Cedar Park Neighbors

Thank You to Individual and Business Supporters of the CPN Scholarship Fund

lauriefrie — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:55:25 +0000

2012 program for fundraiser

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2012-2013 Cedar Park Scholarship Applications

lauriefrie — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:51:57 +0000

Attached is the application for the 2012-2013 scholarship application. Applications are due June 1st and you must live in Cedar Park to be eligible. Click on the link below to download the application.

2012 CPN SCholarship Application NEW APPLICANT

Community residents come together to improve playground at Lea Elementary

michaelrfroehlich — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:23:20 +0000

Green schoolyards enhance learning and play, provide open space for neighborhoods, and help manage stormwater for the city. Yet many of Philadelphia’s schoolyards are paved with asphalt and surrounded by chain link fencing.

Join the Community Design Collaborative, AIA Philadelphia, and the Philadelphia Water Department for a design charrette and public resentation to explore how we can create greener, more sustainable schoolyards in Philadelphia.

The design charrette will focus on two Philadelphia public schools: Lea Elementary School in West Philadelphia and Kelly Elementary School in Germantown. In the process of brainstorming ideas for Lea and Kelly Schools, the charrette will generate design models for greening schoolyards throughout the city. Concepts will be shared with the public and a panel of experts in education, community development, and sustainability.

The public is welcome to attend our presentation on Thursday, May 10, from 4pm-6pm at the Center for Architecture, 1218 Arch Street. Please RSVP to: http://conta.cc/HtfumM

We’d love to see you there.

For more information, please contact Cedar Park Neighbors Vice President, David Hincher, at david.hincher@gmail.com or visit the Community Design Collaborative’s website here.

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Board of Directors Election & Annual Membership Meeting

michaelrfroehlich — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:22:43 +0000

When?

Monday, April 23, 2012
6:30 –7:30 pm Voting; 7:00 pm Annual Meeting

Where?

Calvary Center for Culture & Community
48th St. & Baltimore Avenue

Agenda

Welcome
Introduction of nominees and standing Board Members
CPN Education Committee and discussion
Featured Speaker: Andrew Maloney, City Planning Commission, Philadelphia2035 Comprehensive Plan
CPN survey initiative in preparation for City Planning Commission neighborhood plan
Community Announcements
Announcements of new Board Members (polls close at 7:30 pm)

Who’s running for the Board of Director?

Below are the biographies of those who are running for the board.

President

Michael Froehlich, 500 block, S. 48^th Street

I live in Cedar Park with my partner, Susanna, and three-year-old daughter, Zora. What do we love about our neighborhood? The porches, the restaurants, the play grounds, the trees, and, most importantly, the people! I have served on the board of CPN for about three years, most recently as Vice President. During the day, I work as a legal aid lawyer with Community Legal Services. I am a founder of the West Philly Tool Library and serve on the boards of UC Green and Shakespeare in Clark Park. I’m excited about the opportunity to continue to work together to improve Cedar Park for long-time residents and newcomers, seniors and school children, and everyone in between.

First Vice President

Monica Allison, 4900 block, Catharine Street

This is my 16th year in Cedar Park and I am just ending my 4th term as President of CPN. Over the past four years, I assisted in the Baltimore Avenue Conversation, worked to maintain our renovated park, helped keep Friday Night Jazz at Cedar Park, celebrated Cedar Park’s centennial anniversary and served as a community liaison with other organizations in our area. I would like to continue working towards a cohesive vision of our neighborhood, working with other organizations to bring that to the whole of West Philadelphia. I serve on the board of UC Green and I am the Program Director for my nonprofit: Virtual Tutoring and Mentoring, Inc., an educational learning center for cyber schooled children. My passions are our youth, their education, honoring their experiences and helping them heal, as well as educational choice for parents. To that end I have just been elected President of Pennsylvania Families for Public Cyber Schools, which enables me to have more of a voice in Harrisburg with our legislators. I am completing my degree and certification in Christian Counseling. As First Vice President, I will support our new President in his endeavors and I look forward to continuing to serve my neighbors in a new capacity.

