April 2003
Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter The Greening of Cedar Park Finally, after a long and icy winter, we can glimpse the budding of trees and plant shoots in the gardens. Once again, CPN greening volunteers and tree tenders were out in force with a tree planting on 50th Street, Springfield and St. Bernard Street. Greening activities are part of the regular CPN program repertoire and we are looking forward to other greening activities at Cedar Park and on 49th Street this season. If you have a green thumb, or want to develop one, make sure we know of your interest because we will be calling on volunteers in the months ahead to make the “Park” in our name a greater reality. There is a different kind of greening underway as well this spring. In response to the positive feedback we received on the draft of our long range plan several meetings were held in the past few weeks to identify and consult with those interested in moving the plan forward. Reports of those meetings are included on page 7 of this newsletter. The work is just beginning so if you see something you would like to plug into let the contact persons know.
by Maureen Tate, CPN President
Several strategies articulated in the long range plan are in implementation stages. We have improved our e-mail communication with members. Watch for a new ad promoting Cedar Park as one of Philadelphia’s great neighborhoods! The CPN advisory committee for the Neighborhood Marketing Project, a collaboration with the Philadelphia Central Development Corporation, has finished a revision of a Cedar Park ad which will appear in a promotional campaign for six Philadelphia neighborhoods being launched in mid April. In the past few weeks we have also attended block meetings, met with interested businesses for Baltimore Avenue and broadened our membership. On April 21 we will hold our annual membership meeting and election of Officers and Board of Directors. Please take the time to review the bios of your neighbors who have agreed to serve on the Board. We hope you will come to the meeting to give them your support and hear more about efforts underway and how you can be involved.
Cedar Park Neighbors General Membership Meeting and Board Elections Monday, April 21, 2003 Calvary United Methodist Church 48th Street and Baltimore Avenue 6:30 - 8 pm
Election of CPN Board (continuous)
7 - 8 pm
Meet Board Nominees Update on CPN Issues and Activities Note: Only members who are current as of April 1, 2003 are eligible to vote.
Trees, Trees and More Trees! On a beautiful spring day, volunteers took to the streets of Cedar Park to plant new trees, meet their neighbors and bask in the warmth of the sun on Saturday, March 22. All told, 22 new trees were planted in a variety of sites: 47th Street, 50th Street, Springfield Ave. between 47th and 50th and a few more here and there. Thanks to Cedar Park neighbors for budgeting funds for concrete removal along 50th Street which made it possible for five homeowners to have new pits created. Removal of concrete is the most difficult part of getting our streets treed again: homeowners who would love a tree and can pay for one often get hung up on the expense and complications of removing old concrete. Thanks also to Philadelphia Green which purchases large numbers of bare root trees and offers them for sale to its Tree Tender groups at a reduced rate. And thanks to all our volunteers who made time in their busy day to pitch in on a community project: Larry Motyka and the Boy Scouts of
It’s Time For a Block Clean-up There are lots of resources to help blocks with cleaning projects. The Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee (PMBC) 2003 schedule for block clean-ups is now available. Many blocks in Cedar Park take advantage of these opportunities to spruce up as well as bring neighbors together. The PMBC dates are organized by police districts. The dates for both the 12th and 18th Police Districts are as follows: April 26 June 21
August 23
Blocks are expected to register with the PMBC to receive a delivery of signs and bags and to arrange for trash pick up on the day of the clean-up. Cleaning usually takes place in the morning with pick-up of trash, placed at corners, in the afternoon by city sanitation workers. To register contact: 12th District: Denise Ladson (215)685-7681 18th District: Cassandra Whiters (215)685-3975
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CPN Newsletter
By Angie Coghlan, Cross Baltimore Tree Tenders
St. Francis de Sales, Peter Coyle, Sara Scheckter, Ed Johanningsmeier, Chris Hibbert and Elliot Stern, Kevin Fisher, Al Airone, Skip and Jennifer Gaus, Maureen Tate, Russell Phillips, Rebecca Weber, who helped organize the 900 block of 50th Street, Linford Martin, who collaborated with the African Market at 50th and Springfield as his own tree tender project, Jon and Marianne Ferrin, Lydia Fisher, Adam Jones and Evelyn Collier and Phil and Debbie Zuchman. We’d also like to thank John Fenton of the University City District who helped put good compost in the new tree pits in the pouring rain on Thursday. With a little organization and planning, the proper tools, affordable trees and the enthusiasm of volunteers we can make a difference in the streetscape of Cedar Park.
