November 2011
Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter Presidents Message: A Century Celebrated By Monica Allison, CPN President n Saturday August 6th, 2011, O neighbors came together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Cedar Park and the 50th anniversary of Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN). Even with overcast skies, it turned out to be a wonderful day. The children enjoyed themselves on the two moon bounces provided by Pearson Entertainment, and the park was full of neighbors enjoying music from local talent, including our DJ Jamar, Rosemary Fiki Band, Gretchen Elise, The Independent Rock School and, of course, the Elgins. The park was also alive with craft vendors and was well-served by a variety of food vendors. Thank you for making the day so special. The icing on the cake is the Centennial Commemorative Booklet! If you haven’t received your copy, you don’t know what you are missing. Peggy Kovich and Mara Hincher did a superb job of capturing the history of our Park and of Cedar Park Neighbors. See page 2 for details about how to receive a copy. Our community was hit hard in September with the death of one of our neighbors, friend and volunteer Bruce J. Hansen. His wife, Sarah, helped me to appreciate how precious every moment of our lives are. We send our love to Sarah, Sadie and Beatrice, who was born October 14, 2011. On October 4th, we had our fall Meet and Greet at Aksum, one of the newest restaurant additions to Baltimore Avenue. If you have not sampled their Mediter ranean cuisine, you’ve missed a great experience. We thank the staff and owner, Saba Tedla, for their hospitality. Cedar Park has experienced recent damage from vandals, and CPN made a plea to neighbors to help us replace the plantings. We received overwhelming support and have received more than $500 in donations. Thank you to all that contributed! You should see an improvement to the park gardens in the coming weeks.
The holidays are upon us, and one of the highlights of the season is the Holiday Basket campaign. This is one of the areas in which our neighborhood shines. Last year we fed over 150 families. With the economy in a state of flux, more families will need our help. When you receive our solicitation, give generously, and save the date, December 17, 2011, when we will pack and give out the baskets. Cedar Park Neighbors is shifting to an annual membership renewal date. This change will help smooth our administration of membership. We are looking forward to serving our larger community, and if you are not already one of our 327 members, consider joining! Your dollars go far in helping us to fulfill our mission. Looking forward, Mariposa Food Coop is on track and scheduled to open at their new location, 4824 Baltimore Avenue, in January 2012. Check out their website for updates. Finally, I would personally like to wish you all a wonderful holiday season. Check on neighbors throughout the winter, visit the businesses along the Avenue, and remember…
Monica Allison (pictured above, far left) joined senior neighbors under a tent at the fair to enjoy the music.
The Elgins were just one of many groups which performed at the fair. See more photos on page 8.
There is always something good happening in Cedar Park!
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND BECOME A MEMB E R This special issue of the newsletter is being distributed to all households within Cedar Park. There is a good deal of news and information that may be of interest to you. We invite you to join Cedar Park Neighbors so that you can continue to stay up to date on important issues within the community through our printed newsletter and on-line updates and communications. Check out Cedar Park Neighbors online at www.CedarParkNeighbors.org.
Get Active in Your Community – Membership Goes a Long Way By Laurie Friedman, Membership Chair
• Organize the annual Cedar Park Fair
y joining Cedar Park Neighbors, B you become an active participant in helping to shape your community. It’s a
• Host the Summer Jazz Series
great way to keep abreast of what’s going on in our neighborhood and meet new friends. Membership dues, along with other fundraising activities, are critical to support the valuable work being done by CPN.
With your help, CPN will continue to: • Deliver news through our website, Facebook, email blasts and newsletter • Introduce you to your neighbors and local restaurants at the Meet and Greet events • Keep you informed about local schools and daycare centers • Support schools in our area • Award scholarships to high school graduates and continuing college students and support scholarship recipients • Support small businesses through projects such as the Baltimore Avenue Conversation • Spread the word about local zoning issues • Provide representation before the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Liquor Control Board • Fund Block Improvement Grants • Represent CPN members at community meetings • Maintain the park for our enjoyment
Break out the Long-Sleeve T-Shirts! roclaim your neighborhood with pride when you do your shopping — pick up one of the Cedar Park Neighbors t-shirts.
