Final day of BITS!

A closing ceremony was held for BITS service learning, where each youth received a certificate of completion. Special awards were also given out to youths picked by the mentors. From G3: Jessica Dixon- Most Consistent, Devin Edwards- Most Hard-working, Dishaun Crawford- Most Improved, and Michael Dorsey- Most Entertaining. Congratulations to all the youths for a successful summer work experience. A special thanks to City by the water, G3 for a great opportunity to getting to know each and every one of you. It was truly an amazing experience, and I hope you feel the same. Best of luck to all!

PYN showcase at the Convention Center.

Students from each of the City by the water groups were chosen specially by their mentors to attend a Philadelphia Youth Network showcase at the Convention Center. All youths that attended from BITS did an amazing job at demonstrating what they have learned over the past six weeks.

Philadelphia Regional Port Authority.

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Fairmount Waterworks Reflection.

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The Water Works Museum was designed in 1812. Originally wooden pipes was used for the water to travel through. They built a dam to change the direction in which the water flowed in. There are three water treatment facilities in Philadelphia. During the Industrial Revolution, the river became very polluted and people became ill because they were not able to clean the water. In the 1909 the Waterworks Museum was closed down due to the fact that the water was polluted and they could not clean it.
- Dishaun Crawford

Our last trip was to the Fairmount Water Works. I learned many things. One thing I found very interesting is that the water we use from our sewage travels down stream. This means that Pottstown’s sewage of Pottstown travels down through Norristown, etc., and all the way down the Schuylkill to Philadelphia where it is processed. I also learned that the room in which I watched a movie in at the Waterworks used to be a room where a water well was used. The last interesting fact I found was that the Art Museum was built over the old Reservoir. This was a very informative trip and I would love to go back and learn more.
- Imani Ferguson

Last Friday we went to the Fairmount Water Works museum and the experience was awesome. I learned great things about our city’s water system. Five important things that I took away from my visit to the Water Works museum were, the water system was built in 1812 in order to provide the city with a clean source of water since the city was infested with yellow fever. I also learned that humans contribute a great deal to water pollution by just flushing the toilet and washing our hands, because we are adding to water pollution. When I think of pollution I automatically think about garbage being thrown on the ground and blown into the water, but Friday I learned that there are other ways to contribute to water pollution. The Water Works museum built a dam and fish ladder in order to monitor the fish and our tour guide informed us that the more species of fish in the river the healthier the water is. Also, when seals hang around the river to eat fish that means the water is even healthier. The Schuylkill River has approximately 48 different species of fish in the river. But every good thing must come to an end and the wonderful Fairmount Water Works had to close its doors in 1909 because the water became too polluted. After closing its doors later in the 1970's, the Water Works was used for two purposes: an aquarium and a swimming area. The aquarium closed and now the space is used as an underground museum. The space has transformed from an aquarium and now museum but the original building still stands.
- Jessica Dixon

The Waterworks Museum was built in the 1810’s and closed in 1909. The original pipes for the museum, before it was really a museum, were made of wood. In order to have pipes of wood they would get a tree and cut out the entire insides of the tree so that it would become an empty wooden pipe. The Water Works was shut down because of too much pollution during the Industrial Revolution. At one point in time, the Water Works dam was the longest dam in the entire world. Before the Museum was a tourist attraction, it was used as a swimming pool and an aquarium.
- Devin Edwards

When we attended the Water Works museum last Friday, I learned a lot of things that I did not know. The waterworks was first built in 1812. When the Water Works was first built they used wooden pumps. When I went inside the museum I found it kind of interesting that the Water Works was underground. When we went inside there were many cool things inside. I never knew that the Water Works museum would be actually kind of interesting. There are three main water treatment facilities in Pennsylvania. In the Schuylkill river there are 48 different types of fish. There are many other interesting things that was established in the waterworks museum, but the waterworks was closed in 1909 because the water was becoming way too polluted.
- LaBria Farrell

When I went to the Water Works Museum I learned that there are 48 different kinds of species of fish. And the Water Works was build in 1812, also how the Schuylkill river was once freshwater and is now very dirty and very polluted. And they closed the Water Works in 1909. And how the water was so dirty that the water had a disease called the Yellow Fever. Also, how everything we do in the bathroom goes in the Schuylkill river. I learned that the Water Works was the best in the world.
- Michael Dorsey

Delaware River Waterfront.

