November 2010

Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter

Season of Joy and Giving? Cool! President’s Message

By Monica Allison

Can you believe this is the last issue of the Cedar Park Neighbors (CPN)

news letter for the year? Where has thetime gone? We were just recovering fromthe historic snowfall of last winter, and suddenly we’re looking cooler weatherin the face again!

We have had an amazing year in our com -munity. We had four series of conversationsabout what we would like to see happenalong Baltimore Avenue between 49thand 52nd Streets. The discussions yieldeda conceptual portfolio of ideas, and nowit’s time for the hard work. Those of uswho are interested in this process will gather and begin to plan first steps. I’ll talkmore about that after the New Year. Ourwebsite is rebuilt and is ready for you toexplore. It’s a place where you not only canget information about what we are doingin the neighborhood, you also can view thereport generated by the Community DesignCollaborative from the discussions heldon and about Baltimore Avenue. We hadSecond Saturday craft fairs at 50th andBaltimore Avenue, sponsored by VixEmporium; we look forward to their returnin the spring. We had a successful but shortjazz season, and look forward to setting upthe 2011 season. We raised money and

distributed scholarship funds to studentsin our area. Cedar Park Neighbors hasheld several meet and greets along theAvenue, family fun days in the park, greening workshops, and of course theCedar Park Fair. In November, CedarPark Neighbors Education committee hosted an Education night, introducingarea preschools and providing a forumfor parents to meet and discuss their needs.

Though the winter season is approaching,we still have several activities that will takeus to the end of the year. Holiday basketfundraising is in full swing, so please givegenerously so that those who are in need ofassistance can receive and enjoy their holidayseason. Finally, Cedar Park Neigh bors is celebrating its 50th Anniversary (see page 7for Issue No. 1 of our newsletter) and the100th Anniversary of Cedar Park itself. Weare looking for residents in the communityto get involved with us to plan events aroundthese momentous occasions. Just send us anemail or leave a message at the office withideas and or your desire to participate.

I look forward to seeing you all in theneighborhood during this season of joy andgiving. I wish you all Happy Thanksgiving,Happy Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad, MerryChristmas and a Happy and prosperousNew Year.

There is alwayssomething good happening inCedar Park!

By Michael Clapper and Danielle Denk,CPN Education Committee

Everywhere you go in Cedar Park thesedays, you see parents and caregivers

pushing little ones in strollers. The crowdedand noisy new playground at Cedar Parktestifies to the community’s dedication toour littlest neighbors as well as the growingnumber of small children. To support parents and children often overwhelmedby the number of choices and the lack ofinformation, Cedar Park Neighbors is host-ing a series of Education Nights. The firstevent, held on November 10 at Studio 34,

welcomed pre-k schools and daycarecenters located in and around Cedar Parkto present their school to the community.The representatives from these programsprepared a brief outline of their programalong with a description of their philosophyof early childhood education and providedattendees with an information packet detail-ing the pre-k options in the community.

Early in 2010, we will be hosting a second

Education Night when we hope to invite a

number of local elementary school principals

to describe their schools. Stay tuned for more

information!

Learning About Schools: Education Nights

Help prepare holidaybaskets. See page 12.

Page 2 CPN Newsletter

Cream & Sugar Bakery Serves Up Sweet Classes for Lads and Lasses

By Lawrence Mahoney-Jones

My name is Lawrence Mahoney-Jones,and I am a three year recipient of

the Cedar Park Neighbor Scholarship.I am currently in my third year at DrexelUniversity, studying Marketing and Entre -preneurship. I have been really busy in thepast months. I’m also on my second co-opat Cream & Sugar, located on 40th andSpruce Streets. I am doing marketing workfor the bakery and it’s going really well.

In addition to the custom goods and services, Cream & Sugar also offersCupcake Decorating classes (for kids andfor teens/adults) and Chocolate Makingclasses (just for teens/adults). The classesare held the first Wednesday of everymonth (except January) with the next oneon December 1st. The classes are $10 forkids and $15 for teens/adults. The classesare held at Studio 34 Yoga on 45th andBaltimore with the kids’ CupcakeDecorating class at 4 p.m., ChocolateMaking at 5:30pm and the teen/adultCupcake Decorating class at 7 p.m.

