Fox Chase Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia, 501 Rhawn Street, Philadelphia

You'll be a much-appreciated community member when you follow Eva Monheim's helpful tips on how to mix flowers and plants in a beautiful border garden. This free session is part of the City Gardening Series, presented by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and generously supported through a collaborative partnership with Chanticleer... A Pleasure Garden, in Wayne, PA. (a great place to visit!) FREE. To register, call (215) 685-0547.

Church of Philadelphia, 17th Street and Snyder Avenue

Join the Mural Arts Program and artist Jon Laidacker for a community paint day. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Prison System, this new work reflects the theme of offender re-entry into society. Among the collaborators are local churches, including the Church of Philadelphia; offenders at the Philadelphia Prison System, who helped design and will help paint the mural; and the Kingdom Care Re-entry Network. For more information, contact Robyn Buseman, Director of Prison Programming, at (215) 685-0756 or e-mail.

Stagecrafters Theater, 8130 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia

The Northwest Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network (NPIHN) is sponsoring a benefit performance of Neil Simon's "Plaza Suite," performed by Stagecrafters Theater, to raise money and motivate volunteers to meet the needs of homeless families for temporary shelter, encouragement, and support. Enjoy a fun night of theater and help a worthy cause. Tickets for the benefit are $20. For more information, call (215) 247-4663, ext 137.

12th Air Command, 254 S. 12th St., Philadelphia

Celebrate the individuals, businesses, and groups in the Philadelphia area who have shown a real commitment to the local LGBTQ community and take part in a fun-filled evening of music and entertainment at the Philadelphia Rainbow Awards. Cost: $5. Call (267) 850-7641 for more information.

Leonard Pearlstein Gallery, Drexel University, 33rd and Market Streets, Nesbitt Hall, Philadelphia

"BITMAP: as good as it gets" is a group exhibition for those who are computer savvy... and the rest of us... that celebrates the history of the digital image, the aesthetics of early computing, and early video-game consoles. BITMAP, recently featured at the Museum of Modern Art, highlights old-school CRT monitors, pixels, and 8 bit sound, including pioneers of digital art and emerging media artists. (You will enjoy even if you have no idea what CRT monitors, pixels and 8 bit sound are!) FREE. Contact: (215) 895-2548.

The Franklin, 222 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia

Check out the "Real Pirates" exhibit of more than 150 artifacts from a brand new National Geographic Exhibition -- or walk the gangplank! "Real Pirates" tells the story of the Whydah, a pirate ship that sank off the coast of Cape Cod more than 250 years ago. Revel in the treasure chests of jewelry; coins; and gold weaponry such as cannons, pistols, and knives; and ahoy!-- behold a full size replica of the actual ship itself! Exhibit open until November 2. Contact: (215) 448-1200.

Harvest Book Company, 9 E. State Street, Media, PA

Join the monthly Critique Circle presented by The Mad Poets Society, a non-profit, arts organization that has more than 100 members in six states who get together for camaraderie, to celebrate the creative soul, and promote the literary arts. Bring 10 copies of one of your poems for a roundtable discussion and feedback. Small donation requested. E-mail to learn more.

Congregation Mikveh Israel, 44 N. 4th St., Philadelphia

Every four years, the Electoral College is a topic that engenders much heat... but not much light! Mark Rahdert, Temple professor of Constitutional Law, will speak on the pros and cons of the Electoral College's existence and offer suggestions for reform. Don't miss this opportunity to join the discussion. FREE. Contact: (215) 832-0597.

Swarthmore Borough Hall, 121 Park Avenue, Swarthmore, PA

You might think you are up-to-speed on all those who've cast their hats in the ring to be the President of the United States. But, you are probably missing quite a few; more than 50 candidates through the years have vied for this position! Harold Stassen, to the right, was a perennial candidate from 1948-1992. Learn about Stassen and others at this event to honor the plight of the indie candidate. FREE. For information, call (610) 328 - POET.

Philadelphia and surrounding counties

Enjoy the July 4th festivities throughout the Philadelphia region! This day celebrates our independence and the country's commitment to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We can take pride in the fact that many of the decisions that shaped our nation were made in Philadelphia. Let freedom ring ... and the barbecues sizzle!