Mifflin students claim prize-winning orchids and art; good eats on May 5
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ifflin students continued to distinguish themselves in March, with the latest standout performances coming at the Philadelphia Flower Show. Mifflin student Daiyanah Winning entries at the Philadelphia Flower Show from Mifflin students Brielle Gibson won a second place Canady (r), who captured a third place award, and Daiyanah Gibson, whose entry award for her Princess Canary won a second place finish. Photo by Marie Filiponni.
April 2019
Vol. 1, No. 12
Philaenopsis Fuller’s Gold orchid, and Brielle Canady won third place for her entry in the same category. Joining Daiyanah and Bielle in entering the orchid competition were their Mifflin school mates Tamir Sidney, Essence Coleman-Bey, Neveah Jones,
Leeasia Chance, Jayda Wright and Zion Norns. Leslie Mason, Mifflin Principal, offered thanks to Barbara Schmidt for supplying the orchids and showing the students how to tend them. She also thanked Johanna Schoeller (Continued on page 11)
eastfallsnow.com • FREE
More changes implemented on Henry Ave. by John T Gillespie
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ork crews are continuing to install new safety devices and speed warnings in the accident-prone 3900 block of Henry Ave. between School House Ln. and W. Coulter St. Two temporary radar speed signs, also known as driver feedback signs placed at each
Ln. from 7 am to 4 pm weekdays through late May. A PennDOT statement said its contractor will rehabilitate the structure over Monoshone Creek by performing scour rock placement repairs, repairing stone masonry and milling and overlaying the roadway surface. The single-span bridge was built in 1816. It has two-
to make the road easier to see and follow at night. Other changes include 10,400 linear feet of milled rumble strips -the kind employed on approaches to highway toll booths -- and 24,000 feet of hot yellow thermoplastic striping. The purpose is to make delineation of the road clearer and to warn drivers in advance of the sharp curve, which undoubtedly played a role in the late night fatal crash Jan. 27 when a car, traveling north at high speed, left the road, knocked over a utility pole and destroyed a stone wall. The driver, alone in the car, was killed. Scott Palimeno of Prudent Engineering said that PennDOT was treating the job as a “priority” in response to the fatal crash. The state agency is planning major changes on Henry Ave. between Allegheny Ave. and Port Royal Rd. in Andorra, but they remain at least a year or two in the future. Following the Jan. 27 crash, Philadelphia Deputy
(Continued on page 8)
(Continued on page 8)
end of the block in February, have been replaced with permanent yellow flashing 25 mph signs, also at both ends of the block. Workers from Prudent Engineering in King of Prussia and Atlas Signs in Pottstown have plans to install raised pavement reflectors along a new four-inch double yellow center line and the shoulders, the goal being
Lane closure set for Wissahickon Ave.
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s East Falls NOW was going to press the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that construction would begin Mon., March 25, to rehabilitate the bridge carrying Wissahickon Ave. over Monoshone Creek in Philadelphia. The work will close one lane of Wissahickon Ave. between Lincoln Dr. and Rittenhouse
East Fall’s Frank Kaderabek – a look back at life with the Phila. Orchestra and the Philadelphia Orchestra was a great sell,” says Kaderabek. “RCA recorded everything aving just started his we did! “ new job as lead trumpet After Ormandy, there was for the Philadelphia Riccardo Muti and Wolfgang Orchestra, Frank Kaderabek Sawallisch, but Ormandy occuwas surprised to receive the fol- pied pride of place for Frank. lowing note from an admirer: “Playing for him was the best “I was at the Messiah perforfive years of my professional life. mance last Monday. Your play- The orchestra was his family. ing lifted me out of my seat!” He was totally dedicated.” The admirer was Gretel Of another legendary and earOrmandy, wife of Frank’s new lier Philadelphia maestro, boss and maestro, Eugene Leopold Stokowski, or Stoky, Ormandy. The so-called Frank says, “He had a great ear “Philadelphia sound” that for sound.” But when Stokowski Ormandy is said to have asked him to leave his first job inspired – a blend of lush inter- with the Dallas Symphony and pretations and sweeping break his contract to join him strings – was captured in more and the Houston Symphony, than 100 recordings by RCA and Frank, already under contract to later by EMI. join the Chicago Symphony, ”The combination of Ormandy refused.
by John T. Gillespie
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The Cold War was a good time for culture. “The Soviets were constantly saying we had no culture,” says Frank. Symphonies responded by doubling the playing seasons from 20 to 42 weeks and 200 performances. Musicians were contracted to play eight times a week, including four performances and four rehearsals. That meant staying in shape physically and mentally. Frank was 46 when he joined the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1975. At the time he was playing third trumpet with the Chicago Symphony when the call came to audition. Exactly one year earlier Frank and his wife, Mary, had rejected a summons from the New York Phil(Continued on page 10)
New blinking speed signs posted at both ends of the 3900 Block of Henry Ave. in mid-March, following a Jan. 27 one-car fatal crash. (Photo by Bill Epstein.)
No meeting April 8; Grant Apps Due April 15; Nominations open Due to a lack of official business the Monday, April 8 general membership meeting of the East Falls Community Council has been cancelled. But we have real news: Arboretum Clean-up The annual Mifflin Arboretum Clean-Up is scheduled for 10 am Saturday, April 6. Join your neighbors in helping to shape up this important site. Lunch will be provided. Grants Apps due April 15 The deadline for applications to the EFCC’s Grants Committee is April 15. Visit the EFCC website, eastfallscommunity.org, for the application form. Nominations Nominations for all EFCC officer positions can be made at info@eastfallscommunity.org, Atention: Search Committee. Elections will be held at the June 10 general membership meeting following the presentation of nom-
inations and acceptance of nominations from the floor at the May 13 meeting. The officer positions are President, Vice President for Zoning, Vice President for Events, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary/Communications Director, Recording Secretary/Grants Chair and Executive Committee Members-at-Large. Zoning meeting The Community Council’s Zoning Committee will meet at 7 pm Wed., April 17 in Downs Hall on the Jefferson University campus. As of East Falls NOW press time the agenda includes work proposed on a property on Conrad St. near Sunnyside Ave., and a proposal to change the use of the ballroom/events space in Sherman Mills. Details will be posted at eastfallscommunity.org., and in the EFCC’s weekly email newsletter. Anyone not receiving the email can contact info@eastfallscommunity.org.
News: editor@eastfallsnow.com • To advertise: ads@eastfallsnow.com • Opinion: letters@eastfallsnow.com • Questions: info@eastfallsnow.com
2
East Falls NOW
April 2019
Your April 2019 East Falls NOW Calendar Falls of the Schuylkill Library March 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 Sundays. Delayed opening (2 pm) Thurs., April 11 for staff development; closed all day Fri., April 26 for staff development. 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 Mon. through Thurs. from 3 to 5:30 pm and Sat. from 1 to 5 pm. The librarians at the Falls Library are Drew Birden and Meredith McGovern. For questions, call 215-685-2093.
