November 2003
Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter Cedar Park Block Leader Conference: Inspiration and Information By Angie Coghlan aturday, November 8th dawned bright S and clear as 35 block captains and leaders from Cedar Park gathered at Hickman Temple, 50th and Baltimore, for an information-packed program designed by a Cedar Park Neighbors planning group to invigorate and support the efforts of the area’s unsung heroes, its block captains. Visitors from neighborhoods in Overbrook Farms and Southwest also came to learn and take information about Cedar Park’s efforts back to their own communities. The program was designed to showcase efforts of successful blocks in fighting problems common to everyone—how to organize for a zoning contest, get a vacant lot cleaned, enlist community support for greening projects, effectively report crime and safety problems to the police, and many other topics. After a general welcome given by Carol Walker and Maureen Tate, Vice-President and President of Cedar Park Neighbors respectively, attendees introduced themselves by name and block, indicating participation throughout the Cedar Park boundary. Following was a slide show, prepared by CPN members Bilal Bell and John Ellingsworth, featuring neighborhood geography that highlighted the strengths and problems faced in our community. It was obvious that growth and development as well as decline can be seen wherever you might look in Cedar Park. The task
before the block captains is to maximize strengths and address problems, never losing sight of the fact that they are not alone in caring about the neighborhood. To empower the group to solve those problems the conference had a dynamic group of speakers. Amanda Benner, coordinator of the Spruce Hill Block Improvement Program and executive director of UC Green, gave a presentation on greening projects and their role in building a sense of community. John Fenton, Director of Operations for the University City District, spoke about efforts to make our area more clean and safe. Robert Solvibile, First Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Licenses and Inspections, spoke of ways to work with communities on the many problems of vacant buildings, code violations and the like. Ed Schwartz of the Institute for the Study of Civic Values invited participants to join block leaders citywide in the Phillyblocks network and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell spoke about the West Philadelphia Improvement Program and quality of life issues. Representatives from the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee and West Philadelphia Townwatch and officers from the 12th and 18th Police Districts were also on hand. After the presentations the group broke into smaller sessions where they could ask the speakers specific questions.
Cedar Park block captains and leaders gathered at Hickman Temple on November 8 for a Block Leaders Conference.
continued on page 2
Cedar Park Neighbors Community Meeting: Bring a Neighbor! View a preliminary design for improvements at Cedar Park… see a demonstration of our new Web Site…pick up some “hot off the presses” CPN brochures to share with your neighbors… and tell us what you think! Since our community meeting last February, the CPN Board and membership have been working steadily to implement
the long-range plan that was shared with community residents. Many of you have come forward since that time and are involved in a variety of efforts. We welcome this opportunity to report to members and residents on where we are and what lies ahead. We have exciting news to share about progress on all four parts of the plan: Community
Promotion and Development, Block Organizing, Education and Organizational Development. We will also outline some of the challenges we face as a community and as an organization as we try to accomplish our goals. We need community feedback about how we are doing. Please plan to be with us and invite a neighbor to come along!
Save the Date: Tuesday, December 9 7:00 - 8:30 pm Calvary Community Center 48th & Baltimore Avenue
President’s Message: Giving Thanks in Cedar Park By Maureen Tate the coming week most of us will be Iingnjoining family and friends for thanksgivcelebrations. Although many will travel outside the neighborhood, we undoubtedly share a mutual gratitude for the many blessings that are part of our daily life in Cedar Park. I’ve had the privilege to work this past year with so many from our neighborhood that model every day what it takes to build a strong community. They are a daily witness to creativity, compassion, generosity, justice, respect and commitment in service of our community. A week ago 35 block leaders came together on a Saturday morning to share challenges and learn together how to be better advocates for other residents. To make that gathering possible, others helped on a planning committee, Hickman Church opened its doors to the community for this event and our speakers committed their time to problem solve with local residents. Many of these block leaders also expressed interest in becoming involved in other community efforts. In the past week six individuals of our Housing/Property Task Force met to consider how to direct resources to improve deteriorated property in the neighborhood. The Scholarship Committee met to evaluate our present program and to consider ideas for the coming year to better serve Cedar Park students. A CPN By-Laws Committee met to begin a revision process. On another afternoon, a large number of neighbors took the time in the middle of the day to attend an important
Block Leaders’ Conference continued from p 1 The group came back together to hear block captains describe their successes. Theresa Sims of 4600 Cedar talked about organizing residents to successfully challenge zoning changes. Paula Moore of 1000 S. 51st told of her efforts to get a vacant lot cleaned. Ricky Lee of 5100 Cedar described his block’s cleanup and preparations for the Philadelphia More Beautiful block contest. It was inspiring to hear how our own homegrown talent mobilized resources to benefit neighbors. Kudos to all three and to the many other local leaders who continue to take action in service of our neighborhood. Page 2
