On Saturday, April 23, the day after International Earth Day, the Green Committee of Garden Court Condos invites neighbors in West Philly to drop by between 2 and 4 p.m. On the sidewalk in front of GC (Pine St. between 46th and 47h), several of Philadelphia’s green organizations will present their options for more sustainable lifestyles. These include:

– The Rounds, Philly’s new startup which provides weekly deliveries of basic goods and local specialties with little or no packaging — and will be providing sample snacks;
– PECO, which offers home owners and residents promotions for converting to LED lighting, plus tips and subsidies for conserving electricity; and Continue Reading

Residents of Spruce Hill, Cedar Park, Garden Court and other West Philly neighborhoods will have a chance to hear from some local Democratic political candidates this week, ahead of the May 17 primary election. The 27th Ward of the Philadelphia Democratic Committee is hosting a Candidates’ Forum on Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m. with the following participants:

• State Rep. Rick Krajewski, incumbent (188th District)

• State Rep. Candidate James Wright (188th District)

• State Senator Anthony H. Williams, incumbent (8th District)

• State Senator Candidate Paul Prescod (8th District) Continue Reading

One of the most popular local outdoor events, the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, is set to return this summer.

University City District (UCD), the longtime organizer of the event, is planning two Strolls this year – on Thursday, June 16 and Thursday, Sept. 15, each from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Over the years, the event has drawn thousands of visitors, both local residents and guests, who enjoyed dollar deals from participating vendors. In 2022, the price levels for vendor offers will be expanded from $1 deals to deals for $1, $3, or $5.

UCD is now accepting applications from both community food vendors and community merchandise vendors to join in this event as official participants. The purpose of selecting official vendors is to ensure all vendors are in compliance with various City agencies, including the Philadelphia Health Department and the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspection (L&I). Continue Reading

Here’s good news for our little neighbors: Some popular local Spring Egg Hunts will be held again after a two-year break. There’s also an egg hunt happening at a new location this year. Here’s what’s happening this Saturday and Sunday (if you know of an egg hunt that’s not on this list please post a comment below):

Saturday, April 16

Neighborhood Spring Egg Hunt in Cedar Park (50th and Baltimore)

Cedar Park Neighbors is hosting a Spring Egg Hunt from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Children accompanied by an adult are welcome to come find spring eggs filled with treats (see the flyer for more details).

Spring Egg Hunt at the Walnut Street West Library (40th and Locust Walk)

The Friends of Walnut Street West Library (Facebook page) are hosting the Spring Egg Hunt again on the green at New College House (on Locust Walk). The first egg hunt starts at 10:30 a.m. for children under 6 and the second starts at 12:00 p.m. for children over 6. There will be activities, take home craft kits, a storytime, and maybe even the Easter Bunny will make an appearance! Continue Reading

Beginning Monday, April 18, Philadelphians will be required to wear masks in indoor public spaces as COVID-19 cases are again on the rise in the city. The announcement that Philadelphia has switched from Level 1 (All Clear) of COVID response to Level 2 (Mask Precautions) was made this afternoon by the City’s Department of Public Health. As of today (April 11), Philadelphia averages at 142 new COVID cases per day, a more than 50 percent increase from at least 10 days ago. The number of hospitalizations in the city is currently 44.

The Department of Public Health began recommending masks in indoor public spaces last week, after the increase in COVID cases was reported. Although the current COVID response level is 2, masks in indoor public spaces will not be required until next Monday so that businesses have enough time to prepare for the new requirement.

To learn more about the City’s COVID-19 response levels and their criteria, go here.

A new public health center aimed at the local community and offering primary and preventative health care for adults and children, pre- and postnatal care, behavioral health and social services and addiction treatment has opened at 54th and Cedar.

The PHMC Health Center on Cedar is staffed by clinicians from Penn Medicine’s Department of Family Medicine and Community Health and is part of the non-profit Public Health Management Corporation’s (PHMC) Public Health Campus, the former site of Mercy Philadelphia Hospital.

The federally-funded clinic at 54th and Cedar is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. They accept walk-ins and in-person and telehealth appointments and accept most insurance plans. A sliding fee scale is available and everyone will be treated regardless of their ability to pay. Continue Reading