Meeting Nov. 1 on roundabout at Fox St. and Queen Ln. tiatives for the Philadelphia Streets Department. Scheerbaum and other fter years of talk and Street Department officials indecision, the city will present plans to neighplans to build a conbors at a meeting of the East crete traffic roundabout at the Falls Community Council at intersection of Fox St. and 7:30 pm Thurs., Nov. 1 at the Queen La. Falls Presbyterian Church, “We hope to go to bid this Vaux St. and Midvale Ave. winter and build it sometime The roundabout will change next year,” said Gustave the pace and flow of traffic Scheerbaum, traffic engineer and cut the risk of accidents and Director of Strategic Iniat a busy residential intersec-
by John T. Gillespie
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Rendering of the proposed roundabout.
Vol. 1, No. 7
November 2018
tion two blocks from Henry Ave. to the south and a short distance from Roosevelt Blvd. to the east. Fox and Queen currently is controlled by four-way stop signs and was previously controlled by a traffic light. Both require drivers to stop. The continually circulating roundabout will do away with the stop. That means it will also (Continued on page 13)
eastfallsnow.com • FREE
The Discovery Center – New gem minutes from EF
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ust outside East Falls, in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, lies the East Park reservoir. Originally part of Philadelphia’s water system, the reservoir has been unused for decades. Since then, its 37 acres have become a haven for wildlife, especially waterfowl. Due to security reasons, the reservoir has been inaccessible to the public.
Navin on Nature by Navin Sasikumar
But all that changed with the opening of the Discovery Center on Saturday, September 29th. The Discovery Center is the result of years of work and a
partnership between Audubon and the Outward Bound Center. Combining wildlife observation with outdoor recreation, the Center promises something for all nature enthusiasts, including bird walks several times a month, an outdoor ropes course, a zip line and an indoor rock climbing wall. An observation tower offers great views of Philadelphia, from Germantown to West Philly. The Center also is a great spot for hawk watching. In the hour or so I spent there on opening day, we saw at least two species of hawks, two species of vultures and a Bald Eagle. In the center itself you’ll find shared classrooms and an interpretive area highlighting some the birds you can expect to see at the refuge. The events leading to the building of the Discovery Center and preservation of the reservoir as a wildlife habitat (Continued on page 6)
(Left) Observation tower and rope climbing course at the new Discovery Center, just minutes from East Falls. (Above) Exterior of the Discovery Center. (Photos by Brittany Stewart)
Zoning Committee OKs Kelly Home Variance
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he EFCC Zoning Committee has approved a request by the John B. Kelly family for a variance to install a caretaker’s apartment and an office for the Prince of Monaco Charitable Foundation in the Kelly homestead at Henry Av. and fter a successful launch ranged from the academic in October, a new effort side of the school to how disci- Coulter St. The birthplace of Grace Kelly is now owned by pline is handled. launched by the Grace’s son, Prince Albert II The November meeting is Friends of Mifflin -- titled open to anyone who is consid- of Monaco. “Considering Mifflin” -- will Albert’s cousin, John B. Kelering Mifflin, and children are make its second run at 6:30 ly III, who oversaw recent welcome to accompany their pm Tues., Nov. 13 at the renovations to the home, preparents. DeHart and Keathome of Lauren DeHart and ing’s son, Quinn, attends Mif- sented the case for a variance Alex Keating, 3577 Indian flin, and their younger child is to the Zoning Committee at a Queen Ln. meeting at Murphy’s Irish nearing kindergarten age. The October 11 launch Saloon Oct. 17. The prince An RSVP is not required, brought a large crowd of parintends to use the home durbut it would be appreciated ents and children to the ing visits and for meetings of with an email to consideringArnold St. home of Marjan his charitable foundation. Gartland to discuss Mifflin as mifflin@gmail.com. Following questions about At the same time, planning a kindergarten option. the types of social events that The meeting featured a live- is underway for the Mifflin might take place at the home, Carnival on Sat., Oct. 27. ly discussion of Mifflin’s The carnival will take place Committee members voted to strengths led by Leslie from 12 to 3 pm on the school support the family’s request Mason, Principal. Questions for a zoning variance before from prospective parents (Continued on page 15) the City’s Zoning Board of
‘Considering Mifflin’ set for Nov. 13; Carnival on Oct. 27
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adjustment. The hearing for the variance is scheduled for 2 pm on Nov. 14. at the ZBA’s office, 1515 Arch St. The Zoning Committee also heard from Penn Charter School officials with an update on their Special Purpose Institutional (SPINs) Zoning plans. They said they are looking to accelerate one of their specific new building projects as part of syncing up with the academic year. This means there might be a conventional refusal variance process, likely in December of 2018. An updated presentation of Penn Charter’s plans
will be posted to www.eastfallscommunity.org. Todd Baylson, EFCC Zoning Committee chair, reported at the meeting that Developer David Grasso's project planned for the former Rivage Ballroom site at Ridge Ave. and Calumet St. received final approvals from the City of Philadelphia via the Civic Design Review process. Baylson repeated the EFCC’s view of the importance of the project to improving traffic flow along Ridge Ave., especially during rush hours. Baylson added that the Zon(Continued on page 12)
EFCC Meeting 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 East Falls Presbyterian Church, Midvale Ave. and Vaux St. Agenda: Panhandling at Sunoco AM/PM Committee reports
News: editor@eastfallsnow.com • To advertise: ads@eastfallsnow.com • Opinion: letters@eastfallsnow.com • Questions: info@eastfallsnow.com
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November 2018
East Falls NOW
Your November 2018 East Falls NOW Calendar Falls of the Schuylkill Library Hours: Mon. & Wed., 12 to 8 pm; Tues. & Thurs., 10 am to 6 pm; Fri., 10 am to 5 pm; Sat. 10 am to 5; closed Sun.; due to staff development, delayed opening Thurs., Nov. 8 at 2 pm. Closed Veterans Day, Nov. 12. .
LEAP, the Free Library’s drop-in after school program, offers homework assistance, computer literacy and library skills for students in grades K–12, along with daily literacy enrichment activities for elementary school students. This program takes place every Monday through Thursday from 3 to 5:30 pm.
1 Thursday
9:30 am: EF Village Thursday morning walk; meet at Library garden. 10:30 am: EF Village, “Get Your Life Back from Arthritis,” Library (Story Pg. 10.) 11 am: Storytime and Block Play at the Library. Stories, songs and playtime with the Library’s wooden blocks. For kids aged two to six accompanied by an adult; siblings welcome. Groups and daycares please call the Children’s Librarian to schedule separate appointments, 215-685-2093.
dogs. Come share a new book or an old favorite in a judgementfree space. 5:45 pm: Advanced Bridge Group for experienced players, Library. 6:30 pm: Meditation Workshop, Library (Story Pg. 8)
7 Wednesday
1 pm: Beginner’s Bridge Group for new players, Library.
