Top 5 philly scenes for your tween's New Year's Eve

By Shalita Hale

For those of us who are raising children, the party scene during the holiday season gradually loses it's appeal. Many families feel that they hardly interact with each other as it is and use the holidays as a way to catch up on quality time. Then, there are those who would rather be donning stilettos and sipping champagne, but are sadly, sitter-less on New Year's Eve. Whatever your situation, take heart. Philadelphia is a vibrant city brimming with tradition, culture, and coolness. You and your tweens are sure to find a fabulous time. Take a look at 2010's top five, Philly scene's for your tween's New Year's Eve:

Scene #5 Have a play date at your place. There are few events in life that a tween cherishes more than the coveted sleep over party. Enjoy instant rock star parent status by hosting an authentic New Year's Eve party complete with noise makers, screw together champagne glasses, sparkling apple cider, and kid-friendly, yet fancy Hors d'oeuvres for the whole family. Add Karaoke and card games and your kids might not even make it to the count down before dosing off.

Scene #4 Rest up for an early start. The Philadelphia Mummers are sure to entertain those who dare to venture out in the early morning in cold weather, camp out down town, and watch sequined men in drag do the famous Mummer's strut down Second Street. Here's an insider tip: Make sure you bring a seat or cushion, your snuggly, and a thermos for hot cocoa which you will likely be able to purchase at the parade along with a Philly soft pretzel.

Scene #3 Praise God. Many churches are filled to capacity at their New Years Eve Service. At mega churches like Enon Tabernacle, Sharon Baptist, The Philadelphia Christian Center, Deliverance Evangelistic Church, and Christian Stronghold; visitors, especially children, are always welcomed warmly. The Philadelphia Christian Center is hosting a New Year's Eve Dessert Fellowship at 7 PM on New Year's Eve, New Year's Eve Service at 10 PM, and a bowling party immediately following service from 1 AM to 3 AM on New Year's Day. Tickets for the bowling party must be purchased in advance.

Scene #2 The Belmont Plateau is where everybody goes. There are many places to view the city's annual fireworks display, but Will Smith would agree that it doesn't have to be summertime for you to appreciate the picturesque view of the city lights just beyond the rolling green hills of Fairmount Park. Get their early to get a good parking spot so that you can ooh and ahh from the comfort of your safe, heated vehicle. Also be sure to bring snacks and $10-15 in cash for the plethora of mesmerizing, glow in the dark toys that your child will insist on your purchasing.

Scene #1 Experience the New Year's Eve Celebration at Longwood. This is truly a remarkable experience and well worth the 45 minute drive if you live inside the city. Longwood Gardens begins their New Year's Eve Celebration at 1:30 PM and continues until they close at 10 PM leaving ample time for you to beat the party goer traffic. It's best to come early because you'll be competing for parking with folks who have traveled the world to not only see the spectacular fireworks display, but also to see, touch, and smell the lush indoor and outdoor gardens whose delightful fragrance permeates the over 1000 acres of pure paradise. There are face painters, balloons, and strolling performers buzzing about to entertain you as you and your family marvel at both the sheer beauty and historical significance of the place. A little known fact is that Longwood Gardens served as an important stop on the 'underground railroad' for runaway slaves seeking freedom before the civil war. Purchase tickets in advance for the ice skating performance as well as for general admission to avoid the lines. Adult General admission is $16 with a slightly discounted rate for seniors. Admission for students with an ID and children ages 5-18 is $6. Children under 5 are free.

A citywide call for action

By Shalita Hale
Photo by Colin Kerrigan

One good thing did come out of the November shooting on a school bus in Southwest Philadelphia. It caused city officials and administrators to stand up, take notice, and respond to what Venard Johnson of the Southeast Pennsylvania Network For Family Health, Education, and Welfare calls 'student unrest'. A community meeting will be held this Friday, December 18th at 6:00 PM at the First African Baptist Church.

It was an uncanny coincidence that Mr. Johnson's organization met with School District of Philadelphia Superintendent, Dr. Arlene C. Ackerman on the day of the shocking incident. Since then, violence against Asian students at South Philadelphia High School has further intensified community concerns over what is being done to protect our children. The Southeast Pennsylvania Network for Family Health, Education, and Welfare is a twenty year old organization that with the support of Dr. Ackerman and many other Philadelphia non profit groups is working on a city wide agenda to improve school safety. Students across the city will be recruited and trained to aid in facilitating a safer environment in Philadelphia schools beginning in January of 2010. This initial meeting is the first step in this proposed effort.

WHAT: City Wide Education & Safety Meeting

WHEN: Friday December 18th, 2009 at 6:00PM

WHERE: The First African Baptist Church 1600 Christian St., Philadelphia, PA 19146


The goal of this meeting is to bring parents, leaders and community members from all over the city together to address serious challenges faced by educators and families in Philadelphia. Administrators, families, community members, and stakeholders will discuss issues including truancy, how students view education, violence, as well as both upcoming and available resources designed to address these issues. "Dr. Ackerman has expressed her position that she wants to work with the entire community in an effort to provide safe schools and an environment for learning." says Johnson. Many express concern over problems affecting city children. Here is an opportunity to actually be a part of the solution. Johnsons says "Anyone and everyone in the neighborhood is invited to participate in this process. We are looking for participation from every corner we can get it from."

Philadelphia's cool after school scene could use your help

By Shalita Hale

Most violent crime and shoplifting committed by teens and tweens occurs between the hours of 3:00 and 6:00 PM, according to the Juvenile Offenders and Victims 2006 National Report. This leaves many parents to wonder why more isn't being done to keep kids safe during these peak hours. Private sector non profits are answering the call of working parents in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, many children in low income to middle class working families are still precariously finding their way home to fend for themselves after school. Not so for the Mighty Writers in South Philly, led by program director, Rachel Loeper and Executive Director, Tim Whitaker (pictured). Students between the ages of 7-18 are encouraged to hob nob with Philly's elite editors, bloggers, photographers, and journalists, as they get one-on-one tutoring, homework assistance, and help developing strong writing skills through collaborative workshops. Philadelphia children are also participating in the After School Activities Partnership (ASAP). ASAP provides quality, supervised after school enrichment and fun activities like chess, scrabble, dance, and yoga for school-aged children in the most dangerous parts of Philly.

The best part about Mighty Writers and ASAP is that they are completely free of charge. Unfortunately, these programs are underfunded and need generous donations and support by volunteers who are willing to be tutors, mentors, and/or instructors to children in Philly who need them. The impact a caring adult can make on a child's life is substantial. According to a private ventures study of tweens ages 10-14 and Big Brothers Big Sisters, children who participate in regular mentoring relationships are 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs. What can you do to help? January is National Mentoring Month. Here are three ways you can participate:

* If you are a parent or caregiver, get involved. ASAP provides a comprehensive list of all known after school programs in Philadelphia. Contact their office to get the information you need to choose a program for your child.
* Volunteer. Contact an after school program like Mighty Writers directly to find out how you can help. You may also contact the United Way on the web to find out more about their mentor training program, or call them at 1-866-MENTOR3.
* Donate. After School programs need money for things like snacks, juice, pencils, paper products, ink cartridges, etc. Find a worthy program, such as those listed above and make a tax deductible, monetary donation in honor of yourself or a loved one who cares about Philadelphia's children.