The Streets Department’s 2014 Philly Leaf and Recycling Program will kick off on November 10 and will run through December 19. During the six-week program, leaves will be collected for composting purposes, such as fertilizing gardens and nourishing trees.

There will be changes in the way leaves are collected for recycling this year, according to an announcement by the Streets Department. Bagged leaves will no longer be collected curbside. Instead, residents can drop them off at specially designated locations throughout the city. Here are the bagged leaf collection locations in West and Southwest Philadelphia area (open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays from Nov. 10 through Dec. 19):

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

Bagged leaves may also be taken to any of the four Sanitation Convenience Centers (visit the Streets Department website for more information).

Another requirement for recycling is that bagged leaves will only be accepted in biodegradable paper bags because they can be processed for recycling along with the leaves. The Streets Department doesn’t provide biodegradable bags, but you can purchase them at your local home improvement or hardware store.  Continue Reading

It’s getting chilly out there. How about some chili? No, how about a LOT of chili? On Sunday, Nov. 9, there will be a chance to try many versions of this popular dish and vote for your favorite during University City Arts League’s 6th Annual “Chili Bowl” Cook-off, an event that benefits its great pottery studio.

Participants showcasing their chili-making talent at this year’s event include: Philly Cow Share, Greensgrow Farms, Guacamole, Green Line Cafe, The Gold Standard Cafe, Rx The Farmacy, Harvest Seasonal, Café Renata, Tortas Frontera, New Deck Tavern, Local 44, Atiya Ola’s, and Heathland. In addition, Milk & Honey will be serving Mac and Cheese and Metropolitan Bakery will supply bread. Drinks will be served by Yards Brewing Company. There will also be some music and entertainment: Ann Schwartz of Green Tambourine and her students will be performing throughout the event, from 1 to 5 p.m.  Continue Reading

Community members are invited this Tuesday (Nov 11) to the annual meeting of the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA). The meeting will be held at Griffith Hall at the University of the Sciences (entrance on 43rd near Woodland), beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The annual meeting is a great opportunity to find out about what’s happening in the neighborhood and be part of an organization that has an important voice in the shaping of the neighborhood.

Matthew Bergheiser, the executive director of the University City District, will speak on the topic, “The State of University City’s Development Boom.” The report will include information on the current construction and development projects and also those that are still on the drawing board.  Continue Reading

An overnight fire at West Park Apartments, a highrise apartment complex located just north of Market Street near 45th, led to the evacuation of dozens of residents. No injuries were reported.

The fire was reported at approximately 1:45 a.m. on the 18th floor of the building located at 4445 Holden Street. It was put out in about 30 minutes, according to reports.

Residents who live on the 17th, 18th and 19th floor of the building and a number of other residents were evacuated. The 17th floor reportedly sustained water damage. It is currently not known what caused the fire.

A reader, Adam, snapped these photos the other day of a guy playing the drums in the bed of a moving pick-up near 49th and Warrington.

Adam writes:

“I love my neighborhood. This guy was playing a full drum kit in the back of a moving pickup truck.  Unfortunately, the cops weren’t music lovers.”

Sure enough, the drummer had to explain himself to police.

We spotted this intrepid hunter keeping a close eye on a patch of ivy – more specifically, the birds in the ivy – along the 4600 block of Baltimore Avenue this week.