By Lisa Johanningsmeier, Clean-up Committee Chair
All blocks are encouraged to participate. If you are not a block captain and don’t know if your block is participating, call the PMBC contacts above and they will tell you who your block captain is or help you identify a block captain for the future. Block clean-ups can also be organized at other times in coordination with CPN and the University City District (UCD). The UCD clean-up dates can complement the PMBC schedule. To register your block for trash pick-up and support from the UCD please call (215)243-0555 at least one week in advance. UCD clean-up schedule is as follows: April 19 June 21 October 18 December 16 If you would like help in organizing a clean-up you can also call Cedar Park Neighbors Clean-up Chair, Lisa Johanningsmeier at (215)724-1454. We have sample flyers that you can reproduce for distribution to neighbors.
Meet the Candidates for Cedar Park Neighbors Board of Directors
Monday, April 21
Maureen Tate, President
Carol Walker, Vice-President
4800 block of Florence Avenue
5000 block of Hazel Avenue
I have lived in Cedar Park for 26 years now with my husband and four children. I am presently working as a national program consultant for a women’s non-profit. In the neighborhood I have been involved as block captain and coordinator for Florence Garden. I have served on the CPN board for four years, working with the Membership Committee and Newsletter. This past year I have had the pleasure of serving as President and worked with Board members in a process to articulate a long range plan for the organization. I look forward to continuing this work, with the Board and our membership, of implementing the plan’s objectives as well as advocating for the Cedar Park community.
As Vice President of Cedar Park Neighbors, I have been involved closely with zoning and block improvement issues that directly impacts our quality of life in the University City area. I have been a community activist in the Cedar Park area for the last 15 years. Married with two daughters, I also run the Hazel Avenue Community Garden at the corner of 51st and Hazel and am committed to greening, tree planting and beautification efforts in West Philadelphia.
Sean Joe, Vice-President 4800 block of Hazel Avenue I have lived in Cedar Park since 1999 with my wife, Emanique and now two young sons. I am a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Social Work. As a member of the Cedar Park Neighbors board since 2000, I have served as the 2nd vice President and chair of two committees (Neighborhood Market Plan, Website). My professional career is characterized by the continual expansion of professional roles as a researcher, activist/organizer, practitioner, and educator. Through these various roles I engage in research-based social change organizing to enhance the quality of life for youth in our society. I have an extensive 16-year history of organizing and activism focused on building indigenous youth leadership and capacity in economically poor communities of color. My activist experience ranges from working with local community based agencies in Brooklyn, New York to national groups such as the Children’s Defense Fund. Currently, I serve as a member of the Board of Directors of Cedar Park Neighbors and the Local Initiative Support Training Education Network (LISTEN) Inc, a Washington, D.C. based youth intermediary.
Karen Allen, Treasurer 4800 block of Warrington Avenue In addition to my duties as CPN Treasurer during the past year, I haveworked with CPN board members on the Educational Committee, and attended a seminar on Zoning training. I worked with the University City Community Council in updating its Bylaws, and I also hope to contribute to CPN’s planned Bylaws revisions. I believe that the upcoming term on the CPN Board will be an exciting time to be involved in the community. The organization is taking positive steps forward with its long range planning process, including its proposals for the Educational Committee and the Crossroads Project, and I look forward to contributing to that effort.
Jim Masen, Secretary 4800 block of Cedar Avenue I have lived on Cedar Avenue for over 4 years. Recently, I was an e-commerce project manager at AT&T where I worked for 12 years. I would like to help support the ongoing efforts to revitalize the Baltimore Avenue business corridor, support historic preservation efforts and to address specific family retention efforts such as the development of a neighborhood K-12 charter school. As a Board member this past year I worked on efforts to develop a long-range plan for the CPN and would like to continue with the further development and implementation of this plan. April 2003
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Dorothy Berlind
Eric Grau
500 block of S. 48th Street
600 block of S. 48th Street
I bought my home on the 500 South block of 48th Street in 1976 when I was working at University City New School and bringing up my wonderful kid. He has grown up; so have I. A lot has happened in Cedar Park during the years that I have lived here, and recently a lot of that has been good. I have served on the Board of Directors of Cedar Park Neighbors for the past two years, and CPN made me their representative to University City District. When CPN is at its best we concern ourselves with the gifts that neighbors give one another, the connections between us, the empowerment that we create together. I have been glad to be part of this, and would like to continue to serve for another term. I especially look forward to working to implement CPN’s Long Term Plan.
