November 2010
Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter Season of Joy and Giving? Cool! President’s Message By Monica Allison an you believe this is the last issue C of the Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) newsletter for the year? Where has the time gone? We were just recovering from the historic snowfall of last winter, and suddenly we’re looking cooler weather in the face again! We have had an amazing year in our community. We had four series of conversations about what we would like to see happen along Baltimore Avenue between 49th and 52nd Streets. The discussions yielded a conceptual portfolio of ideas, and now it’s time for the hard work. Those of us who are interested in this process will gather and begin to plan first steps. I’ll talk more about that after the New Year. Our website is rebuilt and is ready for you to explore. It’s a place where you not only can get information about what we are doing in the neighborhood, you also can view the report generated by the Community Design Collaborative from the discussions held on and about Baltimore Avenue. We had Second Saturday craft fairs at 50th and Baltimore Avenue, sponsored by Vix Emporium; we look forward to their return in the spring. We had a successful but short jazz season, and look forward to setting up the 2011 season. We raised money and
distributed scholarship funds to students in our area. Cedar Park Neighbors has held several meet and greets along the Avenue, family fun days in the park, greening workshops, and of course the Cedar Park Fair. In November, Cedar Park Neighbors Education committee hosted an Education night, introducing area preschools and providing a forum for parents to meet and discuss their needs. Though the winter season is approaching, we still have several activities that will take us to the end of the year. Holiday basket Help prepare holiday fundraising is in full swing, so please give baskets. See page 12. generously so that those who are in need of assistance can receive and enjoy their holiday season. Finally, Cedar Park Neighbors is celebrating its 50th Anniversary (see page 7 for Issue No. 1 of our newsletter) and the 100th Anniversary of Cedar Park itself. We are looking for residents in the community to get involved with us to plan events around these momentous occasions. Just send us an email or leave a message at the office with ideas and or your desire to participate. I look forward to seeing you all in the neighborhood during this season of joy and giving. I wish you all Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad, Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year.
Learning About Schools: Education Nights By Michael Clapper and Danielle Denk, CPN Education Committee verywhere you go in Cedar Park these E days, you see parents and caregivers pushing little ones in strollers. The crowded and noisy new playground at Cedar Park testifies to the community’s dedication to our littlest neighbors as well as the growing number of small children. To support parents and children often overwhelmed by the number of choices and the lack of information, Cedar Park Neighbors is hosting a series of Education Nights. The first event, held on November 10 at Studio 34,
welcomed pre-k schools and daycare centers located in and around Cedar Park to present their school to the community. The representatives from these programs prepared a brief outline of their program along with a description of their philosophy of early childhood education and provided attendees with an information packet detailing the pre-k options in the community. Early in 2010, we will be hosting a second Education Night when we hope to invite a number of local elementary school principals to describe their schools. Stay tuned for more information!
There is always something good happening in Cedar Park!
Cream & Sugar Bakery Serves Up Sweet Classes for Lads and Lasses By Lawrence Mahoney-Jones y name is Lawrence Mahoney-Jones, M and I am a three year recipient of the Cedar Park Neighbor Scholarship. I am currently in my third year at Drexel University, studying Marketing and Entrepreneurship. I have been really busy in the past months. I’m also on my second co-op at Cream & Sugar, located on 40th and Spruce Streets. I am doing marketing work for the bakery and it’s going really well. In addition to the custom goods and services, Cream & Sugar also offers Cupcake Decorating classes (for kids and for teens/adults) and Chocolate Making classes (just for teens/adults). The classes are held the first Wednesday of every month (except January) with the next one on December 1st. The classes are $10 for kids and $15 for teens/adults. The classes are held at Studio 34 Yoga on 45th and Baltimore with the kids’ Cupcake Decorating class at 4 p.m., Chocolate Making at 5:30pm and the teen/adult Cupcake Decorating class at 7 p.m.
To register for a class, send an email to creamandsugarsweets@yahoo.com. I also have been very involved on Drexel’s campus. I started my first year as a resident advisor at Millennium Hall on Drexel’s campus. I am on the 12th floor of the building, which mostly houses honors freshmen. It has been a great experience so far, and I’m having a great time despite the huge commitment. I think I am going to apply again for next year. I am also the Programming Chair with the Residence Hall Association and a tenor on the Drexel University Gospel Choir. It’s definitely a challenge to balance all my responsibilities and tasks, but it’s going great so far!
Cedar Park Neighbors is proud of our scholarship recipient and wishes Lawrence more of the sweet smell of success in all his endeavors! Lawrence Mahoney-Jones
How Does Your Garden Grow? Cedar Park Garden Workshops
Deborah Clarke waters a workshop container garden.
