Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: When and how to reserve your spot at Winterfest this year
Spotted on the Philadelphia calendar: End of Summer Open House

Good morning Philadelphia! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- When and how to reserve your spot at Winterfest this year
- Why Philly parents might get paid to boost school attendance this year
- How will Philly's new school cellphone rules change your child's day?
Also on today's calendar: End of Summer Open House and 9 more events.
And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Mary M.!
Today's riddle: What did the wall say to the other wall. 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Sunshine and a few clouds, with a high of 86 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Thursday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, temps: high: 82, low: 71.
- Friday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, with a high of 85 and low of 69 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Winterfest Returns to Philadelphia November 27 for a Season of Ice Skating, Firepits and Holiday Cheer (wmmr.com) — Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is set to return to Philadelphia's Delaware River Waterfront on November 27, running daily through February 28 with ice skating, firepits, cabins, and waterfront views. Locals can expect a PECO-powered tree lighting, New Year's Eve fireworks, and a Fire & Ice Valentine's party, with tickets and reservations opening October 28 for skating, firepits, and lounges.
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2. Paying parents to become influencers and other priorities for Philly schools superintendent in 2026-27 (inquirer.com) — Philadelphia schools superintendent Tony Watlington is launching the 2026-27 year with a new Parent and Community Ambassador Program that will pay influential parents to boost attendance and engagement. He's also navigating delayed state test scores, an evolving school selection process, and efforts to stabilize district enrollment while highlighting recent academic gains and top national rankings for local schools.
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3. Philadelphia students return to school with new phone restrictions (rnbphilly.com) — If you have a child in a Philadelphia school, expect stricter cellphone rules as classes resume, with some campuses locking devices in Yondr pouches all day. Administrators say limiting phones should cut distractions and social-media drama, while schools work with families on how to reach students during emergencies and keep the focus on learning.
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4. has franklin mint federal credit union been completely breached?? (chestercountyramblings.com) — Customers across the Philadelphia tri-state area are dealing with a serious outage at Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, whose digital services have been down for at least two days. A 6ABC report notes the main website is even showing a domain sale page, leaving many locals worried about access and the safety of their financial information.
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5. Jenkintown might expand its historic, 187-year-old library (inquirer.com) — Philadelphia residents are increasingly heading to Jenkintown's historic 187-year-old library, with visits up 28% as the small borough considers a major overhaul. Officials just secured a state grant to study whether to expand the building or reconfigure its cramped, outdated interior, and residents will help shape the final master plan.
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📸 Around Philadelphia
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Philadelphia
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- End of Summer Open House →
Wesley Enhanced Living Pennypack Park, 8401 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia
11:00 am - Book Arts Open House →
Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia
5:30 pm - Found in the Archives: Women's Work on the Paths to Independence →
Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust St, Philadelphia
6:30 pm - No STGC Music Ministry Rehearsal 7:30pm-9:30pm
St. Thomas Gospel Choir The African Episcopal Church Of Saint Thomas 6361 Lancaster Ave
7:30 pm - Copper Beech Kindergarten Tour
Copper Beech Sch Copper Beech Elementary School, 825 Easton Rd, Glenside, PA 190
8:00 am - Rock to the Future's Youth Led Open Mic Night →
One Art Community Center, 1431-39 N 52nd St, Philadelphia
6:00 pm - Late Night at ACME! - Philadelphia →
ACME / UPenn - 4001 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104
7:00 pm - Camp Dreams, An exhibition of art by young people, sponsored by Unique Dreams, Inc. →
The Historical Society of Frankford, 1507 Orthodox St, Philadelphia
6:30 am - After Hours →
Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia
4:00 pm - Improv Comedy: The N Crowd at The Sawubona Creativity Project →
Sawubona Creativity Project, 1626 Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia
8:30 pm - Slinky Moves
Please Touch Museum Center Core, Lower Level
8:00 am - Obstacle Course
Please Touch Museum Nature's Pond, Main Level
10:00 am
Wednesday August 26
Thursday August 27
Friday August 28
Wednesday September 2
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Philadelphia PatchAM possible:
- Grundy Museum — 2157889432
- PhillyHired.com — (215) 975-5257
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Hello, please come out.
Enjoy yourself at this event. I will be there Wanda community event, Inc.. I will be giving away 100 book bags with supplies each Bookbag will have… (Nextdoor Harrowgate - North) - Not gonna lie, still processing this one 🙏 Got named a 2026 RealLIST Innovator by Technical.ly today.
I'm just a Northeast Philly guy who taught myself to code a couple years ago and started building stuff in my spare time. Wanted to share since this… (Nextdoor Wissinoming - West)
- Wesley Enhanced Living posted a job opening for Floor Care Worker in Philadelphia. Apply here.
- EY posted a job opening for Studio+ Marketing Transformation - Sales and Delivery Lead - Senior Manager in Philadelphia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Philadelphia here.
Ok Philadelphia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Meet me at the corner. (Thank you Earlene M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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