September 2014
Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter President’s Message: Resolve to Make a Difference By Michael Froehlich sually, the President’s letter U in this newsletter is about events right here in Cedar Park. This issue,
though, I hope you’ll excuse me for a minute if I use this space to talk about something a bit larger than our neighborhood: our public schools. This month, my daughter joins the 130,000 other students in Philadelphia district schools as she begins kindergarten. Like every parent of a school student in Philly, I’m worried about whether she’ll be safe, whether she’ll learn, and whether she’ll have fun. When I was a school student growing up in Ohio, my parents worried about whether I had lunch money. Now, parents worry about whether their schools have copy paper and enough text books for all students. The School District of Philadelphia spends about $12,000 per student, while just across City Avenue, Lower Merion Township has $22,000 to spend per student. And by almost any account, students in Philadelphia need more support, not less. I’ve been super impressed by the dedication of the teachers and school staff. Despite up to 35 students in a classroom and cuts to art, music, counseling, and recess, they soldier on. They work hard to cover the workloads of their laid-off colleagues and purchase school supplies on their own dime. Meanwhile, communities have rallied to support the schools in their neighborhood. Our friends at Garden Court Community Association, for example, have recruited volunteers to read to students at Lea Elementary School. And every summer, Cedar Park Neighbors awards more than $10,000 in scholarships to neighborhood students heading off to college.
Nothing can replace financial support from the federal, state, and local governments. But it’s inspiring to see Philadelphians coming together and pushing our elected officials for adequate school funding. So what can we do to support our students? 1 If you’re in a position to do so, support the folks financially who are trying to make a difference in our schools, like the West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools, Parents United, Philadelphia Students Union, and the Public School Notebook. 2 Advocates for public education have been holding public events and organizing speakers at the School Reform Commission, City Hall, and in Harrisburg. Join them. You can find out more by following organizations such as those listed above on Facebook, Twitter, and on email listservs. 3 On November 4th, every state representative, many state senators, and our governor are up for election. Find out where the candidates stand on education matters, and then vote. (Registration deadline is October 6th.) Don’t believe it when people tell you we can’t afford great schools for our students. We can. How do Iknow? Because I see what neighbors have done here in our neighborhood, coming together to support each other and work together for common goals. The decision not to support our students is a political one, not just a financial one. If we have the resolve to do something different, we can. And, for the sake of all of our children, we must.
Susanna Gilbertson and CPN President Michael Froehlich
Congratulations, 2014 Scholarship Recipients! By Ana Lisa Yoder n July 25th during Friday Night O Jazz in Cedar Park, the scholarship committee celebrated the accomplishments
of some remarkable young people in our neighborhood. With the support of generous neighbors and businesses, the committee was able to distribute scholarships to eight recipients totaling $9,300. Each student received a $1,150 scholarship, and one student, due to the generosity of one local family in particular, received a $1,250 scholarship. Congratulations and good luck to all of the 2014 recipients!
CPN’s scholarship committee works hard year ’round to carry on the good work that Gary Bronson started back in 1989. Whether soliciting and reviewing applications, hosting the annual fundraiser, advertising the support needed in the CPN ßnewsletter, or reaching out to our students to support them with emails and care packages, this committee works to help our students get into and through college. We are always looking for new members. If you are interested in joining the committee or mentoring one of our students, please email us at scholarships@cedarparkneighbors.org. From left to right: Darryl Bundrige (Committee member) Zachary Spence (former recipient) Dung Nguyen, Briana Lane, Khaila Stevenson, Mable Bakali, Danielle Little, Ashley Lewis, Ainy’e Clark (current recipients) Ana Lisa Yoder (Committee Chair)
Page 2
CPN Newsletter
Meet the 2014 Scholarship Recipients New Recipients
Veteran Recipients
Ainy’e Clark graduated from Kipp Dubois Collegiate Academy this June and will attend Rosemont College, where she plans to major in psychology. Her activities and community service include 12 years as a Girl Scout, Umoja Stepper and Drum Corps member, Bartram Garden’s volunteer, Camp Sojourner employee and Teen Leadership intern, as well as the Kipp Dubois Honor Society. Ainy’e is a recipient of the Mayor’s Award for Excellence.
