The Soapbox has been operating in this row house since 2011 (photo from phillysoapbox.org)

There are some exciting developments at The Soapbox, West Philly’s own community print shop and zine library. The studio, which has been operating in a row house on the 700 block of S. 51st Street (pictured right) since 2011, will be moving soon to a new, 4,500-square-foot space in the newly renovated Frank Furness-designed church at 4700 Kingsessing.

As you may know, the old church building was saved from demolition last year and was being converted into commercial space, which will also house schools (more information about this is coming soon).

A lease was signed for the basement of the Parish House, a high-ceilinged space with four-foot windows at ceiling level, according to The Soapbox president and co-founder Mary Tasillo. The new studio will be fully equipped with historic and contemporary printing equipment, the city’s largest independent zine library, and expanded community programming.

“The Soapbox team is incredibly excited by the potential presented in this move… Our vision for The Soapbox can fully come to fruition in the new, larger space: The Soapbox Community Print Shop and Zine Library will be a space where many people can feel a sense of ownership and investment,” Tasillo says. “Above all, we are excited about this move because this enables The Soapbox to continue our mission-driven work by offering a more accessible and more usable space to our community.”  Continue Reading

If you want to learn more about Pennsylvania’s state budget and its impact on the community, come to the Walnut Hill Community meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 6 – 8 p.m. State Rep. James R. Roebuck Jr. and State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown will be at the meeting to talk about the budget. They will also answer questions and address any concerns from community members.

The final draft of Walnut Hill 2015 Neighborhood Plan will also be presented at the meeting (7-8 p.m.).

The meeting will take place at The Enterprise Center (4548 Market Street).

38th and Aspen (Google Street View image).

Police are searching for a man who they say shot and killed a 22-year-old man inside a convenience store in West Philadelphia’s Mantua neighborhood. The shooting happened on Tuesday shortly before 8:30 a.m. at J and R Perez Grocery at 38th and Aspen.

The suspect fired four shots at the victim, according to police, then got into a car and fled. The victim was taken to the hospital where he died 20 minutes later. Police say the victim was specifically targeted. There were several people inside the store when the shooting occurred, including a small child, according to police.

6ABC Action News spoke to the victim’s family and friends who identified him as Maurice McDonald. The investigation continues.

UPDATE (11/10/2015): Curio Theatre’s Benefit scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 14 has been postponed to a later date. Stay tuned for more announcements.

Two local arts organizations, University City Arts League (UCAL) and Curio Theatre, are holding delicious and fun events soon, which will help them raise some cash.

The annual Chili Bowl fundraiser supports the Arts League’s pottery studio. (Photo courtesy UCAL)

• UCAL’s annual Chili Bowl event will be held this Sunday (Nov. 8), from 1 – 4 p.m. at 4226 Spruce Street. Everyone is invited to purchase a hand-crafted bowl for $20 and fill it with chili (kids eat free with a bowl-purchasing adult).

The chili, including vegetarian and vegan, is donated by local restaurants: Corner Bakery, Tortas Frontera, City Tap House, Rx the Farmacy, Harvest, Renata’s Kitchen, Milk and Honey Market, Qdoba, Distrito, The Restaurant School, and the Green Line Cafe. After guests stuff themselves with chili they can vote for their favorite.

All of the proceeds from the Chili Bowl supports UCAL and its beloved ceramic studio. Guests are encouraged to get to the Arts League early to insure that they get a ceramic bowl. Each bowl is individually crafted, a unique piece created by a potter, and they are in limited supply. For more information about the event, visit the UCAL website.  Continue Reading

The City of Philadelphia 2015 Leaf Collection and Recycling Program begins on Monday, Nov. 9, according to an announcement by the Streets Department. For the duration of the program, bagged leaf drop-off will be offered citywide on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Residents can drop off bagged leaves starting Nov. 14 and through Dec. 19 (with the exception of the Saturdays following Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving holidays) at the following locations in West Philadelphia:

• 66th and Haverford Avenue
• 54th and Woodbine Avenue
• 43rd and Powelton Avenue
• 72nd and Buist Avenue

Please note that only leaves in biodegradable (brown paper) bags will be accepted at the above locations. Brown paper bags can be purchased at home improvement stores, including Monarch Hardware on Walnut near 45th. Bags placed at the curb will be collected as trash, not recycling.  Continue Reading

Here’s an assortment of current job opportunities in the area.

• Mariposa Food Co-op is seeking a Transitional General Manager responsible for the overall management of the cooperative. Priority Skills and Experience: Operations management and retail experience; Personnel and management experience; Organizational change/transition experience. Application deadline: December 4, 2015. For more information, go here.

• West Philadelphia Cooperative School is hiring a part-time School Coordinator. Requirements include: minimum two years experience in early-childhood setting; demonstrated ability to manage a staff in a collaborative environment; strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills; excellent organizational and leadership skills; experience with financial oversight, including building budgets and ensuring compliance; proven commitment to diversity. Additional Requirement: candidates must have or acquire current PA Child Abuse clearances, PA Criminal Background Check, and FBI Fingerprinting. More details, including information on how to apply, is available here.  Continue Reading