6 pm: Police Service Area 1 meeting with Town Watch, 1950 Venango St.
8 Thursday
7:30 pm: EFCC Traffic Committee: Meeting with Streets Dept. officials to discuss proposed roundabout at Fox. St. and Queen Ln., EF Presbyterian Church, Midvale Ave. and Vaux St.
7:30 pm: East Falls Town Watch meeting, 3540 Indian Queen Ln.
3 Saturday
10 Saturday
10 am to 2 pm: EF Famers Market, Ridge Ave. under the Twin Bridges, rain or shine.
5 Monday
11:45 am: EF Village Lunch of the month, Murphy’s Saloon (Story Pg. 10.) 4:15 pm: Read with a Therapy Dog at the Falls Library. School age kids are invited to read with Wally or Orchid, certified therapy
9:30 am: EF Village Thursday morning walk; meet at Library garden.
9 am to 12 pm: McMichael Park “Love Your Park” Cleanup. (Story, Pg. 4) 10 am to 2 pm: EF Farmers Market, Ridge Ave. under the Twin Bridges, rain or shine. 11 am: EF Village dedicates bench to memory of Doris Steinberg, McMichael Park (Story Pg. 10)
11 Sunday
12 noon to 3 pm: Inn Yard Park “Love Your Park” Cleanup. (Story Pg. 4)
12 Monday
7 pm: East Falls Community Council general membership meeting, including discussion on panhandling at Sunoco AM/PM; EF Presbyterian Church, Vaux St. and Midvale Ave.
13 Tuesday
6:30 pm: Considering Mifflin. (Story Pg. 1)
14 Wednesday
1 pm: Beginner’s Bridge Group for new players, Library.
15 Thursday
9:30 am: EF Village Thursday morning walk; meet at Library garden.
11 am: Storytime and Block Play at the Library (See Nov. 17)
17 Saturday 9:30 am to 2:30 pm: Friends of the Falls Library Autumn book sale (Story Pg. 13)
10 am to 2 pm: EF Tree Tenders planting. (Story, Pg. 7) 10 am to 2 pm: Last day for EF
Oct 29: A night of great EF performers
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f you’re getting this East Falls NOW issue before Monday, Oct. 29, make sure to catch the annual Evening of East Falls Performers at 7 pm. It’s a great night of entertainment, and you can’t beat the price – free at the Falls Library. Among the musicians in this year’s diverse menu of performers will be: the Falls Clarinet Quartet; John Komanski (piano); Matt Murphy (baritone); Frank Kaderabek (trumpet); Kate
Dress (ballet) from Merge Dance Company; Randy Scupp (tenor); with Bob Munnich on the piano. The concert will be emceed by Caroline Davidson and Wendy Moody. The concert will be preceded by a short Annual Meeting of the Friends at 7 PM. At this meeting officers will be elected for President of the Friends and also for Treasurer. Refreshments will follow the concert
Famers Market, Ridge Ave. under the Twin Bridges, rain or shine.
19 Monday
4:15 pm: Read with a Therapy Dog, Library (See Nov. 5.) 5:45 pm: Advanced Bridge Group for experienced players, Library.
21 Wednesday 1 pm: Beginner’s Bridge Group for new players, Library.
28 Wednesday
1 pm: Beginner’s Bridge Group for new players, Library. 1 pm: EF Village’s “Simplify Your Life to Age in Place,” Library (Story Pg. 10) 6:30 pm: PJ Storytime at the Library. For ages seven and under. (Story Pg. 8) 6:30 pm: East Falls Historical Society’s Historic Photo night, Library. (Story Pg. 4)
22 Thursday 29 Thursday A happy, safe and peaceful Thanksgiving to all of our East Falls NOW readers and their families.
26 Monday
4:15 pm: Read with a Therapy Dog, Library (See Nov. 5) 6 pm: Philadelphia Stoics meeting, Library (Story Pg. 8)
27 Tuesday
10:15 am: Music and Movement Time at the Falls Library. Babies and toddlers will enjoy a parentled music and dance story time. Children will play maracas, shake pom-poms, dance and listen to music and dance-themed books. Come tire out your little ones and meet local parents. Groups and daycares should call the library to set up special visits.
9:30 am: EF Village Thursday morning walk; meet at Library garden.
11 am: Storytime and Block Play at the Library (See Nov. 1.) And these dates are beyond November, but are worth noting in your calendar: Saturday, Dec. 1, 9:30 am: EFSA co-ed basketball registration (Story Pg. 12) Monday, Dec. 4, 6-9 pm: EFCC Holiday Reception, Old Academy Playhouse. RSVP to info@eastfalls commnity.org.
Farmers market runs to Nov. 17
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he East Falls Farmers Market will continue its outdoor season from 10 am to 2 pm Saturdays through Nov. 17, rain or shine.
Setting up under the Twin Bridges at 4100 Ridge Ave., the market is headed by the fresh seasonal produce of McCann’s Farm. While the outdoor season ends Nov. 17, a big indoor event is set for Sat. and Sun., Dec. 1 and 2 – a juried market at Vault and Vine, 3507 Midvale Ave. This will take place from 10 am to 4 pm. Details to come in the December issue of East Falls NOW. To volunteer, visit www.eastfallsfarmers.com.
Loose leaves set for Dec. 3
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on’t miss this chance to save your back! On Monday, Dec. 3, the City will collect loose leaves from East Falls’ streets. Don’t bag them. If you do, they’ll be collected as regular trash. As Dec. 3 approaches, start raking and blowing your leaves into the street. The Streets Department teams will take it from there. No piling necessary. Just get the leaves into the street. It’s a one-time only deal. Dec. 3 -- one and done.
East Falls NOW
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November 2018
$300+ later, a lesson learned!
