The November 2014 newsletter is out View our most recent newsletter available as flippable "book" image or download a pdf courtesy of issuu.com
Help CPN help neighbors by supporting our annual holiday baskets
Dear Friends and Neighbors of Cedar Park,
Once again, Cedar Park Neighbors, in cooperation with area churches and other nonprofit organizations, will prepare and distribute food baskets for those in need during the holiday season.
In 2013, we were able to reach over 625 people. As a continuation of this successful event, we need your financial help and support.
Please consider a suggested donation in the amount of $36. Support at this amount will help us feed two families and foster our commitment to "neighbors helping neighbors."
We will be packing and distributing the baskets on Saturday December 20, 2014 from 8:30am -10:30am at Renewal Presbyterian Church, located on the corner of 47thand Cedar Ave. All volunteers are most welcome! Please feel free to contact us at mlewis1071@gmail.com if you have any questions.
We thank you in advance for your support!
Sincerely,
Michelle and Beverly
To donate to our Holiday Basket Drive, please click here.
Remember: all annual CPN membership dues expire at the end of each calendar year. While you’re thinking about it, please consider joining or renewing today, by clicking here.
Love Your Park on Saturday, November 15
What will happen to your home when you die?
Free Neighborhood Will & Estate Planning Workshop
Weds, October 1, 6:30pm
Calvary Center (48th & Baltimore Avenue)
If you own your home, do you know what will happen to it after you die? If you get sick and can't speak for yourself, do your doctors know what your wishes are? Do you need a power of attorney to have someone pay your bills and make financial decisions for you?
Cedar Park Neighbors and the Drexel University School of Law are teaming up to hold a neighborhood workshop at Calvary Center at 48th & Baltimore on Wednesday, October 1, at 6:30pm.
The workshop is free, but everyone is encouraged to join Cedar Park Neighbors if you are not already a member. (Membership starts at $7/year for seniors, and you can become a member at the workshop.)
At the workshop, neighbors will learn about simple wills, living wills, and powers of attorney. Everyone can then sign up for a free one-on-one follow-up meeting at Drexel University to write their actual documents.
Questions? Please call Cedar Park Neighbors at 267-BALT-AVE or email us at contact@cedarparkneighbors.org.
Fall Season is approaching and Soccer Shots will be back at Cedar Park
Soccer Shots has opened registration for the fall season in West Philadelphia! Soccer Shots is a positive introduction to soccer for children ages 2-4. Their program focuses on the skills and lessons of the game by offering non-competitive classes. Each child learns the fundamentals of the game through skill instruction, fun games, and creative play. This summer they are back at West Philly for this local program option:
Soccer Shots Fall Season Once a week classes on the weekend for 30-40 minutes of soccer instruction. Learning basic soccer skills, playing fun games, and learning important character concepts for life and sports. Saturdays from 9am-11am, Dates: Sept 6 thru Nov 8 Location: Cedar Park (at 50th and Baltimore) Programs for toddlers and preschool aged children.
Registration available online at: Soccer Shots in West Philly
They also have programs in 8 other areas of the city and you can search for all of their programs on their website at www.soccershots.org/philadelphia
If you have any questions contact Soccer Shots at philly@soccershots.org or 267-630-1557.
Soccer Shots Back at Cedar Park this Summer!
Cedar Park Neighbors is pleased to bring back Soccer Shorts to the parks for the summer season! They have now opened registration for this upcoming season. Soccer Shots is a positive introduction to soccer for children ages 2-4. Their program focuses on the skills and lessons of the game by offering non-competitive classes. Each child learns the fundamentals of the game through skill instruction, fun games, and creative play. This summer they are back at West Philly for this local program option:
Soccer Shots Summer Season Once a week classes on the weekend for 30-40 minutes of soccer instruction. Learning basic soccer skills, playing fun games, and learning important character concepts for life and sports.
Saturdays from 9am-11am, July 12--August 16, Location: Cedar Park (at 50th and Baltimore) Programs for toddlers and preschool aged children.
They also have programs in 8 other areas of the city and you can search for all of their programs on their website at www.soccershots.org/philadelphia .
If you have any questions contact Soccer Shots at philly@soccershots.org or 267-630-1557.
June 2014 Newsletter is out
The newest Cedar Park Neighbors newsletter is out.View it as a flipbook by clicking below.
Cedar Park Live Jazz
Cedar Park Live Jazz Begins!
Every year Cedar Park Neighbors brings jazz to the park between on Baltimore Avenue between 49th and 50th. This year launches with the funked out styles of local band Dr. Ketchup. Cedar Park Live takes place every Friday starting June 6th, and ending on August 1st. Nestled between residences, a church, and the commercial corridor, the live music experience captures the urban flair of Philadelphia.
