This Friday, Dec. 23, at 7:30 p.m. a benefit performance of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” will take place at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (3916 Locust Walk). All proceeds will go to support the church community programs. Curio Theatre‘s Artistic Associate Jared Reed is featured in this performance. Suggested donation is $10 (free for children aged 5 – 12). After the show everyone is invited for a reception. For more information call 215-386-3916.

It was a familiar scene to many in West Philly. “Honest” Tom McCusker behind the counter asking for names and taking orders. But this time he was at eye level – not in his famous truck, but at his new shop at 261 S. 44th (between Spruce and Locust).

Honest Tom’s Taco Shop (Facebook link) opened for business this morning and with any luck, McCusker said, they will be open until 9 p.m. or so tonight. Honest Tom’s will be open seven days a week 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Like the truck, the shop is cash only.

Come back in a few days for a review, but we pretty much know how this one will turn out.

The Philadelphia 76ers will host a free open scrimmage later today at the Palestra (220 S. 32nd St.). Tickets are free and will be available at the gates. The first 1,500 people in get a free Sixers t-shirt. Coach Doug Collins will wear a wireless mic during the game and spectators will be able to hear his comments to the team. The doors open at 5 p.m. and the scrimmage runs 6-8 p.m.

Two people, including a police officer, were hospitalized after a three-vehicle accident early Sunday morning near 49th and Baltimore.

CBS Philly is reporting that a police cruiser collided with two parked cars. A 26-year-old passenger in one car, a late-model BMW that remained at the scene this morning, was hospitalized along with an 18th District officer. Both were listed in stable condition this morning. The police car hit the BMW from rear as it was parked on the north side of Baltimore Avenue, pushing it into another vehicle.

Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.

We got a word from the Roost owners and now can confirm the rumors that have been swirling around for a few days that the take out/delivery chicken and biscuit shop at 45th and Springfield has closed – for now. According to Annie Baum-Stein, who along with her partner also owns Milk & Honey Market, the shop closed for some housekeeping on Monday, Dec. 12. They are working on its re-opening in early 2012 but it may be at a different location, hopefully with seating and curb appeal.

The Roost location at 4529 Springfield will continue to function as Milk & Honey’s kitchen and offices. Milk & Honey will be going strong. If you are dying for a biscuit that you were able to get with your Roost chicken order, they are available with orders of soup at Milk & Honey while supplies last. Also, look for Milk & Honey Catering in early 2012.

This holiday season Milk & Honey is offering a lot of nice gifts, including Urban Apiaries gift boxes. For more information visit our Buy Local for the Holidays page.