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’m one of the people who half-jokes about and halfscolds those who leave their laptops sitting on the back seat of their car only to be surprised to find a window smashed and their laptop gone. For years this has been a big problem at the parking lot on Kelly Dr. across from the Castle Ringstetten.
the front passenger side window of my car destroyed in front of my house on Penn St., with glass shattered all over the street and front seat. Not the crime of the century. But a significant annoyance. What was stolen? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. The vandals ransacked my glove compartment and console, scattering everything, taking nothing. I had nothing of value in the car. Why the violent intrusion? A message from the The best I can figure is that I EFCC had a box of Welcome to East President Falls booklets from the Chestnut Hill Local in the back seat, keeping them in easy reach for distribution as we help our by Bill Epstein publishing partner at the same time as we distribute East Joggers, walkers and bikers Falls NOW. park there and leave their comPossibly the box looked as puters, cameras and cell though it might contain somephones in sight. Too often, the thing of value. items are missing on their The thieves left disappointed, return. It’s also been a proband I was $300-plus lighter in lem on more than a few EF the wallet after having the streets. window replaced. Many times the EFCC and The lesson? I’ve learned it. EF Town Watch have repeated Don’t be stupid. Don’t leave the advice we get from the even an empty package, an police: “Don’t leave anything in empty box or a box of nothing your car, and don’t let perpeof value in sight in your car – trators see you placing valuunless you want to see how ables in the trunk of your car.” many pieces a car window In other words, “Don’t be stu- shatters into. (The answer: pid.” Seems simple enough. many.) Imagine my surprise and The 39th District police tell embarrassment, then, to find me that they are searching for
Right, having Fallser Fest fun getting her face painted is Janelle Haakenson, daughter of Yudi and Nelson Haakensen of Ridge Ave. Left, Allison Gill learns how to squirt water from Engine 35 with the help of Letoia Tucker of Medic Unit 16 based at the East Falls Firehouse. Allison is the daughter of Michele and Ronan Gill, of Ambler. Ronan serves on the board of the EF Development Corp., and operates his business, the RG Group, on Bowman St.
a ring of persons who work at night checking unlocked cars or breaking windows if they think they see something of value. More than two dozen cars were hit recently in just one night in the neighborhood. If you find yourself a victim, try not to touch anything that the vandals might have touched. Call 911 and ask for police to come out and search for fingerprints. They want to catch these people. So do I. Mifflin on the Move On a more positive note, the Thomas Mifflin School team – students, parents, teachers, administrators and the Friends of Mifflin – remains firmly on
the move. The latest addition to the schedule is a series of house-based meetings for families interested in kindergarten (or any grade.) The monthly “Consider Mifflin” meetings provide an opportunity for parents to learn about Mifflin and to ask questions of school teachers and administrators in an informal setting. The most recent took place at the Arnold St. home of Marjan Gartland, where a packed house heard from Leslie Mason, Mifflin’s Principal, and current parents. The next meeting is at 6:30 pm Tues., Nov. 13 at the home of Mifflin parents Lauren DeHart and Alex Keating, 3577 Indian Queen Ln.
And if you’re getting your copy of East Falls NOW early, as we hope you will, there’s still time to make the Mifflin Carnival on Sat., Oct. 27 from 12 noon to 3 pm. We’re talking games for kids and adults on the school grounds. Stop by! Fallser Fest One more positive note: Many thanks to all who worked on and showed up for our first Fallser Fest collaboration with the East Falls Development Corporation on Sept. (Continued on page 15)
Voting – and Voting Responsibly
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often wonder why so many citizens do not fulfill their civic responsibility to vote -- twice a year, every year. Part of the problem is that we frame non-presidential years as “off year” elections. The phrase alone connotes less importance. But all elections are important. Anyone who is on the ballot and gets elected will make decisions that affect our lives. Here is a recent example of how voting or not voting has consequences.
As a community of neighbors, friends and loved ones, many of us in the 194th were terribly saddened and shaken over the murder/suicide involving a 7-year-old girl and her father this past August in Manayunk. Many now ask how this tragedy could have been avoided. As a state representative, I am directly asked and wrestle with the question myself: how could the system have helped Kayden Mancusco and her family? How can we avoid
Published monthly and on-line by the East Falls Community Council PO Box 12672, Philadelphia, PA 19129 www.eastfallsnow.com • www.eastfallscommunity.org For news, contact: editor@eastfallsnow.com For advertising, contact ads@eastfallsnow.com For letters, contact letters@easfallsnow.com Everything else, contact info@eastfallsnow.com
something like this from happening again? An answer I’ve mulled involves other questions: do constituents understand how judges come to sit on their benches in Pennsylvania? I wonder because, especially in this case, it’s been widely panned that a judge could have done more to protect Kayden. What level of diligence do voters exercise when deciding who is best qualified to be a judge (or a candidate for any office) and make life and death decisions? Do our state laws and electoral systems override merit and influence how a citizen votes? Do politics preclude more qualified candidates from the ballot, leaving voters with limited partisan options? How can we do this better? In the case of electing judges, merit selection of judges may help. Although the merit selection legislation that has been introduced for years
applies only to the upper courts. The lower courts are filled with judges who ran for election and might (most likely were) have been chosen based on their ballot position, campaign fundraising abilities, or
Pam’s Viewpoint by St. Rep. Pamela A. DeLissio
party support, regardless of legal experience, reputation for ethical behavior, honesty, fairness and good temperament. These judicial candidates most likely were supported by a process that could leave them seemingly beholden to wealthy lawyers and special interest groups who might appear before them in court.
The above is an example of how a less than fully informed electorate might have contributed to someone being elected to the bench who perhaps was not the best candidate. No judges are up for election in this cycle. The results of this election will instead produce a Governor, a U.S. Senator, a Congressman, and a State Representative. All of these elected offices decide critical policy that impacts our lives. Who would not want a say in who should hold office? Be the best informed voter that you can possibly be. Allow yourself sufficient time to research the candidates. Decide who best mirrors your concerns, priorities and values. And then vote. The 2018 General Election is Nov. 6 and voter turnout, historically, is not as strong as it should and could be. Please help to change that with this next election.
Letters to the East Falls NOW editor Your East Falls Community Council: William Epstein, President Todd Baylson, Vice President and Zoning Chair Mary Alice Duff, Vice President and Events Chair Joseph Leube, Treasurer Christina Spolsky, Communications Director and Corresponding Secretary Mary Jean Cunningham, Recording Secretary and Membership Chair Christopher Caporellie, Member, Executive Committee at Large John Gillespie, Member, Executive Committee at Large and Transportation Chair Thomas Flynn, Member, Executive Committee at Large Alex Keating, Member, Executive Committee at Large Emily Nichols, Member, Executive Committee at Large Robert Rabinowitz, Member, Executive Committee at Large Christopher Rooney, Member, Executive Committee at Large and By-Laws Chair Barnaby Wittels, Immediate Past President
Printed by our partner in community news, The Chestnut Hill Local, and delivered to homes and businesses in East Falls
Mifflin Progress
after work on a day when the trash has been picked up to an empty can except for the bag of Regarding the demolishing of dog waste that someone has the Lycoming House I feel that decided to dump in your empty Steven Peitzman’s article said can. It’s your pet. Be responsieverything we wanted it to and ble and respectful and carry very concisely (Historic house your garbage back to your on School House Ln. demolished house to dispose of it. I don’t -- Oct. 2018.) I think with the appreciate someone else’s pet’s picture it will be a wake-up call feces having to sit in my can for everyone in East Falls inter- until the next week’s pickup. ested in historic preservation. Stop being rude. Be respectful Great job, Steve. of your neighbors. – Lyda M. Doyle – Kellie Woodring
Lycoming House
I was so happy to read in East Falls Now about the progress made by students at Mifflin (Mifflin reading scores jump; Most improved in NW Philly! -- Oct. 2018.) How exciting that reading scores have improved! I really believe that the EF Village’s leadership in developing a reading program and a relationship between Fallsers and students must be behind this growth. It is very rewarding that volunteers are Pet Waste making an important contribution and making a difference in Neighbors, please stop throwthe lives of young people. – Joan McIlvaine ing your pet feces in other neighbors’ trash cans. It’s really frustrating to come home
Send your letters to letters@eastfallsnow.com. Please keep them brief and polite.
