Join in for the June event; film released

This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.

Spring’s best party, the Notebook’s annual Turning the Page for Change celebration, will be from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, at the University of the Arts, 320 S. Broad St. Admission is $75 ($25 for anyone age 25 or under). Purchase your admission.

At this year’s event, the Notebook will honor documentary photographer Harvey Finkle, presenting a display of his photos and a silent auction of several pieces. For well over 30 years, Finkle has created images that deal with important social, political, cultural, and educational issues. He has been photographing for the Notebook for 15 years.

Attendees will also enjoy the Notebook’s annual student journalism awards, exciting prizes, student musicians, fantastic food, and conversation with some of the city’s most knowledgeable and passionate people in public education. Loraine Ballard Morrill, director of news and community affairs at iHeartMedia Philadelphia, will once again emcee the event.

The Notebook is seeking volunteers to help with the event, and organizations or businesses to sponsor it or advertise in the program book. Interested supporters can contact Lauren Wiley, development director, at laurenw@thenotebook.org.

"Glen’s Village"


A new Notebook documentary film, Glen’s Village, highlights the issue of childhood trauma through the story of Glen Casey, a University of Pennsylvania student from West Philadelphia. (Photo: Dorian Geiger) The Notebook, in collaboration with 5th Borough Films, has produced and screened a powerful 30-minute documentary about the challenging path from West Philadelphia to college taken by University of Pennsylvania student Glen Casey. A sophomore, Casey overcame childhood trauma and a life surrounded by violence and drugs to make it to the Ivy League institution.

The documentary, called Glen’s Village, was directed and produced by journalists Dorian Geiger and Paul Jablow.

The film debuted in three installments on the Notebook website, starting in late April, and the premiere of the full documentary was held May 1 at the Urban Studies Department on the University of Pennsylvania campus. Casey was part of an animated panel discussion with the audience after the screening.

The documentary, which can now be seen in full on the Notebook website, is part of the Notebook’s yearlong reporting project on trauma and its role in schools. The film shows that with the help of his mother, mentors, counselors, and teachers at University City High School, Glen Casey was able to rise to postsecondary success. It also highlights the impact of trauma on the lives of thousands of Philadelphia students.

The film has garnered interest from groups wanting to screen it. To inquire about screenings, email notebook@thenotebook.org.

House parties

The Notebook recently celebrated its most financially successful house party ever.

House parties, an important fundraising tool for the Notebook, bring together new contributors and members with current supporters.

At the April party in Powelton, the Notebook raised $11,710 in contributions. Thanks to a matching gift by a donor, the total rose to nearly $22,000. About 50 people attended, with guests enjoying an evening of delicious food and lively conversation about the Notebook and education in Philadelphia.

Contributions from house parties are vital to keeping the Notebook strong, particularly during this time of transition; later this year, the nonprofit will hire a new leader to replace current editor and publisher Paul Socolar, who is stepping down.

Additional house parties are scheduled for May and June. Interested in throwing a fundraising party in your home next fall? Please contact Notebook development director Lauren Wiley at laurenw@thenotebook.org.