So much has been going on in the area lately, it really seems like enough news for a daily column. Maybe a Hampden gossip column? That'd be fun!Here's a quick rundown. On Aug. 15, Holy Frijoles (908 W. 36th St.) suffered a small fire. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the restaurant has been closed while damage and repairs are being assessed. We all wish Frijoles a speedy return.There has been a lot of work going on in Dylan's Oyster Cellar (3601 Chestnut Ave.), the Five and Dime Ale House (901 W. 36th St.) and Wicked Sisters (3845 Falls Road). It looks like there will be a good number of new dining options available this fall.And there have been rumors about the return of duckpin bowling to Hampden. While I can't confirm or deny this, last Saturday night I was part of a small group of folks invited to check out the old Hampden Bowling Alleys (920 W. 36th St.). While the space was in a state of decay and disarray, I was surprised that the lanes themselves, for the most part, seemed to be in fairly decent shape.Baltimore's beverage resurgence continues! In case you were unaware, the city also has its own meadery, Charm City Meadworks. And on Friday, Aug. 26, they will be having a release party for their newest Hop Mead at Atomic Books' Eightbar (3620 Falls Road) from 5 to 9 p.m. Their meads will on sale at happy hour prices all night, and you can get a free mead glass with your order while supplies last.To help a number of businesses that were damaged during the flash flooding on Saturday, July 30, there's a fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 27, Hope Floats: A Jones Valley Flood Benefit. This takes place at Union Craft Brewing (1700 Union Ave.) from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 and you get food from Woodberry Kitchen, Well Crafted Pizza and music from Brooks Long, Joseph and The Beasts and DJ Who. It's a cash bar, and there will be posters and prints on sale from Pizza Party Printing and Monkah. The proceeds will benefit the small businesses damaged by the Jones Falls flood.Also on Saturday, Aug. 27, the Baltimore Whiskey Co. presents a Cowboys vs. Bond Girls Dance Party from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at De Kleine Duivel (3602 Hickory Ave.). DJ Ridiculous of AK Slaughter will be playing music. So break out the cowboy hats and high heels.First Friday is Sept. 2. Play Café (3400 Chestnut Ave.) is kicking things off with at Kid's Clothing Exchange from 4 to 6 p.m. Bring kids clothing, ages newborn to 5 years old, and swap. Clothing must be dropped off in advance so it can be organized. Monday, Aug. 29 and Thursday, Sept. 1 are drop-off days (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Clothing has to be clean and in excellent condition, so that means no stains, tears or rips. Any leftover clothes will be donated to the House of Ruth.And later that night, from 7 to 9 p.m., Atomic Books' Eightbar hosts another First Friday Cooler Coup, this time featuring the beer of Southern Tier Brewing. That means Southern Tier beer will be available at happy hour prices all night, free beer glasses while supplies last and more excellent snacks from Golden West Café.For more information about events and participating merchants, go to Hampdenmerchants.comAnd finally, on Saturday, Sept. 3, there is a book release party from 5 to 7 p.m. for the book "Baltimore Graffiti," one of the most staggering local graffiti compendiums available, at Atomic Books. Author Michael Sachse will be giving a lecture and slide show on Baltimore's vibrant graffiti scene.