Cheers to Volunteers

Celebrating Community

More than one hundred Queen Village neighbors toasted QVNA’s Golden Anniversary on December 13, 2019 at Felly’s Bistro on Passyunk Avenue, host of the association’s annual holiday party and volunteer celebration. Adding to the festivities were presentations of two ceremonial State of Pennsylvania citations in honor of the QVNA’s longevity and service to the community. State Senator Larry Farnese sponsored and presented the first citation. State Representatives Mary Isaacson and Brian Sims sponsored the second citation which, due to Harrisburg’s legislative calendar, was presented to QVNA by their respective senior staff members.

Since QVNA’s founding in 1969 as a volunteer-driven nonprofit, well over 400 neighbors have shared their time, skills and expertise serving on the association’s board or its committees. Hundreds more have participated in community cleanups, plantings, and other task-activities that help improve the neighborhood’s collective quality of life. Today, more than 125 neighbors volunteer with QVNA, whether occasionally or on a regular basis.

Additionally, and most significantly, a handful of volunteers from the 1969-1973

era still commit time to QVNA, including Alex and Marge Schernecke, who co-authored the article on I-95 ramps, and Herbie and Kathy Conway who have delivered the Crier to nearby neighbors since its first edition as a hand-typed newsletter. ■

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Citation was presented on their behalf by Samantha Pearson, Chief of Staff for Rep. Isaacson and Ashton Adams, Director of Community Relations for Rep. Brian Sims. Accepting on behalf of QVNA were Director Caroline Allen, President Eleanor Ingersoll and Executive Director Lucy Erdelac.

A Senate of Pennsylvania Citation of Congratulations on QVNA’s 50th anniversary was sponsored by Senator Larry Farnese Jr.

Top row (left to right): Caroline Allen and Max Young; Jon Takiff; Gwendolyn and Katie Lockwood; Edwin and Amy Rivera. Middle row (left to right): Councilman Mark Squilla, Mike McPhilmy, Ted Mader and Dan Gibbon; Duncan Spencer; Colleen Puckett and Ron Klatzkin; Eleanor Ingersoll and David O'Donnell. Bottom row (left to right): Noah, Ben and Keira Schindler; Lucy Erdelac, Dan Gibbon and Jamie Bischoff.

‘Twas ANightofGood Cheer and Giving

QVNA holiday party goers shared more than good cheer. Dozens of neighbors brought winter coats, hats, warm sweaters and pants for donation to the homeless.

QVNA volunteer Beverly Rears readied more than a dozen sweaters, ten coats, six wool hats, and pairs of pants for donation to Old Pine Community Center for its homeless community outreach program. Photos by Lucy Erdelac

OPCC’s Executive Director April Thomas-Jones and Coordinator Jared de Uriarte accepted the donation. Old Pine Community Center is a secular, nonprofit community center located at 4th and Lombard streets.

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We our Volunteers !!!

In service to the greater good of Queen Village, volunteers preserve, maintain, improve and advocate for what we hold dear.

With vision and compassion for future generations, volunteers care for our environment: our shared parks, playgrounds and tree canopy. When powerful forces threatened to divide our neighborhood, volunteers unified, fought and, against all odds, won the battle for our one-of-a-kind lifestyle.

Whether cleaning and greening on LOVE QUEEN VILLAGE DAY, serving on a committee or the Board; contributing magazine ideas, photos or art; distributing the Crier; helping in the office or at a community meeting, whether regularly or for an hour here and there—QVNA appreciates your volunteer service.

Thank You Queen Village Volunteers Thank You Queen Village Volunteers

April is National Volunteer Month. Since 1969, QVNA has depended on volunteers to lead and advance our mission of community stewardship, advocacy and service to help improve quality of life for Queen Village residents. To those who have helped bring positive change to our community, and to the volunteers who sustain it today, thank you for your service.