By Bill Gelman
Boyz II Men is coming back to South Philly on Saturday (June 24), but we are not talking about the concert taking place at the Wells Fargo Center. Before they share the stage with New Kids on the Block and Paula Abdul they will swing by their old school in the morning for a very special dedication. Philadelphia City Council will honor hometown history-makers by renaming Broad Street between Christian and Carpenter streets Boyz II Men Boulevard. In partnership with City Council, the Office of the City Representative and Welcome America, Inc., the dedication will take place outside of Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, 901 S. Broad St.
The street dedication ceremony is a pre- view of Wawa Welcome America. The theme for 2017 is “Everyone is a History Maker.” Boyz II Men will be honored as local history- makers for their achievements in music and philanthropy during the Celebration of Freedom Ceremony at Independence Hall on July 4 at 10 a.m. They will also make an appearance during the Concert and Fireworks on the Parkway. …
Are you in the mood for a walk? Well, consider joining the FDR Park walking group. They meet Wednesday mornings at 8:30 a.m., Thursday evenings at 6 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. The sessions last about an hour, including warm-up exercises. Walkers can leave as needed. All fitness levels are welcome, including babies in their carriages and dogs. Meet at the boathouse in FDR Park, Broad Street and Pattison Avenue. …
Heading to Wildwood, N.J., this weekend? You may run into Mr. Saturday Night on Friday Night. South Philly’s own Bob Pantano kicks off his expanded Jersey Shore presence tomorrow (June 23) at 6 p.m. as the grand marshal of the North Wildwood Italian-American Festival, lead- ing the official opening ceremonies of the three-day gathering of great food, family fun, and Italian-American heritage along Olde New Jersey Avenue. Expect to do a little dancing, too, as Pantano will also be hosting a tribute to The Trammps with Night Fever featuring Jimmy Lee at 7 p.m. …
The City of Philadelphia hosting, the Altman Group of Companies and community members came together on Tuesday for a groundbreaking and community celebration for Anthony Wayne Senior Housing Phase III. The 45-unit senior housing project is being built at 1701 S. 28th St. in Grays Ferry. These units are being built for residents 62 and older with low and moderate incomes. Six units are fully accessible, and all of them will meet visitability standards. …
Be on the lookout for next week’s special combo issue featuring the 2017 Rising Stars along with a comprehensive guide to the Wawa Welcome America festivities taking place around the city.
