Fall 2015
Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter President’s Message: A Better and More Inclusive Future By David Hincher here have been many exciting events T this summer in West Philly. Cedar Park Neighbors’ Live Jazz Fridays kicked off at the beginning of June. The community response was phenomenal, with an amazing turnout of neighbors, and support that peaked at 600 people, far exceeding prior years. It was invigorating to see and talk with the diverse group of old and new community residents. This summer’s season was represented by some amazing talent from all over West Philly and was organized by two dedicated and resourceful community members, Algernong Allen and Renee McBride Williams, as well as a host of Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) members who assisted each week. At our July 10th jazz show with Gretchen Elise & Friends, we introduced our 2015 Gary Bronson Memorial College Scholarship Fund awardees. There were six student recipients; four were returning awardees who continue to progress through their respective programs. More information on these amazing students can be found on page 4 of this newsletter.
Jazz and live music has been everywhere in our neighborhood this summer — from Friends of Malcolm X Parks’ Thursday Jazz series to the 8th Annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz Festival on July 18th to the Branford Marsalis Quartet at the Clark Park Unity Festival on August 15th. In addition to music, Shakespeare theater has been everywhere in the neighborhood. Clark Park hosted the annual Shakespeare in the Park, performing A Winter’s Tale from July 29th to August 2nd. Thespians took over Malcolm X Park for Theatre in The X’s reverse-race presentation of Shakespeare's Othello on August 8th. I also ran into a few young West Philly aspiring actors last month at the Arden Theater’s Summer Drama Camp in Olde City.
David HIncher, CPN President
As the summer winds down, our children return to another school year. Over the summer, all four neighborhood groups — Cedar Park Neighbors, Garden Court Community Association, Spruce Hill Community Association and Walnut Hill Community Association — joined together to support the Greening Lea effort at Lea continued on page 2
2015 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Read more about the Scholarship recipients on page 4.
2015 Gary Bronson Memorial College Scholarship Fund Recipients with CPN Scholarship Committee Members
President’s Message continued from page 1
Elementary. Each group gave a $1,000 donation towards the renovation project, which will be commemorated in a cluster of bricks with each organization’s name, located at a new entrance at 47th and Spruce Streets. This is a testament to the community’s support of neighborhood schools, which is crucial to maintaining prospering schools. And now for something completely different: #BlackLivesMatter. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” Much has been written, spoken and peacefully protested over the last year regarding discrimination, since the Michael Brown incident in Ferguson Missouri. This is far from being the first incident of police brutality against African Americans,but it seems to be a cultural tipping point. The narrative, however, is potentially shifting towards establishing these incidents as unacceptable and demanding accountability.
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CPN Newsletter
I am hopeful that meaningful progress can be made to overcome racism and racial profiling in this country, as long as we continually shine a light on these egregious acts of police brutality as well as discrimination in our own communities. The arc of history and shifting generational demographics favor a better and more inclusive future. As a child from a nondiverse North Carolina Appalachian town, I feel lucky to live in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, especially West Philly with its wonderfully diverse and integrated community. This is a neighborhood in which I am honored to raise my 6-year-old daughter. Lastly, marriage equality is now a reality for everyone in the LGBTQ community. Thanks to the Supreme Court and all the countless individuals pushing this issue at several State legislatures. That is progress.
More Saturday/Evening Trolley Service Starting in September, Routes 11, 13, 34 and 36 will have expanded afternoon and evening service on Saturdays.
Photos by JJ Tiziou
2015 Live Jazz in Cedar Park
By Algernong Allen f you have never been to the Cedar Park Isummer Jazz Series, which has taken place each at our favorite park at 49th and Baltimore Avenue for approximately 15 years, you have missed one of the truly awesome West Philly experiences. Started by renowned jazz singer Denise King and a group of neighbors, the Friday night concert has become a tradition, which was continued by Cedar Park Neighbors when the songstress moved to Europe. Each week musical acts entertain young and not-so-young of every hue, station, and culture. For families, the free concert means an affordable night outside of the house with the little ones, who can run, spin and jump in the playground, within parental eyeshot of a blanketed encampment near stage left. The veterans arrive early with folding chairs, centered within the darkened outline of shade in order to temper the
temperature of the July sun. Many others find makeshift seating on park benches, or the knee-walls bordering the park, or even park their bottoms on the natural green earth to enjoy the show. This year, hundreds of friends and neighbors attended each of the Cedar Park Neighbors’ Live Jazz Fridays with sponsorship, crowd donations, and beautiful weather permitting 11 amazing summer concerts. Two concerts were added thanks to our wonderful sponsors! A particular pleasure was seeing so many familiar faces from Jazz seasons past, and watching as new faces became familiar, returning week after week. For two concerts in July, Cedar Park Neighbors’ board member and professional photographer JJ Tiziou was on hand to capture the sheer joy of these evenings. In gratitude to all who attended and made this season possible, we now share some of these beautiful images. Please join us again in Cedar Park in 2016!
