CPN Newsletter Spring 2016

Spring 2016

Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter President’s Message: Kicking Off 2016

S

By David Hincher pring is upon us, and, as usual, it is a busy time of the year for Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN). Planning is underway for the annual Gary Bronson memorial scholarship fundraiser, the summer jazz series, and the April annual membership meeting.

In 2015, Gary Bronson scholarships were awarded to seven students liveing in Cedar Park who were beginning or continuing their college education. We are eternally grateful to Gary, the scholarship committee, and community members for the work they have done over the years to support local students through financial donations and mentorship. This scholarship program is a fundamental part of CPN’s mission, and we look forward to another successful fundraiser in the coming months. More information on this year’s event, slated to occur in May, will be provided in the coming weeks.

CPN’s annual membership meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 18th at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel at the Calvary Center.

This meeting will feature guest speakers as well as elections for the Cedar Park Neighbors at-large directors and executive committee positions. More information the the slate of candidates is provided on pages 3-5 of this newsletter.

Kicking off 2016, Cedar Park Neighbors began a new community outreach with a bi-monthly potluck/cabaret. Over 100 neighbors turned out in January for our first inaugural potluck; a phenomenal response. These gatherings are open to the entire neighborhood and provide a opportunity to make new friends while freely partaking of various delicacies from your neighbors. We look forward to meeting more neighbors throughout the year, as these events will extend through December. They will take a brief hiatus for a few months as we host our scholarship event and launch our annual Live Jazz Fridays starting in June.

All of these great events and activities are made possible by the drive and passions of our amazing board members, committee continued on page 2

Cedar Park Jazz to Return Starting June 3rd!

T

By Renee McBride-Williams he Live Jazz Fridays in Cedar Park Summer series is preparing to launch the 2016 music box of artistic sound. The jazz series will begin Friday, June 3rd, and is tentatively scheduled to run until Friday, July 29th. The shows run from 6 to 8 p.m. and will be held, as always, at Cedar Park at 50th & Baltimore Avenue.

That’s nine Fridays of toe-tapping and head-bopping fun. Some of our old friends are returning, and some new friends will arrive on the scene. We are going to bring you many groovy melodies this summer.

Our West Philadelphia Cedar Park community is diverse and culturally rich.

Because of this incredible distinction, this

year, on July 8th, we are going to feature World Music to represent the artistic beauty of sound and culture in our community. Our June line-up will be simply stunning and July will be absolutely fabulous.

Thank you for your generous contributions that helped us to extend the 2015 jazz series into August. Hopefully, we can count on you to help us do it again! We are looking forward to an exciting 2016 season with neighbors finding a spot under a tree, near the playground or setting up near your friends.

If you want to help volunteer this year, please contact Cedar Park Neighbors at 267-225-8283 (267-BALT-AVE) or contact@cedarparkneighbors.org.

CPN President David Hincher

Monday, April 18th See you at the Annual Meeting 6:30 p.m. voting starts 7:o0 p.m. meeting starts Calvary Center 48th & Baltimore

CPN Zoning Committee Update

T

By Shawn Markovich his winter has been a quiet one for the zoning committee. During this time, the committee has been working on creating guidelines for a Neighborhood Conservation Overlay (NCO). This is a set of requirements for residential new construction to help it fit in with the neighborhood. For example, the NCO may require that a new residential building have a front porch if existing and/or adjacent neighbors have a front porch.

Once the guidelines have been created, the committee will present them to the CPN board to review and decide whether the process should be implemented.

4817 Springfield In January, 4817 Springfield presented an application to increase from a three-family

to a four-family building. Members of the zoning committee attended the community meeting organized by the coordinating Registered Community Organization (RCO) — South West District Services (SWDS).

Neighbors were present at the meeting and objected to the increase in density.

CPN and SWDS both attended the hearing and presented letters of objection to the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) in addition to immediate neighbors letter of objection. Despite these objections, approval was granted by the ZBA. The zoning committee is looking for new members to join us. The committee meets on the third Tuesday of the month at Calvary Community Center. If you are interested in zoning or development in the neighborhood, please reach out to contact@cedarparkneighbors.org.

