Project Theater Project, a community-based company working on the local production of the School Edition of the musical RENT, set up an IndieGoGo fundraising page to help this project several weeks ago. So far they have raised only about a third of their goal and there is just a week left.

To help get a final push toward their goal the project has begun the 11520 Minutes campaign. The fundraising goal can be achieved if just about 180 people donate only $10. To donate please go here.

Twelve talented young people aged 16-23 have been cast for roles in this musical. This is a rare opportunity for high school aged teens since many school music and theater programs have been cut.

Set in the East Village of New York City the show is about AIDS, HIV, drug usage, homosexuality, and gentrification. But it’s also about falling in love and finding your voice.

The shows begin on Dec. 4 at The Rotunda (4014 Walnut Street) and ticket prices are kept low. To order tickets go here. For the full show schedule please check The Rotunda’s events calendar.

33 percent of the profits will go to the cast in the form of scholarships to help the teens reach their dreams as performers.

The Porch, a recently opened public space near the 30th Street Station, already has a busy schedule of music, entertainment and recreational events until the end of this year. French swing accordion music by Dallas Vietty is at lunchtime on Tuesdays. There’s a Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays and traditional and original Eastern European and Balkan music by West Philadelphia Orchestra on Thursdays.

Apart from music, West Philly residents and visitors are invited to participate in fitness sessions organized by Drexel University’s Recreational Athletics staff. On Fridays, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16, from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. there will be a lunchtime boot camp featuring an intense 60-minute session of cardio, strength and agility drills. On Dec. 2 and 9 don’t miss cardio kickboxing workouts accompanied by high energy music (think about going back to work re-energized after those).

What about kids? There is something for them to do too. The Give and Take Jugglers and their Little Circus are there on Fridays from 4 – 6 p.m.

Finally, this Saturday, Nov. 19 don’t miss the Fall Festival from 11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. There will be live music by West Philly’s Citywide Specials, a cooking demonstration and honey, food and apple cider tasting with Milk & Honey, Urban Apiaries, The Restaurant School and Bartram’s Garden, street puppetry from Geppetta, circus performances, and a homespun merry-go-round. The first 100 people will get free S’More’s kits! For more information go here.

Nina is a friendly grey and white cat who lives near 45th & Baltimore. She is indoor/outdoor and usually approaches people at Milk & Honey. She is not wearing her collar and tags. If you live nearby, check your property – outside and in. Nina could be injured and hiding out. Contact christina.sozinho[at]gmail.com if you have or have seen Nina.

A neighbor reports that she has found a black and white tuxedo cat near her apartment building at 44th and Walnut:

“I’ve seen a cat outside on and off for a little over a month. Last night I finally brought him in. He’s super sweet and social. Total lap cat… There are strays all over the city but it didn’t occur to me until now–when I heard some people near my apartment building making sounds like they were looking for an animal–that he may be someone’s pet. I live at 44th & Walnut.”

If you know whose cat this may be please email Dana at: danavegan[at]gmail.com

On Thursday, Nov. 17, a large rally is planned to start at 4 p.m. near City Hall followed by a march at 4:30 p.m. The march is going to cross the Market Street Bridge next to 30th Street Station. The purpose of the rally, organized by Fight for Philly, is to draw attention to the poor state of many Philadelphia bridges (including the Market Street Bridge). The protesters will demand more jobs by calling for structurally deficient bridges to be rebuilt.

If you want to help make banners and signs for tomorrow’s protest you can do it from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Calvary Church (48th & Baltimore). Both talented and not so talented folks are needed. For more information call 610-931-2615 or email: PEACE[at]peoplesmail.net.

Those who didn’t get a chance last week to pre-order their Thanksgiving turkeys through stores like Mariposa and Milk & Honey can still do it until Friday, Nov. 18 through The Gold Standard Cafe (4800 Baltimore Ave).

Fresh, farm-grown turkeys will be delivered to the cafe on November 22 in the afternoon. Weights range from 12-30 pounds. The exact weight cannot be guaranteed but they will come close to your request. Price is $2.75 per pound. Turkeys are Lancaster County grown, never frozen, and anti-biotic free.

Orders must be placed by Friday, Nov. 18 at noon . Please email your order to: eat@thegoldstandardcafe.com. Payment is due at pickup (check or cash).