Fall 2016
Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter President’s Message: Defining Common Principles, Shaping the Future By David Hincher, CPN President
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ummer is our favorite time in West Philly. After the long winter, folks were once again hanging out on their front porches, block parties were popping up all over the neighborhood, Jazz Fridays wound through June and July, and community center pools and spray parks were open once again to keep us all cool. Summer is a great time to reconnect with neighbors and friends, go down to the shore, or travel outside of Pennsylvania. This summer’s record-breaking heat is winding down, and cool, crisp fall mornings are back. The Presidential and congressional election cycle, however, is beginning to heat up, as our thoughts turn to November. Before that though, we have the annual Spruce Hill Tot Parade to look forward to at Halloween. It’s always a blast! This summer’s jazz season was represented by some amazing talent from all over West Philly, and was organized by our dedicated and resourceful executive board member Renee McBride Williams, as well as a host of Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) members who assisted each week. Live music was everywhere in our neighborhood this summer — from Friends of Malcolm X Park’s Thursday Jazz series to the 9th Annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz Festival. We look forward to another successful season next summer. At our last jazz show with the Philadelphia Clef Club, we introduced our 2016 Gary Bronson Memorial College Scholarship Fund awardees. More information on these ten amazing students can be found on Page 2. This summer was unique as Philadelphia hosted both the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and the American Institute of Architects Convention, although the DNC received more national press and attention, given the upcoming presidential election. During this political season, I’ve been thinking a lot about collaboration, grassroots activism, the fortitude of our neighbors and neighborhood, and what potentially unites us as a community.
Nine years ago, we choose to move from an apartment north of Center City to West Philly because of the neighborhood’s diversity, parks and green space, Victorian architecture, and the community’s social mindedness. Over the years, I’ve participated in various neighborhood meetings, where discussions have run the gamut from unified support of a business or cause to divisive issues that we each have passionate beliefs either for or against.
David Hincher
CPN is one of many strong and vocal Registered Community Organizations (RCOs) whose boundaries sometimes overlap. RCOs are tasked with moderating these boundaries, which are important for city zoning issues and soliciting community feedback on neighborhood development. These boundaries are, however, invisible in our day-to-day interactions with neighbors, friends, and local businesses. We are not so much divided by our specific neighborhood boundaries as we are unified by living in West Philly. Several community organizations have shared concerns about increased taxes, increasing rents, by-right development, outdated zoning, and on and on. We can continue to work on these topics together. Our voices are much stronger and louder when we collaborate and define our common principles and goals. As we work together, we shape the future of our community.
2016 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
CPN President David Hincher and Representative James R. Roebuck, Jr., presented scholarship awards at the final Friday Night Jazz concert.
CPN Awards Nine Bronson Memorial Scholarships to College Students By David Hincher, CPN President
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n Friday, July 29th, CPN was pleased to make the annual presentation of its Gary Bronson Memorial College Scholarships. The scholarships were awarded to the following neighborhood students to pursue higher education:
Elijah Hayes, attending Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is majoring in mechanical engineering, and is a freshman, class of 2020. Francheska Auciel, attending Penn State Berks in Reading, Pennsylvania, is majoring in accounting, and is a freshman, class of 2020.
Abdoulaye Dia, attending Denison University in Granville, Ohio, is majoring in global commerce and is a sophomore, class of 2019.
Mable Bakali, attending Temple University in Philadelphia, is majoring in mechanical engineering, and is a junior, class of 2018.
Andrew Kulasegram-Wilson, attending Drexel University here in Philadelphia, is a mechanical engineering major, and is a junior, class of 2018.
Robin Siddall, attending Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, is focusing on mathematics and physics, and is a freshman, class of 2020.
Cavanah Baht T’om, attending Lafayette University in Easton, Pennsylvania, is majoring in anthropology/sociology, and is a senior, class of 2017.
Ruby Jane Anderson, attending Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio, is an undeclared major, and a sophomore, class of 2019.
