As always, we’re sharing information on the upcoming Kindergarten open houses at assorted West Philly schools. The list has been compiled by the West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools.

A. D. Harrington School
5300-34 Baltimore Ave., 19143
(215) 471 – 2914
www.philasd.org/schools/harrington
Open House: Call for date and time

Alain Locke School
4550 Haverford Ave., 19139
(215) 823 – 8202
http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/schools/l/locke
Open House: Tuesday, May 13. Starts at 9:30 a.m.

B. B. Comegys School
5100 Greenway Ave., 19143
(215) 727 – 2162
Open House: Call for date and time

Henry C. Lea School
4700 Locust St., 19139
(215) 471 – 2915
http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/schools/l/lea
Open House: Thursday, May 15, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Martha Washington Academics
766 N. 44th St., 19104
(215) 823 – 8203
www.philasd.org/schools/marthawashington
Open House: Tuesday, May 13. Starts at 4:00 p.m.

Morton McMichael School
3543 Fairmount Ave., 19104
(215) 823-8272
http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/schools/m/mcmichael
Open House: Call for date and time

Penn Alexander School
4209 Spruce St., 19104
(215) 823 – 5465
www.philasd.org/schools/pennalexander
Open House: Tuesday, May 13, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Samuel B. Huey School
5200 Pine St., 19143
(215) 471 – 2901
Open House: Tuesday, May 13, 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Samuel Powel School
301 N. 36th St., 19104
(215) 823 – 8201
www.philasd.org/schools/powel
Open House: Friday, May 16, 8:30-9:30 a.m.

Here’s some exciting news: Clark Park is hosting two big events in May – the annual Spruce Hill’s May Fair on Saturday, May 11 and Clark Park Party on May 18. Both events will be packed with fun activities for adults and children alike, music, food and vendors. We’ll let you know more about the details a little later, but for now here are a couple important messages from the event organizers.

Vendors at Spruce Hill May Fair. (Archive photo)

Mark Wagenveld of the Spruce Hill Community Association, who coordinates vendors at the May Fair, sent a note that there are still some slots available for vendors. Especially welcome are artists and crafts persons from West Philadelphia who are making unusual things. Also, groups that want to promote their cause, and businesses, especially unusual start-ups. Tables are $35 for those selling, $25 for non-profits. SHCA provides a table and chair for the day. The fair will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Interested persons or businesses should e-mail Mark by May 1 at: ma.wa@verizon.net

Michael Munson of The Thrive Fitness and Wellness, who’s in charge of field day events this year during the Clark Park Party, is seeking volunteers for the following  events and activities:  the 3 legged race, potato sack races, some fun fitness games, exercises and much more including face painting. Ideas and suggestions are welcome, too. If anyone has kids who would like to join in the fun (young or old) please let Michael know. Also needed: face paint, potato sacks, a rope for tug-o- war and maybe more. If you would like to volunteer, donate or for more information, please email Michael at: thrivefitnessandwellness@gmail.com

Mayor Michael Nutter and Spruce Hill Community Association President Mark Wagenveld. (Photos by Mike Lyons)

Folks gathered for the Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA) board meeting last night got a surprise when Mayor Michael Nutter stopped by for an impromptu appearance. Nutter aide Erica Atwood, a neighborhood resident, helped arrange the visit.

Nutter spent about 10 minutes talking to SHCA board members and visitors at its 45th street headquarters about general city issues, such as the budget. Nothing groundbreaking.

Nutter lauded SHCA board members for their civic engagement efforts. “Keep up the good work,” he said before leaving.

As for the SHCA meeting itself, the board:

• Discussed a proposed study of the SEPTA trolley portal at 40th Street between Woodland Avenue and Baltimore Avenue as a “gateway to University City.” The University City District plans to fund a study of the area around the unnel entrance that would improve the area aesthetically as well as add more green space.

• Was informed that restaurant along Baltimore Avenue were hoping to convince the city to allow them to apply as a single entity for permits to allow outdoor cafe seating. Currently the city requires every business to file an application, a fairly arduous process. The Baltimore Avenue Business Association plans to hold a meeting soon to gauge neighborhood support for the plan to apply for the permits as a group. These permits do not apply to businesses that serve alcohol outside.

Spring is here and it’s time to think about what plants you want for your porch, yard, or garden. Check out these plant sale events in West and Southwest Philly and shop for flowers, veggies, herbs, berries and other plants locally this spring.

The University City Garden Club has kicked off their annual Spring Plant Sale. Orders can be made online through April 15, with pick-ups scheduled for Saturday, May 4. Also, UC Garden Club members will be selling plants at the Spruce Hill May Fair in Clark Park on Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit: https://ucgcshop.square.site.

Bartram’s Garden is hosting the annual Spring Fest on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Fest will feature Bartram’s plant nursery’s seasonal kick-off and sale, where guests can shop for partial-full sun plants and shade plants including veggies and herbs, and pollinator plants. For more details, visit https://www.bartramsgarden.org. You can also shop for plants online. The online sale is expected to kick off later this month.

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University City Garden Club plants are available for sale.

Spring is here and the time to shop for outdoor plants, herbs and veggie starters has begun.

This year, there are not as many options to buy outdoor plants in the West Philly area, after Greensgrow closing. But many spring plant sale events have been scheduled in the area this and next month. Here are some spots where you can buy plants and also participate in workshops, tours, and other activities.

• The University City Garden Club Spring Plant Sale is taking place online through April 19, with an order pick-up event scheduled for May 6 at 517 Woodland Terrace. This is a great opportunity for University City residents to shop for plants. To shop for plants, click here. UCGC members will also be at the May Fair at Clark Park (43rd and Chester) on May 13 with more items for sale and some fun plant related activities from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. In addition, UCGC will host a Mother’s Day Pop-up Plant Sale on Sunday, May 14, 12 – 6 p.m., at 519 Woodland Terrace near 40th and Woodland. For more information, visit: https://ucgcshop.square.site/. Continue Reading

Shakespeare in Clark Park

Friends of Clark Park (FCP), the non-profit organization that manages one of West Philly’s most popular public spaces, is already planning for the next year and currently seeking community input. FCP wants to know how and how often you use the park and whether you attend any events there among other things. Does the park need changes or improvements?

Clark Park hosts numerous events and sports activities throughout the year, such as Saturday Farmers Market, Uhuru Flea Market, Spruce Hill May Fair, Shakespeare in Clark Park, Youth Soccer League, Movies in Clark Park, Party in the Park, Woodland Avenue Reunion, and more. In recent years, even more events have launched at the park, such as cinéSPEAK’s outdoor independent film festival, Under the Stars at Clark Park.

Community members are invited to complete a short online survey (click here). The results of the survey will help the Friends of Clark Park to plan how to best utilize the park the space in the upcoming year.