Garden Court residents and others interested in helping out in the neighborhood have a great chance this week to learn more about local happenings and events, meet other community members, business owners and stakeholders, and find out how to get involved. The Garden Court Community Association (GCCA) is presenting a membership fair on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Renewal Presbyterian Church (4633 Cedar Avenue) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The following topics will be discussed at the event:

• Bringing support to Lea Elementary School
• Improving the business corridors in your community
• Improving public safety
• Planning events to bring neighbors together
• Supporting community greening efforts

Neighborhood businesses, organizations, and programs will also take part in the GCCA Membership Fair, including University City District, 48th Street Grille, Take the Lead Dance Studio, PGW’s EnergySense Program, The Partnership CDC Neighborhood Advisory Committee, and more. Each of the working committees will have displays and information on the work that they are doing to make Garden Court a great place to live. Tasty treats will also be provided!

Garden Court’s boundaries are 45th Street to 52nd Street and Cedar Avenue to Locust Street. GCCA Membership is open to all persons living, working, or interested in this community. For more information about GCCA and upcoming neighborhood events, visit the GCCA website at: www.gardencourtca.org.

Visit SEPTA’s Facebook page and vote for your favorite “gift-wrapped” vehicle. This photo was taken last year.

Forget Black Friday and the lighting of the Christmas tree at City Hall. In West Philly, the holiday season doesn’t really get underway until a trolley gets jolly.

Keep an eye out on routes 10, 11, 13, 15, 34 and 36 for four trolleys that will be decked out in their holiday finest – lights, tinsel, garland etc.

A handful of SEPTA trolley drivers decided to dress up their rigs to add a little cheer to that chilly commute. There will be two on the 11, 13, 34 or 36 routes and one on the 10 and 15 lines. The drivers responsible include Gary Mason, Fred Garmon, Dave Musgrave, and Deina McLaughlin and Denita Birton (Deina’s sister). So if you feel the need to bring glad tidings on the trolley with you, those are the folks to thank.

Old West Philly High School building at 48th and Walnut. (Archived photo)

Among the proposed new charter school applications that will come under public scrutiny this week is the “Philadelphia Music and Dance Charter School,” a K-12 school that could be housed in the old West Philadelphia High School building at 48th and Walnut.

The siting of the school at the old West Philly High building would require the building’s likely developer, which is in the process of purchasing it to convert to lofts, to lease a sizable chunk of the building – as much as 90,000 square feet –  to the school. The school expects up to 900 students when it hits full capacity in a few years.

The developer, New York-based Strong Place Partners, has apparently agreed to do that, according to the school’s application submitted in November. The public hearing for Philadelphia Music and Dance Charter School’s application is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. on Thursday.  Continue Reading

This cute little pooch was found tonight at 48th and Springfield. The person who found it was able to find a shelter for the dog for the night. The dog has a collar, but no tags. It will be taken to the PSPCA in the morning. If you have any information about this dog or its owners please leave a comment below or email: editor[at]westphillylocal.com

The Subway restaurant near 46th and Baltimore has closed along with several other spots owned by the same franchisee.

The restaurant, which became a focal point of controversy in late 2011 and early 2012, was one of four Subway locations that will close. But that doesn’t mean Subway is gone. The corporation that owns Subway is looking for another franchisee for the Baltimore Avenue location, according to Barry Grossbach, chair of the Spruce Hill Community Association zoning committee.

The zoning committee initially supported Subway’s plan to open on Baltimore Avenue, arguing that it would provide a stable tenant. Nearby residents complained that it would increase traffic in the nearby alley. Others complained that a franchise was out of place on a commercial corridor that was largely made up of locally owned businesses.

In early 2012, Subway signed a 10-year lease on the storefront at 4533 Baltimore Ave., which has churned through businesses over the last several years.

– Mike Lyons, Andrew Foronda

Winter holidays are approaching fast and a great way to get into the holiday spirit is by helping neighbors in need. If you would like to help out here are a few drives going on in the neighborhood.

• Rep. James Roebuck and Penn Nursing are teaming up again for the “Socks for Seniors” drive. Through Friday, Dec. 19, donate a new pair or pairs of socks by dropping them off at Roebuck’s office located at 4712 Baltimore Ave. Your donations will go to senior residents and local nursing facilities.

Roebuck is also hosting a free senior fair this Saturday, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., at the Calvary Community Center (48th and Baltimore, entrance on 48th). The fair will feature free health screenings and several nonprofit and for-profit exhibitors, and will also provide information on state and local resources for seniors. Refreshments and door prizes will also be available. For more information, please contact Roebuck’s office at 215-724-2227.

• Local 44, a neighborhood pub at 44th and Spruce, is holding a Toy and Personal Care Items Drive, also through Friday, Dec. 19. All donations will go to women and children at the People’s Emergency Center, a West Philly community center. Please note that only new and unwrapped toys or personal care items are accepted. Click here for a list of most needed items.

• The People’s Emergency Center (PEC) is holding a non-perishable food drive. If you have any unopened Thanksgiving canned goods, please consider donating them to PEC. Donations can be dropped off at Rowan House (325 N. 39th St), on Wednesday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check out the flier below for more information.

• We’d like to remind that Cedar Park Neighbors’ Holiday Food Basket Drive is also underway. A suggested donation is $36. This amount will help CPN and their partners feed two families. To donate to the CPN Holiday Basket Drive, click here.