1 Monday
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 dogs. Come share a new book or an old favorite in a judgementfree space. (Story Pg. 10)
2 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. (Story Pg. 10)
3 Wednesday 1 pm: Beginner’s Bridge, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 10)
6:30 pm: The Wagner Free Science Institute presents Recycling Realities, Falls Library (Story Pg. 10)
4 Thursday
9:30 am: EF Village Neighborhood Walk; meet at Falls Library Garden. (Story Pg. 11) 4 pm: Launch into Daisies, presented by the Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, Falls Library (Story Pg. 10)
5 Friday
4 to 8 pm: Mifflin night at Chipotle, 4030 City Ave. 33 percent of your tab goes to Mifflin. (Story, Pg. 1)
6 Saturday
10 am to 2 pm: Mifflin Arboretum Clean-up. (Story Pg. 1) 2 pm: Leap into Building with the Falls Library block sets. (Story Pg. 10)
8 Monday
4 pm: Tour of Hassrick House, meet at Jefferson Campus DEC Center; lecture 6:30 pm; reception 7:30 pm. (Story Pg. 7) 4:15 pm: Read with a Therapy Dog, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 10) 5:45 pm: Advanced Bridge, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 10) 6:30 pm: The Wagner Free Science Institute presents Recycling Realities, Falls Library (Story Pg. 10)
9 Tuesday
10 to 11 am: EF Village spring series of yoga on Tuesday mornings begins, Church if the Good Shepherd, 3820 The Oak Rd. (Story Pg. 11) 10:15 am: Music and Movement Time, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 10) 2 pm: EF Village program on visual impairment and low vision aids, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 11)
10 Wednesday 1 pm: Beginner’s Bridge, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 10)
6 pm: Join EF Town Watch for a meeting with 39th District Police responsible for EF -- PSA1 -- at the 39th District headquarters, 22nd St. and Hunting Park Ave. (Story Pg. 5) Call 215-686-3394 to confirm. 6:30 pm: EF Historical Society program, “200 Years of East Falls Architecture. What Style Is My House?” by Ken Hinde, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 3)
11 Thursday
9:30 am: EF Village Neighborhood Walk; meet at Falls Library Garden. (Story Pg. 5) 2 pm: Falls Library opens late due to staff development meetings.
2 pm: EF Village spring series of Thursday afternoon yoga begins, Church of the Good Shephers, 3820 The Oak Rd. (Story Pg. 11) 4 pm: Launch into Daisies, presented by the Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, Falls Library (Story Pg. 10) 7:30 pm: EF Town Watch meeting, 3540 Indian Queen Ln. (Story Pg. 5)
6:30 pm: Meditation Workshop, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 10)
18 Thursday
9:30 am: EF Village Neighborhood Walk; meet at Falls Library Garden. (Story Pg. 11) 4 pm: Launch into Daisies, presented by the Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, Falls Library (Story Pg. 10)
Friday 13 Saturday 19 All day: Falls Library closed for 9 to 11 am: Free Shredding event by St. Rep. Pam DeLissio, 925 Montgomery Ave., Narberth. (Story Pg. 3) 10 am to 1 pm: Books accepted for Falls Library Spring Sale, 3500 Midvale Ave. (Story Pg. 9)
11 am: First Annual Gen. Hugh Mercer Celebration and Wreath Laying, Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Ave. (Story Pg. 3) 2 pm: Leap into Slime! For school-age kids, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 10)
15 Monday
12 noon: EF Village Lunch of the Month, Founded, 3300 Henry Ave. (Story Pg. 11) 4:15 pm: Read with a Therapy Dog, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 10) 6:30 pm: Program on the stoicism philosophy, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 10)
16 Tuesday
10:15 am: Music and Movement Time, Falls Library. (Story Pg. X) 6 pm: FOW program on PA wild canines, Valley Green Inn. (Story Pg. 10) 6 pm: FOW program on wild PA canines, Valley Green Inn (Story Pg. 8)
17 Wednesday 1 pm: Beginner’s Bridge, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 10)
Good Friday.
2 pm: Earth Day activities at the Falls Library for children of all ages. (Story Pg. 10) 4:15 pm: Read with a Therapy Dog, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 10) 5:45 pm: Advanced Bridge, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 10) 6 pm: EF Town Watch meets with 39th Police District PSA 1, 2201 W Hunting Park Ave. (Story Pg. 5) Call 215-686-3394 to confirm.
20 Saturday
10 am to 1 pm: Books accepted for Falls Library Spring Sale, 3501 Midvale Ave. (Story Pg. 9)
24 Wednesday
27 Saturday
10 am to 1 pm: Books accepted for Falls Library Spring Sale, 3500 Midvale Ave. (Story Pg. 9) These dates are beyond April and worth noting in your calendar: May 1: First Look and Public Preview of Friends of Library Spring Book Sale (Story Pg. 9) May 4, 9:30 am to 2 :30 pm: Friends of the Falls Library Spring Book and Plant Sale, Falls Library (Story Pg. 9) May 4 and 5, 10 am to 4 pm: East Falls Spring Market to benefit the EF Famers’ Market, Vault & Vine. (Story Pg. 9) May 5, 4 to 8 pm: Benefit Mifflin School by eating at Chipotle, 4030 City Ave. (Story Pg. 11) May 10, 10 am: Arbor Day at Inn Yard Park. May 11, 9:30 am: Love Your Park Day at McMichael Park. (Story Pg. 4) May 11, 9 to 11 am: Free shredding event by St. Rep. Pam DeLissio. 514 Dupont St., Roxborough. (Story Pg. 3)
1 pm: Beginner’s Bridge, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 10)
May 18, 12 noon to 3 pm: Love Your Park Day at Inn Yard Park
2:45 pm: EF Town Watch “Observe the Speed Limit” rally, Mifflin School. (Story, Pg. 5)
June 1: East Falls Flea Market and Festival, McMichael Park. Register now at eastfallscommu nity.org
25 Thursday
9:30 am: EF Village Neighborhood Walk; meet at Falls Library Garden. (Story Pg. 11)
26 Friday
All day: Falls Library closed due to staff development meetings.
Aug. 21-25: Parks on Tap Beer Garden, McMichael Park. (Story Pg. 4) Stay informed. If you don’t receive the EFCC’s weekly emails, send your email address to info@eastfalls community.org.
4:15 pm: Read with a Therapy Dog, Falls Library. (Story Pg. 10)
It’s Time:
I
t’s time for an EFCC Search Committee to seek and evaluate nominees for EFCC officers. To volunteer, email: info@eastfallscommunity.org. And it’s time for East Fallsers who want a voice in their neighborhood to run for all EFCC offices – President, Vice President for Zoning, Vice President for Events, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary/Communications Chair, Recording Secretary/Grants Chair and Executive Committee atlarge. Indicate your interest at info@eastfallscommunity.org.
East Falls NOW
3
April 2019
Scammer tries his luck; meanwhile, the TW pigeon is saved
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serious if I knew what he was talking about. I didn’t, but my radar turned on because how did this guy know my Apple iCloud account had been compromised? He patiently explained that I should go to a website he was offering, where my problem would be fixed. I’m on the plus-side of 70, but I’m not incapacitated, yet. So I played along for a brief time, asking what the probA message from the lem was and what would I EFCC find on his website? Getting lots of talk but no President answers, I told my new friend that I would rather fix my alleged problem by taking my by Bill Epstein laptop to the Apple Store, where I’ve always received good service. That’s when But my working years as a public relations person meant this creep blew his cover. “Oh, no, you don’t want to that I got many calls from news media people who I did- do that,” he said. “They’ll n’t necessarily know or could- charge you.” I said “good bye” to this lown’t identify. It was my job to life scammer, because I’ve be available. Could I tell my boss that we missed an inter- never been charged for technical support at an Apple Store. view in the New York Times Then I called the real Apple because I was too cool for Support people to let them school to answer the phone? So now my phone rings and know that there’s a scammer around and about, and, no the caller says he’s from surprise, they were aware. Apple support. He has bad Not only is this scam fairly news. My Apple iCloud common, but the scammers account has been comprouse their technology to dismised. play real Apple Store phone This would have sounded s I often say to my wife, Beth, I was minding my own business. I was working on my MacBook Air when the call came in from a number I didn’t recognize. Sure, people say they don’t answer their phone unless they can identify the caller. I don’t argue with this advice, and I’m striving to comply.