President’s Message, continued from page 1 participants, and community volunteers.

We will have many new faces joining our board this year, and I am excited about our future plans. These new voices and their varied experiences and skills will give CPN even greater potential. We encourage every neighbor to become a dues-paying

Page 2

CPN Newsletter

member and volunteer for any activity that aligns with your passions. We all prosper when we support one another, are caretakers of our community, maintain our parks, assist our neighborhood schools, buy from local businesses, and on and on, to build a common future. Please join us!

The Cedar Park Nominations Committee presents Candidates for Board Election

Candidate for President

Candidates for Board Officers

Candidate for Treasurer

David Hincher

Amara Rockar

50XX Catharine Street

50XX Catharine St.

David moved from Texas to Philadelphia in 2006 and bought their home in Cedar Park over 8 years ago. He and his wife are raising their 7 year old daughter and are actively engaged in the West Philly Girl Scout troop. They love the neighborhood and are excited to see it brimming with activity and new businesses. David worked with Soccer Shots to bring toddler soccer program to Cedar Park in fall 2013, which now offers their program to the community year round.

He has a particular interest in issues that impact the quality of life in the community, such as the vitality of neighborhood schools, zoning, development, safety, etc.

David was the lead volunteer on the Baltimore Avenue Community Corridor design study, completed in 2010. He is the chair of the Development Impact Task Force, which produced the “Future of the Neighborhood” survey in 2012. David’s goal is to assist CPN in achieving the Baltimore Avenue vision to re-extend prosperity further west along our main street corridor.

Candidate for 1st Vice President Suzanne Banning Anderson 7XX S. 48th Street

Suzanne joined the board in 2013 after being active on the Zoning Committee for several years. She lives on the 700 block of S 49th Street with her husband, Kelvyn, two teenage daughters and two Golden Retrievers.

Suzanne currently works as a psychiatric social worker at Mercy Philadelphia Hospital at 54th & Cedar Avenue, having earned her MSW from Temple University 20 years ago and her JD from Widener University School of Law in 2012.

An avid gardener, her particular civic interest is in greening and cleaning the community. Suzanne hopes to continue to apply her skills and interests to reduce blight and litter and increase the number of trees and amount of green space in the Cedar Park. She believes that a cleaner and greener neighborhood will enhance the quality of life for everyone in Cedar Park.

Candidate for 2nd Vice President Renee McBride Williams 51XX Webster St.

A native of West Philadelphia has become one of the leaders in her humble Cedar Park community. Ms. McBrideWilliams received the 2014-2015 Dorothy I. Height Award from the National Council of Negro Women, Philadelphia Chapter for her community service and leadership.

Renee McBride-Williams is the General Manager to West Philadelphia’s only community radio station, WPEB 88.1 FM. While juggling her responsibilities to the broadcasters at the station, Renee is the Project Manager for the 2014-2015, “Arts On Air” projects spearheaded by Scribe Video, Inc. and sponsored by PNC Bank Arts Alive Project. She is also the director of the “Youth On Air” project at WPEB. With all that, Renee McBride-Williams is a mentor and educator to middle to high school students in the Philadelphia school community while still volunteering in the Arts and Broadcasting, Today, Renee is the Senior Executive Producer of a public affairs program called, “The Shed Kitchen” with Karen Dunn.

Above all, she is committed to her 14year marriage to her best friend, George E. Williams and mother to 5 time Grammy winner, Bassist Christian McBride.

Amara Rockar has lived in West Philadelphia for over a decade, most of it in Cedar Park.

She and her husband bought their home in 2010, and are raising their family here.

Amara is a board member of the West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools.

During the day, she works as an admin for the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education.

Candidate for Secretary Tori Bourret 46XX Chester Ave.

Tori is a Communications and Project Manager at the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania. She manages HomeHUB, a special homeownership initiative in PA, and provides management and outreach assistance for policy campaigns and specialized projects at the Housing Alliance.

