA-accessible fishing pier is located in the day- use area. 843 Park Road, Elverson, (610) 582-9680, dcnr.state.pa.usrnFor a lake-to-table experience, people catch dinner from the fishing pier at Lake Nockamixon. The warm-water fishery, certified as a Big Bass Lake, is stocked with walleye, muskellunge, pickerel, smallmouth and largemouth bass, striped-bass hybrids, channel catfish, carp and various types of panfish. Another fishing platform, which is ADA accessible, sits near the Haycock Boat Launch. 1542 Mountain View Drive, Quakertown, (215) 529-7300, dcnr.state.pa.usrnEach fishing season, trout are released into the Wissahickon Creek. Spin and fly fishers converge here to try their luck in the creek’s deep pools, fast riffles and pocket waters. Along Wissahickon Valley Park Trail (Forbidden Drive), (215) 247-0417, fow.orgrnSplashing & Tubing:rnrnWhen the weather gets hot, tubing the perfect respite. Northbrook Canoe Company invites people to ride the currents of the Brandywine River in a comfy, seamless tube. For those who prefer to be on the water but not in it, canoe and kayak rentals do the trick. True water enthusiasts bring their own boats set off from the docks. 1810 Beagle Road, Northbrook, (610) 793-2279, northbrookcanoe.comrnSwimming:rnrnKids love romping through the spray-and-splash pool while parents enjoy lounging around the main pool at Neshaminy State Park. Both are open from the Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 3401 State Road, (215) 639-4538, dcnr.state.pa.usrnAs if a half-acre of watery goodness wasn’t enough, Nockamixon State Park’s sprawling pool also includes two waterslides and a shallow end with fountains for the littlest ones. It opens Memorial Day weekend and closes at the end of the swimming season. 1542 Mountain View Drive, Quakertown (215) 529-7300, dcnr.state.pa.usrnFamilies often make a day of it at French Creek State Park, where a pool, concession stand and tree-shaded spots perfect for picnicking satisfy summertime needs. The pool is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. 843 Park Road, Elverson, (610) 582-9680, dcnr.state.pa.usrnVISIT 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

In Store: Tall Ships, Bike Share, Beer Gardens, Impressionists, Pop-up Parks & Festivals Galorern

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rnVisit Philly Beer Garden SeriesrnWhat are some other words for summer fun? Tall Ships. Fireworks. Festivals. Beer gardens. Pop-up parks. Philadelphia. This summer will go down as a season of non-stop, pull-out-all-the-stops fun in the city that scored a #3 placement on The New York Times’ influential “52 Places to Go in 2015” list.rnrnSome of the summer highlights include the Tall Ships Philadelphia Camden festival; the launch of Indego, Philadelphia’s bike-sharing program; the eagerly awaited return of the acclaimed Spruce Street Harbor Park; and the season-long showing of Discovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel and the New Painting at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Add in plenty of pop-up beer gardens and public art displays for an unforgettable Philly summer.rnrnHere’s a look at what’s happening:rnrnNew Amenity: Bike Share:rnrnWhat has 1,200 wheels and runs on pedal power? Indego, Philadelphia’s bike-share program set to launch this spring. The long-awaited human-powered public transportation system launches with 600 bikes available at 60 kiosks in Center City and parts of North, South and West Philadelphia. The easy-to-use system allows riders to rent a bike at one location and drop it off at another. May. Various locations. rideindego.comrnSpecial Events:rnrn2015 marks 100 years for the S. 9th Street Italian Market Charter, but the monthly celebratory events prove that the market itself still boasts a youthful energy. Food is always at the forefront of events here, and hungry visitors can chow down at the annual S. 9th Street Italian Market Festival (May 16-17) and the Vendy Foods Awards Winners Circle Food Truck Event (June 19). Also on the docket are Multicultural Music Month activities (July) and the bocce and scopa tournaments (August). 9th Street between Wharton & Fitzwater Streets, (215) 278-2903, italianmarketphilly.orgrnThe 50th Anniversary of the Gay Rights Movement kicks off in June with three exhibitions, including the opening of Speaking Out for Equality: The Constitution, Gay Rights, and the Supreme Court at the National Constitution Center. Other exhibitions and activities celebrating LGBT culture and heritage are planned for the William Way LGBT Community Center, the Free Library of Philadelphia, The African American Museum in Philadelphia, the Opera Company of Philadelphia and Taller Puertorriqueño, among others. The celebration’s signature events take place over Fourth of July weekend, with a reenactment of the Reminder Day demonstrations in front of Independence Hall, a wreath-laying ceremony at the historic marker that acknowledges the site of the demonstrations, panel discussions, a festival, concerts and more. June-December. Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org; various locations for other happenings, reminder2015.org, lgbt50.orgrnThe billowing sails of 15 majestic vessels mark the arrival of the Tall Ships Philadelphia Camden festival. Docked along both sides of the Delaware River waterfront will be elegant tall ships from France, Brazil, Canada and all around the globe. Visitors can tour the ships, including the L’Hermione, a replica of the French naval ship that brought General Lafayette to America to help fight the British. Also on tap: live entertainment, hands-on activities, games and a spectacular fireworks display to close out the largest sailing event in the United States in 2015. June 25-28. Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street; Camden Waterfront, tallshipsphiladelphia.comrnPop-Up Parks & Gardens:rnrnFollowing a smashingly successful first season that earned “Best Urban Beach in the World” status from The Huffington Post, Spruce Street Harbor Park returns to Penn’s Landing to brighten up the summer. The hammocks, lounge chairs, oversized games, floating beer garden and twinkling lights all return, along with some new surprises. Opens May 22. Spruce Street at Columbus Boulevard, (215) 629-3200, delawareriverwaterfront.comrnPhiladelphia is one of four cities from around the world and the only U.S. city to host Saint-Gobain’s never-before-seen traveling exhibit Future Sensations, a high-concept, immersive experience featuring five distinct ephemeral pavilions. Science, storytelling and art highlight the innovations, wonders and advancements that have changed the face of the world over the past few centuries and show off future innovations. Founded in 1665, Saint-Gobain celebrates 350 years as a world leader in high performance materials and solutions for sustainable building with this epic traveling exhibit, making stops in China, Brazil and France. May 30-June 6. The Oval, 24th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 422-4169, theovalphl.org, futuresensations.comrnArts Inside & Out:rnrnHorace Pippin: The Way I See It is the nation’s first major exhibition of the artist’s works in more than two decades. The show at the Brandywine River Museum of Art features more than 60 works that capture Pippin’s bold, colorful and candid paintings reflecting life in the African-American community and commenting on race, religion, war and history. April 25-July 19. U.S. Route 1 by Creek Road, (610) 388-2700, brandywine.orgrnMark Dion, Judy Pfaff, Fred Wilson: The Order of Things features three new large-scale installations by these internationally renowned artists. Commissioned for the show, each work is a response to the unconventional way that Dr. Albert C. Barnes chose to display his collection. The exhibition also features an installation designed by Barnes—a small room in the Merion gallery building that was replaced by an elevator shaft in the 1990s. May 16-August 3. 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 278-7000, barnesfoundation.orgrnThere’s big, bigger and then there’s Mural Arts’ new project: Open Source: Engaging Audiences in Public Space, the city’s biggest site-specific public art project to date. Fourteen artists from around the world work in various communities around the city to create a major piece of public art resulting from their interactions. Among the artists, whose works range from sculpture to murals to street art, are JR, Shepard Fairey, Sam Durant, Odili Donald Odita, Sterling Ruby, SWOON and Michelle Angela Ortiz. June launch, with most events taking place in October. Various locations. (215) 685-0750, opensource.muralarts.orgrnBravo to Opera Philadelphia, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a season of premieres and casts that possess an unprecedented roster of operatic firepower. The acclaimed Lawrence Brownlee will star in the world premiere of Charlie Parker’s YARDBIRD, a dramatic imagining of the tortured jazz soloist’s personal purgatory, revisiting the inspirations, demons and women who fueled his creative genius. June 5-14. Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce Streets, (215) 893-1018, operaphila.orgrnMain Street transforms into a giant outdoor art gallery for the Manayunk Arts Festival. The juried show represents works by more than 300 artisans from around the country. June 20-21. Main Street, (215) 482-9565, manayunk.comrnDiscovering the Impressionists: Paul Durand-Ruel and the New Painting celebrates the ambitious and visionary Parisian art dealer who supported and helped elevate a new style of painting. On view at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, its only U.S. stop, the exhibition showcases approximately 95 impressionist works, making it bigger and more comprehensive than its showings at the Musée du Luxembourg in Paris and the National Gallery in London. Art lovers enjoy works by Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Sisley, Degas, Manet and others. June 24-September 13. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 763-8100, philamuseum.orgrnCome for the flowers, stay for Nightscape: A Light & Sound Experience at Longwood Gardens. As visitors wander through the evening gardens, they encounter moving images that originated in the studios of the Klip Collective, but use the plants, trees and landscape as the canvas. Enhancing the visual images are choreographed lights, specially commissioned soundscapes and scores by John Barthmus, Julian Grefe and Justin Geller. July 1-October 31. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, (610) 388-1000, longwoodgardens.orgrnA Historical Perspective:rnrnCreating Camelot: The Kennedy Photography Of Jacques Lowe offers a peek into the private and public lives of President Kennedy and his family in the years leading up to his election. The 70 photographs in the exhibition at the National Constitution Center, many of which have never been seen before, were among the few that could be restored after more than 40,000 of Lowe’s original negatives, which had been stored in a vault in the World Trade Center, were destroyed. Through September 7. 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.orgrnThe National Museum of American Jewish History is the exclusive U.S. venue for Richard Avedon: Family Affairs, featuring striking photographs that helped define America’s perceptions of beauty, politics and power. The exhibit showcases more than 70 works by the renowned photographer, including a massive mural of beat poet Allen Ginsberg and his family, a group portrait of Andy Warhol and the Factory and a series of portraits published by Rolling Stone on the eve of the 1976 presidential election. April 1-August 2. 5th & Market Streets, (215) 923-3811, nmajh.orgrnFrom an illiterate, unsophisticated warrior to a world conqueror, Genghis Khan evolved into one of the most powerful leaders in history. In The Franklin Institute’s blockbuster interactive exhibition Genghis Khan: Bring the Legend to Life, visitors can time travel to 13th-century Mongolia. Vibrant marketplaces and battlegrounds, hundreds of weapons, jewels, saddles and armor recreate a vanished world. They can even launch catapults and fire arrows and play a general, princess or spy. May 9-January 3. 