Update (6:05 p.m.): Bull Gervasi of Mariposa Food Co-op has just sent us some bad refrigeration news. There was a manufacturer error that is going to set Mariposa opening back a few weeks. They are now going to stay open at the old store for a few more weeks before closing and moving into the new one. We’ll keep you updated on this.

A few days ago Mariposa Food Co-op posted an announcement on their Facebook page that Sunday, Jan. 22 would be their last day open at the old location at 4726 Baltimore Ave. The new store was scheduled to open in the first week of February at 4824 Baltimore Avenue.

Mariposa also announced that they have just received a $5,000 check from their neighbors, the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union whose branch at 5000 Baltimore Ave. is located just a block away from the coop’s new location. The $5,000 donation from PFCU will be used to support Mariposa’s Revolving Equity Fund. This fund is used to subsidize the $200 member capital requirement, offering the benefits of co-op membership to those who cannot otherwise afford it. For more information about the program go here. To join the coop, visit this page.

Namaste! Yoga studios in the area are holding some new exciting classes and events this and next month to help kick start the new year. Beginners and experienced folks of all ages and genders are welcome and student discounts are available. See the list below.

Dhyana Yoga (3945 Chestnut Street)

Pranayama :: Breathing techniques for yoga & for having more energy – Sat, Jan. 21, 12:30-2 p.m. – Taught by John Vitarelli. If you are ready to incorporate proper breathing into your practice and your life, then this class is for you. John will demystify the secrets of pranayama for you, answer all questions, and provide resources for your continued study. Light asana included, so bring your mat, and a notebook if you like. Contribution is $10 and pre-registration is required by email.

Master practice classes – Tuesdays Jan. 24 &31, Feb. 7 & 21, March 13 & 27, 6-8 p.m. – Taught by Simon Park. Each week a different focus in practice will be explored. Simon’s unique style of teaching inspires practitioners of all levels of experience to expand their perception of what is possible on and off the mat. Contribution: $108 for all six, or drop in per class for $20. To register email: dhyana.staff@gmail.com.

Brock + Krista Cahill return! :: 3 Gravity Cowboy Events – Feb 3 – 6:30-8:30, Feb. 4 & 5 – 12-3 p.m. – The LIFT OFF! event is on Friday, Feb 3: Many points of interest will be crossed, including the grand handstand, oceans of navasana, mountainous arm balancing postures, and rivers of vinyasa. BUOYANCY CONTROL is on Saturday, Feb. 4: Arm balances, inversions, core, core, core…and a little laughter too. The ONE GIANT LEAP event is on Sunday, Feb. 5: This workshop will investigate the jumps, including jump throughs and jump backs, jumps to handstand, jumps into arm balances, jumps into standing poses and more. Contribution: Feb. 3 – $20 by Jan. 27, $25 after; Feb. 4&5 – $35 by Jan. 27, $40 after. To register email: dhyana.staff@gmail.com.

Studio 34 (4522 Baltimore Ave):

Align and Flow – Tuesdays 7 a.m. – This class is a great way to start your day and your yoga practice. It focuses on the basic alignment principles that provide a strong foundation to any pose, then allows you to play and explore within the pose. The class is open to all levels. Contribution: $10 per class. For more information go here.

Hoop Dance Series – begin Feb. 21 – Work your core, pick up new dance moves, and have a blast with this low impact, hugely popular workout. You will not only be able to hula hoop, but will learn all kinds of fun tricks and ways to move. This is a 6-week class series. Contribution: $60 (6-week series) with advanced registration, $70 day of first class. To register go here.

Kids Classes – begin Jan. 23 – Kids are invited to explore breathing exercises, games, poses and relaxation in this fun-filled class. This is an excellent outlet for energy and a positive place to learn and communicate with other children. Runs through February 27. Drop-ins are welcome. Contribution: $55 with pre-registration, $60 at first class. To register go here.

Tai Chi Series – Wednesdays 7:30 p.m. – This class introduces the student to the “internal” martial art. Both a physical exercise and a moving meditation, it provides benefits to heart, joints, muscle and mind. Contribution: $10 per class. For more information go here.

University City Arts League (4226 Spruce Street)

Iynegar-Based Yoga 1 –  Wednesdays 8-9:30 p.m. –  Develop strength, flexibility & balance. Learn to work more intelligently with your body. Iyengar approach emphasizes correct body alignment with lots of hands-on, individual attention. Concentration is on standing postures, with some work in seated postures, breathing & inverted postures. All ages & fitness levels welcome.

