🤔 What’s being built on Venice Island?

🚧 Manayunk Development Stokes Community Concern

Manayunk residents are questioning signs of development on the neighborhood’s Venice Island, a stretch of land along the Schuylkill River. Despite the lack of any official building plans for the northwestern tip of the island, the flurry of trucks moving in and out has neighbors concerned that future development on the land could worsen the terrible flood conditions already experienced during Hurricane Ida. [🔒Inquirer]

🤍 Celebrate Safely, Philly

Temple University freshman Tyler Sabapathy died from injuries he sustained after falling from a light pole during celebrations following the Eagles NFC Championship win on Sunday. The Toronto native was a gymnast who medaled in provisional, regional, and international levels. [Temple News]

🇫🇷 Philly In Paris Shifts Teens Perspective

A collaborative initiative sent at-risk Philly students abroad in the hope that the positive experience would help the youths realign their goals, address their fears, and adapt to new situations. Participants in the program say they found renewed motivation to graduate, opened up emotionally, and now feel anything is possible. [Generocity]

🎵 The Soundtrack to Philly Sports

“Dreams N Nightmares” became a signature anthem for both the city and the Eagles, while the Phillies’ “Dancin’ On My Own” may be considered cursed now. Thanks to Gillie da King’s influence, a new song has entered Philly’s rotation as we go to yet another Super Bowl celebrating Philly artists. [Philly Plain Dealer]

🍽️ Keeping the Homies Fed

Homies Helping Homies has been giving back to the community and fighting against food insecurity with a household essentials distribution every Monday in Point Breeze. The mutual aid group recently started a trash cleanup program to beautify the neighborhood and is looking for volunteers. [CBS Philly]

The year is ramping up in February with Lunar New Year celebrations, Valentine’s Day, and Black History Month. Whether you’re looking to commemorate a special day or easing your way out of hibernation, here are some events to look forward to in Philly this month.

🎭 Performances Keeping Eyes Glued to the Stage

The Arden Theatre’s run of Holy Grail of Memphis has been extended until March 2, giving you some extra time to see this bluesy comedy from Philadelphia’s own Michael Hollinger. If you can’t get tickets, August Wilson’s King Hedley II begins its run on Feb. 27.

If you’re a fan of ancient mythologies and basketball, you’re going to love Inua Ellams’ The Half-God of Rainfall. Taking the stage at the Wilma Theater on Feb. 11, the story mixes Yoruba and Greek tales as it follows a young demigod protagonist who chases his dream of joining the NBA just as his mysterious ancestral powers begin to develop.

Night Side Songs is a love letter to Philadelphia that explores themes of caregiving, love, and connection amidst illness and mortality beginning Feb. 21 at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. Can’t make it? Let the theater come to you! The show will go on tour across the city at hospitals, community centers, and places of worship for free ahead of its stage production.

🛍️ Shop Until You Drop

The Punk Rock Flea Market is back at the 23rd Street Armory on Feb. 1 and 2. Whether you’re looking for clothes, art, or weird little knick-knacks, this indoor market has a range of unique products from different local vendors. Admission is $10 and gets you in both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If the weather outside doesn’t feel too frightful, bundle up and make your way to Manayunk on Feb. 1 for Philly Freeze Out from Founders Brewing. Main Street will be transformed into a winter market with ice sculptures, vendors, and specials from neighborhood restaurants.

And if you want to take a break from streaming and listen to music the old-school way, head to Philly Record Freak Out at PhilaMOCA on Feb. 22. Thousands of vinyl records will be for sale from a multitude of genres including rock, jazz, and more. General admission is $5 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with early entry at 10 a.m. for $10.