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Vol. 67 NO. 37 ■ SEPTEMBER 11, 2014
page 23
New year, new look
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DIFFERENCE MAKERS
■ The South Philly Review is seeking nominations from its loyal readers for the 2014 class of Difference Makers to be profiled this fall. See page 4.
SPORTS
Madani, 10, from left, Krishala, 11, Hanna, 11, Nada, 11, Xavier, 11, and Dylan, 11, pose in front of a “Stay Curious” mural near the cafeteria. S ta f f P h o t o b y B i l l Chenevert
Digitas Health LifeBrands gave Southwark School much more than a coat of paint. ■ By Bill Chenevert R e v i e w S ta f f W r i t e r
“I ■ An East Passyunk Crossing resident will honor his late stepmother by participating in a bicycling fundraiser. See page 46.
wanted them to add this ‘South Philadelphia,’” Andrew Lukov, the principal of Southwark School, 1835 S. Ninth St., said when holding open a mock-up of the new and improved welcome signage that now greets students and parents at the entrance of the K-8 building in East Passyunk Crossing. “Because we have so much pride in being in this neighborhood.” His building, which is now officially more than 100 years old, was in need of some help, and he found it in Digitas Health LifeBrands — a Philadelphia-based health care communications agency
with offices in Philly, New York, San Francisco and London. Personnel came in on, Aug. 15 and gave Southwark an instant and thorough facelift. More than 300 employees volunteered as part of the company’s annual Community Service Day to paint hallways, install murals, clean classrooms and revitalize a building that, just this week, opened its doors for a new school year. “Now I know how they built the pyramids,” Lukov joked. “If you’re organized, you can get so much done in such a short amount of time – I essentially got out of the way. They really knew what they were doing.” The response has been overwhelmingly positive, from staff and community members alike. “Oh, my God, it is beautiful and I can’t even ex-
Fast food, sluggish wages
See NEW LOOK page 10 >> Workers from area franchises marched on Broad Street to protest unfair pay and practices.
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