CPN and BABA distribute money from fundraiser to those affected by Balt Ave fire

At the end of January, Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) and Baltimore Avenue Business Association (BABA) co-hosted a community fundraiser for those who were affected by the Baltimore Avenue fire on December 24.  We're happy to report that last week, we mailed checks for $2500 to Algernong Allen (Elena's) and Nicole and Jason (Cedar Park Cafe).

The full text of the letter is below.   (We spoke to Thang Chau of Gary's Nails twice and sent him a certified letter.  He decided not to accept any money.)

Nicole and Jason report that they will start rebuilding soon and hope to re-open the Cafe before Labor Day.  Algernong's plans are still up in the air as he tackles a few insurance issues.  But if you know Algernong, you can't imagine that he'll stay idle for long!

Thank you, dear Cedar Park residents and businesses.  You're the best.

Dear Algernong, Nicole, and Jason:

Your fellow residents and those who do business in Cedar Park were devastated when your businesses were damaged or destroyed by the December 24^th fire and its aftermath.  Many of us have been going to Elena’s—and before that, Leroy’s—for years.  And Cedar Park Café, although more recently opened, had already become a popular and welcome addition to Baltimore Avenue.

In the weeks after the fire, dozens of neighbors came to us and asked what they could do to help the businesses and the employees who were affected by the fire.  They were especially concerned about two things: (1) when will the businesses come back? and (2) how can we help our newly unemployed neighbors who lost their jobs?

Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) and Baltimore Avenue Business Association (BABA), as you know, held a fundraising event on January 25 at The Cedar Works, and the outpouring of support was tremendous.  Scores of neighbors and virtually every business on Baltimore Avenue dug deep and gave generously.  In the end, we raised nearly $5000 for the owners and the employees of the businesses affected by the fire.  These can sometimes be difficult times, but when times are tough, neighbors will be there for each other.

We are happy to enclose a check for $2500.  We hope you can use this money to help your employees and to re-open your business as quickly as possible.  We miss you.  And hope this small contribution helps.

Your neighbors,

Michael Froehlich, President Cedar Park Neighbors

Vincent Whittacre, President Baltimore Avenue Business Association

PS.  We also reached out to the owners of Gary’s Nails, which was also damaged in the fire.  They declined to participate.

The March Newsletter is out.

Flipbook courtesy of issuu.com

Cedar Park Neighbors co-sponsors townhall on AVI

Last night, Cedar Park Neighbors co-sponsored a townhall on AVI along with Spruce Hill Community Association, Garden Court Community Association, Walnut Hill Community Association, and Woodland Terrace Homeowners Association.

To download the slides presented by Dr. Kevin Gillen, click here (pdf).

To download the slides presented by the Office of Property Asssessment (OPA), click here (pdf).

Note: more information on the assessment process is available at OPA's website at opa.phila.gov.

Scholarship Fundraiser coming up on April 7 at Dock Street

The 6th Annual Cedar Park Neighbors Scholarship Fundraiser supporting local youths' pursuit of higher education will occur on Sunday, April 7, 2013 from 4-6pm at Dock Street Brewery (50th & Baltimore.)

Join us for free beer and pizza, a silent auction, and live music by the local band Big Tusk.

Tickets are $40 and are available at the door or online using the button below.

$40.00 - 1 Scholarship Benefit Ticket $80.00 - 2 Scholarship Benefit Tickets $120.00 - 3 Scholarship Benefit Tickets $160.00 - 4 Scholarship Benefit Tickets $200.00 - 5 Scholarship Benefit Tickets $240.00 - 6 Scholarship Benefit Tickets

Questions?  Email us at scholarships@cedarparkneighbors.org

Little Babies Ice Cream Coming to Cedar Park?

On Valentines Day, in a “An Open Love Letter and Letter of Intent to the Citizens of the Cedar Park Neighborhood & Surrounding West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," Little Babies Ice Cream announced that they were coming to Cedar Park.

Specifically, they want to open an ice cream parlor at 4903 Catherine Street, right across the street from Cedar Park.

Little Babies, as many may know, is a hand-made ice cream shop based in East Kensington.  (You can read more about them at their website here.)

On February 21, Cedar Park Neighbors held a community meeting to hear neighbors' thoughts on Little Babies.  As a result of the meeting, we sent a letter of support to the Zoning Board of Appeals.  You can read the letter below.

We look forward to welcoming Little Babies to our neighborhood.

