We have some good news and bad news. The good news is that “Death Bi Chocolate,” the terrific annual fundraiser/awareness raiser that includes awesome chocolate concoctions, is this Saturday, Jan. 10 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The bad news is that this is the last one.

The bisexual support group BiUnity is again hosting the event at the A-Space (4722 Baltimore Ave.). But this year it’s free, although donations can be made.

“We’ll still have an abundance of chocolate, hot drinks, board games, and socializing. People are welcome to stop by, join us, and leave with some chocolate,” said organizer Rachael Schechter, by e-mail.  “It’s just free this year.”

That’s because BiUnity is disbanding after the event. Donations are welcome and will be combined with the organizations leftover funds and donated to other organizations that have helped them in the past, including the A-Space and the William Way Center.

The Walnut Street West Library Children’s Chess Club is looking for volunteer chess coaches to teach children 6 years to 13 years of age. The club meets every Wednesday from 5:15-7 p.m. at the library located at 201 South 40th Street (corner of 4oth and Walnut).

You don’t have to be a chess master, just patient when working with kids.

Please contact head coach, Molly Saweikis at msaweikis@gmail.com if you are interested.

We’re passing along a Thank You note from the community association Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN), which recently hosted the annual Holiday Basket Giveaway, the event made possible with donations from the members of the community. “We had a great turn out and met our financial goal!” writes the event coordinator Michelle Lewis. And here’s the note:

On behalf of Cedar Park Neighbor’s Holiday Baskets Committee, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make this year’s holiday basket drive a very successful event, to date. We could not have done it without your financial support and volunteerism. Also, a special thank you to our local businesses, community centers and churches for helping us provide this service to families in our community. See you next December!

Sincerely,

Michelle Lewis & Beverly Rouse, Cedar Park Neighbors

More information on how to join CPN is available on their website.

The School District of Philadelphia began considering applications for new charter schools this week. Two schools in particular have been the topic of discussion among some in the neighborhoods recently.

The district received over a dozen applications from charter schools interested in opening new schools in West Philly.

One of the proposed new charters is the Philadelphia Music and Dance Charter School, which has applied to open a school at the old West Philadelphia High School (48th and Walnut), has drawn attention from nearby community organizations. In the application, officials from the proposed school note that they spoke with many in the community, including community associations, about the school.  Continue Reading

UPDATE 2 (1/7/2015): We received a great update from the person who rescued the dog. The dog is now being fostered by a Project MEOW volunteer in West Philly and may be adopted!

UPDATE (12/30/2014, 12:30 p.m.): The dog has been picked up and is in foster care now. She doesn’t have tags or a microchip. She has minor abrasions, but otherwise is fine (not injured as it was reported earlier).

The person who is fostering the dog told us that she will try to keep her until her owner is found. If you have any information about the dog, or would like to contact this person please check out her Craigslist posting.

Earlier: A reader found this dog this morning outside West Philadelphia High School (49th and Chestnut). The dog’s leg appeared injured and he/she couldn’t be moved.

This dog was spotted this morning at West Philly High. Appeared to have an injured leg. Not aggressive. pic.twitter.com/1tTAzOSIl0

— West Philly Local (@WestPhillyLocal) December 30, 2014

Youth from around the city have a unique chance this winter to learn storytelling basics at a free six-week long class. The class, presented by Project Arts, kicks off next week and culminates in a performance on Feb. 16.

This Wednesday, Project Arts and RISK!, a wildly popular storytelling podcast with hundreds of thousands of listeners and millions of downloads, present a Storytelling Slam contest to benefit the class. Young people ages 16 and up will compete in the contest, and 30 percent of the funds raised at the event will provide cash prizes for the top three winners. The show organizers are asking for a $5-$15 donation.

The storytelling class is also a chance for local young people to be heard and share their experiences with others. The project is “part art and part healing work,” according to Project Arts director Rich Wexler (more information about the class is available at: projectarts.info).

The Storytelling Slam will take place at The Rotunda (40th and Walnut), on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 7 – 10 p.m.