Royal Rd. just off Henry Ave. Chris Strub, Assistant Director of Wildlife Rehabilitation, worked his magic with our feathered friend, and after a couple of days of indoor rest and anti-inflammatory medication the bird was released to an outdoor cage. Finally, in mid-March, Mary Jane got the call that the pigeon was ready to fly, with a recommendation that we release it where we found it. Mary Jane, meanwhile, noticed that in the interim a lone pigeon was hanging around the TW office. We Our East Falls Town Watch pigeon returns to the TW porch, checks things out asked Strub if by any chance before taking off and settling on the roof of the TW office building. pigeons are monogamous, and sure enough he said numbers when they call you – Return of the TW Pigeon “absolutely.” He related an which my scammer did. experience he had at a clinic If you like happy endings, Ten minutes later the same in NYC in which an injured you’re in the right place. scammer called again. This time I told him the FBI was Regular readers of East Falls pigeon was brought in for treatment. For a whole NOW know that in mid-Februon the line. He hung up month another pigeon hung ary Mary Jane Fullam, Presiquickly. around the building. When I’m guessing that my iCloud dent of EF Town Watch, and I account is safe, whatever it is did everything but somersaults the injured pigeon was ready and wherever it sits. The to capture an injured pigeon on to fly, they took off together. We hope our TW pigeon will the Town Watch office porch. advice from this low-tech EF have the same happy experiCommunity Council president The bird appeared to have a ence. He or she was last seen damaged wing. It was just sitand EF NOW editor is: jumping out of the box we Maybe you don’t have to ting – but able to hop away used for transportation, flying answer phone numbers you when we came near. up to the roof of the TW office We finally caught up with don’t recognize. But for sure, and surveying Indian Queen the bird and took it to the don’t go to a website because someone on phone asks you to Schuylkill Center for Environ- Ln. from that perch. Then, off it went. Fly on, TW go there. mental Education, on Port pigeon. Fly on.
The long road to LGBTQ equality
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id you know that you can be fired because you are gay? Except for a few municipalities in our commonwealth, the above statement, in the year 2019, is unfortunately accurate. The Pennsylvania Human Relations Act currently prohibits discrimination in the areas of employment, housing and accommodations based on an individual’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, education status, handicap or disability. However, the act does not include providing those
basic levels of protection for our still the only state in the Northlesbian, gay, bisexual and trans- east without these basic protections. gender (LGBTQ) citizens. For well more than a decade, legislation has been introduced in many sessions to correct this situation. It would prohibit discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Previous bills when introduced in the House had strong bipartisan support, and a bill is by St. Rep. Pamela A. DeLissio anticipated to be introduced again this session. We are one of the top 10 Updating the Human Relaeconomies in the country – and tions Act with this legislation will make the state a stronger economic competitor in attracting a highly skilled millennial workforce. Pennsylvania’s current and
Pam’s Viewpoint
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
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
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future workforce deserves to be judged based on its qualifications to do the work -- nothing more, nothing less. We need to work together to ensure that Pennsylvania is open for business for everyone and is as vibrant as possible in attracting qualified workers. Pennsylvania should be seen as a place that welcomes all individuals who want to work hard, succeed and contribute to our economy, without the fear of being fired or refused services simply because of who they are or who they love. In the past, I have worked diligently to sign up co-sponsors and will continue to work diligently this session, too. This legislation is a matter of
fairness, a matter of economics, and a matter of common sense. LGBTQ men and women are not strangers living in the shadows. They are our parents, sons, daughters, siblings, friends, co-workers, and clergy, and should live in our community free from discrimination. I applaud Governor Wolf’s creation of the commission on LGBTQ Affairs. This 40-member commission has a mission to ensure obstacles are removed for anyone who is facing an unfair disadvantage based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. The best way to ensure fairness it make this the law of the land.
Happening in or near East Falls EF Historical Society April 10 program The EF Historical Society will present a program titled “200 Years of East Falls Architecture. What style is Your Home?” by Ken Hinde, tour guide and lecturer for the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks, at 6:30 pm Wed., April 10 at the Falls Library. Wreath laying to honor Gen. Mercer The first annual Hugh Mercer Celebration and Wreath Laying Ceremony will take place at 11 am Sat., April 13 at the Laurel Hill Cemetery. General Mercer was a native of Scotland, trained as a physician. He was an assistant surgeon in the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. He became a companion of George Washington in the Indian Wars, and became a brigadier general and com-
mander of the Continental Army. He died on January 12, 1777 as a result of wounds suffered at the Battle of Princeton. Originally buried at Christ Church’s burial ground in Philadelphia, the relocation of his body to Laurel Hill in 1840 was accompanied by a great deal of ceremony and publicity. The April 13 family-friendly event sponsored by the St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia will feature a parade of Revolutionary War re-enactors, civilians in period attire, dignitaries, heritage groups, pipes and drums. Participants are encouraged to wear their tartan, period costumes and Highland Dress. A 21-gun salute and whiskey toast will cap off the program at the Mercer graveside, and will be followed by a reception at the Laurel Hill Cemetery Gatehouse, 3822 Ridge Ave.
The Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery will provide a walking tour of the grounds rto visit the sites of other Revolutionary War veterans. Rep. Pam DeLissio’s Shredding Events Here’s your chance to get rid of paper clutter securely and for free: St. Rep. Pam DeLissio has scheduled two shredding events in April and May. Both will take place rain or shine, and each has a limit of four banker boxes or groceries boxes per person. Rep. DeLissio’s Sat., April 13 shredding event will take place from 9 to 11 am at the Magisterial District Parking Lot at 925 Montgomery Ave., in Narberth. Her Sat., May 11 event will take place from 9 to 11 am at the Roxborough Municipal Parking Lot, 514 Dupont St..
4
East Falls NOW
April 2019
Here’s a first: City Nature Challenge coming to Philly
I
n the last year or so I’ve written about the wildlife in our fairly urban neighborhood, so you know that you don’t need to go outside the city to observe nature.
Navin on Nature by Navin Sasikumar
But not many know that cities can be great habitats for wildlife, and the City Nature Challenge (CNC) hopes to clear this misconception. The CNC is a four-day event organized by the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Folks in cities around
be careful and try to use cues like “Seen nearby” when picking a suggestion. You also can leave it at a coarse ID like “flowering plants”, “insects”, etc. and a community expert will identify it for you. 4. Upload your observations to iNaturalist to share it with the community. The coordinating entity in Philadelphia, the Philly CNC Organizing Committee, has same weekend last year as the upcompartnered with multiple orgaHere’s how you can paring City Nature Challenge -- a species nizations around the city and hopefully to be spotted during the ticipate and help Philly CNC this year. its surrounding areas, includtake home the crown: ing the city Parks & Recreation the world compete to see who Department, the John Heinz 1. Download the iNaturalist can observe the most species app on your iPhone or Android National Wildlife Refuge, and engage the most residents device and make an account. Friends of Wissahickon and to make the most observations 2. From April 26-29, take pic- Bartram’s Garden to promote in their challenge area. The tures of wild animals, plants or the event and host guided observations are recorded on a fungi. This can be in your back- walks during the challenge. If free website/app called iNatuyou want to participate, you yard, parks, or even cracks on ralist. can either go to one of the the sidewalk. The 2019 event takes place scheduled events or just 3. If you don’t know what from April 26 to 29 and marks something you observed is, you explore on your own. the fourth iteration of the The City Nature Challenge is can use the automatic suggesevent. Most importantly, it is a great way to learn more tions that the app offers. But Philly’s first time participating. The CNC started in 2016 as a fun challenge between SF and LA to promote interest in nature and encourage citizen science efforts. In 2017, it spread to 16 US cities, and in 2018 it went worldwide, with 68 cities participating. This year, Philly is among the more than 150 cities from six contiA Hermit Thrush seen during the nents taking part.
about the natural world around us while contributing to science at the same time. The observations that we and people around the world make are used by scientists to study changes in biodiversity, climate change and even identify new species in places where they haven’t been seen before. So, this month, go out and help us document the flora and fauna of our neighborhood, the city and its surrounding areas. The results will be announced on Monday, May 6th. For more information about the Philly CNC, including a list of all events, check out cncphilly.org. I hope to see lots of observations from East Falls and, as always, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future articles, please email me at navin sasikumar@gmail.com.
‘Love McMichael Park Day’ set for May 11 by Alexis Franklin
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he Friends of McMichael Park (FOMP) are prepped to launch the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the park with a full schedule of spring, summer and fall activities -- starting with the Sat., May 11 Love Your Park Day from 9 am to 1 pm.
