🧑‍🍳 Teaching kitchen empowers Philly through cooking

🇺🇸 Federal Layoffs Begin To Hit Philly

Ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary next year, the already short-staffed team at Independence Hall is experiencing layoffs as thousands of federal employees are impacted by President Trump’s sweeping executive orders. Mark Cochran, president of the union council representing national park workers on the East Coast, said the cuts could limit educational programming and trash collection. [6ABC]

• If you are a federal employee impacted by these executive orders and you’d like to share your story (with the option of anonymity), email us at [email protected] or leave us a message at (215) 259-8170.

🏕️ How Is Your Kid Spending the Summer?

We’re only just getting to the end of February, but the early bird catches the summer camp slot. Parks & Recreation recently opened registration for its summer camp programs. The range of offerings to keep youth engaged include day camps, theme camps, and overnight camps. If you’re struggling to decide, some tips include finding a package deal and being mindful of your child’s interests. [🔒Chestnut Hill Local]

🧥 Philly Kids Need Help Staying Warm

Cradle to Crayons is asking the community for coats, boots, and other winter gear to keep thousands of Philly youth warm as the winter continues. The organization aims to distribute the resources via 230 service partners to assist low-income and homeless children as part of its Gear Up for Winter Initiative. [Metro Philly]

🔥 ICE Van Fire Due to Mechanical Issue

Despite videos circulating online saying otherwise, no, extremists did not set an Immigration Customs & Enforcement vehicle on fire. The unmarked van parked at Front and Lombard Streets was ablaze Tuesday afternoon, but a fire marshal responding to the scene declared it to be accidental and due to a mechanical issue. [CBS Philly]

While Philly has a plethora of restaurants and eateries to choose from, sharing a homecooked meal is an opportunity to exchange culture, connect over a dish and conversation, or show off expertise in the kitchen. So whether you’re looking to make a new friend over a favorite dish or sharpen your cooking skills like a knife, here are some places in the area where you can learn how to cook.

American Vegan Center

Whether you’re vegan, know someone who is, or want to try something new, the American Vegan Society can teach you no matter where you are on your journey. The society’s American Vegan Center in Old City regularly hosts cooking demonstrations, with past demos on how to make pizza quesadillas, chopped “liver” paté, and zesty festive dip. Some but not all events are free; students or those experiencing financial hardship can select the student price tier at checkout.

The Cooking Studio

Tuscan pasta, sushi, and vegan Mexican food are some of the dishes you can learn to make through The Cooking Studio. The Telford-based studio often hosts classes in Philadelphia to give attendees a hands-on experience, usually at Citrine in East Kensington.

La Cucina

Right in the heart of Center City, La Cucina at the Market brings together cooks of all skill levels to make Italian cuisine, from traditional Sunday suppers to a six-course seafood feast.

Eat Cetera

Chef Clara Park can help expand your culinary palette at Eat Cetera. A winner of the Food Network’s “Chopped,” Park teaches participants a range of skills from French bistro cooking to perfecting Korean BBQ. The events pop up at varying locations.

Fishtown Pickle Project

We hope you can open a pickle jar, because you’re going to need one. The Fishtown Pickle Project is teaching Philadelphians the old method of food production and preservation with locally sourced pickles. In the 90-minute (and BYOB) class, students learn about fermentation and quick pickling, and get two jars to take home.