Good news came in about the Calvary Center’s boiler. A few weeks ago we wrote that it had broken down and had to be replaced, which might have cost as much as $50,000. After consulting four contractors who all advised that the boiler was beyond repair and gave its replacement cost estimates, a fifth contractor was brought in, who, fortunately, showed that the boiler could actually be repaired and did not need to be replaced. The cost of the repair, as you can guess, is much much lower, and the Center can easily sustain it as part of normal building maintenance.

Rich Kirk, the president of the Calvary Center for Culture and Community board, would like to thank everyone who had responded to this problem and offered their assistance:

“We at Calvary Center want to thank the community for its assistance in getting the word out and for the genuine concern about our well being. It is always good to know people care. We are thankful that this appeal also brought us a solution which we are easily able to handle ourselves. We do not need financial aid to repair our boiler, and that is good news! For those of you who already sent us a donation toward a boiler replacement that we don’t need to do, we will be contacting you soon.”

This week’s featured cat is Norton, a beautiful young adult cat (one-two years old).

Norton came to City Kitties after a hard life on the streets. Initially shy and easily scared, he’s now an energetic and fiercely devoted cat who loves attention from his people.  He loves having his coat brushed and playing with toys, and catnip makes him the silliest thing on four legs. All he needs is an owner who likes him hopping on the bed at night.

Norton is neutered, FIV/FeLV negative, and has been tested/treated for fleas/parasites as needed.

If you would like to meet him please fill out an adoption application with City Kitties. The adoption process involves an application, reference check, and a visit to your home at the time of adoption. Adoption fee is $85 to help subsidize the cost of veterinary care. To ask a specific question about Norton please use this contact form.

How do you imagine Africa? You can join the discussion, explore and also have a lot of fun tomorrow, Oct. 26, at Penn Museum‘s Evening to Imagine Africa, a free event for neighbors, friends and first-time visitors. This community night is part of special programming around the new gallery project Imagine Africa with the Penn Museum, an initiative using a new visitor-centered method of exhibition planning.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and feature two workshops – a Hip Hop dance workshop with an instructor from Rennie Harris RHAW, and an African Dance Workshop with the Penn student group African Rhythms. Also in the program: belly dancing with Habiba, and Spoken Word with the Philly Youth Poetry Movement. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

Tomorrow’s night is the first of three free Wednesday evening community nights. The additional nights will run March 28 and May 23, 2012. To learn more about the Imagine Africa with the Penn Museum project go to this page.

Rehearsals are underway for the West Philly production of the school edition of RENT performed by local high school students. Project Theater Project has selected a group of really talented folks who are working hard to put together an unforgettable show.

There is a little over a month left in the fundraising campaign to help this project. They still need to raise about $2,400. To donate please go to the project’s Indie GoGo page.

Check out the video of the group’s first rehearsal here. They sound pretty good for never having sung together before.

We got West Philly’s annual Peoplehood parade on video. Unfortunately, we didn’t get much of the pageant, but we did get the final send-off. This thing is loaded with drummers, puppets, paraders of all ages. The Spiral Q Puppet Theater describes Peoplehood as “a celebration of our communities’ creativity, joy, can-do attitudes and courage to act on their convictions.” It’s pretty cool.

West Philly folks: Get ready for some Halloween madness this and early next week. Here’s a rundown of spooky happenings for adults, kids and pets! (We’ll be adding to the list. If you know of something that should be included please email: editor[at]westphillylocal.com).

Tuesday, October 25

 
Movie Night: Night Of The Living Dead (1968)
Dock Street Brewery, 701 S. 50th Street
8 p.m.
21+
For more information go here.

Thursday, October 27

 
Variety Show! Halloween Round-Up with the Suitcase Junket
Green Line Cafe, 4426 Locust Street
7 p.m.
Free
All ages
The West Philly Round-Up has a Halloween theme and a special challenge: How many accordionists can fit into the Green Line on one night? If you’d like to perform (any genre welcome), email bate.emily[at]gmail.com. This Round-Up will also feature a special guest, one-man-band The Suitcase Junket.

Friday, October 28

 
Annual Halloween Party
International House, 3701 Chestnut Street
9 p.m.
$10 general admission; $8 students + seniors; Free for IHP members + residents
21+
Come out to play and dance with ghosts and goblins as IHP is transformed into a haunted playground. Enjoy music, food, beer and a costume contest at midnight!
 

Saturday, October 29

 
Drinker’s Halloween Massacre
Drinker’s West, 3900 Chestnut St.
8 p.m. – 2 a.m.
21+
Website

“Heroween” Celebration
City Tap House, 3925 Walnut Street
9 p.m.
$10 per person
The event will benefit the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House. Featuring DJ, dancing, raffle and a Halloween fashion show. There will be prizes for best costume, best team costume, and highest fundraiser. Sign-up for a costume or make a donation and enter for free. Otherwise, a $10 donation will be collected at the door.
For more information go here.

Rocknoceros Halloween Party!
World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street
11:30 a.m.
Adults: $10; Children: $7 (ages 1-12); Free for children under the age of one
Presented by Peanut Butter & Jams.
For more information and to buy tickets go here.

Sunday, October 30

 
Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade
Pleasant Park Nursing Home, 4712 Chester Avenue
2 p.m.
Halloween themed costume parade featuring the dog park dogs. Fun for all ages.

Monday, October 31

 
Halloween Tot Parade
Meeting by Milk & Honey (45th & Baltimore)
4 p.m.
Featuring the Penn Drum Band, costumes, dancers and trick or treating! Parade will begin by 4:30 p.m., proceed to Larchwood Avenue, to 43rd Street and end at “Little Osage” between 42nd and 43rd Streets.