Turtle
Talk Redwood for the Park This year’s festivities will include tree and flower plantings, Pop-up-Play activities for kids, animal adoption opportunities, and Saturday Night at
the Movies in McMichael Park – in addition to the traditional clean-up tasks that keep the park looking great. The FOMP, to mark the 90th anniversary, at 9:15 am will plant a birthday tree -- a Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia Glyptostroboides) -- recommended by Lori Hayes of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PP&R.) Weavers Way awarded FOMP one of its Environmental Grants to cover the cost of the tree, fertilizer and mulch. The redwood does well in open green settings, growing to heights of up to 50 feet. The tree grows quickly, up to five feet a year, and takes on a uniform pyramid shape. It develops beautiful fern-like foliage in the spring, transitioning to a golden hue for a perfect homage to autumn. Plan to bring your shovel and help create a great start for the park’s new arrival. From 10 to 11:30 am, Pop-upPlay will arrive to help kids of Great Pizza Since 1945
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enjoy this fantasy trip to the Polynesian islands. In the case of rain, the entire day’s activities will move to the same times and place on Sat., May 18. Check lexy3904@gmail.com, the FOMP’s Facebook page or eastfallscommunity.org for updates in the event of bad weather.
the park, and all are invited to bring out the blankets and beach chairs for this entertaining performance.
Parks on Tap Beer Garden The big news to wrap up the summer is the FOMP announcement that McMichael Park has been selected for Parks on Tap Bear Garden, from Wed., Aug. 21 to Sun., Memorial Day Aug. 25. More details to come McMichael Park’s birthday over the summer, but this celebration will continue on should be a great time with Sun., May 26 with a Memorial Day celebration, which returned beer, other beverages and food – all ages create butterfly wings all to benefit FOMP. successfully last year after sevand enjoy a wind machine, and eral years of absence. Christina To become a steward of at 11 am until 1 pm the McMichael Park, contact Alexis Kistler will chair the festivities FOMP’s annual Pet Adoption Franklin at Lexy3904 for the FOMP, and details will Program will open, organized by follow in the May issue of EF @gmail.com as the FOMP celeanimal rescue volunteer Mike brate not just the park’s 90th NOW. Fallsers can contact Andrews. anniversary but the FOMP’s 30 cbkistler11@gmail.com if they As evening approaches at years of stewardship want to help with the event. about 8:15 pm, the FOMP will join the Fairmount Park ConFlea Market & Festival servancy and PP&R in hosting The next big event in Saturday Night at the Movies McMichael Park will be the Fall 2019 tree planting in McMichael Park, sponsored East Falls Community Council’s by Paul Walsh Jr. of ElfantFlea Market & Festival on Sat., deadline is April 29 Wissahickon Realtors. June 1. The film will be Disney’s by Ray Lucci Moana, an Academy AwardTheatre under the stars nominated 2016 animated Then, on Thurs., July 11 the ast Falls Tree Tenders musical adventure featuring Commonwealth Classic Theater (EFTT) and the Pennsongs written by Lin-Manuel Company returns to McMichael sylvania Horticultural Miranda and Opetaia Foa’i, for its always fun free theater – Society (PHS) are accepting with the voices of Dwayne John- enjoyed by more than 200 peoapplications from home ownson, Rachel House, Temura ple last year. ers and commercial property Morrison, Jemaine Clement, The 2019 entry will be Meaowners to get a street tree or Nicole Scherzinger and Alan sure for Measure, a seasontwo (or more) planted curbTudyk. opener for the company and its side in front of their home or Fallsers, their families and inaugural performance of this property this fall, in Novemfriends are invited to bring their play. The evening will mark ber. Applications must be blankets and beach chairs to the 12th year of free theatre in filed no later than Mon., April 29th for submission to PHS for approval by arborists from the city’s Department of Parks & Recreation. EFTT has answered the call of hundreds of homeowners in the past 24 years. It has greened many dozens of blocks in the community. Signing up makes a person an important part of the effort to restore the city's urban canopy. The benefits of street trees are many, and the urban myths about them are false. E-mail rplucci@com cast.net or send a private message for help in siting and selecting a tree or trees for your block. For more information, visit www.strongtowns.org/journal/2017/2/14/in -praise-of-street-trees or www.strongtowns.org/ journal/2018/6/7/why-streettrees-are-so-essential.
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East Falls NOW
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April 2019
Town Watch stages three winning March clean-ups for the 39th District-wide meeting with the commander of the district, at 6 pm Mon., April 22, also at 2201 Hunting Park Ave. Call 215-686-3394 to confirm. At 7:30 pm Thurs., April 11 the EF Town Watch will hold its monthly meeting at the TW office, 3540 Indian Queen Ln. The office is in the Carfax Bldg., next door to the Old Academy Playhouse, and all Fallsers are invited. Ample parking is in the lot at the rear of the building.
by Mary Jane Fullam
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ast Falls Town Watch oversaw three successful neighborhood clean-ups in March -- the first time it conducted a series of major efforts in the same month. Our March 2 clean-up ran the length of Calumet St. and also included parts of Midvale Ave., Kelly Dr. and East River Rd. Although the ground was soggy, it turned out to be a good day with no rain or snow. With the help of bags and gloves provided by PennDOT, we collected 50 bags of trash. Car parts that had lain strewn along the 3600 block of Midvale Ave. -- fender and bumper -were added to our haul. Thirteen neighbors participated, including Franz Ostertag, Courtney Faber, Geoff Pawlikowski, John Gekety, Enrique Esquivel, Michelle Kleschick, Marie Filipponi, Peggy Gertz, Bill Epstein and Joan McIlvaine. We were back out on March 16, collecting litter and cleaning up the neglected areas under the Roosevelt Expy. at 4100 Ridge Ave., along the expressway ramps and in both directions along Ridge Ave. We also removed a chair and bedding from a secluded area along Kelly Drive, and a half dozen tires dumped along Scotts Ln. Wind was our biggest challenge, as we were buffeted by 30 m.p.h. blasts that gusted well beyond that figure, upending our table and tossing about clipboards, lidded coffees and boxed doughnuts. Welcomed to our clean-up
NO plastic bags in curbside recycling Calumet St. neighbors join the first of the EF Town Watch clean-ups, on March 2. From left are John Gelety, Franz Ostertag, Enrique Esquivel, Geoff Pawlikowski, and Courtney Faber. They were part of a team that collected more than 50 bags of leaves and trash.
crew were Julie Margulies, J. D. May, Mary Jean Cunningham, Carla Bednar, Margaret Gleeson, Maygail Rothweiler Nagle and Joseph Rorick. A Chevrolet car fob with ID was found by Julie, and we’re trying to return that item as of writing. Call EF Town Watch at 215-848-2033 to claim it. As the East Falls NOW was going to press, EFTW was preparing to conduct the third clean-up in the March series – on Sat., March 30. If you receive your EF NOW early, feel free to join us at Henry and
The March 16th cleanup also netted more than 50 bags and six tires from the Twin Bridges/Ridge Ave. area. Standing by part of the haul are, from left, Marie Filipponi, TW Secretary, 39th Police District Community Relations Officer Joe Lukaitis and TW President Mary Jane Fullam.
Roberts Aves. for one or both shifts – from 10 am to 12 pm and 12 noon to 2 pm. Call 215848-2033 to volunteer. Mifflin anti-speed event EF Town Watch will stage its monthly “Stop Speeding” rally at the Mifflin School at 2:45 pm Wed., April 24. Feel free to call 215-848-2033 to let us know that you can join us in helping make the streets safer for our school children.
Join our meetings Each police district is subdivided into Police Service Areas (PSA). East Falls is in the 39th Police District, which has three Police Service Areas. We are in PSA 1. All Fallsers are invited to join EF Town Watch when we meet with the commander of the 39th District’s PSA 1 at 6 pm Wed., April 10 at the 39th District headquarters, 2201 Hunting Park Ave. Call 215-686-3394 to confirm. The same invitation is good
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reminder: The city does not accept plastic bags in curbside recycling. They clog the processing machines and are dangerous for workers who have to stop the processing machines and reach into them to untangle the bags. The city urges: Don’t put plastic bags in recycling buckets, and don’t use plastic bags to hold recyclables. Simply return all plastic bags to the plastic bag recycling bins at supermarkets.