Jazz
Thank you to Jazz Committee Volunteers
Performers
Sponsors
Monica Allison Renee McBride Williams Amara Rockar David Hincher Suzanne Banning Anderson Saba Tedla Sean Dorn Algernong Allen Micheal Froelich everyone else who pitched in
Progressive Movement Rich Tucker and the Universal Experience Brent White Group Glenn Bryan and Friends Clef Club Youth Ensemble Gretchen Elise and Friends Dahi Divine and Friends Broke and Blue Band Side by Soul Dr. Ketchup and Clint Washington and Friends
Cedar Park Neighbors Fairmount Park Conservancy Holly Mack Ward and Co. Real Estate Philadelphia Federal Credit Union Philadelphia Parks and Recreation St. Mary’s Nursery School Wayne’s Garage Little Baby’s Ice Cream Dock Street Brewery VIX Emporium UC Review Baltimore Avenue Business Association Fall 2015
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Back to School Gary Bronson Memorial College Scholarship Recipients! By Pat Warner ix young Cedar Park residents’ return S to school will be a little bit easier this fall, thanks to the Cedar Park Neighbors’ Gary Bronson Memorial College Scholarship Fund. In addition to scholarships of more than $1,000 each for educational expenses, the students will also receive mentoring, care packages, and networking opportunities from the fund throughout the school year. New to the Gary Bronson Memorial College Scholarship Fund are two incoming college freshmen. Abdoulaye Dia is a 2015 graduate of the Charter High School for Architecture and Design (CHAD), and will be attending Denison University. Dante Gibbons, also a 2015 CHAD graduate, will be attending Penn State University to study Geosciences. Returning scholarship recipients include Ainye Clarke, who is entering her second year studying Psychology at Rosemont College. Andrew Kulasegram-Wilson is in his third year at Drexel University where he studies Engineering. Danielle Little
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CPN Newsletter
attends Columbia College in Chicago, and is beginning her second year studying Arts Management with a Business and Entrepreneurship Major. Dung Nguyen is in her final year at Temple University’s School of Pharmacy. These scholarships are possible through the generous support of the donors to the Gary Bronson Memorial College Scholarship Fundraiser. Major sponsors of the April 2015 event were the Fleming Family Fund, Gregg & Rachel Mohrmann, Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, and Fred Wolfe, Jr. We thank those sponsors and all who contributed to making the event a huge success. Cedar Park Neighbors is extremely proud of these active and dynamic students and their accomplishments. Please join us in congratulating these young members of our Cedar Park community, and wishing them the best in their studies. To make a donation to support the Cedar Park Neighbors Gary Bronson Memorial College Scholarship Fund visit our website, cedarparkneighbors.org.
Cedar Park‌The Seasons Turns By Maureen Tate, CPN Park Committee t was a busy summer season in Cedar IingPark. It was great to see everyone enjoythe Park. The Jazz season was a great success. We began the summer with plenty of rain to keep the gardens lush. Unfortunately, the dry spells of August were particularly devastating for our young trees. Not to be defeated, we will look for signs of life come spring, and continue efforts to keep Cedar Park green and clean. Speaking of gardens and trees, we could not have done half of what was needed without the assistance of PowerCorps PHL, a 6-month AmeriCorps workforce development program that provides participants with the opportunity to develop the skills required to become environmental stewards, secure meaningful work, and become civically engaged members of society. Crew leader Drew Rinaldi Subits came out twice this year with a wonderful crew
and tackled not only mulching and composting but tedious tasks of pruning rose bushes and digging out invasive trees and weeds. Although Cedar Park relies on neighbor volunteers, we often cannot keep up with all that needs to be done. PowerCorps gave us a huge boost. Johannah Fine, our very own Cedar Park Neighbor, arborist and professional urban forestry consultant, did heavy duty pruning and tree care in Cedar Park this summer. Johannah also had great praise for PowerCorps PHL who was on hand to assist with heavy chores and extra tree mulching late in the season.
LOVE YOUR PARK on Saturday, November 14 Mark your calendars! 2015 LOVE Your Park Fall Service Day is Saturday, November 14! We need volunteers to put the gardens to bed and end the season with one last good clean up. We will be in Cedar Park from 9 a.m. to noon. Please come out and show your love for Cedar Park.
Melissa Christie and Marta Bruce were two of the many volunteers who helped to care for the park.
