🌱Thanksgiving Day Parade Returns + Proposed School Cause Concern

Hey, neighbors! It's me again, Dan Casarella, your host of the Philadelphia Daily.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny; breezy, cooler. High: 45 Low: 25.

The Daily is made possible by these local businesses: Valerie Morrison - Psychic Medium and Chef Blake Champlain.

Want to see your business featured in this spot in the newsletter? Click here to get started.

Here are the top stories in Philadelphia today:

1. The 6ABC Dunkin' Thanksgiving Day Parade, the nation's longest-running Thanksgiving Parade, is back for an in-person celebration this year. The parade will make its way through the city and down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway starting at 9 a.m. on Nov. 25. The 102-year-old parade was canceled last year and held virtually. This year, audiences are welcomed back to the parkway for a procession of floats, live performances, marching bands, balloons, and Santa and Mrs. Claus. (PhillyVoice.com)
2. A Delaware County, Pa., school district wants to build an elementary school near two gas pipelines. An analysis of school locations in southeastern Pennsylvania found the proposed school would be one of dozens that already exist near pipelines. The Rose Tree Media School District wants to build a new elementary school on a 36-acre plot in Edgmont to address a growing population. (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
3. The City of Philadelphia is launching Boost Your Business, a fund for equitable business growth. Businesses owned by people of color face unique barriers in accessing resources and opportunities, which was only worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Boost Your Business will provide funding to help diverse entrepreneurs in Philadelphia grow and sustain their businesses. (Press Release Desk)
4. Mayor Kenney has announced new appointments in the Mayor's Office of Public Engagement and the Mayor's Office of Communications. Romana Lee-Akiyama will become the new Director of the Mayor's Office of Public Engagement, effective on Dec. 13, 2021, following the departure of Ajeenah Amir in Sep. 2021. In addition, Kevin Lessard has been named Communications Director for the City of Philadelphia, effective Nov. 15, 2021. (Press Release Desk)
5. After vials labeled "smallpox" were found at Merck laboratory in suburban Philadelphia, officials said the vials did not contain the smallpox-causing virus. The vials were found at a Merck lab in North Wales last week by a worker who was cleaning out a freezer. According to the CDC, five vials found were labeled "smallpox" and 10 were labeled "vaccinia." (Philadelphia Patch)

Today's Philadelphia Daily is brought to you by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Philadelphia!

Today in Philadelphia:

• National Espresso Day - Abraham Lincoln (All Day)
• Library in the Park - Philadelphia City Institute Library (10:00 AM)
• Family Storytime - Haddington Branch Library (11:00 AM)
• Home School Programs & Activities Online (11:00 AM)
• Report Card Conferences - Central (12:30 PM)
• Lunch & Learn - The Alliance of Community Service Providers (12:30 PM)
• The NORC @ JFCS Thanksgiving Food Delivery (5:30 PM)
• (Tentative) Evening Report Card Conferences (6:00 PM)

Philadelphia Patch Notebook

• Philadelphia Museum of Art: "When #RichardBenson dove into color photography, he made numerous pictures that involve color spectrums and rainbows. This was probably due to his excitement over capturing and depicting each color. However, it's worth noting that he experienced synesthesia throughout his life. " (Instagram)
• US National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly: "Are you interested in learning more about hazardous weather in our area? On Tuesday, November 30, we will have a webinar covering all types of hazardous weather that our area experiences." (Facebook)
• Philadelphia Department of Public Health: "Another step forward in defeating COVID-19: All City employees must complete their COVID-19 vaccine series by January 14, 2022. " (Facebook)
• School District of Philadelphia: "Join SDP, CHOP & the Philadelphia Eagles for a vax event Tuesday, Nov. 23rd at Northeast High School from 12pm-3pm for anyone 5 or older." (Facebook)
• Philadelphia Youth Orchestra: "Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra (PYAO) has openings available. If you’re a Double Bass, Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, or Percussion player, we want you!" (Facebook)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Valerie Morrison - Psychic Medium — Private Psychic Readings by Telephone or at my Office (Visit website)
• Chef Blake Champlain — Private Chef offering Meal Prep, Private Dinners and Events (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Operation Holiday® launches the Christmas Season Helping Those in Need (November 25)
• Celebrate Thanksgiving With 15 Percent Off Floral Centerpieces (November 26)
• Add your event

Gigs & services:

• VideoTapeTransfers.TV (Details)
• Add your gig or service

That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Byrant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.