Join the East Falls Community Council by visiting “Become a Member” at www.eastfallscommunity.org
215-717-9667 • DrLeaksPhilly.com • info@DrLeaksPhilly.com
6
East Falls NOW
April 2019
An oral history: Joan Specter of Syria, Hafez al-Assad, and his son, Bashar. We knew King Hussein of Jordan. Arlen met with Saddam Hussein while I stayed in the hotel. He would not meet with women. “We always sought out the Jewish community to see how it was doing. We found that in towns and big communities there was little representation, although there had been over the years. It is sad to know that Aleppo, the second largest city of Syria, is destroyed. All the people who have died and those who have no home to return to…they had wonderful old ruins – now gone. “We did meet with Gaddafi in a tent in the desert! The only things in the tent were white plastic molded porch chairs. Right in front of the tent in the
middle of the desert was a water fountain spraying water! He was not happy that I was there, so I kept quiet. He and Arlen had an interesting conversation after which we got into a car, went to the airstrip and flew out. “When our sons left on their own, we looked for another house in East Falls. There was a house for sale on Timber Ln. so Arlen and I went down and introduced ourselves to the seller. She said we couldn’t afford the house and when she told us the price we said to ourselves, she’s right – we can’t. But somehow we worked it out. I am sorry to be moving now because East Falls is convenient, hospitable and has been a wonderful experience for our family.”
made several trips down to the PWD compost pile that used to exist next to the gas station at the entrance to Rt. 1. We literally carted off trunk loads of the composted and treated sludge (now rich soil) from waste water treatment to our nascent garden. We layered Philly’s finest into a bed of nurturing topsoil anxious for the roots of new plants. From garden centers near and far and Azalea in the Queen Ln. home of the from a multiplicity of flower author. catalogues, we brought in varipatch of spotty grass between a eties of Hosta, Astillbes, Heuchera (coral bells), PulDogwood and the Red Maple monaria, Jacob’s ladder, Helleand wondered how I could bores (Lenten rose), Brunneria, bring some excitement to this Solomon’s Seals, Lilies of the thread-bare natural carpet Valley and Ferns of several flanking the walk from the Queen Ln. gate. I wanted to be varieties. Where more sun pokes in, I added Day lilies, thrilled when I walked this Asiatic lilies and Irises. way. A few garden catalogues At the same time, we lined (skin rags of horticulture, I call the inside of the fence with a them) inspired me to embark variety of evergreen shrubs to on the creation of a shade garprovide us with privacy and a den. With the first breath of barrier from street noise. warm weather 15 years ago, These maturing beauties of hubby and I stripped and Juniper, Chamaecyparis, Skip peeled the turf off the soil. We Laurel, Acuba, Cryptomeria, Viburnum, Steed and Blue Meserve Holly and Southern Magnolia began to wrap themselves around the floral splendor unfolding in front of them and became the backdrop to
our “secret garden”. Now, the color is sensually outrageous beneath these trees with brilliant golds, hot maroons, bodacious yellows, cool blues and lavender, and smooth creams competing for my attention from late March through October! When the plants begin to crack through the soil in mid-March, grow skyward and then produce their floral display, it’s like a chorus of show girls showing off their curves and stretching their lithe limbs in all directions from dazzling show costumes, Is it work? You bet your bippy it is! But what a reward you get. Your senses are first allured and then delighted in a Dionysian frenzy of color and scent. It is an equally two-way relationship. You are co-dependent in this. You move the soil, weed, plant, transplant, fertilize, trim, water, weed and deadhead. But your paramours of flowering plants won’t let you down if you are good to them.
“Arlen was the District Attorney of Philadelphia and I taught in the Philadelphia School System. Arlen hired Ed f you walked your dog in Rendell to work for him when East Falls on a Sunday Ed was a young man. After afternoon years ago, you Arlen died, Ed was helpful in were likely to encounter Joan establishing the Arlen Specter and Arlen Specter walking armCenter at Philadelphia Univerin-arm with a smile, a nod of sity, a repository for his official the head and often an opportugovernment papers. Ed lived nity to discuss the state of the doors away on Warden Dr. so union with the longest serving, we were very good friends. most influential and respected Pope John Paul II greets U.S. Sen.Arlen “I had a business in Oversenator in Congress to repreSpecter and Joan Specter in November brook selling pies to restaurants sent us. 1986. for five years. Later I was electFollowing are excerpts from ed to City Council as an at-large an oral history conducted in member for four terms – 16 apartment on Pine St., but after 2013 with Joan, wife of the late years! I did my best to help my Shanin was born we needed a US Sen. Specter: bigger home. A friend suggest- constituents. “We came to East Falls in “Arlen’s interest was in the ed East Falls, so I found this 1965 after Arlen finished law Middle East. We traveled to school at Yale and I finished col- wonderful house at 3417 WarDamascus, Libya, Lebanon and den Dr. where the people were lege at Southern Connecticut Syria. We knew the President delightful and helpful. University. We first rented an
by Ellen Sheehan, co-president, EFHS
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Love for and from a garden: perennial It was not always this hot of a relationship. When we bought the house on Queen am having an affair and I Ln., we found ourselves the admit it. In fact, it has been stewards of a nice enough an ongoing thing since patch of ground, but its appearbefore I was married five years ance was predictable. Sure, ago to my partner of now there were and still are two almost 31 years. He knows it grand banks of azaleas, bloomand he is more than content ing dogwoods, a Red Maple and that I have this diversion and some struggling but lovely is not at all jealous. Black-Eyed Susan. But beyond Like most and not so-clandes- those, the rest of the property tine affairs, there have been was less than stunning with ups and downs and it sometwo dying Norway Maples on times competes for my time Queen, a huge but diseasewith other interests but oh, the stricken pin oak and two very thrill of seeing those beautiful beautiful but ultimately ill-fatthings keeps me in there. In ed Norway Maples out front. fact, I like to share this indulAnd beyond the spectacular gence with my friends and fam- late April and early Maple ily. Their colors, their shapes, bloom of the dogwoods and azatheir timing and the way they lea, the rest of the year was work with each other is nothfairly uneventful in a garden ing less than remarkable. It’s devoid of color and interest. It an exciting and sensuous expe- was the nice old lady of the rience affecting sight, smell neighborhood, once a looker but and touch from March through now a quiet dowager wrapped October and sometimes beyond. in a shawl and set back in a I am singing the body electric rocker. of a passion for the flowering A few years after settling in, plants in our garden. I turned my attention to the
by Ray Lucci
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This column is dedicated to your stories about your experience and relationship to gardens. Adults and children are welcome to submit 400 450 words and garden questions . Contact Deborah Kaplan at dkaplan8@verizon.net.
