2017: The Year in Review

Time flies, Fallsers – another year’s behind us. Before we turn the page on 2017, let’s take a look back at some highlights from the neighborhood. 

JANUARY

Fish sculpture returned to Inn Yard Park.

NewCourtland announces plans to incorporate a dog park and a community garden into plans for their Henry Avenue senior services campus (in the former EPPI property).

Japanese Banquet Hall on Kelly Drive comes down to make room for townhomes/condos.

EFDC hires street cleaner for Ridge Avenue business corridor.

FEBRUARY

New townhome construction begins on historic Penn Street (they looked so big at first!).

Prince Albert of Monaco announces renovation plans for the family home, including residences and office space for the Grace Kelly Foundation.

MARCH

SplashLab Arts opens in Sherman Mills (with a splash!).

LeBus announces new restaurant for vacant Johnny Manana space at Ridge & Midvale.

APRIL

Neighbors react to closing of Billy Murphy’s Irish Saloon, only to discover it was all an epic April Fool’s prank.

Wissahickon Brewing Company welcomes thousands opening weekend.

EFDC director Gina Snyder announces upcoming move to France.

Local teen wins National Squash title for girls under 17, qualifies for World Championships in New Zealand.

MAY

After years of neighborhood debate, PennDOT moves ahead with safety improvements to Henry Avenue.

East Fall Beer Garden under the Twin Bridges kicks off its first season.

JUNE

Little White Dog Doggie Daycare and Kids at Play win Reader’s Choice Awards.

New improved East Farmer’s Market kicks off new season with more vendors and activities.

Harry Prime — famous singer from the Big Band era (who grew up here) — passes away at 97 years young.

Philadelphia University and Thomas Jefferson University officially sign agreement to become “Jefferson University.”

JULY

First draft for McMichael’s new playground presented for public review.

Felicite Moorman wins the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for her work with StratIS & BuLogics (Midvale Ave).

Friends of Barnes collection debuts at Alden Park, which opens to the public for the first time in its history.

EFL posts its 1000th “Good Morning” photo on Facebook.

Epicure Café closes on Conrad. (EFL mourns a daily morning coffee stop, sigh)

AUGUST

Neighbors gather at Falls of Schuylkill Library to witness the partial eclipse.

NewCourtland Senior Services presents Phase 2 for Henry Ave complex (no garden or dog park yet).

PhillyU branding disappears from East Falls, replaced with Jefferson University logos.

SEPTEMBER

Fresh Cuts on Midvale gives free back-to-school haircuts to dozens of kids in the neighborhood.

After four years of litigation, Wee Care Daycare opens its new playground.

Vault and Vine opens on Midvale.

7th annual Dance on the Falls Bridge wows crowds despite rain.

A Plus Mini Mart announces change to 7-11.

New “Fawn Jawn” mural on Ridge Avenue delights neighbors.

East Falls Oktoberfest brings 350+ Fallsers to Castle Ringstetten for German food, games, and beer.

OCTOBER

Queen Lane’s Revolutionary War Memorial gets a facelift and rededication ceremony.

Art and Architecture” at St. James the Less Church introduces East Falls to this fascinating local landmark.

Design Labs charter school proposed for East Falls.

“Diamond” the abandoned dog goes viral from East Falls Rants Facebook page, getting coverage on People and Today online.

Philadelphia Hebrew public charter school proposed for Falls Center.

NOVEMBER

East Falls Local becomes a non-profit community newspaper thru CultureWorks of Greater Philadelphia.

Thanks to local businesses, Mifflin’s Thanksgiving Happy Hour earns record donations.

Historic “Catfish” building at Ridge and Scotts Lane demolished.

Falls Taproom closes.

Hollywood Hasher leaves East Falls for New Mexico.

East Falls resident wins $75k+ on Wheel of Fortune.

Iconic chili pepper at Ridge & Midvale comes down.

DECEMBER (Predictions, since we’re already in print)

Two strangers on the same street will get identical gifts this year without knowing it.

A Fallser will get all their Christmas shopping done early, and then annoy friends/family with their bragging.

That guy will do that thing again at the office party.

A Nextdoor post about Christmas decorations will come across really petty and/or entitled.

Bar patrons will discuss “Secret Santa” vs “Polyanna.”

Someone’s cookies will look like lumps of poop but still be delicious.

New parents will be surprised by how different the Holidays are, when you have kids.

Neighbors will take a moment to be glad to live in East Falls, and wish good things on us all.

Peace and happiness and posterity in the New Year!  — East Falls Local

 

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