The City of Philadelphia 2015 Leaf Collection and Recycling Program begins on Monday, Nov. 9, according to an announcement by the Streets Department. For the duration of the program, bagged leaf drop-off will be offered citywide on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can drop off bagged leaves starting Nov. 14 and through Dec. 19 (with the exception of the Saturdays following Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving holidays) at the following locations in West Philadelphia:

• 66th and Haverford Avenue
• 54th and Woodbine Avenue
• 43rd and Powelton Avenue
• 72nd and Buist Avenue

Please note that only leaves in biodegradable (brown paper) bags will be accepted at the above locations. Brown paper bags can be purchased at home improvement stores, including Monarch Hardware on Walnut near 45th. Bags placed at the curb will be collected as trash, not recycling.  Continue Reading

The Woodlands is one of the most popular running spots in West Philadelphia and they’re hosting a fun run on Saturday, Nov. 14 to help raise money to maintain trails and add amenities to the site, such as water fountains, and eventually bathrooms! Here’s more information from The Woodlands:

“We love our runners at The Woodlands; they use the grounds more than anyone else. We’re hoping this group of users will help support the future of the site. The Gobble Wobble, our first ever 5K at The Woodlands, is a fun way for everyone to run together to support our mission. All race registrants will receive a 1-year membership to the Woodlands, which will get you invited to several Runner Happy Hours at The Woodlands that are being planned throughout the year. More info on runner level membership benefits can be found here: woodlandsphila.org/becomeamember/runner-membership

About the Run

This individual or team 5K Wobble takes you through the historic grounds of William Hamilton’s 18th century estate, 19th century cemetery and modern day urban oasis. Outrun the West Philly Turkey and support the neighborhood’s best running spot. Compete to win the first prize, a Thanksgiving turkey or tofurkey from Mariposa Food Co-Op!

Not sure you’re in good enough shape to run a full 5K? That’s okay! We have an option for you. Join a Team Relay! Register in teams of three, and make sure to designate your team name when registering. Each team member will run one third of the 5K.

The first 100 people to register will receive a limited edition Gobble Wobble pint glass to fill with a post race beer courtesy of Clarkville. Registration also includes a 1-year membership to The Woodlands.

Register for the race here: www.runtheday.com/registration/race_info/woodlands-gobble-wobble.”

Editor’s Note: The event will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on November 14. On-site registration opens at 9 a.m. Registration fee (individual or team) is $35.

West Philly Runners stretching after a run at The Woodlands. Photo by Kyle Cassidy.

Garden Court Plaza.

Development is on the agenda of the upcoming annual meeting of the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA), which will include a presentation by the new owners of the Garden Court Plaza.

Matthew A. Pestronk, president of Post Brothers, which recently bought the 13-story Garden Court Plaza at 4701 Pine St. (pictured) and plans to invest more than $250 million in housing development in the area, will speak at the meeting, slated for Tuesday, Nov. 10 at Griffith Hall on the USciences campus.

Pestronk will open the meeting at 6:30 p.m. His topic is “Investing in Philadelphia’s Neighborhoods, 2015 – The Challenges and Opportunities.”

After Pestronk’s talk, there will be reports on SHCA activities in the last year and election of officers.

“Come out to mingle, vote and learn about and discuss development in the neighborhood,” said Monica Calkins, SHCA president.

Eric Santoro is running for president and heads up an unopposed slate that includes Calkins for executive vice president.

The entrance to Griffith Hall is on 43rd St. between Regent Sq. and Woodland Ave.

A very special reunion was held at Lynda Thomas Solomon’s home on Sunday, November 1. This was a reunion of seven successful and happy women who grew up on South 54th St during the 1950’s. Here’s a story and photos by one of them, Cynthia Brown:

“This was a reunion of  seven ladies who grew up on South 54th St during the 1950’s from childhood through high school during a time when neighbors knew each other. We were in and out each other homes and were loved and disciplined by our friend’s parents. We ate together, played together and vacationed together. We played all day safely, boys and girls together. At night we sat on the front steps and talked as we got older.  Continue Reading

We’re happy to announce the results of our 5th Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest.

Many thanks to everyone who voted for their favorite pumpkin. We received a record number of votes this year – over 400! This time around, there wasn’t a clear winner from the beginning; the winner pumpkin beat the second most favorite pumpkin by only seven votes (75 to 68). So here is the Readers’ Choice winner (drumroll…):

“Spooky Trumpkin” carved by Nate Johnson:

Congratulations, Nate! Many folks, including us, appreciate your pumpkin carving skills and your sense of humor. You will receive our grand prize: a $35 gift card from Renata’s Kitchen, a $25 gift card from a local business of your choice, and two Curio Theatre tickets ($50 value).

Just because it was so close, we also would like to mention Kathryn Kamowski whose “Skull” pumpkin finished second. Amazing work, Kathryn! We’ll also send you a prize.

Continue Reading

Once again, we received some great entries in our annual Pumpkin Carving Contest. Thank you to everyone who participated, and now it’s time to vote for your favorite pumpkin. Voting closes at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2. The Readers’ Choice winner, who will receive our grand prize, and winners in other categories (Scariest, Funniest, Best Philly-Themed, and Kids) will be announced on November 3.

First, check out the pumpkins (click on the images to enlarge them):

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