An overnight fire at West Park Apartments, a highrise apartment complex located just north of Market Street near 45th, led to the evacuation of dozens of residents. No injuries were reported.

The fire was reported at approximately 1:45 a.m. on the 18th floor of the building located at 4445 Holden Street. It was put out in about 30 minutes, according to reports.

Residents who live on the 17th, 18th and 19th floor of the building and a number of other residents were evacuated. The 17th floor reportedly sustained water damage. It is currently not known what caused the fire.

A reader, Adam, snapped these photos the other day of a guy playing the drums in the bed of a moving pick-up near 49th and Warrington.

Adam writes:

“I love my neighborhood. This guy was playing a full drum kit in the back of a moving pickup truck.  Unfortunately, the cops weren’t music lovers.”

Sure enough, the drummer had to explain himself to police.

We spotted this intrepid hunter keeping a close eye on a patch of ivy – more specifically, the birds in the ivy – along the 4600 block of Baltimore Avenue this week.

Another Baltimore Avenue business that closed as a consequence of the 2012 Christmas Eve fire at Elena’s Soul Bar and Lounge has finally reopened. PT Nails Plus (formerly Gary’s Nails) opened last month at 4910 Baltimore Avenue after many months of rebuilding and remodeling work. And we have to say it looks great! The salon was partially destroyed during the demolition of the Elena’s Soul building in late December 2012 – a part of its roof and wall collapsed.

Cedar Park Cafe, another business damaged in the aftermath of the 2012 Baltimore Avenue fire, reopened last summer at 4912 Baltimore Ave. Elena’s Soul’s former home is currently occupied by Greensgrow Farms.

And since some of our readers said they were eager to make an appointment at the new salon this information may be useful:

PT Nails Plus offers manicures, pedicures, skin care treatments and waxing services. It’s open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. To make an appointment call 215-307-3484.

The Calvary Center for Culture and Community, the beautiful old church building at 48th and Baltimore, needs some help. Over the last decade the building has undergone some critical restoration, which gave it a new vibrant life, but a lot of work still remains to be done. Current plans include construction of an elevator in the western section of the tower to accommodate neighbors on wheelchairs or with other physical difficulties. Several other major improvements, renovations, repairs and restorations are also planned.

The center, which hosts a myriad of activities each year and also is home to many community, art, religious, educational, social justice and other organizations, was recently offered a $100,000 challenge grant by the Wyncote Foundation. This amount has to be matched by the end of the year. The center was able to raise almost all of the match, but a few thousand dollars are still remaining. So here’s how you can help:

On Saturday, Nov. 8, come to the “Raise the Roof” Walkathon for Calvary Center. The 5 km walk around the neighborhood will start and end at the center. Participation fee is $25 ($10 for children) and you can register online here before the event or at the event itself (for $35), beginning at 9 a.m. on Nov. 8 at the 48th Street entrance to the building. The walk will be from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., followed by a celebration of its completion (12 – 1 p.m.). The event will take place rain or shine.

Here’s a reminder of what organizations are located at Calvary Center: Cedar Park Neighbors, the University City Historical Society, West Philly Mennonite Fellowship, Kol Tzedek West Philly Synagogue, Calvary United Methodist Church, Grace Chapel, Children’s Community School, Curio Theatre, Crossroads Music, and more! These and other organizations will participate in Saturday’s event and encourage their members and all neighbors to join them.

If you can’t participate in the walkathon, you can support the center by making a donation online (please go here) or by sending a check to: Calvary Center, 801 S. 48th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19143.

“Raise the Roof” Walkathon for Calvary Center
48th and Baltimore
Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. (registration starts at 9 a.m.)
$25 online (children $10), $35 at the event

Many thanks to all who submitted their entries in this year’s Pumpkin Carving Contest. There were many amazing jack-o’-lanterns this year and our jury had a blast selecting winners in the Scariest, Funniest, Kids, Best Philly Themed, and Special Prize categories. Also, we’d like to thank everyone who voted for their favorite pumpkin and helped us select the Readers’ Choice winner.

Here are this year’s winners and we are already looking forward to next year’s contest!

Readers’ Choice: Bimal Desai (Dragon pumpkin)

Bimal Desai, a pediatrician and married father of two, did it again! His outstanding Dragon pumpkin was an absolute favorite in the Readers’ Choice category. Out of 289 votes submitted 112 were cast for this pumpkin. Congratulations to Bimal and he wins some great prizes from local businesses: a $40 gift certificate from Cafe Renata, a $40 gift card from Sabrina’s Cafe, a three-month membership to International House Philadelphia, a $25 gift certificate from Honest Tom’s Taco Shop and two Curio Theatre tickets.  Continue Reading