To register for a class, send an emailto creamandsugarsweets@yahoo.com.

I also have been very involved onDrexel’s campus. I started my first yearas a resident advisor at Millennium Hallon Drexel’s campus. I am on the 12thfloor of the building, which mostly houses honors freshmen. It has beena great experience so far, and I’m having a great time despite the huge commitment. I think I amgoing to apply again for nextyear. I am also the ProgrammingChair with the Residence HallAssociation and a tenor on theDrexel University Gospel Choir.It’s definitely a challenge to bal-ance all my responsibilities andtasks, but it’s going great so far!

Cedar Park Neighbors is proudof our scholarship recipient andwishes Lawrence more of thesweet smell of success in allhis endeavors!

Lawrence Mahoney-Jones

This season we were pleased to offerfour garden workshops in Cedar Park.

Unfortunately, the June storm that felledmany of our trees led to the cancellationof our “Caring for Young Trees” workshop,and our July “Pruning Basics” was cutshort by another summer deluge. However,aspiring gardeners very much enjoyed thenext two workshops offered in collabora-

tion with the Pennsylvania HorticulturalSociety: the “Fabulous Fall Container”workshop facilitated by Sue Pringle of UCGreen, and “Putting the Garden to Bed,”facilitated by horticulturist Charlotte Kidd.After you put your garden to bed, rest andgather your energy for next year when wehope to see you back in Cedar Park formore activities in the garden.

How Does Your Garden Grow? Cedar Park Garden Workshops

Deborah Clarke waters a workshopcontainer garden. Sue Pringle of UC Green presented a gardening workshop in Cedar Park.

VIX Emporium and Dock Street Host “Metamorphosis for Mariposa” Fundraiser

November 2010 Page 3

Mariposa Food Co-op will move fromits existing storefront to a renovated

structure that will provide five times theshopping space and more amenities forthe West Philadelphia community. Afterdecades in its current location, Mari posahas purchased the landmark Belmont TrustCompany Building, which most recentlyserved as the home of Beulah TabernacleChurch. Mariposa plans to move all ofits operations into this new home at4824 Baltimore Avenue by next summer.

“We are a grocer that specializes in healthysustainable food, and the only food co-opin the neighborhood.” said Kara Ja’NiceCrews, convener of Mariposa’s Board ofDelegates. “The new store will allow usto reach every person looking for greatfood in a community setting.”

In the 1970s, Mariposa began as a buying club, providing its members withhigh-quality, local and organic food outof a charming but tiny storefront at 4726Baltimore Avenue. Following the interna-tional cooperative principles, Mariposais owned and controlled by its members.Since 2000, Mariposa has experiencedan unprecedented increase in membership,now boasting over 1000 members.The expansion and relocation will allowMariposa to grow and meet more of thedemands of the neighborhood.

“Mariposa has been a part of the fabricof West Philadelphia for decades,” saidMonica Allison, president of Cedar ParkNeighbors. “We are thrilled to supportthem as they make their move to this new,gorgeous home.”

Mariposa has brought together a uniquecollection of partners to support its expan-sion efforts. These include: The Merchant’sFund, University City District, TheReinvestment Fund, Philadelphia IndustrialDevelopment Corporation, Wharton SmallBusiness Development Center, Penn Law’sEntrepreneurship Legal Clinic, Fresh FoodFinancing Initiative, CDS Consulting Co-op,North Country Cooperative DevelopmentFund, The Community Design Collabor -ative and Re:Vision Architecture.

“Currently, only members of Mariposacan shop at the store,” said Esteban Kelly,staff member of Mariposa’s EducationCommittee and member of the MariposaBoard of Delegates. “In the new building,Mariposa will implement an expandedmembership policy. This will open ourdoors to everyone and allow non-membersto shop, while retaining benefits andincentives for members.”

For more information, please contactLauren Townsend at 215-939-7621or expansion@mariposa.coop.

