Cedar Park Neighbors in cooperation with area churches and other nonprofit organizations, will again prepare and distribute food baskets for those in need during the holiday season. The 2017 CPN Holiday Food Drive is currently underway. The suggested donation is $36. Support at this amount will help CPN supply meals for two families.

In 2016, CPN was able to reach over 150 local families.  Continue Reading

Several West Philly businesses, including Siddiq’s Water Ice, Dynamite Pest Control, Royal Mane Boutique and others, have partnered this Thanksgiving holiday to serve a special “Giving Thanks” community dinner on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23. The dinner will be served at Siddiq’s Water Ice location at 264 S. 60th Street (in a heated tent between Locust and Spruce) from noon to 3 p.m. The food is catered by Ol’ Boys Soul Food.

Siddiq Moore has been serving real fruit water ice, ice cream and frozen yogurt near 60th and Irving since July 8, 2017 when he opened his first brick-and-mortar location, but he has been in the business since mid-90’s when he started running a water ice cart at Temple University. After opening in July, Siddiq’s Water Ice (Facebook page) received its own street marker, “Siddiq’s Water Ice Way”, from the city, recognizing Moore’s efforts to revitalize 60th Street Corridor.

Mill Creek Farm has been providing affordable produce to Mill Creek residents for the past ten years. Now, it faces a budgets shortfall that it hopes to fill in the next few weeks.

A web post by the farm explained that the shortfall had been created in part by a continued effort to employ local residents in key roles at the farm.

“We are challenging oppressive power dynamics and designing ones that put those most affected in leadership positions,” the statement reads. “Planning these changes created a short-fall in our finances and we need your help finish[ing] out the rest of the season.”

The farm hopes to raise $5,000, and an anonymous donor has promised to match funds up to that amount, meaning the farm could raise $10,000 in total.

Mill Creek Farm was created after the organization was granted 1.5 acres of vacant land along the former Mill Creek. The farm now grows vegetables, fruits, and herbs and then sells them to the public twice a week, including at the 52nd & Haverford farmers market. In addition, it educates the surrounding community about environmental and civic issues.

You can donate on the campaign’s web site.

– Eduard Saakashvili

The Philly Wheel Community, a group made up of “sisters and sibs” from the neighborhood, is hosting a Secret Cafe Dinner Extravaganza in West Philly on Saturday, Oct. 28. The proceeds from this event will go to support members of the In Sacred Balance Wheel, a year-long program in feminist earth-based practice for women and non-binary individuals. A portion of the proceeds will go to “The Adalah Initiative,” which supports women and girls from Muslim-majority countries while seeking to end gender-based violence, and “Sacred Justice”, a new project that seeks to build dialogue between LGBTQ individuals of diverse faith backgrounds.

Here’s how the Secret Cafe Dinner works: While the location of the dinner has been revealed – it will be at Children’s Community School, 1212 S. 47th St. – the menu will be a surprise. Tickets are prix fixe. You can purchase a meat or vegan option, and all meals are gluten free. Drinks are a la carte, and the bar will be available throughout the night as a separate space to lounge.  Continue Reading

Camp Sojourner is a nonprofit, year-round leadership program for girls ages 8-17. The program, based in West Philadelphia’s Calvary Center, culminates in a summer overnight camp for girls. On Friday, Oct. 13, another West Philly nonprofit, The Rotunda is hosting Sojo Groove Night, with performances by well-known Philly musicians. All proceeds benefit year-round activities at Camp Sojourner.

Sojo Groove Night will take place from 7:00 – 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and performances start at 8:00 p.m.

Camp Sojourner girls will be giving testimony, drumming, and participating in each element of the evening in an interactive manner. The diverse range of performers at Sojo Groove Night reflects the supporters and families who have participated in the program over the past ten years. Performances will include: Paulette Branson & Mixed People, a funky, soul fusion band with hints of rock and world music; Gretchen Elise and Band, performing interactive, original music that combines an international flavor with shades of Philly jazz and soul; and Unidos Da Filadelfia Samba Group, a community-based samba school whose mission is to spread the joy and excitement of Brazilian percussion.  Continue Reading

Photo courtesy of LoLa 38.

Over the past year, a creative placemaking project, LoLa 38, helped bring art installations, community gatherings and other events to Lower Lancaster Avenue. On Oct. 14, a closing celebration for LoLa 38 will take place near the intersection of Powelton Ave. and N. 38th St. with over five hours of live music and dance performances by such well-known artists and groups as Chill Moody, Raheem DeVaughn, Philadanco, Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble, and many more. The Soul Farm Community Festival will also feature local art and food. The event will kick off at 2 p.m.  Continue Reading