Power Corps PHL August Workday at Cedar Park By Johannah Fine n Monday August 17th, with O temperatures rising above 90 degrees, PowerCorps PHL brought a large crew led by Drew Rinaldi Subits to Cedar Park. With the heat, the 3 cubic yards of mulch delivered the previous Friday loomed a bit like a mountain to this Cedar Park resident but the PowerCorps crew were undeterred, having already adapted to the long, hot summer. Through their training, they have learned to work safely and steadily, taking needed breaks for water and shade,
before returning back to weeding, cleaning, pruning and mulching. A grateful Cedar Park Neighbors provided mulch, drinks, and ice for the water coolers. By the end of the day, all tree pits were weeded and mulched, looking very much like a textbook illustration of proper technique. All litter was picked, all trees mulched, low and broken branches removed, and planting beds weeded and mulched. It was a pleasure to meet the PowerCorps crew and to appreciate their dedicated work. Power Corps PHL member
Fall 2015
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Greetings from Cedar Park Neighbors Holiday Baskets Committee! Dear Friends and Neighbors of Cedar Park, his year’s Holiday Baskets distribution T will be on December 19, 2015! This event has grown over the years because of your financial support and volunteerism, and this year we are hoping to provide food baskets to even more families in need. Let’s make 2015 the best year by making a financial donation to the Holiday Baskets Committee. To donate, please visit cedarparkneighbors.org/category/holiday/ or make your check payable to Cedar Park Neighbors and send to:
Cedar Park Neighbors Calvary Community Center Attention: Holiday Baskets Committee 4740 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19143 If you are interested in donating bulk items, please contact Michelle Lewis at mlewis1071@gmail.com. If you haven't already done so, please join Cedar Park Neighbors by visiting our website cedarparkneighbors.org. Sincerely, Michelle Lewis & Beverly Rouse
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
BECOME A CSA MEMBER!
greensgrow.org/csa
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CPN Newsletter
Zoning Committee Update By Shawn Markovich CPN Zoning Committee he Zoning Committee continues to T address cases and hold community meetings on a host of issues. We would like to invite new members to join the committee. It’s a great way to be involved in community issues and work productively with your neighbors as part of a collaborative team. Our monthly meetings are currently held on the third Wednesday of each month. If you are interested in working with the Zoning Committee, please contact CPN. Our next meeting will be held on October 21st at 7 p.m. in the CPN office at the Calvary Center.
Recent activity: 4630 Chester and 4815 Baltimore Avenue
The same owner of both properties is seeking a variance to increase the number of units through legalization of basement units. A hearing for 4630 Chester Avenue to go from three to four units, was held on July 28th. In light of mixed community feedback and its review of the application, CPN submitted a letter deferring to the judgment of the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA). The decision was held, pending the submission of additional documents by the applicant. We are awaiting notice on this issue. A hearing before the ZBA, regarding 4815 Baltimore, was scheduled for August 18th. After review of the application and neighbor input, CPN submitted a letter of objection indicating that the increase from six to seven units, in legalizing a basement unit, was unwarranted density in light of the size of the building and number of units in nearby properties. The applicant
did not appear and we were informed of a request for continuance. The hearing is now scheduled for October 27th at 9:30 a.m. 5030 Cedar Avenue
The owner originally sought to build a new building with two units, a parking garage and driveway and a reduced side yard. The lot is currently zoned RSA-3; a single-family attached home. In response to input from block residents and the CPN Zoning Committee, the applicant submitted a revised plan at a community meeting held September 16th. The revision indicated plans for a two-family dwelling with porch. The garage, driveway and curb cut had been eliminated from the plan. At the meeting, neighbors appreciated the revision but also expressed their desire to see a single family house at this location. There was further discussion and clarification on density concerns, building design elements and the long term goals of the property owner. The plan revisions are now being reviewed by block residents for additional input. CPN will continue communication with the applicant and neighbors in preparation for a hearing that is scheduled before the ZBA on October 6th at 9:30 a.m. 727 S. 50th Street
Following community meetings and negotiations between neighbors and the builder, a successful compromise was reached. The new building has been reduced from four to two units and the front façade will conform with that of the adjacent neighbor. CPN entered a letter of support for the agreed upon plan. ZBA granted approval.
Fall 2015
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CPN Newsletter
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Newsletter Editor Needed here are lots of great things constantly T happening in our community. Want to help keep everyone informed on these great events, causes, people and activities in West Philly? Cedar Park Neighbors is looking for a creative and organized individual to assist as editor for our quarterly newsletter. Responsibilities are:
for quarterly newsletters. • Communicate with the President and board about things CPN is working on. • Communicate with CPN committee chairs and writers about newsletter deadlines and submitting articles. • Monitor local news and event postings for items relevant to Cedar Park residents. • Gather articles and pictures for the newsletter and send them to the graphic designer.