Sue Pringle of UC Green presented a gardening workshop in Cedar Park.
his season we were pleased to offer T four garden workshops in Cedar Park. Unfortunately, the June storm that felled many of our trees led to the cancellation of our “Caring for Young Trees” workshop, and our July “Pruning Basics” was cut short by another summer deluge. However, aspiring gardeners very much enjoyed the next two workshops offered in collaboraPage 2
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tion with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society: the “Fabulous Fall Container” workshop facilitated by Sue Pringle of UC Green, and “Putting the Garden to Bed,” facilitated by horticulturist Charlotte Kidd. After you put your garden to bed, rest and gather your energy for next year when we hope to see you back in Cedar Park for more activities in the garden.
Mariposa Food Co-op Set to Metamorphosize and Upsize ariposa Food Co-op will move from M its existing storefront to a renovated structure that will provide five times the shopping space and more amenities for the West Philadelphia community. After decades in its current location, Mariposa has purchased the landmark Belmont Trust Company Building, which most recently served as the home of Beulah Tabernacle Church. Mariposa plans to move all of its operations into this new home at 4824 Baltimore Avenue by next summer. “We are a grocer that specializes in healthy sustainable food, and the only food co-op in the neighborhood.” said Kara Ja’Nice Crews, convener of Mariposa’s Board of Delegates. “The new store will allow us to reach every person looking for great food in a community setting.” In the 1970s, Mariposa began as a buying club, providing its members with high-quality, local and organic food out of a charming but tiny storefront at 4726 Baltimore Avenue. Following the international cooperative principles, Mariposa is owned and controlled by its members. Since 2000, Mariposa has experienced an unprecedented increase in membership, now boasting over 1000 members. The expansion and relocation will allow Mariposa to grow and meet more of the demands of the neighborhood.
“Mariposa has been a part of the fabric of West Philadelphia for decades,” said Monica Allison, president of Cedar Park Neighbors. “We are thrilled to support them as they make their move to this new, gorgeous home.” Mariposa has brought together a unique collection of partners to support its expansion efforts. These include: The Merchant’s Fund, University City District, The Reinvestment Fund, Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation, Wharton Small Business Development Center, Penn Law’s Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic, Fresh Food Financing Initiative, CDS Consulting Co-op, North Country Cooperative Development Fund, The Community Design Collaborative and Re:Vision Architecture.
Mariposa Food Co-op to Expand, Relocate to Landmark Bank Building on Baltimore Avenue
“Currently, only members of Mariposa can shop at the store,” said Esteban Kelly, staff member of Mariposa’s Education Committee and member of the Mariposa Board of Delegates. “In the new building, Mariposa will implement an expanded membership policy. This will open our doors to everyone and allow non-members to shop, while retaining benefits and incentives for members.” For more information, please contact Lauren Townsend at 215-939-7621 or expansion@mariposa.coop.
VIX Emporium and Dock Street Host “Metamorphosis for Mariposa” Fundraiser ince mariposa means butterfly in Stransformation Spanish, “metamorphosis,” the physical of a caterpillar into a butterfly, is the perfect name for a fundraiser and raffle to be held November 20th, just in time for Thanksgiving. VIX Emporium is collecting tons of great raffle prizes, like handmade gifts, jewelry, gift certificates for meals and even hotel stays, all donated by local businesses, shops, restaurants and artists. A portion of VIX’s sales on that day will go to the co-op, so it’s a perfect way to start your holiday shopping. The raffle will be at Dock Street throughout the afternoon and evening. There will be live music, great handcrafted beer and food, and a portion of their sales will also be donated. Raffle tickets are only $1 each. Complete event details, including an updated list of prizes, can be found at metamorphosisformariposa.blogspot.com.
Here’s one of the first prizes to arrive, a hand-decoupaged butterfly plate by Suzanne DeVicaris of In Situ Decorative Arts. How appropos to the theme, and what a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table. If you’d like to add a contribution to the list of prizes, please let us know, and buy as many raffle tickets as you can.
November 2010
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The Baltimore Avenue Conversation: We’ve Only Just Begun By Maureen Tate any residents, organizations and businesses came together in the spring for a series of workshops to begin to imagine a revitalized Baltimore Avenue from 49th to 52nd Street. With a volunteer team of professional architects and design professionals from the Community Design Collaborative, we brainstormed and prioritized ideas and reviewed some preliminary design recommendations for the area.
