Caribbean Cuisine Week, an annual event supporting young Caribbean athletes competing in the Penn Relays, will take place April 13-15, 2016 and kicks off on Tuesday, April 12, at Zavino UC (32nd and Chestnut). Visit Philly has listed it as one of the top 12 events in the city for this month.

Now in its 12th year, CCW partners with chefs throughout the city who prepare Caribbean and Latin-themed dishes at special prices. A portion of the proceeds goes to provide 3,000 hot meals, ground transportation, housing and medical services to over 700 economically-disadvantaged high school athletes from the Caribbean coming to the Penn Relays (last week of April).

The Penn Relays is the largest track and field event in the United States, drawing over 115,000 people to Philadelphia each spring. The 2016 Penn Relays will be held April 28-30 at Franklin Field.  Continue Reading

The city will hold its 9th annual Spring Cleanup on Saturday, Apr. 16 (rescheduled from Apr. 9 due to inclement weather forecast). More than 800 cleanup projects have been registered throughout the city, including dozens in West Philadelphia. Community involvement is essential and many projects are still seeking volunteers. Residents are also encouraged to step outside their buildings, pick up trash and remove debris or check out empty lots nearby for litter.

To find a registered cleanup project near you and to volunteer, go here or click on the map image below:

In addition to these projects, Philadelphia Free Library branches are also holding Spring Cleanups this Saturday, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. You can find your local branch here.  Continue Reading

Dreaming about a weekend at the Jersey Shore? Ready for a night on the town featuring a fancy dinner and tickets to the Opera? These are just a few of the exciting auction items featured at the 12th annual Saint Mary’s Nursery School (SMNS) annual fundraiser:

Spring For Our School Silent Auction & Cocktail Party

Saturday, April 23 6:00pm to 8:30pm

Harnwell College House Rooftop Lounge

3820 Locust Walk

Tickets $35 (adults only)

Special Attractions

Philly Homebrew beer tasting, breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop lounge, food catered by Chef’s Table, and music by SMNS parent DJ Duiji 13. Production will include special lighting and visual surprises from our sponsors RushOrderTees and SpreadSpirit. Kosher options will be available for guests observing Passover.  Continue Reading

Community members and all interested individuals are invited to learn more about a collaborative community community project, The Mantua Greenway. The effort to transform Mantua Avenue between 34th and 40th Streets was initiated by residents in 2012. The Mantua Greenway Design Month kicks off on Tuesday, April 5 with an open house, and there will also be opportunities to participate and discuss the project design and help out in its creation.

The following community events will be held this month as part of the Mantua Greenway Design Month:

• Design Month Kick-off & Open House, Tuesday, April 5, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m., Mantua Haverford Community Center (631 N 39th St): Community members can drop by to vote on design concepts for the Mantua Greenway and learn about the history and efforts of the Greenway Resident Advisory Committee.  Continue Reading

The annual Spruce Hill May Fair will be held on Saturday, May 7 in Clark Park. In addition to live music, food, book and plant sales, a raffle, and activities for kids, local artisans and craftspeople will showcase their creations and offer the public an opportunity to purchase their unique handcrafted wares. There will also be booths set up with information about local groups and causes seeking public support.

The Spruce Hill Community Association is hosting the event and is offering vending spots for interested individuals or organizations. Especially welcome are artists and crafters from West Philadelphia who would like to offer their works for sale, as well as any group or organization wanting to promote itself or a cause, event, or activity.  Continue Reading

The community association for one of the city’s most dynamic neighborhoods is looking for new members and leadership. Cedar Park Neighbors will hold its annual meeting on April 18, and all are invited to the Calvary Center for Culture and Community at 48th and Baltimore to hear a report of what CPN has done over the year. There will also be a special event at the meeting that will be announced soon.

The meeting will also include elections for next year’s officers and board members. But only CPN members as of April 1, 2016 can vote. Annual memberships run from January to December each year, and if you would like to join or renew your membership you can do it on the MemberPlanet website. CPN memberships start at just $7/year (for seniors, students, and the unemployed.)

If you have questions, please email: contact@cedarparkneighbors.org or call 267-225-8283.