(Editor’s Note: We also like to pass on information about events happening outside of our 6th to Broad, Washington to Tasker borders in  this feature called “From Our Neighbors.” If you know of a cool event happening anywhere in South Philadelphia – 19145, 19146, 19147 or 19148 – send us an email at contact@passyunk.org.)

In conjunction with the Amitayus Kadampa Buddhist Center, the Friends of the Whitman Library present:

Meditation for a Peaceful New Year

Anyone interested in an evening of guided meditation and an introduction to simple yet profound meditation techniques to help make your life more peaceful, enjoyable and happy is encouraged to attend. This event will be held at Whitman Branch (Free Library of Philadelphia) on January 12, 2012 at 6:30 PM.

Free and open to the public. No experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome. Whitman Library, 200 Snyder Avenue. 215-685-1754.

From now until December 16, the City of Philadelphia Department of Streets is providing curbside collection of bagged leaves citywide. During this program, leaves will be collected for composting purposes such as fertilizing gardens and nourishing trees. Only bagged leaf collection will be offered. There will be no mechanical leaf collection. This program is offered to citizens receiving City collection of trash and recycling materials.

• Leaves will only be collected in brown paper biodegradable bags, which can be purchased at most major hardware or home improvement stores. If your leaf collection needs are small, reused brown paper bags from the supermarket are also acceptable. The Streets Department does not provide bags.
• Set leaf bags out next to trash and recyclables on your regular trash day.
• Leaves set out in plastic bags will be collected as trash, not recycling.
• Never mix trash or other recyclable materials with bagged leaves. This contaminates leaves and makes them unfit for recycling and composting purposes.
• Use as many bags as needed, maximum 40 lbs. each.
• No collection will occur on a City holiday.

At the September PSCA General Membership meeting, representatives from Energyworks presented information about their program. EnergyWorks brings together all available rebates, tax credits and low-interest financing for home energy improvements. Through the EnergyWorks Select Partnership neighborhood associations, civic groups, faith-based and community-based organizations can receive group discounts on home energy assessments, and in some cases the contracted work. Neighbors or group members come together and act as a buying group, thus bringing down the price and saving time and energy for everyone.

Since EnergyWorks has over one hundred registered building analysts and contractors, Select Partners get to choose from a preferred list of contractors and analysts that have demonstrated exceptional work, financial stability and who participate in a unique discount purchasing program offered through the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance which allows them to provide additional savings to the homeowner on energy efficiency materials and products.

PSCA has signed up for the EnergyWorks Select Partnership, and we have had a number of households sign up already. Those who would like to register their interest can do so through an online intake form here.

We’ll be contacting a local auditor and service provider to come and meet with all interested parties immediately after the PSCA general membership meeting on October 4th. Please fill out the intake form online or come to the meeting to sign up and save money and energy in your home this winter!