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It was very nice and I enjoyed myself at Penn's Landing. I was very interested in learning the history at Penn's Landing. The five similar things about them is that they were both very clean, had shade, nice places to relax at, had cars and water has a surrounding. And the different thing about them is that Penn Landing have stores and the Schuylkill had no stores around. Also, the Schuylkill waterfront was like a park and the place where we were at at Penn's Landing had piers and had people driving there own speedboats and people riding on bigger boats. The Penn's Landing water looked more clean than the Schuylkill river. And Penn”s Landing had hotels and buildings around it.
- Michael Dorsey

Yesterday we visited Penn's Landing, located on the Delaware River Waterfront. We saw many things there; that included piers, ducks, maps, people, and the beautiful Delaware River. There were many piers there however not all of them were of the same use. Some piers were used as apartments, ship loading, for importing of goods, and there were abandoned ones with hopes to build parks and recreational fun on top of it. I think these places were built along the river because it is a very calming place to go and relax. My experience at Penn's landing was very calming, it is somewhere I love to go to clear my mind or on a romantic date. However, this river and the Schuylkill were very different experiences. Although, they both have paths to travel along, people who come visit them are major rivers within Philadelphia, and s on. They are very different from each other. The Delaware’s atmosphere was more calming and more family oriented. Where as the Schuylkill was more workout oriented. The Delaware also had more access to restrooms, places to sit, and water fountains. One last difference I found between the Delaware and Schuylkill River is the appearance. The Delaware is somewhere I would like to visit because the river appears bluer and the surrounding is less trashy or polluted.
- Imani Ferguson

Yesterday we went to Penn's Landing and we visited two piers that were very essential to the Delaware River. The first piers that we saw used to be used for loading goods, but over the years it has transformed into Condominiums and Residential areas. The second pier that we visited while at Penn's Landing is currently abandoned, but the Delaware Corporation has hopes of turning this port into a green area and park. There are plans of planting trees and grassland around the riverfront in order to soak up excess water that might flow back into the river. Also, the corporation desires to make the waterfront more appealing so people are more inclined to visit. By designing a park where people can come and relax, the attendance rate to the riverfront will hopefully increase immensely. Since Philadelphia is not as industrialized as it once was, there is no need to ship goods from factories, so the piers are used for social reasons. Restaurants and homes that overlook the river have now replaced the factories. The experience at Penn’s Landing was educational, because I learned a lot about William Penn’s vision for Philadelphia and how the neighborhoods and different parts of the city were developed. The experience at Penn’s Landing was very different from the Schuylkill Banks Walk because there were maps with information posted around Penn’s Landing that taught you history. The Schuylkill Banks Walk was just a little path that connected to the Art Museum there was nothing to learn or take away from the walk.
- Jessica Dixon

On July 27, we visited Penn’s Landing and the Delaware River Waterfront. While we were there we visited two piers. The first pier was used for condominiums and the second pier was being done over. They were turning the second pier into a playground. I believe they put condominiums there because maybe some people like the view outside of the window. I really do not understand why they would put a playground by a river, because I do not think it is safe for the children anyway. I really enjoy going to Penn’s Landing, because it is peaceful and it is a nice thinking and talking spot. I liked going to Penn’s Landing more than I liked going to Schuylkill Banks Trail. At Penn’s landing it was more walking space and it was more peaceful. Schuylkill Banks Trail was over-crowded. The trail was not big enough for the bikes, joggers, and people walking at Penn’s Landing it was big enough. Penn’s Landing also is right next to the Delaware River, which is Philadelphia’s only port. I just believe Penn’s Landing is more important than the Schuylkill Banks Trail.
- LaBria Farrell