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Emblazoned with the CPN logo, the beautiful “stonewashed green” 100% cotton shirts are available in both long and short sleeve, adult and children’s sizes. You can be any size and wear your shirt in any season! Mail or drop off a check and size request to CPN, c/o Calvary Community Center 4740 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143. Page 2
CPN Newsletter
• Deliver holiday food baskets to neighbors As you can see, your membership goes a long way! If you’re not a member yet, please consider signing up today by visiting: cedarparkneighbors.org/join-cpn-donate/ or returning the form on page 15. If you know a new homeowner or renter on your block, send their name and address to membership@cedarparkneighbors.org. New neighborhood residents will receive a free CPN membership for one year. To save trees and cut down on costs, email membership@cedarparkneighbors.org if you would like to receive an email copy instead of a hard copy of the newsletter.
Cedar Park Plants Update — Thanks for Your Donations! e very much appreciate the W outpouring of support for our garden effort in Cedar Park following
New plants in Cedar Park recent vandalism of the garden beds. Thank you for your donation to help with plant replacement in the gardens. We received over $500 in donations as well as offers of free plants! We especially thank our friends at Bartram Gardens and nursery manager Grant Folin for coming out to survey the situation and advise on appropriate plant varieties and as well as for several plant contributions. For more information and to volunteer with park efforts, please contact CPN.
Yes! Send Me a CPN T-Shirt! Children’s Short Sleeve ___ S ___ M ___ L
___ XL
Adult Short Sleeve ___ S ___ M ___ L
___ XL
___ 2XL ___ 3XL ___ 4XL ___ 5XL ___ 6XL Total number short sleeve shirts __________ x $15 = ___________ Adult Long Sleeve ___ S ___ M ___ L
___ XL___ 2XL ___ 3XL
Total number long sleeve shirts __________ x $20 = ___________ Name Address Home Phone Cell Phone Email Address
Cleaner and Greener: Pitch In On Community Cleanup Day By the University City District oin your friends and neighbors on Jcommunity Saturday, December 3rd for the late fall cleanup in University City.
Cleanup? I thought these were Quiddich tryouts.
We will be organizing special projects, increasing our green efforts, and celebrating all of our hard work at a post-cleanup party. We encourage everyone to step outside and clean up where you live, work, learn or play. This can be outside your home, office or school, in a nearby park, or an empty lot. Even the smallest effort can make the biggest difference. If you’re looking for ideas, we’ve got ’em. We’ll be organizing a few focused efforts throughout the neighborhood and, as always, we’re here to assist anyone interested in participating. This includes providing block captains, student and volunteer groups and neighbors with trash bags, brooms, work gloves, and trash pickup. Michael Nutter is challenging Philadelphia to become the greenest city in America.
Going green is nothing new in University City, where large-scale tree plantings, farmers markets, and community gardens have been part of the landscape for years, but we’re not about to stop there. Let’s continue to move even closer to becoming America’s greenest city!
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday, December
To sign up for the University City Cleanup, please contact UCD at 215-243-0555 or cleanandsafe@universitycity.org.
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Call to Artists: GO WEST! Craft Fest
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GO WEST! Craft Fest’s Holiday show is Saturday December 3rd, at the Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street. Forty of Philadelphia’s most amazing artisans purvey their finest handmade wares — unique accoutrements, ornaments & jewelry, art originals & reproductions, cozy hand-stitched woolens, toys, soaps, candles — special holiday gifts for the ones you treasure most. Made locally and with love, presented with pride in West Philadelphia. If you’d like to be one of 40 amazing artisan vendors for this holiday show, send your info to gowestcraftfest@gmail.com.
November 2011
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Scholarship Corner: Awards + Mentoring By Laurie Friedman and Melissa St. Pierre, Co-Chairs reetings from the Scholarship Committee! G We’ve had a wonderfully productive and successful year. Once again, our fundraising efforts paid off in a big way; through the generous support and donations of our neighbors, we were able to award eight students $800 each in scholarships. As you can tell by reading Miranda Siddall’s letter of thanks on page 5 of this newsletter, our student recipients are greatly appreciative. We’ve also added a mentoring component to our efforts, whereby a committee member checks in periodically with one of our scholarship winners during each semester. As a committee, we’ve gained a few new members (although we are always looking for more!). Finally, we are asking our scholarship recipients to commit to giving back to our community, as a way to “pay it forward” and thank this amazing neighborhood called Cedar Park. As part of their award, they’ve agreed to participate in some CPN-sponsored activity during the year. But with all the work we’ve done, there’s always more to come. As our scholarship winners approach finals, the committee will be shipping them care packages filled with school supplies and home-
baked goods. We are reviewing our application process, and in the next few months, will begin recruiting for next year’s applicants. The application will be posted on the Cedar Park website by February of 2012. And early in the new year, we will begin our planning for next year’s annual fundraising event at Dock Street Brewery.
