As snow continues to fall this evening, the School District of Philadelphia has posted an announcement that all public schools will be closed on Friday, Jan. 3 due to the severe weather forecast. All early childhood and after school programs will also be closed.

A decision regarding the closure of administrative offices is pending and will be posted by 5 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 3. The public is urged to monitor the District Web site at www.philasd.org for any updates. Updated information will also be posted on the District’s Information Hotline at 215-400-INFO (4636).

Many neighbors have started looking for ways to get rid of their Christmas trees, so here are a few options.

UPDATE (1/4/14): Electronics recycling has been postponed until Saturday, Jan. 11. Christmas tree recycling is still on for January 4. For those who want their tree to be turned into something useful instead of adding to the landfill, there are some recycling options available. On Saturday, Jan. 4, bring your tree along with used and unwanted electronics to a Christmas Tree and Electronics Recycling event at Clark Park (43rd & Chester). This annual event is organized by UC Green, University City District and eForce Recycling. A $10 donation is being asked for each tree to cover expenses of turning it into wood chips. Also, a $20 charge will be asked for recycling certain type TVs and monitors (check the event’s Facebook page for more info). The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you want to keep your tree a little longer, please note that the city will launch its Christmas Tree Recycling program on Monday, Jan. 6, according to an announcement posted by the Streets Department. The program will run through Saturday, Jan. 18. During this time, residents may drop off their trees for recycling at any of the following Streets Department Sanitation Convenience Centers Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

3033 South 63rd Street
Domino Lane and Umbria Street
State Road and Ashburner Street

Christmas trees brought to these sites will be used for composting or mulch. Before dropping off your tree, make sure it’s untied and free of all decorations and ornaments, plastic bags or wrappings. More information can be found here.

Finally, trees left at the curb will be picked up on regular trash collection days and will not be recycled.

(Photo courtesy of the University City District)

This is a reminder that there is still time left to support various local causes and take advantage of 2013 tax savings. There are many charitable causes in the area you can support, whether it’s education, art, helping homeless neighbors or those in need, animal rescues and shelters, and others. So, if you want to make a difference in somebody’s life or show your love for your favorite project or organization, this is a good time to do it.

It would be tough for us to mention all the worth organizations in West Philly. Below are a few. Others are on our Civic Life page. Please add others in the comments.

ACHIEVEability families still need help. The organization continues to provide stability to 310 children and their parents. Your support will help ACHIEVEability deliver on their promise to help these families build better lives. If you have not already offered your support, please consider taking a few minutes to make a contribution here.

There’s a chance to double the impact of your year-end gift to the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation if you make a donation by the end of the year. A group of donors to the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation are matching all donations dollar for dollar up to $50,000. Every dollar you donate will be matched, to a total of $50,000 as long as you make a donation by December 31st at midnight. Your donation will help provide more books for children, tech classes for seniors, tutoring for students, and other programs. To make a donation, click here. And you can select your neighborhood library to direct your gift to.

The Woodlands Trust for Historic Preservation needs your help “putting The Woodlands back on the map.” They’re still a few thousands dollars away from meeting their appeal goal, and every dollar counts. Here are some examples of how your donation can be used: $10 will help The Woodlands to provide free educational materials to 100 visitors. $25 will help clear fallen branches from the path used by runners, walkers and dog-walkers. $100 provides the materials and labor to repair one headstone. Help is also needed with supporting grounds maintenance and ensuring the long-term health and grandeur of State Champion trees. To make a donation, click here.

Consider donating to Curio Theatre‘s General Operating Fund, to help the theatre keep “the lights on and the door open.” You can also help Curio’s Scholarship Fund, so that they can continue to offer theatre classes to all members of our community. For more information and to make a donation, click here.

A hawk grabs some sun high above the sidewalk near 45th and Spruce. (Photo by Mike Lyons/West Philly Local.)

This is a call to all creative neighbors: Fun-A-Day, the annual community art project organized by the Artclash Collective, returns next month and your participation is very welcome. Here’s what you are asked to do:

Choose a project and make one piece of artwork every day for the entire month of January, then share your work in a group art show held the following month. The 31 resulting pieces create a narrative outlining each artist’s journey through the first month of the year. Projects may vary from lighthearted to serious, “high-brow” to “low-brow.” Past year’s list of mediums includes photos, drawings, paintings, songs, textiles and more.

Since its inception in 2005, Fun-A-Day has grown to inspire similar art shows around the country and internationally and shown tens of thousands of pieces by hundreds of artists. Fun-A-Day Philadelphia is organized by a group of local artists, including three of the founding members of the Artclash Collective.

Photo via Fun-A-Day on Facebook.

The 10th Annual Fun-A-Day Art Show will be held at Studio 34 (4522 Baltimore Ave) on Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8, 2014, 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Studio 34 has hosted the event since 2008. The “Fun-A-Day Lite” show will feature select pieces of various projects in the hallways of Studio 34 for an entire month after the show, until mid-March.

Participation in Fun-A-Day is free and open to all ages. No sign up is necessary. Everyone is invited to join in on the fun and come to the show to see what your friends and neighbors have been up to during the first month of 2014.

Please follow Fun-A-Day on Facebook or visit the Artclash Collective website for updates on the show.

Here’s a chance to check out one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in West Philly and hang out and share in the holiday joy with your neighbors. Garden Court Community Association is hosting a Winter Stroll and Holiday House Tour on Saturday, Dec. 28. The event will also include, music, fun and entertainment. Note to participants: Festive attire is encouraged.

The stroll and house tour will take place from 5 to 8 p.m., followed by dancing at Take the Lead Dance Studio located at 47th and Pine. Light refreshments will also be served. The stroll starts at 4603 Cedar Avenue.

Cost is $10 with advanced registration; $15 at the door. No cost for children under 12.
The event will take place rain or snow. To RSVP email: hwrdlowell@yahoo.com or call 215-747-6371.