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November 2018
East Falls NOW
Love your Park Days – Nov. 10 and 11
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wo big volunteer park clean-ups in East Falls are set for Sat., Nov. 10 and Sun., Nov. 11 – the citywide Love Your Park Days! At both McMichael Park and Inn Yard Park, volunteers will plant, rake, prune, weed and sweep. Then trucks from the Philadelphia Streets Department will haul away many bags of everything that’s raked, pruned, weeded and swept. The schedule: • Sat., Nov. 10: 9 am to 12 noon, McMichael Park • Sun., Nov. 11: 12 noon to 3 pm, Inn Yard Park To volunteer at either or both parks, visit www.loveyourpark.org. At McMichael Park, the goal will be to plant and mulch four new trees, and to rake and bag leaves. Gloves, A view of East Falls taken in 1917 facing west looking down Midvale Ave. from the bridge carrying what is now SEPTA’s bags and refreshments will be Norristown Local tracks. provided. Bring your own rake, broom and/or shovel. At 11 am, it’s time for a story and author event. Illustrator Dominic Wolocko, who did the artwork for the book Bobo Starts a Band by Megan Burn informal presentation ments invited. In addition, be made to Patty Cheek at ton, will be on hand to read of historical phoanyone with interesting old pcheek2002@yahoo.com or from the book and autograph tographs by the East photographs to show and dis- 215-438-8539. copies. Children are invited Falls Historical Society will cuss is invited to bring up to The program is free and to bring a garage item to use take place at 6:30 pm Wed., two to the Library at 4:30 pm refreshments will be served. as a musical or percussion Nov. 28 at the Falls of on the 28th for scanning and The East Falls Historical instrument in a marching Schuylkill Library. projection at the evening Society was founded in 2004 band, as the book tells the Rarely seen images from event. to explore and preserve the tale of Bobo, who gives his the early 20th century created Alternatively, a scan in jpg history of the Falls of garage a much-needed cleanby early Falls historians A. C. format can be emailed to Schuylkill and East Falls. ing but instead finds himself Chadwick and Charles K. Steven Peitzman at peitzmanleading a musical parade! Mills will be shown, and com- sj@gmail.com, or inquiry may
Nov. 28: EFHS Historic Photo Night
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Also at 11 am, the EF Village and the Friends of McMichael Park will dedicate a bench in honor of the late Doris Steinberg, long-time East Falls resident, friend of the park and founder of EF Village. Doris’ family, including Phil Steinberg, a former President of the East Falls Community Council, will be on hand. Rain date is Saturday, Nov. 17. At Inn Yard Park, the task will be cleanup, weeding of flower beds, bulb and perennial planting, pruning, tree mulching and the making of a thank a veteran craft to mark Veterans Day. Tools and refreshments will be provided, rain or shine unless severe weather hits.
215-717-9667 • DrLeaksPhilly.com • info@DrLeaksPhilly.com
East Falls NOW
November 2018
Town Watch hosts coffee with a cop
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he East Falls Town Watch will hold its monthly meeting at 7:30 pm Thurs., Nov. 8 at the Carfax Building, 3540 Indian Queen Ln. All EF residents are invited to attend to share comments, concerns and questions about public safety in the community. Mary Jane Fullam, EFTW President, said that TW was pleased to join with the East Falls Community Council and Founded Coffee and Pizza in hosting Coffee with a Cop on Oct. 3. Some 15 neighbors attended and a team from the 39th Police District was available to discuss current public safety challenges, including the ongoing panhandling and harassment of customers at the Sunoco gas station at Ridge and Midvale Aves., illegal truck parking, auto breakins and other criminal activity in the neighborhood.
Join the East Falls Community Council by visiting “Become a Member� at www.eastfalls community.org East Falls Town Watch members, residents and 39th Police District officers at Coffee with a Cop on Oct. 23. (Photo by Roberta Ginsburg)
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November 2018
East Falls NOW
Old Academy in Nov.: Sarah Ruhl’s comedy Eurydice
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ast Falls’ historic Old Academy Players continues its 96th season with Eurydice, by Sarah Ruhl. This dramatic comedy, Old Academy’s 516th production, will be directed by Jane Jennings and produced by Jennifer Sivers/Roberts and Michael Roberts. Show dates are Nov. 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18; Friday and Saturday at 8 pm., Sunday at 2 pm. Eurydice is a modern, poignant retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice from the perspective of Eurydice. When Eurydice dies tragically, Orpheus sets out to find her in the Underworld and bring her back. However, in the Underworld she has been reunited with her dead father, and is torn between leaving him and returning to life with Orpheus. The play is a whimsical meditation on love and grief, told with playwright Sarah Ruhl’s distinctive quirkiness and heart. Ms. Ruhl wrote Eurydice while mourning the death of her own father as a way that she could talk to him again. The play had its world premiere at Madison Repertory Theatre in Madison, WI. in 2003. It opened off-Broadway in 2007 and received several award nominations, including the 2008 Drama League Award for Distinguished Production of a Play and the 2008 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Set Design of a Play. The New York Times called it a "weird and wonderful new play." Sarah Rule is a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and a Tony Award nominee. Her plays have been produced on
Broadway and off-Broadway and in regional theatres nationally. They also have been produced internationally and translated into 12 languages. Ms. Ruhl has received the Steinberg Distinguished Playwright Award, the Susan Smith Blackburn Award, the Whiting Award, the Lilly Award, a PEN award for midcareer playwrights, and the MacArthur "genius" Award. Her book of essays is “100 Essays I Don't Have Time to Write.” She teaches at the Yale School of Drama and lives with her family in Brooklyn. Old Academy’s cast includes Matthew Thompson as Orpheus, Samantha Simpson as Eurydice, Michael Tarringer as Father, Natalie Bonacci as Loud Stone, Natalie Pendergast as Little Stone, Michael Jeffrey Cohen as Big Stone, and Timothy Schumann as Nasty Interesting Man/Child. Old Academy Players, where Grace Kelly and Robert Prosky made their stage debuts, is a non-profit community theater located at 3544 Indian Queen Ln. Constructed in 1819, the Old Academy building has been the OAP home since 1932. Old Academy Players has provided continuous community theater since 1923 and is a member of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. Parking for all performances is free. Tickets are $20 per person, available online at www.oldacademyplayers.org. Eurydice cast: Top Row, Natalie Pendergast, Michael Jeffrey Cohen, Natalie Bonacci; middle row, Michael Tarringer, Samantha Old Academy welcomes groups. Simpson, Matthew Thompson; front, Timothy Schumann. Take advantage of discount pricing ($17 per person with 15 or more people in a group). Call 215-843-1109 for more information and tickets.