The piers are being used in many ways. For example, people are using it for boating, fishing, relaxing, and for sightseeing. I think these uses are located along the river so more people can visit there. My experience out at Penn’s Landing was fun. I like this trip more then the other ones, because I had a good time. My experience was different then being on the Schuylkill banks trail because I thought the Schuylkill river trip was boring and we did to much walking. Also, it wasn't organized. Another reason why I like the Penn’s Landing trip better is because it doesn't take a long time to get there like all the other trips we went on.
- Tykeim Fisher

Some ways the piers are being used are, for people to go boating. One more reason why they use the piers is for loading and unloading cargo. Also, some people might wanna go fishing. Why I think these uses were located along the river is, because what person would not wanna go fishing or go boating. Also, we had to get our products from some where. The experience was greater and more fun to be on Penn’s landing then being on the Schuylkill, because I felt more relaxed on Penn’s Landing. The Schuylkill was not that much room for use as a group to walk. We had to keep moving over for the bikers and the runners. I just thought Penn’s Landing was way better.
- Zymair Cue

Reflection of past three weeks.

Oh how time flies! This is week four and we are almost finished the program. Everyday I come to work, I am fortunate enough to learn something new and exciting. Last week we took a trip to the Wissahickon Park and there we did a walk. While walking we made observations and answered questions on how we could improve the quality of the park. Some suggestions that I made were to post signs near the Regional Rail Station directing visitors to the entrance of the park, because if you are not familiar with the area then it can be difficult to find out where to enter the park. Another suggestion that I would make is for the park to put some benches and water fountains along the trail, because it is hard for senior citizens and people with disabilities to visit the park because there is no place for them to rest. Last week we also visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We walked down the Schuylkill Banks River to get to the museum. Once we arrived at the museum we looked at exhibits such as the European and American just to name a few. Our most recent lesson dealt with the issue of natural gas drilling. Today we watched a video about “fracking,” and this basically involves the government believing that there is oil in Eastern PA oil companies are paying citizens huge amounts of money to drill near their homes but ,the downside to this is the process that is being used to extract the oil from the ground is affecting the water and people are becoming sick and suffering because of it. The chemicals found in the water are so dangerous that people can set the water from their kitchen sink on fire. The standing debate is over whether or not the money offered for discovered worth healthy neighbors?
- Jessica Dixon

In the past 4 weeks I have learned a lot, also we have went on many of trips. Some of the trips we went to was the Wissahickon Park. We also went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. First thing I learned being here was so many paintings where put into the Museum of Art most of the paintings are very very old. Some where made in the 1900’s. Now the next thing I learned by going on the Wissahickon trip was a lot of things. Its many wildlife like spiders, ducks, butterflies, and many of things. Also if you listen carefully while in the park you can hear many things like water, birds, people, people talking, also cars. You can hear cars because the park is right next to a highway. There is no easy way to find the Park so i think people should put up more signs. Next we have watched a couple videos about the issue of the natural gas drilling, called fracking. People are drilling holes in the ground to get natural gas. It’s putting waste in the drinking water and people and pets are getting very sick. It’s not good cause gases are backing up into peoples drinking and bath water, and it is not good.
- Zymair Cue

So, this is week four of Bits. As the journey continues it is sad to say we are almost finished. However, I can say that I have had too much fun. Since I last wrote a blog we have visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Wissahickon Park, and learned about the natural gas drilling issue known as (fracking). At the art museum we visited the European, Modern and Contemporary, and Arms and Armor exhibits. We saw the weapons and armor used by the people of the middle ages in Arms and Armor. In the European exhibit we saw how the interior decoration of homes of Kings and Queens appeared. On our trip to Wissahickon we rode the R6 train to Manayunk. Then we walked to the park, where we had to travel down 100 steps to finally get on the path. We traveled up the path and explored our surroundings and took notes of it. We walked up another path to visit a cave however because of an unfortunate incident we were unable to finish our trip. Today we learned about the issue of fracking. Fracking is when oil companies invade on land that believe contains natural gas and the begin drilling. This is becoming a very common issue around the U.S., however it is mostly found in rural areas. This idea has both pro’s and con’s and continues to be an on going argument. Overall I am learning lots at the BITS Program and over the next few weeks i want to learn lots more.
- Imani Ferguson