222 N. 20th Street, (215) 448-1200, fi.edurnA Family Affair:rnrnIt took a staggering one million-plus LEGO bricks to create The Art of the Brick, on view at The Franklin Institute and comprised of more than 100 works of art made using the popular toy. All ages will appreciate the LEGO recreations of acclaimed artworks such as van Gogh’s Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, a 20-foot-long T. rex, a Liberty Bell created especially for the Philadelphia iteration of this exhibit and much more. Through September 6. 222 N. 20th Street, (215) 448-1200, fi.edurnRecycling is second nature at the Philadelphia Zoo, so, of course, their new art installation Second Nature is fashioned from recycled materials. A dozen artists have reused and repurposed unexpected materials to draw attention to the plight of endangered animals. The exhibit includes a 13-foot-tall blue gorilla sculpted entirely of recycled car parts, two giant nine-foot-tall pink rabbits fashioned from recycled plastic and a menacing five-foot-long alligator molded from chewing gum. April 11-October 31. One month later on May 16, the zoo opens its Gorilla Treeway, the newest addition to its first-in-the-world animal travel and exploration trail system called Zoo360. The treeway gives the zoo’s Western lowland gorillas the ability to enjoy long-distance travel in a mesh passageway positioned overhead. 3400 W. Girard Avenue, (215) 243-1100, philadelphiazoo.orgrnSesame Place turns the big 3-5 this year and celebrates with a birthday-themed parade, birthday décor throughout the park and three new seasonal rides. Even Elmo’s Eatery gets a makeover for the occasion. As always, everyone’s favorite, furry monsters pop up to greet their adoring fans. May 2-December 31. 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne, (866) GO-4-ELMO (464-3566), sesameplace.comrnIt’s slimy, stinky and downright yucky, which means kids will love Animal Grossology, an exhibition about the ickiest creatures on earth. Based on the best-selling children’s book series Grossology, the interactive exhibit at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University oozes with disgusting science and entertaining learning games that explain why the dung beetle is called nature’s pooper scooper, why cows chew cud and how snail and slug slime could potentially become medical treatments. May 16-August 30. 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 299-1000, ansp.orgrnFans of Lyle, the city-dwelling crocodile that lives in a Victorian brownstone with the Primm family, will be delighted with the exhibition Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile And Friends: The Art Of Bernard Waber at the National Museum of American Jewish History. Original illustrations and writings reveal how Waber created the lovable hero of the classic children’s picture books and also highlight his work as a designer. Special activities and programs are also in the works. August 27-November 1. 101 S. Independence Mall West, (215) 923-3811, nmajh.orgrnAnnual Favorites:rnrnIt’s the largest beer celebration in the United States. Lasting 10 days and nights, Philly Beer Week attracts people from all over who come together for beer-pairing dinners, beer gardens, spirited homebrew competitions, citywide pub crawls and meet-and-greets. New this year: a one-day stop in Philly for Street Pub, the world’s biggest transportable bar; special activities for Yards Brewing Company’s 20th anniversary; and Beer Oyster Cult, a special night of oyster and beer pairings at various bars and restaurants. May 29-June 7. Various locations, phillybeerweek.orgrnFor music lovers, the unofficial start of summer begins with the Roots Picnic, a daylong festival featuring Philly’s hometown heroes and house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Once again, the guys have locked down some of the hottest names in the music business, including The Weeknd, Erykah Badu, A$AP Rocky, Phantogram, DJ Mustard and Rae Sremmurd. May 30. Festival Pier, Columbus Boulevard & Spring Garden Street, rootspicnic.comrnCheering crowds pack the streets for the giant neighborhood party that accompanies the annual Philadelphia International Cycling Classic. This race brings some of the world’s best riders to take on “The Wall,” Manayunk’s steepest topographic challenge. New this year, recreational cyclists can ride the closed course before the pros. June 7. philadelphiainternationalcyclingclassic.comrnBased on Yoruba traditions, ODUNDE, the largest African-American street festival in the country, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2015. The festival marks the New Year for Africans and African-Americans around the world with a procession, ceremonial offering, live entertainment and an African marketplace with crafts from more than 100 vendors stretching over 12 city blocks. June 14. (215) 732-8510, odundefestival.orgrnPhiladelphia celebrates America’s birthday like no place else. In the week leading up to Independence Day, Wawa Welcome America! lights up the city with concerts, fireworks, historic re-enactments, Wawa Hoagie Day and other family-friendly activities. Then on July 4, the granddaddy of all concerts takes over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with chart-topping artists hitting the stage and a grand-finale fireworks display. June 27-July 4. Various locations. welcomeamerica.comrnVISIT 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

Tall Ships, Gay Rights Celebrations & Fireworks Highlight Eight Days Of Family-Friendly Funrn