The Discovery Center – A new gem just minutes from E. Falls
Philadelphia mid-winter bird census he founded in 1987. began in 1996 when Keith Russell wrote a letter to the Russell found out that the Water Department highlightWater Department was emping the importance of the tying the basin and filling it reservoir as an important bird with soil to turn it into a ball area. field for the Fairmount Park Thanks to the efforts of Commission. Russell, who Russell and other interested now works for Audubon Penn- parties, the Water Departsylvania, had been monitoring ment stopped draining the the reservoir as part of the basin. By this time the depth
(Continued from page 1)
cucina italiana
3572 Indian Queen Lane, East Falls, Pa 19129 Lunch: Monday-Friday 11:30 to 2:30 Dinner: Monday-Saturday 15 to 9:30 | Sunday 4 to 9
more info at www.fiorino.us
had decreased from 22 feet to about six feet. Even at the lower depth, Russell’s monitoring efforts found that birds continued to use the reservoir. This convinced the Water Department to stop the draining and preserve the reservoir as a refuge. In 2009, Audubon and Outward Bound partnered to lease the land from the City and build the Discovery Center, preserving the reservoir and surrounding trails. The Center is open from 10 am to 4 pm Thursday through Saturday from November 1 to April 30, and from 10 am to 4 pm Wednesday through Sunday May 1 to October 31. You can join Keith Russell for bird walks on October 27, November 10 and November 25 at 8 am. Please check the Discovery Center website for details and upcoming events (www.discoveryphila.org). As always, if you have any questions about nature and wildlife in the area, feel free to email me at navinsasikumar@gmail.com. The historical information about the preservation of the reservoir was based on a 1999 Larus article (publication of the Delaware Valley Ornithological Club) by Jane Henderson.
East Falls NOW
Fall tree plantings Nov. 17; apply now for spring trees by Cynthia Kishinchand, East Falls Tree Tenders
Kitchen Corner
Green bean casserole – from Drexel to an icon by Anne Farnese
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orcas Reilly was just doing her job. Little did she know her creain or shine, the fall tree ation Green Bean Casserole would achieve iconic status. planting by East Falls A home economist who Tree Tenders will take earned her degree from Drexplace on Sat., Nov. 17 with a el Institute of Technology, goal of planting 34 new trees now Drexel University, she throughout the community. used the knowledge she Sign up now to volunteer learned there to gain a posifor this effort -- part of the tion at Campbell Soup ComPennsylvania Horticultural pany. Society’s TreeVitalize plantiAs a full-time staff member ng and its Plant One Million of the home economics departprogram. The goal is to increase the metropolitan tree ment, she was responsible for canopy, make breathing a lit- creating recipes that used the company’s products. In 1955 tle easier and help combat she and her staff were tasked global warming. to formulate a recipe for an Visit the PHS website, www.phsonline.org, and view a easy to make dish that used popular pantry items. video on how to plant a bare Originally called Green root tree. Then, contact CynBean Bake, the foolproof thia Kishinchand, recipe used just five ingredicrk3114@msn.com or (215) 849ents: cream of mushroom 2474 for details on a meeting soup, milk, green beans, soy time and place. No previous experience is required.
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Spring Tree Application Planning has started already for the Spring Tree Planting. If your property craves a street tree, apply for one or more at www.phsonline.org or by submitting a paper application to EFTT by Mon., Nov. 19. Contact Cynthia Kishinchand, crk3114@msn.com or (215) 849-2474 for an application or visit the East Falls Community Council website, www.eastfallscommunity.org, for a copy. If you wonder if your site is suitable, contact Cynthia Kishinchand and a planting team member will inspect your site with you. Special thanks to Ray Lucci and Ed Ruback for being key fellow-coordinators for both the fall and spring plantings. As Lucy Larcom (1824-93) noted, “He who plants a tree, plants a hope.” Here’s hoping fellow Fallsers will help EFTT continue to restore our local urban forest and enjoy the beautiful colors of autumn leaves.
Join Up, Show Up, Speak Up Take part in the EFCC’s monthly general membership meetings – 7 pm every second Monday, East Falls Presbyterian Church, Midvale and Vaux Join an EFCC committee: Zoning, Events, Traffic, By-Laws. Contact info@eastfallscommunity.org Do you have news for East Falls NOW? Contact editor@eastfallsnow.com If you’re not getting East Falls NOW, contact info@eastfallsnow.com
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November 2018
sauce and crispy fried onions. Today, Campbell Soup estimates 40 percen of its sales of cream of mushroom soup are used for this recipe! In 2002, Dorcas Reilly and her recipe were honored for their enduring contribution to the Thanksgiving meal by National Inventors Hall of Fame, which recognizes and celebrates invention in America. Her alma mater honored her, too, when it named her the first recipient of Drexel’s Cultural Contribution Award in 2013. For many Americans, Green Bean Casserole is a musthave-it Thanksgiving side dish, and it is as important to the holiday as turkey and pumpkin pie. Good wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving from Kitchen Corner. Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole Recipe source: Campbell’s
Iconic green bean casserole.
Kitchen Website 1 can Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup ½ cup milk 1 teaspoon soy sauce 4 cups cooked cut green beans Dash ground black pepper 1½ cups French’s Crispy Fried Onions Stir soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, beans and 2/3
cup onions in a 1½ quart casserole. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until the bean mixture is hot and bubbling. Stir the bean mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining onions. Bake for five minutes or until onions are golden brown. Sadly, Ms. Reilly died on October 15 in Camden, N.J..
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November 2018
East Falls NOW
A busy month at the Falls Library
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ovember will be a busy month at the Falls of Schuylkill Library, as it continues with its winter hours, a full schedule of adult and children’s programs and two special events -- the annual “East Falls Performers” and the autumn book sale. If you’re getting your East Falls NOW early and it’s not yet Oct. 29, don’t miss the 7:30 pm East Falls Performers. This free and exuberant annual show is not to be missed – use the garden entrance just off of Midvale Ave. An election meeting of the Friends of the Falls Library will precede the show at 7 pm. Thurs., Nov. 8 will see a delayed opening at 2pm, to allow for staff development, and the Library will be closed for Veterans Day on Mon., Nov. 12. Donations for the Sat., Nov. 17 book sale will be accepted every Saturday until Nov. 10 from 10 am to 1 pm (See article Page 13)
Respect, please, for the school zone!
