West Philly is home to some talented folks. Check out this amazing, albeit not finished, snow sculpture created by neighbor Theresa Feo of the 900 block of S. 48th street, according to West Philly Local reader reports. Great work, Theresa!

There will be a regular trash collection today, despite the fact that today is a federal holiday, according to the Philadelphia Streets Department. Residents whose regular trash pick-up day is Monday are asked to set trash and recycling at the curb today. Please note that there will be no rear driveway collections this week.

Trash and recycling pick-up was suspended Thursday and Friday due to the snow emergency.

Many Spruce Hill residents know Richard Guffanti, a retired teacher and community organizer who lives near 45th and Spruce. Richard is always ready to help his neighbors with various problems and is also keeping an eye on his block.

This thank you note and photo came from our reader Veronica:

“This is Rich Guffanti, shoveling the pedestrian walkway on 45th and Spruce – an area he isn’t even responsible for as a homeowner! He was just doing it so that people can get through safely. I was catching the bus on 45th and Spruce and saw him being a great neighbor. Thank you, Rich.”

UPDATE (2/15/2014): Many residents around 48th and Warrington are without water this morning, as the broken main has been shut off and water department crews are at the site trying to repair it. The repairs may take several hours and the water service is expected to be restored by this evening, according to PWD.

(2/14/2014, 10:43 p.m.): West Philly Local readers reported a water main break at 48th and Warrington, shortly after 10 p.m. A sinkhole has also formed in the middle of the street (see photos below). The police currently have the road blocked at 48th Street. The water to the neighboring blocks will likely be shut off shortly, according to the officers on site. Photos by Tom Gaeta.

The Philadelphia School District has announced that all public schools, early childhood and after school programs will be closed Friday, Feb. 14.  The second round of severe weather is expected in the region overnight. Schools were also closed today and will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17 for Presidents Day, the school district confirmed.

Algernong Allen standing in the remains of the Elena’s Soul building. (Archived photo/ courtesy of Algernong Allen)

Sad news for readers waiting on Elena’s Soul’s return: it seems the neo-jazz joint, which was destroyed by a fire in 2012, won’t make a second appearance on the lot of its former home at 4912 Baltimore Avenue—well, at least not for another two years.

That might not be such bad news for green thumbs, though. On Tuesday, Elena’s Soul owner Algernong Allen signed a contract with Greensgrow Farms after two months of talks to bring the urban farming hub to West Philly. As part of the deal, Greensgrow will lease Allen’s lot for two years, operating a multi-tiered site that the Kensington-based farm plans to open April 3. And during those two years, Allen told West Philly Local, he will consider the “feasibility of reconstruction” and redevelopment of the site.

“Realizing the void that Elena’s left both physically and culturally in the neighborhood, I wanted to do something that would be beneficial for a community that has been so kind to my family and I,” Allen, who’s currently running for state representative, told West Philly Local. “The Greensgrow deal not only provides a valuable resource to the urban greening community, but will also add more pedestrian traffic to Baltimore Avenue, attractiveness to the block, and even a few jobs for our local economy.”  Continue Reading