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- The Eastwick Bulletin: Week of October 28th
The Eastwick Bulletin: Week of October 28th
Your weekly update from EFNC, connecting Eastwick residents with local news, resources, and opportunities to take part in community life.
Welcome to this week’s Eastwick Bulletin.
This edition shares a new City resource for preparing together for climate impacts, current access information for John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, a nonpartisan Election Day reminder, a workforce opportunity at the Bellwether District, and a calendar of public activities and notices through November 11. You will also find the Nature in Focus exhibition, the Nature-Based Solutions Open House, Virtual Sound Bath sessions, and the final week of the fall We Walk PHL program at Eastwick Regional Playground.
🌟 Community Input: A New Toolkit for Community Climate Readiness
On October 22, Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability, working with Hinge Collective, launched the Community Climate Resilience Toolkit. Created with input from Philadelphia residents, the online toolkit offers plain-language information, City resources, and free materials that neighbors and community leaders can use to host their own climate-preparedness conversations.
The toolkit addresses extreme heat, flooding, storms, poor air quality, and drought. It also includes practical ideas for helping communities prepare and recover together. We are encouraged that the City is offering a resource designed for resident-led conversations, particularly because Eastwick residents know how important it is to share experience and information before an emergency. This is a citywide resource, not an EFNC program or an Eastwick-specific initiative.
Explore the Community Climate Resilience Toolkit and consider using its materials to start a neighborhood conversation.
⚠️Community Concern: Refuge Access Is Limited During Important Restoration Work
John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge is a vital Eastwick resource for walking, birding, fishing, family programs, and time outdoors. At the same time, several parts of the refuge are currently inaccessible while long-term restoration work proceeds. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says Dike Road and the Wetland Loop Trail are closed from the gate to just before the observation tower. The gravel lot and part of the parking area are also closed, though the observation tower and bathrooms remain open.
The Service also reports that Tinicum Trail and Darby Creek Trail are closed west of the outdoor restrooms to the Route 420 parking lot during the Henderson Marsh Restoration Project. Woodland Loop Trail remains open from the Route 420 lot, while the boat launch is currently inaccessible.
The restoration work is intended to strengthen infrastructure, restore tidal wetlands, improve habitat, and improve long-term access. Still, limited access can be frustrating for residents who use the refuge regularly. Check the refuge’s current construction and closure information and events calendar before leaving home, especially for walks, fishing, and outdoor programs.
Civic Reminder: Make Your Plan for November 3
The regular deadline to apply for a mail ballot has passed. If you already have a completed mail or absentee ballot, the City says it must be received by 8:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Do not rely on a postmark. Ballots cannot be returned to a neighborhood polling place on Election Day.
The City’s current election notice lists an official ballot drop box at Eastwick Library, 2851 Island Avenue. If an unexpected trip or illness arose after the regular deadline, qualifying voters may be able to request an emergency absentee ballot. Use the City’s vote-by-mail guidance, official drop-box locator, or call the County Board of Elections at 215-686-3469 to confirm current instructions before traveling.
Virtual Sound Bath Experience: November Sessions
Your Healthy Mojo invites neighbors to a 30-minute Virtual Sound Bath Experience on Sunday, November 1; Sunday, November 8; Sunday, November 22; and Sunday, November 29, each from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM EST. The sessions use crystal singing bowls to support rest, reflection, and relaxation from the comfort of home.
The cost is $10 per session, and the Zoom link is provided after registration.Purchase a session through My Healthy Mojo or Your Healthy Mojo SC. For questions, contact [email protected].
Plan Ahead: Nature-Based Solutions Open House
Residents are invited to a Nature-Based Solutions Open House on Saturday, November 7, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard. The open house will share results from the Flood Resilience Feasibility Study and offer self-guided information stations, a look at next steps, and an opportunity to participate in a Community Voice interview. Snacks will be provided.
The event concerns nature-based solutions that could help Eastwick and Delaware County communities become more flood resilient. RSVPs are encouraged but not required. For questions or to RSVP, email [email protected].