East Falls NOW
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April 2019
EFDC names new Exec. Director
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he East Falls Development Corporation (EFDC) has announced the appointment of Meredith Johnson, a Germantown resident with a background in city planning and a graduate student in historic preservation at the University of Pennsylvania, as its new Executive Director. Heidi Grunwald, President of the EFDC board of directors, said the selection was the result of a four-month search following the late November resignation of Kathleen Hogan. The search was headed by John Hawkins, Chair of the EFDC’s Governance Committee. Johnson earned her undergraduate degree at Texas State
Pennsylvania, and worked last year for the Tacony Community Development Corporation. Grunwald said the EFDC board received more than 150 applications for the Executive Director position. She said that the combination of Johnson’s energy, passion for the neighborhood, planning experience and communications Meredith Johnson, new EFDC Exec- skills convinced the board that utive Director she was the right person for the position. Johnson will assume the position on April 1. University in 2014. She Grunwald also thanked worked for the City of Seattle as a Land Use and Permit Spe- Sharon Barr, who has served as interim Executive Director cialist, and for the City of since December, for her serBuda, TX as a City Planner. vice. Barr will work with She came to Philadelphia in Johnson for two months to 2017 to begin her graduate ensure a smooth transition. work at the University of
Kitchen Corner by Anne Farnese
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sparagus is so wellregarded; it is celebrated in festivals in the United States, Britain and Germany. Glen Lake Community Library in Empire, MI even sponsors an Ode to Asparagus contest. Cooks prize asparagus for its versatility. It can be steamed, boiled, stir-fried, grilled or roasted, served hot or cold, and as an appetizer, side or main dish. At the market, look for bright green spears with tight tips. To prepare, place spears in an oblong glass dish filled with just enough water to cover and soak for five minutes to release sandy residue. Rinse. Cut off the woody ends. To store: Wrap spears in a damp towel or stand in a cup filled with one inch of water and loosely cover the tips with
plastic and refrigerate. Roasting imparts a faint smoky flavor and is a quick and easy way to serve asparagus. Lightly coat a shallow glass dish or rimmed baking sheet with olive oil and lay the spears flat; roll them back and forth to fully coat. Sprinkle with a pinch or two of coarse salt and lightly season with dried thyme or herbs de Provence. Roast in a 400°oven for 10-15 minutes. Asparagus mascarpone gratin One pound asparagus cleaned and cut in 1-inch pieces 1/2 small yellow onion finely diced 1/2 tablespoon and 1 table spoon extra virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper 5 ounces mascarpone cheese
3/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs • cup finely grated Parmi giano-Reggiano cheese 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg Position a rack six inches from the broiler element and heat on high. In a two-quart gratin dish, toss asparagus with onion, ½ tbsp. olive oil, salt and pepper. Broil until crisp-tender, about six minutes. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmigiano-Reggiano then toss with 1 tbsp. olive oil. Remove broiled asparagus mixture from oven. Dollop mascarpone in little spoonfuls over the asparagus, then sprinkle with nutmeg. Top with breadcrumb mixture. Broil until bubbly and golden brown for about 2 minutes. Serves four.
Tour of Hassrick House, lecture April 8
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he East Falls Historical Society has arranged for the public to be invited to a tour of the mid-century modern Hassrick House on Cherry Ln. and a lecture by a renowned authority on the preservation of modern architecture, Dr. Theodore Prudon, on Mon., April 8. The tour and lecture will be presented by Jefferson University’s College of Architecture and the Built Environment. Attendees are asked to meet at 4 pm at Jefferson’s DEC Center Forum in the center of the East Falls campus. They will be escorted to the Hassrick House on Cherry Ln. and then return to the DEC Center for a 6 pm lecture by Dr. Prudon and a 7:30 pm reception. The Hassrick House was built by the parents of Barbara Hassrick in 1955-6 as a wed-
ding gift to her. Barbara Hassrick was a classmate of Princess Grace Kelly at the Ravenhill School. The home was designed by famed midcentury architect Richard Neutra. Prudon is author of Preservation of Modern Architecture and is President of Docomomo US. The April 8 festivities will mark the opening of Jefferson’s Center for the Preservation of Modernism and the debut of its graduate degree in historic preservation program. Neutra (1892-1970) was an Austrian-American architect who spent most of his career in southern California and is recognized as among the most important modernist architects. Register for the program at www.eastfallscommunity.org.
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East Falls NOW
April 2019
FOW program on wild canines
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Gov. Wolf meets Boy Scouts Troop 334
ave you been fortunate enough to spot a fox or coyote wandering in EF? If so, here’s an opportunity to get the scoop. If not, you’re still welcome to take part as the Friends of the Wissahickon continues its series of Valley Talks programs at 6 pm Tues., April 16 -- this one titled “Living with Wild Pennsylvania Canines.� The program, featuring Daniel Lynch and Jerrold Czech Jr., both with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, will take place at the Valley Green Inn. Lynch and Czech will discuss recent sightings of the wild canines in Wissahickon Valley Park and nearby and how the animals rely on the park for the critical habitat it provides. They will describe how to live in harmony with the animals and park safety
for visitors, and will bring sample pelts for display. Lynch has been involved with wildlife education for the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s southeast region for 24 years. Czech has been the Commission’s Game Warden for the past 21 years, currently assigned to Philadelphia County. The FOW’s Valley Talk programs on sustainable living and habitats are sponsored by Chestnut Hill Hospital. They are free for FOW members and $10 for non-members. Registration is recommended, as seating is limited. Current FOW members receive special event pricing. Contact Cesali Renn at renn@fow.org to register. Persons for whom the ticket cost is a challenge can contact renn@fow.org to register. The programs include a wine and cheese reception.
PA Gov. Tom Wolf met with the members of Boy Scout Troop 334 on March 21 at Leverington Presbyterian Church in Roxborough. East Falls neighbors Tommy Boles, Ian Caporellie, Sebastian Ravasco and Ethan Ravasco were among the scouts that got to meet, shake hands, and present questions to the Governor. Among the things that the Governor shared was that when he was their age he wanted to grow up to be a center fielder for the Philadelphia Phillies!
More changes implemented on Henry Ave. (Continued from page 1)
Streets Commissioner Richard Montanez met with PennDOT officials to stress the need for action now. This followed demands by residents and the East Falls
Community Council for immediate steps to deal with the road’s problems. Henry Ave. is a state road, maintained by PennDOT. The city is responsible for certain signage, lighting and
traffic signaling. Atlas Signs is a traffic control provider. Prudent Engineering is a construction management company with expertise in highway design. Both companies are under contract to PennDOT.
Tennis, anyone? As a result of an agreement between Legacy Tennis and the EFCC, anyone with identification showing residency in Philadelphia can play free on three courts in these hours in April and May: Mon. – Fri.: 8 to 11 am • Sat. and Sun.: -- 4 to 7 pm The hours will change for June, July and August. Watch East Falls NOW for details.
Red marks the one-lane closure on Wissahickon Ave.
Lane closure set for Wissahickon Ave. (Continued from page 1)
lanes, is 12 feet long, 30 feet wide, and carries an average of 10,351 vehicles a day. The bridge is one of nine structures in the five-county
region that PennDOT is repairing under a $7.4 million improvement project financed by Act 89, the state’s transportation plan.
Discovering, Preserving and Appreciating the History of East Falls: An Opportunity to Get Involved
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Members will soon receive dues bills, and this is also a good time for other Fallers to join, to help support our programs, archives, and advocacy. Regular dues is only $10. You can join at our next event or email our treasurer (see below).
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Our next program: “Two Hundred Years of East Falls Architecture” by Ken Hinde Wednesday, April 10, 6:30 p.m., at the Library. Free admission. For membership information: katy.hineline@gmail.com. For other inquiries: eastfallshistory@gmail.com. www.eastfallshistoricalsociety.org Or, visit us on Facebook!
East Falls NOW
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April 2019
Petrone Real Estate joins Library Spring Sale set for May 4 Berkshire Hathaway by Wendy Moody
now under the name Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. Joan Docktor, Berkshire oseph D. Petrone Real Hathaway Home Services Fox Estate, a long-time fixture and Roach president, welcomed in East Falls, has joined the Petrones. “We are pleased ranks with Berkshire Hathto have the Petrone team join away Home Services Fox and our family and excited to be Roach Realtors. The move is serving this area of the city. “ expected to expand the presThe Petrone team will focus ence of the newly formed part- on East Falls, Manayunk, Roxnership in the local and borough, Chestnut Hill, East regional real estate market. and West Mt. Airy, as well as Founded by the late Joseph areas of Montgomery and D. Petrone in 1975, Petrone Bucks County. Real Estate built a strong Berkshire Hathaway Home niche in East Falls buying, sell- Services Fox & Roach is a part ing and renting homes. The of Home Services of America, immense resources of Berkthe nation’s second largest shire Hathaway and Fox and provider of total home services. Roach will give the newly The company has 5,000 sales merged company access to an associates in more than 65 expanded inventory of listings sales offices across the tri-state and hundreds of agents in the area. greater Philadelphia area. Heather Petrone-Shook was Heather Petrone-Shook, recently elected as the Pennsyldaughter of the founder, will vania Association of Realtors lead a team of agents that district vice president for includes her husband, Dennis region 1, encompassing Shook, her brother, Joseph Philadelphia County. A memPetrone Jr., and her mother, ber of the Greater Philadelphia Kathleen Petrone. The team Association of REALTORS® will continue to operate out of (GPAR), she served twice as its home office for the past 44 president of the organization. years at 3519 Conrad St., only
by John T. Gillespie
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McMichael Park, Tree Tenders win Weavers Way grants
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he Environment Committee of Weavers Way has made grants of up to $500 to East Falls Tree Tenders and Friends of McMichael Park for their work in enhancing the environment through education, gardens and other means. Tree Tenders will use the money to purchase top soil and mulch for the planting of 10 street trees.
