Fall officially began today, and it’s probably the best time of year to visit the Woodlands Cemetery and Mansion at 40th and Woodland. The Woodlands has again prepared an exciting program of events for those who want to celebrate this season on the historic grounds, including events for the whole family and runners. Check out the list below. For more information, visit: woodlandsphila.org.

HollyWoodlands: Arsenic & Old Lace
Frank Capra, US, 1944, 118 min., b/w
Friday, Oct. 4
Doors Open at 6:00 p.m.
Film Starts at 7:00 p.m.
Free. Please RSVP here.

Fall Tree Tour: Hidden Gems & Old Favorites
Saturday, Oct. 5
9:00 a.m.
$10; Free for members. Register here.  Continue Reading

The School District’s 11th annual back-to-school event will be held on Thursday, August 22, at the High School of the Future (4021 Parkside Ave.) from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The first 8,000 students attending this event will receive free book bags filled with school supplies.

Over 100 vendors will be on-site providing information, student enrollment services and social service resources. The event will also offer free haircuts, children’s eye glass testing, and dental services. There will also be free educational workshops, and a fun Kids Zone.

West Philly neighborhood greening non-profit, UC Green, is hosting two events at Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore) this week.

On Friday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., children ages 6-14 and their parents/caregivers are invited to the park for a Field Day filled with various activities centered around trees and healthy greening. Attendees will also receive giveaways, such as biodegradable toothbrushes. Children can make leaf IDs for different plants, create arts and craft projects, join a scavenger hunt or compete in a relay race. The Field Day aims to provides education on tree culture and environmentalism in a fun and active way.  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

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

Nature Nights, the annual family-friendly event, is returning this week to The Woodlands. The first event in the popular series, Firefly Night, will be held Friday, June 21, to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

The night surely promises to be entertaining: you not only get a chance to spend time at the historic cemetery grounds after dark and watch for fireflies, but you can also enjoy ballet and acrobatic performances.

BalletX will be kicking off the evening at 6:30 p.m., and Tangle Movement Arts will follow them up with a firefly inspired aerial performance around 7:30 p.m. Sweet treats will be served by Lil Pop Shop. Also, don’t forget to pack a picnic and a flashlight!  Continue Reading