After a string of violent incidents on S. 60th Street, including deadly shootings and last month’s attack on a police officer, community members are asked to come together this Saturday “to reclaim their community” at an anti-violence rally. The assembly for the rally will begin at noon at Masjid Mujahideen Islamic center at 413 S. 60th Street.

The latest fatal shooting in the area was reported on January 31 when a 21-year-old man was shot multiple times while sitting in a parked car near 60th and Pine Streets.

Following the rally, residents and guests are invited to a health fair where they can get free important health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and oral hygiene. The health fair will be held until 2 p.m. at the Masjid.

A 31-year-old man was shot multiple times and killed Wednesday night near 52nd and Pine, according to police. The shooting happened at around 11 p.m. after the victim parked his car at 52nd and Pine. Just as he got out of the car he was approached by an unknown male who opened fire at close range.

The victim was shot at least six times in his back and legs, according to police. He was taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where he died shortly after.

Police said that the victim appeared to be the intended target of the shooter.

UPDATE: Police have identified the victim as 31-year-old Maurice Adside. He lived less than a block away from where he was shot. Police also detained a suspect, a 23-year-old man, who was seen fleeing the scene on foot.

Construction has finally begun on the five-story mixed-use residential project on the southeast corner of 43rd and Sansom Streets.

The plans to build the 31-unit apartment building on the vacant lot near the Bravo Advanced Care Center were presented in early 2013 and approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment then. However, it took nearly three years for the construction to begin. The permit to construct the building’s foundation and ground floor, which will include two commercial spaces, was obtained in November 2015, according to the City’s Office of Licenses and Inspections.

Future work will include modular residential construction on the 2nd – 5th floor, according to L & I.

The project, which is being built “by right” and did not require community input, will also include 10 off-street parking spaces and a bike rack.

The building will occupy 121-133 S. 43rd St., and most of the 31 apartments will be between 600 and 750 square feet.

Photo from Parentinfantcenter.org

The Parent Infant Center and Spruce Hill community have lost a long-time resident and leader. Cindy Roberts, a former PIC parent and in the recent years, their Executive Director, passed away on February 10th after a year-long battle with cancer. She was 62.

A tribute to Roberts posted on the PIC website reads that even in the face of illness, she “continued to show her grace, never-ending generosity, and wonderfully quick wit.”

Roberts and her family moved to West Philly in 1985 and enrolled their two-year-old daughter at PIC. She was a “part of PIC’s culture for more than 30 years — first as a parent, then as a Board member, and finally as an administrator and Executive Director,” according to PIC’s tribute.

Cindy Roberts serving dessert at Charles Dickens’ Birthday Party in Clark Park in February 2013. (Photo from Friendsofclarkpark.org)

Roberts served as PIC’s Executive Director from 2007 to 2012. She led the expansion of the center and worked on the increase of access to quality pre-kindergarten to at-risk children and families. During her PIC leadership years, she was also behind the development of the innovative outdoor learning space, “Magic Circle.”

Roberts was also a fixture in the Spruce Hill neighborhood. She served as president of the Spruce Hill Community Association and of the Friends of Clark Park. According to Philly.com, Roberts, along with her husband Daniel R. Biddle, “was a tireless civic worker and the driving force behind the revival of Clark Park, just a few blocks from the couple’s home.”

A Memorial Service for Cindy Roberts will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the Arch Street Friends Meetinghouse, 320 Arch Street. The family asks that donations in her memory be made to fund pre-K slots for disadvantaged children at the Parent Infant Center, 4205 Locust Street.

Photo from Snapdragon Flowers’ Facebook page.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the new flower and gift shop, Snapdragon Flowers, recently opened on Baltimore Avenue. The store is offering special Valentine’s Day rose bouquets and three sizes of designer’s choice roses in reusable heart-shaped boxes. But that’s not all. There is also a free same-day delivery within the 19143 zip code ($10 fee for same-day delivery within 10 miles of 19143; $15 fee for next-day delivery within 15 miles of 19143). Check out the Snapdragon Flowers website and Facebook page for more details. The store is located at 5015 Baltimore Avenue.

Also located on the 5000 block of Baltimore, VIX Emporium has a nice selection of goodies for sweeties, like jewelry, scented candles, Valentine cards, warm scarves, and more. Paul Carpenter’s ever-popular pint glasses are back in stock, which pair wonderfully with new brass bottle openers. There are also handmade ceramic mugs, guaranteed to make any drink taste better. Stop in and see what gifts catch your fancy, and pick up a box of Girl Scout cookies while they last.

While on Baltimore Avenue, also check out Zed’s Last Minute Gift Shop (Facebook page). The store offers an eclectic mix of vintage and modern pieces at affordable prices. At Zed’s, which has relocated to 4514 Baltimore Avenue from its original location across the street, you can also find some unique ethnic treasures and beauty products.

If you didn’t get a chance yet, stop by the recently opened Jinxed Store (4521 Baltimore Ave.) and check out their selection of art, clothing, and antiques.

Also check out these Valentine’s Day specials at local restaurants:

                           Renata’s Kitchen.

Couples are invited to enjoy a romantic candlelit 7-course prix-fixe Valentine’s Day chef’s tasting menu at Renata’s Kitchen (4533 Baltimore Ave.). The $45 menu features shared plates from the Middle East, and vegetarian options are also available. And you’re welcome to bring your wine, of course! To make a reservation, call 267.275.8254.

This weekend, Clarkville is offering a Valentine’s Day special for couples in love or just besties. You can get two appetizers, a heart shaped cheese pizza (cut broken upon request) and a dessert to share for $25. This special is for eat-in only, and reservations are accepted but not required (email reservations@clarkvillephilly.com or call 215-387-4992).

Distrito Taqueria has Valentine’s Day specials all weekend, like $20 margarita pitchers and $5 guacamole and chips.

For information on Valentine’s weekend events, visit our Events page.

Memorial services will be held Saturday for Edward Fell, a beloved long-time member of the Calvary United Methodist Church who died unexpectedly earlier this month.

“Ed was in many ways both the heart and face of Calvary – a long-time and active member and lay leader, as well as church administrator, building manager and community liasion,” read a message from the church. “As Pastor John (Pritchard) wrote in a letter to the congregation earlier today, ‘Ed’s deep faith, his devotion to Calvary, his service as ambassador of the Calvary community, his gentle spirit and cheery voice were gifts he gave to us all and gifts that we will deeply miss.'”

The public is welcome to the service on Saturday, Feb. 13.

Here is the schedule:

9-10 a.m.: Viewing (chapel)
10-11:45 a.m.: Funeral/Homegoing Service (chapel)
12 noon: Repast (lower level)