The 2023 Pennsylvania General Election, when Philadelphians will elect a new mayor, is just three weeks away. On Thursday, Oct. 19, from 6-8 p.m., the 27th Ward Democratic Committee (Facebook page) is hosting a meet and greet with mayoral candidate Cherelle Parker at the West Philly restaurant Clarkville, located at 43rd and Baltimore. The event is free and open to the public. Check out the flyer below for more details.

Parker is running against Republican David Oh in the general election on November 7.

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Over the past year, the Friends of Clark Park has been working on a new master plan that will provide the outline for future park development and investments. Next Saturday, they will present the final draft of the plan to the community (the event has been postponed due to rain in the forecast for October 14).

Everyone who is involved with the park in any way and interested in its future, is invited to Clark Park Farmers Market at 43rd and Chester on October 21 to learn more about the plan and provide feedback.

The plan has been developed in collaboration with University City District and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier’s Office. Community members were also actively involved in the plan development process, with several community meetings and online surveys taking place since last year. The final draft of the Master Plan includes revisions made based on prior community feedback.

Clark Park Farmers Market operates from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and you can stop by anytime during these hours. Jamie Gauthier will also be there, according to the Friends report. For some info on why Clark Park needs a master plan and what previous master plans included, click here.

The West Philly Tool Library Fall sale returns Saturday, Oct. 14. It will feature a “ton of cool tools” available for a bargain. Community members are invited to bring friends and family to discover all kinds of tools at low prices. You do not need to be a member to access the sale. Cash, credit card and other forms of payment are accepted.

The sale will kick off at 9 a.m. (see the flyer for more details). In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled (check out the Tool Library’s Facebook page for updates).

The West Philly Tool Library is also offering volunteer opportunities. They’re always looking for local people who love tools, to assist in our various cataloging and repair work as well as supporting fun events like their tool sales. Fill out this form and they will get in touch with you.

And last but not least, the Tool Library has also been offering various workshops for community members. Their next workshop, Electrical 102, which is part of the Tiny Model Home series, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21. There will be two sessions, and registration for both is still open. More info about this and other workshops is available here.

Photo courtesy of Fairmount Park Conservancy.

This month, Fairmount Park Conservancy will host three public tours in West and East Fairmount Park that highlight Philadelphia’s history, including one on Philadelphia’s role in the Underground Railroad. The tours will include hikes and interactive conversations with experts in the neighborhoods’ past.

Walking in William Still’s Steps: Guided Hike and Community Conversation will take place on Saturday, Oct. 7, followed by Discover Strawberry Mansion: Neighborhood and East Park Walking Tour on October 22. The series will conclude on October 28 with Parkside Past, Parkside Present: Neighborhood and Centennial District Walking Tour.

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October is here and we’re happy to share some interesting and spooky events for adults and children alike happening in the neighborhood. Here’s what will go down at the historic Woodlands cemetery and mansion, Penn Museum, Bartram’s Garden, local libraries, and more locations.

The Woodlands (40th and Woodland)

Nature Nights: Raptor Night
Thu, Oct. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Explore The Woodlands after dark and learn about the hawks, owls and other raptors who live there. Meet live birds with Courtney Douds, aka Raptor Jawns, and discover some of the mysteries of the urban wildlife that calls The Woodlands home. This event is free and open to the public but pre-registration is recommended. Click here for more info.

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After taking a break in the spring, the popular West Philly event celebrating local artists and crafters, is set to return this Saturday (Sept. 30). West Craft Fest’s Fall edition will be held at The Woodlands (40th and Woodland) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and feature dozens of vendors offering unique handmade items for sale, such as jewelry, ceramics, art prints, stationery, clothing, candles, soaps, skin care, home wares, baby gifts, and much more. The full vendor list is available here.

The event also features live music performances, food trucks, crafts to make and take, and favorite aerial performances by Tangle Movement Arts.

Here’s the entertainment schedule:

11:30 a.m.: Sing Slavic

1 p.m.: Ash Phillips (solo singer/songwriter/guitarist)

2:30 p.m.: Tangle Movement Arts

4 p.m.: Mad Beatz Philly

The event is free and open to the public. The Woodlands will be accepting donations ($1-$5) at the entrance that will help them host events like this and also maintain the historic grounds open daily all year round.

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