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rnWhen Fourth of July rolls around, Philadelphia—America’s birthplace—paints the town red, white and blue thanks to eight days of music, exhibitions, Colonial characters and re-enactments, patriotic ceremonies and fireworks. This year, the city amps up the revelry surrounding the annual Wawa Welcome America! festivities with Tall Ships Philadelphia Camden, the largest sailing event in North America; and a citywide celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Gay Rights Movement.rnrnHere are a few highlights of Philadelphia’s patriotic party:rnrnThe billowing sails of more than a dozen majestic vessels mark the arrival of the Tall Ships Philadelphia Camden festival. Docked along both sides of the Delaware River waterfront will be elegant tall ships from France, Brazil, Canada and all around the globe. Visitors can tour the ships, including the L’Hermione, a replica of the French naval ship that brought General Lafayette to America to help fight the British. Also on tap: live entertainment, hands-on activities, games and a spectacular fireworks display to close out the largest sailing event in the United States in 2015. June 25-28. Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Walnut Street; Camden Waterfront, tallshipsphiladelphia.comrnWawa Welcome America! kicks off with a lively block party and wraps up with the nation’s largest free Fourth of July concert and a fireworks grand finale. In between are movies, a concert by the Philly Pops in front of Independence Hall, patriotic ceremonies, Wawa Hoagie Day and more free, family-friendly fun. Various locations. June 27-July 4. (215) 683-2202, welcomeamerica.comrnSignature events marking the 50th Anniversary of the Gay Rights Movement take place over Fourth of July weekend, with a reenactment of the Reminder Day demonstrations in front of Independence Hall, a wreath-laying ceremony at the historic marker that acknowledges the site of the demonstrations, panel discussions, a festival, concerts and more. July 2-5. Also on view throughout the weekend and beyond: Speaking Out for Equality: The Constitution, Gay Rights, and the Supreme Court, an exhibition at the National Constitution Center that tells the story of the gay civil rights movement through artifacts, photographs and legal precedents. June 5-September 7. During the weekend, visitors can delve into other aspects of LGBTQ history at exhibitions at the Free Library of Philadelphia, Taller Puertorriqueño, the National Museum of American Jewish History and The African American Museum in Philadelphia. Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street, (215) 409-6700, constitutioncenter.org; various locations for other happenings, reminder2015.org, lgbt50.orgrn rnVISIT PHILADELPHIA®, formerly known as Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, 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.rn rnrnContact(s):rnDonna Schorr, (215) 599-0782

Lehigh Valley, PA (PRWEB) April 15, 2015rnrnMore than 20 Philadelphia area meeting and event planners will be in Lehigh Valley April 17 through 19 as part of a familiarization, or FAM, tour aimed at showcasing what the area can offer for their respective clients.rnDiscover Lehigh Valley, the official Destination Marketing Organization for Lehigh and Northampton counties in eastern Pennsylvania, along with Mid-Atlantic Events Magazine, hosts the tour through various Lehigh Valley locations.rnMeeting and event planners from organizations such as Maritz Travel, HelmsBriscoe, Firmenich, and Comcast Corporation, among others, will be attending the FAM tour.rn“Our FAM tour will allow us to show Philadelphia area meeting and event planners why they should take a look at Lehigh Valley,” said Discover Lehigh Valley President, Michael Stershic who, along with Executive Vice-President Kim Lilly, will lead the tour. “We have the facilities, attractions, and restaurants to rival other areas our size. There is no reason why Lehigh Valley shouldn’t be included in regional meeting and event planning routines.”rnThe FAM tour begins on Friday, April 17 at Sands® Bethlehem where visitors will check in and participate in an ice breaking activity by Northstar Adventures of Bethlehem. The tour will then depart to Silver Creek Country Club in Hellertown for a “Lehigh Valley Night Showcase,” which will expose nearly 20 local attractions, hotels, and suppliers to the planners.rnThe tour continues on Saturday, April 18 at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie; includes a Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery tasting; lunch and tour at Renaissance® Allentown Hotel and PPL Center; and America On Wheels, followed by a taste of the Sands® Bethlehem.rnOn Sunday, visitors will visit the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts in Bethlehem.rnAbout Discover Lehigh Valley rnDiscover Lehigh Valley is the designated destination marketing organization (DMO) of Lehigh and Northampton counties. Its mission is to promote and develop Lehigh Valley as a leisure and business travel destination. Created in 1984, Discover Lehigh Valley assists in promoting regional tourism, an industry that generates $1.906 billion in annual revenue and accounts for more than 22,000 jobs in Lehigh Valley. For more information on Discover Lehigh Valley and its activities or to request a Lehigh Valley Official Visitors Guide, call (800) MEET-HERE, or visit the official tourism website of Lehigh Valley at DiscoverLehighValley.com. rn##

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Anglers from across the state are gearing up to fish their favorite spots at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, which marks the traditional statewide opening day of trout season.rnrnSince mid-February, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has been busy stocking waterways with a fresh supply of brook, brown and rainbow trout. And with approximately 3.2 million adult trout stocked in lakes and creeks, along with more than 10,000 miles of wild trout waters, anglers will have plenty of opportunities to catch a stocked or wild trout. rnrnBased on participation in the PFBC's two Mentored Youth Trout Days, PFBC Executive Director John Arway expects large crowds of anglers on the waterways enjoying time with friends and family.rnrn"We've sold more than 8,500 voluntary youth licenses and have issued more than 17,500 mentored youth permits," he said. "That's a tremendous