SEPTA is presenting an open information meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 1, on improvements planned for 40th and Market St. Station. This is a great chance to learn more about the project, which will address ADA and some other improvements at the station. The 40th St Station ADA Accessibility Project is expected to begin this winter and will take more than a year to complete – through Spring 2017, according to SEPTA. The project broke ground earlier this month.

The scope of the project includes the following work at the station and in the adjacent area:

• Installation of a machine roomless elevator on the NW & SE corners of 40th & Market Streets
• Installation of new headhouse covering to all four stairs accessing the station
• Installation of new restrooms in the subway level
• Reconstruction of new city sidewalks within work area
• Installation of new informational signage
• Installation of new doors, gates and architectural enhancements

The meeting will take place at Oshiver Hall, 3901 Market St., beginning at 6 p.m.

Here’s a chance for neighborhood residents to learn more about the University of the Sciences‘ plans in the area, meet the administration, and ask questions. USciences is inviting all interested individuals to their December community meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 7-8:30 p.m. The meeting will feature remarks from university leadership, an update on the university’s Campus Master Plan, an open forum for questions, and a chance to interact with various University departments and partner representatives. Light refreshments will be served during the Meet & Greet part of the meeting, from 7:45-8:30 p.m.

The meeting will take place at McNeil Science and Technology Center, 45th and Woodland (#20 on map).

As a reminder, some of USciences’ plans in the area include converting the former Alexander Wilson Elementary School building (pictured) into student housing and student-focused retail. USciences purchased the 1.03-acre parcel at 46th and Woodland last fall.

Shopping local is a way to keep more of your dollars in your own community. Our 2015 local holiday shopping guide, “Buy Local for the Holidays,” is here. Check out this page for information on holiday specials and events and for some great local gift ideas from a variety of West Philly businesses – bookstores, jewelers, gift shops, art galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants, and more!

This Week’s Holiday Specials include:

• Monday, Nov. 30: Cyber Monday? How about “Cider Monday” at Penn Book Center, 130 S. 34th Street. Enjoy hot cider and holiday treats as you spend a cozy Monday shopping locally. 25% off sale on select Random House titles kicks off today! The store is open until 6 p.m. Mon-Fri.

• Thursday, Dec. 3 – Saturday, Dec. 5: Holiday Kick-Off at Hello World, 3610 Sansom Street – Featuring jewelry designed by West Philly jeweler Amy Neukrug. Thursday and Friday: 5-9 p.m.; Saturday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Friday, Dec. 4: Opening reception for the University City Arts League Annual Holiday Craft Show, 6-8 p.m., 4226 Spruce Street. The show features hand-crafted one-of-a-kind gifts by 30 local artists.

• Saturday, Dec. 5: The Baltimore-Lancaster Avenue Shoppers’ Trolley (BLAST), 12-5 p.m. Featuring: great gifts and discounts galore from dozens of local businesses and free trolley shuttle service between Baltimore Avenue and Lancaster Avenue. The event is organized by the Baltimore Avenue Business Association (BABA) and People’s Emergency Center Community Development Corporation (PEC-CDC).

For more information about these and other local holiday events and specials, visit: www.westphillylocal.com/buy-local-for-the-holidays-2015

Five firefighters were injured Sunday morning when their ladder truck crashed along the 5400 block of Baltimore Avenue.

The crew was responding to a call in the area when the driver lost control of the truck, which slammed into parked cars, according to CBS Philly.

The firemen were taken to Penn Presbyterian Hospital with minor injuries.

Local photographer Ra Hall was on her way to a photo shoot and was nearby when the accident happened. Some of her photos are below.

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UPDATE (12/1/2015): “The little guy is going to PAWS today and will be up for adoption through them,” according to our reader Michael, who found the dog.

A light brown long-haired medium-sized male dog was found wandering near 49th and Baltimore on Saturday around 11 p.m. He was wearing a blue collar with no tags. If you recognize this dog, please post a comment below or email editor-at-westphillylocal.com

Forget about Black Friday. A great way to kick off your holiday shopping is by shopping locally on Small Business Saturday on November 28. Small Business Saturday was founded six years ago and has quickly become a great holiday tradition and one of the most important shopping days of the year.

We have a lot of great businesses in West Philly. From local gift and craft shops to book stores to small groceries to coffee shops and breweries, you can find unique holiday gifts and support your neighborhood tomorrow. For every $100 spent at local small businesses, $68 returns to the community. Your perfect holiday gift may be waiting for you just around the corner!