The free event is outdoor fun for the whole family with an on site playground. Jazz in the park is one of the truly special social events of the West Philly community. From senior to toddler, the evenings are great moments to share. Bring a blanket for a picnic, or a chair to enjoy some great entertainment and neighborhood interaction!
If you would like to make a financial contribution please go to http://
EVERY FRIDAY 6p to 8p
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Sponsored by Philadelphia Parks and Rec, Fairmount Park Conservancy, Holly Mack Ward and Co., Philadelphia Federal Credit Union, Gold Standard Cafe, VIX Emporium, Little Baby's Ice Cream, the Baltimore Avenue Business Association (BABA), and the UC Review.
Family Picnic in Cedar Park: Friday, May 16, 6-8pm
CPN college scholarship applications due June 1
Each year, Cedar Park Neighbors awards several scholarships to neighborhood students to help pay for college expenses.
Complete applications packs must be received (or mailed and postmarked) by June 1st, 2014 to be considered. Students living within Cedar Park can apply for a scholarship to help with the increasing costs of higher education, including travel expenses and school supplies. Awards in the past ranged from $600 to $1000 so don’t miss your opportunity!
To download the 2014 application, click here.
Email us at scholarships@cedarparkneighbors.org with any questions!
Cedar Park Neighbors Annual Meeting
Please join Cedar Park Neighbors on Monday, April 21, 2014, from 7-9pm for our annual meeting. Voting for CPN Board Members will begin at 6:30pm.
The meeting will take place at Calvary Community Center Sanctuary. Please enter through the doors on the second floor.
Come and hear what Cedar Park Neighbors has done over the last year and our plans for the coming year. Meet candidates for the CPN Board of Directors. (And read all about the candidates by clicking here.)
We will also feature a conversation with the two candidates for our state representative, James Roebuck (the incumbent) and Algernong Allen. The conversation will be moderated by Cedar Park resident Bill Hangley Jr., a journalist with The Philadelphia Public School Notebook.
If you've never been to a CPN meeting, the annual meeting is a great introduction to the organization and the work that it does.
An informal meet and greet will follow the meeting.
Meet the candidates for CPN Board of Directors
A great group of Cedar Park neighbors are running for election to the CPN Board of Directors. Read more about them below. And come out to our annual meeting on April 21, 2014 from 7-9 pm to hear them in person. Candidates' bios are after the jump.
Candidate for President
Michael Froehlich
5XX S. 48th St.
Michael lives in Cedar Park with his partner, Susanna, and five-year-old daughter, Zora. He is has served as the president of Cedar Park Neighbors for the last two years and is now running for re-election. For the three years prior to that, he served on the board. During the day, Michael works as a managing attorney practicing consumer and housing law with Community Legal Services. Michael is the co-founder of the West Philly Tool Library, is a Democratic party committeeperson in the 46th Ward, and, until recently, served on the boards of UC Green and Shakespeare in Clark Park. Michael is excited about the opportunity to continue to work together to improve Cedar Park for long-time residents and newcomers, seniors and school children, and everyone in between.
Candidate for First Vice President Suzanne Banning Anderson 7XX S. 48th St.
Suzanne joined the board last year after being active on the Zoning Committee for several years. She lives on the 700 block of S. 49th Street with her husband, Kelvyn, two teenage daughters and two Golden Retrievers.
Suzanne currently work as a psychiatric social worker at Mercy Philadelphia Hospital at 54th & Cedar Avenue, having earned her MSW from Temple University 20 years ago and her JD from Widener University School of Law in 2012.
Her particular civic interest is in greening and cleaning the community. She is an avid gardener and an active Zoning Committee member.
Suzanne hopes to continue to apply her skills and interests to reduce blight and litter and increase the number of trees and amount of green space in the Cedar Park. She believes that a cleaner and greener neighborhood will enhance the quality of life for everyone in Cedar Park.
Candidate for Second Vice President
David Hincher
50XX Catharine St.
David has lived in Cedar Park for the past 6 years. He and his wife are raising a 5-year- old daughter, Lucy, who attends the Children's Community School at Calvary Center. They are actively involved on their block, assisting in the annual end-of-summer block party, block clean ups, parent support group meetings at their house, etc. They love the neighborhood and are excited to see it brimming with activity (new and old), such as supporting and bringing Soccer Shots to Cedar Park in fall 2013.