Danielle Little, attending DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois, is majoring in advertising and marketing, and is a junior, class of 2018.
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Congratulations to all of the students and best wishes for an extraordinary school year!
CPN Scholarships are named in memory of Scholarship Committee founder Gary Bronson.
2016 Live Jazz Fridays: Another Fine Season By Renee Mcbride Williams, Jazz Committee Chair
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hat a wonderful summer! CPN’s Live Jazz Fridays series was a success, and we couldn’t have achieved that 2016 musical pinnacle without your support. Simply put: We thank you! Threatening weather forced an opening night delay, but once we got started, jazz rocked! And though the series ended on July 29th, there were many requests to extend our season. However, August is our month to reflect and vacation. We extend a sincere thank you to the musicians and volunteers of 2016. Musicians were: Progressive Movement, Gretchen Elise & Friends, Rich Tucker & Friends, Dende Mercedo, Bobby Zankel, The Warriors of the Wonderful Sound, The Jazz Lab Project, The Philadelphia Clef Club Youth Ensemble, and The Clef Club Tribute to Donald “Chappy” Washington Band.
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Volunteers included Jo Ann Fishburn, Al Airone, Algernong Allen, Amara Rocker, David Wengert, David Hincher, Ryan Spak, Tori and Michelle Lewis. The season was supported by the Fairmount Park Conservancy, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Holly Mack Ward & Company Real Estate, Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, Dock Street Brewery, VIX Emporium, UC Review, and Baltimore Avenue Business Association.
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Now we are warming up for a superb, summer 2017 season series. Stay tuned!
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Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Dock Street Brew B
CPN Zoning Committee Update By Shawn Markovich, Zoning Committee Chair
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he zoning committee had a busy spring and summer. We held four community meetings regarding the following properties: 701 S. 50th Street (Dock Street Brewery)
Owner applied for a permanent variance for the manufacturing and bottling of beer, wholesale and retails sale of beer, and sit-down restaurant. CPN wrote a letter of support, and the Zoning Board of Appeal (ZBA) granted the permanent variance. 5024 Willows Street
Application for a two-family building. CPN wrote a letter of no objection. 4901 Catharine Street (the Bar(n))
Owner applied for an outdoor seating permit. CPN wrote a letter of support for a temporary outdoor seating permit. The temporary permit was granted. 5136 Walton Street
Application for a daycare in a residential
building, CPN supported a temporary variance. ZBA deferred judgement until the applicant submitted their tax clearance. 4612-4631 Baltimore Avenue
The zoning committee hosted a meeting, between near neighbors and the owner of the business that was applying for a liquor license, to discuss neighbors’ concerns. We have no update on the status of that application. In July, CPN successfully completed the renewal requirements to maintain its status as a Registered Community Organization (RCO) with the city. The Zoning Committee extends its heartfelt thanks to Maureen Tate for all the hard work and effort she has contributed to the Zoning Committee over the years. Her tireless advocacy, knowledge and dedication to CPN can not be overstated. Although she officially stepped aside in July, she is still active in CPN as long-time chair of the Park Committee. We will miss you, Maureen! Fall 2016
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Curio Theater Season Opener: “The Birds” By Gay Carducci, Managing Director, Curio Theater Company
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urio Theater, Cedar Park’s own professional theater company, opens its 2016-17 season on October 7th with “The Birds.” The play, written by Conor McPherson, was adapted from the short story by Daphne du Maurier. This short story, which was also the basis for Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film, is a gripping, unsettling, and moving look at
human relationships in the face of societal collapse. In an isolated house, strangers Nat and Diane take shelter from relentless masses of attacking birds. They find relative sanctuary, but not comfort or peace. There’s no electricity, little food, and a nearby neighbor may still be alive and watching them. Another refugee, the young and attractive Julia, arrives with some news of the outside world, but her presence also brings discord. Their survival becomes even more doubtful when paranoia takes hold of the makeshift fortress — an internal threat to match that of the birds outside. “The Birds” runs from October 5th through 29th. Performances start at 8 p.m. For more information, check out www.curiotheatre.org. Aetna Gallagher, Rich Bradford, and Tessa Kuhn.