Second Vice President

David Hincher, 5000 block, Catharine Street

I have lived in Cedar Parkfor the past 4 years. My wife and I are raising a 3 year old daughter, Lucy, who attends the Children’s Community School located within the Calvary Center. We are actively involved on our block, assisting in the annual end of summer block party, block clean ups, impromptu book readings with neighborhood kids, parent support group meetings at our house, etc. We love the neighborhood and are excited to see it brimming with activity and amenities such as the new Mariposa Coop. I am a licensed architect and leverage that knowledge and expertise to assist a multitude of neighborhood groups. I have 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. I was the lead volunteer on the Baltimore Avenue Community Corridor design study, completed in 2010. I joined the CPN Property Housing Task Force to further the strategic vision for Baltimore Ave. My goal is to assist CPN in achieving the Baltimore Avenue vision to extend prosperity further west along our main street. I am also involved with an ad hoc CPN group preparing for the Philadelphia City Planning Commission’s upcoming community plan and zoning effort. I am an active member of the West Philadelphia Coalition for Neighborhood Schools (WPCNS), working closely with Henry C. Lea Elementary School. I am part of the Greening Lea Task Force, focused on improvements to the building and schoolyard.

Secretary

Dorothy Welch Berlind, 500 block, S. 48^th Street

I have served as the Board’s Secretary for the past several years and will serve another if that is the wish of the membership. I also serve as the Board’s representative to the University City District’s Board of Directors. I am a thirty-five year resident of Cedar Park, recently retired from the University of Pennsylvania. I am originally from New Hampshire and was educated at Barnard College and at the University of Pennsylvania. I have a grown up son who is living and working in San Francisco. I find CPN a wonderful and effective organization, and have been happy to be involved.

Treasurer

Karen Allen, 4700 block, Warrington Avenue

I believe that in order for a community to be viable, its residents must play an active role in the life of that community. I have been active in Cedar Park Neighbors and in the larger University Citysince moving to the neighborhood in 1982. In addition to my duties as CPN Treasurer, a position I have held since 1996, I have also worked on the CPN Budget, Zoning, and Bylaws Committees. CPN is currently spearheading many worthwhile projects, such as the Baltimore Avenue Conversation and our continuing efforts in the beautification and reuse of Cedar Park. I’m happy to have had the opportunity to serve on the CPN Board, and I look forward to continuing these and other efforts during the coming year

Mahari Bailey, 500 block, S. 52^nd Street

I am a commercial real estate attorney admitted to practice in Pennsylvaniaand the District of Columbia. I am a native of Philadelphia, graduated from Central High Schooland matriculated at HamptonUniversityobtaining a bachelors degree in Banking and Finance in 2004. After acquiring my J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2007, I practiced as a commercial real estate associate at the law firm of Drinker Biddle and Reath LLP in Philadelphia gaining valuable experience in various real estate matters. In 2008, I formed a real estate investment group, including a collection of real estate investment companies with a focus on the revitalization of Philadelphia’s urban communities. I own several businesses in Cedar Park and most recently, have initiated a revitalization project along the South 52^nd Street commercial corridor.

Lisa Johanningsmeier, 900 block, St. Bernard Street

I have lived in the Cedar Park neighborhood since 1983. During the last 10 years I have served on the CPN board and Zoning Committee. I hope to be able to help the Cedar Park community grow and change in a positive way that is inclusive of all community members.

Shawn Markovich, 900 block, Farragut Street

My family and I have lived inCedarParkfor 9 years. We moved to this community because we love the beautiful parks, great community spirit and wonderful homes that can be found in West Philly. My husband and I have 2 children, ages 8 and 6. Currently I am on the Cedar Park Zoning committee, and I am also active at my children’s school. Previously I was on the parent involvement committee for 4 years at theParentInfantCenter. I was a Vice President at a public records firm, where I managed a staff of approximately 60 employees and helped create new divisions to support the growth of the company. My husband and I have invested our time, energy, and resources inPhiladelphiaand for the past 9 years inWest Philadelphia. We have purchased properties with an eye toward health, beauty, and sustainability of our community. The architecture, green spaces, and friends continue to inspire us and keep us rooted here. It would be an honor to deepen my ties and give back even more through CPN board membership. I am impressed that this volunteer organization has taken on complex issues such as zoning, park improvement, distressed properties, and education, all key topics that impact the growth and stability of our community. I look forward to working with the existing board and the people they serve.

