Due to rainy weather in August, some movie screenings in Clark Park were postponed, so this Friday (Sept. 22), the “Movies in Clark” series will return for one last time with a rescheduled screening of Hidden Figures. This Oscar-nominated film tells the story of three brilliant African American women working for NASA who served as the brains behind the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit during the 1960s.

The film screening will begin at 8 p.m., but all are invited to come early to a presentation of a “Life in Space” program by The Franklin Institute staff (starting at 6:15), plus enjoy food and desserts from some local food trucks, such as Humpty’s Dumplings, Pink’s Cold Treats, and more.  Continue Reading

Twice a year, Clark Park Youth Soccer League invites local kids ages 5-11 to participate in the program held at Clark Park. The Fall season starts Sept. 23rd, and while there is no shortage of kids signing up, this low-cost program is still looking for volunteer coaches.

If you like to play soccer, know a little bit about the game, and enjoy running around and having fun with kids, please consider volunteering for this program.

The Fall season continues through mid-November. It takes place on Saturdays, with kids ages 5 to 7 playing from 10:30 a.m. to Noon, and ages 8 to 11 playing from Noon to 1:30 p.m. Volunteer coaches are asked to commit to being there most of the Saturdays through the season. Three or four coaches will be assigned to each team so that you’ll always have backup. Continue Reading

In Philadelphia, thousands of children and youth are eligible for free or reduced price breakfast and lunch during the school year.  The city and the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger are partnering to also offer free meals when school is out. This food is accessible at more than 1,000 sites throughout the City, including recreation centers, parks, churches, and neighborhood blocks.

These sites serve free meals and snacks to children and teens age 18 and younger in Philadelphia, and there are dozens of such places in West Philadelphia. This map shows the currently available sites, and more sites are still being added.

There are no income requirements, ID, or registration needed in qualifying areas. For more information, visit: http://www.hungercoalition.org/summermeals or call 1-855-252-6325.

Tangle Movement Arts will present a firefly-inspired performance this Friday at The Woodlands (Photo by Michael Ermilio).

Nature Nights at The Woodlands is a great summer event for families. This Friday (June 23), the 2017 Nature Nights kick off with a Firefly Night, featuring all-female aerial acrobat group, Tangle Movement Arts, with their firefly-inspired performance.

Everyone is also invited to learn more about fireflies with the Academy of Natural Sciences’ Invertebrate Specialist Karen Verderame. She has worked at the Academy for over 13 years and oversees the live invertebrate collection.

Finally, guests are welcome to treat themselves to local snacks from Lil’ Pop Shop, and take part in fun activities and crafts with University City Arts League.  Continue Reading

Several Easter Egg Hunts will be held in the neighborhood this Saturday and Sunday. If you know of more egg hunts, please email us at: editor@westphillylocal.com or leave a comment below.

Saturday, April 15

• Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Clark Park

43rd and Chester, 11:00 a.m.

Renewal Presbyterian Church will hold its annual Easter Egg Hunt at Clark Park, next to the toddler playground, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ages 1 – 8 are welcome. The event will also include crafts and a raffle basket giveaway, including items from local West Philly businesses. Registration for the Egg Hunt is from 10:45 – 11:15 a.m. For more information, please email: office@renewalchurch.org or call 267.564.5105.

• Friends of Walnut West Library Easter Egg Hunt

Walnut St. West Library (upstairs), 40th and Walnut, 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.

The Friends of Walnut West Library will have two Easter Egg Hunts – at 10:30 a.m. for pre-school children (ages 3 – 5), and at 12:30 p.m. for ages 6 to 12.

Continue Reading

Youth soccer returns to Clark Park this month. Registration has begun for Clark Park Youth Soccer League (CPYSL), a low-cost sports and recreation program of Friends of Clark Park that provides soccer instruction for children ages 5 to 11. The CPYSL spring season will begin on March 25 and will feature 90-minute sessions every Saturday through May 20.

Children are assigned to teams by age:

– Mornings (10:30 a.m.-Noon): ages 5 to 6.5 and ages 6.5 to 7
– Afternoons (Noon-1:30 p.m.): ages 8 to 9 and ages 10 to 11

Deadline for registration is March 20. Online registration is available here. Walk-in registration will be possible on Saturday, March 25, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the University of the Sciences, Rosenberger Hall (43rd and Woodland).  Continue Reading