William, an absolutely adorable 9-10 week old kitten, walked right in Ben’s front door this past weekend. Ben lives at 51st and Walnut. William is the cutest and friendliest little guy – he enjoys playing, nuzzling, and lap-sitting in equal measure. Ben is at maximum cat capacity at the moment and can’t keep the kitten, so he would like to find a good home for him. William gets along great with Ben’s other cats, guests, and inanimate objects.

Anyone wanting to meet him, please contact Ben at 610-761-0315 or by email: herman.ben [at] gmail.com.

Some lucky person will never forget their recent visit to the 40 Stop Mini Market at the corner of 40th and Market streets. That is where Monday’s winning Cash 5 ticket worth $325,000 was bought. The winner has not been named.

The jackpot comes as result of picking all five numbers – 13, 20, 22, 29 and 33 – correctly in the daily drawing, which now starts over at $125,000. The store will also get a cash prize for selling the winning ticket.

Here is a list of kindergarten open houses coming up in March in the area. The list has been compiled by the West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools.

A. D. Harrington School
5300-34 Baltimore Ave
19143
(215) 471 – 2914
www.philasd.org/schools/harrington
Open House: CONFIRMED, 3/6, 9:09-9:45 a.m., in Annex Building
Kindergarten teacher: Ms. Davis, Room A1

B. B. Comegys School
5100 Greenway Ave.
19143
(215) 727 – 2162
Open House: NOT CONFIRMED

Alexander Wilson School
1300 S. 46th St.
19143
(215) 823 – 8206
www.philasd.org/schools/alexanderwilson
Open House: CONFIRMED, 3/6, Begins 9:00 a.m.

Samuel B. Huey School
5200 Pine St.
19143
(215) 471 – 2901
Open House: NOT CONFIRMED

Henry C. Lea School
4700 Locust St.
19139
(215) 471 – 2915
webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/schools/l/lea
Open House: CONFIRMED, 3/6, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Kindergarten teachers: Ms. Mykytiuch and Ms. McCloskey

Penn Alexander School
4209 Spruce St.
19104
(215) 823 – 5465
www.philasd.org/schools/pennalexander
Open House: CONFIRMED, 3/6, Begins 9:30 a.m.

Alain Locke School
4550 Haverford Ave.
19139
(215) 823 – 8202
Open House: CONFIRMED, 3/6, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Martha Washington Academics
766 N. 44th St.
19104
(215) 823 – 8203
www.philasd.org/schools/marthawashington
Open House: TO BE SCHEDULED LATER IN MARCH

Samuel Powel School
301 N. 36th St.
19104
(215) 823 – 8201
www.philasd.org/schools/powel
Open House: CONFIRMED, 3/6, Begins 8:30 a.m.

Charles Drew School
3724 Warren St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 823 – 8204
www.philasd.org/schools/drew
Open House: NOT CONFIRMED

We are happy to report that West Philly-based independent film project “MAYA” has reached and even slightly exceeded its funding goal on Kickstarter and will begin shooting in the first week of April. Thanks to everyone who supported it!

The film’s director, Dan Papa, is very excited that they hit the goal and says that they can’t wait to start shooting. They are still casting for the male lead role and should have a decision on that within the next couple of weeks.

A couple of crew members are still needed for this project, so anyone interested please email Dan at danieljamespapa [at] gmail.com. Here‘s the film’s Facebook page.

Here’s one delicious way to help stray cats and kittens in West Philadelphia. City Kitties, a local non-profit volunteer-run feline rescue organization, are bringing back their favorite fundraising event – Cooking with Cat Ladies. The event will take place the evening of Saturday, March 10, at a volunteer’s home.

The hostess, who is an extraordinary cook, will prepare a mouth-watering five-course feast for the event guests. A $50 ticket purchase reserves your seat at the table, where you will enjoy the dinner and the company of other City Kitties volunteers and cat lovers. The menu is not yet finalized, but it will be vegetarian with vegan and gluten-free options.

Seats are limited and City Kitties would like to fill up the table by this Thursday, March 1, so don’t delay in purchasing your ticket. To check out the menu and to reserve your seat, visit this page.

A popsicle shop is planning to open soon at 265 S. 44th Street in the vacant space formerly occupied by Unitea coffee & tea shop.

Local resident Jeanne Chang is going to open Lil’ Pop Shop in early April if licensing and inspections go as planned. Chang lives right around the corner from the shop and says she’s very excited about opening in West Philly. The shop is planning to sell artisan popsicles with rotating seasonal flavors using local dairy and produce. We’ll keep you posted on the progress.

This part of 44th street features three other businesses – Tampopo, Local 44 and recently opened Honest Tom’s Taco Shop.