Patty Bulack, an activist behind one of the town watch groups in the area, graciously allowed us to republish the message she sent to her group email list. The message is regarding a series of robberies which took place near 47th and Baltimore in the past month, the latest one occurring on Wednesday, Jan. 4. We reported on two of these incidents here.

“There appears to be targeting of those coming off/waiting for trolleys, and those walking past trolley stops… This fits what happened to Stephen Fisher when he walked past the trolley stop at 46th and Baltimore, where the two assailants were standing as if waiting for a trolley. The two incidents recently at 47th and Baltimore also fit this scenario…. In all cases, including the recent one on the 900 block of Farragut near Mood Cafe, two robbers were involved.”

And here’s what Patty advises to do:

“Be extra observant at trolley stops, especially after dark. If someone’s behavior, manner, dress (especially if there are two together) makes you uncomfortable, don’t ignore that feeling. Keep observing to decide if you need to change your plans. Just because they appear to be waiting for a trolley, doesn’t mean you should turn off your inner alert system. But educate that alarm system! Learn what cues let you know when people are socializing, and not threatening, and what would make you uncomfortable (obviously a longer discussion, but wanted to get this out there…)

If you are concerned, take steps to be met at the trolley stop by a friend or neighbor, especially after dark. We can work together on that! …It seems to be a little harder to get the timing right with UCD bike ambassadors but they may be worth a try as well (215-898-WALK).

I am willing to entertain organizing a focused “town watch” at trolley stops (48th, 47th, 46th and Baltimore; 47th, 48th and Chester). At least until someone is arrested who may be responsible for this. Anyone want to do this with me???? How about sitting in cars, or somewhere nearby, or visibly on the corners as teams to deter criminal intentions? For the hours from 5 to 9? Any ideas? What do you think?

In your normal travels, especially if you are a dog walker, be extra observant at those corners – or even intentional about going past them just to see if anyone is acting suspiciously. If you do see something, call 911…”

If you want to reach Patty, email her at: pbulack[at]gmail.com

If you have been thinking of joining YMCA but couldn’t afford their joining fees, here’s a great opportunity for you. The YMCA West Philadelphia branch (5120 Chestnut Street) is offering 50% off their joiner fee this month. This means that joining fees through January 31 are:

– For an individual ages 18 and older – $37.50 (regular fee is $75)
– For a family of two adults and children – $56 (regular fee is $112)
– For a family with a single parent – $47 (regular fee is $94).

For information on the programs at YMCA-West Philly visit their home page. To join, stop by the Y or call: 215-476-2700.

BiUnity is holding its annual chocolate-themed bake sale, Death Bi Chocolate, on Sunday (Jan. 8) from 3 to 6 p.m. at the A-Space Gallery (4722 Baltimore Ave). The event is open to the public. Large and small quantities of chocolate will be put up for sale or auctioned off to the highest bidder.

BiUnity is Philadelphia’s support and social network for bisexuals, their family and friends. This fundraiser allows BiUnity members to participate at the three annual pride events in Philadelphia: Outfest, Equality Forum’s Sunday Out, and Philly Pride.

Update: The Blue Ribbon Commission on Catholic Education announced today that West Philadelphia Catholic High School is on the Archdiocese closing list. According to the commission’s website, the school enrollment is currently less than half of enrollment fifteen years ago, with the rate of decline accelerating in the past three years, and only 28% of the school is being utilized. “With an enrollment now below 400, it is difficult for the school to offer a diverse academic program and maintain extracurricular programs,” the website reports.

The following schools are presented as nearby welcoming schools: Neumann Goretti High School (Co-ed), 1736 S. 10th St. (5 miles from West Catholic), John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School, 311 North 19th St. (2.8 miles from West Catholic), Bishop McDevitt High School (Co-ed), 125 Royal Ave, Wyncote, PA (12.1 miles from West Catholic), and Roman Catholic Boys’ High School, 301 North Broad St. (3.1 miles from West Catholic).

The decision on whether West Philadelphia Catholic High School is on the closing list, along with some other Catholic schools in the Philadelphia area, will be was announced today at 4 p.m. The announcement will be was streamed live on the Archdiocese website.

Catholic school administrators were summoned this morning to receive the news of recommended school closings. Schools with declining enrollments are in danger of closing. The enrollment at West Catholic has fallen down to 360 from 817 in 2001.

We got a word from a reader that one of Desi Village‘s family members, Rashed, is hosting a marrow donor drive this Sunday, Jan. 8, from 1 – 3 p.m. to try to find a match for his 4-year-old son Raqib. In May 2011 Raqib was diagnosed with life threatening HLH (hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis), the only cure for which is a marrow transplant. Unfortunately, the national marrow registry doesn’t have a match for him so he needs your help. Please join the drive and be tested to find a match for Raqib. The test is just a swab.

The drive will take place in Upper Darby, at the American Legion Post #214, 6914 Chestnut St.

Here you can find more information on the National Marrow Registry.

We haven’t featured cats available for adoption for a couple of weeks, so this week we are presenting two of them.

Howard ended up in animal control when his owner surrendered him. He was 18 lbs at intake, but after two months in the stressful shelter environment, he lost 4 pounds, more than 20% of his body weight! Once he was in a comfortable foster environment, Howie’s appetite came back, and he looks great! He loves to be around people and wants to follow his foster mom everywhere. He is a little nervous around new kitties, but never aggressive – he just needs some time to adjust to them. Howard loves to curl up next to his people and purr, and purr and purr. If you sit down with him for a minute, Howie will rub against you, flop down, and roll over for pets. He is such a sweet guy! Howard would prefer a home without a dog, but he should do really well with kids, given his gentle nature. Please give this big boy the forever home he deserves!

Howard is about three-five years old, neutered, FIV/FeLV negative, FVRCP and rabies vaccinated, tested/treated for fleas/parasites as needed, and uses the litterbox.

Jenni was rescued form a junkyard along with her rambunctious kittens during an early snowstorm. She will start to purr just by talking to her. When you actually pet her, look out! She is a true lap cat. She loves to get on laps and be petted and just purr away. Jenni doesn’t really play with other cats, but she does like to play with toys, preferably ones with bells, whistles, rattles, etc. She isn’t a fan of loud noises or boisterous households, so she would do well in a quiet home by herself or with another laid back kitty.

Jenni is one-two years old, spayed/neutered, FIV/FeLV negative, FVRCP and rabies vaccinated, uses the litterbox, and was treated for fleas and parasites as needed.

Both cats are available for adoption through City Kitties. If you have questions about either one of them or want to meet them, please visit this page for more information.