Mariposa Food Co-op Set to Metamorphosize and Upsize

Since mariposa means butterfly inSpanish, “metamorphosis,” the physical

transformation of a caterpillar into a but-terfly, is the perfect name for a fundraiserand raffle to be held November 20th, justin time for Thanksgiving. VIX Emporiumis collecting tons of great raffle prizes, likehandmade gifts, jewelry, gift certificatesfor meals and even hotel stays, all donatedby local businesses, shops, restaurants andartists. A portion of VIX’s sales on thatday will go to the co-op, so it’s a perfectway to start your holiday shopping. Theraffle will be at Dock Street throughoutthe afternoon and evening. There will belive music, great handcrafted beer andfood, and a portion of their sales will alsobe donated. Raffle tickets are only $1each. Complete event details, includingan updated list of prizes, can be found atmetamorphosisformariposa.blogspot.com.

Here’s one of the first prizes to arrive, a hand-decoupaged butterfly plateby Suzanne DeVicaris of In SituDecorative Arts. How appropos to the theme, and what a beautiful addition to your Thanksgiving table.

If you’d like to add a contribution to the list of prizes, please let us know,and buy as many raffle tickets as you can.

Mariposa FoodCo-op to Expand,Relocate toLandmark BankBuilding onBaltimore Avenue

Mission Statement:

The Baltimore Avenue corridorshould address the needs andimprove the quality of life forthe adjacent blocks and do so in a way that maintains the character of the corridor.

Goals for the Corridor:

• Accommodate the communitydesires for infill projects

• Maintain the character and scaleof the neighborhood

• Improve safety and comfort with-in pedestrian corridors

• Restore and improve existingstorefronts and facades

• Connect with 52nd St. businesscorridor and transportation hubsat 49th and 52nd Sts.

• Let street improvements create anidentity for the corridor

• Address need for traffic calmingat intersections

• Provide opportunities for community activities

• Engage the larger community,beyond the immediate blocks

Strong Desires for the Corridor:• Fresh Food Grocery Store

• Affordable Housing

• Community/Youth/EducationCenter/Recreation Center

• Hardware Store

• Affordable Senior Housing —Independent and Assisted Living

• Community Garden

• Job Training Center

• Farmer’s Market

Moderate Desires for the Corridor:

• Bakery

• Book Store (used or new)

• Rental Apartments

• Garden Center

• Breakfast/Brunch Place

• Drug Store*

• Senior Center

• Copy/Print Store

• Outdoor Movie Screen

• Shoe Repair Shop

• Library*

• Band/Music Venues

* Noted as already in the area

Which of the ideas presentedwould you most like to see implemented?

• Streetscape (build outsidewalks/traffic calming/green-scape/curb bump outs etc.)

• Bike and pedestrianamenities/Cleaning

• Senior housing/Senior Center

• Re-use of empty buildings/lots

• Façade improvements

• Infill

Which of the ideas/concepts presented do you have reservations about?

• 51st Corridor recommendation

• Traffic calming ideas/Parking for Whitby Avenue

• Sidewalk expansion ideas

Is there anything that you feel is missing or has not yet been considered?

• Charter School

• Parking and how it will impactresidential areas

The Baltimore Avenue Conversation: We’ve Only Just Begun

By Maureen Tate

Page 6 CPN Newsletter

Many residents, organizations and businesses came together in the

spring for a series of workshops to beginto imagine a revitalized Baltimore Avenuefrom 49th to 52nd Street. With a volunteerteam of professional architects and designprofessionals from the Community DesignCollaborative, we brainstormed and prior-itized ideas and reviewed some preliminarydesign recommendations for the area.

Over 150 individuals participated throughattendance at workshops or by submittingquestionnaires. Our ideas and feedbackwere then incorporated into a final reportthat was presented back to the communityat two sessions in October. If you missedone of them, you can view the entirereport by going to the CPN website atwww.cedarparkneighbors.org. There youwill be able access a page by page view ofthe Collaborative team analysis and finalrecommendations. Below, you will findjust a sampling of some of the ideas thatemerged in our Baltimore Avenue Con -versation that are included in the report.

At the final report presentation, participantsdiscussed which, if any, ideas should be afocus for future action. Common groundbegan to emerge as groups considered thequestions below. Answers reflect thosemost often mentioned.