Scholarship Committee members Laura McHugh, Melissa St. Pierre, and Darryl Bundrige, the proud presenters of the scholarships.
Lastly, the committee would like to send a special thank you to Laura Tate-McHugh, who served as chair of the committee for many years. Her dedication to the work we do has truly been an inspiration. We are thankful for her organization and attention to detail that makes filling her large shoes a bit less daunting. We look forward to another exciting year and once again, thank you all for your support and contributions. Questions or comments about the scholarship committee can be sent to: scholarships@cedarparkneighbors.org.
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CPN Newsletter
2011-2012 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Briana Lane, Kamilla Philson, Miranda Siddall, Hanh Nguyen, Dung Nguyen, Sara Ghebremariam, Zachary Spence & Teila Allmond.
From the Desk of... Miranda Siddall, Scholarship Recipient Dear Cedar Park Neighbors, Thank you so much for awarding me this scholarship. My first year at Bryn Mawr College has been amazing beyond belief. I did not know it until I started here, but I love this school and I love college. I have already learned so much. My interest in food production and agriculture policy used to be a hobby, something I would only read books about. Thanks to Bryn Mawr, now I know it’s something you can actually study. Although I’m still unsure of my major, I have decided that to pursue my interest in food, I would like to minor in Environmental Studies. This first year would not have been possible without your support, financial and otherwise. The care package was so thoughtful; I cannot tell you how much it meant to me in the final weeks before winter break. I thought you might like to know where your money went. There are three books I was able to purchase this year thanks to the Cedar Park Neighbors Scholarship and that I highly recommend: Book: My Soul is Rested by Howell Raines Class: The Long 1960’s
This book is an incredible compilation of interviews of those involved in the civil rights movement from 1955 to
1968. The story of the civil rights movement comes through clearly in the voices of those who were involved. Book: Homefront by Catherine Lutz Class: Introduction to Peace and Conflict Studies An interesting look at the interconnections between the military town Fayetteville, North Carolina, and its military base, Fort Bragg. More generally, it explores the connection between the military and the home front, and the unexpected toll this relationship takes on those at home. Book: A River and Its City by Ari Kelman Class: American Environmental History American Environmental History was absolutely my favorite class this year. It is American history, but it pays close attention to the interaction between people and land, the ways people think about land, and the effect this has on human choice and historical events. A River and Its City is a study of the complex relationship between New Orleans and the Mississippi River. I am so grateful for all of your help. It has been an amazing first year, and I could not have done it without you! Thank you, Miranda Siddall November 2011
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An Active Year for the CPN Zoning Committee Maureen Tate, CPN Zoning Committee
opinions on each issue; and appearing at the scheduled hearings before the ZBA.
edar Park Neighbors is committed C to ensuring that local residents are informed about proposed zoning changes
Residents and businesses frequently seek a change in use for their property. If the use is other than that which is allowed by the City of Philadelphia Zoning Code, then the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspection refers the application to the ZBA, which holds a hearing and decides on the application. Applicants are required to give public notice by posting an orange notice on the property in question, indicating the change of use requested and the date of the hearing. The ZBA also requires applicants to notify their elected officials and local community associations to inform and seek approval for their applications in order to alleviate possible tensions and disputes in zoning matters.
in the community and have an opportunity for their voices to be heard. CPN’s Zoning Committee is recognized by the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) as the representative of residents and businesses within the boundaries of Cedar Park. The committee is composed of CPN member volunteers who monitor zoning notices, solicit community input about proposed zoning changes, communicate neighbors’ positions to city officials, intervene in zoning disputes, and represent the Cedar Park community before the ZBA. In one year alone, Zoning Committee members reviewed and processed sixteen actual or anticipated applications for zoning changes within the borders of Cedar Park. This work entails: meeting with applicants; researching particular zoning issues; writing and distributing community notifications to local residents; hosting neighbor forums to meet with applicants to learn more about the issue; writing letters informing the ZBA and Councilwoman Blackwell regarding local
In one year, the Zoning Committee reviewed sixteen applications for zoning changes.
