Saint Francis de Sales Church is an architectural landmark in West Philadelphia that recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. On Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., the public is invited to a Candlelight Christmas concert, proceeds from which will go towards the ongoing renovation of the church.

The Choir of St. Francis de Sales, under the direction of Isabel Boston, will be presenting a program of Christmas choral music in a candlelit sanctuary, featuring works by Biebl, Holst, Palestrina, and others – along with some of the usual seasonal favorites.

The theme this year is most light, as the concert falls on the feast of St. Lucy–in many northern European countries, she’s associated as the “bearer of light” in the winter darkness. Besides the choir, there will also be a few children from the parish congregation performing several pieces. Entrance is through the front doors at 4625 Springfield Avenue.  Continue Reading

The Woodlands third annual Gobble Wobble 5K Fun Run is back!

This individual or team relay 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! The 5K takes place on the paved road within The Woodlands Cemetery, with the start and finish line near the Hamilton Mansion.

Team Relay Entries: Each team member registers individually. Make sure to put down your team name. Each team member will run 1/3 of the 5K, so get your relay baton ready!

Register early, because the first 150 people signed up will receive a limited edition Gobble Wobble pint glass that you can fill with beer at the finish line, generously donated by Clarkville. All proceeds will go towards improving runner amenities at The Woodlands.  Continue Reading

Mill Creek Farm has been providing affordable produce to Mill Creek residents for the past ten years. Now, it faces a budgets shortfall that it hopes to fill in the next few weeks.

A web post by the farm explained that the shortfall had been created in part by a continued effort to employ local residents in key roles at the farm.

“We are challenging oppressive power dynamics and designing ones that put those most affected in leadership positions,” the statement reads. “Planning these changes created a short-fall in our finances and we need your help finish[ing] out the rest of the season.”

The farm hopes to raise $5,000, and an anonymous donor has promised to match funds up to that amount, meaning the farm could raise $10,000 in total.

Mill Creek Farm was created after the organization was granted 1.5 acres of vacant land along the former Mill Creek. The farm now grows vegetables, fruits, and herbs and then sells them to the public twice a week, including at the 52nd & Haverford farmers market. In addition, it educates the surrounding community about environmental and civic issues.

You can donate on the campaign’s web site.

– Eduard Saakashvili

The Philly Wheel Community, a group made up of “sisters and sibs” from the neighborhood, is hosting a Secret Cafe Dinner Extravaganza in West Philly on Saturday, Oct. 28. The proceeds from this event will go to support members of the In Sacred Balance Wheel, a year-long program in feminist earth-based practice for women and non-binary individuals. A portion of the proceeds will go to “The Adalah Initiative,” which supports women and girls from Muslim-majority countries while seeking to end gender-based violence, and “Sacred Justice”, a new project that seeks to build dialogue between LGBTQ individuals of diverse faith backgrounds.

Here’s how the Secret Cafe Dinner works: While the location of the dinner has been revealed – it will be at Children’s Community School, 1212 S. 47th St. – the menu will be a surprise. Tickets are prix fixe. You can purchase a meat or vegan option, and all meals are gluten free. Drinks are a la carte, and the bar will be available throughout the night as a separate space to lounge.  Continue Reading

In the current political climate and the rise of the alt-right movement, Islamophobia is growing more widespread. A number of public education efforts have surfaced, but there’s one particular effort that aims to nip Islamophobia in the bud while children are still in school. Meet Melanie Bartlett, a parent who heads the education committee at the West Philly Coalition Against Islamophobia (Facebook page). Bartlett is spearheading the “Kids Books That Fight Islamophobia” campaign, which has one simple mission: to get more books featuring Muslim kids into elementary school class libraries. Currently, the campaign is seeking out funding through their GoFundMe page and has already raised over $3,600 of its $5,000 goal.

Bartlett was driven by creating a better world for her daughter, who is being raised Muslim.  Continue Reading

Dancer and choreographer Anssumane Sillá was born and raised in Guinea Bissau and moved to Philadelphia in 2008.

A distinguished African-born dancer, drummer and choreographer, Anssumane Sillá, will offer a West African dance workshop this Saturday (March 25) at The Children’s Community School (1212 S. 47th St).

Sillá, a Guinea Bissau native, began performing at the age of 11 and danced professionally with the National Ballet of Guinea Bissau for almost 20 years. He moved to Philadelphia in 2008 and since then has toured the U.S. with the Voices of Africa Drum Ensemble, choreographed for the Kùlú Mèlé African Dance Ensemble, and taught numerous workshops and classes on both traditional West African and contemporary dance styles.  Continue Reading