Van Leeuwen’s storefront at 3631 Walnut St.

Expanding upon the success of their other Philadelphia locations, New York City-based ice cream parlor, Van Leeuwen, is opening their 4th storefront at 3631 Walnut Street, according to a recent announcement by Penn’s Division of Facilities & Real Estate Services.

“We’re looking forward to Van Leeuwen bringing their popular parlor and unique ice cream flavors, including vegan and dairy offerings, to the diverse culinary scene in the Shop Penn District,” said Ed Datz, Penn’s Executive Director of Real Estate.

Based on their belief that “good ice cream is for everyone,” Van Leeuwen has been on a mission since its inception to create the best ice cream with simple ingredients. Led by co-founders Ben Van Leeuwen, Pete Van Leeuwen, and Laura O’Neill, the company began in a yellow ice cream truck on the streets of New York City in 2008. From there they grew in popularity, and their ice cream can now be found in various scoop shops throughout the United States as well as select grocery stores.

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A “traffic calming” proposal to be considered at a city meeting at Saint Francis de Sales Church on Wednesday includes the option to convert 47th Street into a one-way street.

The City’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure and Sustainability (OTIS), in cooperation with Councilmember Jamie Gauthier’s Office, have been working with community leaders on traffic calming solutions for 47th and 48th Streets for the last couple of years.

This Wednesday, Feb. 7, the City is hosting an open house meeting where neighborhood residents have a chance to learn more about recommended new designs for 47th and 48th streets between Market Street and Kingsessing Avenue. The meeting will also discuss next steps for 47th Street south of Kingsessing Avenue.

Two new street layout options are being proposed:

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The Manufacturing Career Accelerator Program (MCAP) at Drexel University is back this spring and again recruiting participants among Philadelphia residents. This six-week tuition-free program, which first launched in Spring 2021, is designed to “help participants become their professional best while learning about the manufacturing industry and preparing to begin a rewarding career in a dynamic industry.”

The program is specifically interested in recruiting West Philadelphia residents. In MCAP, participants work with program instructors and staff to develop even more professional skills and learn how to apply them in the workplace.

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PECO is continuing utility improvement work on 38th Street between Spruce St. and Woodland Ave., which began earlier this month. Starting today (Jan. 29) and for the next three weeks, PECO crews will be working in the intersection area of 38th and Spruce Streets.

Due to utility construction, lane reductions and intermittent closures are expected in this area during the following dates and times:

Week 1: Jan. 29 to Feb. 5 from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Week 2: Feb. 5 to Feb. 11 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Week 3: Feb. 12 to Feb. 18 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through or near the work areas. All scheduled activities are weather dependent.

Photos by Tony West

One hundred Philadelphia young chess players packed the St. Joseph’s University Athletic Recreation Center at 45th St. and Woodland Ave. this weekend, Jan. 27-28, seeking mates  – lots of them  – but all above board. A chess board, to be precise.

The 16th annual PECO/ASAP Checkmate Violence Chess Marathon drew youths K-12 for two full days of competition and awards. Rated players tested themselves through five long rounds over both days; non-rated players tackled five shorter rounds on Saturday. Coaches and parents from some of ASAP’s 150 chess clubs (one of the largest lineups in the country) came along for pregame prep work but once the tournament began all adults were shooed out.

ASAP presented a STEM Fair featuring organizations throughout Philadelphia that provide after school and summer opportunities in STEM.

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Manzanita, a new vintage boutique, has opened at 42nd and Baltimore.

Here’s some exciting news for local fans of vintage goodies. Manzanita, a new vintage boutique, has opened at 4206 Baltimore Ave.

“Manzanita is a brand celebrating the diverse and inclusive neighborhood of WEST PHILADELPHIA with future vintage curated to current perfection, boutique goods to enliven and inspire, and VIBES FOR DAYS!” the shop owner, Dorit Avganim, posted on Instagram.

The shop could be a great place to shop for unique gifts. It also hosts various events. For example, this Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26 & 27, the store, in collaboration with West Philly tattoo artist Jillian Christofferson, is offering hand poked tattoos. For more details, visit the shop’s Instagram page.

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