Still haven’t figured out your plan to vote in November’s general election? Here’s some info that will help.

First, there are some important dates. Oct. 19 is the last day to register before the Nov. 3 election. Check your registration status here. There are a number of ways to register, including online, by mail and in person. This is a good place to start.

Once registered, you have two choices. You can vote in person on Nov. 3 at, likely, a reduced number of polling places. Or, you can vote right now – by mail.  Continue Reading

St. Francis De Sales Church and Calvary Center are hosting a Red Cross blood drive on Friday, Sept. 25. For a limited time, the Red Cross will test all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies as an additional health service to donors. There is currently a shortage of “COVID-19 convalescent” plasma needed to treat sick people, so the Red Cross is also seeking fully recovered COVID-19 patients.

The blood drive will be held at Calvary Center for Culture and Community (801 S. 48th St.) from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

To sign up to be a donor at this drive please go to the Red Cross website. Use sponsor code: St Francis Calvary Community. If you want to save time on the day of the donation please visit www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to pre-register.  Continue Reading

Hundreds of residents gathered in Clark Park on Saturday to protest a rally planned in the park by far-right group “Proud Boys,” which never materialized. People held “Black Lives Matter,” “Fascists Go Home!” and other signs. Instead of confrontation, a peaceful pro-diversity rally ensued that included participation of local community leaders and West Philly-elected officials.

“These people came here to divide us, but look what they have done,” City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier said during the rally.  Continue Reading

The Food Trust, the organization that hosts Clark Park Farmers Markets, has adjusted hours of operation for this week’s market due to a rally planned at the park by the far-right group “Proud Boys.” The market will be held this Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Due to the shortened duration of the market, The Food Trust will not have their usual designated shopping hours for senior and immunocompromised residents. Additional details about vendor participation and pre-orders can be found here. Market operations will return to normal hours on Saturday, Sept. 26: from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.  Continue Reading

West Philly is preparing to a gathering/rally of neo-fascist group “Proud Boys” in Clark Park reportedly happening this Saturday.

Due to the planned gathering and anticipated response from residents and local anti-fascist groups, City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District) has issued a statement where she denounces the event “being promoted by a known white nationalist group” that have “selected a highly visible location and time for the event in order to maximize tensions and create a spectacle.”

“Let us be perfectly clear: our community is purposely being targeted for this event because of our diversity and our progressive values,” the statement reads. “The rally and the views this group espouse run counter to everything we stand for… I think I speak for all of us when I say: Go home. You are unwelcome, and we don’t want you here.”  Continue Reading

University City District (UCD) is launching University City Dining Days this weekend with new deals to showcase West Philly’s diverse restaurant scene and a new meaning – to offer support to an industry severely impacted by COVID-19.

This year’s Dining Days promotion will run from Saturday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Oct. 4 and will feature not only the typical option of three courses for a set price, but also alternate deals including to-go cocktails, special add-ons, and takeout options, all perfect for picnics in the neighborhood’s public spaces.

Nearly 30 restaurants are participating in this year’s Dining Days, including returning participants like White Dog Cafe, Distrito (pictured), and Vientiane, and newcomers like Kusina Philly, Loco Pez, and Booker’s. Participating restaurants offer choices for takeout, outdoor dining, or indoor dining, where applicable. Available options include three courses for a set price ($15, $25, or $35), free add-ons for orders over a certain price threshold, and deals on make-at-home kits and takeout beer and cocktails.  Continue Reading