It’s hard to imagine West Philly without its street vendors. Many of them have become so popular that people from all over the city come to try their food. Now one of them might get some award love in the form of the Vendy, a newly established in Philadelphia award which celebrates the best street vendors in the city.

The awards show will take place next Saturday, July 9, from 3 to 7 p.m. at The Piazza at Schmidt’s in Northern Liberties (1015 N. 2nd Street) and will feature the street food showcase and an intense cook-off between the chefs. One of the judges will be Mayor Michael Nutter (That guy is busy!).

West Philly will be well represented in the event with five out of the eight award nominees based on the left bank. Here they are:

 
For more information about all the nominees and to buy tickets go here.

Police are investigating injuries to a 3-year-old boy sustained in an apartment building on the 4700 block of Chestnut St. yesterday. Detectives are interviewing the child’s caregiver, who originally reported that the boy fell down stairs and was unconscious.

The child was taken to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia after the incident yesterday. He was listed in critical condition today, police said.

Here is video from 6ABC:

Today’s puppy is Mouse, a beautiful blue brindle American Pit Bull Terrier mix. She is currently living in a foster home.

Mouse is between 10 and 12 months old. She weighs approximately 25 lbs and probably won’t get much bigger than she is right now.

Mouse is playful and a delight to be around. She is wonderful with kids, cats, and other dogs.

If you are interested please contact Mouse’s foster mom Maddy at mdavishayes [at] gmail.com.
 

Here’s something our little neighbors and their parents will enjoy doing again now that the section “A” of Clark Park has reopened. A traditional “Storytime at the Turtle” has returned and is taking place every Thursday at 7 p.m.

Stories and short books are read by volunteers from the Parent Infant Center (PIC). Snacks and refreshments are also available. So head down with your little ones tomorrow night to the turtle for this fun and educational activity.
 

An article in today’s Philadelphia Inquirer reflects the anguish that many in West Philly are feeling as their children approach school age: Go to the neighborhood school? Look at other schools in the city? Or, move to the suburbs? The anguish has been compounded in recent months as confusion about admission to West Philly’s Penn Alexander School has grown.

One Queen Village parent, whose children attend the well-regarded Meredith Elementary School, told Inquirer staffer Miriam Hill:

“If you hurt Meredith, you will rip the heart out of this neighborhood,” he said. “It’s the primary driver of economic and social development in this part of Philadelphia because education-minded, working, taxpaying, civic-minded parents move here or don’t leave here because of Meredith. It sounds very suburban, but here we are.”

The real estate premium that residents in the Penn Alexander catchment pay, of course, gets a mention in the story, as does the effort to help improve other neighborhood schools.

Read the full story here.

Today’s cat is Babs. He’s available for adoption through Project Meow.

Babs is a curious kitty. He’s also shy, but still open for love. He’s quite smart as he’s figured out how to climb up next to his foster mom’s bed and drink her water! Despite his shy side you can still pick him up and rub his beautiful hair. In fact, he likes it when his hair gets brushed.

Babs would love to be adopted with his brother, Boser, because they’ve always been there for each other. They are a great pair of gentlemen, love other cats, and are very appreciative of constant love.

Babs is a playful cute kitty, who will give you plenty of purr-filled lap snuggles – contact Project MEOW to see for yourself!

Babs is neutered, vaccinated, flea treated, housetrained, FIV/FeLV negative, and micro-chipped. Please contact projectmeowadoptions [at] gmail.com to meet him.

Application and $85 adoption fee applies.