Dilworth Park lights up for the Holiday – an Interview with Giavana Suraci of the Center sounds of Christmas are significantly reduced because City District and in full splendor. of the pandemic – but not this By Nathaniel Lee UC Review Correspondent
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hristmas is back and there’s no place where this is more evident than in the Center City area of Philadelphia where the sights
Each year Center City’s Dilworth Park rivals the North Pole with its beautiful light shows, vendors and other holiday activities which attract residents and visitors alike. Like so many things, the size and scope of the holiday events and activities were
year! “At Dilworth Park we are holiday central,” said Giavana Suraci, Manager, marketing and event for the Center City District. “We have the Rothman Orthopedic Ice Rink, which is the center piece of winter out-
Photos Courtesy of the Center City District website.
SERVING THE WEST PHILADELPHIA COMMUNITY
DECEMBER 15, 2021 doors, we also have the cozy
Happy Holidays & Happy Healthy New Year! www.ucreview.com
Christmas Village In Philadelphia Presented By Bank Of America Announces 2021 Vendors, Menus, New Additions, Attractions quality international and local And Events gifts along with beautiful dec-
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hristmas Village in Philadelphia presented by Bank of America will once again return to LOVE Park and City Hall for its 14th consecutive season. Through Christmas Eve, Christmas Village will transform Center City into an authentic open-air German Christmas market. Holiday sights and sounds featuring thousands of twinkling lights, festive Christmas decorations, theme weekends and live music are waiting to bring you all the Christmas-time feels. Shoppers will find high-
orations at over 110 vendor booths spanning across LOVE Park, City Hall Courtyard and North Broad. Everyone is invited to warm up with a glass of mulled wine or hot chocolate while enjoying the great variety of European food and drinks. Get ready to take in the view of the holiday action from a seat on the 65’ tall Ferris Wheel presented by T-Mobile. Other family fun attractions include the Kids Train presented by SEPTA and a brand-new double decker
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Photos courtesy of Christmas Village
Let’s have a moment of silence for West Philly Speedboys legend By Napoleon F. in regulation play, Harper Clarence “Eggy” Tillman Kingcade would take the inbound pass Sports Reporter
and quickly sprint up the court. Once he got past the t happened half-court line, Harper threw just last week, up a prayer. The ball stayed the Rutgers in the air and once it came Men’s Basketball down, the basketball hit nothteam made history. They ing but net. Harper drained a knocked off # 1 ranked Purbuzzer-beater to knock off the due by a score, 70-68. It was a # 1 ranked team in the nation. game that went into the hisBeating Purdue, this was truly tory book. Rutgers guard Ron an upset. Harper Jr. launched an excitAfter Rutgers fans stormed ing three-point jumper to give the court, the team staged a the Scarlet Knights its first big celebration. It was the best victory over a # 1 nationally celebration that the television ranked team. audience had ever seen. The In the game, Ron Harper Scarlet Knights did it at center Jr. was outstanding. With court. It was Rutgers’ first roughly three seconds left
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Black and white photo of Clarence “Eggy” Tillman when he played for the Speedboys at West Philadelphia High School.
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Rothman Orthopedic Cabin which is decorated to look like a rustic ski chalet,” she said during our interview. Suraci said the cabin, where you can find holiday refreshments and a cozy place to rest and socialize between the many activities available, is ‘perfect for refueling” between events and activities. “We have over 43 local vendors who are on site this year selling handmade jewelry, art work, clothing, home goods, everything you can imagine and it’s really exciting to have those vendors at the park because it’s 35 percent minority businesses,” she said. Not to mention that 70% are woman owned businesses. Not only can one pick up the ideal holiday gift for friends, family and loved ones but they can also rest in the fact that by doing so they are supporting the local economy and minorAQUARIUM ity owned businesses as well. “They’re Pirates are all from the Philadelphia area so you can supback in Philaport local entrepreneurs while delphia after relaxing ayou’re 300 year ab- at the park. The ice-rink is a popular sence. ...favorite which attract people from all the city and beyond but those who love outdoor Page only 5 activities not can enjoy the rink but have other attracSPORTS tions to enjoy as well. 17-year-old “In addition to the cabin, Coco Gauff market and the ice-rink we will also join haveforces the beautiful open with 40-yearair winter garden on the old Venus Lawn presented by Greenfield Williams... TD Bank and if you haven’t Page 8
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FROM THE EDITOR
Bob and I have been publishing the University City Review and Philadelphia Free Press for almost 34 years, since 1988... Page 3
POLITICS.....................................3 SCI-FI..........................................7 CRIME.......................................10 CLASSIFIEDS..............................11