Miriam Churchwell
My wife and I have lived on 48th Street since July of 2000. My wife is a professor at Penn, and I, having just received my doctorate, am working at home (telecommuting) for a company in North Carolina. We have enjoyed our short time in this neighborhood; in particular, we like the diversity, the beautiful old homes, and the closeness of some services. Most of all we enjoy being involved in block activities and getting to know our neighbors. I have served on the Cedar Park Neighbors board for the past two years. My service in that time has included involvement in the community development committee, which includes advising the neighborhood marketing effort that is currently underway. I have also been involved in the tree planting activities. I would like to continue to be involved in these areas, and to increase my involvement with zoning issues.
5000 Block of Baltimore Avenue
James R. Kurtz
Ms. Churchwell is a Realtor and owner of the Churchwell Realty business located in the 5000 block of Baltimore Avenue. She is interested in neighborhood improvement projects and community development initiatives in particular.
John Ellingsworth 4800 block of Beaumont Avenue I am a native Philadelphian, born and raised in the Eastwick/Southwest part of Philadelphia. I have resided in West Philadelphia for the past ten years, and in Cedar Park for the past six. I work as a computer programmer for the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine. My wife, Christy, and I have a three-year old daughter, Madison, and are expecting our second child in October. As former manager of the Video Library on Locust, I am well acquainted with many UC residents. Two years ago I ran a website (www. westphila.net) dedicated to University City. At present, my most active concerns are to address quality of life issues, such as petty crime, prostitution, and drug abuse, and to encourage other residents to take a more active approach towards community issues. I am also interested in seeing continued renewal within Cedar Park, particularly with regard to presently empty residential or commercial real estate and a new mural along Baltimore Avenue. Page 4
CPN Newsletter
800 Block of S. 48th Street I have served on the Cedar Park Neighbors Board for one term (two years). The Cedar Park Neighborhood is a very dynamic and diverse neighborhood represented by a great community organization—CPN! Presently I am active on the Membership Committee of CPN and coordinate the distribution of the CPN Newsletter. I am married to Viet-Huong Tran. We have two sons, Jacob (7) and Micah (1). I work as a staff nurse at the University of Pennsylvania-PresbyterianMedical Center. We have lived in Cedar Park for three years.
James D. Lander 4900 block of Catharine Street My wife, Lynn Lander, and I lived on the 4800 block of Hazel Avenue for 10 years. During that period of time, I volunteered in a number of capacities to help effect and promote a positive environment in which to live. I also served as the pont of contact between our block and the various city agencies which service our community. I am employed by Peco Energy Co. and have worked for them, in a number of positions, for over twenty-five years. We now reside on Catharine Street. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to further serve our wonderful community. Thank you for your consideration.
Meet the Candidates
International Cultural Festival
PRIMER Roundtable Scheduled
The University of Pennsylvania invites all of our neighbors to celebrate the arrival of spring at the International Cultural Festival. Enjoy music, dance, arts and crafts, and food on Saturday, April 5 on 40th Street between Walnut and Spruce Streets from 11 am to 5 pm. Local restaurants will be on site selling delicious food and featuring international cuisine.
Performance Schedule:
40th Street from Walnut Street to Locust Street will be closed to traffic from 10 am to 6 pm.
1:30 pm Damakha (Indian)
We’re trying something new for the PRIMER series (Preservation, Repair/Restoration, Improvements, Maintenance and Educational Resources). Several past PRIMER workshop participants suggested that we get together to share ideas, frustrations, resources etc., so we’ll have roundtable discussions featuring a combination of homeowners and contractor/experts: Saturday April 12 (and on Saturday May 3) 9:30 - 11 am at the Green Line Cafe (43rd and Baltimore)
For more information, contact Esaul Sanchez 215-746-7752.
