President's Letter

QVNA Never Takes a Vacation from Service

by Eleanor Ingersoll, QVNA President

Hello Neighbors, I hope the summer of 2019 treated you well, with equal parts hot and cool when you needed them.

It was a busy season in the neighborhood as Summer at Courtyard enjoyed its fifth successful year—thanks to all who volunteered. Be sure to check out the list of amazing sponsors, volunteers, and partners. QVNA also worked closely with South Street Headhouse District and police to educate neighbors about initiatives to curb pre-dawn partying on and around South Street. A hearty thanks to Jim’s South Street, Lorenzo & Sons Pizza, Ishkabibble’s, and 2nd Street Wawa for volunteering to close at 2 a.m. on weekends, placing neighbors over dollars.

And let’s not forget the rats. When an infestation in August began to overrun trash cans along Front Street, the South Street Bridge, and Bainbridge Street between 4th and 5th streets, QVNA worked diligently with the city’s Vector Department, South Street Headhouse District, and Interstate Land Management Corp. to address the situation. QVNA also kept neighbors updated on the facts of the situation and how short dumping of household trash against public trash cans is providing a food source that helps keep the rats fed, comfortable, and ready to mul

tiply. Information about how neighbors can report the illegal and finable activity of short dumping can be reviewed at http://bit.ly/how-to-reduce-infestations. As September marks the beginning of another school year in Philadelphia, population changes across the city are straining neighborhood schools. Our neighborhood elementary schools are feeling these changes acutely. A Kindergarten Lottery, instituted at Meredith Elementary, is affecting the autonomy of Nebinger Elementary. Parents from both schools are working to put pressure on the School District of Philadelphia and the Board of Education to address capacity issues, but long-term solutions are still in the distance. Since both schools are essential to the health and vitality of the neighborhood and their catchments, find out more about how we got here in School Bell. Page 20. In October, be sure to take advantage of revering and reimagining Weccacoe Playground. A ceremony placing the historical marker for the Bethel Burying Ground site takes place on Oct. 1. Then on Oct. 16, be part of a Community Conversation with Councilman Mark Squilla and Aparna Palantino of Parks and Rec. We’ll discuss the findings of the Weccacoe Playground survey, circulated this summer, and consider how the playground will change and be augmented.

In November, QVNA holds its Board of Directors elections and especially encourages association volunteers to consider becoming more involved. Over the last year, QVNA’s board has made strides in solidifying neighborhood partnerships and communicating with the community. The association also advocates for the neighborhood with Councilman Squilla and City Hall, State Senator Larry Farnese, State Representatives Mary Isaacson and Brian K. Sims, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Interstate Land Management Corp., just to name a few. If you are inspired to become more involved with QVNA and its mission of community stewardship, advocacy, and service, check out the process at http://qvna.org/BoD-candidates.

Last but not least, let’s all raise a glass on Nov. 3 and toast the beginning of QVNA’s 50th anniversary year and the hundreds of association members and volunteers who have made our community stronger and better. Cheers,