Tori is also in charge of all communications at the Housing Alliance, including social media, the newsletter, and the website. Prior to working at the Housing Alliance, Tori served two terms in Americorps, one with Americorps NCCC in Denver, Colorado, and one with Public Allies in Delaware. Tori holds a bachelor’s degree in Women Studies and Psychology from the University of Delaware and a MSW from the University of Pennsylvania.

Tori has lived in the Cedar Park neighborhood for four years, always moving within one to two blocks of the previous location. She loves the strong community in the neighborhood, as well as the diversity and green space. She hopes to contribute her knowledge in the housing field, as well as communications skills to Cedar Park Neighbors, in order to increase community involvement in and the capacity of the organization, so the organization can make a greater impact year after year.

Spring 2016

Page 3

Meet the 2016 CPN Board Candidates Candidates for At-large Board (vote for up to 9)

Al Airone 10xx S. 47th Street

Al Airone has lived in West Philadelphia since 1982, having moved here from New York City along with his wife, Carolyn Kelly. Al and Carolyn bought their house on the 1000 block of South 47th in 1984 and have lived there ever since.

Their one daughter, now grown, works in Center City and lives in another neighborhood in Philadelphia (but they still talk!).

Al was always impressed by the strong tradition of neighborhood involvement in West Philly and the vitality of the many neighborhood organizations. Al served as a (totally unofficial) block captain for a number of years, and also served on the board of the Squirrel Hill Community Association in the early 1990's. He was active with corner recycling and was the regular volunteer at the Cedar Park Recycling venue at 50th and Baltimore for a number of years.

Al retired from the Philadelphia Water Department just over a year ago, having worked there for 25 years in the laboratory division, first as a chemist, then as the lab's main IT person. He enjoys walking around the city and the neighborhood, making use of the many coffee-shop reading locations (he can be found at least once a week in the Satellite Cafe), keeping up his IT skills, and generally keeping up with goings-on around the neighborhood. He welcomes the chance to serve a term on the Cedar Park Board.

Mike Farrell 5XX S. 49th Street

Mike is a Philadelphia trial lawyer representing persons, accused or injured, with a multi-state practice in the state and federal trial and appellate Courts of New Jersey, and Pennsylvania for over 35 years. He lives with his wife, Sharon, an Orthopedic nurse practitioner at CHOP, and their youngest of 7 children, Lindsey, who is a junior at Merion Mercy Academy.

They lived in Cedar Park from 1982-90 and then lived in New Jersey for 25 years while renting their home in Cedar Park.

Page 4

CPN Newsletter

They moved back last June and are back for good. Mike hopes to contribute to the community in any way he can.

Jo Ann Fishburn 10XX S. 49th Street

Jo Ann moved onto 49th Street in 1972, raised her son Harry there, and has always thought this is the best neighborhood in Philadelphia. It worries her that the housing prices continue to grow but she hopes CPN can work to make sure there are homes for people of all income levels. Jo Ann is retired from over 30 years teaching at Jones Middle School in Port Richmond, and for many years was involved with Warrington Garden and Philadelphia Green. Since retiring, she has been working in adult beginning literacy, most recently in a program sponsored by the Friends of Kingsessing Library. Jo Ann would like to get more involved in social justice efforts, especially decarceration and reading classes for returning citizens.

Rhone Fraser 9XX S. 49th Street

Rhone has been living in Cedar Park for about two years, since March 2014, and has organized many community events in that time. The past two summers he organized "Readings at the X" — free bi-weekly readings with professional actors, including Bryan Anthony Wilson, Zuhairah McGill and Norman Marshall, under the pavilion at Malcolm X Park, showcasing "historic plays that show more militant and revolutionary themes of Black Life."

Rhone is a well-read historian who teaches at Howard University and volunteers as a tour guide at the Paul Robeson House. He is starting a chess class for West Philadelphia youth on alternate Saturdays from March 19th to May 14th.

He is also a board member of the Liberty City Democrats and the Life Center Association; he lives at the Sankofa House where he and his housemates host events like weekly Sunday "Art Church" for community members to come play music, make visual art and do yoga together.