M
Over 150 individuals participated through attendance at workshops or by submitting questionnaires. Our ideas and feedback were then incorporated into a final report that was presented back to the community at two sessions in October. If you missed one of them, you can view the entire report by going to the CPN website at www.cedarparkneighbors.org. There you will be able access a page by page view of the Collaborative team analysis and final recommendations. Below, you will find just a sampling of some of the ideas that emerged in our Baltimore Avenue Conversation that are included in the report.
At the final report presentation, participants discussed which, if any, ideas should be a focus for future action. Common ground began to emerge as groups considered the questions below. Answers reflect those most often mentioned. We appreciate the time and talent that the Community Design Collaborative brought to this important community conversation. We realize a report is not a working plan and it will take a lot of hard work to bring some of our ideas to fruition and those conversations have yet to begun. If you would like to participate in future conversations regarding the revitalization of Baltimore Avenue, please contact CPN. In the meantime be sure to review the full report on the CPN website. Senior Affordable Housing suggested for the northwest corner of 51st and Baltimore Streets.
Mission Statement: The Baltimore Avenue corridor should address the needs and improve the quality of life for the adjacent blocks and do so in a way that maintains the character of the corridor. Goals for the Corridor: • Accommodate the community desires for infill projects • Maintain the character and scale of the neighborhood • Improve safety and comfort within pedestrian corridors • Restore and improve existing storefronts and facades • Connect with 52nd St. business corridor and transportation hubs at 49th and 52nd Sts. • Let street improvements create an identity for the corridor • Address need for traffic calming at intersections • Provide opportunities for community activities • Engage the larger community, beyond the immediate blocks Page 6
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Strong Desires for the Corridor: • Fresh Food Grocery Store • Affordable Housing • Community/Youth/Education Center/Recreation Center • Hardware Store • Affordable Senior Housing — Independent and Assisted Living • Community Garden • Job Training Center • Farmer’s Market
Which of the ideas presented would you most like to see implemented?
Moderate Desires for the Corridor: • Bakery • Book Store (used or new) • Rental Apartments • Garden Center • Breakfast/Brunch Place • Drug Store* • Senior Center • Copy/Print Store • Outdoor Movie Screen • Shoe Repair Shop • Library* • Band/Music Venues * Noted as already in the area
• Infill
• Streetscape (build out sidewalks/traffic calming/greenscape/curb bump outs etc.) • Bike and pedestrian amenities/Cleaning • Senior housing/Senior Center • Re-use of empty buildings/lots • Façade improvements Which of the ideas/concepts presented do you have reservations about? • 51st Corridor recommendation • Traffic calming ideas/ Parking for Whitby Avenue • Sidewalk expansion ideas Is there anything that you feel is missing or has not yet been considered? • Charter School • Parking and how it will impact residential areas
Speaking of Improvements: Concrete Cracked; Blocks Beautified
Before (above) & after (right). Concrete was removed and replaced with plants and shrubs on the block of 800 S. St. Bernard Street.
ongratulations to two of our Cedar C Park blocks who recently completed a Block Improvement Project with the benefit of a CPN Block Improvement Grant! The 1000 block of South 50th Street reports having planted approximately 10 shrubs, 70 smaller perennials, and close to 400 bulbs in the planting strip on the nonresidential side of the street. Homeowner Seth Budick writes, “The combined effect of these plantings will be a long-term improvement to the appearance of this formerly neglected block, and a strong sign to potential dumpers and litterers that the block is off limits for that sort of activity.” Amen! Six neighbors put in 50 hours of volunteer time in reclaiming long overgrown stretch along the railroad. We look forward to seeing all those bulbs burst into bloom next spring. Thank you! Our thanks as well to the many dedicated volunteers of the 800 S. St. Bernard Street where “six hundred and seventy square feet of ugly and impermeable concrete has been removed and replaced with grass, bulbs, trees, plants and shrubs.” You can
just feel the planet taking a deep breath! In addition, as homeowner Christian George comments, “Aside from the beautification of our living space, we are also very excited to join Philadelphia’s initiative to create more opportunities for storm water drainage.” Other homeowners, who did not participate in the project, are now interested in restoring the planting strips in front of their homes. What a heroic effort during a very hot summer! We are happy to share these before and after pictures. Be sure to stroll down these blocks and appreciate the fruits of the labor that benefits us all. If you would like to consider a Block Improvement Grant for your block, Cedar Park Neighbors is here to help. Information about the program and application materials can be found on the CPN website, or you can call CPN for more information. The deadline for grant applications is February 1st of each year. As cold weather is now upon us, it is the perfect time to think about organizing with neighbors for next spring.