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CPN Newsletter
Opening Soon: Booker’s, Saba Tedla’s New Restaurant By Michael Froehlich
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aba Tedla, a ten-year resident of Cedar Park, will soon be opening Booker’s, a new restaurant slated to up and running by year’s end, at 5021 Baltimore Avenue. If you recognize Saba’s name, that’s because she’s also the owner of Aksum, the treasured Mediterranean restaurant at 4630 Baltimore Avenue, that celebrated its fifth anniversary this summer.
News and was asked how he felt about serving white customers. As a result, he was beaten and his own business was torched. His story became the basis for the 2012 documentary, “Booker’s Place: A Mississippi Story.” Check www.bookersrestaurantandbar.com for updates.
The new restaurant will feature a progressive American menu, including cornbread muffins, biscuits and gravy, meatloaf, and many other items. Booker’s will seat approximately 80 people and will have a full bar. Saba hopes to partner with Dock Street to serve their delicious locally brewed beers. “We’re growing as a community,” Saba noted, “and we want to help keep our community’s money right here in our immediate neighborhood to help our neighbors.” Remember, enjoy meals at local eateries, and your well-spent dollars will create great jobs right here in the neighborhood. Booker’s is named after Booker Wright, an African-American waiter who worked in a whites-only restaurant in Mississippi. In 1965, Booker was interviewed by NBC
Booker’s is being prepared to open soon.
Tuesday, November 1st: You’re Invited to the Land of Milk & Honey
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nnie Baum Stein and Mauro Diagle are the actual “mom and pop” behind the scenes of the Milk & Honey Market at 4435 Baltimore Avenue. The next Baltimore Avenue Business Association (BABA) Meet & Greet will be held there on Tuesday, November 1st.
Stop in to the Meet & Greet, and meet Annie, Mau, and other Baltimore Avenue Business owners.
Anne and Mau take pride in carrying as much locally produced goods as possible. Why buy locally grown and produced? The food speaks for itself! When purchasing food that has had a minimal amount of travel time to get to your plate, you are doing more than just treating yourself to gastronomic superiority. You are putting your money where your mouth is to influence beneficial change. Buying locally grown products from a small local retailer, keeps your dollar within your community.
BABA Meet & Greet Tuesday, November 1st 5-7 p.m. 4435 Baltimore Avenue www.babawestphilly.org
Fall 2016
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Philadelphia’s Parks & Recreation Commissioner is at Home in Cedar Park By Maureen Tate, Park Committee
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edar Park is home to many wellknown and influential people in a variety of professional fields. A large community of committed social service and nonprofit professionals live in Cedar Park. One of our Cedar Park neighbors has just achieved a level of distinction in civic leadership that is another source of pride and another reason to love Cedar Park. In January, 2016, Mayor Kenney appointed Cedar Park resident Kathryn Ott Lovell to be our new Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. Kathryn, her husband, Andrew, and their two children have lived in their home on 49th street for three years. They lived in Fishtown for 10 years but couldn’t find the sense of community they were looking for. They were commuting daily to bring their daughter to St. Francis de Sales school where she was enrolled in kindergarten. They wanted to stay in the city, loved the school, and found a welcoming and genuine sense of community here. The area was very green, and they could have a house with a garden and yard. Kathryn is a city girl who grew up in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia. She attended St. Matthew’s grade school, St. Hubert’s High School and then graduated from the University of Scranton. Her first employment was as an Admissions Officer for the university before returning to Philadelphia to work for St. Hubert’s as their first Director of Institutional Advancement. Kathryn then worked as the Chief Advancement Officer for the Mural Arts Program, doing fundraising for six years, a period of growth in that agency, where she became very interested in the potential of public-private partnerships exemplified by Mural Arts.
