Community members are invited to attend the big annual meeting of the Spruce Hill Community Association on Nov. 15 at the Penn Alexander School (43rd and Locust).

Penn Alexander’s new principal, Michael Farrell, will address the meeting, which will be held in the school’s cafeteria. Farrel took over from founding principal Sheila Sydnor this fall. Read more about him here.

SHCA board members will also present the association’s activities over the year during the meeting and hold elections for a new board. Eric Santoro, SHCA’s current president, is running unopposed for a second one-year term. Election will also be held for four other officer positions and 10 board posts. Biographical information for those running will be available at the meeting.

Light snacks and refreshments will be served beginning at 7 p.m., and the meeting will start at 7:30 p.m.

Membership in SHCA is open to everyone. Dues are $20 per year.

Here’s some great news for local wine lovers: Both The Bottle Shop at Local 44 and Clarkville bar & restaurant began selling affordable take-out wine this week. Here are more details for each establishment, which as you may know are owned by the same people.

The Bottle Shop (44th and Spruce) is featuring a small but well curated list of ten red, ten white and two sparkling wines by the bottle. Arguably the best beer sales force in the city are now also “aspiring wine geeks” and will help guide you through their wine assortment.

Clarkville (43rd and Baltimore) is making all of the wines that pour on draft available for take out in a branded 750ml growler. You can buy one in house, or bring your own jug in for a refill.

In addition, a special November “Wine School” featuring The Artisan Cellar’s Sean Faeth is happening in the Bottle Shop at Local 44 on Wednesday, Nov 16 at 5 p.m. This is a free opportunity to get to know some of the bottles they are so excited about. As always, a donation to No Kid Hungry is required to attend Beer/Wine School. RSVP to bottles@local44beerbar.com to secure your seat.

(Photos courtesy of The Bottle Shop at Local 44)

Police shared information on some of the recent robberies in the area. Six gunpoint robberies were reported in the area in August and four gunpoint robberies total in June and July, according to the monthly University City Crime Update. Based on previous years, September and October are more active months in terms of crime. We’ll keep you posted. Also, check out the Crime Reports website for more crime reports.

Two people, a 34-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man were robbed at gunpoint on October 23 on the 5000 block of Pine Street by two teens (approximately 15-18 years old), according to a police report. The robbery took place at around 8:20 p.m. The suspects approached the victims from behind while they were walking in the area and one of them pointed a black handgun at the couple and demanded their property. The suspects took the victims’ wallets containing credit cards and some cash and their phones and then fled westbound on Pine Street, according to the report. This investigation is ongoing.  Continue Reading

Milky Joe, a male medium sized grey and white domestic short hair has been missing from 51st and Catharine since October 23. He was last seen near Cedar Park around 49th and Catharine. He is shy but sweet.

UPDATE (11/5/2016): Milky Joe has been found!

On Tuesday, Nov. 1, Milk and Honey Market (45th and Baltimore) will host a meet and greet for Baltimore Avenue business owners and neighbors. This is an opportunity to meet owners of some of the recently opened Baltimore Avenue businesses, including Eight Limbs Academy, Greensgrow West, The Nesting House, Hair Vyce, and more. There will be some food, fun and opportunities for networking. The event will be held from 5 – 7 p.m.

The event is organized by Baltimore Avenue Business Association (BABA).

Lots of little ghouls and goblins were on the prowl last night for the annual Spruce Hill Halloween Parade. Donald Trump was also there (no doubt to make sure there was no fraudulent trick-or-treating) for the party on Little Osage Ave.

Here are some more photos and a video.

  
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