Around the Block: 10/24/25

10/24/25

Witty takes, can't-miss Philly updates, insider info, and curated listings - by Jeff "City" Block

School Names/Jewish Y

The Gershman Y. Photo Credit: phillyjfm.org

Hi Readers,

The name of every school I ever attended sounded totally normal to me. That is the way it is for everyone in the world, I guess. If they are monikers you grew up with, they sound ordinary. 

Over half a century ago, I went to nursery school at the Jewish Y at Broad & Pine. Nursery school is what we called it back then. Now, it's known as Pre-K, which is a much better name. The “Jewish Y” also sounds a little odd. The full name was the YMHA—the Young Men’s Hebrew Association. I guess when you go to the Young Men’s Christian Association, you just call it the Y. I never heard the YMCA referred to as the “Christian” Y.

What an interesting name this whole YMCA/YMHA thing is. Is it just for men? Just for a specific religion? Maybe back in the day, right? Ys in general have always been a valuable neighborhood resource and remain so today. Often, a neighborhood’s primary pool, indoor recreation center, and community services provider. Also, I’ve heard of the YWCA, and I am not sure how that all fits in. Either way, all these names seem pretty old-school in 2025.

Plus, as the most classic song says… “You can get yourself clean, you can have a good meal… You can do whatever you feel.”  Not that far off from my vague nursery school recollection, but well, there you go.

Actually, my history at the Jewish Y (officially named the Gershman Y) goes well beyond my wild pre-k years. My dad and I remained members until the mid-to-late 80s. I was 18 when I broke my left ankle there playing basketball. That ankle still bothers me today. I would lift weights there and swim, and they had a really cool running track that circled above the basketball court.

The building became part of the University of the Arts in 2000, and then, when UArts folded in 2024, it was sold as part of the bankruptcy. It looks like it was purchased by a developer in April 2025, with no future use announced at this time. The property appears to have a current L&I violation against it for an expired fire escape inspection. The great news is that the Gershman Y is designated on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places and is protected from demolition.

Okay, so I made it all the way through my pre-k days in this ATB. In future editions, I will continue with other places I went to school and maybe even throw in a few workplaces to boot.

Now, for those of you who made it through this most fascinating history of 4-year-old Jeff City, here is a special treat. Any interest in going to the Eagles-Giants game this weekend? If so, the 6th person to reply with the phrase, “GO BIRDS, Beat Big Blue”, will win two tickets in Sec 125 of the Lower Bowl to this week’s game. Now, a few parameters and comments:

1. Both Eagles and Giants fans are welcome to enter this raffle. However, even Giants fans must state “GO BIRDS, Beat Big Blue” without any further negating comment to be eligible. You can go to the game and root for Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo all you want, but to be eligible to win the tickets, you must clearly state “GO BIRDS, Beat Big Blue.”

1. REALTORS® are not eligible for this raffle. Sorry colleagues.

   
   

2. The Linc’s Section 125, Row 31, is a fun section of the stadium. First, people are nice. You can wear opposing gear or whatever, and cheer your head off, and all the folks are nice and friendly. I mean, there will be chop-busting, but all good-natured. That is how fans and humans should treat each other. (Of course, one exception to this rule may be Cowboys fans who are from the northeastern United States. This is something on which I believe all Eagles, Giants, and Commanders agree.)

   
   

3. The rows immediately behind 31 are where many players’ families sit. This is pretty cool. Pro Tip—if you see an entire group wearing the jersey of a special teamer or obscure back-up, it is a pretty good bet that it is his family and friends. And if that guy makes a stand-out play, it is awesome.

   
   

4. The reason the 6th respondent wins this week is to celebrate DeVonta Smith’s great game last week. Let’s keep this going. (Giants fans can pretend to themselves that we are actually honoring Jaxson Dart).

   
   

5. Sunday is supposed to be a gorgeous day. Literally, perfect football weather.

   
   

6. The Giants beat the Birds two weeks ago. Crazy, right? This is the NFL. No team can ever be taken for granted. Any Given Sunday.

   
   

7. The 6th respondent who notes “GO BIRDS, Beat Big Blue” wins the tix.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Warm regards,

Jeff

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