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.

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

Dumpster Derby, a beloved West Philly tradition happening every year around Halloween time, took place last night near 44th and Osage. The event is held on a different street each year (the location is announced the day of the event) and is open to people of all ages, including children. Karts with younger drivers had parental supervision or participation.

The goal is for participants to ride unconventional modes of transportation, go carts made from recycled items on wheels. Rigs this year included a shopping cart, a book case and multiple office chairs.

This year drivers raced down Osage Ave. Participation is more important than victory, and audience members can share the glory with participants and hop on a kart during one of repeat runs.

After sharing a vehicle with a driver or another spectator, the experience often sparks conversation or even a new friendship with other residents in the neighborhood.

– Rana Fayez

The popular local dance group, Philly Thriller (Facebook page), which holds Michael Jackson inspired flash-mob performances on the streets of West Philly every Halloween, will be entertaining the crowds this year as well. We got in touch with the group director Rashida Holmes to see where folks can catch them this Saturday. According to Holmes, they’ll be at Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore) tomorrow from 5:30-6:45 p.m., so don’t miss their performances. For more Halloween events, go here.

Photo by West Philly Local reader Dan Chen.

The 5th annual West Philly Local Pumpkin Carving Contest is underway, and you can still enter it before it closes at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Many thanks to everyone who already sent us photos of their pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns! We hope to receive more though. Don’t be shy, take a snapshot of your pumpkin and email it along with your name and address to: contest@westphillylocal.com and who knows, maybe you can win some great prizes provided by our sponsors: Curio Theatre, Greensgrow Farms, Lil’ Pop Shop, Local 44, Mariposa Food Coop, Renata’s Kitchen, and VIX Emporium. More info on how to enter the contest can be found here.

By the way, you don’t have to be an artist to win our contest, you just have to be really into it, according to our multiple prize winner Bimal Desai. Bimal is a pediatrician at CHOP and lives with his wife Naomi, also a pediatrician, and 6-year-old twins, Sam and Mauli, in Spruce Hill. We interviewed Bimal last year, but didn’t get a chance to publish the interview then. We’re publishing some excerpts from the interview now and hope Bimal’s excitement about pumpkin carving will inspire you.  Continue Reading