Khaila Stevenson is a 2013 graduate of Parkway Center City High School. She finished her first year at Monroe College in New York to pursue a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. During this time Khaila participated on an award-winning volleyball team, joined the Dean’s list with a 3.73 GPA, and enjoyed a job hosting children’s parties.
Ashley Lewis is a senior at the University of Delaware where she studies public policy. She has been an undergraduate researcher in the department of sociology as well as a student research and teaching assistant. Ashley is president of an organization called Lori’s Hands, which builds awareness and support of seniors living through chronic illnesses. She also a mentor for YWCA girls, Teach for America’s College Access program, and volunteers with a program called FACE AIDS. Danielle Little graduated from Science Leadership Academy and will attend Columbia College of Chicago. She plans to study art management. Danielle has interned for a law firm and interior design firm, worked as a camp counselor and babysitter, played volleyball throughout her high school career, and participated in homeless volunteer service projects while receiving awards for her leadership.
Briana Lane A West Philadelphia High School graduate, Briana is entering her senior year at Widener University and plans to graduate with a psychology degree. She currently maintains a 3.66 GPA, works weekends at Wawa, interns at Women Organized Against Rape, mentors in two afterschool programs, and participates in a service learning program for underfunded schools. Dung Nguyen enters her 6th and final year of a program at Temple that will end with her becoming a pharmacist. She is a West Catholic High School graduate who has put her pharmacy studies into practice at CVS, where she provides valuable information to the community. She has volunteered at Jefferson Hospital as well as helping out with the CPN scholarship fundraisers. Andrew Kulasegram-Wilson is a 2013 West Catholic High School graduate who finished his first year Drexel University. His goal is to obtain his bachelors and masters in mechanical engineering. He continued community service by walking in the National Arthritis Walk this past fall. This upcoming year, Andrew will participate in the first of two valuable six-month co-operative experiences in the fall. He will also serve as the technical outreach community chairman for the National Society of Black Engineers.
Support CPN Business Members! A-1 Floor Refinishing African Cultural Center of PA Aksum Curio Theatre Company Dock Street Beer East Smithfield Healthcare 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
September 2014
Page 3
51st and Baltimore Redevelopment Area Plan Update by David Hincher he Philadelphia City Planning Commission is currently updating the 51st and Baltimore Redevelopment Area Plan as a direct outcome of the Philadelphia 2035 District Planning process that took place last year. Per state law, the Redevelopment Area Plan is a necessary component of the redevelopment process that provides goals for the redevelopment of publicly owned land and includes recommendations about land use, zoning, and site planning. The Redevelopment Area Plan was written in 1995, and, at that time, was guided by the city’s Comprehensive Plan and West Philadelphia Plan.
T
Recommendations from the University Southwest District plan will be incorporated directly into the redevelopment area plan, and include overarching goals of improving the pedestrian experience and supporting mixed-use and commercial development along Baltimore Avenue.
Additional land use recommendations include supporting low-income or senior housing as appropriate, and re-uses of larger industrial structures off the main corridor to support a local population that is aging in place. The purpose of the update is to ensure that recommendations that were voiced during the district planning process are taken into account when judging future redevelopment proposals. The redevelopment plan will be presented during a public meeting at the Philadelphia City Planning Commission Hearing Room, located at 1515 Arch Street, 18th Floor on September 16th at 1 p.m. Follow-up information will be posted on the Philadelphia City Planning Commission’s website: www.phila.gov/cityplanning. Please also see the University Southwest District Plan at: phila2035.org/homepage/district/university-southwest/.
Zft-!xf!TFSWF! Dine with Us hsfbu!gppe/ September 21st Celebrate 35 Years JuÖt!cfdbvtf!xf! 5 Courses NBLF!hsfbu!gppe! Only $15 pvstfmwft"
the Café
Page 4
CPN Newsletter
Zoning Committee Report by Shawn Markovich he Zoning Committee has returned from T a needed break for the month of August. The following are issues addressed in July and those in process:
1105 S. 47th Street Owners requested a use variance to use this commercial property entirely for residential. The Zoning Committee held two meetings with the applicants, the second of which was a public meeting to which neighbors received notification. This long vacant and blighted property is to be rehabbed as a three family dwelling. A total of eight bedrooms was proposed. At the public meeting, members of the Zoning Committee expressed concern about the density proposed, and discussed implications for trash and parking. Regarding the use of the two-story detached garage structure in the rear, it was also clarified that it would not be rented as an office. The Zoning Committee wrote a letter of support for the use variance for residential but expressed objection to eight bedrooms as proposed and indicated support for a total of six bedrooms, which is in keeping with similar sized buildings in the area.
