The Eastwick Bulletin: Week of September 9th

Serving the residents and neighbors of Eastwick, Southwest Philadelphia, since our founding. The Eastwick Bulletin is published weekly to keep our community informed, connected, and empowered.

Welcome to this week’s Eastwick Bulletin.

This issue shares a newly available citywide flood-insurance discount, highlights a timely transit-information concern, and brings together opportunities for families, neighbors, and community partners through the coming two weeks. Please take special note of Thursday’s virtual town hall, hosted by the Philadelphia Office of Sustainability, as well as the September 12 PHL Airport Runway 5K, which benefits EFNC.

🌟 POSITIVE UPDATE: New Flood-Insurance Discount Available to Philadelphia Residents

We are encouraged that the City has made a 15% discount available on eligible National Flood Insurance Program policies for Philadelphia residents. The discount applies automatically to eligible policies written on or after April 1, 2026, for properties located in Philadelphia. The City estimates that this Community Rating System benefit will save local homeowners, renters, and businesses about $424,000 each year.

This resource is especially important for flood-prone communities such as Eastwick. Flood insurance may help address financial losses after a flood, and the City notes that standard homeowners and renters policies generally do not cover flood damage. Residents do not have to live in a high-risk flood zone to seek coverage.

This discount is not a substitute for the permanent flood-protection solutions Eastwick needs. It is, however, a timely step that may make coverage more accessible while residents and partners continue to advocate for lasting, equitable protection. Residents should review their own circumstances with a licensed insurance professional, visit FloodSmart.gov, and sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia emergency alerts.

⚠️ COMMUNITY CONCERN: Clear, Reliable Transit Information During SEPTA’s Network Transition

Eastwick residents depend on reliable transportation for work, school, health care, groceries, and connection to the rest of the city. SEPTA launched the first phase of its New Bus Network on August 23 and 24. The redesign includes new routes, route extensions, updated signs, and revised trip-planning information throughout the system.

For Eastwick, the current T5 trolley schedule identifies service between 13th Street and 80th Street/Eastwick via Elmwood Avenue. SEPTA lists service at 15-minute intervals or better from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with less frequent service at other times. The schedule also notes late-night tunnel diversions on Sundays and Mondays, as well as the daily overnight closure of the 13th Street stop between 12:30 AM and 5:00 AM.

The concern is not that riders should have to navigate change alone. Accessible, accurate service information and clear alternatives are essential when a network changes. Before traveling, use the SEPTA New Bus Network Trip Planner, check the SEPTA app for live arrivals and alerts, or text SEPTA and a stop number to 41411. For customer service, call 215-580-7800. Please share recurring concerns with EFNC at [email protected] so that we can help identify community-wide issues.

📅 UPCOMING EVENTS

⭐FEATURED COMMUNITY EVENT: Eastwick: From Recovery to Resilience

Thursday, September 10, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Virtual

The Philadelphia Office of Sustainability is hosting the next Eastwick: From Recovery to Resilience Virtual Town Hall. Residents are invited to discuss ongoing efforts related to flooding and quality of life in Eastwick. Advance registration is required, and registered participants will receive the meeting link and a reminder. Click here to register.

Eastwick residents may also submit thoughts, questions, and persistent issues for follow-up by emailing [email protected]. EFNC is helping promote this public event through community outreach and social media.

🏃 FEATURED EVENT: Run the Runway for EFNC

Saturday, September 12 | Atlantic Aviation PHL, 8375 Enterprise Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153

The 9th Annual PHL Airport Runway 5K offers participants the chance to run or walk on the airport tarmac, with aircraft and airfield equipment nearby. Race proceeds support EFNC, March of Dimes, and Eastwick United CDC. The morning schedule includes pack pickup at 6:30 AM, warm-up announcements at 7:30 AM, the Runway Run/Walk at 8:30 AM, a free Kids Dash at 9:00 AM for children ages 1 through 5, and an awards ceremony at 9:30 AM.

Advance registration is required. There is no race-day registration. Every registered race participant must bring valid government-issued photo identification to enter the secure airfield. Parking is free, while spectators remain in the festival zone and cannot access the race course. Register for the PHL Airport Runway 5K

🦋 FROM FRIENDS OF HEINZ REFUGE

Friends of Heinz Refuge has released its Fall program calendar and the September 2026 issue of On the FOHR Front, its monthly e-bulletin. The refuge remains one of Eastwick’s most important community assets for environmental education, recreation, and connecting with nature. Visit Friends of Heinz Refuge and follow the refuge’s official channels for current programs and updates.

🚶 COMMUNITY TRAIL WALK: Explore John Heinz Refuge Together

Wednesday, September 16, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM | Meet at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge entrance on Lindbergh Boulevard

Join neighbors for the Eastwick Community Trail Walk, coordinated with the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, EFNC, and the Clean Air Council. Participants will walk the refuge trails, connect with neighbors, and discuss future trail opportunities. The trails are unpaved and compacted crushed stone, so please wear appropriate footwear and bring a friend.

The group will meet at the John Heinz Refuge entrance on Lindbergh Boulevard, then follow the road or trail to the Visitor Center parking lot to begin together. If weather requires a change, the rain date is Thursday, September 24 at 6:00 PM.

🎶 COMMUNITY WELLNESS: Sound Bath Experience at John Heinz Refuge

Sunday, September 27, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, 8601 Lindbergh Boulevard

Monique invites Eastwick neighbors to a free Community Sound Bath Experience, a monthly opportunity to pause, relax, restore, and reconnect through the calming sounds of crystal singing bowls and other instruments. The experience is open to all ages, no prior experience is needed, and participants may sit or lie comfortably. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket, or cushion.

The next session is scheduled for Sunday, September 27. The flyer also lists upcoming sessions on October 25 and November 15, each from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at John Heinz Refuge. For additional information, contact [email protected] or visit My Healthy Mojo.

🌳 PLAN AHEAD: Southwest Citywide Yard Tree Giveaway

TreePhilly’s Southwest Citywide Yard Tree Giveaway will take place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM at Bartram’s Garden, 56th Street Entrance, 3000 S. 56th Street. This citywide event has no zip-code restrictions. Philadelphia residents who will plant a tree in the ground on private property can register now, with registration closing on Wednesday, November 4.

Learn about tree choices, planting and delivery assistance, and volunteer opportunities at TreePhilly’s Fall 2026 Yard Tree Giveaways page.

💡COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Eastwick Library

The Eastwick Library at 6641 Eastwick Avenue offers free programs and resources for children, teens, adults, and families. Find current programs on the Eastwick Library calendar.

Flood Insurance and Emergency Alerts

Learn about National Flood Insurance Program coverage at FloodSmart.gov, review flood-risk information using FEMA’s Map Service Center, and receive emergency notifications through ReadyPhiladelphia.

Transit Information

Use the SEPTA New Bus Network Trip Planner and the SEPTA app for current routes, service alerts, and trip planning. Text SEPTA plus a stop number to 41411 for schedule information, or call 215-580-7800 for customer service.

Breathe Philly

For City information on air quality, heat, and environmental-health resources, visit Breathe Philly and review the Breathe Philly program resources

📸 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

EFNC works with residents and partners to advance environmental justice, community advocacy, safety, and sustainable development in Eastwick. 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

📢 SHARE THE WORD

Please forward this Bulletin to your Eastwick neighbors, friends, and family. Encourage them to subscribe at eastwickfnc.org so that more residents can stay informed and connected.

Until next time,
The EFNC Team