West Philly neighborhood greening non-profit, UC Green, is hosting two events at Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore) this week.

On Friday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children ages 6-14 and their parents/caregivers are invited to the park for a Field Day filled with various activities centered around trees and healthy greening. Attendees will also receive giveaways, such as biodegradable toothbrushes. Children can make leaf IDs for different plants, create arts and craft projects, join a scavenger hunt or compete in a relay race. The Field Day aims to provides education on tree culture and environmentalism in a fun and active way.  Continue Reading

Bartram’s Garden has a chance to get awarded $200,000 after it was selected as a finalist for the Philadelphia Foundation’s Key to Community grant. The historic garden and arboretum located at 5400 Lindbergh Blvd. in Southwest Philadelphia is competing in the Community & Civic Engagement Category with their project titled “Reclaiming Local History and Championing an Inclusive Future in Southwest Philly.”

The grant will be used to directly support the neighborhood residents within the following initiatives:  Continue Reading

During the school year, thousands of students in Philadelphia benefit from access to free and reduced price breakfast and lunch. But during the summer many struggle to get access to healthy meals.

This a reminder that the USDA provides free meals to children, teens, and students with disabilities in Philadelphia during summer months. This food is accessible at hundreds of summer meals sites throughout the city, including recreation centers, parks, churches, and neighborhood blocks. Summer meals sites provide free meals and snacks to kids and teens age 18 and under.  Continue Reading

If you are thinking of starting a small business, you need to get to this. A bunch of local non-profits aimed at helping West Philly-based entrepreneurs get going are hosting “Funding the Hustle,” which will include panels and lightening talks on everything from “Finance 101” to a design thinking workshop.

Funding the Hustle will highlight ways to get money to get your venture going, including traditional bank financing, crowd-funding and “impact investing.” It will also feature a workshop called “Hacking Your Hustle,” which will feature advice from entrepreneurs on balancing your family and/or day job obligations with your venture.  Continue Reading

Friday Night Jazz in Cedar Park will continue until August 2nd, and here’s another West Philly park that has been hosting free live jazz performances this summer. The Jazz Heritage Series is held every other Thursday at 7 p.m. at Malcolm X Park (52nd and Pine). The series is hosted by Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Friends of Malcolm X Park. The next performance is this Thursday (July 4) by vocalist Shirley Lites.

Here’s a full schedule of performances through September 12:  Continue Reading