The ZBA granted use for residential with proviso for maximum of 2 bedrooms per floor. 4616 Kingsessing The Zoning Committee learned of an application before the ZBA seeking a permit for a maximum of eight student units — single room residences in an existing semi-detached house. As the applicant did not adhere to notification and posting regulations under the zoning code, CPN sent a letter asking for a continuance since no neighbors knew about the application, and it did not come under community review. 930 S. St. Bernard Street The applicant seeks to build a new single family home on a formerly vacant lot. The applicant is seeking a variance for a 2' side yard and no parking. The side yard is required to be 8' and the house is required to have parking. A public meeting to inform neighbors about the project will be held on Wednesday, September 17th at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Calvary Center, 48th and Baltimore Avenue on the 2nd floor, entering at the small side door on the Baltimore side.
September 2014
Page 5
parallel
design
Find our designs online. BeyondTheLibertyBell.org Parallel-Design.com PruettRabe.com 215-476-4040 BABA Logo! Websites Banners Brochures This Newsletter!
Page 6
CPN Newsletter
BABA Welcomes Three New Members to Baltimore Avenue his summer, Baltimore Avenue T Business Association welcomed two new storefronts, and one empty-lot filler, each adding something unique to our neighborhood’s bustling commercial corridor.
Greensgrow West is directly across the street from Cedar Park, in the 4900 block of Baltimore Avenue. It’s a gardening center and, as the name suggests, it is a spin-off of the successful Greensgrow Farms urban agriculture organization located in Kensington. Greensgrow West is operated by a 15-year West Philly resident. It sells plants and fruit trees. Greensgrow plans to add workshops and a farmers market. Look for it in the opening that was left by the fire that destroyed the Elena’s Soul jazz club. Redcap’s Corner is a tabletop gaming store located in the ground floor of the newly constructed building located at 4812 Baltimore Avenue. This opening is great news for fans of role-playing games,
such as Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering. It’s equally great news for families who play games together. While Redcap’s Corner’s first location at 36th & Lancaster Avenue hosts competitive tournaments, this second shop will offer family board game nights, after-school leagues, and other family-friendly activities. Gush Gallery, at 5015 Baltimore Avenue, is an art gallery, learning center, and community space owned by local artists Sarah Thielke and Stephanie Slate. Their walls showcase the work of emerging artists: photographer Mike Hoover’s show entitled “Isolations” will be on display at Gush for the month of September. In addition to hosting art shows, Gush also offers classes and workshops, such as pinhole photography, and film processing, printing and scanning services. For artists in search of affordable resources, Gush also has a wellequipped workstation available for $10 per hour.
PFCU Personal Paper Shredding Day October 4, 2014 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 5000 Baltimore Avenue ant to shred your pre-approved W credit card offers, cancelled checks and other confidential documents? Protect yourself from identity theft and do your part to help save the planet at the same time.
Join PFCU for Paper Shredding Day on Saturday, October 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Philadelphia branch, located at 5000 Baltimore Avenue. All documents will be safely shredded on site and then recycled. To ensure that events run quickly and smoothly, please be sure to adhere to the guidelines. Only paper documents are permitted to be shredded at this event.
Stapled and/or paper clipped documents will be accepted. Items such as clothing, plastic, prescription bottles and items that can damage the shredder will be refused. Please arrive early, before the truck reaches capacity. Limit the number of boxes to three standard-sized. Service is for personal and confidential paper only. Non-confidential papers such as magazines or advertisement circulars should be recycled, not shredded! Phone books or other types of paper that can be disposed of in your personal recycling bin will not be accepted. Documents from local businesses will not be accepted. September 2014
Page 7
Page 8
CPN Newsletter
Free Will & Estate Planning Workshop Wednesday October 1st By Michael Froehlich not something we like to think about, Idie.t’sbutWe’ll it’s true: someday, we’re all going to leave the spiritual and religious questions up to you. But Cedar Park Neighbors would like to help you with the legal questions and issues that may arise after your death.