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embers of East Falls Town Watch and the EF Community Council voiced their concerns about drivers ignoring the blinking “slow down” signs at dismissal time at the Thomas Mifflin School, producing their own signs and staging
an Oct. 18 demonstration to urge drivers to observe the speed 15-mile-per-hour limit warnings. From left are Mary Jane Fullam, President of the EF Town Watch; Heather Petrone-Shook of Petrone Realty; Marie Filipponi of the TW board of directors; Dr.
Robert Rabinowitz, EFCC Executive Committee atLarge member and volunteer reader at Mifflin; and Pat Adams, TW Treasurer. TW and EFCC will continue the demonstrations. To volunteer, send an email to info@eastfallscommunity.org
East Falls Presbyterian Church
Summer SummerHours: Hours: July July&&August August 10:00 10:00am am Child Care available
Child Care available
and stay organized for years to come – lists that can be shared with family members. Bode Hennegan, the founder of Life Managers @ Associates, provides planning and personal assistant services to simplify our lives. The program is free, and registration is not required.
Childrens Schedule The November childrens schedule will kick off at 11 am Mon., Nov. 1 with Storytime and Block Play. Recommended Adult schedule for ages two to six accompanied Beginner’s Bridge Group will by an adult and siblings, this take place every Wednesday at always popular program 1 pm, and the Advanced Bridge encourages youngsters to imagGroup for experienced players ine, build and create. It will will meet Nov. 5 and Nov. 19 at take place also on Nov. 15 and 5:45 pm. 29. Groups must call the chilAll ages are welcome for a dren's librarian to schedule Mediation Workshop at 6:30 separate appointments. pm Mon., Nov. 5. This workAt 4:15 pm Mondays Nov. 5, shop will provide a foundation 19 and 26 school age kids are for gaining mindfulness invited to read with Wally or through meditation. The medi- Orchid, certified therapy dogs, tations will utilize calming and and to share a new book or an energizing techniques to intro- old favorite in a judgement-free duce ways to gain self-awarespace. ness and a peaceful state of Music and Movement Time mind. Join us courtesy of the will take place once only in KIND Institute and the Urban November, at 10:15 am on the Affairs Coalition partnership 27th. Babies and toddlers will with the School District of enjoy a parent-led music and Philadelphia. dance story time. Children will If East Falls NOW readers play maracas, shake pom are interested in stoicism phipoms, dance, and listen to losophy, feel free to join the music and dance-themed Library’s monthly meeting on books. Come tire out your little stoicism philosophy and its ones and meet local parents. goal of a happier and more ful- Groups and daycares should filling existence. The meeting call the library to set up special will take place at 6 pm Mon., visits. Nov. 26. On Wed., Nov. 28 at 6:30 pm Lastly on the adult side, it’s PJ Storytime. Put on your here’s your chance to simplify pajamas and join Childrens your life if you are aging in Librarian Meredith McGovern place. At 1 pm Wed., Nov. 28 for stories at the library! Best learn how to organize and for ages seven and under and manage your personal affairs their caregivers. Stuffed anito save time and money. Parmals welcome, too! Stories and ticipants will receive easy-tosongs to end your busy day and use checklists to help them get get ready for bedtime.
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East Falls NOW
November 2018
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Tricky Halloween maze in McMichael Park
A-MAZING! Making their way through the grand opening of the twisting inaugural Friends of McMichael Park Pumpkin Labyrinth are (left) Sophie McClellan escorting her mom, Stephanie Petro, of W. Coulter St. and friend Patrick Burke. At right, an action figure from Lego and Belle from Beauty and the Beast, also known as Hyden and Olivia Brotherton, of Sunnyside Ave., work their way through the pumpkin-lined maze.
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East Falls NOW
EF Village programs roar into November by Mary Flournoy and Phil Hineline
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ast Falls Village has a full November schedule, starting with “Get Your Life Back from Arthritis” at 10:30 am Thursday, Nov. 1 at the Falls Library. Physical Therapist Chris McKenzie will talk about osteoarthritis – and strategies to prevent it from getting worse, to lessen pain, and to “get your life back.” McKenzie also deals with sports injuries. One of the most popular activities of East Falls Village is the “Lunch of the Month,” where members get together for good food, drink, and conversation -- often at one of our local restaurants. On Mon., Nov. 5 at 11:45 am the location will be Murphy’s Irish Saloon, 3333 Conrad St. All are invited to attend this Dutch Treat lunch. Registration is not required, but it is helpful to call 267-444-4507 to let us know you’re coming. “Simplify Your Life to Age in Place” will be the topic of a
program at 1 pm Wed., Nov. 28 at the Library. Bode Hennegan of Life Managers & Associates will discuss how to create a personal inventory of important papers, including passwords, manage home maintenance tasks, create a plan for future support services and communicate your plan to your family. She will
provide easy-to-use checklists for getting organized and for home maintenance. Her advice will be helpful for people of all ages. And all are welcome to join East Falls Village members for the Thursday Morning Neighborhood Walk. A small group meets at the Library Garden at 9:30 am for a walk
happen. In this case, upon reading an article about the first virtual village, Beacon Hill Village in Boston, Doris resolved: “We can do that in East Falls,” and recruited a group of neighbors to meet and discuss the possibility. It took three years, but the result was the launching of EF village in 2011 and its steady growth to nearly 200 members. The bench is a gift from her husband Phil and her daughters. All are welcome to join Village members for this dediction. The inscription on the bench will read, “In loving memory of Doris Steinberg, 1939-2017, long time East Falls resident, Founder of East Falls Village.” The EF Village extends its in East Falls, with a stop at a thanks to the office of Councillocal place for coffee and a bite man Curtis Jones for arrangto eat. No walk is scheduled ing for SEPTA to take on Thanksgiving, Nov. 22. photographs for SEPTA Key On Sat., Nov. 17 at 11 am, Senior Fare Cards at the a bench in McMichael Park Library. More than 50 people will be dedicated to the late came to apply for the new Doris Steinberg, the effective cards on September 11. “mother” of East Falls Village. Many Fallsers will remember Doris as one who made things
There used to be…Catfish and waffle dinners, and tunnels to the river by Ellen Sheehan, East Falls Historical Society
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n a steamy August day in 1971, I stood with my father at the corner
of Indian Queen La. and Ridge Ave. as he filmed the demolition of the Old Falls Tavern. The Tavern had stood on the 4100 block of Ridge Ave. for more than 240 years in continuous operation.