Iynegar-Based Yoga 2 – Wednesdays 6:30-8 p.m. – Level II is for continuing students & people with prior yoga experience.

Both classes are taught by Pat Albright. For more information and to register go here or call 215-382-7811.

Wake Up Yoga (4916 Baltimore Ave):

Once-a-month Women’s Wellness class –  Saturday, Feb. 11, 8:00-9:30 p.m. –  Taught by Biz Magarity. The class is comprised of active and restorative yoga asana designed to support women’s health. This class is designed for women who experience pelvic and lower abdominal issues, such as chronic pain and infertility. Next class is on Contribution: $14 drop in/$10 student rate or one class on your Wake Up Yoga class card. For more information please visit this page.

Eight-week Brand New Beginners series  – begins Thursday, Jan. 19, 7:45-9:15 p.m. – Taught by Monica Kriso. Contribution is $108 and pre-registration is required. Please call the studio at 215-235-1228 or register online.

Despite the cold, the intimate gallery space at 4007 Chestnut was filled to the gills Friday night to see new work by West Philadelphia visual artists. The invitational format of the show, in which the artists currently in residence at the 40th Street Artist-in-Residence Program invited other artists whose work they admire, made for a diverse and full bodied show. Althea Baird’s tracing paper and india ink print (pictured left) was a highlight, bearing resemblance to a sepia toned photograph, and spoke to, in her words, “our body’s ability to remember.”

Other favorites were Corina Dross’ detailed portraits of graphic artist Lynda Barry and writer Zora Neale Hurston, designed to look like oversized playing cards, and Celestine Wilson Hughes’ bold glass sculptures “Black Madonna” and “Women of the Universe Do Not Drown in Three Feet of Water” (pictured below) which were shaped like cabinets containing human hearts and were reminiscent of Mexican folk art’s raw renditions of love and death. “They have to do with women, and with fear,” said Hughes during the brief artist talk.

But it was born and raised West Philadelphian Brian Bazemore’s work that perhaps best summarized the exuberance, delicate hope, and community pride that was palpable in all the works Friday night and in the crowd itself – his approximately 10 ft by 4 ft wooden “testimonial” board made with plywood and spray paint bore the inscription “Use each setback, disappointment and success as a cue to push forward/ahead with more determination than before.”

The show is running until January 27.

– Emma Eisenberg

This sweet young Mastiff-Pit mix, captured Friday, after he’d been wandering the Kingsessing area for two weeks, is in immediate need of a foster home. He’s currently at ACCT shelter, and his 48-hr wait period is up today (Sunday, Jan. 15). He has no ID/chip and has not been claimed. The shelter, as always, is full, and the folks there say he is pretty down and they are anxious for him to be placed in foster care. His rescuer spent quite a bit of time with him on Friday and reports that he is an unbelievably good tempered, non-aggressive dog, and is either intimidated by cats or friendly with them. He showed no aggressive tendencies from the temperament tests he did after he was captured. He was introduced to some kids at the shelter on Friday and was very tolerant of them pulling on his tail and ears, prodding, etc.

He is thought to be about a year old, is unfixed (but will be fixed by ACCT and vaccinated if foster home is secured).

Anyone interested in providing foster care for this pooch, until a permanent home is found, should contact ACCT immediately. His shelter name is Tyson, ID# A15033714. ACCT adoption hours are 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Mon – Fri, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat & Sun. Contact numbers: 267-385-3806 or 267-385-3889. To request to foster, contact Lifesaving, open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day. Best to email first: Jill Sweeney (JSweeney@PSPCA.org) and Natalie (NSmith@PSPCA.org).

Whether you’re looking to get involved in the Day of Service by lending a hand to a great West Philly school or organization, celebrate with others looking to think and explore King’s legacy, or donate to folks in need, check out the listings below to see how West Philadelphians will be paying tribute to the spirit of Dr. King this MLK day, Monday, Jan. 16.