We invite you to read the full CPN Zoning Policy on our website to learn more about CPN’s process for addressing zoning issues. If you see an orange notice posted in your area, have questions about zoning issues in Cedar Park or are interested in joining the committee, we invite you to contact Cedar Park Neighbors.
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Great Food. Great Drinks. Cedar Park's Neighborhood Bar. 4912 Baltimore Avenue
50th Street Gets B.I.G. (Block Improvement Grant)
Neighbors on the 1000 block of South 50th Street received a Block Improvement Grant and put it to use in their front gardens.
Before.... and After >>>.
Addressing Vacant Properties: CPN Property Housing Task Force David Hincher, Property Housing Task Force he CPN Property Housing Task T Force is an all-volunteer working group. It studies, evaluates and develops strategies to address issues of vacant and blighted properties and land within the Cedar Park boundary, in order to move such properties toward positive occupancy and use. The task force looks to develop mitigation strategies such as connecting property owners with the critical resources needed to reduce the severity of these issues. Recently, the task force completed a census of abandoned properties. In collaboration with the Community Design Collaborative, It also facilitated a year-long series of community conversations, titled the “Baltimore Avenue Conversation,” which resulted in the Baltimore Avenue Community Corridor Design Study. The Baltimore Avenue study targeted the blocks from 49th to 52nd Street and engaged neighborhood residents, businesses, and community organizations in a broad discussion of desires and goals for this area. Additional information on this conversation and the exciting ideas it generated are found within the final report, which can be downloaded from the Cedar Park Neighbors website at www.cedarparkneighbors.org/. Since our last Baltimore Avenue Conversation, in the Fall of 2010, we have met with various political representatives — State Senator Anthony Williams, State Representative James Roebuck, and
Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell — to familiarize them with the study and elicit their advice and support for advancing some of the community priorities and desires. There are ongoing discussions with Councilwoman Blackwell and the Philadelphia City Planning Commission to move the study forward, bringing in other City agencies and additional resources. We look forward to ongoing conversations with other community stakeholders that want to assist with elements of this report. Since the study was completed, Mariposa Food Co-op has moved forward with plans for a new and larger fresh food grocery located on the 4800 block of Baltimore Avenue. A fresh food grocery was the top desire from the community conversations; and with assistance from Cedar Park Neighbors, we hope this will address that goal.
The proposal resulting from the Baltimore Avenue Conversations can be found at our website www.cedarparkneighbors.org
The Task Force is also in conversation with the University City District regarding their renewed commitment to community and business development. UCD is now directing staff and resources toward assisting property owners in overcoming barriers and obstacles that had prevented them from achieving their goals for their properties. Several owners of severely blighted properties are taking advantage of these resources and we look forward to seeing the results, as some formerly vacant properties are rehabbed and occupied.
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November 2011
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Cedar Park Centennial Commemorative Booklets Available ave you gotten your copy H of the Cedar Park Centennial Commemorative Booklet? The booklets were first distributed to current Cedar Park members at our Centennial Fair on August 6th. If you didn’t pick up your copy at the fair, a booklet was hand delivered by a volunteer CPN member to your house. Your next chance to get the booklet describing the history of Cedar Park Neighbors and our greenspace, Cedar Park, is by renewing your membership to Cedar Park Neighbors or purchasing the booklet for $5. Of course, we would much prefer that you renew your membership. If you simply want to order the booklet or buy additional copies of the booklet, send an e-mail to CedarPark100@gmail.com and send your payment of $5 per booklet to: Cedar Park Neighbors, 4740 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143.
CPN Park Committee member Vanessa Jerolmack helped Centennial celebrants create Terrariums-to-Go.
The Independent Rock School Page 8
CPN Newsletter
Gretchen Elise singing.
