Weaver's Way Coop, 559 Carpenter Lane, Philadelphia

Get your riding togs together for a bike ride to visit six community gardens and farms in the city. The ride starts at Weavers Way Coop Farm in East Mt. Airy, moves on to Mill Creek Farm and ends up at the Philadelphia Brewing Company in Kensington. The ride is 25 miles, and all levels of riders are welcome. It's a great way to get in shape, meet people (about 50 riders usually join) and learn about urban agriculture first-hand from the farmers themselves. For more details, go to the Weavers Way website; to sign up, contact Chris Hill.

Mill at Anselma, 1730 Conestoga Road, Chester Springs, PA

Delicious fresh and organic vegetables and fruits, educational programs and hands-on activities about sustainable agriculture, and information about good nutrition await you at the historic Mill at Anselma's Farmer's Market. The mill has teamed up with Maysie’s Farm Conservation Center and the Anselma Farmers and Artisan Market Association to create a terrific resource to find and learn about healthy foods. Admission, $5, $4 (60+). Call (610) 827-1906 for information.

Carriage House, University of Pennsylvania, 3907 Spruce St., Philadelphia

Stop by this support group meeting for parents, families, and friends of the LGBTQ community sponsored by PFLAG. These monthly gatherings focus on ways to cope with discrimination, methods to educate others, and strategies to advocate for equality. FREE. Contact: (215) 898-5044.

Wellness Community of Philadelphia, 1 Chamounix Drive, Philadelphia

Cancer patients and their caregivers are encouraged to join this Open Studio led by Caroline Peterson to learn how to explore their creativity and enjoy art... and meet others who share some of the same life issues. No art experience required. The class meets every Monday afternoon (except for the last two weeks in August.) FREE. To learn more and register, call (215) 879-7733.

Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Avenue, Philadelphia

Did you know that the sun releases more energy per second than has been consumed by mankind in our entire history? Learn how to incorporate the sun's rays in your home through this workshop with Harold Finegan that explains how solar heating works and ways you can cut your home heating costs and impact positively on the environment by decreasing carbon emissions. FREE. For more information, call (215) 685-2093.

White Dog Cafe, 3420 Sansom Street, Philadelphia

If you are concerned about the treatment of farm animals, you will want to hear Farm Sanctuary president/co-founder Gene Baur read from his new book, Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food. Gene has been challenging factory farming for two decades and working to change society's views about farm animals. The discussion and 3-course vegetarian dinner costs $36/person (including tax and tip). $20 for discussion only. Call (215) 386-9224 for reservations.

People's Light and Theater, Malvern, PA

How do we make the most of our incredible arts and cultural resources when too many lack needed funding? The Big Canvas, organized by Great Expectations, an initiative of The Philadelphia Inquirer and the University of Pennsylvania’s Project on Civic Engagement, is asking the region's citizens to weigh in on how they use these "treasures" and what it will take to preserve and pay for them. Two citizen forums are being held this week: July 23 at People's Light and Theater in Malvern; July 24 at Villanova University. Visit the Great Expectations website for more info. and to register. Don't miss this opportunity to be heard!

Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia

Authors Edward Dolnick and Peter Schjeldahl immerse you in the art world... in unique ways. Dolnick's work, The Forger's Spell, tells the true story of the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer and a no-name painter whose forged paintings passed as Vermeer originals (see one on the left), duping buyers out of millions of dollars. Schjedahl, nationally-acclaimed art critic for the New Yorker magazine, covers a broad canvas of art history in his book of essays, Let's See. FREE.

Independence Living History Center, 115 S. 3rd Street, Philadelphia

Experience the tension and excitement of the early days of our country. July 1, 1776: Congress is debating the Declaration. In Philadelphia, rumors fly. Walk with Historic Philadelphia and encounter 18th century townspeople with strong feelings on both sides of the debate. Loyalist or Patriot? Whose side will YOU be on? A Colonial guide escorts you to some of Philadelphia’s historic treasures, meeting Colonials who make this thrilling time come alive. $20, $18 Seniors. Call (215) 629-4026 or go to the website.