number of kids and their adult mentors who have already been out practicing their fishing skills this season. With warmer weather finally arriving, I think they'll be fishing again this weekend, along with the other anglers who enjoy the opening day tradition."rnrnAnglers can keep a daily combined species creel of five trout, at least seven inches in length. A license is required for anyone 16 and older and a trout permit is required for trout fishing in all wild and stocked trout waters.rnrnTrout season opened April 4 in 18 southcentral and southeastern counties, including Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, and York.rnrnArway adds that anglers who use smartphones can use the PFBC's new "FishBoatPA" app to better navigate the Keystone State's streams and lakes.rnrn"The app helps anglers see which waters have been stocked with trout, how to get to those locations easily, and what other access areas are near their current fishing spot," he said. "The use of smartphones has skyrocketed, so we have found a way to improve the fishing and boating experience for our anglers and boaters. Now they can spend less time looking for information and more time fishing and boating."rnrnIn addition to providing access to stocking pages, the new mobile app allows anglers to post photos of their catches under "My Trophies." Anglers are also invited to post their opening day photos on the PFBC's Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/790313307731647. rnrnThe "FishBoatPA" app is available for free on both Google's Play Store and Apple's App Store.rnrnAlso this year, adult anglers are enjoying a first-ever $1 decrease in the price of their fishing license.rnrn"This is our way of saying 'thank you' to our loyal customers," added Arway. "And at the same time, we think the price reduction will attract lapsed anglers back to the sport."rnrnThe PFBC announced last fall that it was reducing the price of resident, non-resident and senior resident annual licenses by $1 for the entire 2015 season. The discount is part of a marketing campaign to highlight the sport's affordability to families and younger audiences and to persuade lapsed anglers to return. It's being promoted under the slogan "Catch the Value!" (Twitter – #CatchTheValue)rnrnWith the discount, the price of a resident annual license is $20; non-resident annual $50; 3-year resident $60; 3-year non-resident $150; 5-year resident $100; and 5-year non-resident $250. Trout/salmon permits, Lake Erie permits and combo permits are not included in the price reduction.rnrnVisit the trout page for more information about trout season. Also, a media resources page contains web banners for graphic artists and reporters to use.rnrnFor more information, or to purchase licenses and permits, visit www.GoneFishingPA.com or any of the more than 900 licensing agents across the state.rnrnMedia Contact – Eric Levis, Press Secretaryrn717.705.7806 or elevis@pa.govrnrn rnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Fish & Boat CommissionrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.fishandboat.com

Philadelphians can always find a reason to get festive. It could be a gathering of artists and artisans in Manayunk (Manayunk Arts Festival), a traditional Yoruba-style street fair on South Street (Odunde), a craft beer party on East Passyunk Avenue (Italian Festival and Craft Beer Day), a weekend celebrating all-things Harry Potter in Chestnut Hill (Harry Potter Festival) or a gathering of would-be scientists at multiple neighborhoods throughout the city (Philadelphia Science Festival). Philly’s neighborhoods make merry all year long with special events and activities that reflect their distinctive personalities. Here’s a look at some of the mark-the-calendar happenings for 2015:rnrnCENTER CITYrnrnBenjamin Franklin Parkway:rnrnFor the fifth year running, the Philadelphia Science Festival unleashes nine days of exploratory exhibitions, lectures, debates and hands-on activities on campuses, museums and other venues around the city, culminating with a family-friendly science carnival on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. April 24-May 2. philasciencefestival.orgrnA signature event for The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Bug Fest brings a weekend-long celebration of all-things creepy, crawly and fluttery to its home. Visitors can check out hundreds of bug specimens both live and preserved, meet insect researchers and even sample some bug cuisine. August 8-9. ansp.orgrnRittenhouse Square:rnrnAlong with the blooming rhododendrons of spring comes the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival, Walnut Street’s annual fete with food, fashion, music and art, plus a slew of activities for kids. May 2. rittenhouserow.orgrnJames Joyce’s masterwork Ulysses serves as the focal point of Bloomsday, an international holiday celebrating the novel. The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia hosts the Philadelphia outpost of Bloomsday-related celebrations with a weeklong festival for literary enthusiasts, culminating with the outdoor public reading of passages from the book. June 9-16. rosenbach.orgrnWashington Square West:rnrnWith a mission to showcase some of the best jazz in Philadelphia, the Center City Jazz Festival brings a variety of jazz musicians to bars and lounges around the Washington Square West neighborhood of Philadelphia. This year’s lineup includes Ben Schachter, The Huntertones and Surface to Air. April 25. ccjazzfest.comrnThe already vibrant 13th Street takes on an autumnal glow during the annual Midtown Village Fall Festival, with a pop-up beer garden, live music, food from area restaurants, dunk tanks, more than 50 artists, DJs and even sumo wrestling. October 3. midtownvillage.orgrnPhiladelphia celebrates National Coming Out Day with OutFest, a block party in the heart of the Gayborhood that’s made up of drag shows, games, bar crawls and shopping. Philadelphia’s celebration is the largest Coming Out Day street festival in the world. October 11. phillypride.orgrnOld City/Penn’s