CPN Newsletter
zoning hearing that will affect this community. On Saturday, our recycling volunteers were on the scene to collect and sort recyclables to raise funds for community projects. In this week alone, CPN Board members attended their monthly meeting to consider issues involving zoning, scholarships, community development, outreach to residents, holiday baskets and park improvements. Also this week others will attend a Crime and Safety Committee meeting. There will be a Catharine Street block meeting to give input to some preliminary ideas for local park improvements. Another night, still others will meet as the Park Improvement Committee. At this moment, your newsletter involved four individuals on production plus approximately 20 delivery volunteers. If we really pay attention as we walk around the neighborhood we also notice volunteers weeding community gardens, childcare workers caring for our children, cleaning staff sweeping our streets, safety ambassadors on bike patrols keeping a watchful eye, pastors and congregations tending to our faith communities, teachers coming in and out of our local schools, business owners cheerfully serving customers, volunteers feeding the homeless and homeowners taking care of their properties. Sometimes a good walk through the neighborhood is the best remedy for how overwhelmed we can feel with news of turmoil around the world. Treat yourself this Thanksgiving. Take a walk through Cedar Park and give thanks. Also, Cedar Park Neighbors is grateful to the program committee: Carol Walker, Sarah Schecter, Angie Coghlan, Mike Hardy and Maureen Tate, for launching this effort to support local leaders at the block level. The day began with coffee and refreshments provided by our newest Baltimore Avenue business, Sugar Hill Bakery, and was capped off with a tasty lunch provided by Abbraccio Restaurant. If you couldn’t attend the meeting but are interested in getting a copy of the block leader’s packet, crammed with all sorts of helpful resources, please contact Cedar Park Neighbors at 215-726-8664 or contact@cedarparkneighbors.org.
This Thanksgiving, take a walk through Cedar Park and give thanks.
CPN to Review its Bylaws
CPN Launches New Website www.cedarparkneighbors.org
by Karen Allen
he CPN Board has appointed a Bylaws ommunity Promotion and DevelopT Committee to conduct a long-needed C ment was one of the goals articulated review and possible revision of the organi- in CPN’s long range plan, and the creation zation’s Bylaws. The Bylaws Committee members are Wayne Marquardt, Melani Lamond, and Karen Allen.
The most obvious change to the Bylaws will be in its format. The original version had many different and unrelated topics grouped together, making it difficult to find the answer to a specific question. The new format will keep the original substance, but will have a more logical and less cumbersome organization. The Bylaws Committee will also consider adding new provisions which will address issues that have arisen in the day-to-day functioning of CPN. Proposed changes to be voted on will be presented to the Board in monthly progress reports. To make the revision process as inclusive as possible, the Bylaws Committee seeks the input of the CPN membership. Former Board members are specifically invited to participate due to their experience in dealing with issues that may have arisen in the past. Please contact any Bylaws Committee member with questions, comments or concerns at contact@cedarparkneighbors.org or 215-726-8664.
of a web site was identified as one strategy to implement this goal. Thanks to a very capable web-site committee we are pleased to announce that a new CPN website www.cedarparkneighbors.org has been launched. The website includes a history of Cedar Park and helpful information about Cedar Park Neighbors membership, organization and activities. Members and neighbors can access recent newsletters and other CPN publications and contact us directly through the e-mail response form provided. We will continue to do some fine tuning as well as develop additional features. A CPN calendar and more detailed descriptions of CPN committees will be added shortly. We invite you to check it out and let us know what you think! Your feedback is welcome and needed to help us make good use of this communication tool. Many thanks to the Web Site Committee: John Ellingsworth, Sean Joe, Judy Lamirand and Josh Schneider.
Bright Idea: Lights
Clean Up Day Sat, 12/6
Winterfest! Is Back
UC BRITE helps University City property owners buy lights for the exterior of their properties. The University City District (UCD) will provide matching funds to reimburse property owners for the purchase and installation of pole lights or other exterior lighting. The maximum matching amount per property is $200 Corner properties with two fixtures will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $400.
Litter Co. and UCD are supporting local community organizations for a neighborhood cleanup on Saturday, December 6th, by providing trash bags, work gloves, and pick up of rubbish collected. Register your block by contacting 215-243-0555 or cleanandsafe@ucityphila.org.In order to deal with the multitude of leaves, UCD will pick up leaves and deliver them to the city's compost center. These leaves MUST be bagged separately from all other trash and preferably in clear bags.
It’s the 6th season of Winterfest!, an annual skating celebration. Join University City District and The Class of 1923 Rink for an evening of ice skating, complimentary cookies, cocoa, fountain sodas, and holiday cheer at the Class of 1923 Ice Rink, 3130 Walnut Street, on Thursday, December 18 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
If interested, please send an email to Velena@ucityphila.org. Include your home mailing address so the materials can be sent to you. Funds are limited, so please request your packet as soon as possible. Page 2
CPN Newsletter
For more information on University City District or Litter Co., please visit www.UCityphila.org
Admission to the event is $1 and skate rentals are free, although guests may bring their own if they have them. Those who need to rent skates should arrive 30 minutes before the start of the event.