Marcus Presley, 4900 block, Pentridge Street

My wife and I moved to West Philadelphia in 2006 and bought a house in CedarParkin 2010. We have both fallen in love with this unique and vibrant community and are incredibly excited to be starting a family here. I have worked for the last five years as a community organizer with the Women’s Revitalization Project, a nonprofit affordable housing developer in North Philadelphia, and I am excited by the idea of putting the community building skills that I have developed professionally towards working, with other committed residents, to improve our neighborhood. I have experience in conducting public outreach campaigns and listening projects, running large community meetings and events and experience in building and fostering productive relationships among different organizations. In addition to my professional background, I am completing a Masters in Social Work from the Universityof Pennsylvaniawith a concentration in macro/community practice. This and my work experience have given me skills in budgeting, grant-writing and organizational strategic planning. My goal is to work with other dedicated people to make this an even more vibrant and wonderful community for all its residents.

Beverly Rouse, 4900 block, Cedar Avenue

As a member of the Cedar Park community for 33 years I continue to be committed to addressing the needs and perspectives of our diverse community. I am a former school counselor and social worker who has worked with programs at Lincoln University and been a field instructor for social work students from Temple University and the University of Pa. My community involvement includes serving as a block captain for the 4900 Block of Cedar Avenue, on the Board of the Sickle Cell Program at the University of Pa. Hospital, being involved with International Professional Exchange programs (IPX) and as a member of West Philadelphia High School Reunion committees. I am currently sitting on the CPN Board and most recently served on the Board Development Retreat and the Cedar Park Centennial Celebration Committees. It has always been my feeling that our community has the potential to be a shining example of how intercultural and intergenerational needs can both be respectfully met. I would love to continue serving on the Board for an additional term.

Mavil Spence, 5000 block, Catharine Street

I have resided in Cedar Park all of my life. I was born on the 5000 block ofCatharine St. My parents moved there in 1962 and I was born the next April. I moved out at age 27 to the 800 block ofS. 47th street. I lived there until 1992, when my family and I were burnt out. I moved back to Catharine St.and purchased a home in the 5100 block of Catharine in 1993. Since 2009, I am back on the 5000 block of Catharine. I have three children, Makeiah, Lauren and Zachary and one grandson Mason. Makeiah is a graduate ofImmaculataUniversityand Lauren is finishing up atCommunity College of Philadelphia and then will attendLasalleUniversityto obtain her registered nursing degree. CPN already knows my son Zachary as he is a CPN scholarship recipient and attends Howard University School of Engineering in Washington DC. I now work for the United States Postal Service. Previously for 10 years, I worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia until 2009, when technology knocked me out of a job. If I am elected to the board, I plan to work hard in this community to make it an even better community than it is now. I will do the best that I know how to make people want to move to Cedar Park.