East Falls original Barbershop located at 3471 Ainslie Street Tues.- Friday 10am - 6pm • Sat. 9am - 4pm
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215-844-5159
In its early days it served as a respite for travelers and home of the famous “Catfish and waffle” dinners. It was said that its basement included a cell to detain Hessian soldiers during the Revolutionary War. In the 1960s, bids to buy the property were rejected, leading to demolition. In those days, we had no EF Community Council, Zoning Committee, city commission, or protestors with placards to confront the wrecking ball. Today on this site you can fill your tires with air in the parking lot behind the AMPM. Also demolished from the site of The Old Falls Tavern to the corner of Midvale Av. was Felix Herrera’s Barber Shop with its red, white and blue rotating pole, Turner’s Funeral Home with the distinctive purple door, and a red brick bank on the corner. And whatever happened to the six-foot-tall tall brick and bronze monument listing the East Falls boys killed in WWII located behind the bank by River Road?
Plush Hill was in a direct line on top of the hill on Indian Queen La. from the Tavern. Built in the early 1760’s as a summer home by Rev. Dr. William P. Smith, First Provost of the University of Pennsylvania, it was referred to as “Smith’s Folly.” Whether the name derived from the unusual design (L shaped, with a porch lining the longer end and an octagonal bank of windows on the short side, both facing the river) or because it was far from his University-provided home at 4th & Arch Sts., we don’t know. Since Dr. Smith was Scottish born, the name might have referred to the Manor houses of his native land known as “follies” for their unusual, some say purposeless, architectural ornamentation. Tales were told of tunnels leading from the Schuylkill River to the basement of the house, allegedly part of the Underground Railroad. Two other houses on the property belonged to the descendants of Dr. Smith.
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Later, Dobson Textile Mills erected apartments on the site for its employees. By the mid 1960s, the buildings stood empty, stripped by vandals and slated for demolition reportedly to build two apartment buildings. Plush Hill is the present site of the Schuylkill View Homes on Indian Queen La. and Haywood St. The East Falls Historical Society is committed to historic preservation. Twenty one sites in East Falls are on the national, Pennsylvania, or Philadelphia register of historic places. EFHS was instrumental in the designation of the Kelly House and Palestine/Odd Fellows Hall, and recently applied to the Philadelphia Commission for the Timmons House on The Oak Rd. EFHS Board member David Breinner and architectural students of Jefferson University have begun to identify and protect sites in East Falls that could qualify as historic. If you know of a site -house, street, district, park, bridge or building -- you think deserves protection, please call 267-539-5620. P.S. Yes, there was a single prison cell in the basement of the Old Falls Tavern. And yes, a wooden door in the basement of Plush Hill opened to tunnels leading to the river.
Join the East Falls Community Council by visiting “Become a Member” at www.eastfalls community.org
East Falls NOW
November 2018
Mifflin Arboretum: Work never stops
Alice Ballard and her canine assistant, Cele (left) and her human assistant, Sam Cappel (right) complete the last of many Sunday mornings working to clean out the Mifflin School Arboretum along Midvale Ave. Ballard and Cappel and others spent a series of Sundays uncovering large rocks, weeding and making the site more presentable. They built on the work of the East Falls Community Council’s annual spring clean-up at the Arboretum. That’s a sneaky way of saying that even though we don’t have the May 2019 date picked yet, it’s not too early to express your interest in volunteering when we do select the date. Send an email saying that yes, you want to be asked to help: info@eastfallscommunity.org. Thanks.
Take part in the EFCC’s monthly general membership meetings – 7 pm every second Monday, East Falls Presbyterian Church, Midvale and Vaux Join an EFCC committee: Zoning, Events, Traffic, By-Laws. Contact info@eastfallscommunity.org Do you have news for East Falls NOW? Contact editor@eastfallsnow.com If you’re not getting East Falls NOW, contact info@eastfallsnow.com
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East Falls NOW
EFSA basketball sign-ups Dec. 1; soccer season ends Nov. 17
EFSA’s Under 6 soccer team practices.
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he East Falls Sports Association’s coed basketball at McDevitt will begin on Dec. 1 and run on Saturdays through the winter. Ages three to five play at 9:15 am; ages six to nine play at 10:15 am. Registration is in person at the McDevitt Recreation Center on Scott’s Ln. on December 1 at 9:15 am for three to five year olds and at 10:15 am for six to nine year olds. The EFCC will complete its fall recreational soccer season on Nov. 17 at McDevitt. Players in four age divisions have improved their soccer skills and faced some fierce intra-league competitions throughout the season.
On Closing Day, youngsters will compete against their parents in the traditional EFSA Parents vs. Kids games, followed by awards and pizza. Many players attended a Jefferson University Men's Soccer Game on Oct. 13 and played a scrimmage on the field at halftime. The East Falls Under 11 travel team boasts a successful season, undefeated in regular season play so far. The last home game will be at McDevitt on Nov. 10 at 1 pm. Spectators are welcome. Information about the EFCC is available on the website: www.efsasports.com
Zoning Committee OKs Kelly Home Variance (Continued from page 1) Under 8 team practices.
ing Committee is tracking several bills in City Council that likely will impact zoning
Thank You East Falls Village, a program of East Falls Community Council, was established in 2011 to enhance the lives of residents as they grow older.