We appreciate the time and talent that theCommunity Design Collaborative broughtto this important community conversation.We realize a report is not a working planand it will take a lot of hard work to bringsome of our ideas to fruition and thoseconversations have yet to begun. If youwould like to participate in future conver-sations regarding the revitalization ofBaltimore Avenue, please contact CPN.In the meantimebe sure to reviewthe full report onthe CPN website.

Senior AffordableHousing suggestedfor the northwestcorner of 51st andBaltimore Streets.

Speaking of Improvements: Concrete Cracked; Blocks Beautified

November 2009 Page 5

Before (above) & after (right).Concrete was removed andreplaced with plants andshrubs on the block of 800 S. St. Bernard Street.

Congratulations to two of our CedarPark blocks who recently completed a

Block Improvement Project with the bene-fit of a CPN Block Improvement Grant!

The 1000 block of South 50th Streetreports having planted approximately 10shrubs, 70 smaller perennials, and close to400 bulbs in the planting strip on the non-residential side of the street. HomeownerSeth Budick writes, “The combined effectof these plantings will be a long-termimprovement to the appearance of this formerly neglected block, and a strongsign to potential dumpers and litterersthat the block is off limits for that sortof activity.” Amen! Six neighbors put in50 hours of volunteer time in reclaiminglong overgrown stretch along the railroad.We look forward to seeing all those bulbsburst into bloom next spring. Thank you!

Our thanks as well to the many dedicatedvolunteers of the 800 S. St. Bernard Streetwhere “six hundred and seventy squarefeet of ugly and impermeable concrete hasbeen removed and replaced with grass,bulbs, trees, plants and shrubs.” You can

just feel the planet taking a deep breath!In addition, as homeowner ChristianGeorge comments, “Aside from the beautification of our living space, we arealso very excited to join Philadelphia’s initiative to create more opportunities forstorm water drainage.” Other homeowners,who did not participate in the project, arenow interested in restoring the plantingstrips in front of their homes. What aheroic effort during a very hot summer!

We are happy to share these beforeand after pictures. Be sure to stroll downthese blocks and appreciate the fruits ofthe labor that benefits us all. If you wouldlike to consider a Block ImprovementGrant for your block, Cedar ParkNeighbors is here to help. Informationabout the program and application materials can be found on the CPN website, or you can call CPN for moreinformation. The deadline for grant applications is February 1st of each year.As cold weather is now upon us, it is theperfect time to think about organizingwith neighbors for next spring.

On Saturday, September25th, 2010, Cedar ParkNeighbors held its annualcommunity fair in CedarPark. We had vendors, childrens activities, a moonbounce, our own DJ Jamarand Danophonic Raaf

spinning music, and photographer Ra Hall taking photos of the children. It was a beautifulfall day. We would liketo thank our sponsors:The Philadelphia FederalCredit Union, Central City

Toyota, O’Donnell RealEstate, and The GoldStandard Restaurant.We also want to thankPenn Health and Universityof the Sciences for theirparticipation in the fair.Raffle prizes ranged from

tickets to the PhiladelphiaKixx, to a $400 bundle ofdining destinations in ourarea. We thank all the volunteers who helped tomake the day a success,and we look forward toseeing you next year!

Cedar Park Fall Fair

November 5th, 6 - 8 p.m.

Exhibition Opening PartyMaking Home PlaceHow do you use folk arts to face hardissues and the challenges of making anenduring and hospitable place? Local peoples’ conversations (traced on our walls,continuing outside them) open the experi-ences of immigrants and long-time Phila -delphians. This first community exhibitionreflects learnings from PFP's inaugural"Community Folklife Documen tationWorkshop." Listen, look and share…

November 11th, 6 - 8 p.m.

When My Mother Broke Her Leg (and came to live with me)Veteran media-maker Barbara Grantturns to folklore and oral history in a verypersonal project about aging, advocacy,and health care policy — and her mother.In her multi-media performance piece, shereconsiders her role and her knowledge offamily history, and raises questions aboutequity in health care, especially for elders.(PFP hosts an artist-designed program.)

November 16th (3rd Tuesdays), 2 - 4 PM

Zaye I Am A Learner / Liberian Words Of WisdomGbahtuo Comgbaye leads conversationsamong Liberian storytellers and communitymembers. Salons will be recorded for hisWPEB radio show (Our Heritage and Us).PFP hosts an artist-designed program.)

