City Cast Philly
🦃 Where to volunteer on Thanksgiving (and beyond)
November 21, 2023
T-minus two days ‘til Turkey Day! When I was growing up, the highlight of Thanksgiving in my family was a game of touch football on my uncle’s irregularly-shaped lawn. You had to be careful you didn’t run into the big oak tree that stood in the corner of the end zone as you tried to make a heroic touchdown catch.
What are some special Thanksgiving traditions in your family? Let us know and we’ll feature your responses in an upcoming newsletter.
What's CITY Talking About?
Book-Ban Group Works With Sex Offender
The Philadelphia chapter of the conservative group Moms for Liberty, which has worked to ban books from school libraries that have sexual content and LGBTQ themes, has a registered sex offender working in a leadership role. He is a Republican ward leader and pastor named Phillip Fisher Jr., and serves as the group’s “faith-based leader.” Fisher pleaded guilty in 2012 to aggravated sexual abuse of a 14-year-old boy while he was living in Chicago, but maintains that he did nothing wrong. [Inquirer]
Insectarium Workers Speak Out
Former staff members of the Insectarium, a museum that displayed live insects, lizards, and butterflies until its eviction last June, are speaking out about neglect and dysfunction that they say led to its ruin. They describe a lack of knowledge of the animals’ needs or any system for taking care of them. One called the quirky museum a “vanity project” of the CEO, who allegedly refused to send sick animals out for veterinary care. [WHYY]
SEPTA Stares Down Another Potential Strike
SEPTA transit police officers are threatening to strike as negotiations over their union contract continue. Provisions about officer pay are reportedly the sticking point, even as SEPTA argues that it’s offering them a deal that’s as good as what other unionized workers have received. In the event of a strike, service would continue and Philadelphia and state police would fill in to patrol the transit system. [CBS 3]
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What To Do
🍷 Oregon Pinot Party! | Tuesday | 6:30 p.m.
A wine-tasting class featuring Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris from Oregon’s Antiquum Farm. [$100, Washington Square West]
🧘 Pre-Thanksgiving Yoga Flow at The Braid Mill | Tuesday | 6:30 p.m.
A gentle yoga class that aims to help you ground yourself before the holiday craziness begins. [$15, Germantown]
🕺 Jive Turkey Thanksgiving Eve Dance Party | Wednesday | 8 p.m.
The Trestle Inn has a DJ spinning funk music on vinyl, go-go dancers, and an $8 "Turkeywide" drink special to get the pre-holiday partying out of your system. [Free, Callowhill]
Today on City Cast
Best Holiday Shows of 2023
From the Macy's Christmas Light Show to a holiday drag cabaret, Philly has no shortage of events to get you in a festive mood this holiday season. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with City Cast Philly arts and culture contributor, Charles Tyson Jr., about the perfect holiday entertainment itinerary.
My mouth is already watering at the thought of what awaits on my plate on Thursday.
Have a good one!
— Joel Wolfram
Thanks to Laura Benshoff for editing the newsletter.
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