A 21-year-old man was in stable condition this morning after he was shot on the steps of a home near 50th and Florence last night.

The unidentified man told police he was standing in a doorway at 900 S. 50th Street at about 11 p.m. when two or three young men approached him on bicycles. One man pulled out a shot gun and fired once, striking the man on the porch once in the left arm. Police found the victim in the kitchen of the home running water over the wound.

Police said the alleged assailants fled west on Springfield Avenue on bicycles.

The victim described the attackers as black males wearing black clothing.

More trees are coming! Here’s a good chance to help make our area greener. Neighbors are welcome to help with the UC Green and The Philadelphia Orchard Project tree plantings and orchard care projects in various West Philly locations starting this week.

The first project is this Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Richard Allen Preparatory Charter School (58th St. & Lindbergh Blvd.), where you can help with the orchard care, including mulching, weeding, bulb planting and fresh local fruit.

Next week three other projects are scheduled, two for October 25 – at Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindbergh Blvd.) and Mastery Charter School and Conestoga Playground (53rd & Media) and one for October 29 at Ogden Gardens (Ogden & Preston).

For information about November projects, hours, and to RSVP go here.

Dear readers,

Put your thinking caps on and sharpen your knives. We are looking for spooky, funny, scary or downright outrageous jack-o-lanterns. Our 2011 Pumpkin Carving Contest is underway and we are looking forward to receiving snapshots of your creations. The contest is open through October 28. And don’t forget that local businesses are giving out prizes to the contest winners! For more information go here.

Some bad news for the Philly Diner pancake fans – the restaurant closed Sunday after 10 years of operation. The reason? The owner decided not to renew the lease, the Penn student newspaper The Daily Pennsylvanian reports.

The restaurant has faced some tough times like a 2009 shooting that prompted switch from a 24-hour service to more limited hours.

It’s not clear who the diner’s owner is, but it seems that this person has other restaurants in the area. If you go to the diner’s homepage (www.phillydiner.com) it redirects to Ed’s Buffalo Wings & Pizza, a family-owned restaurant also located in University City (35th and Lancaster).

According to a sign on the diner, its restaurant and kitchen equipment will be auctioned off online at this website Thursday and Friday. The equipment is available for inspection on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 

US Vice President Joe Biden is going to make a stop this afternoon (around 2:30 p.m.) at the University of Pennsylvania’s Houston Hall (3417 Spruce Street). So don’t be surprised to see some chaotic traffic patterns and delays. Biden will be here for a roundtable discussion with Mayor Michael Nutter and Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey on budget cuts and how they affect public safety.
 

The International House Philadelphia is hosting a series of events this month dedicated to India and its rich culture. A photography exhibit, the Diwali festival, and the International Vision Award Ceremony are all part of the Incredible India! event series running in October and the beginning of November.

This week the International House invites neighbors to enjoy and learn more about Indian cuisine. This event will take place tomorrow, Oct. 18, at 6:00 p.m. at Tandoor India located at 106 S 40th Street. Tandoor India specializes in exotic North and South Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s host will select the menu and drinks and present a short overview of the food and culture of the region.

We hear that members of Youcie (the University City Young Friends group) will co-host the event, so this is also a great opportunity to meet them and learn more about the group.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here. For more Incredible India! and other events at the International House go here.