“Meet the NAS” night at Community Education Center (3500 Lancaster Ave.) was held Tuesday, Sept. 17. Special invited speaker was Raymond Jones, Director of External Relations for State Senator Vincent Hughes. Participants enjoyed a light reception and presentations from each candidate (Photo courtesy PEC). 

Residents of some West Philly neighborhoods have a chance to help determine future members of the Neighborhood Advisory Sub-Committee at PECCDC (People’s Emergency Center’s Community Development Corporation). These members help support community program activities provided by PEC and the City’s Division of Housing and Community Development. The NAS is a sub-committee of the PEC Board of Directors and its function is in an advisory role, acting as community level liaison. Elections are held every two years.

The next election will take place this upcoming Monday (Sept. 30), from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at two locations:  Continue Reading

Dozens of local artists and artisans will again descend on the historic Woodlands cemetery grounds as part of the bi-annual West Craft Fest. The popular family-friendly event, where you can shop for unique handmade gifts (clothes, ceramics, jewelry, accessories, prints and more), will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will also feature live music and entertainment, food trucks and children’s activities.

The list of participating vendors can be found here. And here’s the entertainment schedule:

11:00 a.m. – Pocket Prophets
12:30 p.m. – Vessna Scheff
1:30 p.m. – De Tierra Caliente
3:00 p.m. – Tinycircus by Tangle Movement Arts
4:00 p.m. – West Philly Foot Tappers featuring Kate Black-Regan  Continue Reading

The fire-damaged building near 46th and Baltimore on Tuesday morning (Photo by Hanbit Kwon).

A Monday night fire damaged a two-story building near 46th and Baltimore that houses two businesses – Ren’s Auto Repair and 8 Limbs Academy. The fire broke out at the autobody shop at 4542 Baltimore Ave. at around 10:30 p.m. and was put out by 11:45 p.m.

It took nearly 90 minutes to control this garage fire last night near 46th and Baltimore. #24x7x365 pic.twitter.com/yuqi4wbbh3

— Philadelphia Fire (@PhillyFireDept) September 24, 2019

The fire crews had some trouble gaining entry to the building and had to call in a specialized unit to buzz saw cut through the shuttered entrance of the auto shop, according to reports. The auto shop and the 8 Limbs Academy on the second floor of the building are damaged extensively with smoke. Structurally the building appears stable.  Continue Reading

Fall officially began today, and it’s probably the best time of year to visit the Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion at 40th and Woodland. The Woodlands has again prepared an exciting program of events for those who want to celebrate this season on the historic grounds, including events for the whole family and runners. Check out the list below. For more information, visit: woodlandsphila.org.

HollyWoodlands: Arsenic & Old Lace
Frank Capra, US, 1944, 118 min., b/w
Friday, Oct. 4
Doors Open at 6:00 p.m.
Film Starts at 7:00 p.m.
Free. Please RSVP here.

Fall Tree Tour: Hidden Gems & Old Favorites
Saturday, Oct. 5
9:00 a.m.
$10; Free for members. Register here.  Continue Reading

A 19-story mural has been created on the side of the University Square senior community building at 3901 Market Street. The author of this masterpiece is Faith XLVII, an internationally-acclaimed street artist from Cape Town, South Africa. The giant 11,000 square foot artwork was created for Mural Arts Philadelphia.

An inscription on the mural reads: “Maneto Philadelphia: Optimism is a Strategy for Making a Better Future.” The Latin word “maneto” is part of Philadelphia’s city seal and means “to remain” or “to endure.”

The dedication ceremony for the new mural will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 11 a.m.

The mural, entitled The Silent Watcher, was inspired by the cultural, historical, and social aspects of the neighborhood. It features a strong archetypal female figure towering above pedestrians with a contemplative gaze.  Continue Reading