Spruce Hill: Musician Gets Personal At West Philly Porchfest
Spenser Colmbs has a bachelor’s degree in advertising and a certificate in neuroscience from Temple University. He has a friendly, honest demeanor that helps make his day job as an insurance agent a little bit easier. Colmbs is also an active musician, performing solo as well as in two Philadelphia-based bands, Three Man Cannon and […]
Kingsessing: West Philly Waste Opens 2017 Season
It was a mild Wednesday night at Kingsessing Park in West Philadelphia when a group of friends and nearby residents gathered to play a game of softball, thus beginning their weekly summer tradition. Ten years ago, a group of punk rock die-hards bonded over the passion that they shared outside of music: baseball. The group […]
Squirrel Hill: Paradise In Progress Contributes To The Urban Farming Movement
Peggy Nowak has a house in West Philadelphia that sits next to the lot her old home used to be situated on. Since being torn down, Nowak reclaimed that land to create her idea of a lavish garden filled with everything from milkweed to fig trees. The garden is called Paradise in Progress and is one of […]
Belmont: Bringing Authentic Jamaican Food to the Heart of West Philly
From a rural area in Manchester Parish, Jamaica to the bustling hustle of Lancaster Avenue in West Philadelphia, the Williams family is well known for making authentic and savory Jamaican cuisine. “We were the family back in Jamaica that would host all of the big block parties and cookouts for all of the neighbors,” said […]
Parks and Recreation: Five Spots in Philly’s Urban Outdoors for Canoodling
Philadelphia is a city with around 10,000 acres of parks and plazas open to the public where the environments are conducive to romance and well, making out. Water Works There are lush gardens surrounding fountains in this historic landmark and gathering place on Kelly Drive adjacent to the Art Museum. Along with being a park adorned with benches, it is also a popular place for […]
Powelton Village: Cooking and Learning at Drexel University’s Dornsife Center
On the first night of June, residents from Powelton Village and Mantua attended a cooking class at Drexel University’s Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, at Dornsife’s Community Wellness Hub. The cooking instruction was led by Alyssa Kalter, an educator for EAT.RIGHT.NOW., the official nutrition education program of the School District of Philadelphia. The program is funded by the […]
West Philadelphia: Five Eclectic Coffee Shops To Fit Your Mood
West Philadelphia is blossoming as a haven for flocks of young professionals and new families who enjoy the duality of pseudo-neighborhood living paired with easy access to Center City. A few blocks west of University City and a few blocks south of Market Street, a hip and eclectic community is materializing and bringing with it […]
Mantua: Neighborhood Bike Works Provides Mobility and Independence
Neighborhood Bike Works’ Summer Camp has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in 1996, now providing both kids and adults practical mechanical skills, development opportunities and the empowerment and ownership of a bicycle. The nonprofit bike education program, located at 3939 Lancaster Ave., is in a unique location in that it sits at the intersection of several distinct neighborhoods […]
Powelton Village: Five Churches Supporting the Community
The Powelton Village section of West Philadelphia is known for housing a unique blend of students, artists and activists but it is also home to a rich tapestry of religious organizations. One three-block stretch of Baring Street in the heart of the neighborhood, for example, is lined with four churches and a religious student center. […]
Powelton Village: Arts Community Leader Passes The Torch After 20 Years Of Service
After 20 years with the Community Education Center in West Philadelphia, Theresa Shockley is ready to hand over the reins as Executive Director. Prior to Shockley’s time at CEC, she was a student at the Ohio State University Dance Department. After college, Shockley became a founding member of the Urban Bush Women dance company, touring around the country […]