If you own your home, do you know what will happen to it after you die? If you get sick and can’t speak for yourself, do your doctors know what your wishes are? Do you need a power of attorney to have a family member or friend pay your bills and make financial decisions for you? Cedar Park Neighbors and the Drexel University School of Law are teaming up to hold a neighborhood workshop
at Calvary Center at 48th & Baltimore on Wednesday, October 1, at 6:30 p.m. The workshop is free for all Cedar Park Neighbors members. (Membership starts at $7 per year for seniors, and you can become a member at the workshop.) At the workshop, neighbors will learn about simple wills, living wills, and powers of attorney. Everyone will then have the opportunity to sign up for a free one-on-one follow-up meeting at Drexel University to write the actual documents. Any questions? Please email Michael Froehlich, President, Cedar Park Neighbors, at michaelrfroehlich@gmail.com or call Cedar Park Neighbors at 267-BALT-AVE. See you on October 1st!
A Glimpse Into the Past: “West Philly Days” Photo Exhibit rom now until October 29, 2014, F the walls of The Gold Standard Café (4800 Baltimore Avenue) will act as
windows into West Philadelphia’s past. The neighborhood café will host artist Stephen Perloff’s photography show, titled “West Philly Days,” a selection of shots that Perloff took while studying at the University of Pennsylvania and living in West Philly between 1967 and 1976. The images on display range from portraits of children, teens and local tradesmen to photos of an anti-war teach-in and basketball games at UPenn.
Perloff is an accomplished photographer, writer and curator, and is the founder and editor of The Photo Review (a highly acclaimed journal, published since 1976). He views this exhibition as a celebration of the community organizing and anti-war movements that he participated in as a student. In that spirit, he is offering exhibition prints at reduced prices and a series of 8”x10” prints for just $100 each.
Young Boy, 1971
Class of 1900, Penn Alumni Day, 1975
Joining Stephen in looking back, the Gold Standard Café and Delivery Service will be celebrating its 35th anniversary on Sunday, September 21st. Stop in for the dinner special and revisit the value ofthe dollar back in the ’70s. Select a five-course dinner from the regular menu for only $15. Four Plus One, 1971
Anti-War Teach-in, 1969 September 2014
Page 9
New Principal & Playground at Lea Elementary By Amara Rockar ast month, Henry C. Lea Elementary L at 47th and Locust welcomed its new principal, Jennifer Duffy. Principal Duffy brings to the diverse Lea community her experience as a Multilingual Manager in the district’s Official of Multilingual Curriculum and Programs. Previously a teacher and School-Based Teacher Leader in three district elementary schools, she is an active member of the Philadelphia Writing Project, and is completing her doctorate in Educational Leadership in the Penn Midcareer Doctoral Program. She is excited to connect with the strong network of community organizations and groups that support Lea, and to help build on their work.
Also in August, Lea received an additional play structure for its large play yard! Donated by the Hamels Foundation in 2010 to the now-closed Alexander Wilson Elementary, the play structure has been reunited with the many former Wilson students who now attend Lea. The installation necessitated the addition of a rubber play surface below the new structure.
To take this work one step further, the West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools requested an early $64,000 disbursal from its Philadelphia Water Department Storm water Management Incentive Program grant for the Greening Lea project, and quickly raised over $3,000 from the community to cover the work’s security and insurance expenses. The new play surface incorporates bold graphics and extends under both the new and pre-existing play structures, replacing the latter’s worn-out black tiles. Additionally, the new surface is waterporous, contributing to Greening Lea’s stormwater management goals.
Principal Duffy speaking with a community member. Photo by Adam Weaver.
