Philadelphia Chinatown’s Fight for Survival

Monday, October 15, 4:30-6:30pm. Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 1300 Locust Street. Learn how Philadelphia’s Chinatown has evolved over time and its ongoing struggle to maintain its geographic and cultural integrity. Learn about the power of community organizing through Chinatown’s example. This workshop (geared for teachers) will be taught by Debbie Wei, the director of the Office of Multilingual Curriculum and Programs in the School District of Philadelphia. Attendees will receive a copy of Pennsylvania Legacies. Free, register online.

Fun Ride: Benjamin Franklin Bridge

Wednesday, October 17, 5:15pm. Meet at Sydenham and Walnut Streets (at the bike corral.) The Bicycle Coalition’s John Boyle will lead a ride over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. (Rescheduled from a rainout in August.) Take in the amazing view and learn about the more bike-friendly ramp planned for the eastern side of the bridge. All riders must sign a waiver, wear a helmet, and abide by the rules of the road. A guardian must accompany riders under 18. Free, pre-registration is required. Space is limited.

Brewfest 2012

Thursdsay, October 18, 6-8pm. 2700 and 2800 blocks of Girard Avenue. Wander Girard Avenue in Brewerytown for a free pub crawl style event, enjoying samples from four local brewers in different storefronts, take in a home brew demonstration and munch on food from Sunflower Truck Stop and the Tamale Cart. Free.

Is sustainable agriculture bad for the planet?

Thursday, October 18, 6-8:30pm. Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Does buying organic products and eating local foods make a difference for the planet? Join Blake Hurst (author of The Omnivore’s Delusion), James MacWilliams (author of Just Food: Where Locavores Get It Wrong and How We Can Truly Eat Responsibly), Mark “Coach” Smallwood (Executive Director, Rodale Institute) and moderator Alison Hastings (Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission) to discuss how we should really eat to help the planet. Free, register online.