Cedar Park Fall Fair On Saturday, September 25th, 2010, Cedar Park Neighbors held its annual community fair in Cedar Park. We had vendors, childrens activities, a moon bounce, our own DJ Jamar and Danophonic Raaf
spinning music, and photographer Ra Hall taking photos of the children. It was a beautiful fall day. We would like to thank our sponsors: The Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, Central City
Toyota, O’Donnell Real Estate, and The Gold Standard Restaurant. We also want to thank Penn Health and University of the Sciences for their participation in the fair. Raffle prizes ranged from
tickets to the Philadelphia Kixx, to a $400 bundle of dining destinations in our area. We thank all the volunteers who helped to make the day a success, and we look forward to seeing you next year! November 2009
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Coming Right Up! at the Philadelphia Folklore Project (PFP) November 5th, 6 - 8 p.m.
December 2nd (1st Thursdays), 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Exhibition Opening Party Making Home Place
Keepers Of The Culture
How do you use folk arts to face hard issues and the challenges of making an enduring and hospitable place? Local peoples’ conversations (traced on our walls, continuing outside them) open the experiences of immigrants and long-time Philadelphians. This first community exhibition reflects learnings from PFP's inaugural "Community Folklife Documentation Workshop." Listen, look and share… November 11th, 6 - 8 p.m.
The region's Afrocentric storytelling organization meets monthly at PFP to conduct business, share stories, and build a community of storytellers. For more information: 609.877.6807. (PFP hosts an artist-designed program.) December 4th, 7:30 PM Eateleh: A Life In Klezmer Elaine Hoffman Watts, Susan Lankin Watts and Friends, Crossroads Music / Calvary Center for Culture and Community, 801 S. 48th Street
November 16th (3rd Tuesdays), 2 - 4 PM
PFP premieres a new documentary on these amazing women, third and fourth generation klezmorim. After the screening, enjoy a concert and party with the musicians and special guests. The Hoffman family has had a major impact on Philadelphia musical culture for a century. Elaine and Susan continue to break new ground. The documentary tells the story of these women and this family tradition. Tickets: $10 - $30. A collaboration with Crossroads Music. More information: PFP, 215.726.1106
Zaye I Am A Learner / Liberian Words Of Wisdom
For more information, contact:
Gbahtuo Comgbaye leads conversations among Liberian storytellers and community members. Salons will be recorded for his WPEB radio show (Our Heritage and Us). PFP hosts an artist-designed program.)
Philadelphia Folklore Project 735 South 50th Street Philadelphia, PA 19143 P: 215.726.1106 pfp@folkloreproject.org
When My Mother Broke Her Leg (and came to live with me)
Veteran media-maker Barbara Grant turns to folklore and oral history in a very personal project about aging, advocacy, and health care policy — and her mother. In her multi-media performance piece, she reconsiders her role and her knowledge of family history, and raises questions about equity in health care, especially for elders. (PFP hosts an artist-designed program.)
Do You Know… …what lies below?
…how much water flows?
Fire protection for the city of Philadelphia is provided through nearly 25,000 fire hydrants.
3% of the water on Earth is fresh water and only 1% is available for human consumption. 66 % of the human body is water. 66% of the water used in an average home is used in the bathroom Typically, 3 to 7 gallons of water are used for every toilet flush. On average, a person uses 2 gallons of water to brush his or her teeth each day. A 10 minute shower uses about 55 gallons of water. A leaking faucet can waste up to 100 gallons of Philadelphia water a day. Water Works! ...why tap water works for you? Information reprinted from the Philadelphia If you pay $1 for a 20-ounce bottle of water, that Water Department works out to $6.40 a gallon. Philadelphia’s water Water Quality Report. costs less than 1 cent per gallon.
Philadelphia’s three water treatment plants treat approximately 250 million gallons of top quality drinking water each day which is then conveyed through 3,137 miles of water mains. Philadelphia’s three wastewater treatment plants treat approximately 490 million gallons of wastewater that is collected from the homes, businesses and land in the City each day through 3,599 miles of sewers. If Philadelphia’s water and sewer mains were put in a straight line, they would stretch from Philadelphia to San Francisco and back! Page 6
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Remember When? We don’t remember exactly when it was published either, but this is the first CPN newsletter. Now we’re celebrating Cedar Park Neighbors 50th Anniversary.
November 2010
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CPN Newsletter
Cedar Park Neighbors Membership Application/Renewal ● New Member
Name
Name
Address
Address
● Renewal ● Multi-year (max. 3 years)
# of years_____ ● $10 Individual
City, State, Zip
● $15 Household (2 persons or more) ● $ 7 Senior/Student/Unemployed
Phone
Phone
● $30 Business ● $40 Sponsor (one free CPN t-shirt!)