December 2nd (1st Thursdays), 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Keepers Of The CultureThe region's Afrocentric storytellingorganization meets monthly at PFP to conduct business, share stories, and builda community of storytellers. For moreinformation: 609.877.6807. (PFP hostsan artist-designed program.)

December 4th, 7:30 PM

Eateleh: A Life In KlezmerElaine Hoffman Watts, Susan Lankin Watts andFriends, Crossroads Music / Calvary Center forCulture and Community, 801 S. 48th StreetPFP premieres a new documentaryon these amazing women, third and fourthgeneration klezmorim. After the screening,enjoy a concert and party with the musi-cians and special guests. The Hoffmanfamily has had a major impact onPhiladelphia musical culture for a century.Elaine and Susan continue to break newground. The documentary tells the storyof these women and this family tradition.Tickets: $10 - $30. A collaboration withCrossroads Music. More information:PFP, 215.726.1106

For more information, contact:Philadelphia Folklore Project735 South 50th StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19143P: 215.726.1106pfp@folkloreproject.org

Page 6 CPN Newsletter

Coming Right Up! at the Philadelphia Folklore Project (PFP)

…what lies below?

Fire protection for the city of Philadelphia isprovided through nearly 25,000 fire hydrants.

Philadelphia’s three water treatment plantstreat approximately 250 million gallons oftop quality drinking water each day whichis then conveyed through 3,137 miles ofwater mains.

Philadelphia’s three wastewater treatmentplants treat approximately 490 million gallons of wastewater that is collected fromthe homes, businesses and land in the Cityeach day through 3,599 miles of sewers.

If Philadelphia’s water and sewer mainswere put in a straight line, they wouldstretch from Philadelphia to San Franciscoand back!

…how much water flows?

3% of the water on Earth is fresh water and only1% is available for human consumption.66 % of the human body is water.66% of the water used in an average home isused in the bathroomTypically, 3 to 7 gallons of water are used forevery toilet flush.On average, a person uses 2 gallons of waterto brush his or her teeth each day.A 10 minute shower uses about 55 gallons of water.A leaking faucet can waste up to 100 gallons ofwater a day.

...why tap water works for you?

If you pay $1 for a 20-ounce bottle of water, thatworks out to $6.40 a gallon. Philadelphia’s watercosts less than 1 cent per gallon.

Philadelphia Water Works!Information reprintedfrom the PhiladelphiaWater DepartmentWater Quality Report.

Do You Know…

November 2010 Page 7

Remember When?

We don’t remember exactly when it was published either, but this is the first CPN newsletter. Now we’re celebrating Cedar Park Neighbors 50th Anniversary.

Page 8 CPN Newsletter

November 2010 Page 9

Cedar Park Neighbors Membership Application/Renewal

● New Member

● Renewal

● Multi-year (max. 3 years)

# of years_____

● $10 Individual

● $15 Household (2 persons or more)

● $ 7 Senior/Student/Unemployed

● $30 Business

● $40 Sponsor (one free CPN t-shirt!)

Additional contribution: (Write $ amount)

_____ Holiday baskets

_____ Scholarships

_____ Jazz Series

_____ Other, specify _________________________

CPN t-shirt: (Write $ amount if not Sponsor and circle size)

_____ Short Sleeve Adult S, M, L, XL,

2XL, 3XL,4XL, 5XL, 6XL ($15)

_____ Short Sleeve Kids S, M, L, XL ($15)

_____ Long Sleeve Adult S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL ($20)

_________TOTAL ENCLOSED

Name

Address

Phone

Email

● Yes, I would like to receive an email notice witha link to the current newsletter on the CPN website(and do not deliver a paper copy to my home).

Email contact@cedarparkneighbors.orgWebsite www.cedarparkneighbors.orgPhone 267-531-4147

Return form with check to:Cedar Park NeighborsCalvary Community Center4740 Baltimore Ave.Philadelphia, PA 19143

Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Phone

Email

Check your areas of interest for potential participation:

● Block Organizing: Maintain list of Block Leaders, organize forums etc.

● Block Improvement Grants Committee: Review applications, help awardees implement projects etc.