Saba Tedla, 800 block, S. 48^th Street

I moved toPhiladelphiain 2007 and have been a resident ofCedarParksince then. My professional background is in Corporate Finance, in the technology industry, and I currently work for Bentley Systems inExton,PA. Prior to joining Bentley, I worked at Lexmark International, a NASDAQ listed company and a worldwide distributor of printers. Previously, I held positions in finance and operations with several technology companies in theWashingtonDCarea. I am an active resident inCedarParkas well as a business owner. I currently serve on the advisory board of LIFTPhiladelphia, a grass roots community organization with the mission to combat poverty and expand opportunity for all people. I have been involved with fundraising initiatives, board recruitment and increasing LIFTPhiladelphia’s visibility. In addition to nonprofit work, I am a local business owner and continue to make critical investments on theBaltimore Ave.corridor. I renovated a vacant commercial space and opened theAksumrestaurant in 2011 and am currently developing a second business venture called Seeds Gallery, tentatively scheduled to open in Spring/Summer 2012 onBaltimore Ave. I have strived to make a contribution by helping to improve the economic development of the community. I consider myself a self-starter/ entrepreneur and plan to continue making tactical investments in the neighborhood. I have the drive and passion to make a meaningful impact. Participating on the CPN Board would provide me the opportunity to help confront some of the core challenges of the community beyond economic development. I have a background in financial planning and my corporate work experience can be a great asset to the CPN board. I have the commitment and leadership skills required to be an effective board member.

Ana Lisa Yoder, 4800 block, Beaumont Avenue

I live on Beaumont Avenuewith my husband Tony and 3½ year old son, Jai. CedarParkhas been my home for 15 years and I love the diversity, green space, and sense of community that I’ve found here. Since my son will be entering kindergarten in the fall of 2014, I am also interested in efforts to improve local public schools. I want my child to grow up in a place where there is a sense of connection between those who live near one another, and where neighbors care for green spaces and public areas. I see serving on the CPN Board as an opportunity to contribute to that environment and ensure that as many as possible have a voice in what happens in our neighborhood. I am a community impact manager for The Philadelphia Foundation, the DelawareValley’s largest community foundation. In this capacity I support the Foundation’s grantmaking strategy by working with nonprofits through the application and evaluation processes. My portfolio includes a diverse group of nonprofits in every field supported by the Foundation. I also coordinate capacity building workshops for the nonprofit community and represent the Foundation on two grantmaking collaboratives: Communities for Public Education Reform and Hispanics in Philanthropy. I serve on the steering committee of the Delaware Valley Grantmakers’ Women and Girls Funders Affinity Group and in an advisory capacity for the Women’s Way Community Women’s Fund. My previous experience includes nearly 20 years in a variety of nonprofit settings. Most recently I served as Director of one of Philadelphia’s leading organizations serving victims of domestic violence. I have served on a number of boards and coalitions addressing gender-based violence. I hold a Master of Social Service degree from the Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research.

Terms of Office:

Terms of office for Executive Officers are for 1 year each. Terms of office for Board of Directors are for 2 years.

One week away from Cedar Park Neighbors Annual Meeting

michaelrfroehlich — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 19:53:40 +0000

Our Annual Meeting will be held on Monday, April 23rd — one week from today. Come to the Calvary Community Center on 48th & Baltimore. Doors open at 6:30pm with the program starting at 7pm. All members whose memberships are current may vote in the election.

More information on nominees and meeting agenda will be posted here soon. Stay tuned!

PS. Usually, Cedar Park Neighbors meetings are held the third Monday of the month. We’re holding it on the fourth Monday this month because of the Easter holiday.

GO WEST! Craft Fest this Saturday, April 14 at The Woodlands

admin — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:23:25 +0000

The time is drawing near – GO WEST! Craft Fest is this weekend! It’s Saturday April 14, 11-5 at The Woodlands, 40th & Woodland, with a rain date of Sunday the 15th. If you’re not familiar with the Woodlands, it’s an amazing place, a historic cemetery, mansion and 54-acre green space, truly one of West Philly’s sweetest spots. The Fest will be on the lawn near the entrance, set apart from the actual cemetery.

Find unique, handcrafted wares like jewelry, ceramics, clothing, accessories, home accents, edibles, knitted & crocheted items, cards & paper goods, all-natural soaps & bodycare, terrariums, teas, toys and more, all made locally by fifty of Philly’s finest artisans, many of whom live right here in the neighborhood.

Plus: live entertainment! Old-timey bluegrass favorites Sour Mash will perform in the afternoon (time TBA). Jay Sand of All Around This World will do an interactive kids’ set of music from many nations at 1 pm. TinyCircus by Tangle will trapeze among the trees at 3 pm, and there will be random acts of juggling throughout the day.