Nature in Focus 2026: Visit the Exhibition Before November 8
The Nature in Focus 2026 Photo Exhibition is open at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard, through Sunday, November 8. The exhibit features approximately 100 photographs submitted by participants ranging from young children to senior adults. Visitors can cast one vote for the People’s Choice Award.
The public is invited on Saturday, November 7, from 11:00 AM to noon for the reception and awards program. The Visitor Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Learn more through Friends of Heinz Refuge and check the Refuge’s current visitor information before going.
Workforce Opportunity: DrinkPAK Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program
The Philadelphia Skills Initiative is recruiting Philadelphia residents across all ZIP codes for the DrinkPAK Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program. The program prepares participants for full-time, benefits-eligible Advanced Manufacturing Technician roles at DrinkPAK’s planned facility in the Bellwether District, with starting pay of $25 per hour.
The training program runs January 11 through April 12, 2027 and includes a weekly stipend during professional-development and technical training. The Skills Initiative reports that 93% of program graduates find employment. Applications are due Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Apply for the DrinkPAK Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program. For program questions, email [email protected] with the subject line “DrinkPAK Training Program.”
Eastwick Regional Playground: Final Week for Fall We Walk PHL
Eastwick Regional Playground at 8000 Mars Place continues to offer community activities this fall. The final verified We Walk PHL session of the season is Thursday, October 29, from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Meet at the orange We Walk sign by the building at S. 80th Street and Mars Place.
The free walking group welcomes people of all ages and abilities. The Eastwick Regional Playground registration page lists registration closing at 11:30 AM on October 29, or earlier if space fills. Find the broader seasonal guide through the Fairmount Park Conservancy.
📅 UPCOMING EVENTS
Date and time | Event | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
Thu, Oct. 29 | Eastwick Regional Playground, S. 80th St. and Mars Pl. | Free guided walk for all ages and abilities. Registration closes at 11:30 AM or when space fills. [7] | |
Thu, Oct. 29 | Eastwick Library, 2851 Island Ave. | School-age children are invited to play the I Am card game. The listing publishes a start time only. [8] | |
Thu, Oct. 29 | John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge | Trick o’ Treat Trail, pumpkin painting, crafts, refreshments, and free archery for adults and children age 8 and older. Hoverball archery is for all ages. Costumes are encouraged. [6] | |
Fri, Oct. 30 | Eastwick Library, 2851 Island Ave. | Children ages 5 and older can learn basic crochet skills while working on a project. The listing publishes a start time only. [9] | |
Sat, Oct. 31 | Meet by the Visitor Center, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge | Relaxed-paced, educational bird walk on flat surfaces. Free and open to all ages. No registration is required. [10] | |
Sat, Oct. 31 | Bartram’s Garden Welcome Center, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd. | Help with seasonal planting, weeding, and invasive-species removal. Advance registration and individual waivers are required. [11] | |
Sun, Nov. 1 | Community of Compassion CDC, 6150 Cedar Ave. | Free driver’s-permit physicals for ages 16 to 21, flu vaccines, youth wellness support, college and career resources, giveaways, and lunch are listed. Confirm availability with the organizer. [12] | |
Sun, Nov. 1 | Community of Compassion CDC, 6150 Cedar Ave. | Free driver’s-permit physicals for ages 16 to 21, flu vaccines, youth wellness support, college and career resources, giveaways, and lunch are listed. Confirm availability with the organizer. | |
Sun, Nov. 1 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM | Zoom, link after registration | A $10 online sound-bath session from Your Healthy Mojo. [13] [32] | |
Mon, Nov. 2 | Cobbs Creek Neighbors Meeting: Little Nature Playgrounds Project | Blanche A. Nixon/Cobbs Creek Library, 5800 Cobbs Creek Pkwy. | Learn about and give feedback on proposed nature-inspired play and learning spaces at Cobbs Creek Park entrances. Free registration is available. [14] [15] |