Expansion On Track: Mariposa Co-op New Location to Open in January t has been exciting to see Mariposa Food I4824-26 Co-op expand into their new location at Baltimore Avenue, as they move forward with speed, energy and local support. A fresh food market was the number one priority identified by local residents in last year’s Baltimore Avenue Conversation. Pleased that the expansion was not just about size but also about outreach to more households and that the variety of membership categories would allow for greater access to the market for the general public, CPN has provided tangible support to the effort. To achieve these goals for the community, the CPN Board voted to invest in Mariposa in the form of a 3% loan in the amount of $10,000 over a 10-year period. We are excited to see this project take shape and look forward to celebrating the Grand Opening in the new year. CPN is pleased to share the following updates provide by Chakka Reeves, the new Marketing and Outreach Coordinator for Mariposa. Construction on the new store at 4824 Baltimore Avenue started on September 6th. The store is on track to open January 2012.
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CPN Newsletter
The new store will be open to everyone, but members will still receive discounts and other benefits. Mariposa Food Co-op reached 1,000 members on September 27th 2011! Cross-section of the store plan They are extremely and more at www.mariposa.coop excited that the expansion allows them to welcome so many new members. They hope to reach 1,300 members by Grand Opening. This summer Mariposa Food Co-op introduced a non-working member option, for members who want to be involved in Mariposa but are unable to contribute work hours. For more information on joining, visit or stop by the current store at 4726 Baltimore Avenue. For any additional questions, please contact Mariposa Food Co-op’s new Marketing and Outreach Coordinator Chakka Reeves at chakka@mariposa.coop.
November 2011
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Calm Down and Wake Up! Brand New Beginners Series at Wake Up Yoga West
Get Yourself Bent INTO Shape! 8 Week Beginners Series starts January 19th!
alking into a yoga class for the W first time can be an intimidating experience. You may feel you’re not flexible enough, not strong enough, or not calm enough to make it through an entire class. This series has been created just for YOU! An embracing environment awaits in which you can engage your mind and body in a study of yourself, discovering breath and movement in a non-competitive and nurturing environment.
215-235-1228 • 4916 Baltimore Avenue www.WakeUpYoga.com
Support Cedar Park Neighbors Business Members! A-1 Floor Refinishing African Cultural Center of PA Aksum Curio Theatre Company Dock Street Beer East Smithfield Healthcare Elena’s Soul Showcase Lounge Fresh Deli The Gables B&B The Gold Standard Cafe Mariposa Food Coop O'Donnell Real Estate Parallel Design
Phila Federal Credit Union Prudential Fox & Roach Safdan Partners LLC Salt and Pepper Deli St. Francis de Sales Satellite Cafe Sims Giles and Associates Talking Heads Urban & Bye Realtors VIX Emporium Wake Up Yoga West Westside Community Day Care Wine and Spirit Store
You will be introduced to the 8-limbed path of Yoga, and we will focus on breath and movement. The series will be progressive, layering one class on top of the next, so that your experience and understanding of yoga continues to deepen. At the end of the series, you will feel empowered to attend any class at Wake Up Yoga with confidence, armed with appropriate variations to protect yourself from injury and get the most out of the class. Upon completion of the series, students receive a 10% discount on first class card! Teacher: Monica Kriso Location: 4916 Baltimore Ave 8 consecutive Thursday nights, 7:45 - 9:15 p.m. January 19th - March 8th Contribution: $108 for the 8-week series Pre-registration is required. Please call the studio at 215-235-1228, or enroll online at www.WakeUpYoga.com Sorry, no refunds or make-up classes.
BDC INC Boston Design & Construction Co. Inc. Carpentry & General Contracting Specializing in home renovations Free estimates 610-284-0797 bdc.inc@comcast.net For samples of our work: www.bostondesignconstruction.com
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Under Construction: Our Very Own Food Court for Entrepreneurs! onstruction has begun on the Center C for Culinary Enterprises (CCE) at 310 S. 48th Street (the site of the former Food Rite store). When completed in July 2012, this project will be one of the nation’s most comprehensive commercial kitchen centers, designed to be an engine for creating food-related jobs and businesses, and to provide resources to emerging food entrepreneurs. The CCE is a 13,000+ square-foot project, including three state-of-the-art commercial kitchens for rent to culinary entrepreneurs, a youth-run training restaurant, the eKitchen Multimedia Learning Center, and two additional retail spaces. It will renovate a long-vacant eyesore and bring new restaurants to the community.