Visitors may stroll the 54-acre grounds of the Woodlands and tour the 18th century neoclassical mansion, once home to botanist William Hamilton (grandson of Andrew Hamilton, the original “Philadelphia lawyer”). He collected and planted hundreds of trees on the Hamilton estate, and those that have survived the years are now some of our nation’s oldest living specimens. The Woodlands is also the eternal resting place of over 30,000 Philadelphians, including such notable figures as architect Paul Philippe Cret (1876-1945), financier Francis Martin Drexel (1792-1863), artist Thomas Eakins (1844-1916), abolitionist Mary Grew (1813-96), and surgeon Samuel Gross (1805-84).

All the details can be found at gowestcraftfest.blogspot.com.

We hope to see you there on the 14th. Weather reports are promising so far, so here’s hoping for a fine day of fun!

Holiday Basket Outreach 2011

michaelrfroehlich — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 03:19:15 +0000

By Victoria Iannotta, HolidayBasket Co-Chair

On December 20th, 2011, volunteers from theCedarParkcommunity met at the Renewal Presbyterian Church on 47th andCedar Avenueto assemble holiday food baskets for distribution to the needy of our community. This was the culmination of an effort that has become an annual tradition inCedarPark.

Each year Cedar Park Neighbors works with organizations in our community to identify those for whom the gift of a holiday meal would be welcome. Thanks to donations from so many local residents and businesses, we were able to provide food baskets to 144 families; a total of 660 people. This is the largest number of people we have ever fed.

We’d like to thank all of the Cedar Park residents who contributed to the project and particularly acknowledge several organizations who supported us this year. The Renewal Presbyterian Church very graciously opened the church to us. They immediately welcomed us, and members of their congregation even helped us pack the baskets. For the sixth year, Brown’s ShopRite on Oregon Avenue donated a $100 gift certificate that was used to help purchase the turkeys for the baskets. Fresh Grocer and Trader Joe’s supplied us with all of the bags that we needed to pack the food. The Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, OpenHeartChurch, and Wake Up Yoga also contributed generously in support of the program. We would like to express our appreciation to each of these organizations and to each individual whose gift of time or treasure made the outreach possible.

This article is reprinted from our March 2012 newsletter. Didn’t get your copy? Consider joining (or renewing) today!

Blasting Away at Crime: Let’s Be Safe

michaelrfroehlich — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 03:31:48 +0000

This article originally ran in the March 2012 newsletter.

The University City District (UCD) has begun a regular monthly email blast detailing crime patterns inUniversity City, and steps you can take to be safe. The following news was provided in the February 14th notice.

As was noted in January, there were a number of aggravated assaults reported in University City since the beginning of 2012. As always, UCD, the Philadelphia police department, the Penn and Drexel police departments and other institutional public safety divisions responded with a strategic and coordinated effort to address those and other crimes in the neighborhood. We’re pleased to report that arrests were made in 6 out of the 11 robberies with weapons that were reported since January 1st. Of course, this partnership of public safety departments will continue to rigorously review crime patterns and determine deployment strategies in a proactive effort to assure thatUniversity Cityremains an incredibly safe place to live, work and play.

From January 13th to February 12th, 2012, the following eighteen serious crimes were committed within the University City District boundaries: Aggravated assault, with weapon; Robbery, with weapon; and Robbery, no weapon. [Editor’s note: The e-mail contains charts, not printed here, that provide more detailed analysis.] What stands out are the dramatic across the board drops in crime over the last 30 days. We are encouraged by these drops which we believe are a result, in part, of the stepped up public safety efforts of the last month.

Despite the drop in these types of crimes, we ask you to continue to be vigilant and consider the following:

• Please take precautions when walking at night. Keep your head up and scan your surroundings. Choose wide, well-lit streets and more populated walkways.

• Do not leave valuables in your automobile. If you must leave valuable items in your automobile while out and about, place items out of sight before reaching your destination or move them to an inconspicuous location.