11 am Iqram (Guitar Soloist) 12 pm Tamika Brooks (Rhythm & Blues) 12:30 pm African a capella 1 pm The Flat Possum Boys (Bluegrass)
2 pm Batukis (Brazilian Percussion) 2:45 pm Onda Latina & Aziza Zakhidova (Latin & Uzbeki Dance) 3 pm Pan-Asian Dance Troupe 3:30 pm West Philly Swingers (Lindy Hop) 4 pm Lebanese Fusion Jazz From 5-9 pm, visit The Rotunda at 4012 Walnut Street for more free performances, or view the movies featured in the International Film Festival at The Bridge: cinema deluxe and The International House at 3701 Chestnut Street.
On-Line: Summer Camp Directory Now Available The Summer Camps/Programs & Activities Directory for Children & Youth 2003, which is compiled each year by the Dept. of Human Services, has been placed on both the City’s Internet and Intranet sites. The directory has 115 pages of overnight & day camps; special focus camps (arts, theater, history, computers, sports, etc....); special needs day & overnight camps, information about the city’s new summer employment program for youth, and other interesting programs & events. Page 6
CPN Newsletter
It is featured on the front pages of both sites for now, www.phila.gov/ citynet.phila.gov/ A link also appears on the Residents section under Community and Family Resources: www.phila.gov/residents/community/index.html and on Philly Kids at: www.phila.gov/phillykids/ If you would like a hard copy (none are available at the present), please call 215-683-4DHS and give them your complete name & address.
If you have a question or issue you would like to discuss, please contact me by April 4. Many of you have gained valuable experience by DOING or by working closely with a contractor. If so, you’ll be one of our resources. (For example, we’ll have homeowners share the ins and outs of determining what
size furnace to buy and how to maintain/coat a flat roof). Others might want to share names of contractors or sources of materials. If you are willing to share your successes (and frustrations and warnings), please contact me by April 4. We need YOU to make this work! It will be informal and — I’ll buy you a cup of coffee — so please let me know if you plan to participate. Don’t forget that the past workshop notes are on our website. We’ll also be updating the contractor database based on the information gathered at these roundtables! Diane-Louise (D-L) Wormley Director, Neighborhood Initiatives University City District 3940 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 215-243-0555 ext 229 215-243-0557 FAX www.ucityphila.org
Books Through Bars: Donations Needed Books Through Bars sends books to prisoners in response to their requests. This service is free to all people in prison. Commonly requested books include: Dictionaries (English, SpanishEnglish, and Law) Thesauruses African and African American history, politics, culture Books in Spanish, Mexican and Puerto Rican history, politics, culture GED or Basic Education Materials ESL books Yoga and Meditation Martial Arts How-to art, carpentry, landscaping books Health—particularly HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, and Tuberculosis
DO NOT donate hardcover fiction, outdated reference books, outdated textbooks, college catalogues or travel guides. You can donate books at the following locations: A-Space 4722 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia PA 19143 215-727-8170 Tuesdays 7:30-10:30 pm 1st & 3rd Saturdays 11-3 Wooden Shoe Books 508 S 5th Street (between South and Lombard) 215-413-0999 Daily, 12 noon-10 pm If you would like a receipt or confirmation of book donation for tax purposes, please indicate this as well as informing us of the estimated value of the books.
The Plan for Cedar Park: Reports from the follow up meetings Community Promotion and Development Since our General Membership Meeting when we began to discuss Community Promotion and Development, a group of ten people met on March 10 to begin to follow up on that conversation. Additionally there has been more discussion at the Board level, emails, and phone conversations. Below is a very broad summary of some of the ideas that have developed. Most of our discussion has concerned the “Crossroads” area of Cedar Park, which we have defined as being four specific blocks, the four “spokes” that emanate from 49th and Baltimore. These are (a) 4800 block of Baltimore, (b) 49th Street south from Baltimore to Warrington, (c) 49th Street north from Baltimore to Cedar, and (d) 4900 block of Baltimore Avenue including Cedar Park. This Crossroads is the heart of our neighborhood. There are signs of neglect and decline; we have heart trouble. We want to consider a series of steps in our planning, as follows: 1. Taking a physical inventory of the area that might include, for each property, the name of owner, an assessment of the physical condition of the property, any outstanding housing violations and photograph. For the most part, this information is part of the public record, but we might put it together specifically for this project. 2. Developing Talking Points about the project for consistent communication and discussion. 3. Identifying stakeholders and meeting with them to determine what they see as major concerns, and what solutions they envision. 4. Making a log of reports of problems in the Crossroads area, for example, of police activity and dumping. 5. Research regarding financial assistance and other resources available to homeowners who want to make necessary improvements to their property. 6. Studying what can be done to improve problem properties, researching both incentives and disincentives provided by city agencies.
