Neighborhood Chatter: April News and Notes

Check out what’s happening in the weeks to come.

Ethan Tran, from left to right, Salvatore Kerns, David Kennedy, Amin Branch, Luca La Rosa, Aidan Chau, Owen Cheung and Aidan Su pose for a winning pic with coach Leteef Street.

By Bill Gelman

The Southeast Youth Athletic Association Easter Carnival is coming to town April 12–22, so put that weekend visit to Wildwood on hold. South Philly’s version of a pop-up amusement park will be at Seventh Street and Packer Avenue. The hours are 5–10 p.m. weekdays and 6–10 p.m. weekends, with the admission fee on Easter Sunday $2 per person (kids 25 inches and under are free). The holiday hours are noon-6 p.m. Fore more info, visit houghtoncarnival.com.

SEYAA is also gearing up for T-ball, baseball or softball season. Sign-ups are still taking place at the sports complex, Seventh and Bigler streets, 6–7:30 p.m. weeknights and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. ….

Speaking of Easter, the Girard Estate Neighbors Association has the eggs. Hey kids, are you ready to go find them? All of the fun is taking place in Stephen Girard Park, 2101 W. Shunk St., on Saturday, April 8, from 1:30–3:30 p.m. This free Easter in the Park event will include a traditional Easter egg hunt, crafts, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. For more information, email gena001@comcast.net. …

Speaking of bunny news, for those of you planning to attend the 86th Annual Easter Promenade on South Street, consider pairing the fun with an Easter Sunday brunch or dinner. There are plenty of options to choose from, with more than a dozen restaurants, cafes and bakeries offering special menus, outdoor seating, spring cocktails and more. Bridget Foy’s, 200 South St., Whetstone Tavern, 700 S. Fifth St., Ela, 627 S. Third St., and the Good King Tavern, 614 S. Seventh St., are just some of the places that will be serving up delicious deals. For more information, visit southstreet.com.

The St. Monica Home and School Association is hosting its 22nd annual raffle party 6–11 p.m. Saturday (April 1) at the school, 16th and Porter streets. This fundraiser is to support, enhance and expand student programs that are vital to broadening the educational experience of students. …

In other weekend news, there is a CityKids consignment sale taking place at Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., 10 a.m-3 p.m. Saturday (April 1) and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday (April 2). This is a great opportunity to shop for baby and children’s clothing up to age 12, books, toys and gear. There are going to be some great deals. For more information, visit southphillyparents.org/citykids. …

Teachers, this one is for you. By now, many of you should be familiar with our annual Rising Stars issue in which students are recognized for his or her efforts in the classroom. This is much more than a pull-a-name-out-of-the-hat routine. We want to hear what makes your student stand out from the pack. Keep it short and sweet, 250–350 words max. Candidates will range from first grade through high school. There is only one rule: the student must reside in or attend a South Philly school. If you have someone in mind, email your info to bgelman@bsmphilly.com.

Speaking of standout students, kudos go out to the chess team from String Theory Charter School, 2600 S. Broad St., who enjoyed a very successful run at the recent state competition. Aidan Chau, Luca La Rosa, David Kennedy, Salvatore Kerns and Ethan Tran are the state champions for chess in the K- 3 open section. Amin Branch, Nicholas Cavalli and Owen Cheung came in fourth as a team for the K-6 u800 section. There will be more news about this talented group coming soon …