Cedar Park Neighbors, in cooperation with area churches and other nonprofit organizations, will prepare and distribute food baskets for those in need during the holiday season. To make this event a success, CPN is currently holding their annual Holiday Basket Drive. Suggested donation is $36, which will help feed two families.

In 2015, thanks to neighbors’ support, CPN were able to reach 130 families (over 550 people).

Click here for more information and to donate.

The baskets will be packed and distributed on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Renewal Presbyterian Church, located on the corner of 47th and Cedar Ave, and volunteers are welcome to help out. Please contact Michelle Lewis at mlewis1071@gmail.com to sign up or if you are interested in donating bulk items.

It doesn’t happen very often when the mayor wishes you a Happy Birthday. Garden Court resident Dr. Pearl Simpson, who just turned 90, received a letter from Mayor Jim Kinney congratulating her on her achievements. The letter was read to her at her birthday party held on Saturday.

About 50 people attended the party held in the Garden Court apartment complex community room, among them Dr. Pearl’s former colleagues, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends and neighbors.

In his letter, the mayor praised Dr. Pearl’s skills and professional achievements, including her work as a Community College of Philadelphia professor and her service in the City’s Human Services Department.

(Photo by Elaine Fultz)

The winter holidays are almost here and if you’re decorating your house or apartment, check out these great opportunities to purchase beautiful, handmade wreaths and centerpieces in the area or sign up for one of the wreath-making workshops happening this weekend.

• On Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Bartram’s Garden (5400 Lindbergh Blvd.) is hosting its annual Holiday Greens Sale. The sale features a beautiful selection of decorated and undecorated wreaths, centerpieces, fresh evergreens, and more. Visitors can also purchase ornamental greens and roping to create your own decorations for the holiday season. Also, enjoy seasonal music, stocking stuffers, and refreshments. For more information, go here.  Continue Reading

Police believe this vehicle struck and killed an 8-year-old West Philly girl, Jayanna Powell on November 18. (Photo from Philly Police Blog)

UPDATE (Nov. 30, 8:30 p.m.) NBC10 is reporting that a 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the hit and run. Police located the vehicle they believe was involved in the crash at an automotive repair shop in Fraser, a town in Chester County along Route 30 about 25 miles outside the city. 

After a week and a half since the hit-and-run that left a West Philly girl dead, police are still searching for the driver who struck the child while she was crossing 63rd St. near Lansdowne Avenue in Overbrook and fled the scene. A total of $45,000 is now being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect and their conviction.

 Jayanna Powell

The crash happened at about 3:15 p.m. on November 18 when 8-year-old Jayanna Powell was walking home from school with her siblings. The little girl was found unconscious on the street and was transported to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where she was pronounced dead at 3:35 p.m., according to police.

The vehicle is believed to be a silver 2009-2016 Nissan Maxima or Altima. The vehicle should have damage to one of the front headlights as well as damage to the front grill area.

The Mayor’s Office is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the driver, and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 is offering $15,000. In addition, the girl’s uncle is offering a $20,000 reward to anyone with information about the driver, according to Philly.com.

Anyone with information on the identity of the driver or the whereabouts of the vehicle, is asked to contact Accident Investigation District at 215-685-3180 / 3181 or call 911.

On #GivingTuesday, we would like to remind folks that there are dozens of great nonprofits in West Philly that need our support. On our Civic Life page, you can find information about West Philly-based nonprofits. Please consider donating to your neighborhood organization today.

GivingTuesday has arrived! https://t.co/d1UasB8yM2 pic.twitter.com/w0yWHR3oPF

— PEC (@PECCaresPhilly) November 29, 2016

If you believe all kids deserve access to school libraries, please donate to WePAC now https://t.co/Py3gcl7BYh pic.twitter.com/ZPXVpsWvbu

— WPHLAlliance4Childrn (@WePACReads) November 29, 2016

This #GivingTuesday make a gift to UCD to help transform our community https://t.co/2RDQlOZX9I pic.twitter.com/UAzqF4y9wv

— University City (@ucdphl) November 29, 2016

The Baltimore Avenue and Lancaster Avenue Business Associations are teaming up again to provide a unique holiday shopping experience for neighborhood residents next month. The Winter Express Shoppers’ Trolley (W.E.S.T.), connecting two of the busiest West Philly streets and commercial corridors – Baltimore Avenue and Lancaster Avenue – will return on Saturday, Dec. 3.

From noon till 5 p.m. this free trolley will travel along both avenues, stopping along the way at designated shopping and dining destinations. Businesses will welcome riders with specials, promotions and giveaways, as wells as with some delicious treats.  Continue Reading