Very unsettling news has come in from Jessica Baumert, the Executive Director of the Woodlands Cemetery. The cemetery has been vandalized several times this week. Approximately 25 headstones, mostly dating from the late 19th-early 20th century, were toppled with many of them broken as a result. The discovery was made Monday afternoon by one of the cemetery volunteers. The total cost of damage is approximately $15,000.

Anyone interested in donating toward the repair of these headstones can do so through the Woodlands website: www.woodlandsphila.org, or by mailing a check to the Woodlands at 4000 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104. If you are interested in learning more about other ways you can help, please e-mail info [at] woodlandsphila.org.

The Woodlands is William Hamilton’s former Schuylkill River Estate, transformed in 1840 into a “rural” cemetery that is still an active cemetery today. It is the final resting place of many of the city and region’s accomplished individuals including artist Thomas Eakins, abolitionist Mary Grew, financier Francis Martin Drexel and surgeon Samuel Gross. The 54 acre grounds are open dawn to dusk for the enjoyment of the public.

Earth Cup Coffee (45th & Pine) is making some homey improvements. Word comes from owner Natasa Borcanin that the coffee shop has gotten some additional indoor custom-made seating (pictured) and a greater variety of light food fare, such as Hale and Hearty soups, stews, grilled cheese sandwiches, bagels, and pastries. All this, of course, to compliment their growing coffee and tea choices. The shop is now offering more than 20 varieties of coffee blends from all coffee growing continents and always has three espresso blends on tap.

Musicians have been stopping by too. Recently two local artists performed at the cafe – Sharedae and Debbie Valentina. Also a special guest from Chicago’s music scene Obisoulstar played an acoustic set of original songs.

To celebrate the Earth Cup improvements, Natasa is inviting everyone tomorrow (Feb. 4) to enjoy tunes by DJ Rod Bell (10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Also there will be some specials this Saturday and Sunday. For more information and photos, check out the Earth Cup’s Facebook Page.

We thought we would pass along some business happenings from along 45th Street. First, Demetris (photo above), which serves pizza and Mediterranean cuisine, has reopened at 4438 Chestnut Street after being closed for some time for remodeling. The restaurant offers dine-in, take-out and delivery services and the menu features traditional and gourmet pizzas, pasta, salads, charbroiled burgers and gyros among other things. The hours are Monday-Thursday 3:00 – 11:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday 3:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m., Sunday 3:00 – 10:00 p.m. For more information call 215-222-8300 or visit their website.

Also, in case you missed it, a new pharmacy, Aspire Rx, has been operating between Walnut and Sansom streets for a few weeks. The exact address is 132 S. 45th Street. The store hours are Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Sat 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., closed on Sundays. For more information call 215-883-0332.

Finally, the pharmacy turned restaurant Rx at 45th and Spruce has been closed for a few days now due to some technical issues (see photo below). This morning quite a few people turned up at this popular brunch spot and were visibly disappointed to see the “Closed” sign. We are trying to get in touch with the Rx owners to see what’s happening and will let you know as soon as we have more details.

A 59-year-old man died today when he slipped under a SEPTA bus at 49th and Woodland, philly.com is reporting. The 59-year-old man was reportedly pinned under the 12 bus and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mad at the police? Here’s a chance to have your voice heard. Neighbors are invited to attend a monthly Police Advisory Commission meeting in the 18th District on Monday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Sayre-Morris Recreation Center (59th & Spruce).

The Police Advisory Commission is the official civilian oversight agency of the City of Philadelphia for the Philadelphia Police Department, and their mission is to improve the relationship between the police department and the community.

The Commission is authorized to conduct investigations of individual citizen complaints of police misconduct, studies of police department policies, procedures or practices. Findings and recommendations made by the Commission are forwarded directly to the mayor, the city’s managing director and the police commissioner for review.

As many neighbors have been wondering, we are happy to report that Girl Scout cookie sales in West Philly started today. Everyone is welcome to place their order for cookie delivery, or stop by one of the cookie tables in the neighborhood.

There are currently over 3,000 boxes of cookies available, and they all need to be sold out. Proceeds from the sales will help get the girls traveling all over the city, and outside of it, for a wide range of adventures. Money will also go to support the local girl scouts’ service project – an earthworm & ladybug release in Clark Park to improve the ecology of West Philly.

Cookies are still only $3.50 a box!

Here’s more details on the cookie table locations and dates.

Fri Jan. 20 – Eastern Mountain Sports, 34th and Chestnut, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Tue Jan. 24 – 30th Street El Stop (inside the stop at 30th & Market – not 30th Street Station), 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Thu Jan. 26 – 30th Street El Stop (inside the stop at 30th & Market – not 30th Street Station), 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Sat Jan. 28 – Clark Park “B” Park, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. (weather permitting)
Wed Feb. 1 – 39th and Locust Walk, 3:30-7:00 p.m. (weather permitting)
Fri Feb. 3 – Eastern Mountain Sports, 34th and Chestnut, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
Wed Feb. 8 – 39th and Locust Walk, 3:30-7:00 p.m. (weather permitting)

For more information or to order cookies please contact Amy Kwasnicki at: kwaszilla@gmail.com.