SERVICE PROJECTS
 
Who: Bartram’s Garden

Where: 400 Lindbergh Boulevard

When: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

What: 4th annual Martin Luther King Day of Service Project! This year’s project is going to be working around a newly planted orchard as part of a larger farm and community resource center that we have been developing with The Urban Nutrition Initiative, Pennsylvania Horticulture Society, Philadelphia Orchard Project, and other community partners. On MLK Day we will be specifically focusing on clearing and preparing an area adjacent transitional border between the open orchard space and a wooded area. Our goal is to plant berry bushes, smaller understory fruiting trees such as pawpaw and persimmon, and maximize as much of the area for food producing and edible plants as part of the larger farm project. Volunteers will meet at Bartram’s Garden in our coach house (signs will be posted to direct folks when they arrive). Gloves, Tools, Water, and Lunch will be provided (lunch will be at noon). Please wear outdoor work attire such as warm clothes, sturdy foot wear, etc…as it is an outdoor project in mid January. This is a rain or shine event and moderate to heavy duty work. All are welcome to sign up but please keep in mind the nature of the project.

Lunch provided? Yes

Contact/RSVP: volunteer@bartramsgarden.org or call 215-729-5281 x 105

Who: The Church of the Holy Apostles & The Mediator

Where: 51st & Spruce Streets

When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

What: Throwing out old and broken toys and equipment, repairing basketball nets. Painting and decorating the youth room and hall. Must be able to paint and use a ladder.

Lunch provided? Yes

Contact/RSVP: janispmoore@hotmail.com, 267-322-8795

Who: GEORGE T. CORNISH POST 292 (AMERICAN LEGION)

Where: 4812 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE

When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

What: During the month of December there will be a donation box located in the Post. We would like donations of new or gently used men’s clothing, new packages of socks and toiletries. On MLK Day the volunteers will assist in sorting of the clothing. The doors of the Post will then be open to those in need to come and select their items.

Lunch provided? no

Contact/RSVP: Bryant Horsely, 267-640-3516, BLHMLH@VERIZON.NET

Who: Philadelphia Veterans Comfort House

Where: 4108 Baltimore Avenue

When: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

What: The Philadelphia Veterans Comfort House (PVCH) provides services for our veterans while they undergo treatment for serious health issues at the local VA hospital and also a shelter for homeless veterans in their time of need. Through meals, comfortable beds and a helping hand, the PVCH gives a little back to the men and women who have given so much for our country. On MLK day, volunteers will be painting the floor and re-arranging the basement to make it more comfortable and pleasant for veterans who live there.

Lunch provided? yes

Contact/RSVP: David Kamioner at dkam@vetscomforthouse.org or 267-292-2052.

Who: Sherwood Christian Outreach Center

Where: 5543 Willows Ave.

When: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

What: Painting project of the gym area.

Lunch provided? yes

Contact/RSVP: Ann Marie Gore, 215-747-2685, marie8652@verizon.net

Who: University of Pennsylvania Community Beautification Projects

Where: Comegys and Huey Elementary Schools, Sayre Recreation Center, and the Community Education Center in West Philadelphia.

When: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

What: Projects vary at the different sites.  Meet at Houston Hall, Hall of Flags, 3417 Spruce Street.  Come dressed for cleaning and painting. Complimentary parking for volunteers will be provided at the following locations: Lot #1 (between 32nd and 33rd and Walnut Sts) and Lot #19 (Northeast corner of 34th and Chestnut Sts). Transportation will be provided to and from Houston Hall (3417 Spruce Street) to the sites.

Lunch provided? Light refreshments only

Contact/RSVP: (please Cut and Paste into your browser): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dFJpRC1uVk44ZlV2d2VkeVFnbC14N1E6MQ#gid=0

Who: University of Pennsylvania Helping Hands & Philadelphia Reads @ Houston Hall

Where: For Philadelphia Reads, meet in the Benjamin Franklin Room of Houston Hall. For Helping Hands, meet in the Reading Room and Bodek Lounge. Houston Hall is located at 3417 Spruce Street.

When: 9:30 – 12:30 p.m.

What: For Philadelphia Reads, volunteers will create books on tape to promote literacy for Philadelphia youth. Participants are asked to bring and donate a children’s book(s) that discusses multi-cultural issues relating to children. For Helping Hands, volunteers will create personal gifts that will be donated to West Philadelphia area shelters, nursing homes, hospitals, and other charities. Complimentary parking for volunteers will be provided at the following locations: Lot #1 (between 32nd and 33rd and Walnut Streets) and Lot #19 (Northeast corner of 34th and Chestnut Streets).