Tue, Nov. 3 | Eastwick Library, 2851 Island Ave. | Young adults can gather for art, games, comics, and more. The listing publishes a start time only. [16] | |
Wed, Nov. 4 | Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd. | Garden exploration, stories, and art for ages 2 to 4. Registration is available. [17] | |
Wed, Nov. 4 | Sankofa Community Farm at Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd. | Learn about cover crops, overwintering greens, and preparing a garden for winter. [18] | |
Sat, Nov. 7 | John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge | Children ages 3 to 5 and an adult can explore nature through stories, crafts, and a hike. Free, with advance registration at [email protected]. [19] | |
Sat, Nov. 7 | Heinz Refuge Visitor Center, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd. | See the exhibition, vote for People’s Choice, and celebrate the 2026 photography award recipients. [20] [21] | |
Sat, Nov. 7 | John Heinz Refuge Visitor Center, 8601 Lindbergh Blvd. | Learn results of the Flood Resilience Feasibility Study and discuss next steps for Eastwick and Delaware County communities. RSVP is encouraged, not required. [22] | |
Sun, Nov. 8 | Bartram’s Garden, 56th St. entrance, 3000 S. 56th St. | Free yard trees for Philadelphia residents with no neighborhood restriction. Trees must be planted in the ground on private property. Tree request registration closes November 4. [23] | |
Sun, Nov. 8 | Zoom, link after registration | A $10 online sound-bath session from Your Healthy Mojo. [13] [32] |
Check organizer links before traveling for weather, capacity, registration, and last-minute updates. The Eastwick Library will be closed Wednesday, November 11, for Veterans Day.
💡COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Flood readiness and resident resources
For Eastwick flood maps, the Flood Ready Home guide, flood-insurance information, alerts, and the live monitoring map, visit the City’s Eastwick resident resources.
Breathe Philly
For City information about air quality, heat, and environmental health, visit Breathe Philly. You can also review Breathe Philly’s environmental-health resources when planning for poor-air-quality and extreme-heat days.
Report and track neighborhood concerns
Use Philly 311 to report potholes, abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping, graffiti, streetlight outages, and other non-emergency concerns.
Eastwick Library
The Eastwick Library at 2851 Island Avenue provides free programs, computers, printing, Wi-Fi, and family resources. Browse the Eastwick Library calendar or call 215-685-4170 before attending.
Open opportunity for qualified professionals
The Philadelphia City Fund and the City’s Office of Clean and Green Initiatives are seeking qualified firms, consultants, or multidisciplinary teams to develop an implementation-oriented Food and Organic Waste Diversion Strategy. Proposals are due by 5:00 PM Philadelphia time on November 22, 2026. Read the official opportunity and submission instructions, including the final RFP.
📸 SEND US YOUR PHOTOS
We love seeing Eastwick through your eyes. Send photos of neighborhood gatherings, local nature, community projects, gardens, and everyday moments that show what makes Eastwick special. Selected images may be featured in future Bulletins and EFNC social media. Please email your photo, a short caption, and photographer credit to [email protected].
🗣️ FUTURE TOPICS: WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
What would you like to see covered in a future Eastwick Bulletin? Please send local concerns, event notices, positive neighborhood news, and resource suggestions to [email protected]. Your input helps EFNC keep this newsletter relevant, practical, and community-centered.
🤝 ABOUT EFNC AND JOIN OUR BOARD
Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition Inc. is a resident-led nonprofit advancing education, advocacy, and environmental preservation to improve quality of life, protect public health, and build long-term community resilience.
We are seeking community-minded Board members with experience or interest in social media, event planning, computer skills, grant writing, communications, and community outreach. To learn more about EFNC or express interest in serving, visit eastwickfnc.org.
Help keep Eastwick informed and connected. Share this Bulletin with a neighbor, invite others to subscribe, and encourage them to add their voices to the conversations shaping our community’s future.
Until next time,
The EFNC Team