Gary’s Nails Salon (Photo by Annamarya Scaccia / West Philly Local)

Well, readers, it looks like Gary’s Nails Salon which was severely damaged after Elena’s Soul Christmas Eve fire in 2012, is coming back better than ever.

As we reported in October, Gary’s Nails was undergoing some roof renovations after almost a year of silence since the demolition of Elena’s Soul Lounge destroyed the nail spot at 4910 Baltimore Avenue. Turns out, as we saw when we passed by yesterday afternoon, there’s a bit more work happening on the building.

When we peaked inside Gary’s Nails through the empty window frame, it looked as though the interior is shaping up for a revival. Multiple beams were erected throughout the salon, forming what seem to be the foundation for new bays. We also noticed two permits on the wall—according to Philadelphia Licenses and Inspections, Gary’s Nails was issued an electrical permit on January 16, which is active, to install a service breaker; and a plumbing permit on January 14 (updated on February 19), also active, to install toilets and bathrooms, sinks, ten pedicure chairs, and a laundry tub.

No one was on site to give us more details, so we’ll post an update as soon as we have more information.

–Annamarya Scaccia

Photo via Greensgrow West Facebook page.

Community members are invited to check out the newest location of the urban farming hub Greensgrow Farms beginning Thursday, April 3. The opening party will be on Saturday, April 5!

Last month, we wrote about Greensgrow Farms’ plans to open a West Philly location at 4912 Baltimore Avenue, the former home of Elena’s Soul Bar & Lounge destroyed by fire in December 2012.

Greensgrow West will include a garden center featuring veggie starts, soils, tools, annuals and perennials, fruit trees, and expert help. The new location will also have a seasonal farmstand and CSA pick-up every Friday. Finally, Greensgrow West is planning to offer educational workshops for the community.

Greensgrow West hours, starting April 3, will be:

Garden Center: Thursday-Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
CSA Pick-up & Farmstand: Fridays 3:00-6:00 p.m.

For more information, visit http://www.greensgrow.org/ or facebook.com/GreensgrowWest

Sometimes we get caught up in our own stuff that we miss interesting little details that abound in this part of the city. We spotted this cool horse-head post while walking around the hood. Can you guess where it is?

The annual May Fair organized by the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) is one of the year’s highlights in the neighborhood. This year, the event will mark the 56th anniversary! The date is set for Saturday, May 10.

As always, the SHCA is inviting individuals and groups to have a table at the event. Especially invited are crafts people and artisans from West Philadelphia, and local groups and organizations that would like to promote the work they are involved in. Local businesses may also take part, according to SHCA’s executive board member Mark Wagenveld.

The cost of a table for the day is $30 for non-profit groups and $40 for individuals and groups who are selling things. The SHCA will provide vendors with tables and chairs.

The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Clark Park (43rd & Chester Ave) and will also feature live music, food, games for children, a used book sale and a raffle with prizes offered by local merchants.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor please call 215-349-7825 and leave a message with your name and contact information. A form will be mailed out to you. Space is limited and all requests for a table must be in by April 25.

4224 Baltimore Avenue site. (Archived photo/ West Philly Local)

There’s a new date for the first community zoning meeting for the apartment complex proposed at 4224 Baltimore Avenue. The meeting, which was postponed due to snow, will take place at 6:30-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26 at University of the Sciences, Rosenberger Hall (43rd Street between Regent Sq and Woodland Ave), Room 101. Community members are invited to provide their feedback on the project.

And here’s what to expect at the meeting, according to Spruce Hill Zoning Chair Barry Grossbach:

“The developers will present their plans on massing and design for the site reflecting ideas emanating from the three community meetings held during 2013, as well as the current assessment on  the economics of the project. We will also receive details on the nature of the variances that the project will require should it reach the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment. We urge all interested parties to attend and take the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments.”

Back in November, West Philly Local reported on the Meatless Monday resolution that City Council passed urging residents to avoid eating meat just one day a week (Editor: you can read it here). The end of the article mentioned the next goal: get the Philadelphia School District to implement Meatless Monday.

I’d like to voice my support for Meatless Monday in Philly schools, now that the campaign is in full swing. I want the healthiest food possible available to children in our city, and adding more plant-based foods to the menu will help make that happen. While it would be great to serve organic, fresh, non-GMO fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, I recognize that the District doesn’t have the means to do so. However, taking meat off the menu one day a week is an easily achievable step the District can take towards healthier meals.

I encourage everyone to visit www.PhillyMeatlessMonday.com to learn more about the campaign and to sign the petition urging the School District of Philadelphia to join many others that already participate in Meatless Monday.

Krystina Krysiak
West Philadelphia, PA