An 82-year-old male driver crashed his car into Rite Aid pharmacy at 47th and Chestnut this afternoon, according to police. Luckily, neither the driver nor anyone in the building was injured. The building sustained some structural damage and was evacuated, police said. It’s not clear what caused the accident. When we arrived at the scene the car was gone, but here’s what the building looks like.

The Penn Community School Student Partnerships (CSSP) and the West Philly Recess Initiative program (WPRI) work on improving recess environment at Alexander Wilson and Henry C. Lea elementary schools in West Philadelphia. As part of this initiative, a campaign is underway to raise funds for new recess supplies. To donate, please visit this page.

WPRI is also looking for additional adult volunteers to work with Lea and Wilson students. WPRI volunteers help organize recess activities and assist the lunchtime staff. Their work includes encouraging interactive play, increasing physical fitness and outdoor play, and minimizing conflicts and bullying during recess. If you would like to help or for more information, please contact Kate Mills at: katewmills@gmail.com.

You can read more about West Philadelphia Recess Initiative here.

Last month neighbor Robin and her husband found this sweet, handsome pit bull near Clark Park. They took him in, hoping to find his home, but none was found. Rather than taking him to ACCT they chose to foster, got him fixed, vaccinated, microchipped, and want to find him the best possible home.

“Baby” (his current name) is considered to be about 7 months old, weighs about 60 lbs, gets along great with Robin’s two little dogs, kids, other dogs, and strangers. He just wants to be everybody’s best friend! Local dog walkers who have met Baby agree that he would make an awesome best friend. He is still young, so he does LOVE and need attention!

Anyone wanting to meet Baby can email Robin at robinstur42@yahoo.com or call 215-526-8645.
 

Here’s some exciting news for our little neighbors. Crossroads Music, located at Calvary Center (48th and Baltimore), is now offering free monthly music programs for kids under 12 and their parents/caregivers. The first program is on Saturday, Sept. 15 (see more info below). All programs begin at 6 p.m. and last 30-40 minutes. Seating is first come, first served.

Saturday, September 15
Duende Musical (pictured)
Music from Spain and Latin America

Sunday, October 14
AquaAria
Folk music from Italy

Sunday, December 2
Kaïssa
West African music

Sunday, December 16
Shtreiml
Klezmer

Sunday, January 27
Peter Tang Ensemble
Music from China

NOTE: Funding for children’s programs comes from the Union Benevolent association – please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to help keep these events accessible to all children in the community.

Ramen Bar is softly opening today at 4040 Locust Street and will serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. Stay tuned for our review.

Clark Park Youth Soccer, a non-competitive and family-friendly program, is looking for volunteer coaches to work with children between ages 5 and 11.

The Fall season begins on Saturday, September 22 and continues until November 17. Kids ages 5-7 practice and play at 10:30-Noon; kids ages 7-11 practice and play from Noon to 1:30. Each team has two to three coaches assigned (with a roster of subs).

If you want fresh air and exercise on Saturday mornings or afternoons and enjoy working with kids, please email to: clarkparksoccer@yahoo.com. Parents, students, or neighborhood soccer enthusiasts are welcome to apply. More information about the program is available here.