Made West, the West Philly hub of Made Institute, is relaunching under a new name and offering updated classes and curriculum in a revamped space at 4719 Pine Street.

Community members are invited on Saturday, Aug. 2, from 6 – 9 p.m., to celebrate the relaunch of West Workshop. There will be live music, drinks and sewing class giveaways. This is a great opportunity to network with West Workshop’s community of local creatives, teachers, students, artists and designers.

West Workshop is the sister studio of Made Institute, Philadelphia’s independent fashion design school with over a decade of experience. It creates accessible and inclusive sewing classes and workshops. With a deep appreciation for West Philly, the director, Thomas Rowe of Chrysalis Clothing, has been creating garments for local West Philly craft shows and fairs selling upcycled clothing and connecting with the local community since 2022.

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On Sunday, Aug. 3, the Black Bottom community will host a day of remembrance, celebration, and neighborhood activation to mark the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic 1965 visit to the neighborhood. Themed “Honoring Rev. Dr. King’s Legacy in the Black Bottom—60 Years Later,” the event will center on community engagement, cultural storytelling, and the preservation of neighborhood history.

Planned in partnership with community leaders, institutions, area businesses, and grassroots organizations, this commemorative event will take place at 40th and Haverford and surrounding areas in the Black Bottom. A rich lineup of programming between 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. will include live performances, spoken word, storytelling, wellness services, free classes, food trucks, and a historical guide along Dr. King’s 1965 route through the neighborhood.

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Remote Area Medical (RAM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, high-quality healthcare services to those who face barriers to care, is coming to West Philadelphia to provide a comprehensive dental, vision, and medical clinic at School of the Future located at 4021 Parkside Ave on August 16-17. The clinic will provide medical care to those who might otherwise go without these essential services.

By bringing healthcare directly to those in need, RAM’s free clinics remove the barriers of cost and distance that often prevent people from seeking care. RAM Clinics offer free healthcare services that include general medical exams, women’s health exams, dental cleanings, extractions, eye exams, and prescription glasses made on-site.

No insurance or ID are required; this upcoming clinic in Philadelphia is open to anyone in need. RAM encourages anyone who could benefit from these services to attend and receive the care they deserve.

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It’s hard to believe it but Movies in Clark Park, one of the most popular summer neighborhood events, is turning 10 this year. The event debuted in 2015 and since then has welcomed thousands of neighbors who enjoyed free screenings of family favorites, cult classics, and blockbuster hits under the stars at Clark Park’s “Bowl”.

The event is returning this Friday, Aug. 1 with a special 10th anniversary program featuring popular movies released in 1985, 1995, 2005. and 2015. The event kicks off with a screening of The Goonies (1985). Here’s the full program:

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ACCT Philly is hosting a free pet vaccine clinic and food pantry on Saturday, July 26 in Saunders Park, located at 39th and Powelton. The clinic will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include DHPP & Rabies vaccinations for dogs and FVRCP & Rabies vaccination for cats. Folks can also pick up some food and supplies for their pets.

ACCT is currently recruiting volunteers who can help make this event successful. Some slots have already been filled but many still remain open. ACCT especially needs help filling the following roles:

• Vaccinators (must be trained in administering vaccines)
• Vaccine Assistants (animal restraint support)
• Vaccine Prep (drawing up/preparing vaccines)

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The popular local theatre company, Shakespeare in Clark Park, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and inviting West Philly residents and guests to the park’s “Bowl” July 23-27 for the world premiere of “A Bottom’s Dream,” a “bold and joyful” musical interpretation of the classic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

The new show is a queer pop disco adaptation of the play starring Philly drag icon Lili St. Queer. It also features a Barrymore-studded cast (see below) and a Youth Ensemble of local performers. “A Bottom Dream” features original music blending Chappell Roan, Donna Summer, and Daft Punk vibes.

The adaptation is created by Richard Rodgers Award winner Jay Eddy, a composer, writer, performer, and sound artist, and directed by Shamus. Music direction is by Beatrice Quinn and choreography is by Jessy Gruver.

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