David is a licensed architect and leverages that knowledge and expertise to assist a multitude of neighborhood groups. He has a particular interest in issues that impact the quality of life in the community, such as the vitality of neighborhood schools, zoning, development, safety, etc. David was the lead volunteer on the Baltimore Avenue Community Corridor design study, completed in 2010.
He is currently the chair of the Development Impact Task Force, which produced the "Future of the Neighborhood" survey in 2012. David's goal is to assist CPN in achieving the Baltimore Avenue vision to re-extend prosperity further west along our main street. David is a member of the West Philadelphia Coalition for Neighborhood Schools (WPCNS), which is working closely with Henry C. Lea Elementary School. He was also part of the Greening Lea Task Force, focused on improvements to the building and schoolyard.
Candidate for Treasurer Amara Rockar 50xx Catharine St.
Amara Rockar has lived in West Philadelphia for more than 10 years, most of it in Cedar Park. She and her husband bought their home in 2010 and intend to raise their family here. Amara is a board member of the West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools. During the day, she works as a paralegal at an immigration law firm.
Candidates for Board of Directors Lisa Johanningsmeier 9XX South St. Bernard Street
Lisa has lived in the Cedar Park neighborhood since 1983. During the last 12 years she has served on the CPN board and Zoning Committee. She hopes to be able to help the Cedar Park community grow and change in a positive way that is inclusive of all community members.
Shawn Markovich 9xx S. Farragut St.
Shawn and her family have lived in Cedar Park for 10 years. They moved to this community because they love the beautiful parks, the great community spirit and the wonderful homes that can be found in West Philly.
Shawn and her husband have 2 children, ages 10 and 8. In addition to being a current board member, she is also on the Cedar Park Zoning committee and involved with the Development Impact Task Force. She is active at her children's school. She and her husband have invested their time, energy, and resources in Philadelphia and, for the past 10 years, in West Philadelphia. They have purchased properties with an eye toward health, beauty, and sustainability of their community. The architecture, green spaces, and friends continue to inspire them and keep them rooted here. Shawn is impressed that CPN has taken on complex issues such as zoning, park improvement, distressed properties, and education, all key topics that affect the growth and stability of their community.
Mavil Spence 50XX Catharine St.
Mavil has resided in Cedar Park all of her life.Her parents moved to the 5000 block of Catharine Street in 1962, and she was born there the next April. She moved out at age 27 to the 800 block of S. 47th Street. She lived there until 1992, when she and her family were burned out. She moved back to Catharine Street and purchased a home in the 5100 block of Catharine in 1993. Since 2009, she has been back on the 5000 block of Catharine. She has three children, Makeiah, Lauren and Zachary and one grandson Mason. Makeiah is a graduate of Immaculata University, and Lauren is finishing up at Community College of Philadelphia and then will attend Lasalle University to obtain her registered nursing degree. Zachary is a CPN scholarship recipient and attends Howard University School of Engineering in Washington DC.
Mavil now works for the United States Postal Service. Previously for 10 years, she worked for the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia until 2009, when technology knocked her out of a job. If she is re-elected to the board, she plans to work hard in this community to make it an even better community than it is now. She will do the best that she knows how to make people want to move to Cedar Park.
Saba Tedla 8XX S. 48th St.
Saba moved to Philadelphia in 2007 and has been a resident of Cedar Park since then. Saba's professional background is in Corporate Finance in the technology industry, and she currently works for Bentley Systems in Exton, Pennsylvania. Prior to joining Bentley, she worked at Lexmark International, a NASDAQ listed company and a worldwide distributor of printers. She currently serves on the advisory board of LIFT Philadelphia, a grassroots community organization with a mission to combat poverty and expand opportunity for all people. In addition to nonprofit work, Saba is a local business owner and continues to make critical investments on the Baltimore Avenue corridor. She renovated a vacant commercial space and opened the Aksum restaurant in 2011. Saba has strived to make a contribution by helping to improve the economic development of the community. Saba considers herself a self-starter/ entrepreneur and plans to continue making tactical investments in the neighborhood. She has the drive and passion to make a meaningful impact and the commitment and leadership skills required to be an effective board member.
Malcolm Burnley
51xx Baltimore Ave.
Malcolm Burnley is currently working as a journalist for Philadelphia magazine. He's passionate about the preservation and development of urban neighborhoods; how they can build around existing demographics without succumbing to rapid gentrification. Even as a young adult, Malcolm has already lived in a variety of East Coast cities —New York, Providence, Washington, D.C., and now Philadelphia. Cedar Park stands out as unique among them. Having attended several meetings about the city's "blight recertification" of the 5000 and 5100 blocks of Baltimore Avenue, he's witnessed outstanding community resilience and energy. Malcolm believes that as someone who just transplanted to Philly last summer, he may bring a unique perspective to the board. His profession, along with being a renter, might provide a fresh and honest perspective on how Cedar Park can retain similar young adults within the neighborhood.