Lisa Johanningsmeier 9XX S. St. Bernard Street

Lisa has lived in the Cedar Park neighborhood since 1983. During the last 12 years she has served on the CPN board and Zoning Committee. She hopes to be able to help the Cedar Park community grow and change in a positive way that is inclusive of all community members.

Franchon Pryor 48XX Baltimore Ave.

Franchon is owner/ operator of Hair Vyce Studio at 4828 Baltimore Avenue.

HVS was born here in Cedar Park late summer of 2013. For 16 of her 24 years in cosmetology, she worked in Rittenhouse Square, located in the heart of Center City.

West Philly was her first choice of a location for the salon, because: (1) she owns a home in the neighborhood, (2) the location is close to Center City and close proximity of New Jersey, (3) diversity of businesses in the surrounding community.

Community service is a key qualification for CPN Board member. With 24 years of cosmetology, customer service and community service come hand in hand. Her strong interpersonal skills make Franchon a great communicator. For over two years, she has served on the Baltimore Avenue Business Association, BABA Marketing, and most recently, was chosen to be its vice president.

In becoming a Cedar Park Neighbors member, her contribution will be to strengthen the bond between the neighbors of Cedar Park and rejuvenating CPN’s outreach to the community. Sitting on the board would also strengthen communications between BABA and CPN. Dual seating brings the voice of the community to the ears of business owners.

Kelly Ryan 50XX Catharine Ave.

Kelly relocated to Cedar Park in 2004 and lives on Catharine Street with her partner, two children and two rescue cats. Growing up in Brooklyn, she has a deep respect for the neighborhood and supporting those around you.

She is interested in maintaining open communication and respect for the neighbors while supporting new opportunities for celebrating the diversity of Cedar Park.

Meet the 2016 CPN Board Candidates Ryan Spak 10XX S. 51st Street

Ryan Spak is an entrepreneurial business owner dedicated to his family, his city and his neighborhood.

He and his wife, Jessie, are firmly planting their family’s roots in this community. Over the past several years, Ryan has invested heavily in rehabilitating distressed properties in our neighborhood. It is his desire to continue to invest physically and monetarily in the neighborhood in the future. But it is also important to him to invest in the community by engaging his neighbors. Joining the CPN board will allow Ryan the opportunity to continue support the community and its efforts.

Five years ago, Ryan created Project Rehab for the University City District.

This completely free, yet comprehensive real estate program guides owners of distressed properties through the process of rehabilitation. The program has positively influenced the renovation of 24 previous blighted properties, creating over $8.1 million in real estate values in our neighborhood. Over that same time, Ryan has practiced what he teaches others by financing, rehabilitating and managing more than 30 units, mostly in West Philadelphia.

Annual Meeting Monday, April 18th Meet the Candidates!

6:30 p.m. voting starts Calvary Center, 48th & Baltimore

David Wengert 49XX Walton Avenue

A resident of West Philly for seven years, David is excited about the opportunity to join the Cedar Park Neighbors board. By day he works as a social worker at Community Legal Services, advising and representing subsidized housing tenants facing eviction. He is particularly proud of his work organizing the Philadelphia Hoarding Task Force to expand resources available to people who struggle with hoarding. On evenings and weekends he rehabs and manages real estate through his company Hayworth Properties.

A big fan of movies and board games, David can also be seen around Cedar Park stocking vegetables at Mariposa or eating pesto buddies at Satellite.

New Pedestrian Plaza Coming to Cedar Park

E

By Maureen Tate ven after a mild winter, the sight of daffodils is always welcome and a sign of better things to come. This is certainly true for Cedar Park this year. In addition to our regular schedule of work days to maintain our trees and gardens, Spring Picnic in the Park, Soccer Shots, and Friday Night Jazz, there are several improvements to the park this season.

With the assistance of our friends and the hard-working staff at the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, we will be able to install fencing at either end of the Catharine Street sitting wall.

It will be a limited footprint postand-chain fence that will further protect the trees and perennial plantings in this area. The light post that was destroyed a few years ago in a violent storm has finally been replaced.