Click here for a pdf of the letter.

Neighborhood Meeting on Property Tax Overhaul (AVI) on March 13

 

Click here for a downloadable flier to print and share.

Historic Cedar Park photographs

Corner of Baltimore Avenue & 50th Street, looking Northeast (11/6/1939)

Six more photos below the fold.

Corner of Baltimore Avenue and 49th Street, looking West (4/20/1955)

Corner of 49th and Baltimore Ave, looking West (11/25/1970)

Corner of Catherine and Baltimore Ave, looking Southeast (4/20/1955)

Corner of Catherine and Baltimore Ave, looking Southeast (4/20/1955)

Corner of 49th & Baltimore, looking West (11/13/1958)

Corner of 49th and Baltimore, looking East (11/25/1970)

Update on 4812 Baltimore Ave.

Cedar Park Neighbors, among its many activities and responsibilities, convenes neighborhood meetings to gauge how the community views proposed zoning variances.  Many of the zoning variances are uncontroversial, straight-forward requests.  Others raise more concern or garner more interest.  A recent proposal to build a 42-foot tall building at 4812 Baltimore with 5 apartments and a commercial storefront was one of the later.

Cedar Park Neighbors convened a well-attended meeting at Calvary Community Center.  In response to the opinions voiced at that meeting, we wrote the attached letter.  The Zoning Board of Appeals has taken the request of the builders under advisement and, as of this writing, has not yet issued a decision on the request for a zoning variance.

Do you have questions about zoning?  You can learn more by visiting the zoning section of our website.  And, as always, please feel free to email us at contact@cedarparkneighbors.org or call us at 267-BALT-AVE.

January 29, 2013

Lynette Brown-Sow, Chair Zoning Board of Adjustment 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., 11th Floor Philadelphia, Pa. 19102

Re: 4812 Baltimore Ave Calendar #: 19432

Dear Ms. Brown-Sow: CPN has no position and defers to the judgment of the ZBA regarding the maximum height variance that Diversified Realty Ventures is seeking for their application for the erection of an attached structure 42 ft including 11ft high pilot house with roof deck and cellar for vacant commercial space from cellar thru 1st flr and five(5) family dwelling and for the erection of 6ft high fence on the rear within property lines. Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) has no objection to the open area, minimum number of parking spaces, and minimum lot area variances that Diversified Realty Ventures is also seeking in their application.

It is the policy of CPN to notify and seek responses from those neighbors most impacted by local zoning issues. CPN held a community meeting to allow the neighbors to talk directly with the developers. While CPN appreciates the meaningful compromises that the developers made to the residents regarding the design of the building, roof deck size and the size of the commercial space, there was no clear consensus among the neighbors. We have received a letter that is signed by neighbors who are opposing the height variance and we have received support from neighbors who feel comfortable with the compromises.

CPN appreciates the opportunity to ask questions of the developers and express their concerns about the proposed building. While all parties involved would like to see the vacant lot developed, there is not a clear vision that all residents can agree on. As a result of this, Cedar Park Neighbors has no position on the maximum height variance.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Cedar Park Neighbors Zoning Committee Shawn Markovich, Karen Allen, Greg Waldman, Suzanne Anderson, Stacey Holiday, Mahari Bailey Jeff Knowles & Lisa Johanningsmeier

Cc: Councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell Brian Mays, developer

CPN seeks new board members

Are you interested in serving your community as a member of the board of Cedar Park Neighbors?  Let's talk!  

We're looking for a few new members of the Board for terms that start on June 1, 2013.  More information about serving on the board is below.  If you're interested, please contact Ana Lisa Yoder at analisayoder@gmail.com

 Responsibilities of Cedar Park Neighbors Board Members

Cedar Park Neighbors is the recognized community organization for the Cedar Park neighborhood.  As such, its responsibility extends beyond its general membership which elects the Officers and Directors-at-large to include all residents within its boundaries (CPN By-Laws).  As a non-profit under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania law and a federally tax exempt entity, the CPN Board of Directors and Committee Chairs must adhere to federally and state stipulated procedures and practices.  In addition, the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs must follow the rules and regulations that are commonly considered acceptable as long as these do not violate the state and federal laws which govern our status.  Moreover, the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs must observe the CPN By-Laws and Board Resolutions.

As representatives of the community and the organization, CPN Board Members, individually and collectively, must behave in a responsible, accountable manner in order to ensure the organization’s purpose of promoting “the general welfare of the community.”