We have visited two new places and discussed one new topic since the last time I have wrote a blog. At the Wissahickon Park many things interested me. When we first got off of the train we walked down the 100 steps. It did not actually seem like 100, although it was. The 1st thing that caught my attention was the nasty aroma that was in the air and the dirty river. As we walked and took notes I saw that some trees were knocked down maybe from termites because we saw a lot of little holes in the trees. I also noticed that there were fish in that nasty dirty water which was disgusting. We also visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art. We walked down the Schuylkill Banks River to get there, it was such a long walk, but I never knew it was used for so many things. People actually lay on the grass down there to get a tan and to watch the fireworks around the time of the 4th of July. When we entered the Museum my favorite exhibit was the European exhibit because everything was fancy and colorful. We discussed earlier the topic of “fracking, “ which is the issue of natural gas drilling. I believe that even though we would be saving and making more money it is not worth our water supply going bad. We have been learning new things every week and I can not wait to visit Pennslanding and the Water Works this week.
- LaBria Farrell

Some of the stuff I learned last week when I went to the art museum is that the Philadelphia Art Museum is one of the largest museums in the United States. Another thing I learned is the museum was founded in 1876. Some other stuff I learned is that the museum had the Arms Armor collection from Japan centuries ago. Also, I did not know how to get to the Philadelphia Art Museum until our mentor showed me how by catching the sub and the L.
- Tykeim Fisher

Over the last three weeks we have visited multiple places such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Benjamin Franklin parkway, and the Wissahickon park. While at the Philadelphia Museum of art we saw the Arms and Armor exhibit. While in the Arms and Armor exhibit I found out that they were making armor for not only men but even the small children. While we were at Benjamin Franklin parkway I learned that there was a museum on the park that I never knew about called the Rodin Museum. I also learned that the water at Wissahickon Park is believed to be 90% sewage release water.
- Devin Edwards

During the three weeks that I have been here we have visited places like the Philadelphia Museum of art, Wissahickon park and the Ben Franklin parkway. During our time at the Art Museum we was able to view numerous amounts of art which had their own special meaning based on past history. During the time we spent at the Wissahickon Park I learned a few things about it. I learned that the water their is very dirty and polluted. I also learned that you can go there and see different aspects of nature. I was able to see spiders,fish,ducks and etc. If I had not taken the walk along the parkway I would have never learned about the statues and the Rodin Museum which is located on the parkway.
- Dishaun Crawford

When I went to the Wissahickon Park I learned that the water was very dirty. Also, how people that live around the park help clean it. What interested me was how clean the park was and how it was a nice to come and visit and how green it was there,it looked like all the plants and trees were healty. And the Museum had some thing there that i would have never imagine. Like old chair and swords and armor for the horses and soldiers from back in the day and that really fascinated, that something that old was rite in front of me. And what I think about the Fracking, I think if they are going to do it if it is around where people live they souldnt do it at all.
- Michael Dorsey

Wissahickon Park.

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All groups in city by the water went on the trip to Wissahickon Park, and there was surprisingly enough space on the train for all 60+ of us. After arriving at the park, we walked down the 100 stairs to reach the path that surrounds the Wissahickon River. Immediately upon reaching the path, it was obvious to see one of the dams of the Wissahickon River. We also quickly noticed that the path was mainly used by bikers, and few walkers. On the other side of the river was Kelly Drive, but the high-traffic highway was not very distracting from the large amount of green space that surrounded us. Our trip was cut short due to unfortunate circumstances, however we all appreciated our time spent at the Wissahickon Park.