West Philly-based arts and culture organization Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture has moved to a new location – 3645 Lancaster Avenue. This Friday, Dec. 6, the public is invited to visit their new location during an open house from 5 – 9 p.m. Guests can meet Al-Bustan’s team and enjoy an evening of art, music, food, and mingling.

An art exhibit by West Philly artist Tremain Smith will also be on display at the new Al-Bustan’s location, and guests will have a chance to meet the artist.

“Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture is excited to have an administrative and programming hub on Lancaster Ave.,” reads a message on the organization’s Facebook page. “We look forward to building relationships with neighboring residents, businesses, and organizations as we co-create a welcoming cultural hub for all.”  Continue Reading

Community members are invited to a Big Winter Book Sale at Walnut Street West Library, happening this weekend. Come to the library, located on the Southeast corner of 40th and Walnut Streets, on Friday, Dec. 6 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. or Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and shop for pre-owned quality books, culled from the best donations to the Friends of Walnut St. West Library this year.

Books are priced from $0.50 to $5, but most are $1 and $2, featuring fiction and nonfiction, lots of history and classics, coffee-table and art books, cookbooks, children’s books, how-to and much more.  Continue Reading

Newly elected State Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell, the first Muslim woman elected to the Pennsylvania legislature, has been arrested on corruption charges.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced the charges this morning against Johnson-Harrell, who won the 190th District seat in a special election last March. They include theft, perjury and tampering with public records.

Shapiro said Johnson-Harrell has agreed to plead guilty to the charges and will face jail time. She turned herself in to authorities in Philadelphia on Wednesday morning.  Continue Reading

Christmas trees are back for sale in the neighborhood (check the locations here). And if you’re looking for a nice handmade holiday wreath, Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindbergh Blvd.) is holding its annual sale this Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.. The sale will include a great selection of decorated and undecorated wreaths, centerpieces, and fresh evergreens.

There will also be a holiday marketplace with a variety of local vendors, free “make + take” workshops, music, children’s activities, a baking competition, and more!  Continue Reading

Today is #GivingTuesday, and many local not for profit organizations are asking the community to support them or their causes. We’ll be sharing their messages throughout the day in this post (see below) and on Twitter. You can also check our Civic Life page for more non-profits in the area, including local shelters, community and neighborhood associations, educational and cultural organizations, animal rescues, local parks and gardens, and many more.  Continue Reading

The annual Cedar Park Holiday Basket Drive is here! The Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) community association is partnering again with local nonprofits and places of worship to provide food baskets to neighbors in need during the holiday season.

Last year, CPN was able to reach over 200 local families (nearly 800 people total!) – a great testament to the goodness and willingness to help by the community. A suggested donation this year is again in the amount of $36. Support at this level will provide baskets to two families.  Continue Reading