Friends of McMichael Park will plant a sturdy three-to four-foot tree to replace the trees lost in 2016. Other winners included the Chestnut Hill Parking Foundation to install a charging station for electric cars in one parking lot; and Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association to purchase supplies for a salamander citizen science project.
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
Co-ed Sports in East Falls for boys and girls ages 3-10 Spring baseball and soccer at McDevitt Recreation Center.
Schedule, registration and more information at: www.efsasports.com
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he Falls of Schuylkill Library’s traditional Spring Sale will take place Sat., May 4, from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Falls of Schuylkill Library, Midvale Ave. and Warden Dr. This popular event is one of the library’s major fundraisers. Proceeds are used to purchase new materials and fund building improvements. The sale will feature books, plants and baked goods. Light refreshments will be available. “The sale offers a great opportunity to do some spring shopping, support the library, and gather as a community,” said Margaret Sadler, president of the Friends of the Falls of Schuylkill Library, which sponsors the event. The Saturday sale includes books ($10 a bag), CDs, DVDs, and children’s materials. As always, vintage books will be separately priced. Bags will be available at the door. The plant selection will feature varieties of annuals, perennials, hanging baskets and vegetable and herb plants. Freshly baked cakes, pies, brownies, cookies and other treats will be available at the bake shop, coordinated by Mary Jean Cunningham and Marie Filipponi. Donations of baked goods may be dropped off at the sale
Join your neighbors in helping shape up the Mifflin Arboretum 10 am Saturday, April 6. Lunch included. Indicate your interest at www.eastfallscommunity.org.
The Library wants your books
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pring cleaning by all Fallsers can help the Falls Library in a big way. As you weed through your books, please consider donating them to the Falls Library for its annual Spring Sale, sponsored by the Friends of Falls of Schuylkill Library. The Friends seek donations of books in good condition and will welcome: hardbacks, paperbacks, CDs, DVDs, and children’s books – but no textbooks, encyclopedias, or magazines. The Friends will accept book donations at these times: Sat. April 13: 10am – 1pm Sat. April 20: 10am – 1pm Sat. April 27: 10am – 1pm Bring donations, boxed or bagged, to the Library’s meeting room door at the garden entrance, 3500 Midvale Ave. A volunteer will be there to accept them. Those unable to bring their donations to the library or those who have question ca, contact Wendy Moody at 215-848-5131 or wmoodyw@aol.com.
that morning. Sadler said that volunteers are still needed to help with the event. To volunteer or for more information about the Spring Sale, call the Library at 215-685-2093. Book dealers and members of the Friends of Falls of Schuylkill Library are invited to the “First Look” preview sale on Wed., May 1 at 1 pm ($2 per book). Fallsers and neighbors
outside of East Falls can join the Friends at the door ($10 a year) or at www.eastfalls libraryfriends.org/join-us/. A public preview will be held on Wed.,May 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm) with books priced at $1 each. All are invited. All leftover books will be given away free Mon., May 6, from 12 noon to 6 pm, and Tues., May 7, from 10 am to 4 pm.
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East Falls NOW
April 2019
April at the Library: Recycling to Slime
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pril holds the usual busy schedule of programing for adults and children at the Falls Library, 3500 Midvale Ave. Note a delayed opening at 2 pm due to staff development on Thurs., April 11. The Library will be closed for Good Friday on April 19, and also on Friday, April 26 for staff development meetings. ‘Recycling Realities’ On the adult side, the Library will wrap up its hosting of a series titled “Recycling Realities,”presented by the Wagner Free Science Institute at 6:30 pm Mondays April 1 and 8. The course surveys current recycling technologies and policies, focusing on the recovery of value from municipal solid wastes. In addition to addressing the recycling of glass, paper products, food wastes and traditional common metals, the
series will cover plastics and technology metals recycling. The course is free and requires no advance registration. Bridge The Beginners’ Bridge Group for new players will meet at 1 pm Wednesdays April 3, 10, 17 and 24. The Advanced Bridge Group, hosted by EF Village member Victor Lewis, will meet at 5:45 pm Mondays, April 8 and 22. Stocism The library will host a program on the stoicism philosophy at 6:30 pm Mon., April 15. Meditation Workshop A workshop providing a foundation for gaining mindfulness through meditation will take place at 6:30 pm Wed, April 17. All ages are welcome for this workshop,
Councilman Jones Sets May 4 Block Captain Boot Camp
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t's that time of year again! Time for our 11th annual Block Captain Boot Camp.
Curt’s
Corner by Curtis J. Jones, Jr, Councilman
This year the Boot Camp will be held on Sat., May 4, from 11 am to 3:30 pm at the Overbrook School for the Blind, 6333 Malvern Ave. Featured workshops will include Block Captain 101, Financial Literacy and Emer-
gency Preparedness. In addition, there will dozens of resources tables from area non-profits and government agencies. We usually see a contingent of East Fallsers attend the event. I would love to see even more residents this year. Besides the workshops and resources tables, the Block Captain Boot Camp is an opportunity to mingle with elected officials and their staffs. If you are interested in attending, please contact Dinah Hayward at dinah.hayward@phila.gov or call 215686-3416. Look forward to seeing you on May 4th!
F.X.DUFFY & Co.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
KEVIN P. DUFFY, CPA
4265 Kelly Drive Philadelphia, PA 19129 Tel. 215-438-8400 Fax 215-438-9630
which will utilize calming and energizing techniques to gain self-awareness and a peaceful state of mind. The program is courtesy of the KIND Institute, the Urban Affairs Partnership and the School District of Philadelphia. Children’s Programs The schedule on the children’s side is just as packed: Read with a therapy dog On Mondays, April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 4:15 pm, school age kids are invited to participate in Read with a Therapy Dog. They will enjoy reading with Wally or Orchid, certified therapy dogs, and sharing a new book or an old favorite in a judgment free space. Music and Movement It’s time for babies and toddlers to shake it up at 10:15 am on Tuesdays, April 2, 9 and 16 at Music and Move-
ment Time. Babies and toddlers will enjoy a parent-led music and dance story time. Children will play maracas, shake pom poms, dance, and listen to music and dancethemed books. Come tire out your little ones and meet local parents. Groups and daycares should call the library to set up their own special visits. Girl Scouts All rising kindergartners and first graders are eligible for Launch into Daisies, presented by the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania at 4 pm Thursdays, April 4, 11 and 18. This is a fun-filled introduction to Girl Scouts, where girls will learn about the outdoors, talk about courage and learn the significance of being part of the Girl Scout sisterhood! All girls will receive their first patch when they complete this program. LEGOS, etc.
At 2 pm Sat., April 6 the Library will host LEAP into Building: LEGOs, Keva Planks and Magnatiles. School-age children can try their hand with the Library’s block sets and let their imagination lead the way. Young children should be supervised, as there will be small pieces. Slime! On Sat., April 13 at 2 pm it’s time to LEAP into Slime! Also for school-age kids, the program will see participants make slime together using different household ingredients. Earth Day On Mon, April 22 at 2:30 pm the Library will turn to Earth Day Activities for children of all ages, covering activities and books celebrating Earth Day.
