Nick Jaramillo

Dec 4, 2023 | germantransportationdaily.com | Jordan Levy |Julia Merola |Nick Jaramillo |Asha Prihar

Philadelphia school district officials say the office in charge of hiring is overhauling its recruiting strategy and onboarding process. This comes amid a staffing shortage and reports of applicants not hearing back. In the meantime, applicants continue to tell Billy Penn that Zoom office hours are often inaccessible and during school hours, and that the lack of response results in confusion and lost opportunity.

Nov 30, 2023 | billypenn.com | Nick Jaramillo

If you’ve ever strolled along the path behind the Fairmount Water Works, you might’ve noticed a small boardwalk to an island that juts out into the river. It’s mostly dense trees and underbrush — but turns out it has a name. It’s now called the Isle of Jean, thanks to a Philly resident who adopted it. Its location along the Schuylkill makes it a sieve for all objects floating downriver, which finally end up in the canal on the southeast side of the island.

Nov 30, 2023 | thegermanbusinessreport.com | Asha Prihar |Ali Mohsen |Jordan Levy |Nick Jaramillo

A Philadelphia yarn distributor is bringing a piece of local textile history to modern crafters with its new Mt. Airy storefront, which sells yarns made around the world — including a centuries-old variety that originated in a nearby neighborhood. Kelbourne Woolens has been wholesaling for 15 years, but in September, the small business celebrated the grand opening of its new retail shop next to Maloumian Rugs, a multigenerational rug importer and retailer that’s been around since 1927.

Nov 23, 2023 | billypenn.com | Nick Jaramillo

Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club is expanding. The North Philly organization, known for its work with city youth, is taking up residence at the Cliffs in East Fairmount Park, thanks to a partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation and the office of Council President Darrell Clarke. “I have a whole new generation here,” club founder and patriarch Ellis “El Dog” Ferrell said Tuesday morning, as he cut the ribbon on the new space.

Nov 19, 2023 | billypenn.com | Nick Jaramillo

Residents of public housing in Philadelphia are getting discounted access to Zipcar vehicles as part of a new program funded by a federal grant and championed by City Council. The Philadelphia Housing Authority and Zipcar, a Boston-based national company whose president is a North Philly native, held a Friday event celebrating the new partnership. “[We’re] seeing increased demand for car sharing in cities, especially underserved communities,” said Zipcar President Angelo Adams.