Despite the two stop signs, vehicles routinely blow through the intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Springfield Avenue.

A cyclist was reportedly seriously injured last night when she collided with a car at the corner of Baltimore Avenue and Springfield Avenue, a notorious intersection that includes heavy pedestrian and bike traffic and where cars often don’t stop.

The accident happened at about 11 p.m. and the cyclist was wearing a helmet and her bike had lights, one witness said. The cyclist appeared to be unconscious when the ambulance arrived. A witness also said that a pedestrian stopped the car that hit the cyclist.

A reader, Kelly, who lives on Baltimore wrote to us about the accident and included a warning to pedestrians to stay alert near the intersection. We are trying to get more information on the woman’s condition.

Kelly writes:

“In the last month 3 separate bicyclists have been hit at this intersection. I don’t know the young person that was hit and I hope she is okay but it was not a pretty site. Thankfully a pedestrian saw her get hit and stopped the car. My partner and I were home and heard the accident happen and while she called 911 I ran out to see if I could help. Needless to say this intersection is horrible and I make it a point to never cross there unless absolutely necessary. Basically I would love the message to get out to those crossing at that intersection to please be aware of the cars that neither look, slow down, or care if you are walking/biking and if you can avoid crossing there do it. It would be amazing if we could do away with the intersection all together making those cars turn on 45th at the light and making them slow down, stop, and consider the others that occupy the roads/crosswalks.”

The Philadelphia Mobile Food Association is teaming up with Philabundance in an effort to make holidays brighter for those who can’t afford food.  PMFA is organizing a canned food drive this month and will be accepting non-perishable food donations until December 23. You can drop off your donation at any PMFA food truck (see the list of participating West Philly trucks below). The project launched last Saturday during the PMFA Holiday Round Up. Next time you visit your favorite truck remember to bring some canned goods for your fellow man.

Doll by Jessie Schwarz.

University City Arts League is holding its annual Holiday Craft Show and Sale from December 7 to 21 and inviting everyone to the opening reception this Saturday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. (members-only opening reception is on Friday, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.). Over 50 artists will present their work at this year’s show, including ceramics, dolls, drawings, felted animals, hand woven bags, glass, illustrations, jewelry, note cards, paintings, prints, purses, scarves, table linens, wallets and more!

The show hours are:

Monday – Friday, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, noon – 6:00 p.m.

For more information, visit www.ucartsleague.org.

Many kids in the Philadelphia area will be cold this winter because their families can’t afford heat or warm clothes. To help local children stay warm, neighbor Jeannette Bennicelli is organizing a winter coat drive for Cradles to Crayons, a local non-profit that provides children living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need. If you have new or used winter clothing or coats for children aged infant through 17 years old that you would like to donate, please email Jeannette at: jbennice2@gmail.com to arrange the donations.

UPDATE: Jeannette sends many thanks to all those who responded to this post and donated coats and says that she welcomes more donations (deadline is Monday, Dec. 17).

Jerome Brooks

A 45-year-old man from Elmira, New York was arrested on murder charges early this morning in the connection with the fatal hit-and-run accident near 48th and Chester on Monday night.

Jerome Brooks was arraigned early this morning on charges that include murder, vehicular homicide and driving under the influence, according to court documents. Brooks was allegedly driving the silver SUV that struck local resident 52-year-old Deanna Teal as she crossed Chester Avenue at 48th Street. Police say that the SUV was traveling at a high speed before striking Teal and did not slow down or stop after the crash.

Teal, who left behind a daughter and six grandchildren, died at the scene. Police found the vehicle several blocks away within a couple of hours of the crash.

A preliminary hearing for Brooks has been scheduled for December 26.

Penn Museum (3260 South St.) is celebrating the 125th anniversary of their founding on Thursday, Dec. 6 with a 12-hour free Community Open House. The Open House runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., with opportunities for behind the scenes tours, talks, informal meetings with the museum curators and collections staff, and more.

Full details of tomorrow’s activities are available here. And here‘s a story about Penn Museum in today’s The New York Times.