East Fall’s Frank Kaderabek his playing; the Schenectady Gazette praised his “virtuoso harmonic, led by Toscanini, playing and awesome sound;” because the couple with their the Allentown Morning Call then three daughters – two sons said about his guest perforwould follow – did not want to mance of Alexandre Artunion’s live in New York City. Concerto for Trumpet with the There would be no rejection Allentown Band: this time. “I told Mary I’m “Those who didn’t attend yesgoing to do my damndest to get terday’s concert missed hearing this.” Ten days after the call, one of the top trumpet players Frank was in Philadelphia to East Falls’ Frank Kaderabaek at his W. in the nation. Kaderabek was audition before a committee led Coulter St. home. outstanding. by Bill Smith, Ormandy’s assis“Frank’s journey to trumpet tant. “In those days they didn’t Carmen Suite, Tchaikovsky’s fame began with the marching Swan Lake, and Scriabin’s send out a list of what to play; band at the United States MiliPoeme of Ecstasy. you were expected to know the tary Academy at West Point in To help raise his family, full repertoire.” 1952. His first job was with the Kaderabek played all genres, Frank was signed as first Dallas Symphony, where trumpet, a post he had previous- from classical, to jazz, to big Stokowski tried to steal him ly held at the Detroit and Dallas band, to pop. “You had to be away. To earn more money, he versatile to stay in demand,” he played stints with the Grant symphonies. “Second or third says. There were increasing trumpet was like being a relief Park Summer Music Festival in guest appearances and good pitcher. You didn’t get the Chicago and “anyone who would reviews. solos.” In years to come, he have me,” including Ringling Inquirer Music Critic Daniel would expand his solo repertoire Brothers Barnum and Bailey, Webster wrote that “Kaderabek the Ice Capades, and big band with recorded performances of Mahler’s 5th Symphony, Bizet’s brings vitality and warmth” to leader Wayne King and His Orchestra. In all, he says he played five major orchestras over 42 years, including Philadelphia. He also performed with visiting maestros Stokowski, Bernstein, Kostelanetz, Fiedler, Zell and others. But it is Ormandy who remains foremost in his affections. “In my opinion Muti may have had greater skills, but Ormandy had the greater talent. For Muti the ‘Philadelphia sound’ was a myth.” The Kaderabeks are members of East Falls Village and live on W. Coulter Street. Frank retired from the Orchestra in 1995 after 20 years. About to turn 90 in May, he takes piano lessons once a week from McMichael St. neighbor Caroline Davidson. “He’s a diligent Dr. Hyosun Christine Kim D.M.D., FICOI pupil who works hard,” she said. Frank’s daughter, Elizabeth, plays violin with Philadelphia’s 3722-24 Midvale Ave. T. 215/849/1826 chamber orchestra, opera, and Philadelphia, PA 19129 F. 215/849/8828 ballet. She also subs for the Philadelphia Orchestra, keeping EastFallsDentist@gmail.com the Kaderabek name and legacy alive for another generation. DrKIMDMD.com And if that isn’t enough, Frank has played at the Falls Library’s annual Evening of East Falls Performers with his We Accept Most Insurance Plans grandson, Nicholas, also on the Office Hours: trumpet. This originally appeared in ġ $čƫĊčĀĀ )ġćčĀĀ,)ƫđƫ 0čƫ 5ƫ ,,+%*0)!*0/ Village Voices, the newsletter of East Falls Village, and is reprinted by EF NOW with permission. Implants & Invisalign available (Continued from page 1)
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from the Philadelphia Horticultural Society for supporting the Junior Flower Show annually, connecting Mifflin with Barbara, and supplying tickets to the show.
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April 2019
Aids for low vision tops Village agenda by Mary Flournoy
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program for aging East Art winners Fallsers wanting to In the meantime, how many students know more about the have their artwork displayed in the side health of their eyes will kick of a SEPTA bus traveling around the off the East Falls Village city, or on a subway rail car? Mifflin monthly agenda at 2 pm students do! Tues., April 9 at the Falls Mifflin students competed against more Library. than 2,200 students across the PhiladelThe free phia area in the Fresh Artists Flower Power Art Challenge, in partnership with Andre Bell, Mifflin 4th grader, displays his winning artwork, now session, “Magnify Your the Philadelphia Horticultural Society. added to a SEPTA subway car. Knowledge -Mifflin 8th grader Derrick Barnes and 4th Visual Impairgrader Andre Bell were among the 85 ment and Low First Award winners. Derrick’s artwork Vision Aids” can be seen on the Mobile Museum of will feature Mini Masterpieces SEPTA bus. His entry Dr. Kylie Ann also was on display at the Philadelphia Auman, OD, Flower Show. Andre’s artwork is gracing the Low Vision Rehabilitation a SEPTA subway car. Resident at the Eye Institute “We could not be prouder of Derrick and Andre for their artwork and of Salus University. Dr. AurDaiyanah and Brielle for their orchids man will speak and answer and all of the students who competed and questions. showed what outstanding work they’re One side effect of aging for doing at Mifflin,” Mason said. many older adults is impaired vision. The causes include FOM Schedule cataracts, macular degeneraThe Friends of Mifflin (FOM) have a tion, glaucoma, and diabetic posted a full slate of activities in April in retinopathy. Dr. Auman will support of the school and its 300 students. explain them -- and also use vision simulators to demonGood eats = $$$ for Mifflin strate the type of vision loss Here’s your chance to enjoy some good Derrick Barnes, Mifflin 8th grader, shows his winning artwork – now caused by each disease. eats and to earn dollars for the Thomas on display on the side of a SEPTA “Mobile Museum” bus traveling She also will bring examMifflin School. From 4 to 8 pm on Sun., throughout the city. ples of aids available to help May 5 at Chipotle, 4300 City Ave., 33 perpeople with low vision and cent of your bill will go toward Mifflin. demonstrate their use. These Download the coupon at www.eas aids include high-powered tfallscommunity.org. reading glasses, hand-held magnifiers, stand magnifiers, Considering Mifflin? hand-held telescopes, portable The FOM agenda continues with the video magnification systems, monthly “Considering Mifflin?” meeting -filters, and tactile devices. on Tues., April 9 -- for parents and soonNo registration is required. to-be parents interesting in knowing more Family members, or people of about Mifflin. The session is an informal any age who are concerned meet and greet with Mifflin parents and with vision loss, are especially teachers. welcome. The April 9 gathering will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 pm at 3577 Indian Spring Series of Yoga Queen Ln. Children are welcome. East Falls Village sponsors two sessions of yoga each Monthly meeting week – Tuesday at 10 am and The monthly meeting of the FOM will take place from 9 to 10 am Sat., April 13 at the Abbottsford Homes Community Center, 3226 McMichael Terrace. Children are welcome to this meeting, too.
Thursday at 2 pm. The classes are taught by an instructor from the Ralston Center -one experienced in teaching yoga to older adults. The classes are held at the Memorial Church of the Good Shepherd, 3820 The Oak Rd. The spring series begins the week of April 9, running through June. The cost of each 12part series is $84 for EF Village members and $108 for nonmembers. To register, call 267-444-4507 and send a check to EFCC, PO Box 12672, Philadelphia, PA 19129. Write “Tues. Yoga” or “Thurs. Yoga” on the subject line. Lunch at Founded The Village Lunch of the Month will be at 12 noon Mon., April 15 at Founded Coffee & Pizza at the Falls Center, 3300 Henry Ave. Join us for pizza, soup, salad, or sandwiches -- and good conversation. Non-members are invited to come and learn more about East Falls Village. Register by calling 267-4444507 so we can let Founded know how many to expect. Village Membership Benefits of membership in East Falls Village include social events, rides to medical appointments, technology help, and access to the Village service provider list. For more information, see eastfallsvillage.org. To join EFV, click on Member Signup or print out the Membership Application and mail it. Or, pick up a membership brochure at the front desk of the Falls Library.
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East Falls NOW