The project is being developed by The Enterprise Center CDC. The general contractor is Perryman Building and Construction Services Inc., a West Philadelphia-based, certified minority-owned business. The architect is Friday Architects/Planners. The project is supported by a number of government and private funders, including major investments from the City of Philadelphia and U.S. Economic Development Administration. While the capital project is funded and underway, we are now looking for individuals and organizations from the community to step up as partners, and help support the project’s year-one operations. You can find more information and become a supporter at www.philafood.org.
WPCNS Brings the Vibrancy of Our Community into Lea School By Amara Rocker est Philly Coalition for Neighborhood W Schools (WPCNS) is a grassroots group that aims to bring the vibrance of our community and all of its resources into our local neighborhood public schools, with a focus on Lea Elementary. The Lea Visual Arts program, a collaborative effort to improve school climate through innovative interior design and visual art throughout the school’s hallways and stairwells, is a recipient of a 2011 Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts grant in the amount of $1,999. Many thanks to WPCNS member Justin McDaniel for his grant writing assistance with Lea Visual Arts program founder, Yvette Almaguer. The Greening Lea Committee, led by WPCNS members Julie Scott, David Hincher and Jen Martel, has successfully applied for a Community Design Collaborative planning grant to green the Lea schoolyard, with the Enterprise Center CDC serving as the fiscal sponsor. The Collaborative proposed that the Lea project, along with another school, John B. Kelly, be part of a design charette exploring urban school sites next spring. The West Philadelphia Alliance for Children (WePAC)’s Open Books, Open Minds program and its volunteer librarians have transformed the Lea Library! Additions include a giant teddy bear surrounded by bear-related stories, a plush reading rug, a tiny rocking chair reading nook with reading lamp, and a book display about the ocean, complete with sea
shells. The piece de resistance is a book display about caterpillars and butterflies, complete with a butterfly net and a terrarium containing butterfly eggs that have hatched into caterpillars and spun cocoons (though every student knows the proper term for cocoon is “chrysalis”). More important than the cosmetic changes are the stellar library services, brought to Lea by the volunteer librarians in collaboration with Lea’s teachers. WePAC has quickly become one of the most popular and beloved programs at Lea.
WPCNS held a LEAmonade sale in May. Proceeds of this sale went towards air conditioners for the Lea Elementary kindergarten rooms.
Upcoming Events School Food 101 at Lea: Tuesday, November 15th from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Lea auditorium. Topics include: where school food comes from; how it is prepared; and efforts to bring farm-fresh food to your neighborhood school. Learn about new efforts to improve the quality of school food and become part of the conversation. Parents, students, educators, and interested community members are welcome! Sponsors include the PSD, PUFFA, the Food Trust, PCCY, Fair Food, Common Market and the Enterprise Center CDC. Lea Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast Prep: Monday, November 21st, 12:30-2:30. Lea Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast: Wednesday, November 23rd, 12:30 -2:00. Several volunteers are needed for both of these Thanksgiving events. Please email contactwpcns@gmail.com if interested. November 2011
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Want to Have a Say About the Future of Your Neighborhood? Ray Murphy, CPN Board Member edar Park is an ever-changing, diverse and vibrant community. But it doesn’t happen on its own! Our community relies upon the contribution of time and talent from its residents to thrive.
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One way to get involved shaping the future of our neighborhood is as a board member of Cedar Park Neighbors. The next board elections are scheduled for the spring of 2012, so the nominations process is open now. From street clean-ups, to safety issues, to zoning, to the development of the Baltimore Avenue Business corridor, Cedar Park Neighbors represents thousands of community members and their interests in our neighborhood. As a board member, you will have the chance to serve the membership and the community at large. The board meets once a month and board members are encouraged to be active in at least one committee
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of the organization. Board members are responsible for writing the organization’s annual budget and for making critical decisions about all sorts of issues that affect our neighborhood.
CPN Board
In order to be nominated to run for board membership, all you have to do is make sure you are up to date on your Cedar Park Neighbors membership dues. And yes, you can nominate yourself! Even if you are not interested in serving on the board, please take a minute to think about someone you know who would make a good candidate. People of color, neighbors who live south of Baltimore Avenue and young people are strongly encouraged to apply.
