West Philadelphia: Libraries “Plant A Seed” That Brings Success And Literacy For West Philly Children
Out of the 339 schools within the Philadelphia School District, only eight have full-time paid certified librarians. Louis Lozzi, a Philadelphia native and teacher said that the lack of library funding in the school system has been an issue since he began his teaching career 15 years ago. “I’m used to being in schools without […]
Spruce Hill: Greensgrow Urban Farm Talks Food Insecurity And Community
Greensgrow Farm was created to bring fresh, locally-grown produce to Philadelphia. Today, two locations and mobile markets (in Fishtown and West Philadelphia) provide fruits, vegetables, flowers and a sense of community across the city. The urban farm located at 5123 Baltimore Ave. seeks to raise awareness of the necessity of wholesome agricultural practices, as well […]
Walnut Hill: Community Rebuilds Park From The Ground Up
Community members in Walnut Hill gathered in a collaborative effort with the Wells Fargo Regional Foundation and the Enterprise Center to rebuild the Walnut Hill Park creating a safe and relaxing space for children and families. An ongoing project since 2007, Walnut Hill Community Association and the Enterprise Center Partnerships Manager Lorna Peterson, went […]
Spruce Hill: Uhuru’s Flea Market Coordinator Inspires Young Africans To Make Change
Tiffany Murphy, a native of West Philadelphia, fell in love with community organization and civic engagement during her childhood. Years later, she is now the coordinator for the Uhuru Flea Market and the upcoming One Africa, One Nation Uhuru Book Fair Market that institutionalizes and develops programs to defend the human and civil rights of people […]
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 […]
Spruce Hill and Cedar Park: Five Local Businesses to Visit
In the Spruce Hill and Cedar Park sections of Philadelphia there are many companies tucked away within pockets of Baltimore Avenue. Whether you are looking for jewelry, clothing, books, games or food, there is a place for anyone’s needs or interests. Take a stroll along along the streets of these neighborhoods and make a stop at one […]
Spruce Hill: New Muay Thai Kickboxing Academy Seeks to Empower the Community
Amateur Muay Thai fighters and partners Kate Allen and Charlie Cottone envisioned a Muay Thai kickboxing gym where people from all walks of life are welcomed without discrimination or intimidation of fear. On March 2, that vision turned into reality when they opened 8 Limbs Muay Thai Academy. The translation for Muay Thai is “the […]
Spruce Hill: Carol Jenkins Is Running for City Commissioner in the Primary Elections
The primary elections in Philadelphia are less than two months away. Spruce Hill’s Carol Jenkins filed 2,673 signatures and 85 petitions to have her name placed on the ballot for the May 19 election as a Democratic candidate for City Commissioner. With that momentum, Jenkins is focusing her efforts on campaigning full-time. “It’s an extremely important […]
Spruce Hill: Frank Chance Says Friends of Clark Park are Looking for Funding for Park Projects
Frank Chance (above) is secretary of Friends of Clark Park, a nonprofit corporation and volunteer organization that helps improve and maintain Clark Park in the Spruce Hill section of West Philadelphia. Chance previously served as the president of the organization from 2007 to 2009. Why did you join Friends of Clark Park? We live about a […]
Spruce Hill: Artist Applies Henna Skills to Raise Money for Charities
Spruce Hill resident Christina Madeha has been using her steady hand and passion for henna to help raise money for different charities. Since starting her business Alhuda Henna Fashions in 2009, Madeha has donated her time to help raise money for several well-known and local charity organizations. “I had initially heard about henna when I saw […]