Second Vision at Curio Theatre’s Carnival Macabre Saturday, October 18 Mary Allegra, Secretary to the Board, Curio Theatre Company urio Theatre is the only professional C theater company in Cedar Park. If you have never attended a production
at their theater in the Calvary Community Center at 48th and Baltimore Avenue, you are missing a great deal: it’s the lowest price for wonderful theater in the region! This is the 10th year since Curio’s founding here on Baltimore Avenue, and a lot of great things are happening this year: the establishment of a “Junior” company; renovations in the Black Box Theater in the basement; and the production of “The Scheaffer Project.” This is an original play, written by Curio Artistic Director Paul Kuhn, based upon the recent defrocking trial of a Methodist minister for presiding over the marriage of his gay son and the son’s partner. All of these projects will cost money. In order to underwrite this season and
keep prices low, a fund-raiser is scheduled for Saturday, October 18th, starting at 7 p.m. at St. Francis DeSales Hall. “Carnivale Macabre” will be an event like no other in University City memory. There will be games of chance, a fortunetelling gypsy troupe, the fanciest of carnival cuisine from The Gold Standard Café, a wine and beer bar with a signature cocktail, a silent and live auction, THE BESTEST BAND IN THE LAND — SECOND VISION! ... and too many surprises to mention. The cost for this extravaganza is only $50 per person! Please contact mallegra468@comcast.net for more information. Items to include in live and silent auctions are also being accepted. A great time will be had be all... make sure that includes you and your friends! Reserve your tickets today.
Cedar Park Neighbors Membership Application/Renewal ● New Member
Name
● 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)
_____ Holiday baskets _____ Scholarships _____ Jazz Series _____ Park _____ Other, specify _________________________ 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)
Address
Phone Email ● Yes, I would like to receive an email notice with
a link to the current newsletter on the CPN website (and do not deliver a paper copy to my home). Email Website Phone
membership@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
_________TOTAL ENCLOSED
Check your areas of interest for potential participation: ● Block Organizing: Maintain list of Block Leaders, organize forums, ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Review block grant applications and help awardees implement projects etc. Board of Directors: CPN leadership and decision-making body. Cedar Park Garden Tenders: Plant and maintain gardens at Cedar Park. 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. Membership/Newsletter Committee: Promote membership to residents and businesses, Writing, publishing, photography and distribution of newsletter. Development Impact Task Force: Monitor, evaluate, and influence commercial and residential development. Scholarship Committee: Raise funds, promote program, and select awardees. Website: Technical support, maintenance, updating info/pictures etc. Zoning Committee: Monitor & communicate issues to residents; represent Cedar Park before Zoning Board of Adjustment. Cedar Park Neighbors is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All contributions are fully tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.
September 2014
Page 11
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 Emily Kovach & Judy Lamirand Newsletter Design Judy Lamirand, Parallel Design To Contact Cedar Park Neighbors or submit Newsletter items: contact@cedarparkneighbors.org www.cedarparkneighbors.org 267-BALT-AVE (267-225-8283)
CPN Board
Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll
President
Thursday, September 18th, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Baltimore Avenue, 43rd to 52nd Street
Michael Froehlich
E
2nd Vice-President David Hincher
veryone had so much fun at the June Dollar Stroll, it’s back for a repeat performance Thursday, September 18th. From 43rd Street through 51st Streets, Baltimore Avenue businesses and organizations will be offering food and goodies for a buck, and music for free! Find BABA Bags and a great used book table at 48th Street & Baltimore Avenue. Find more information on universitycity.org and BABAWestPhilly.org.
1st Vice-President Suzanne Banning Anderson
Treasurer Amara Rockar Directors
Thanks to the Baltimore Avenue Business Association for sponsoring this issue. Stroll the Avenue and shop for $1 specials during the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll!
Voter Registration Reminder friendly reminder from your friends A at CPN: Voter Registration deadline is on October 6th of this year. If you
haven’t already, be sure to register to vote in the elections on November 4th, 2014 for governor, members of Congress and the state legislature. Page 12 CPN Newsletter
Visit www.votespa.com to register online or find your polling place. You can also register in person through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) at any photo center, or find voter registration forms at any Free Library location.
Sean Dorn Ivana Dussell Margaret Ferrigno Lisa Johanningsmeier Michelle Lewis Shawn Markovich Far McKon Ryan Spak Mavil Spence Saba Tedla JJ Tiziou Pat Warner Michael Williams Renee McBride Williams Trena Woodson