Landing:rnrnLovers of one-of-a-kind finds descend on the annual Spring Art Star Craft Bazaar, where the handmade goods include housewares, ceramics, clothing, art, paper goods and much more. The weekend-long sale at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing is punctuated with live music, food and art demonstrations. May 9-10. artstarcraftbazaar.comrnMost weekends of the summer, the PECO Multicultural Series brings the cultures of the world—from Ireland and Mexico to Brazil and the Caribbean—to Penn’s Landing for family-friendly celebrations. June-September. (215) 922-2FUN, delawareriverwaterfront.comrnWhen the Tall Ships Philadelphia Camden pulls into port this summer, visitors can watch the colorful parade of sail and tour 15 vessels from around the world, including L’Hermione, a replica of the ship that brought General Lafayette to the aid of the United States during the Revolutionary War. Ships will be docked on both sides of the river, where boat lovers and landlubbers can enjoy live entertainment, hands-on activities and dazzling fireworks. June 25-28. Delaware River Waterfront, tallshipsphiladelphia.comrnBEYOND CENTER CITYrnrnFishtown & Northern Liberties:rnrnArtists of all stripes and genres line the cobblestone streets to peddle their wares, while nearby, a quirky competition for the most creative human-powered vehicles takes place. It’s all part of the annual Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby and Arts Festival. May 16. kinetickensington.org, trentonaveartsfest.orgrnA block party sponsored by the businesses of Northern Liberties, the 2nd Street Festival showcases live music programmed by the Philadelphia Folksong Society, workshops, art, shopping and the very best local eats and drinks. August 2. 2ndstfestival.org rn• The Fishtown Neighbors Association presents the Rivercity Festival, a waterfront party with live music, a 5k run, hospitality and wellness tents and food and drink aplenty. October 10. rivercityfestival.orgrnSouth Street: Society Hill To Graduate Hospital:rnrnThe undead come out to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Philly Zombie Crawl on Easter Sunday night. Fearless fans can line up at 6th and South Streets for a parade of the brain-eating monsters and then take their chances with a nightlong crawl of South Street from 3rd to 6th Streets for drink specials and ghoulish fun at several neighborhood bars. April 5. phillyzombie.comrnWhen the weather warms, the crowds gather at the South Street Spring Festival, an open-air party with local eats, drinks and goods from the street’s wide-ranging vendors, along with live entertainment on three stages. ART-GAGE will be on site with interactive projects up and down the street, while others gather around the city’s largest maypole. May 2. southstreet.comrnBased on Yoruba traditions, ODUNDE, the largest African-American street festival in the country, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2015. The festival honors the New Year for African and African-Americans around the world with a procession, ceremonial offering, live entertainment and an African marketplace with about 100 craft and food vendors stretching over 12 city blocks. June 14. odunde365.orgrnGo green at Clean Air Council’s Greenfest Philly, the city’s largest environmental event where all ages discover fun ways to live healthier and care for the environment. Live music, eco-friendly crafts, beer gardens and demos by local businesses transform Headhouse Square into a festive and educational outdoor marketplace. September 13. greenfestphilly.orgrnCraft breweries, neighborhood vendors, live music and food trucks come together on South Street for Bloktoberfest, an all-ages block party. Proceeds benefit local charities and programs. October 3. bloktoberfestphilly.comrnSouth Street Headhouse Square District gets into the October spirit with the Pumpkin Fall Festival, a family day of activities, including arts and crafts, hayrides, vendors and live circus performances, music, seasonal foods and a free pumpkin giveaway. It all takes place in the Headhouse Square Shambles. October 24. southstreet.comrnSouth Philly: Bella Vista & East Passyunk:rnrnIt’s one of the hottest restaurant rows in the region, and East Passyunk toots its own gastronomic horn during Flavors of the Avenue. For a reasonable admission fee, visitors can sample food and drink from its myriad restaurants, bakeries and pubs. April 26. visiteastpassyunk.comrnThe nation’s oldest outdoor market and the already-bustling heart of South Philadelphia welcomes the city for the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival, a foodie’s dream with flavors from its many restaurants and shops, along with the Annual Procession of Saints, plenty of activities for kids and, new this year, a pop-up outdoor disco. May 17-18. italianmarketfestival.comrnDuring Philly Beer Week, East Passyunk plays up its roots with a daylong Craft Beer Day, a pub crawl with a distinctly red-sauce flavor, offering samples, brewer meet-and-greets and plenty of special deals, including an outdoor Asian street food BBQ and beer event by Bing Bing Dim sum and an outdoor grill and sampling event with four breweries hosted by Le Virtu. May 31. visiteastpassyunk.comrnLa Festa Della Repubblica presented by Filitalia International will return for its sixth year along three blocks of East Passyunk Avenue. Filitalia International's History of Italian Immigration Museum located at 1834 East Passyunk Avenue will be the center of the excitement, surrounded by four locations of live music bands and 30-plus food and merchant vendors. The festival will feature fun for both kids and adults, including an Orbitron amusement ride, a trampoline, a Water Gun Fun game and an exciting spaghetti-eating contest. June 7. filitaliainternational.comrnMuscle car enthusiasts show off their Turtle Waxed best at the Car Show and Street Festival, where vehicles in multiple categories are judged. Street eats and live entertainers round out the offerings. July 26. visiteastpassyunk.comrnFairmount/Spring Garden:rnrnMusicians, artists