Very unsettling news has come in from Jessica Baumert, the Executive Director of the Woodlands Cemetery. The cemetery has been vandalized several times this week. Approximately 25 headstones, mostly dating from the late 19th-early 20th century, were toppled with many of them broken as a result. The discovery was made Monday afternoon by one of the cemetery volunteers. The total cost of damage is approximately $15,000.

Anyone interested in donating toward the repair of these headstones can do so through the Woodlands website: www.woodlandsphila.org, or by mailing a check to the Woodlands at 4000 Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104. If you are interested in learning more about other ways you can help, please e-mail info [at] woodlandsphila.org.

The Woodlands is William Hamilton’s former Schuylkill River Estate, transformed in 1840 into a “rural” cemetery that is still an active cemetery today. It is the final resting place of many of the city and region’s accomplished individuals including artist Thomas Eakins, abolitionist Mary Grew, financier Francis Martin Drexel and surgeon Samuel Gross. The 54 acre grounds are open dawn to dusk for the enjoyment of the public.

This came from a neighbor who lives near 50th and Catharine Sts.

“I found a dog today (at 11 a.m.) running down the street near my house at 50th and Catharine St. No collar, just a choke chain. The dog is male, intact, brindle and white possibly American Bulldog or Boxer mix. Very sweet and knows some commands. I walked it around the neighborhood, but no one seemed to recognize him.

I took him to ACCT at 111 W. Hunting Park Ave. Philadelphia – no microchip. Because I already have 3 dogs at home, I couldn’t keep him and he’s now at ACCT under a 48-hour stray hold. If this is your dog, his number at the shelter is: A15383449. You can also call 267-385-3800 extension 0 to speak with someone.

If this is NOT your dog, but you’re interested – he’s amazing. Well-behaved and rides very well in the car, he’d be a great addition to any household. He will be up for adoption after his 48-hour stray hold is finished on Thursday 2/9/12.”

If you have questions, please email to: rachelprice707 [at] gmail.com

VIX Emporium (5009 Baltimore Ave) is inviting folks this Thursday, Feb. 9, for a custom jewelry making workshop with Sultana Aschim of Sultana Maria Jewelry. Everyone is welcome to bring a small memento and Sultana will make a charm necklace with it. She will drill a hole in your item or seal it inside a small glass vial, and attach it to your choice of chain.

If you don’t have anything to bring, you can create your own piece using only the components provided by Sultana.  She will also bring her full array of finished jewelry to use as design inspiration. This jewelry will also be available for purchase at a reduced price.

Sultana will be at the shop from 5 to 8 p.m. Refreshments will be served. No registration is required (it is first come first served) and there is no admission fee to shop the trunk show, but a custom piece costs $20-$40 depending on the complexity. For more information go here.

A new West Philly-based film project is in the works thanks to local writer and director Dan Papa. ‘Maya’ is an independent feature film that will be shot in the area and will tell a story about the changes love goes through over time (see promo video below). The film is planning to shoot in April, 2012, but Dan and his team need some help with it.

An online fundraising page has been set up on Kickstarter (link). The goal is to raise $7,000, which is the minimum of what it takes to produce a movie. You can pledge as little as $1. The project will only be funded if the full amount is pledged by March 1, 2012.

Besides fundraising, Dan is currently casting the male lead role. If you are age 24-30 and have some experience in theater and film please email danieljamespapa [at] gmail.com. Don’t forget to include a video of your recent performance. Dan also wants to hear from anyone interested in being on the crew or who would like to contribute equipment.

For updates, camera tests, and other videos, visit the film’s Facebook page.

Are you single, between 25 and 35 years old, looking for a partner and love reading? Then this event may be for you. On Monday (Feb. 6), come to the Walnut St West Branch Library (40th & Walnut) for the Literary Speed Dating event. You are encouraged to bring a book you love, hate, or just want to use as an ice-breaker.

Mingling and light refreshments start at 5:30 p.m. and speed dating begins at 6:00. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. And please arrive early, as no-shows and late arrivals will forfeit their place on the registration list to those on the waiting list.

To register, please email Dan at ryand [at] freelibrary.org.

NOTE: This event is for straight singles. A similar event for gay singles is taking place tonight at 6:00 p.m. at the Independence Branch.

A reader found an all black short haired female cat on Thursday (Feb. 2) night at 46th and Springfield. She is small and lightweight, very quiet and well behaved, with golden eyes. The cat was wearing a pink collar so it looks like she belongs to someone or did at some point.

If you are missing this lovely kitty, please email to: sydneypz [at] gmail.com.