 Organizational Responsibilities

1.  Preparation

• read all documentation in the CPN Board Packet
• become familiar with the CPN By-Laws and other pertinent documents (if necessary,   contact Officers, Committee Chairs, etc. for clarification)
• read minutes and other relevant reports prior to Board Meetings
• prepare and deliver succinct reports (one copy goes to the CPN Secretary for CPN files)
• attend workshops on CPN documents, etc. (when provided)

2.  Participation

• commit to monthly two-hour CPN Board Meetings
• attend CPN Board Meetings
• be prompt to CPN Board Meetings
• chair or be a member of a Committee
• participate in CPN activities
• encourage neighbors and friends to join CPN and participate in CPN activities
• pay dues to maintain current membership throughout board term of office

3.  Decorum

• make relevant and concise comments at CPN Board Meetings
• be considerate and courteous to other CPN Board Members
• avoid statements and acts against CPN
• avoid spreading and participating in rumors

Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities

• represent CPN General Membership
• observe and follow CPN By-Laws, Articles of Incorporation, and Board Resolutions (even if/when you disagree)
• be legally responsible to act on behalf of CPN and personally liable for illegal acts done in the name of CPN
• be accountable to CPN Membership and Neighborhood regarding financial transactions and statements (including overseeing how, when, and where money is spent)
• ensure maintenance of accurate, verifiable records and accounting procedures of organization and committees (receipts, invoices, vouchers, etc.)

Fundraiser for Those Affected by the Baltimore Ave Fire this Friday

Facebook event page (for more info, updates, & RSVP): https://www.facebook.com/events/310834425703338/ 

Community meeting on Jan 17 re new building at 4812 Baltimore Ave

Dear Neighbors, Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN) would like to inform local residents of an application submitted to the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) regarding 4812 Baltimore Ave. The owners, Diversified Realty Ventures, has applied for a building permit “For the erection of an attached structure 42 ft high (4 story) with 11 ft high pilot houses and roof decks and cellar. For commercial space from cellar thru 1st floor and a 5 family dwelling.”

It may be helpful for residents to know the proposed building will have a small commercial store front on the 1st floor along with 5 apartments. The 5 apartments will have a total of 9 bedrooms.

A Community Meeting is scheduled for Thursday January 17, 2013 at 7pm. The meeting will be held at The Calvary Center at 7pm, 48th and Baltimore Avenue, basement - enter on 48th street side door. The owners will present drawings of the proposed building and answer any questions the community may have.

We hope this information is helpful. If you would like to comment on this application or have questions, please contact the Zoning Committee by Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 267-225-8283 or by email at contact@cedarparkneighbors.org.

Sincerely,

Shawn Markovich CPN Zoning Committee

CPN co-sponsors FREE classes on basic home repair

The West Philly Tool Library, Cedar Park Neighbors, and The Other Carpenter are co-sponsoring four classes on basic home repair.  These classes are FREE and open to the public.

The classes will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 pm in the basement of the Calvary Center for Culture and Community, 48^th & Baltimore.

Thurs, Jan 24        Power Tools – Learn how to use power tools safely in a hands-on demonstration.

Thurs, Jan 31        Basic Carpentry – Learn about what's in your walls while using hand and power tools to build a half-scale wall section including studs, drywall and trim. You'll gain an understanding of wall anatomy and construction.

Thurs, Feb 7          Basic Plumbing – Learn how the plumbing in your house works & how to replace a bathroom faucet

Thurs, Feb 14        Basic electricity – Learn how the electrical in your house works & how to rewire a lamp while keeping yourself safe

The classes will:

• Familiarize you with the tools you might need for a job.
• Teach you how the systems in your house work
• Show you how to tell whether a home repair project is do-able… or when it might be time to call in an expert.

To RSVP, please email Stacey at stacey@westphillytools.org or call the Tool Library at 215-833-3190.

The West Philly Tool Library is a nonprofit community tool lending library that loans tools to community members. They are located at 1314 S. 47^th Street.  For more information, visit westphillytools.org.

Cedar Park Neighbors is an association of diverse households and businesses based in the Cedar Park neighborhood of West Philadelphia.   For more information, visit cedarparkneighbors.org.

The Other Carpenter, a program of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia, has been working with home owners in the Parkside, Mantua, Belmont neighborhoods of West Philadelphia for the last 11 years to provide affordable home repairs.  For more information, call 267-284-0310.