and other performers from in and around the Fairmount community share their talents at the first Fairmount Avenue Arts & Culture Day, celebrating the neighborhood’s abundant talents from a wide range of genres. Taking place in front of Eastern State Penitentiary, the event is jam packed with live entertainment, art, craft booths, food and the chance to win prizes from local merchants. June 6. fairmountcdc.orgrnWigs are welcome at the Bastille Day celebration at Eastern State Penitentiary, where the Bearded Ladies cabaret performers hit the stage with dancing baguettes, a romping Eiffel Tower and other lighthearted tributes. The merriment is capped off with a reenactment of the French Revolution in which a Marie Antoinette re-enactor yells, “Let them eat Tastykakes.” At night, French dinner specials at local restaurants beckon revelers. July 11. easternstate.orgrnWest Philadelphia/University City:rnrnIn addition to selling locally made crafts and goods, the Go West! Craft Fest, presented by local shop VIX Emporium and As the Crow Flies & Co. and held outdoors at the Woodlands, hosts performances by local bands and Tangle Movement Arts’ Tinycircus performance series. April 25. gowestcraftfest.comrnThe Philadelphia International Children’s Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts with even more family-friendly music and theater performances from around the globe, along with face-painters, jugglers and other entertainers in the free Fun Zone. May 7-9. annenbergcenter.orgrnHeld on Saturdays closest to the summer solstice and fall equinox, the Clark Park Music and Arts Festival brings together music of all genres, arts and crafts, vendors and family activities in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhood gathering spaces. June 20 and September 19. clarkparkfest.wordpress.comrnChestnut Hill:rnrnAnything that goes into making a cozy home or spectacular garden is on display at Chestnut Hill’s annual Home and Garden Festival. Hundreds of craftspeople, merchants, food purveyors and entertainers set up along several blocks on Germantown Avenue. May 3. chestnuthillpa.comrnAutumn gets off to a glorious start at the Fall for the Arts Festival as more than 150 artists and artisans from around the country display their talents during this daylong festival. On the docket: alfresco dining, entertainment, crafts and more. October 4. chestnuthillpa.comrnQuidditch tournaments, horcrux hunts, sorting-hat demos and other magical Hogwarts activities delight fans of the boy wizard during the fourth annual Harry Potter Festival. Muggles beware as costumed wizards roam Chestnut Hill for a weekend packed with potions, spells and so much fun. October 16-17. chestnuthillpa.comrnManayunk:rnrnIf it’s June, it must be the Manayunk Arts Festival, marking its 26th anniversary in 2015. The festival continues to attract huge crowds to Main Street to check out a variety of artwork from 300 artists and crafters from around the country. Up-and-coming local talent gets in on the action in the Emerging Artist Tent. June 20-21. manayunk.comrnNeighborhoods All Over Town:rnrnThose obsessed with hard-to-find and unusual craft beers circle their calendars in red to mark the return of Philly Beer Week. Highlighted by such signature events as the Opening Tap celebration and the Hammer of Glory Relay Race, the sudsy celebration, which actually runs for 10 days, is packed with thousands of brewery tours, demos, games, tastings, workshops and other events brew-themed activities. May 29-June 7. phillybeerweek.orgrnPhilly’s premier Fourth of July bash, Wawa Welcome America! offers up a spectacular series of family events, including fireworks, parades, movies, ice cream, Philly hoagies and star-studded live concerts headlined by national acts. June 27-July 4. welcomeamerica.comrnMusic fans mark the dates for the XPoNential Music Festival every year along the Camden Waterfront. The three-day event draws an incredible lineup of established legends and up-and-coming artists. July 24-26. xpnfest.orgrnDubbed “the black Sundance” by Ebony, the BlackStar Film Festival gathers filmmakers and cinema lovers for screenings and workshops that illuminate the global black experience. July 30-August 2. blackstarfest.orgrnWith an eye on the world’s most cutting-edge art, the Philadelphia Fringe Festival curates rn17 days of theater, dance, music and interdisciplinary performances. September 3-19. rnfringearts.comrnThe entire city celebrates DesignPhiladelphia, the oldest festival of its kind in the U.S., with more than 130 events showcasing the work of 400 designers, architects and creatives. Each fall, venues host exhibits, lectures, workshops, demonstrations and tours highlighting architecture, urban planning, product, interior, furniture, multimedia, graphic and fashion design. This year’s marquee event, Pearl Street Passage creates an urban oasis featuring outdoor, experiential and fun installations in the Chinatown North/Callowhill neighborhood. October 8-16. designphiladelphia.orgrnThe Philadelphia Film Festival, an 11-day citywide event, showcases a range of short and feature-length, domestic and international films enhanced by special events and filmmaker Q&As. October 22-November 1. filmadelphia.orgrnStandup storytelling, theater, food events and workshops are just a few of the ways the First Person Arts Festival brings the real life narratives of everyday people and established artists to a wide audience. The 14th annual festival takes place in venues across the city. November 4-21. firstpersonarts.orgrnVISIT 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.rn rnrnContact(s):rnDonna Schorr, (215) 599-0782

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Plymouth Meeting, PA (PRWEB) April 11, 2015

PPL Electric Utilities, PSE&G, Asplundh Tree, Baltimore Gas & Electric, PEPCO, Atlantic City Electric and other area contractors offer surplus vehicles and equipment to the general public through JJ Kane’s auction. More than 820 used cars, dump trucks, chippers, backhoes, vans, and pickups will sell with no reserve!

