Partnership between Philly Orchestra and KIPP provides instruments to students
In many District and charter schools throughout Philadelphia, art and music programs have disappeared due to budget cuts. But thanks to a new partnership launched between the Philadelphia Orchestra’s School Ensemble Program and KIPP Philadelphia Schools, students in KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School and KIPP West Philadelphia Elementary Academy will have access to the orchestra and its musicians, instruments, and innovative music education programs, all while further engaging them in the arts. Read more.
Cedar Park Neighbors seeking new board members
Do you live in Cedar Park and want to get more involved with the neighborhood? Here’s a great chance. The Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN), the recognized community organization for the Cedar Park neighborhood, is currently seeking new board members to serve the community for the next two years beginning in June 2017. Read more.
Tokens on their way out: SEPTA Key Card expands
Starting Monday, March 13, SEPTA customers can fully transition to paying for their rides with a Key Card (just tap and go!). SEPTA is expanding the Travel Wallet feature to Market-Frankford Line, Broad Street Line and major bus loop fare kiosks, and riders will be able to purchase a Key Card at fair kiosks and load it with money starting on the following dates at the following Market-Frankford Line stations in West Philly. Read more.
Jezabel's Cafe to spin off a shop in West Philadelphia
Jezabel Careaga, chef-owner of the Argentine-influenced Jezabel’s Café at 26th and Pine Streets, plans to branch out to West Philadelphia with a new shop opening this spring.
Jezabel's Studio (208 S. 45th St.) will mix food and retail in its 400 square feet: an area for guests to enjoy teas, including a mate tea that she has created for the shop as well as her signature empanadas and alfajores, the Argentine shortbread cookies that she learned to make back home. Read more.
Kensington Community Food Co-Op Nears Goal to Open $1.9M Fresh Food Store, Bar
A Philadelphia community co-op is nearing its goal as it tries to raise enough money to open a grocery store focused on "fresh" and "local" food at the sight of a former bar.
The Kensington Community Food Co-op extended its "25 in 25" Campaign where mission-driven food distributor The Common Market pledged to match member donations up to $25,000. As of midweek, KCFC had gotten 90 percent to its goal.
This West Philadelphia bike shop is using its profits to serve the local community
Two doors down from the Neighborhood Bike Works office on 39th Street and Lancaster Avenue, the organization recently opened a used bicycle shop.
Neighborhood Bike Works is a West Philadelphia nonprofit that aims to empower youth through cycling initiatives and programming, and all the profits accrued from their bike shop go directly back into the youth programming. Many of their programs are staffed by volunteers, including some Penn and Drexel University students. Read more.