Unfortunately, we found that two of our lamp posts need bulb replacement. We will keep working to get that problem resolved.

In addition, keep an eye out for development of a pedestrian plaza soon to be installed in the turnaround at the 49th Street end of the park. Work is anticipated to begin in late spring or early summer. We are grateful to the University City District (UCD) for providing leadership for this project, that has been under discussion with CPN for several years. UCD provided planning and design expertise, advocated with appropriate city agencies, secured funding and reached out to local residents and businesses who had to sign off on the project before further planning could proceed.

Plaza concepts were presented to local residents at an open forum over a year ago, and feedback was incorporated into final plans that are to include seating, plantings, and bike racks. The flexibile space is designed to encourage a familyfriendly environment that may include at various times, temporary and movable play equipment for children (such as giant building blocks and water toys). All activity materials will be overseen by UCD ambassadors who will bring them

to and from the plaza for daytime use. We anticipate several benefits from closing off the traffic turnaround. It will extend and connect Cedar Park to the traffic triangle at 49th Street, encourage activity and presence at the east end of the park, reclaim more street area for pedestrian use, and incorporate an additional five or six parking spaces!

There are several opportunities to volunteer in the park and enjoy activities this season. If you would like to join the Park Committee, garden, or volunteer for workdays, please contact CPN or Maureen Tate at tatemch@aol.com. Please note the following dates, and we look forward to seeing you in Cedar Park!

Cedar Park Dates Saturday, May 7th 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Love Your Park Service Day Kick-off Friday, May 13th 6 – 8 p.m.

Love Your Park Picnic in Cedar Park Friday, June 3rd 6 – 8 p.m.

Friday Night Jazz season starts!

Spring 2016

Page 5

Page 6

CPN Newsletter

Amari’s Restaurant: A Great Addition to the Neighborhood

S

By Dorothy Miller tep into Amari’s at 5037 Baltimore Avenue and you’ll be warmly welcomed by an owner with a passion to bring something special to this community.

Craig King, a native West Philadelphian, has poured his energy into creating a space that brings together delicious food, a love of music, and the spirit of West Philly. With a mission of bringing “the downtown uptown,” Craig has a vision for Amari’s that goes beyond simply a restaurant.

Amari’s is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday through Sunday, serving a variety of breakfast and lunch items, and is a BYOB. Built on a foundation of good old-fashioned soul food with quality ingredients made from scratch by Chef Joseph, must-try specialties include shrimp and grits, a seafood omelet, and peach cobbler. Beyond the menu, Amari’s highlights weekend jazz, featuring well-known and loved musicians from the area and different genres of jazz, including bluegrass and gospel. Amari’s is now open on Friday evenings for “Jazz for Dinner.”

Craig’s focus on the community adds that something special to Amari’s. With bigger long-term plans for turning his labor of love into a center for community arts, Craig has lined up guitar lessons for kids Tuesdays after school (first-come, firstserved basis). Craig is currently looking for visual artists to display their work on the walls, as well as musicians and other artists looking to perform in the space at Amari’s restaurant. There’s a lot going on at Amari’s and a lot of energy to build this venue as a cornerstone of the neighborhood.

For the latest information, check out their website at www.amarisrestaurant.com, or their Facebook page. Phone number for Amari’s is 215-921-9552.

“Jazz for Dinner” Find live jazz at Amari’s on Friday evenings.

Amari’s 5037 Baltimore Ave. 215-921-9552 www.amarisrestaurant.com

BABA member www.babawestphilly.org

Spring 2016

Page 7

In Memoriam: Ed Fell

E

By Pastor John Pritchard d Fell, a longtime resident of the community, an active member of Calvary United Methodist Church, administrator of Calvary Center for Culture and Community, and a retired Philadelphia school teacher died on February 3rd.

Ed was born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina, in the low country that he loved so much. Raised as a person of faith, he sang in the choir of his home church, which began a lifelong love of singing.

He was an honor student in high school.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Benedict College, and was involved with its alumni association until his death.