Additional contribution: (Write $ amount)
_____ Holiday baskets _____ Scholarships _____ Jazz Series _____ Other, specify _________________________
● Yes, I would like to receive an email notice with
CPN t-shirt: (Write $ amount if not Sponsor and circle size)
_____ Short Sleeve Adult S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL,4XL, 5XL, 6XL ($15) _____ Short Sleeve Kids S, M, L, XL ($15) _____ Long Sleeve Adult S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL ($20) _________TOTAL ENCLOSED
a link to the current newsletter on the CPN website (and do not deliver a paper copy to my home). Email Website Phone
contact@cedarparkneighbors.org www.cedarparkneighbors.org 267-531-4147
Return form with check to: Cedar Park Neighbors Calvary Community Center 4740 Baltimore Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19143
Check your areas of interest for potential participation: ● Block Organizing: Maintain list of Block Leaders, organize forums etc. ● Block Improvement Grants Committee: Review applications, help awardees implement projects etc. ● Board of Directors: CPN leadership and decision-making body. ● Cedar Park Fair: Publicity, children’s activities, venders, entertainment, etc. ● Cedar Park Garden Tenders: Plant and maintain gardens at Cedar Park. ● Clean-up Committee: Promote participation in block clean-up days and Tire Round-up. ● Education Committee: Interaction with local schools and parents on issues. ● Fundraising: Special events, grant writing. ● Holiday Baskets: Coordinate and assist distribution to needy Cedar Park families. ● Hospitality: Provide refreshments for community meetings and special events. ● Membership Committee: Promote membership to residents and businesses. ● Newsletter: Writing, publishing, photography, distribution. ● Property/Housing Task Force: Strategize/respond to issues of deteriorated property. ● Scholarship Committee: Raise funds, promote program, and select awardees. ● Website: Technical support, maintenance, updating info/pictures etc. ● Zoning Committee: Monitor & communicate issues to residents;
appear before Zoning Board of Adjustment, coordinate meetings. Cedar Park Neighbors is a 501[c]3 not-for-profit organization. All contributions are fully tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.
November 2010
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c/o 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. Newsletter Editors Maureen Tate & Judy Lamirand Newsletter Design Judy Lamirand, Parallel Design To Contact Cedar Park Neighbors or submit Newsletter items: contact@cedarparkneighbors.org www.cedarparkneighbors.org 267-531-4147
Any Amount Welcome: Cedar Park Neighbors Holiday Basket Appeal By Victoria Iannotta, Holiday Basket Co-Chair s autumn is upon us, our thoughts turn to the holidays. Each year at this time, Cedar Park Neighbors works with local churches and non-profit organizations in our community to identify those for whom the gift of a Christmas holiday meal would be welcome. It has become a long standing tradition and a way in which we can give back. Thanks to donations from so many local residents and businesses, last year we were able to provide food baskets to more than 580 people.
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The organizations that we work with in this initiative are Calvary United Methodist Church, Greater Enon Baptist Church, Hickman Temple, People’s Baptist Church, Philadelphia Beauty Showcase Museum, St Francis de Sales Church and Southwest Community Enrichment Center. We would like to express our deep appreciation to all of the Cedar Park residents who have contributed in the past to this initiative as well as local area business and individuals who have demonstrated Page 10 CPN Newsletter
outstanding support for our community, particularly the Philadelphia Federal Credit Union and Senator Anthony Williams.
CPN Board President Monica Allison 1st Vice-President Naomi Fiordimondo
Please consider those most in need in our community by supporting the Holiday Basket outreach again this year. A donation of $35 will allow you to sponsor two deserving families this holiday season, although any amount is most welcome.
2nd Vice-President Sean Dorn
If you know of deserving families in the Cedar Park area (46th to 52nd, Larchwood to Kingsessing), please give their names, addresses and the number of people in each family to one of our participating organizations.
Directors
To our local vendors — your donations are especially needed. Please give generously to support your community. Thank you in advance for your support! Donations can be sent to: Cedar Park Neighbors, Holiday Baskets Calvary Community Center 4740 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19143
Secretary Dorothy Welch Berlind Treasurer Karen Allen
Algernong Allen Michael Clapper Danielle Denk Laurie Friedman Michael Froehlich Lisa Johanningsmeier Fred Kauffman Theresa McCole Manzi Jessica Naugle McAtamny Bruce McCullough Ray Murphy Sheri McFarland Sara Nissley Beverly Rouse Neil Toensmeier Richard Warner