After being closed for about 18 months for maintenance and renovations, the Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library is set to reopen this weekend. The grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, May 20, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and will include a block party featuring fun learning activities, balloon art, face painting, giveaways, library card sign-ups, food, and more.

One of the area’s largest libraries, which serves the communities of Cobbs Creek, Cedar Park, Walnut Hill, Mill Creek, Dunlap, and West Park, the Blackwell library has been closed since the beginning of 2016, and its patrons were redirected to other neighborhood branches. The maintenance work at the library, which first opened in 1976 and was the second regional library in the city, included a complete replacement of the building’s heating and air-conditioning system and installation of new ceilings and a new electrical system.  Continue Reading

It wasn’t a very good start to the “Love Your Park” week on Saturday, May 13, with some of the events, like the annual Spruce Hill May Fair, being rained out. This week, there will be more chances to celebrate and help clean up your neighborhood park as the “Love Your Park” week, sponsored by Philadelphia Parks & Rec and local community groups, continues. On Friday and Saturday, festivities will be held at at least three West Philly parks – Clark Park, Cedar Park and Malcolm X Park. A couple of park cleanups have also been scheduled, and volunteers are needed. Here are more details:

Cedar Park (49th and Baltimore)

Picnic in Cedar Park: Friday, May 19, 6-8 p.m.

Residents are invited to bring their own picnic or pick up a dinner at one of the neighborhood’s great businesses and enjoy a beautiful spring evening with their friends and neighbors.

Service Workday: Saturday, May 20, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The service workday in Cedar Park has been rescheduled for Saturday, May 20 due to rain. Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Help is needed planting annuals and perennials, pruning, weeding, and doing general clean up. Tools and gloves will be provided. RSVP here.  Continue Reading

Police have released a flyer asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two individuals sought in the ongoing investigation of the murder of West Philly community activist Winnie Harris. Harris, 65, was found shot to death in her home on the 300 block of North Holly Street on Feb. 3, 2017. According to the flyer, Harris was killed in the early morning hours of Feb. 2.

The first person of interest is described as a black male, average height, muscular build, with bushy hair and a receding hairline. The second person of interest is described as a black male of average build. He possibly has facial hair on his chin. The flyer can be viewed and downloaded here.  Continue Reading

A 51-year-old man was shot and killed by police early Friday morning in Kingsessing, according to reports. The shooting happened shortly after 2:45 a.m. on May 12 at a rooming house on the 1200 block of S. 51st St. The man reportedly lunged at two police officers with a large knife when they came to serve a warrant.

One of the officers used a Taser on the suspect, but he continued lunging at them with the knife, according to reports. Then the other officer discharged his weapon.

The man was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead at 3:30 a.m.

The investigation of the shooting is currently underway, and the officer who discharged his weapon, a 3-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, has been placed on administrative leave, 6ABC reports.

UPDATE: University City Garden Club will hold their annual plant sale on Sunday, May 14, 12-4 p.m. at the gates of the Woodlands Cemetery (40th & Woodland Ave.). Many herb, vegetable and flower choices will be available for sale.

We’re sad to report that the 59th annual Spruce Hill May Fair scheduled for Saturday, May 13 has been canceled due to bad weather in the forecast (a lot of rain and wind).

“This was an extremely difficult decision for us, as May Fair is our flagship annual event and our only fundraiser,” Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) president Eric Santoro wrote in an email. “The entire SHCA Board regrets that we are unable to host this wonderful annual tradition in 2017!”

But here’s some good news: some activities will still take place indoors. The annual $1 book sale will continue. Residents are invited to an Open House at the Spruce Hill Community Association Center at 257 S. 45th Street this Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. Hundreds of new and used books of all genres will be available for $1 or less; food and beverages will be served; raffle tickets will be sold; and there may even be some live music. Everyone is welcome to come by!  Continue Reading

The 2017 “Love Your Park” week kicks off on Saturday, May 13 with a Spring Service Day, and many residents have already registered to help clean up and beautify parks across the city. A lot more volunteers are needed. Here are some volunteer opportunities available in West Philadelphia:

Cedar Park
When: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: S. 49th & Catharine Sts
What: Volunteers of all ages are welcome. Help is needed planting annuals and perennials as well as pruning garden bushes. (On May 19 from 6-8 p.m., join Cedar Park Neighbors for a Bring Your Own Picnic in the park)
Register to volunteer.  Continue Reading