Learning the Fairmount Park System As a fourth-generation Philadelphian, Kathryn had always utilized and enjoyed Philadelphia parks. But it was only when she was recruited to assume the position of Executive Director for the Fairmount Park Conservancy that she became aware of Philadelphia’s extensive park system. She admitted to a huge learning curve while familiarizing herself with the park system. At that time, the Conservancy was a small agency with three employees, founded as a
Kathryn Ott Lovell, Commissioner of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
fundraising organization for the Fairmount Park Commission. As the only Park Conservancy agency in the country with a citywide mission, they began to focus on needs and opportunities, and saw that there was a community function component of their work. In five years, the Conservancy grew from three to 24 employees with several initiatives underway supporting local communities in park development. During her time with the Conservancy, a great shift was underway with several civic and nonprofit agencies involved in parks and recreational facilities. Some parks fell under the Department of Parks and others under the Department of Recreation. Under the leadership of former Parks Commissioner Michael DiBerardinis, a merger into one Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department took place and the Fairmount Park Commission was dissolved. The nonprofit Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), which had been working with local parks and community gardens, underwent a shift in their mission away from neighborhood park stewardship work. The Fairmount Park Conservancy stepped in as the nonprofit to build support for what is now a robust citywide Park Friends Network. The CPN Park Committee actively participates in this network.
Becoming the Parks & Rec Commissioner Kathryn took the position with the Fairmount Park Conservancy because she loved working with city government and continued on page 7
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CPN Newsletter
Parks & Recreation Commissioner, continued from page 6 believed in the public/private partnership model, where one can do what the other cannot. Philadelphia was the last major U.S. city to merge its parks and recreation departments. As Commissioner, Kathryn has assumed a position of increasing prominence, as the role of parks and recreation facilities has moved to center stage in Mayor Kenney’s agenda for the city. Her areas of responsibility and oversight have grown considerably and include: • 700 full-time employees • 3,000 seasonal employees • 70 pools – more than any other U.S. city • Hundreds of spray parks • 250 playgrounds • 100 miles of trails • 5 ice skating rinks • 120 parks that total 10,000 acres (12% of the city’s land mass is parks and recreation land) • 150 recreation centers, where most of the full-time staff is employed • Urban forestry and ecosystem management • $70 million dollar budget
When asked about the transition to her new position, Kathryn referred to her first three months as her “shock and awe phase.” Most challenging, coming from the nonprofit sector, is understanding the civil service system, which involves the majority of her staff. She finds the system of hiring complicated and challenging. On the other hand, when asked about highlights or the most rewarding part of her job thus far, she speaks enthusiastically about how incredibly committed and passionate her staff are. Those who have dedicated their lives to the department are our city’s unsung heroes who do not get the credit and glory they deserve.
The Rebuild Initiative A major highlight is the half-billion dollars in the Mayor’s budget that is earmarked for the Rebuild Initiative, a community infrastructure initiative for capital improvements for rec centers, playgrounds and libraries. The initiative will get underway in spring, 2017. City bonds will finance $300 million,
and the rest will be covered through other sources. The first projects will target rec centers in serious disrepair, unsafe playground equipment and surfaces, and HVAC improvements. Some facilities will see minor face lift improvements while others will undergo a total transformation. Another challenge that many do not appreciate is the impact of climate change. In addition to the street trees that many residents focus on, Philadelphia also has significant acreage that is urban forest. Many city residents do not even realize that we have an urban forest. Forest lands have not been maintained, and invasive growth is choking the forests. The department’s small but mighty urban forestry team is working to turn back the tide to generate interest and funding to not only take down old trees at the end of their life span but to plant new trees to take their place. The Department is involved in great sustainability efforts to study and train operations staff throughout the system on best practices for cleaning, weed control and energy consumption. Philadelphia is a big city with challenges and opportunities. Kathryn believes, along with Mayor Kenney, that her department and the Rebuild Initiative can help address entrenched problems like a failing school system and high levels of poverty. It is essential to reinvest in infrastructure in neighborhoods and communities to provide more opportunities to take better care of more of our young people.