2nd Vice-President Naomi Fiordimondo
If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else for the board, please call CPN at 215-531-4147 or contact membership@cedarparkneighbors.org. The deadline for nominations to fill current vacancies is November 30, 2011. Nominations for the annual April election will be considered by the Nominations Committee in early 2011.
President Monica Allison 1st Vice-President
Michael Froehlich
Treasurer Karen Allen Secretary Dorothy Welch Berlind Directors
Algernong Allen Sean Dorn Meg Ferrigno Laurie Friedman Lisa Johanningsmeier Theresa McCole Manzi Jessica Naugle McAtamny Sheri McFarland Ray Murphy Sara Nissley Laura Raymond Beverly Rouse Courtney Walton
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M E M O R I A M
Rev. Matthew Williams edar Park Neighbors was saddened to C hear of the passing of Rev. Matthew Williams, Retired Pastor of The Peoples Baptist Church. We wish to acknowledge Rev. Williams contribution to our neighborhood and we send our condolences to the congregation of People’s.
Bruce Hansen Residents throughout the neighborhood and CPN members were shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of our friend and colleague Bruce Jay Hansen, who died from a heart attack at age 36. From their arrival in Cedar Park, Bruce and his wife, Sarah, were committed to community involvement. Bruce served on the Cedar Park Board from 2005 to 2009. Bruce not only contributed enthusiasm, humor and a memorable hearty laugh, but was active in many facets of the organization. Bruce helped with the early development of the CPN website, organized CPN elections and assisted on the Fair Committee. Bruce was most committed as a member of the CPN Property Housing Task Force. Bruce brought his interest and expertise in City Planning to CPN efforts to wrestle with the problem of blighted and abandoned property and land. He was instrumental in mapping properties for the Baltimore Avenue Conversation and that map continues to be crucial in helping us analyze and communicate about properties within the area of focus for Baltimore Avenue improvement. Bruce was also active in the Chester Avenue Community Garden and the West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship.
West Philadelphia, and Bruce spent several years working as a web designer. In 2008, Bruce and Sarah welcomed their daughter, Sadie. Later that year, Bruce began graduate school and in 2010 earned his Master’s of City Planning from Penn. The Bruce whom so many knew and loved had an unmatched laugh and ability to find humor in almost any situation. He lived life thoughtfully and deliberately. He accepted others openly and without judgment. He was kind and good and genuine and he will be deeply missed. We extend our deep sympathies to Bruce’s wife, Sarah, and their daughters Sadie and Beatrice, as well as to the extended Hansen family. Beatrice Jane is a brand new Hansen baby who was born on October 14th. We extend our welcome to Beatrice as our newest Cedar Park resident and know that her arrival will be a blessing and comfort to her mom and big sister at this most difficult time. Many have asked how they can help the family. Donations in memory of Bruce Hansen may be made to: Bruce J. Hansen Memorial Fund P.O. Box 724 Phoenixville, PA 19460.
Bruce Hansen at 2003 Cedar Park Fair with the potato sack racers.