Some Benefits of Membership: Programs, Social Events, Volunteering & Rides
“I love the social events and the opportunity to volunteer as a driver” 4 Ways to Join East Falls Village Online at Member SignUp on the website Print the Membership Application from the home page Get a brochure/application at the Falls Library Call to have a brochure/application sent to you
Eastfallsvillage.org
267-444-4507
The EFCC thanks our East Falls NOW advertisers and urges our readers to support them
processes in Philadelphia, including a bill by Cindy Bass (8th District.) Her bill would expand the notification requirements that applicants for variances must undertake. Letters about zoning meetings would need to be sent to a larger geographic area surrounding a proposed project than is now required. The best way to keep up to date about zoning issues is to receive the weekly EFCC email newsletter, in which the EFCC posts information about pending zoning issues as early and often as possible. If you do not receive the newsletter, send an email to info@eastfallscommunity.org. For questions, concerns or ideas regarding zoning and land use, email the EFCC Zoning Committee at zoning@eastfallscommunity.org
East Falls NOW
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November 2018
Meeting Nov. 1 on roundabout to remake Fox St. and Queen Ln. (Continued from page 1)
limit the potential for violations and crashes. “You can run a stop sign and a red light, but you can’t run a roundabout,” said Scheerbaum. Drivers in the roundabout will have the right of way while approaching vehicles will await their turn, entering at a 45-degree angle, funneled by splitter islands. A circular apron in the center will allow large trucks and buses with extended wheel bases to more easily negotiate their way around the roundabout. “You can run a stop sign and a red light, but you can’t run a roundabout.” Common in Europe and Asia, roundabouts have been Customers review offerings at last year’s Library Book Sale. slower to win acceptance as a traffic calming measure in the United States despite their proven record of reducing the risk of accidents. One reason cited is lack of be held later that day on Nov. space, especially in older metby Wendy Moody 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, with ropolitan areas with relatively books priced at $1 each. narrow, congested streets he popular Autumn Everyone is invited. built on grid patterns. City Book Sale at the Falls of The Autumn Book Sale rais- and state agencies, including Schuylkill Library – a es funds for library materials PennDOT, are reluctant to great venue for finding and programs. Donations of claim right of way and the unusual and interesting read- hardbacks, paperbacks, CDs, taking of private property ing materials for holiday gifts DVDs, and children’s books in under eminent domain. “No and leisure reading – is set good condition will be accept- one wants the hassle and for Saturday, Nov. 17. ed, but textbooks, encyclopelegal expense,” said ScheerThe sale, organized by the dias, or magazines cannot be baum. Friends of Falls Library, will accepted. Thus, PennDOT has rejectrun from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm Drop-off times for book ed roundabouts for Henry in the library’s meeting book. donations are every Saturday Ave. because of right of way Customers will be able to fill through Nov. 10, 10 am to 1 issues. The agency also has bags with books for $10 per pm. Donations, boxed or argued that traffic volume on bag. bagged, can be delivered to Henry -- about 24,000 vehicles A First Look Preview Sale the library’s meeting room at per day in the East Falls area for book dealers and members the garden entrance, 3500 -- is close to what Scheerbaum of the Friends of Falls of Midvale Ave. where a voluncalls the “inflection” point of Schuylkill Library will take teer will issue receipts upon rendering roundabouts ineffiplace Wed., Nov.14 from 1 pm request. cient. Too many cars queuing to 3 pm at $2 per item, For questions or to request including refreshments. New a pick-up of books, contact members can join the Friends Wendy Moody at at the preview for $10 a year wmoodyw@aol.com, 215-840or online at www.eastfallsli4213 or www.eastfallslibraryfriends.org/join-us/ braryfriends.org A free Public Preview will
Library book sale Sat., Nov. 17
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Household Hazmat drop-off events
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he City of Philadelphia operates monthly household Hazmat drop-off events. Residents can drop off their household hazardous materials for safe and proper disposal. Here is a list of what is accepted. For more information visit the Philadelphia Streets Department website, www.philadelphiastreets.gov/events November 3: Streets Department Northeast Facility,3901 Delaware Av. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ACCEPTED WASTE: -Antifreeze -Moth balls -rodentcide -herbicide -fungicide -pesticide -insecticide -kerosene -oil base paints -spray paints -solvents -gasoline
-motor oil -fuel -acids -glue -pool & photo chemicals -degreasers -lead products -lithium & NiCad batteries -brake fluid -stain removers
-auto & lead acid batteries -tile & oven cleaners -roofing tar -auto body repair products -chemical fertilizer - solder -drain & septic tank cleaners
Fox Street and Queen Lane in intersection.
up to enter a roundabout, especially from multiple approaches, can bring traffic to a standstill, thus negating the effectiveness of the roundabout. There is no question that roundabouts reduce the risk of crashes and collisions. According to Scheerbaum, national studies show that modern roundabouts -- not to be confused with the older traffic circles or rotaries, such as Philadelphia’s Logan Circle -- reduce fatal crashes by up to 90 percent and result in a 75 percent reduction in injury-causing crashes. Modern roundabouts also improve pedestrian safety by allowing people to cross shorter distances with slower moving traffic.
The Fox St. and Queen La. roundabout will be bracketed on all four approaches with clearly marked pedestrian crosswalks In addition to Queen and Fox, the city is planning roundabouts at Castor and Wyoming Aves. in Juniata Park and at Frankford, Trenton and York Aves. in Kensington. The Walnut Ln. roundabout in Blue Bell Hill recently was modernized. Roundabouts are being funded through the state’s Automated Red Light Enforcement program which is financed though violator fines. The Fox and Queen roundabout is designed by Philadelphia traffic engineers McCormick Taylor.
LOOK YOUR BEST
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November 2018
East Falls NOW
Volunteer powered, the East Falls Community Council represents the interests of the people of East Falls. We improve our quality of life through the work of our Zoning and Traffic committees, and by supporting: EF Town Watch • Friends of Mifflin Falls of Schuylkill Library • EF Village • Grants EF Tree Tenders • EF Sports Association EF Historical Society • McMichael Park Inn Yard Park • EF Community Garden Solarize East Falls • EF Dog Park, coming soon We also sponsor events that improve and bring together our community: Mifflin Arboretum Clean-up • EF Flea Market Fallser Fest 2018 • Holiday Sing • EF House Tour
Use a credit card or PayPal online at www.eastfallscommunity.org or mail this form and checks to: EFCC, PO Box 12672, Philadelphia, PA 19129
East Falls NOW
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November 2018
‘Considering Mifflin’ set for Nov. 13; Carnival on Oct. 27
Leslie Mason, Principal at the Thomas Mifflin School (r), addresses parents at the initial “Considering Mifflin” program staged by the Friends of Mifflin in October. The second meeting will be at 6:30 pm Tues., Nov. 11 at the home of Lauren DeHart and Alex Keating, 3577 Indian Queen Ln.
(Continued from page 1)
grounds. It will include games for kids and adults. Volunteers should contact pollyroseedelstein@gmail.com.
In other Mifflin news, the Friends of Mifflin General Meetings are scheduled for the second Saturday of the month at 9 am at East Falls Presbyterian Church, Midvale
Ave. and Vaux St. This month’s meeting is Sat., Nov. 10 at 9 am. Children are welcome.
Fast Pick-up or Delivery Service
$300+ later, a lesson learned! (Continued from page 3)
Special delivery, sir? An elderly gentleman lost control of his car and plowed into the EF Post Office on Ridge Ave. on Oct. 14. Miraculously, he was not seriously injured, nor was anyone else. But his unscheduled Sunday visit to the Post Office made an impact that caused nearby unattached homes shudder as his SUV knocked over a hefty bollard, uprooted a fire hydrant and destroyed a bike rack before plowing into the front of the building. The Post Office was boarded up and repaired for business by the next day, making some wonder if the mail delivery could be as efficient.
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29. The morning event was an all-around success. Youngsters had fun climbing on Engine 35 from the East Falls firehouse. Families sampled food from the Trolley Car Café, Chipolte, Insomnia Cookies and East Falls Forward’s Popcorn machine. And everyone enjoyed the EF Farmers Market and other vendors. The evening side was festive, with music and karaoke. Le Bus, In Riva, Slices, Famous 4th Street Cookies, Megan Keel’s Beer Garden and Billy Murphy’s Saloon offered food and drink. We clearly needed more attendees, but it gives us something to work toward next year. Want to help? Drop an email to info@eastfallscommunity.org.
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East Falls NOW