Demonstrating Park Benefits Locally Kathryn sees challenges at the local level every day in maintaining our parks with limited resources. She spends much of her time in Cedar Park and Clark Park, not as part of her job but because her family loves being out and about in the community. Her children love the playground at Cedar Park and enjoy the programming at Clark Park. While people often think of parks solely in terms of environmental benefits, parks play a key role in the health and vitality of our neighborhoods. Kathryn believes there needs to be a shift in narrative and conversation to focus on the community and economic development benefits of parks. One of the best demonstrations of that, she feels, is right here in West Philadelphia, where improvements to continued on page 8 Fall 2016
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Find our designs online. BeyondTheLibertyBell.org Parallel-Design.com PruettRabe.com 215-476-4040
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CPN Newsletter
Parks & Recreation Commissioner, continued from page 8 Cedar Park and Clark Park have positively impacted the surrounding community and drawn residents to engage with their park. She believes parks are catalysts for community development and have the ability to grow community leadership. As people become more involved in their parks, they often move on to broader levels of community engagement and leadership.
It is wonderful to have such an enthusiastic and supportive Parks and Recreation Commissioner right here in our midst. When you see Kathryn and her family at the park, be sure to say hello, and offer her encouragement for taking on the challenges of her huge job.
When asked about what she would like to communicate to readers and city residents, she commented that people are always asking her how they can help. She knows that many residents get frustrated with the condition of our parks and facilities. When next tempted to complain, she suggests that we ask ourselves what each of us can do to try and change it. More of us have to get involved in our local park friends groups. Ask how you can support your local group and what you can do to make a difference. Those inspired by Kathryn’s challenge can get involved with the Park Committee of Cedar Park by emailing a note about your interest to contact@cedarparkneighbors.org.
NEWSLETTER SPONSOR
Fall 2016 Page
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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
Fall 2016
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c/o Calvary Community Center 4740 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19143 This issue sponsored and printed by: ABBI PRINT, 321 S. 60th Street, 215-471-8801, www.abbiprint.com
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 Froehlich, Judy Lamirand, Miranda Siddall Newsletter Design Judy Lamirand, Miranda Siddall, Parallel Design To Contact Cedar Park Neighbors or submit Newsletter items: contact@cedarparkneighbors.org www.cedarparkneighbors.org 267-BALT-AVE (267-225-8283)
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Prepare and Distribute Holiday Food Baskets By Michelle Lewis, Holiday Basket Committee Chair
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appy Fall 2016! Although summer is my favorite season, fall is a wonderful reminder that we are only a few months away from celebrating the holidays with our family, friends and neighbors. It is also a time when our community comes together to provide those in need with a holiday meal. As in the past, Cedar Park Neighbors, in collaboration with area churches and other nonprofit organizations, will prepare and distribute food baskets for those in need. We would not be able to distribute these baskets without neighbors’ generous financial support! In the coming weeks, please watch for a letter asking for your help. Please consider a suggested donation in the amount of $36. Support at this amount will help us feed two families and foster our commitment to “neighbors helping neighbors.”
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Mark your calendar: We will be packing and distributing the baskets on Saturday, December 17th from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Renewal Presbyterian Church, located on the corner of 47th Street and Cedar Avenue. All volunteers are most welcome! Please feel free to contact me at mlewis1071@gmail.com if you have any questions. We thank you in advance for your support! If you are interested in donating bulk items, please contact Michelle Lewis at mlewis1071@gmail.com
CPN Board Officers David Hincher, President Suzanne Banning Anderson, 1st Vice President Renee McBride Williams, 2nd Vice President Amara Rockar, Treasurer Tori Bourret, Secretary Directors Al Airone Alon Abrahmson Ivana Dussell Mike Farrell Jo Ann Fishburn Rhone Fraser Michael Froehlich Rev. Eric Goode Lisa Johanningsmeir Michelle Lewis Shawn Markovich Franchon Pryor Kelly Ryan Ryan Spak Mavil Spence Saba Tedla JJ Tiziou David Wengert