7. Working with the Corridor Manager to promote business development on Baltimore Avenue. We ask you to review these points and give us your feedback. Thank you in advance for your support of Community Development in Cedar Park. If you are interested in this work please contact Maureen Tate at tatemch@aol.com or (215)726-8664.
Block Organizing Community members interested in block organizing efforts recently met to discuss our objectives and develop a timeline for our goals. Participants will be updating Cedar Park’s block captain/contact list. The group plans to meet again in May after this outreach has been completed to discuss plans for holding a block captains’ conference in October, 2003. The purpose of the conference is to distribute information and for neighbors to share how they have addressed common concerns. We have developed a preliminary list of items that would be included in a block organizing kit that will be distributed at this conference. The kit will include information such as a listing of neighborhood resources and how to address zoning concerns. The group plans to hold a follow-up conference in February, 2004 after blocks have been able to schedule individual meetings. In the meantime CPN Board members are available to attend block meetings to share information and address residents’ concerns. If you are interested in this work please contact April Marinell (215)662-1978.
Education and Youth Development Next Meeting: Thursday, April 10, 7 pm Calvary Church, 48th & Baltimore This group formed at the CPN meeting in February with a goal to address the educational concerns of neighborhood residents. The next meeting is to discuss both short-term action and long-term strategy. Whether or not you were able to attend before, your participation is welcomed and encouraged. Be prepared with ideas, information, resources, and expertise. For information contact Pia Martin at (215)474-9592. April 2003
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Cedar Park Neighbors Calvary Community Center 4740 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19143
CPN Mission Statement: Cedar Park Neighbors is an association of diverse households and businesses based in the Cedar Park neighborhood of West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the association shall be to foster collaboration among all persons living and working in the Cedar Park neighborhood, to promote community development, to provide a forum for communication and community education, to respond to neighborhood concerns and to advocate for and promote the general welfare of the Cedar Park community. Send Newsletter items to: 4820 Florence Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19143 tatemch@aol.com
Board of Directors
Membership Coupon
CPN Needs You!
YES, I want to make Cedar Park a better place in which to live. My annual CPN membership dues are enclosed.
CPN welcomes your participation. Please check what you are interested in and return the form to the address below.
___$7 Individual
CPN Projects:
___$10 Household (2 persons or more)
_____ Greening and Environmental Activities
___$20 Business
_____ Scholarship Fund
___$5 Senior/Student/Unemployed
_____ Recycling Project
___$30 Sponsor
_____ Block Network
My additional contribution of $___________ is enclosed.
_____ Cedar Park Fair _____ Holiday Baskets for Cedar Park families _____ Neighborhood Clean-ups
Name
_____ Zoning and Housing Issues Address
_____ Community Development
Phone
_____ Security Concerns
Email ____ I would like a free CPN T-shirt with my renewal of $30 or more. Adult Size: ___M ___L ___XL
_____ Fundraising _____ Newsletter (delivery, writing, publishing) _____ Membership
Return Membership form to: CPN, Calvary Community Center, 4740 Baltimore Ave, Phila, PA 19143 Page 8
CPN Newsletter
President Maureen Tate 726-8664 tatemch@aol.com Vice-Presidents Carol Walker 474-8505 Sean Joe 474-4411 Secretary April Marinel 662-1978 Treasurer Karen Allen 727-8349 Dorothy Welch Berlind Eric Grau Roger Harman Lisa Johanningsmeier Jim Kurtz Melani Lamond James Lander Reggie Morgan Wayne Marquardt Pia Martin Jim Masen Emma Oliver Rose Russell