• Think about creative content for the newsletter such as local organizations in the news, new businesses, community interest topics, reflections on neighborhood by community members, etc.
• Proofread newsletters in collaboration with the graphic designer.
• Be aware of CPN’s activity calendar such as scholarships, jazz, holiday baskets, etc. and anticipate articles
If you’re interested, please send an email to contact@cedarparkneighbors.org or phone 267-BALT-AVE
Curio Theatre Calendar fter a staged terrorist attack, a Christian Theocracy overthrows the United States. Suddenly, Offred’s life is thrown into subjugation, she must become a Handmaid to increase population growth. A cautionary tale that predicts our worst fears of fundamentalism, Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel comes to life in this daring one-woman adaptation.
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The Handmaid's Tale By Margaret Atwood Adaptation by Joseph Stollenwerk Directed by M. Craig Getting Starring Isa St. Clair of West Philly Previews: October 15, 16, 17 & 22 Run: October 23rd ~ November 14th Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 14th at 7:00 p.m. Beef, Beer, and Bingo at St. Francis DeSales! Support Curio Theatre Company and treat yourself to an evening of fun!
Enterprise Center CDC News Passing the Torch
Artists Selected for Meter Murals!
he Enterprise Center Community T Development Corporation's 10th annual fundraiser, Passing the Torch, is
After receiving many great applications, The Enterprise Center CDC has selected several talented local artists to participate in our Meter Murals creative placemaking project on 52nd Street. This project will turn dilapidated parking meters into artwork while engaging residents, businesses, and artists around the exciting work taking place on the corridor. For more info on the artists, visit our wonderful partner Small But Mighty Arts online, and stay tuned for updates about both the artists and the project.
Thursday, October 1st! We will be joined by keynote speaker Alejandra Y. Castillo, the National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency, who will speak about the role minority entrepreneurs play in community and economic development and the services and support they need to grow and succeed. For more info visit the Passing the Torch page online today at theenterprisecenter.com/ptt/.
Fall 2015
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Page 10 CPN Newsletter
Cedar Park Neighbors Membership Application/Renewal ● New Member
Name
● Multi-year (max. 3 years)
Address
● Renewal
● ● ● ● ●
# of years_____ $10 Individual $15 Household (2 persons or more) $ 7 Senior/Student/Unemployed $30 Business $40 Sponsor (one free CPN t-shirt!)
Phone Email
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)
● 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-BALT-AVE or 267-225-8283
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.
Fall 2015
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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 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)
Interested in Being Part of the CPN Board of Directors? re YOU interested in serving your community as a member of the board of Cedar Park Neighbors? We have a few open board positions that need to be filled right now.
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Are you a renter, homeowner, business owner, elder, or barely 18? Are you a long-time resident or a recent transplant? If you live or work in Cedar Park and are dedicated to improving our community, please consider participating on your neighborhood board! We’re looking for new board members to fill terms that end on May 31st, 2016. You can then run for a full two-year term if you desire. If you’re interested, please send an email to contact@cedarparkneighbors.org or phone 267-BALT-AVE by Friday, October 16th.
act on behalf of a responsible, accountable organization, promoting the general welfare of the community. Basic responsibilities of a CPN Board Member are: • Participate in monthly two-hour CPN Board Meetings, which are usually held the 3rd Monday of the month from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Calvary Center at 48th Street & Baltimore Avenue. • Join a committee (Scholarship, Zoning, Block Organizing, Holiday Basket, Membership, Jazz, or start a committee that you feel is needed!) • Encourage neighbors and friends to join CPN and participate in CPN activities. • Maintain your membership.
Responsibilities of CPN Board Members
Please note that in order to be a CPN board member, you need to be a current CPN member.
CPN is the recognized community organization for the Cedar Park neighborhood. As representatives of the community and the organization, CPN Board Members
You can join (or rejoin) CPN through our website at: memberplanet.com/s/cedarparkneighbors/ samplealumniassociationdues_copy_129
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CPN Board President David Hincher 1st Vice-President Suzanne Banning Anderson 2nd Vice-President
Renee McBride Williams Treasurer Amara Rockar Secretary
Far McKon Directors
Alon Abramson Robert Arters Sean Dorn Ivana Dussell Margaret Ferrigno Michael Froehlich Reverend Eric Goode Lisa Johanningsmeier Michelle Lewis Shawn Markovich Ryan Spak Mavil Spence JJ Tiziou Pat Warner