Veterans Day is observed today nationwide (please check out some locally scheduled events and celebrations). And here are a few things to keep in mind since it’s a federal holiday.

• Public schools, libraries and government offices and courts are closed.

• All USPS branches are closed and there will be no mail delivery today.

• Most banks and credit unions are closed.

• Retail, grocery and liquor stores are open for regular business hours.

• SEPTA buses, trains and trolleys are operating today on a regular weekday schedule.

• There will be no trash and recycling collection today. Trash pickup will run one day behind schedule for the rest of the week (starting Wednesday, Nov. 12).

Veterans Day is this Tuesday and some events are scheduled locally to celebrate the lives of those who served our country. Veterans and all interested residents are invited to a Veterans Day celebration organized by the VA Medical Center and the Woodlands Cemetery. The event will be held from 10:45 a.m. until 1 p.m.. Here’s the schedule:

10:45 a.m. – The ceremony starts at the VA Medical Center (3900 Woodland Ave). Enter at the Woodland Avenue Entrance where you will be directed to the PVAMC LVA Auditorium.

11:15 a.m. – Procession from the VA Medical Center to The Woodlands (40th and Woodland), led by the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums Corps.

11:30 a.m. – Anticipated arrival at the Cemetery Gates. The procession will continue through the Cemetery where respects will be paid and wreaths will be laid at the graves of Civil War Surgeon Dr. John Hill Brinton and Gettysburg Nurse, Emily Bliss Souder.

12:15-1:00 p.m. – After the ceremony, there will be a reception with refreshments at The Hamilton Mansion.

Special guests at this event include: Descendants of Emily Bliss Souder and Dr. John Hill Brinton, Dr. Robert Hicks (Civil War Surgeon Re-enactor) and Kerry Bryan (Civil War Nurse Re-enactor). Others in attendance will be in period uniforms from World War II, Vietnam and present day. Guest speaker: Paula Johnson (Air Force OIF/OEF Veteran).

There will be a great event this Tuesday to support free childbirth classes in the area. Microbirth, a brand new documentary looking at childbirth through the lens of a microscope and raising awareness of the importance of “seeding the baby’s microbiome,” will be screened. All proceeds from the screening will benefit childbirth classes offered by the Helen O. Dickens Clinic at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

In addition to free childbirth classes, the clinic provides birth balls, sleep sacks, baby books, and healthy snacks to attendees, mostly low-income families.

The film will be followed by a discussion panel with Penn/CHOP faculty and researchers, and there will also be concessions and a lot of fun items to raffle off. Suggested donation is $5-$20 (click here to buy tickets).

West Philly community members are welcome to attend this event. “The film is awesome, and it would be great for everyone to see,” writes Nicole Chaney, one of the event organizers and the Dickens Clinic staff member.

The event will be held at the University of Pennsylvania (Hall of Flags, Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce St), from 5:45 – 10 p.m. Check out the event’s Facebook page.

The Streets Department’s 2014 Philly Leaf and Recycling Program will kick off on November 10 and will run through December 19. During the six-week program, leaves will be collected for composting purposes, such as fertilizing gardens and nourishing trees.

There will be changes in the way leaves are collected for recycling this year, according to an announcement by the Streets Department. Bagged leaves will no longer be collected curbside. Instead, residents can drop them off at specially designated locations throughout the city. Here are the bagged leaf collection locations in West and Southwest Philadelphia area (open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays from Nov. 10 through Dec. 19):

• 66th & Haverford Avenue
• 54th & Woodbine Avenue
• 43rd & Powelton Avenue
• 72nd & Buist Avenue

Bagged leaves may also be taken to any of the four Sanitation Convenience Centers (visit the Streets Department website for more information).

Another requirement for recycling is that bagged leaves will only be accepted in biodegradable paper bags because they can be processed for recycling along with the leaves. The Streets Department doesn’t provide biodegradable bags, but you can purchase them at your local home improvement or hardware store.  Continue Reading

It’s getting chilly out there. How about some chili? No, how about a LOT of chili? On Sunday, Nov. 9, there will be a chance to try many versions of this popular dish and vote for your favorite during University City Arts League’s 6th Annual “Chili Bowl” Cook-off, an event that benefits its great pottery studio.

Participants showcasing their chili-making talent at this year’s event include: Philly Cow Share, Greensgrow Farms, Guacamole, Green Line Cafe, The Gold Standard Cafe, Rx The Farmacy, Harvest Seasonal, Café Renata, Tortas Frontera, New Deck Tavern, Local 44, Atiya Ola’s, and Heathland. In addition, Milk & Honey will be serving Mac and Cheese and Metropolitan Bakery will supply bread. Drinks will be served by Yards Brewing Company. There will also be some music and entertainment: Ann Schwartz of Green Tambourine and her students will be performing throughout the event, from 1 to 5 p.m.  Continue Reading

Community members are invited this Tuesday (Nov 11) to the annual meeting of the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA). The meeting will be held at Griffith Hall at the University of the Sciences (entrance on 43rd near Woodland), beginning at 7:30 p.m.

The annual meeting is a great opportunity to find out about what’s happening in the neighborhood and be part of an organization that has an important voice in the shaping of the neighborhood.

Matthew Bergheiser, the executive director of the University City District, will speak on the topic, “The State of University City’s Development Boom.” The report will include information on the current construction and development projects and also those that are still on the drawing board.  Continue Reading