On Saturday, Nov. 12, neighbors and friends are welcome to join the Friends of Clark Park, students of the HMS School and the Boy Scouts in honoring those who have served in the Armed Forces. Veterans Day Commemoration will begin at 11:00 a.m. near the Gettysburg Stone in Clark Park (44th and Baltimore Ave.). Everyone is welcome.

If you are a veteran, you will be recognized and honored too. Please call 215-222-2255 and leave your name and phone number.

The Rotunda (4014 Walnut Street) is hosting a few awesome, free events for all ages this weekend.

On Saturday, Nov. 12, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. young children and their parents/guardians are invited to celebrate the joy of reading at the Family Book Festival. Organized by the Parent Infant Center, the festival will feature arts and crafts for ages 7-under, read-aloud stories by WXPN’s Kathy O’Connell (host of Kids’ Corner), a concert by award-winning musical group The Cat’s Pajamas, and presentation by author/illustrator Brian Biggs who will introduce “Everything Goes: On Land,” the first in a series of books for youngsters who love trains, trucks and anything on wheels.

Kids will also have an opportunity to learn how to make a book and there also will be a book swap table. You can bring a slightly used children’s book to take home some new stories to share with your family.

On Sunday, starting at 12 p.m., the Philly Zine Fest 2011 will open its doors. This festival showcases local artists and small press publishers. This is a good chance to connect with local writers and get involved with creating new forms of accessible media. For the full line-up of the participating artists go here.

Finally, also on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. don’t miss an evening with Alash, a Tuvan throat-singing and traditional Tuvan music ensemble. Tuva is a small republic in southern Siberia and the ancient art of throat singing (khoomei) developed among the nomadic herdsmen of this region. Singing in this style gives the impression of wind swirling among rocks.

There are only three performances of Curio Theatre‘s Eurydice left. This Thursday, Friday and Saturday are your last three chances to see this fabulous, critically acclaimed play. Tickets are $15-20 and can be purchased here. All performances begin at 8 p.m.

The Friends of 40th Street, a coalition of organizations focused on developments along 40th Street from Market to Baltimore, will present the feedback gathered this summer during a series of public meetings aimed at gathering feedback for a number of proposals.

The meeting will begin at 6:15 p.m. at The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St.).

The forums touched on issues such as commercial development, public space and transportation along the 40th Street corridor. Those who attended the meetings were also concerned about the role that Penn and Drexel would play in the development of the street and surrounding neighborhoods, according to previous reports.

Those representing organizations in the area are encouraged to bring updates or announcements to share.

Can you imagine fall without pumpkins? Another fun-filled pumpkin-centered event is happening this Sunday, Nov. 6, from 1 – 4 p.m. Community members and their families and friends are invited to celebrate the Autumn season during the annual Pumpkin Day at Clark Park (43rd & Chester Ave.). This is a free event featuring pumpkin decorating, face painting, fall crafts, prizes, and snacks. Families and children are especially welcome.

The event is hosted by the Vineyard Community Church – West Philly. If you would like to volunteer please email Erica Cheslock at echeslock[at]juno.com.

Sharon Salzberg, a nationally renowned meditation teacher and author is coming to the Calvary Center for Culture and Community (48th & Baltimore) next week to present a talk and a meditation retreat. The talk will take place on Friday, Nov. 11, from 8 – 10 p.m., and the day-long retreat will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sharon has played a crucial role in bringing Asian meditation practices to the West and has been leading meditation retreats around the world for over three decades. She’s the author of The New York Times best seller “Real Happiness.”

On Friday Sharon will introduce the principles of meditation and provide a basic understanding of the practice. Saturday’s program will explore the tools of meditation in greater depth, and include meditation practice and discussion. Both days will feature guided meditations, talks, and allow time for questions and answers. Both new and experienced meditators are welcome.

Tickets are $20/Friday, $75/Sunday, $90/both. You can register online here, or by phone: 215-238-0989. A portion of proceeds will go to the Children’s Community School.