Skate for $1 at Winterfest! on December 18.
We hope to see you all there! November 2003
Page 3
Membership Coupon
Cedar Park Neighbors Needs You!
YES, I want to make Cedar Park a better place. My annual Cedar Park Neighbors membership dues are enclosed.
Cedar Park Neighbors welcomes your participation. Please check your areas of interest and return the form to CPN, Calvary Community Center, 4740 Baltimore Ave, Phila, PA 19143
___ New Member ___ Renewal
_____ Block Organizing
_____ Neighborhood Clean-up Committee
___ $7 Individual
_____ Cedar Park Fair
_____ Neighborhood Safety
___ $10 Household (2 persons or more)
_____ Community Development _____ Newsletter (writing, publishing, delivery)
___ $20 Business
_____ Education
_____ Recycling Project
___ $5 Senior/Student/Unemployed
_____ Fundraising
_____ Scholarship Fund Committee
___ $30 Sponsor
_____ Greening Activities
_____ Website
Enclosed is my additional contribution
_____ Holiday Baskets
_____ Zoning Committee
of $________________________
_____ Membership Committee
Name Address
Phone Email ____ I would like a free CPN T-shirt with my renewal of $30 or more. Adult Size: ___M ___L ___XL
Getting in the Spirit: Two Holiday Events Scheduled for Sunday, December 14 he St. Francis de Sales Chorale will T present its holiday concert, “Joy Shall Be Yours” on December 14 at 2 p.m. in its home church at 47th Street and Springfield Avenue. The resonant space created by St. Francis de Sales dome, which is modeled after the world-famous Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, provides superb acoustics for choral music. The 35-voice chorale’s program includes Renaissance motets by Josquin des Prez and Praetorius, Gregorian chant, the Pinkham Christmas Cantata, and boisterous carols. The concert is free, however, donations will be accepted for the restoration of the St. Francis de Sales pipe organ. The church is home to the largest pipe organ in the archdiocese of Philadelphia, a four-manual, 6000+ pipe organ chosen by Maestro Eugene Ormandy to record Camille Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony no. 3 with the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1980. The organ is in need of repair and restoration, and the chorale has been working hard to raise needed funds. There will be
an announcement at the concert concerning the progress of the fundraising and plans for the restoration work. For further information and directions, call the church rectory at 215-222-5819. After the concert, from 4 to 8 p.m., another holiday event will commence: the University City Holiday House Tour. Sponsored by and benefiting the University City Arts League (UCAL) and the University City Historical Society (UCHS), this self-guided walking tour of University City artists’ homes will feature artwork and holiday decorations ranging from traditional to whimsical. Tourgoers are also invited to stop by the University City Arts League for a holiday party, craft show and sale. Tickets for the tour are $15 ($12 for UCAL or UCHS members) and may be This issue of the purchased at St. Francis de Sales church following the concert. Children under CPN Newsletter 12 accompanied by an adult are free. is sponsored by For more information contact UCHS at 215-387-3019; or UCAL at 215-382-7811.
abbracci restaurant November 2003
Page 5
c/o Calvary Community Center 4740 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19143 contact@cedarparkneighbors.org
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 Newsletter Editors: Maureen Tate & Judy Lamirand Newsletter Design: Judy Lamirand, Parallel Design
Repair or Replace: Wondering About Your Windows? onsidering repair or replacement? C Have questions about life expectancy, dependability, costs, energy efficiency, maintenance and availability? Before you make a decision, get real information, not anecdotal opinion, from the first in a new Practical Preservation Series published by the University City Historical Society. Researched and developed by Jeremy Wells, a preservation specialist, UC neighbor and board member of UCHS and reviewed by those who have faced the problem themselves, “Windows: Repair or Replace?” considers the options and recommends solutions that are not only cost effective but responsible to the long term needs both of property owners and their property values in Cedar Park. Before you act, get the right information and local resources. The answers in “Windows” will surprise you and can save you cash, heartaches and future troubles. Free to UCHS members, “Windows: Repair or Replace?” has been distributed Page 6
CPN Newsletter
at the Cedar Park Fair and the CPN Block Organizing Workshop. You can also pick up a free copy at the University City District offices at 3940 Chestnut Street during regular business hours. Those wishing to receive one by mail will need to send a check for $3 to cover postage & handling along with their mailing address, to UCHS, P O Box 31927, Philadelphia, PA 19104. This effort is funded in part by a grant from Citizens Bank University City Neighborhood Partnership Fund.
CPN Board of Directors President Maureen Tate, 726-8664 tatemch@aol.com Vice-Presidents Carol Walker, 474-8505 Sean Joe, 474-4411 Secretary Jim Masen, 662-1978 Treasurer Karen Allen, 727-8349 Bilal Bell Dorothy Welch Berlind Miriam Churchwell John Ellingsworth Eric Grau Roger Harman James R. Kurtz Lisa Johanningsmeier Judy Lamirand Melani Lamond James D. Lander Wayne Marquardt Reggie Morgan