The annual Spruce Hill Halloween Parade has been cancelled. (Photo West Philly Local)

As was expected the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) has cancelled its annual Halloween Tot Parade, a tradition that goes back 23 years. The post-parade block party at the “Little Osage” where neighbors offer sweets and treats to children, has also been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

However, folks will still be able to celebrate in a socially distanced manner, according to SHCA Board President Evan Johnstone. Some alternative plans are currently in the works to help keep the Halloween spirit alive, including  house decorating, a kid-friendly, Halloween themed activity, and trick-or-treating options while maintaining a safe distance. We’ll let you know when plans are finalized and more details are available.  Continue Reading

Hundreds of residents gathered in Clark Park on Saturday to protest a rally planned in the park by far-right group “Proud Boys,” which never materialized. People held “Black Lives Matter,” “Fascists Go Home!” and other signs. Instead of confrontation, a peaceful pro-diversity rally ensued that included participation of local community leaders and West Philly-elected officials.

“These people came here to divide us, but look what they have done,” City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier said during the rally.  Continue Reading

In the wake of the tragic death of 25-year-old Avante Reynolds, a pedestrian killed on Cobbs Creek Parkway last month, and the demand for changes from the community, PennDOT and the city’s Streets Department have agreed to carry out safety improvements on the Parkway. The decision was announced today during a meeting with elected officials from West Philadelphia that included State Sen. Anthony Williams, State Rep. Joanna McClinton, and City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

PennDOT will begin installing multiple improvements within the next month, including rumble strips along the center lanes along the Parkway from Girard Avenue to Baltimore Avenue. A new style of rumble strip technology will be used which minimizes noise and nuisance to neighboring residents.  Continue Reading

UC Green, the non-profit known for planting trees in West Philly neighborhoods, is holding a virtual auction this weekend to raise funds for projects scheduled for this fall.

The auction will be live on Instagram from 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20 to 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21.

Community members are invited to bid on unique works of art from local makers – from jewelry to ceramic planters to original artwork by local artists. Special experiences like a catered socially distant ice cream party from Zsa’s Ice Cream will be also included in the offerings. More details about the local contributors who are donating to this fun affair and sneak peaks at auction items are available on the @ArborAndArt Instagram page now.  Continue Reading

The Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) is hosting a COVID-19 Zoom Q&A with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. Dr. Cheryl Bettigole, the Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Director and COVID-19 Guidance Lead, will present and answer questions.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to get first-hand information on the current status of the pandemic, learn what the city is doing to combat the disease, and what safety steps you can take to help minimize risk,” according to SHCA Board President Evan Johnstone. “This is intended as an interactive Q&A session, so please come prepared with questions.”  Continue Reading

Photo courtesy of Sharing Excess

Sharing Excess, a Philadelphia non-profit dedicated to providing healthy food to local communities, is hosting a Free Food Fest this Saturday, Aug. 1 from 12 – 3 p.m. at Monumental Baptist Church (50th and Locust).

Free Food Fest will be a grab-n-go market in partnership with Wawa, Giant Heirloom, Saxbys, and other local Philly food sponsors. Food donors will set up booths in the parking lot of Monumental Baptist Church and distribute food and beverages for free. Reusable bags will be distributed at the entrance to be used as “grocery boxes” at the corner of 50th St. between Locust and Chancellor from 12 – 3 p.m..  Continue Reading