Ed served in the army for two years as an assistant chaplain, a formative experience, as it taught him that desegregation was possible despite what he had learned during his long years under Jim Crow laws in the south.

Following his stint in the army, Ed moved to Philadelphia to begin his thirty-year teaching career, all but one of them spent at the Albert M. Greenfield School, where he coached boys basketball — leading

them to a championship — and advised the chess and math clubs.

A veteran of the Civil Rights Movement, Ed gravitated to Calvary United Methodist Church, where he found a racially integrated and socially involved congregation.

After retireing from teaching, Ed began working as the office and building administrator for the church and Calvary Center for Culture and Community, interacting with its many building users and embodying its vision of a welcoming community of diverse faiths, diverse peoples, and diverse causes.

Ed’s was a presence that left its mark on people, from colleagues and students to church and community members.

In turmoil, his was a calm and confident presence. In crisis, his was a resolved and can-do presence. In all times, his was a warm and welcoming presence. Known for the attention he gave that made everyone feel as if they were they only person in the world, and for his open delight in the smallest things, his is a presence that will be missed but a spirit that will continue to move those who knew him.

Tee Up for Baseball! Youth Community Baseball Returns for a Third Season

O

By Leila Graham-Willis ur very own community baseball league is teeing up to for its third season! The Philadelphia Athletics Youth Sports Association (PAYSA) is a community baseball league, with games held at the 48th & Woodland Playground. PAYSA’s third season begins on April 9th, 2016, and continues through June 18th, 2016 PAYSA’s goal is to become a dynamic and successful youth sports organization that plays an integral role in the culturally, racially, socially and economically diverse West Philadelphia community it serves.

The league provides opportunities to families in the area who are unable to travel to other parts of the city to play youth sports.

PAYSA was started in the fall of 2013 by a group of families from the West Philadelphia neighborhoods surrounding the Recreation Center at 48th & Woodland. The league was founded to Page 8

CPN Newsletter

teach sports to youth in the Philadelphia area by providing basic to advanced-level instruction. It also works to build character through teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership and decision-making in a competitive sports environment; and to further the development of talented amateur athletes by providing opportunities to play competitive team sports in local, regional and national amateur competitions.

The league provides both In-House Leagues (T-ball and Rookie) and Travel Teams. The focus of PAYSA In-House Baseball is on learning the fundamental skills of the game while having fun in a positive and friendly environment. PAYSA Travel Baseball provides opportunities for advanced players to further develop their skills and play against competitive teams from other clubs throughout the Delaware Valley.

For more information on the league, please visit www.phillyathletics.org.

Edward Terry Fell

What’s New at the Calvary Center? Going Solar!

I

By Richard Kirk t has been a busy winter for the folks working (still mostly volunteer!) at the Calvary Center for Culture and community.

The Green Committee, consisting of members of West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship and Kol Tzedek and led by Tim Emmett-Rardin of Calvary United Methodist Church (UMC), conducted the fundraising for an energy audit, which was just completed this month. It happened at a rather propitious time, too, because our boiler took its final bow right before some of the coldest weather of January. Rather than make a snap decision and possibly spend way too much money under pressure, it was decided to do the proper research and keep the building heated with rented electrical fans, and by using the electric heat that was already in place for the basement areas.

There were, however, major problems with heating the enormous sanctuary well enough, and Curio was rehearsing for their play in near-freezing conditions, which took its toll with the main actors, Paul Kuhn and Gay Carducci, who both caught the flu.

They turned this woe into an asset, however, and pulled off a smashing run of the classic “Death of a Salesman,” which many said was among Curio’s best offerings ever.

The heat problem also slowed down progress on the installation and construction of the elevator, as it was necessary (and a stroke of good luck) to use the new opening for ducts for the temporary heating system.

But now the elevator construction is back underway, and with a couple of minor glitches we anticipate the elevator will be operational sometime in April. Linford Martin, assisted by Paul Kuhn, led the construction efforts and did a truly miraculous job.

for which we already have the matching funds, to FINALLY start on the restoration of the sanctuary.