Renee McBride Williams 51xx Webster
Renee McBride Williams has been a long-time resident of West Philadelphia. For most of her life, she has lived in the 'hood and taught in many of the West Philadelphia school rooms. Renee believes that knowing the pulse of the community is paramount for its success, its revitalization and mostly, its redevelopment. A site organizer for the Media Mobilizing Project after retiring early from The School District of Philadelphia, Renee began to reinvent herself and reaffirm her mission to contribute to the community at large. Renee attended the neighborhood high school and is familiar with its residents. Nothing would make her happier than to be involved with the process of change and to provide the historical aspects of our community to better serve the CPN community and its residents. In addition, Renee is a volunteer station coordinator and general manager of WPEB 88.1 community radio. She is a historical storyteller and participates in an educational music program with the Philadelphia Clef Club. Renee is married to George Williams and has a son, bassist Christian McBride.
Far McKon 50XX Cedar Ave.
Far McKon is interested in working with CPN to improve the community for everyone, and sees joining CPN board as one of the clear paths to accomplish that. Specifically, Far is interested in enabling/supporting programs for the following:
• Neighborhood Work-swap program, where neighbors can sign up, to swap tasks/skills or assistance around the house, yard, etc. Extra or spare work-time donated to neighbors that need more than usual assistance.
• Work on Soft-scaping streets for walk-ability (more bump-outs like at 48th St.), finding out if streets want speed-bumps.
• Talking to blocks and finding out if or which would be willing to host community notice/post boards to post paper announcements for those that do not frequently use email or the internet.
• Assisting where he can in using his skills as a programmer and as an outreach coordinator.
Mostly, Far is interested in taking on some responsibility for a few projects and helping out where he can.
Ryan Spak 51xx Springfield Ave.
Ryan Spak is an entrepreneurial business owner dedicated to his family, his city and his neighborhood. He and his wife, Jessie, are firmly planting their family's roots in this community. Over the past three years, Ryan has invested heavily in rehabilitating distressed properties in our neighborhood. It is his desire to continue to invest physically and monetarily in the neighborhood in the future. But it is also important to him to invest in the community by engaging his neighbors. Joining the CPN board will allow Ryan the opportunity to continue support the community and its efforts.
Three years ago, Ryan created Project Rehab for the University City District. This completely free, yet comprehensive real estate program guides owners of distressed properties through the process of rehabilitation. The program has positively influenced the renovation of 24 previous blighted properties, creating over $8.1 million in real estate values in our neighborhood. Over that same time, Ryan has practiced what he teaches others by financing, rehabilitating and managing more than 30 units —mostly in West Philadelphia.
JJ Tiziou 45xx Osage & 49xx Pentridge
JJ Tiziou is a photographer who is actively invested in the Cedar Park neighborhood. Although he lives outside of Cedar Park, he works out of a studio space in The Cedar Works at 4919 Pentridge. JJ is the creator of the largest work of public art in Philadelphia: the 85,000 square foot mural How Philly Moves at Philadelphia International Airport.
Philly has always been home for JJ, specifically West Philly and the Baltimore Avenue corridor. JJ supports communities working for positive change through his photographic work. He is now looking to broaden his experience by working as part of a team with a longer term focused vision, plugging into the facets of the neighborhood that he's not yet familiar with, and bringing his communication skills to directly advocate for all of his neighbors. JJ is also an enthusiastic community cheerleader — much of his photographic work has involved advocating for artists, activists and communities that he's wanted to support. He hopes to also bring some of those skills to help share CPN's messages.
Michael Williams 8xx S. 48th St. (at Warrington)
Michael Williams has lived in West Philly for 10 years, and has been a block captain on the 800 block for 8 years. He is a semi-retired gardener and works throughout the Philadelphia area. He has served as Warrington Community Garden president from 2013 to present.
Jason Sandman 80XX S Saint Bernard
Jason has lived on S. St Bernard St since 2010 and he is an active member of the community garden on the block. He has worked or volunteered with several non-profits and a volunteer of UC Green.