Jessica Naugle McAtamney, Champion of Change

This article originally ran in the November 2012 Cedar Park Neighbors newsletter.  Want to receive the newsletter delivered to your doorstep (or directly to your email inbox)?  Join CPN today at http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/join-cpn-donate/cpn-membership-form/  Information accessed from the White House Champion of Change website

Our very own Cedar Park neighbor, Jessica McAtamney, was recently honored by the The White House, as a Champion of Change.  The honor was given to Jessica and eleven other members of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H for creating sustainable change in their communities.  Jessica Naugle Mcatamney is an agricultural educator at W.B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences in Philadelphia, PA. Jessica teaches Advanced Placement Environmental Science, AgroEcology, and Urban Gardening.  Jessica serves as FFA advisor to one the nation’s largest FFA chapters in which Philadelphia boasts fourteen agricultural educators who work in horticulture, animal science, natural resource management, food science and agricultural production.

Jessica helped found, coordinate, and facilitate the Henry Got Crops! Community Supported Agricultural Partnership between Saul High School, Weavers Way Cooperative, and Fairmount Park.  In writing about this project, she notes that “this fantastic CSA allows students to have a true hands on working perspective of agricultural vegetable production, compost production, and currently, a native berry/fruit tree nursery. Henry Got Crops! serves as an example of true community partnership that supports students, their learning and their own personal growth. Appropriately named by an AgroEcology student for Saul’s location on Henry Avenue, Henry Got Crops! demonstrates the challenges and successes of farming without chemicals and enables students to see the value in sustainable crop production.”

In addition to her teaching responsibilities Jessica coordinates programming for Outward Bound, the World Food Prize, Students Run Philly Style Marathon and the University of Pennsylvania’s Engineers without Borders.  She is involved in the Scientists as Teachers – Teachers as Scientists program.  She is very proud of her efforts in facilitating a comprehensive recycling effort at the high school significantly diminishing the amount of school waste entering landfills from school waste.

In commenting on her selection as a Champion of Change, Jessica writes, “I hope that I am able to empower my students in such a manner and to create more agents of change within Philadelphia communities.

We are pleased to celebrate our neighbors’ much deserved recognition for her commitment and accomplishments as an educator, AgroEcologist, mentor and community leader.

SAVE THE DATE - Block Leaders Brunch on Jan 12, 2013

This article originally ran in the November 2012 Cedar Park Neighbors newsletter.  Want to receive the newsletter delivered to your doorstep (or directly to your email inbox)?  Join CPN today at http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/join-cpn-donate/cpn-membership-form/ 

SAVE THE DATE - Block Leaders Brunch

Saturday, January 12, 2013

9am-12pm

Calvary Community Center

48^th St. and Baltimore Ave.

Cedar Park Neighbors is holding a morning workshop for block captains and block leaders to discover and share resources for our community. Workshops will include: basics of block organizing, block beautification and vacant lot management.  If you are interested in attending please contact Meg Ferrigno at:  267.241.7606; skyflowers0@gmail.com

The Cedar Works Gets Ready To Open Its Doors by Sara Nissley

This article originally ran in the November 2012 Cedar Park Neighbors newsletter.  Want to receive the newsletter delivered to your doorstep (or directly to your email inbox)?  Join CPN today at http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/join-cpn-donate/cpn-membership-form/  The Cedar Works, a reclaimed warehouse on the 4900 block of Pentridge Street that is being renovated into artist studios, offices, and community meeting space, opened its doors on Saturday, October 20^th, for a mid-construction open house.  Potential tenants, neighbors, and community members came out to look at the space.  Many people commented on the surprising size and location of the building.

Nestled south of Baltimore Avenue between 49^th and 50^th streets, the triangular building’s main entrance is just a few doors down from the Pentridge Children’s Garden.  The entrance to The Cedar Works will be located off the street through a garden patio.  Four honey locust trees will be planted in the patio later this Fall.

Ken Beidler, a local potter, will be one of the first tenants of The Cedar Works.  He will manage Cedar Works Pottery Space, outfitted with a gas and electric kiln, glazes and wheels for use to other potters through a monthly membership fee.  Interested potters can contact him at kenbeidler@yahoo.com.  So far other studio tenants will include local painters, photographers, and a custom framer.

