Winnie Harris (center) during MLK Day of Service in January 2017 (Photo courtesy of UC Green).

Police say they have a suspect in custody in connection to the murder of West Philly activist Winnie Harris, who was found shot to death inside her home on the 300 block of North Holly Street on February 3, 2017. The suspect was arrested on Friday while in detention for another, unrelated matter, according to police. Charges against the suspect are pending. More details about the suspect have not been released as of Monday afternoon.

Harris, 65, was a longtime Powelton resident and green space advocate. She worked as the executive director of West Philadelphia based nonprofit UC Green at the time of her death.

In May, police released and distributed a flyer asking for the public’s help with information on two persons of interest in relation to the murder.

It will be a busy weekend for local pet owners.

Blessing of the Animals at St. Francis de Sales Church (photo by West Philly Local)

Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral will hold their annual Blessing of the Animals in Clark Park on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. – noon. The event will include free pet treats, a craft project, and some human snacks too! This fun tradition is connected to the celebration of St. Francis of Assisi, an Italian monk who’s remembered for his love of nature, care for the poor, and commitment to peace (as well as a sweet tooth!).

St. Francis was a friend to all animals, so communities throughout the world celebrate his life by celebrating the pets in their lives. This is not a church or worship service, but a space to drop by to meet other pet owners in the neighborhood and – if you wish – receive a blessing for your pet. If you have any questions, please contact The Reverend Sarah Hedgis at shedgis@philadelphiacathedral.org.  Continue Reading

West Philly just got another Asian fusion restaurant, Daleng, and this one is family-owned and operated. The restaurant opened last weekend at 47th and Walnut, down the street from West Lofts. It serves classic and new dishes from across the continent with protein options of beef, chicken, pork, and fish, along with vegetarian choices.

The menu features Thai dishes such as spicy Tom Yum chicken and Pad Thai, Korean Tang Tang chicken, Cambodian beef Kroeung Stir Fry, Singaporean Mei Fun, and Vietnamese Banh Mi. Vegetarian offerings include eggplant veggie curry, pad thai with tofu, and an assortment of fried rices.

Beverage offerings currently stand at bubble tea, Vietnamese iced tea, Hong Kong milk tea and a variety of fruit smoothies. According to a sign posted in the window, the restaurant has applied for a permit to serve alcoholic beverages such as liquor, beer, and wine.  Continue Reading

Lancaster Avenue 21st Century will hold Lancaster Avenue Day festivities on Saturday, Oct. 7. The day will include a parade that starts on 35th Street at noon, as well as resource tables on topics ranging from registering to vote to paying your water bill.

The parade will proceed from 34th street until 43rd street, and the day will include a $100 “Best in Show” award. There will also be decorations on hand to “decorate your car, or your bike, or yourself, whatever you want,” said organizer Joel Spivak.

Spivak said the day grew out of Lancaster Avenue 21st Century, a business association he co-founded in 2005. Back then, he was concerned that gentrification in West Philadelphia might harm longtime residents and businesses. Spivak is experienced in this area: In the 1970s, he said, he was part of a wave of artists that gentrified South Street. As the Lancaster organization sought to promote local businesses while also encouraging new ones, Spivak came up with an idea.  Continue Reading

Photo courtesy of LoLa 38.

Over the past year, a creative placemaking project, LoLa 38, helped bring art installations, community gatherings and other events to Lower Lancaster Avenue. On Oct. 14, a closing celebration for LoLa 38 will take place near the intersection of Powelton Ave. and N. 38th St. with over five hours of live music and dance performances by such well-known artists and groups as Chill Moody, Raheem DeVaughn, Philadanco, Kulu Mele African Dance & Drum Ensemble, and many more. The Soul Farm Community Festival will also feature local art and food. The event will kick off at 2 p.m.  Continue Reading

Go West! Craft Fest, the bi-annual celebration of local arts, crafts, music and food, will be back at The Woodlands on Saturday, Oct. 7. Over 100 vendors will participate in the Fall edition of the festival, so stop by The Woodlands (40th and Woodland) beginning at 11 a.m. this Saturday to check out a galore of unique, handmade wares – jewelry, ceramics, knitted accessories, clothing, prints, original art, stationery, home wares, childrens’ items, soaps, candles and more.

The festival, organized by VIX Emporium, will also feature food trucks, live music, activities for children, and acrobatic performances by Tangle Movement Arts.

The popular outdoor event, which is now in its 7th year, will be held from 11 a.m. till 5 p.m. (rain date is Sunday, Oct. 8). It is open to the public, kid and dog friendly, and free to attend.  Continue Reading