Artists from the 40th Street Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program have invited 11 West Philadelphia-based artists to show their work at the program’s annual exhibition Friends and Neighbors. The show opening reception is tomorrow, Jan. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the 4007 Chestnut Street gallery (1st floor). Apart from seeing the exhibition’s dynamic and diverse artwork there will be an opportunity to meet the participating artists and talk with the 2011-2012 40st AIR residents. The talk is scheduled for 7 p.m. See the flyer below for more information on featured artists. Here‘s the event’s Facebook Page.

West Philadelphian Jazmin Idakaar has come up with a wonderful idea for neighbors to get together and help people. She’s about to start Sweet Charity Sundays – a weekly meet-up for people who want to knit, crochet, sew or do other fiber arts for those in need.

The group will meet every Sunday afternoon, from 2 – 5 p.m. at the A-Space Community Center (4722 Baltimore Ave). The first meeting is this Sunday, January 15.

The first goal for the group is to make hats and scarves for local shelters. Jazmin says that The People’s Emergency Shelter agreed to accept handmade items made by the group. As the group grows, there are plans to reach out to other local homeless shelters.

Light refreshments will be provided and please bring a snack to share. A modest donation is requested and will go to the A-Space. There will also be yarn available for purchase at a discount to help raise money for more yarn & supplies.

If you want to join the group please visit their website or Facebook page. Have questions? Please email Jazmin at: jazmin.idakaar[at]gmail.com

BiUnity is holding its annual chocolate-themed bake sale, Death Bi Chocolate, on Sunday (Jan. 8) from 3 to 6 p.m. at the A-Space Gallery (4722 Baltimore Ave). The event is open to the public. Large and small quantities of chocolate will be put up for sale or auctioned off to the highest bidder.

BiUnity is Philadelphia’s support and social network for bisexuals, their family and friends. This fundraiser allows BiUnity members to participate at the three annual pride events in Philadelphia: Outfest, Equality Forum’s Sunday Out, and Philly Pride.

Folks of any age or gender are invited to a free knitting and crocheting class this Saturday, Jan. 7, 2:30-4:00 p.m. at the A-Space Gallery (4722 Baltimore Ave). Long-term West Philly resident and activist Katie Krauss will teach you how to knit or crochet (it’s your choice) a variety of things, such as arm warmers for winter biking, baby hats and more.

Katie will also bring a list of resources so that you can easily continue your project and will discuss thrifty ways to get fancy yarn. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to kate[at]aidspolicyproject.org and let her know whether you own knitting needles or a crochet hook or need them. If you have a choice, bring the biggest ones you have (small ones will work too).

Yarn and snacks will be provided. A contribution to the A-space of a few dollars is appreciated but not mandatory. If you already know how to do needlework and just want to hang out and work on a project, you are also welcome.

Anyone interested in starting or joining a town watch group on their block or neighborhood is invited to a meeting on Thursday, Jan. 5 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Renewal Presbyterian Church which is on the corner of 47th and Cedar.

The meeting will include a discussion with Tara Smith from Town Watch. The meeting is specifically aimed at a group forming from St. Bernard to 47th, Kingsessing to Baltimore. But anyone interested in starting a group of their own will find the meeting useful.

If you are interested in attending, contact Patty Bulack at pbulack[at]gmail.com so she can get a rough head count.

Here’s a sampling of New Year’s Eve parties, concerts and special events taking place in the neighborhood. If you know of other events please drop them in the comments.

• New Year’s Eve with Philly Bloco • World Cafe Live • 3025 Walnut Street • 10:30 p.m. (doors 9:30 p.m.) • Tickets: $30

Philly Bloco’s 20+ members bring their raucous mash-up of Samba, Funk and Reggae for a very special New Year’s Eve dance party.

• New Year’s Eve Yoga and Mochi • Studio 34 • 4522 Baltimore Ave. • 8 – 10 p.m. • Suggested donation $5 – $15

Wring out your body before you ring in the New Year with this special 2-hour all-levels hatha yoga practice. Class includes brief meditation, pranayama (breathing), seated and standing poses, plus special sequences for reflecting on the past year while looking forward to the future. After practice, enjoy hot tea and mochi (sweet Japanese rice cakes) in the warmth of Studio 34′s community lounge.

• Beth Hart – New Year’s Eve concert • The Blockley • 38th & Chestnut • 7 p.m. (doors 5 p.m.) • Tickets: $135

The concert includes: Admission to Show; Dinner Buffet – 7 – 9 p.m.; Top Shelf Open Bar – 7 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Beth’s new CD with Joe Bonamassa, “Don’t Explain”; Beth Hart event shirt; Midnight Champagne Toast.

• Gojjo (www.gojjos.com) • 4540 Baltimore Ave • 11 p.m.-2 a.m. • No cover

Champagne is on the house.

• New Deck Tavern (www.newdecktavern.com) • 3408 Sansom Street • 10 p.m. • No cover

Specials: $2 Coors Light Pints, $3 Coors Light bottles and $5 Flavored Martini’s. DJ starts at 10 p.m.

• Slainte Pub (www.slaintephilly.com) • 3000 Market Street • 10 p.m. • No cover

DJ @ 10 p.m. Free Flare & Noisemakers. $2 Miller Lite Pints & Firework Shots 10 p.m.-close.