#BILLYPENNGRAM OF THE DAY
Urban oasis
(Photo by @postcardsfromsouthphilly)
Adam Barbanel-Fried believes in the power of personal connections. As director of the nonprofit Changing the Conversation Together for Progress, he focuses on training “deep canvassers.”
His volunteers take a unique approach that research suggests is more effective at getting people to vote. Continue reading …
CTC volunteers connect with voters more personally, and outside the normal election cycle, to increase participation (Photo courtesy of Changing the Conversation Together)
It was their team’s general manager, Paul Owens, whose nickname referenced his likeness to Paul VI. And on Sept. 1, 1980, the Phils’ Pope laid into a talented, underachieving team to let them know time was short. What happened next is Phillies lore. Continue reading …
Paul Owens in the Phillies clubhouse.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• SEPTA advises riders to not buy September passes until the agency reverses a planned fare hike after a judge blocked the plan. [NBC10]
• A Philly biotech company is in trouble for claiming its pesticide product could kill the COVID virus. [PhillyVoice]
• A march in Kensington honored those killed by opioids. [Kensington Voice]
• Temple researchers say sports can help young women develop leadership skills, but they can run into bias. [WHYY]
• A boy was rescued by a park visitor after he got on the HersheyPark monorail tracks. [Inq$$]
• Philly’s Waterdogs lacrosse team is at Subaru Park today for a playoff game. [BP]
• The Fringe Festival returns to Philly, in two and sometimes three languages, and blurs the line between artists and audience. [WHYY/Billy Penn]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker will join the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO for the 38th Annual Tri-State Labor Day Parade & Family Festival, on S. Columbus Blvd. (10 a.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🎉 EarlyBirds Club party in Philly, Sept. 6
🏊🏽 Public pools in Philly 2025
🏃🏽 Philly Runners Guide
20+ Labor Day weekend ideas, including some highlights below.
Through Monday, Sept. 1: 153rd annual Volksfest
The annual German festival is happening Saturday through Monday at Cannstatter Volksfest-Verein, a German heritage organization in Northeast Philly. Admission is $10 for one day, $15 for a two-day pass, and $20 for all three days. (Starts 12 p.m. each day)
Monday, Sept. 1: Philadelphia Labor Day ‘FREE 5K’ & 10K
Run into autumn with this race starting in front of the Rocky Steps and along Kelly Drive’s scenic views. Every runner receives a finisher’s medal, chip-timed results, free event photos and post-race snacks. $50-$65 registration or lottery (7:30 a.m.)
Monday, Sept. 1: 38th Annual Tri-State Labor Day Parade
Philly region unions and community supporters will march in the annual parade starting at Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 Hall at 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. & Washington Ave. (10 a.m. start time)
Monday, Sept. 1: 3rd annual Labor Day Celebration at FDR Park
A scavenger hunt, archery ages 10+, nature crafts, Smokey the Bear, food and more. Free. (12 to 2 p.m.)
Tuesday, Sept. 2: The $5 Showcase
Every first Tuesday of the month at Plays & Players Theatre at Quigs Pub, enjoy some of the best comedic talent in Philly for only $5. $7.18 tickets. (7:30 p.m.)
Thursday, Sept. 4: Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll
The second and final edition of the season! Local businesses and community vendors offer one-night-only deals for $1, $3, or $5 while local musicians and artists provide entertainment up and down Baltimore Ave from 40th to 51st Streets. (5 to 8 p.m.)