Parents and guardians are invited this Saturday, Oct. 21 to participate in the 4th Annual Fall Clothing Swap for babies and kids (8 years old and younger). This is a great opportunity to get rid of your children’s old or unwanted clothes and/or shoes and find duds that you want in good condition!

The event will be held on the 4200 block of Regent Square, a side street off of Clark Park (near the playground). The drop-off starts at 9:30 a.m., and swapping takes place from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.. Only clothing and shoes in good condition (no rips or stains) will be accepted.

Check out the flyer below for more details.

Community members are invited to support a local arts and education organization at a special family-friendly event. A Book a Day, a nonprofit based in West Philadelphia, is hosting a free fundraiser, titled Alphabet Soup, at the University City Arts League (4226 Spruce St.) on Saturday, Oct. 7, 1-4 p.m.

The event is an opportunity to celebrate A Book a Day’s efforts and achievements in elevating literacy, as well learn about their upcoming projects. Proceeds from the event, which will include a silent auction and raffle, will help ABaD with their efforts to continue providing free educational and art programs.

As always, readers of all ages are invited to join the host in the festivities. Kids’ focused band Ants on a Log is performing, authors Thembi Palmer and Kat Yeh will read and sign books, kid-friendly fun crafts can be made. Also, A Book a Day will unveil their new, one-of-a-kind project. Continue Reading

Heather Gardner Studio, a West Philadelphia-based music school, is launching a new program for young children, Music Together®. The goal of Music Together is to expose young children to a diversity of musical experiences, allowing them to realize their full musical potential as they grow. Young children and parents also develop strong bonds when they share musical experiences. Music Together is a program for the whole family, giving them the tools to continue their musical play throughout the week!

The program is intended for children ages 0-5 years. Babies are welcome and infant siblings under 8 months are free.

Classes begin September 13th and are offered at the studio, where kids and adults can take private Suzuki violin, viola or voice lessons. Classes are taught by a certified Music Together teacher. Free demo classes are being offered Saturday, Sept. 9 at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. RSVP on Facebook here.

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The Paul Robeson House & Museum is planning an exciting “Arts in the Parlor” program this fall, and is seeking talented youths to perform and present.

The Robeson House is seeking youths 16 and under to show off their talents in the same parlor where Paul Robeson, the legendary African American singer, actor, activist and professional football player, sang during the last 10 years of his life and where he lived with his sister in West Philadelphia. The talent can be singing, dancing, music, art, cooking, crafts and other creative expressions.

Presentations/performances will be held on Sundays from September to November 2023. They will be both virtual and live at the house, located at 4951 Walnut Street.

Parents can apply and give permission for their child to participate here: http://bit.ly/artsinparlor2023.

For more information, email: wphlca@gmail.com.

City Councilmember, Jamie Gauthier’s office is hosting its first 3rd District Back-to-School Drive for local families. Donations of backpacks and school supplies can be dropped off through August 25th at the 3rd District Office located at 606 S. 52nd Street, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

Families with school-age children are asked to register if they want to receive school supplies. Please click here to fill out an online registration form. Additional info is below.

Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (right) had her hand traced on a mural by camper, Syrena McCoy, 8, during a celebration of the first week of camp at Caring People Alliance West Philadelphia Boys & Girls Club’s new camp.

Caring People Alliance West Philadelphia Boys & Girls Club (5843-55 Catherine St.), in Cobbs Creek, announced the opening of its new, 10-week summer camp, offering a wide range of engaging activities and educational experiences for children in the community ages 2-18.

The Caring People Alliance celebrated the first week of camp with a community-wide block party last Thursday. Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier joined campers and staff, as a mural made by the campers was unveiled to commemorate the occasion. The mural showcased the handprints of all the children already enrolled in the camp and contained each camper’s aspirations for the summer. Councilwoman Gauthier added her handprint to the mural.

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