In addition to studio space, The Cedar Works will have a meeting/conference room that will be available for rent at two hour, half day, and full day rates.  The Philadelphia based nonprofit Training for Change will make The Cedar Works its home for Philadelphia trainings and workshops.   The Cedar Works hopes to attract other local groups or individuals looking for space to host their events.

Applications for studio space and for meeting room rentals are being accepted now.

The Cedar Works plans to finish construction in early December, 2012.  For more information about rates and availability or to apply, check out The Cedar Works online at www.thecedarworks.com.

Philadelphia 2035: University/Southwest District Planning Process Underway

This article originally ran in the November 2012 Cedar Park Neighbors newsletter.  Want to receive the newsletter delivered to your doorstep (or directly to your email inbox)?  Join CPN today at http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/join-cpn-donate/cpn-membership-form/  The planning process for our Philadelphia 2035 City Planning District – University/Southwest - is now underway.  The first of several Steering Committee meetings was held on October 23, 2012 with representatives from the area’s major institutions, civic organizations and city agencies.  The University/Southwest District includes 10 neighborhoods:  Bartram, Cedar Park, Garden Court, Kingsessing, Powerlton Village, Saunders Park, Spruce Hill, University City, Walnut Hill, and West Powelton.  The Philadelphia 2035 website has information, maps and data about our district as well as information about the planning process and how to be involved:  http://phila2035.org/home-page/district/university-southwest/

500 Weigh In On the Future of Our Neighborhood by Ray Murphy, CPN Board Member

This article originally ran in the November 2012 Cedar Park Neighbors newsletter.  Want to receive the newsletter delivered to your doorstep (or directly to your email inbox)?  Join CPN today at http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/join-cpn-donate/cpn-membership-form/  In October, a steering committee met for the first time to discuss the Philadelphia City Planning Commission’s 2035 Comprehensive Plan for University City and Southwest Philadelphia.

Thanks to neighbors like you, folks representing Cedar Park at this meeting were able to share the input of the five hundred people who completed a survey about the future of our neighborhood. The survey was created by CPN’s board of directors. It asked for input on questions like “Why do you live/own a business in Cedar Park?” and “How do you define diversity and what do you think is required to keep the neighborhood diverse?” The survey also asked for neighbor’s feedback on residential and commercial zoning rules that the City Planning Commission is considering within the plan.

Preliminary survey results were shared at a CPN General membership meeting on November 8. A full report on the results of the survey will be available by the end of the year.  The large number of replies to important questions about the future of Cedar Park is an indication of how much our neighbors care about the community.  We are grateful to all of our neighbors who participated in the survey.

Zoning Committee News by Maureen Tate, CPN Zoning Committee

This article originally ran in the November 2012 Cedar Park Neighbors newsletter.  Want to receive the newsletter delivered to your doorstep (or directly to your email inbox)?  Join CPN today at http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/join-cpn-donate/cpn-membership-form/  We were pleased to welcome five new members to the Zoning Committee this month, bringing our total to 11, who serve on one of the most active and challenging committees of our association.  We welcome their perspective as neighbors and the additional skills they bring as lawyers, city planners and local business entrepreneurs.

Their added help comes none too soon as we try to get up to speed on the new Zoning Code and facilitate a growing number of zoning issues within our boundary.  At the first Steering Committee meeting regarding the University/Southwest District plan held on October 23, our CPN representative to the meeting was able to take a first look at the report of preliminary findings of existing conditions within our district prepared by the City Planning Commission. We were not surprised to learn that Cedar Park, of all 10 neighborhoods in our planning district, has the highest number of properties, 48% of neighborhood properties, whose land use is inconsistent with its existing zoning classification.  It is no wonder that we have had such a large number of zoning applications to consider as local properties undergo change.

Committee member, Shawn Markovich, is currently attending the Citizens Planning Institute’s Zoning Code Training series co-sponsored by the Department of Licenses & Inspections, Philadelphia City Planning Commission, Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, and the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.  The training provides an opportunity to learn the new code with City zoning professionals and experts.   Shawn will bring important knowledge back to Cedar Park regarding zoning districts, what can be built where, development standards and parking.

We are also undertaking a review and revision of our CPN Zoning Policy to reflect changes in the new zoning code and its requirements for Registered Community Organizations.  In recent months the Zoning Committee has also addressed the following issues:

- 615 S. 48^th St:  Neighbors were informed of the homeowner’s application for a permit for demolition and reconstruction of a mudroom to the rear of the property.  The first hearing was continued and a hearing has now been scheduled before the ZBA for December 18, 9:30 am.