● Board of Directors: CPN leadership and decision-making body.

● Cedar Park Fair: Publicity, children’s activities, venders, entertainment, etc.

● Cedar Park Garden Tenders: Plant and maintain gardens at Cedar Park.

● Clean-up Committee: Promote participation in block clean-up days and Tire Round-up.

● Education Committee: Interaction with local schools and parents on issues.

● Fundraising: Special events, grant writing.

● Holiday Baskets: Coordinate and assist distribution to needy Cedar Park families.

● Hospitality: Provide refreshments for community meetings and special events.

● Membership Committee: Promote membership to residents and businesses.

● Newsletter: Writing, publishing, photography, distribution.

● Property/Housing Task Force: Strategize/respond to issues of deteriorated property.

● Scholarship Committee: Raise funds, promote program, and select awardees.

● Website: Technical support, maintenance, updating info/pictures etc.

● Zoning Committee: Monitor & communicate issues to residents;

appear before Zoning Board of Adjustment, coordinate meetings.Cedar Park Neighbors is a 501[c]3 not-for-profit organization. All contributions are fully tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Page 10 CPN Newsletter

CPN Board

PresidentMonica Allison

1st Vice-PresidentNaomi Fiordimondo

2nd Vice-PresidentSean Dorn

SecretaryDorothy Welch Berlind

TreasurerKaren Allen

DirectorsAlgernong AllenMichael ClapperDanielle DenkLaurie FriedmanMichael FroehlichLisa JohanningsmeierFred KauffmanTheresa McCole ManziJessica Naugle McAtamnyBruce McCulloughRay MurphySheri McFarlandSara NissleyBeverly RouseNeil ToensmeierRichard Warner

CPN Mission Statement:Cedar Park Neighbors is an association of diverse house-holds and businesses based inthe Cedar Park neighborhood ofWest Philadelphia, Penn sylvania.The purpose of the associationshall be to foster collaborationamong all persons living andworking in the Cedar Park neigh-borhood, to promote communitydevelopment, to provide a forumfor communication and commu-nity education, to respond toneighborhood concerns and toadvocate for and promote thegeneral welfare of the CedarPark community.

Newsletter EditorsMaureen Tate & Judy Lamirand

Newsletter DesignJudy Lamirand, Parallel Design

To Contact Cedar Park Neighborsor submit Newsletter items:contact@cedarparkneighbors.orgwww.cedarparkneighbors.org267-531-4147

c/o Calvary Community Center4740 Baltimore AvenuePhiladelphia, PA 19143

Any Amount Welcome: Cedar Park Neighbors Holiday Basket Appeal

By Victoria Iannotta, Holiday Basket Co-Chair

As autumn is upon us, our thoughtsturn to the holidays. Each year at this

time, Cedar Park Neighbors works withlocal churches and non-profit organizationsin our community to identify those forwhom the gift of a Christmas holiday mealwould be welcome. It has become a longstanding tradition and a way in which wecan give back. Thanks to donations fromso many local residents and businesses,last year we were able to provide foodbaskets to more than 580 people.

The organizations that we work within this initiative are Calvary UnitedMethodist Church, Greater Enon BaptistChurch, Hickman Temple, People’s BaptistChurch, Philadelphia Beauty ShowcaseMuseum, St Francis de Sales Church andSouthwest Community Enrichment Center.

We would like to express our deep appre-ciation to all of the Cedar Park residentswho have contributed in the past to thisinitiative as well as local area businessand individuals who have demonstrated

outstanding support for our community,particularly the Philadelphia Federal CreditUnion and Senator Anthony Williams.

Please consider those most in need in ourcommunity by supporting the HolidayBasket outreach again this year. A donationof $35 will allow you to sponsor twodeserving families this holiday season,although any amount is most welcome.

If you know of deserving families in theCedar Park area (46th to 52nd, Larchwoodto Kingsessing), please give their names,addresses and the number of people ineach family to one of our participatingorganizations.

To our local vendors — your donationsare especially needed. Please give generously to support your community.Thank you in advance for your support!

Donations can be sent to:

Cedar Park Neighbors, Holiday BasketsCalvary Community Center4740 Baltimore AvenuePhiladelphia, PA 19143