First to get attention will be the gigantic Tiffany windows, largest in the Delaware Valley and priceless works of art, but because of their ponderous weight and venerable age, they are in need of some immediate attention and cleaning. The final goal is to light the Calvary facade from the exterior by night and illuminate the sparkly, newly cleaned Tiffany windows from within, which will accent and highlight the amazing five-point intersection at 48th and Baltimore. With just a little bit of planning, that intersection could become a truly breathtaking symbol of our wonderful Victorian neighborhood, a real beauty mark for all West Philadelphia to enjoy by night.

Finally, in concert with our greening efforts, we are thinking solar. Greg Scott, Calvary UMC’s music director (and becoming more and more famous for his annual charitable Christmas Jazz extravaganza, now in its sixth season), is also something of a robotics and DIY solar genius. Over the last several years, he put solar on his own roof, then on Rich Kirk’s roof, and this spring will install solar on Ursula Johnson’s roof, all by doing the labor in house and training and using local resources, at a fraction of the cost of doing it commercially, while getting the same licenses, permits, and verifications as the professionals. Greg has just completed doing a plan for installing solar on the Calvary roof. You can all watch for a fundraiser for that one in the not-too-distant future! If we can do three houses and a church, how much further could West Philly go in transforming the whole energy equation?

The sudden passing of Ed Fell, building administrator, put our office and building coordination in chaos, but many people, in part in tribute to Ed, came together to keep things running. The Trustees are researching the best possible heating solution that can be afforded. Beth Jemison has taken over the Calvary Center Building Administrator position until a new position description can be worked out and a proper search made for a permanent replacement.

And a committee from the Calvary Center put in an application for a Keystone grant, Spring 2016

Page 9

Page 10 CPN Newsletter

Cedar Park Neighbors Membership Application/Renewal ● New Member

Name

● $10 Individual

● $15 Household (2 persons or more)

Address

● $30 Business

Phone

● Renewal

● $ 7 Senior/Student/Unemployed ● $40 Sponsor (one 1/8 page ad)

Additional contribution: (Write $ amount)

_____ Holiday baskets _____ Scholarships _____ Jazz Series _____ Park _____ Other, specify _________________________

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

Check your areas of interest for potential participation: ● Board of Directors: CPN leadership and decision-making body.

● Zoning Committee: Monitor & communicate issues to residents;

represent Cedar Park before Zoning Board of Adjustment.

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

● Scholarship Committee: Raise funds, promote program, and select awardees. ● Membership/Communications: Promote membership to residents ● ● ● ● ● ●

and businesses, write, publish and distribute newsletter, maintain website.

Jazz: Promote program, raise funds, organize events, choose musicians.

Cedar Park Garden Tenders: Plant and maintain gardens at Cedar Park.

Holiday Baskets: Coordinate and assist distribution to needy Cedar Park families.

Development Impact Task Force: Monitor, evaluate, and influence commercial and residential development.

Block Organizing: Maintain list of Block Leaders, organize forums, Review block grant applications and help awardees implement projects etc.

Fundraising: Special events, grant writing.

Cedar Park Neighbors is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. All contributions are fully tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.

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

Spring 2016

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 Michael Froelich, Judy Lamirand, Dorothy Miller Newsletter Design Judy Lamirand, Robin Siddall, Parallel Design To Contact Cedar Park Neighbors or submit Newsletter items: contact@cedarparkneighbors.org www.cedarparkneighbors.org 267-BALT-AVE (267-225-8283)

Find Art and Acrobats at the April Go West! Craft Fest Saturday April 30, (Rain Date May 1) 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Woodlands 40th & Woodland Avenue

T

he Spring 2016 Go West Craft Fest is on Saturday April 30th, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Woodlands. Find handmade treasures like jewelry, ceramics, prints, home wares, natural bodycare, children’s items, and more — all created by local artists, craftspeople, and small businesses.

Featuring live music, local food, acrobatic performances, and children’s activities, this family-friendly event is open to the public and free to attend.

Huge thanks to Sarah Ryan for the beautiful poster artwork!

Page 12 CPN Newsletter

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