Photo from Theatre in the X website.

One of our favorite things about summer in West Philly is performances by Theatre in the X, the company that stages free Afrocentric plays at Malcolm X. Park. This summer they will present the world premiere of “The Beast of Nubia” on Aug. 4, 11 and 18. (look for a more detailed preview later this month). Check out the trailer below. For now, we wanted to let people know about their fundraiser and volunteer sign-up.

Theatre in the X has a GoFundMe campaign here to keep the summer performances going well into the future. They are also seeking volunteers for everything from ushers to wardrobe assistants to set builders. Go here to fill out the volunteer form.  Continue Reading

Some of the recipients of the 2019 Gary Bronson Memorial Scholarship during Friday’s presentation. (Photo by Mike Lyons/West Philly Local).

Cedar Park Neighbors’ Scholarship Committee has announced 13 young people who will receive the 2019 Gary Bronson Memorial Scholarship. The presentation took place on Friday, July 12, during Cedar Park Jazz intermission at 50th and Baltimore.

The scholarship provides both mentorship and financial support to students. This year, Cedar Park Neighbors is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the awards. The scholarship was established in 1989 and renamed as the Gary Bronson Memorial Scholarship in 2015 in honor of neighborhood visionary and scholarship founder. The funds for the scholarship are raised by neighbors and neighborhood businesses at an annual scholarship fundraising event and through additional donations. Continue Reading

Bartram’s Garden has a chance to get awarded $200,000 after it was selected as a finalist for the Philadelphia Foundation’s Key to Community grant. The historic garden and arboretum located at 5400 Lindbergh Blvd. in Southwest Philadelphia is competing in the Community & Civic Engagement Category with their project titled “Reclaiming Local History and Championing an Inclusive Future in Southwest Philly.”

The grant will be used to directly support the neighborhood residents within the following initiatives:  Continue Reading

During the school year, thousands of students in Philadelphia benefit from access to free and reduced price breakfast and lunch. But during the summer many struggle to get access to healthy meals.

This a reminder that the USDA provides free meals to children, teens, and students with disabilities in Philadelphia during summer months. This food is accessible at hundreds of summer meals sites throughout the city, including recreation centers, parks, churches, and neighborhood blocks. Summer meals sites provide free meals and snacks to kids and teens age 18 and under.  Continue Reading

Mariposa Food Coop is currently accepting applications for their 2019-2020 Round-up for Change cycle. Through the program, Mariposa’s members and shoppers “round-up” their purchases to the nearest dollar and the extra change is then donated to Philly organizations, groups, and/or causes.

The first recipient will be selected for September 2019 and the cycle will run until August 2020.

Local organizations whose missions or objectives carry out one of the following will be considered:  Continue Reading

Are you good at chess and like working with kids? Here’s a great volunteer opportunity. The Walnut St. West Library children’s chess club is looking for volunteer chess coaches for the upcoming school year (September 2019 – May 2020). The club meets Wednesdays 5:30-7 p.m. at the library located at 40th and Walnut Streets.

The club is looking for volunteers to teach and supervise children ages 6-14 who are learning chess. Their skill levels vary from beginner to quite proficient. Coaches will not get to play much themselves but will enjoy helping the children improve their skills.

The Chess Club won the first place in the 2017 MasterMinds Scholastic Summer Chess League Championship.

If you are interested to volunteer on a regular basis – once a month or more – please contact Mary Goldman at: marylgoldman@gmail.com