The construction of Mariposa Food Co-op‘s new store is complete. The new store at 4824 Baltimore Avenue is officially opening this Saturday, March 17 at 10 a.m. There were a few bumps on the road, but the final result looks to be worth it. The new store includes a beautiful produce section, meats, cheeses and lots of packaged and bulk foods. For the first time in the Co-op’s 40-year history it will also be open to non-members, though members (working and non-working) get a nice discount on everything they buy and some other sweet perks.

Project manager Bull Gervasi was kind enough to accompany us on a video tour of the new digs so that you can see for yourself what has been achieved by a group of dedicated Mariposa staff, members and volunteers. To join Mariposa, visit: http://www.mariposa.coop/?page_id=27.

VIX Emporium has sent news that the location for GO WEST! Craft Fest has changed. This Spring’s Craft Fest will be held at The Woodlands (40th & Woodland) on Saturday, April 14 (rain date – Sunday, April 15). It is a cemetery, but the Craft Fest will be in a space that is set apart from it, so you don’t need to encounter any grave sites unless you want to stroll around the grounds and view historic grave markers and monuments.

This Craft Fest will be the biggest show yet, with 50 of Philadelphia’s finest artists and crafters presenting their work – jewelry, clothing, screen prints, home accents, fine art, toys, cards, accessories, soaps, candles, terrariums and more.

There will be live entertainment as well, with Jay Sand of All Around This World doing a kid’s music set, and a performance by Tiny Circus. There will also be random acts of juggling throughout the day and face painting for kids.

For more information, click here, or check out the event’s Pinterest board to see some examples of the vendors’ fine work.

West Philly couple Rachel and Gregg Mohrmann will appear in the first episode of the DIY Network’s show Good, Better…Best, which will air tonight at 10 p.m. The episode is titled “Attic Anxiety” and features the show host and licensed contractor Jeff Devlin helping Rachel and Gregg, who live in a large Victorian home on the 4700 block of Springfield, renovate their 1,000-square-foot attic into usable living space.

So tune in to “Attic Anxiety” tonight to see Rachel and Gregg, their house, and the neighborhood. For more information on the show, go here.

The Spruce Hill Community Association last night unanimously supported a proposal to replace the Risque adult video shop at the corner of 43rd and Chestnut with an “upscale” liquor store.

SHCA members expressed hope that the liquor store, which the state would like to move into the 5,000-square-foot Risque property in the Chestnut Street Plaza, would be similar to the “super store” at 1218 Chestnut St. and would not serve pints, half-pints or fortified wine. The proposed store would also replace the adjacent check cashing place.

Last night’s vote, which came during the association’s regularly monthly meeting, followed a widely reported zoning committee meeting earlier this month.

The proposed store has attracted support since the closure earlier this year of the Wine and Spirits store at 4049 Market St., sending many shoppers to the often crowded shop near 49th and Baltimore. A new store at 43rd and Chestnut, one member pointed out, would provide service to the growing number of BYOB restaurants in the area.

But there is also opposition to the store, mostly from Muslim residents who live near the Chestnut Street Plaza. Some 40 people attended the earlier zoning meeting to voice opposition, though that was not included in most reports. The plaza also includes a halal restaurant and butcher shop. The Masjid al-Jamia mosque is a block away on 43rd and Walnut.

The SHCA vote has no legal ramifications but provides a sign of community support for the liquor store, which could open within a few months. SHCA members also voiced hope that the state’s interest in the location might provide a chance to improve the lighting and outside aesthetic of the plaza.

Update (03/14): The dog has been reunited with his family.

This sweet pup was found at 49th and Catharine this evening. No collar. He is very sweet and well socialized. He is safe with a neighbor but can only be there for a few days.

If anyone knows him or can provide foster care after the weekend, please email Tara at: PJPorches [at] gmail.com

The 5th Annual Cedar Park Neighbors Scholarship Fundraiser supporting West Philadelphia youth’s pursuit of higher education will take place on Sunday, March 25, from 4-6 p.m. at Dock Street Brewery.

There will be free beer and pizza, a silent auction, and live music by The Wayside Shakeup The Old Fashioneds.

Tickets are $40 and are available here. For more information, email: scholarships [at] cedarparkneighbors.org