Bruce was from Mechanicsburg, Penn sylvania and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communications at Elizabethtown College, where he met his wife, Sarah. Following their marriage in 1999, Bruce and Sarah served from 2001 to 2003 as Peace Corps Volunteers in the Ukraine. Upon returning to the U.S., they settled in Advertising Rates
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November 2011
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The Porch
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The Porch Porch Farmers’ Farmers’ M Market arket P PROGRAMMING ROGRAMMING November November –December –December
Fall Festival
Saturday, Saturday, November 19, 11am–1pm Experience a little country in the heart of the city city.. University City District District is is eexcited xcited to to welcome welcome autumn with the first official festival at The Porch at 30th Street Station. Fun for the entire family family,, the Fall Festival celebrates the season with food, music, and more. .JJML )POFZ QSFTFOUT 8FTU ML )POFZ QSFTFOUT 8FTU tt Philly honey tasting with Urban Apiaries BOE t t $PPLJOH PPLJOH EFNPOTUSBUJPO EFNPOTUSBUJPO BOE tasting by The Restaurant 4DIPPM BU 8BMOVU )JMM $PMMFHF 4DIPPM BU 8BMOVU )JMM $PMMFHF tt 4UUSFFU 1VQQFUSZ GSPN (FQQFUUB SFFU 1VQQFUSZ GSPN (FQQFUUB t )PNFTQVO .FSSZ (P 3PVOE t )PNFTQVO .FSSZ (P 3PVOE tt 5BBTUF PG "QQMF $JEFS )JTUPSZ TUF PG "QQMF $JEFS )JTUPSZ XJUI #BSUSBN T (BSEFO XJUI #BSUSBN T (BSEFO tt #MMVFHSBTT BOE $PVOUSZ NVTJD VFHSBTT BOE $PVOUSZ NVTJD 8FTU 1IJMMZ T $JUZXJEF GGSPN SPN 8 FTU 1 IJMMZ T $ JUZXJEF Specials tt (JWF 5BLF -JUUMF $JSDVT (JWF 5BLF -JUUMF $JSDVT t t 'SFF 4 NPSF T LJUT UP UIF üSTU SFF 4 NPSF T LJUT UP UIF üSTU 100 people 1 00 p eople
3940 chestnut street philadelphia pa 19104 215 243 0555
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Wednesdays, W ednesdays, 3pm–7pm, November 2–23 'BSN UP $JUZ .BSLFU GFBUVSJOH O Frecon Orchards – bagged apples, cider and fruit by the pound 'SFTIB1FFM )VNNVT o BMM OBUVSBM IVNNVT JOGVTFE XJ X UI VOJRVF ýBWPST
Sounds Soun Sou nds to Transport
Thursdays, 4–6pm, November 8–December 8* 5SBEJUJPOBM BOE PSJHJOBM &BTUFSO &VSPQFBO BOE #BMLBO NVTJD CZ 8FTU 1IJMBEFMQIJB 0SDIFTUSB *there will be no programming on Thanksgiving.
Fitness Fridays Fitness
Fridays, 12:30pm–1:30pm, November 4–December 16 Put your lunch break to work for you with fitness programming by Drexel University’ University’ss Recreational Athletics staff. No equipment or experience needed. Don’t forget to bring your water bottle and wear workout clothes and sneakers!
November 4 ~ YOGA This class is crafted to create a balanced and invigorating practice for all participants with postures that will purify the body and steady breathing that will soothe the mind. November 11, 18 & December 16 ~ BOOT CAMP 5IJT NJOVUF ESJMM JOTQJSFE DMBTT XJMM IBWF ZPV QVTIJO J H ZPVSTFM F G UP December 2 & 9 ~ KICKBOXING #BDLFE CZ IJHI FOFSHZ NVTJD UIJT DBSEJP LJDLCPYJOH XPSLPVU JODPSQPSBUFT LJDLT QVODIFT FMCPXT BOE LOFFT :PV MM VTF NPWFNFOUT from martial arts and boxing as well as effective athletics drills to burn calories and relieve stress.
Circus Fridays
Fridays, 4pm–6pm, November 4–December 9 5IF (JWF 5BLF KVHHMFST BOE UIFJS -JUUMF $JSDVT XJMM TVSQSJTF BOE EFMJHIU 6TJOH KVHHMJOH DPNFEZ BOE BVEJFODF JOWPMWFNFOU UIFZ VTF traditions from vaudeville, circus arts, and theater to create a lively and contemporary show.
WWW.UNIVERSITYCITY.ORG WWW .UNIVERSITYCITY.ORG .UNIVERSITYCITY .ORG
Cedar Park Neighbors Membership Application/Renewal ● New Member
Name
Name
Address
Address
● Renewal ● Multi-year (max. 3 years) ● ● ● ● ●
# of years_____ $10 Individual $15 Household (2 persons or more) $ 7 Senior/Student/Unemployed $30 Business $40 Sponsor (one free CPN t-shirt!)
Additional contribution: (Write $ amount)
City, State, Zip Phone
Phone
_____ Holiday baskets _____ Scholarships _____ Jazz Series _____ Park Gardens, Activities and Maintenance _____ 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 2011
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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
THIS ISSUE SPONSORED BY Thanks to Melani Lamond and Urban & Bye for sponsoring this issue of Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter.
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