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This year, Ramadan is being observed by Muslims all over the world from April 23rd to May 23rd. This is a reminder that some halal restaurants in the area close or have special hours during this month.

Saad’s Halal at 45th and Walnut will be closed for the month of Ramadan. The popular Spruce Hill restaurant, which has been offering takeout in the last few weeks due to the COVID-19 health crisis, will reopen on May 24th. For more information, visit their website.

Manakeesh Cafe across the street from Saad’s will remain open for takeout and delivery, but will have special hours – from 7:00-9:30 p.m. During Ramadan, Manakeesh offers special packages and platters that can be pre-ordered for free delivery. Check out the flyer for more info. To order online, go here.

The West Craft Fest‘s Spring edition was supposed to be this Saturday at The Woodlands. Unfortunately, the popular community event featuring dozens of local artists and artisans was cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but folks are invited to check out the vendors’ unique offers at a “virtual craft fest” on social media. You can find lots of great Mother’s Day gift ideas there.

On Saturday the Fest’s Facebook and Instagram pages, offers, features and vendor updates will be posted with the hashtag #VirtualWestCraftFest. You can follow those pages if you haven’t already, check out the full list of vendors, and make a purchase online if you can (many will offer discounts that day!).  Continue Reading

Penn Medicine is looking for sewing volunteers who can make disposable cuffs for powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) (see photo). The supply of cuffs will be crucial for keeping the staff safe while treating COVID-19 patients.

If you want to help, please review the instructions here and here and watch two videos (Video 1, Video 2) to see how to make the cuffs and how the cuffs are used.

Penn Medicine will provide the fabric, zippers, elastic and a pattern to make 25 cuffs. You would need to provide your own thread and be able to pick up and drop off materials at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.  Continue Reading

The local non-profit Neighborhood Bike Works has launched a great new program with a goal to help essential workers in the neighborhood.

Many people rely on public transportation to get to and from work, but social distancing may be very difficult on SEPTA, especially after its service was reduced. NBW’s new program offers free bikes, refurbished by its shop mechanics, to essential workers who need transportation. If you are an essential worker, please fill out this form to request a bike. When the bike is ready, a no touch pick-up will be scheduled at the NBW shop at 3939 Lancaster Ave.  Continue Reading

The School District of Philadelphia has announced some changes to the 2019-2020 academic calendar to reflect the new date for the primary election, which was moved from April 28th to June 2nd due to the COVID-19 health emergency. Students will now be expected to participate in remote learning activities on Tuesday, April 28. On Tuesday, June 2, District schools will be closed, and remote learning activities will not be required.

The District has also announced a change to its grab-and-go meal distribution program. Beginning Thursday, April 23, the distribution of student meals will be held once a week, instead of twice a week. Every Thursday, the District will provide students with 5 breakfast and 5 lunch meals as well as a half-gallon of milk. The one-day-per-week schedule is a proactive measure the District is taking to minimize social interactions and help flatten the coronavirus curve. Social distancing, the use of masks and gloves, and other safety efforts are practiced at meal distribution sites to ensure everyone’s safety.  Continue Reading

Pennsylvania residents entering a grocery store or any business in the state will have to wear a mask or a facial covering, according to a new state order. The requirement goes into effect on Sunday at 8 p.m. and is applied to both customers and staff.

Businesses have been ordered to refuse entry to anyone not wearing a facial covering. If the business sells food, medicine or medical supplies, they must provide “alternative methods of pick-up or delivery,” according to the order.

Businesses are required to provide masks for employees or approve masks they bring themselves.  Continue Reading