- 5103 Pentridge St.:  A community meeting was held at Wayland Baptist Church on September 26 to consider a proposed use of the property as a banquet facility as well as a meeting space for a girls mentoring program. The applicant has not yet filed for a hearing date but wanted to discuss the use with local neighbors.  Following a presentation by the applicant, local residents asked questions and raised concerns.  While there was no objection to the girls mentoring program which requires no zoning variance, neighbors expressed, both verbally and in written responses, their strong objection to a banquet hall citing concerns about noise, traffic and parking congestion, hours of operation, proximity to nearby residential properties, crowds and possible disruptive behavior that might result.  A major concern was the long term implications of a zoning change to the property that would permit future banquet halls or club facilities at this location.

The CPN Zoning Committee generally meets the 3^rd Tuesday of the month at 7pm. If you have questions about these issues or are a CPN member interested in serving on the committee please contact the committee at: contact@cedarparkneighbors.org

Letter from CPN scholarship recipient Sara Ghebremariam

This article originally ran in the November 2012 Cedar Park Neighbors newsletter.  Want to receive the newsletter delivered to your doorstep (or directly to your email inbox)?  Join CPN today at http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/join-cpn-donate/cpn-membership-form/  Dear Cedar Park Neighbor Community,

I am one of the many neighborhood students who have benefitted from your continuous generosity and commitment to helping give the young adults in our community the chance to get ahead.  This sense of generosity is so apparent and wonderful to see at the annual award ceremonies and the Dock Street fundraisers I have attended in the past.  My college experience thus far has been everything I hoped for and more.  Starting at the University of Pennsylvania in the fall I had no clue what was in store for me, but I am so happy that I threw myself into it completely.  After getting a taste of engineering and finding out it was not for me very quickly in freshmen year, I found my place in the arts and sciences school, more specifically in psychology and economics.  Even though classes at Penn challenge me they also excite me and for that reason summer has gone from something I wish for during the year to something I nearly dread in May.

While I have grown in the obvious academic ways, I have also taken the time to grow outside the library.  Community service has always been a large part of my life and dominated my extracurricular activities.  Since starting at Penn I made it a point to make sure that did not change about me.  I did this by joining the oldest and the largest community service organization at Penn, the Kite and Key Society.  I eventually gained a seat on the executive board of the Kite and Key Society in my sophomore year of college.  This was a great opportunity to gain leadership skills, not only with running the Overnight Hosting program but also within the society in contributing that semester’s fundraising project, a Mario Kart Tournament to raise money for a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.  Further, starting in the fall of this upcoming year, I will be serving as a house events manager in the building I have called home for the last 4 years, Gregory College House.

I spent much of junior year, taking part in two independent research projects in the field of abnormal psychology with the help of research advisors at the University of Pennsylvania.  I focused my thesis on first time substance use experiences and current patterns in use in college students.  The second project focused more on how those with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder recall their experiences.  Both projects were the toughest undertakings of my undergraduate career with both year-long experiences culminating in written research papers and theses defenses in front of standing faculty at Penn- also known as some of the brightest minds in the field I was studying… it was terrifying to say the least.  However, I survived and received departmental honors for my work.

I am now looking to spend this upcoming semester working on developing my background in the second interest, economics and strategy management.  After my graduation in December I hope to obtain a job in strategy consulting and it has been the CPN funding over the years that has allowed me to carry out my studies just a bit longer.  It is something for which I will always be grateful to the community.

Thank you so much for all your support and assistance throughout the year!

Sara Ghebremariam

Upcoming events at Walnut Street West Library

Upcoming events at Walnut Street West Library:

Come see the Zoo on Wheels on November 29^th, 3:30- 4:30pm.

Make a wreath with Lauren Leatherbarrow on December 1^st, 1:30-3:30pm. Space limited. Pre-register at ryand@freelibrary.org or 215-685-7671. $10 suggested donation.

Holiday Concert on Wed, December 5^th, 5:30pm – 7:30 pm. Sign up to perform at bens@freelibrary.org or 215-685-7671.

The Friends’ BIG Holiday Book Sale is December 8^th, 11am-3pm.  Find spectacular deals for everyone on your gift list!

Find a calendar of events and subscribe for monthly updates at WSWLibraryFriends.org.