May 2005
Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter Neighbors Spring Into Their Park: A Cedar Tree for Cedar Park! n Saturday, May 7, a young red O Cedar tree arrived in Cedar Park to take root in the new planting bed established behind the War Memorial at the 49th Street entrance. Approximately 25 neighbors sprung into action to spruce up Cedar Park as part of a citywide “Spring Into Your Park” event, sponsored by the Philadelphia Green Parks Revitalization Program. Tree pits were mulched, the Memorial Garden was renewed and the new garden was planted. We hope that our Cedar tree will flourish for years to come and grow tall to better frame the Memorial. We owe special gratitude to the children from Catharine Street and the men of Pi Kappa Alpha who did some heavy lifting and shoveling to open up the new garden bed. Our neighbors on Catharine have been generous with supplying water to get the plants started. Residents will also notice other positive changes in Cedar Park this season as the Cedar Park Improvement Committee continues its work. Most recently we achieved our goal to remove the unsightly perimeter fence, giving the Park a more open and welcoming feel. Come and enjoy the park!
Neighbors gathered on May 7 to plant a Cedar tree in the new planting bed in Cedar Park.
Obituary: Cedar Park Grieves Loss of our Wonderful Neighbor, Beth Showell any in Cedar Park were shocked and M saddened to learn of the sudden death of long-time Cedar Park resident Beth Showell, due to a fire in her home on the evening of Saturday, April 2. Beth was a member of Cedar Park Neighbors for many years and served as its president in the mid-eighties. Beth taught many of our young people biology at West Philadelphia High School until she retired in the early 90s. She was an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church where she became known as the chef extraordinaire for the Calvary Café which served delicious meals to concert goers attending the
Crossroads Music Series. Many enjoyed her nutrition and cooking demonstrations at the Clark Park Farmer’s Market. She had a love of nature and worked with neighbors to establish Florence Garden on a vacant lot near her home. Beth was a an accomplished potter and tireless supporter of the University City Arts League. Beth Showell was active in so many neighborhood efforts and organizations that her Memorial Service at Calvary Church was filled to overflowing and was a fitting and inspiring tribute to a life that was committed to service and so fully embraced the diversity of our community.
Photo: Tu Huynh