Here’s some exciting news from Philly Homebrew Outlet (PHO). The local shop, which has locations in Kensington and West Philly, has recently expanded to New Jersey, where they have also started offering free classes on Thursdays. But that’s not all. Now their classes have their own Facebook event pages with more information instead of general posts on their Facebook/Twitter pages. As of now events will be published a week prior to the event date.

Philly Homebrew Outlet will continue to have all classes listed on their website calendar. You can check it out here. This month at PHO West, located at 1314 S. 47th St., you can learn Beer Brewing 101 and how to make ginger beer, mead, kombucha champagne, soap and more.  Continue Reading

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is on Monday, Jan. 15. Here’s a list of events and Day of Service opportunities for local residents. Visit mlkdayofservice.org/volunteer for more volunteer opportunities in Philadelphia.

• MLK Events at Penn

Penn’s MLK Day of Service activities begin with a breakfast for volunteers, and includes a college fair, sprucing up various locations around West Philadelphia, recording audio books to promote literacy and more. It concludes with a candlelight vigil. More details can be found here.

The Day of Service kicks off Penn’s Annual MLK Symposium for Social Change, two weeks worth of events and activities (from panel discussions to film screenings to performances and lectures) that are centered around social justice. For more information, go here.  Continue Reading

Check out New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day events and other useful information below. Before heading out the door please make sure to dress warm since it will be extremely cold outside. Happy New Year!

Sunday, Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Fireworks

You can ring in 2018 twice during SugarHouse Casino’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks on the Delaware River Waterfront. There will be two free fireworks shows along the Delaware River – at 6 p.m. and midnight. For more information, go to: www.visitphilly.com/events/philadelphia/new-years-eve-fireworks.

Monday, Jan. 1

2018 Mummers Parade

Philadelphia’s New Year’s Day tradition lives on! Mummers Officials and the city decided that the 2018 Mummers Parade will be held as scheduled on New Year’s Day despite the frigid temperatures. The city is planning to have heating tents and warm buses along the route for the Mummers. The parade kicks off at 9 a.m. at City Hall and will end sometime before 6 p.m. at Broad St. and Washington Ave.  Continue Reading

Here’s a great way to celebrate the longest night of the year. The Woodlands (40th and Woodland) will be hosting a special Winter Solstice bird walk on Thursday, Dec. 21, from 4 – 6 p.m.:

“Celebrate the Winter Solstice by exploring The Woodlands with Toribird, our resident birding expert! Toribird will lead a candlelit bird walk from 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Then enjoy Center Circle after dark and create bird themed crafts by our firepits. Seasonal treats, music, and activities will take place until 6:00 p.m.”

Sounds like fun. More information can be found at woodlandsphila.org.

This holiday season, some West Philly-based community organizations and churches make sure that children from low-income communities have a chance to celebrate and receive gifts.

The Walnut Hill Community Association (WHCA), in partnership with The Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation (TEC-CDC) and other organizations and businesses will host the 4th annual Walnut Hill Holiday Extravaganza on Tuesday afternoon, 3-5 p.m.. This holiday event is held at the Max Paul Park (4610 Market St.), and this year, over 300 neighborhood children are expected to attend.

Walnut Hill families, neighbors and friends have also been invited. A beautifully decorated 10ft Christmas tree will stand tall amidst the festivity. There will be carolers, music, lights, photos, life-size gingerbread house, Santa and gifts for everyone.  Continue Reading

Several West Philly businesses, including Siddiq’s Water Ice, Dynamite Pest Control, Royal Mane Boutique and others, have partnered this Thanksgiving holiday to serve a special “Giving Thanks” community dinner on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23. The dinner will be served at Siddiq’s Water Ice location at 264 S. 60th Street (in a heated tent between Locust and Spruce) from noon to 3 p.m. The food is catered by Ol’ Boys Soul Food.

Siddiq Moore has been serving real fruit water ice, ice cream and frozen yogurt near 60th and Irving since July 8, 2017 when he opened his first brick-and-mortar location, but he has been in the business since mid-90’s when he started running a water ice cart at Temple University. After opening in July, Siddiq’s Water Ice (Facebook page) received its own street marker, “Siddiq’s Water Ice Way”, from the city, recognizing Moore’s efforts to revitalize 60th Street Corridor.