Cedar Park Neighbors Scholarship Fundraiser
Get your tickets now for Cedar Park Neighbors’ 7th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser! The event will be held on Sunday, April 6th from 4-6 pm at The Cedar Works, located at 4919 Pentridge Street, a beautifully renovated warehouse in the neighborhood. Tickets include live music for all ages with West Philly based singer-songwriter Gretchen Elise, beer by Dock Street Brewing Company, wine, and food from Aksum, Fu Wah, The Gold Standard Café, and Dock Street. We’ll also have a Silent Auction to include handmade crafts, jewelry, museum tickets, gift certificates to local restaurants, and much more! Children will enjoy kids’ music and activities from 4-5 pm.
Tickets are $40 and available online or at the door. Kids under 12 are free. To purchase tickets, complete the form below.
Join or Renew by April 1 to vote in CPN annual meeting
Cedar Park Neighbors' annual meeting is coming up on Monday, April 21st, at 7pm. It will be held at the Calvary Center at 48th & Baltimore. At our meeting, we'll hear a report of what CPN has done over the past year and vote for next year's officers and board members. (We're also planning a special event at the annual meeting ... stay tuned for more information on that.)
But, according to our by-laws, you can't vote at the annual meeting if you are not a CPN member as of April 1.
Annual memberships run from January 1 to December 31 each year. That means that unless you've joined or renewed your CPN membership in 2014, you're probably not a current member. (I say "probably" since some people pay several years in advance.)
So with only 9 days to go before April 1, why not join or renew your membership right now by going to http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/join/?
It's fast. It's secure. It's easy. And annual memberships start at just $7/year (for seniors, students, and the unemployed.)
PS. Remember: our annual scholarship fundraiser will be held two weeks from today on Sunday, April 6. More information at http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/scholarship/.
Learn more about the Affordable Care Act & Sign up for Affordable Healthcare (Sun, March 9)
Affordable Healthcare is Coming to West Philadelphia!Application Counselors will be on hand to help you enroll and answer your most important questions about the Affordable Care Act.
How much will it cost? What kind of coverage am I eligible for? What about my family?
Come find out and apply with an expert by your side! Please have with you: Social Security numbers, estimated income for 2014, income info for 2013 When: Sunday, March 9th, 11:30am-4:30pm Where: 1001 S.47th St (corner, 47th and Springfield)
Open Enrollment ends March 31.
SoccerShots coming back to Cedar Park this spring
Soccer Shots registration has opened for their SPRING season! Soccer Shots is a positive introduction to soccer for children under the age of 5 in Cedar Park. Their program focuses on the skills and lessons of the game by offering non-competitive classes. Each child learns the fundamentals of the game through principled instruction, creative and age appropriate games, scrimmaging, and soccer fun! Register online for Cedar Park at:
http://philly.ssreg.org/?classtype=1509&camp=Spring+2014&area=West+Philly&age=
Their program in our area will take place on: Saturday: Cedar Park (50th Street and Baltimore Avenue), Ages 2-4, 9:00am-11:00am, 8-10 weeks
They also have up to 7 other park location classes throughout Philadelphia (including weekday afternoons and other weekend options) and are working to include another South Philly location. For further information check their site. You can search by location and age, and view maps of their locations.
If you have any questions please contact Thomas Rockett -- trockett@soccershots.org, or (484) 707-9962
7th Annual CPN Scholarship Fundraiser to be Held on April 6!
Our 2014 Scholarship Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, April 6. For more information on the Fundraiser -- including how to purchase tickets, sponsor the event, or contribute to the Scholarship Program -- please click here.
CPN thanks our first Benefactor Neighbor Level Sponsors:
2013 Scholarship Recipients
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, 2014. More information about serving on the board is below. If you’re interested, please contact Saba Tedla at sabatedla@gmail.com by February 15.
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. 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.”
Preparation
- read all documentation in the CPN Board Packet
- become familiar with the CPN By-Laws and other pertinent documents
- read minutes and other relevant reports prior to Board Meetings
- prepare and deliver succinct reports
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
Decorum
- make relevant and concise comments at CPN Board Meetings
- be considerate and courteous to other CPN Board Members
Legal & Fiduciary Responsibilities
- represent CPN General Membership
- observe and follow CPN By-Laws, Articles of Incorporation, and Board Resolutions
- 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
51st & Baltimore Avenue development
Baltimore Avenue Business Association & Cedar Park Neighbors invite you to a public meeting to discuss development around 51st & Baltimore, including:
- Clarifications of blight certification in Philly 2035 Southwest District Plan
- Proposed expansion of Wellness Center
- Advocating for community input regarding development of city owned vacant land parcels
This is an important meeting to learn about development and contribute your input. Please attend and spread the word.
Time: January 30, 6:30PM
Location: People's Baptist Church at 5039 Baltimore Avenue