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The auction is located at the Danella Line Services Yard, 1402 Conshohocken Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462, with bidding beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday April 18th. Bidders can participate in person or online. Items are available for public inspection on Friday April 17th, 8a.m.-4 p.m. and also beginning at 7:00 a.m. on auction day. Several times each year retiring autos and equipment are offered for sale to the general public at this auction.

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JJ Kane auctions are unreserved. That means that everything sells to the highest bidder, regardless of price. Owners are not allowed to bid on equipment they have consigned to the auction.

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"At JJ Kane, we connect buyers with equipment they need through a simple process where anyone can buy or sell in person or online. Sellers benefit from a convenient, cost-effective way to sell equipment. Buyers like the fact that they can kick the tires and inspect the items personally, prior to the auction,” says Joe Kane, founder of JJ Kane Auctioneers.

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About J.J. Kanern
JJ Kane is a leading nationwide auction company reselling vehicles and equipment through a convenient process where buyers participate in person and online. JJ Kane delivers buyers the information they need through mobile apps and the latest technology. Their focus on serving the customer has made the company one of the most successful auction houses, serving buyers and sellers of used construction equipment both in the U.S and across the globe.

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 9, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Saturday marks the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's (PFBC) second Mentored Youth Trout Day for 2015, an opportunity for kids to practice their fishing skills one week before the statewide opening day of trout season kicks off in 49 counties on April 18.rnrnOn this day, they will have more waters to fish as well. Responding to anglers' requests, the PFBC expanded the program to all approved trout waters.rnrn"Our goal is to get more kids involved in fishing and to keep them engaged, and one of the best ways to do that is to make the experience as easy as possible for parents and mentors," said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. "By expanding the program this year to include all Commission stocked trout waters on the two selected dates, we have substantially increased the number of available waters and are bringing fishing as close as we can to anglers both young and old."rnrnThe first mentored day was held on March 28 in 18 southcentral and southeastern counties, including Adams, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, and York. This was a week before the regional opening day of trout season on April 4 in the counties.rnrnTo participate in the second mentored youth day, adult anglers (16 years and older) must have a valid fishing license and trout/salmon permit and be accompanied by a youth. Youth anglers must obtain a free PFBC-issued permit or a voluntary youth fishing license (only $2.70 including all fees) and be accompanied by a licensed adult.rnrnThe numbers so far show that the program is very popular.rnrnAs of April 6, nearly 9,600 mentored youth permits had been issued and almost 5,000 voluntary youth licenses had been purchased.rnrn"The program has taken off since we first launched it in 2013 and had about 5,000 registered participants," said Arway. "Anglers told us they liked the opportunity to take kids fishing before opening day and they told us they wanted more waters to fish. That's what led to the expansion this year."rnrnArway notes that for every voluntary youth license sold, the PFBC will be eligible to receive approximately $5 in federal revenue from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Sport Fish Restoration Act program, which provides funds to states based on a formula that includes the number of licenses a state sells. All revenues earned from the voluntary youth fishing license is dedicated to youth programs.rnrnFor the second Mentored Youth Trout Day in the 49 counties, anglers and their adult mentors can fish on all approved trout waters from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Anglers – including mentors – can each keep a combined species total of two trout, at least seven inches in length.rnrnEvery year, the PFBC stocks approximately 3.2 million adult trout in about 530 streams and 120 lakes across the Commonwealth. They average 11 inches in length and weigh about one-half pound each.rnrn"It's important for anglers to visit the PFBC stocking page for an updated list so they know exactly what waters are being stocked by April 11," added Brian Wisner, director of the PFBC Bureau of Hatcheries. "We don't want mentors and kids inadvertently showing up at waters which have not been stocked. Waters that receive a stocking before the mentored youth days will be highlighted on this list to assist anglers with their fishing plans."rnrnIn addition to the PFBC's stocking pages, its new mobile app FishBoatPA is a great resource to know what stocking has or will occur at favorite stocked trout locations. Included with this new, free app is the opportunity for anglers to post photos of their catches under "My Trophies." Anglers are also invited to post their Mentored Youth Trout Day photos on the PFBC's Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1613768042189465/.rnrnAlso this year, adult anglers will enjoy a first-ever decrease in the price of their fishing license.rnrn"This is our way of saying 'thank you' to our loyal customers," added Arway. "And at the same time, we think the reduction will attract lapsed anglers back to the sport."rnrnThe PFBC announced last fall that it was reducing the price of resident, non-resident and senior resident annual licenses by $1 for the entire 2015 season. The discount is part of a marketing campaign to highlight the sport's affordability to families and younger audiences and to persuade lapsed anglers to return. It's being promoted under the slogan "Catch the Value!" (Twitter – #CatchTheValue)rnrn"By expanding the mentored youth trout program this year to all stocked waters, and taking into account the $1 decrease in the price of an adult fishing license, I'm confident we will see more children taking adults fishing," Arway said.rnrnFor more information, or to purchase licenses and permits, visit www.GoneFishingPA.com or any of the more than 900 licensing agents across the state.rnrnMedia Contact: rnEric Levis, Press Secretaryrn717.705.7806 or elevis@pa.govrnrnPR018-2015-04-09rnrn rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Fish & Boat CommissionrnrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.fishandboat.com