• Remember that anyone inUniversity Cityin need of a Walking Escort — someone to accompany them to transportation, a meeting, home, class, etc. — can call 215-898-9255 or 215-387-3942 between 10 a.m. and 3 a.m. and a UCD Ambassador will be dispatched. Encourage everyone you know to program the number in their mobile phone.

• Join us on the third Thursday of every month for a community meeting led by the Philadelphia Police Department atCalvaryChurch, 48th andBaltimore Avenue, at 6 p.m. to discuss ongoing safety concerns in the neighborhood. This forum provides a chance for neighbors to interact and share concerns with both Philadelphia Police and UCD public safety personnel.

• If you are interested in participating in a neighborhood town watch, please email Patty Bulack at pbulack@gmail.com.

We hope you find this information useful, and we welcome your feedback and questions. And, as always, we invite you to reach out to us with your concerns and feedback or if you want to receive the monthly e-mail. Don’t hesitate to contact UCD Director of Community and Business Services Steve Walsh at 215-243-0555 x239 or steve@universitycity.org

IN MEMORIAM

michaelrfroehlich — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 03:30:09 +0000

Ms. Jeanette Norman, committee person and neighbor, died on December 12th, 2011. Ms. Jeanette was a committed leader not only to her block of5100 Walton Avenue, but also advocated in the political arena of Philadelphia. She took great pride in rallying for various political leaders and issues, especially when it related to the city and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell. She worked to help prevent youth violence, and participated in many conferences. Ms. Jeanette called Hickman Temple AME her “church home.” She received honors in 2002, as an Unsung Hero, served as vice president and secretary of the Usher Board. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and neighbor. Ms Jeanette Norman leaves a legacy of love and caring, and she will be missed.

Mr. Jamar K. Ferrell, aka DJ Jamar, husband, friend, neighbor, businessman, mentor and awesome turntable technician, died Sunday, January 8th, 2012. Jamar was the regular DJ for the Cedar Park Fair and also at Elena’s Soul Showcase and Lounge. Jamar was not just a local DJ but a mentor to children and adults alike. He was always positive, and one of his strengths was that his positive attitude was contagious. Dan Raaf, aka Danophonic Dan, recalled that he met Jamar through the Cedar Park Fair several years ago. It rained that day, and he had a wedding to DJ for but allowed Jamar to use his porch for cover so the Fair could continue. Dan and Jamar conversed over digital DJing and began to partner at Elena’s Soul and for the Cedar Park Fair. Cedar Park will not be the same without Jamar.

Mariposa Food Co-op is bigger, better

michaelrfroehlich — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 03:17:56 +0000

Mariposa Food Co-op New Location Opened SATURDAY, MARCH 17 at 10 a.m.!

As of mid-February, Mariposa Food Co-op had raised $2.5 million. Just as impressive is the fact that $750,000 was raised from individuals — mostly members — and the incredible rate of member participation: 10% (over 100) of co-op members made a loan, 60% increased their member equity and 450 new members joined Mariposa in the past year alone. Countless member hours were committed to supporting the capital campaign.

“The amount of time and work that has gone into our capital campaign is astonishing,” says Chakka Reeves, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator. “We are lucky to have Leah Pillsbury, our talented and dedicated Capital Campaign Coordinator, as well as our expansion committee, many dedicated members, funders such as Cedar Park Neighbors and Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, lenders and many others, who believe in the importance of having natural and healthy food access inWest Philadelphia.”

Though $2.5 million will allow Mariposa to open their new store, there are still ways that they need support. “The Revolving Equity Fund is an ongoing effort to make sure that anyone who wants to be a member of Mariposa can join, regardless of their economic situation.” says Reeves. “The fund is a pool of equity that will be donated to members for whom a $200 investment would pose a financial hardship.”

Mariposa Food Co-op also encourages anyone who wants to be a member to contact the Mariposa main office at 215-729-2121 or go to www.mariposa.coop/join.

This article is reprinted from our March 2012 newsletter. Didn’t get your copy? Consider joining (or renewing) today!