Week in Review: Roxborough Bullying Controversy, Holiday Preparations, Propper Brothers Leavin

If the frigid weather wasn't an indication, those pages on the calendar ticking down to Dec. 25 should give you a hint—the holidays are here. Hanukkah finished last Thursday, Christmas is less than two weeks away, and Kwanzaa falls on Dec. 26.

Though we continued to roll out our ongoing holiday guide, the biggest story last occurred at . On Monday night, WPVI-TV reported of a bullying incident at the Ridge Avenue public school. , and on Thursday learned for 10 days for their roles in the incident. Philadelphia Police are investigating the matter with the School District of Philadelphia, and no charges have been filed.

Ramping up our holiday coverage, Patch profiled two local groups who started the season by giving. Both and the have organized large-scale donation efforts to help both local and international people in need.

As the month progresses, we'll continue to pepper you with holiday opportunities to give, shop and celebrate in Manayunk and Roxborough. Last week, we offered a , previewed , spotlighted , and surveyed the area for (Remember e-mail your light pictures to samfran@patch.com). Additionally, Fit Notes columnist Carol Haslam discussed the importance of .

Both the and s continued their own holiday celebrations with events geared toward the kids. On Saturday, Santa Claus and Mr. Magic youth at the RDC's annual kids party. Also Saturday, ice sculptures for Santa on Main Street, as the MDC previewed its February Manayunk on Ice event at Canal View Park.

For the last holiday season, Propper Brothers in Manayunk will give families looking for a furniture upgrade a chance for a local option. After 123 years, the Cresson Street mainstay is shutting down. Sam Kroungold about the store's going-out-of-business sale.

Also in the news:

• Roxborough a new with a fresh roster and season;
• a website with innumerable pet tips and offerings for the Philadelphia area; and
• Rep.-elect Pam DeLissio outlined in Harrisburg.

We plan to continue our holiday while keeping on top of news and it breaks. Any tips? E-mail me at samfran@patch.com.