Lunch provided? no

Contact/RSVP: (please Cut and Paste into your browser): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dFJpRC1uVk44ZlV2d2VkeVFnbC14N1E6MQ#gid=0

MARCHES/CELEBRATIONS

MLK Day with Reverend Paul “Earthquake” Moore
“Nobody wants peace on Philadelphia’s streets more than I do, and no Philadelphian has fought harder to reach that goal,” says Reverend Paul “Earthquake” Moore, a fighter turned Reverend that has worked tirelessly to serve the community of Southwest Philadelphia and improve quality of life through anti-violence work, youth advocacy and community beautification initiatives. The afternoon program kicks off with a re-enactment march at 65th and Woodland in which participants are encouraged to bring signs recalling the “we shall overcome” spirit of the MLK era. The march will end at the New Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church where Reverend Moore will deliver the famous “I Have A Dream” speech, followed by gospel singers and praise dancers from the church community.  4 p.m., New Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 7001 Woodland Ave. 215-385-2696. 

Stand Up for MLK’s Legacy with Occupy Philly
Martin Luther King died fighting for economic justice and dignity for all. The march will start at the east side of 30^th street station and go to the Post Office and then to American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) facility at 30th and Walnut Sts. for an indoor program. Labor struggles will be highlighted by Pete Matthews, AFSCME DC33, John Johnson Jr., Transport Workers Union 234, Henry Nicholas, Hospital Workers1199-C, Gwen Ivey of the American Postal Workers Union, UNITE HERE worker from Citizen’s Bank Park, Eileen Duffy, a Philadelphia Federation of Teachers school nurse.  Educator and activist Tony Monteiro and Poet/educator Ewuare Osayande will reflect on the legacy of Dr. King. Also, Josh Glenn from Youth Arts Self Empowerment Project will talk about the school to prison pipe line, and Whitney Larkins from the Occupy Labor Group will reenact a speech of Coretta Scott King. Video of Dr. King and the “Occupy Union Busters” Nursing Home Action will be shown. Music, poetry and more. 5 pm. Assemble at 30th St. Station (East Side). For more information email: occupyphillylabor@googlegroups.com

DONATION OPPORTUNITIES

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia seeks new toys, games, and other supplies to help their child patients to cope and adjust to illness and hospitalization.  Year-round. 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.  34th Street and Civic Center Blvd. Contact the Toy Donation Line at 267-426-8174, ChildLife@email.chop.edu. http://www.chop.edu/service/child-life-education-and-creative-arts-therapy/donations/toy-donations.html

Operation Warm Hearts seeks blankets to help Philadelphia homeless through the cold winter months. Through 3/1. Contact Fareeda Mabry, 267-707-8979.

Drop off locations:
Rondney Harris Splitten Wigz Barbershop, 48 North 52nd Street, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Bluford Elementary, 5801 Media Street 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Philadelphia Reads seeks new and gently used children’s books, Pre-K through Young Adult, for distribution to classroom teachers at the citywide Children’s Book Bank. Through 1/16. Contact  (215) 590-2819, info@philareads.org.

Drop off locations:
Beulah Baptist Church, 50th & Spruce Streets, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
American Legion Post 292, 4812 Fairmount Avenue, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Partnership CDC, 4020 Market Street, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Philadelphia Veterans Comfort House seeks men’s clothing, perishable or non-perishable food, household cleaners and personal hygiene items. Through 1/16.  4108 Baltimore Avenue. Call 267-292-2052 for drop-off hours. 

– Emma Eisenberg

Beth Nixon, a West Philly-based puppeteer and the founder of Ramshackle Enterprises, is presenting a new show at The Rotunda (4014 Walnut Street) beginning Sunday, Jan. 15. The show, Below and Beyond, is inspired by the long‐submerged Mill Creek of West Philadelphia, by current debate about fracking in Pennsylvania, and overall by what lies beneath our feet.

Beth and her colleagues will be using puppets, pulleys, movement, maps, and their imagination. Dozens of local artists contributed their talent to the creation of the puppets and props.

Below and Beyond is a collaborative performance experiment by Beth Nixon and Sarah Lowry of The Missoula Oblongata experimental theater company. Nixon and Lowry were inspired by interviews with Mill Creek residents, the “landscape literacy” research of Anne Whiston Spirn and Protecting Our Waters ‐ a local grassroots organization fighting against unconventional gas drilling in the region.

There are only four Below and Beyond shows scheduled: Sunday – 7:30 p.m., Monday – 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday – 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5‐$10 at the door, but no one will be turned away for the lack of funds. Tickets can also be purchased online here.