The University City District (UCD) has announced that they will bring back several popular events this summer, including Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, University City Dining Days, and the 40th Street Summer Series. Here’s the UCD sponsored event schedule for Summer 2017 with some more details.

The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, presented in association with the Baltimore Avenue Business Association (BABA), will be held twice this year – on Thursday, June 15 and Thursday, Sept. 7, both from 5:30-8:30 p.m. As always, neighborhood businesses will present $1 bargains and samples, now between 43rd and 52nd Streets. Stay tuned for more information about each upcoming Dollar Stroll.

University City Dining Days will be held from July 13 through July 23. Now in its 13th year, Dining Days is the “3 courses, 3 prices” promotion at many of the area’s most popular dining destinations. Over 30 restaurants will participate in the event this year, including first-timers CO-OP, Dim Sum House, and Clarkville. A kick-off party for the event will take place at The Porch at 30th on Thursday, July 13. Visit the Dining Days website for updates on restaurants, events, and surprises.  Continue Reading

Boujie Babes owner Jennell Moody inside her new salon (Photo courtesy of Boujie Babes).

There’s a new type of hair salon opening on Thursday, May 11 and it’s not your typical beauty parlor. Owner Jennell Moody, 34, wants to focus on developing young minds as well.

Moody grew up in a single parent household in North Philly, a part of the city where she was born and raised. Her mother worked long hours to support her family, but Moody wishes she had more resources to work early on in her life. This is why she decided to instill a social mission into her business, starting with a mentoring program for girls between nine and 14 years of age to learn about personal hygiene, healthy body image, self-esteem and “the look for less.” Meet her newest business endeavor: Boujie Babes salon, located at 4329 Lancaster Ave in the Mill Creek neighborhood.  Continue Reading

Two police officers who shot an unarmed pizza deliveryman in 2014 have been transferred out of West Philly after pressure from neighborhood groups.

Officers Mitchell Farrell and Kevin Hanvey had resumed street patrol after a suspension for shooting Philippe Holland, who was delivering food near 51st and Willows on the evening of April 22, 2014. Farrell and Hanvey were in plain clothes and investigating a robbery in the area when they approached Holland with their guns drawn. Fearing a robbery, Holland ran to his car and tried to drive away. The officers opened fire, hitting Holland in the head and leg. Police regulations prohibit shooting at a moving vehicle. A total of 14 shots were fired, according to investigators.

After a three-year investigation, Hanvey and Farrell were suspended for 25 days and were back on the streets. A joint letter from Cedar Park Neighbors, Cobbs Creek Neighbors, Garden Court Community Association and Walnut Hill Community Association dated April 28 asking the Philadelphia Police Department to fire the two officers prompted the transfer.  Continue Reading

The West Philly Community Action Fair will be held this Saturday afternoon from 1 to 3 p.m. on the second floor of the Kingsessing Recreation Center (4901 Kingsessing Avenue). The event’s goals include connecting neighbors to the many organizations with a presence in West Philadelphia and, ultimately, to make a difference in each other’s lives.

“For some of us, it’s been difficult to find the groups that are committed to making a difference in the area,” explains Ryan Draving, one of the event organizers. “We want to help other people like us to get involved in making the neighborhood a better place or contribute in some way.”  Continue Reading

Take a break from spring cleaning and your other weekend duties this Saturday, April 29, and get over to The Woodlands for the Go West! Craft Fest, the bi-annual music/food/artisan wares celebration.

Go West! runs from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and the rain date is the following day.

All-female aerial troupe, tinycircus, will again perform at Go West! Craft Fest. (Photos West Philly Local)

More than 100 artisan vendors will take part this spring, including seven food vendors like West Philly favorites Taco Angeleno and Kung Fu Hoagies. 

This family-friendly event also includes live music, kids activities and a performance by the always entertaining and inspiring tinycircus from Tangle Movement Arts.

Here’s the lineup:  Continue Reading

The Penn Relays will be held April 27-29 on Franklin Field.

Two big events are happening this weekend in Philadelphia that will cause road closures and traffic changes. The annual Penn Relays will be held on the Franklin Field, and the NFL Draft will take place for the first time since 1960 in the city – on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Both events will be held for three days – April 27 through April 29.

The NFL Draft Experience will take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, between 20th St. and Eakins Oval, and a number of road closures will be in place for this event. Until Monday, May 1, 5 a.m., Ben Franklin Parkway from 20th St. to the Art Museum will be closed. Kelly Drive will be closed at Fairmount Ave., and all traffic will be diverted.  Continue Reading