December 2005

Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter

All of us during this Holiday Season have a lot to bethankful for including Cedar Park. As you look aroundour community you will notice subtle changes, and youfind yourself Saying “isn’t that different, or wasn’t thatthere? Well, you would be right, improvements are happening, ones that you can see right off, and ones thatyou would have to investigate. Have you noticed CedarPark, all shining with new curb trees? Have you checkedout the new entrance? What about the facades of some of our business on Baltimore Avenue?

Then earlier this month on Saturday, November 5, 2005,Cedar Park sponsored a successful Block Conference atthe African Cultural Center, 50th & Springfield Avenue.Mr. Chima Oji, (CPN member) opened his center to CedarPark Neighbors, and many block captains, co-captainsand interested neighbors came together to tackle challengesthat all blocks have in common and how to better supportand address those challenges. The Block Conference(catered by James Grill at the Firehouse much to thedelight of everyone), was a success and will be heldagain in 2007. We will however be meeting quarterly tokeep up our momentum and to make a difference in andon our respective blocks. So during this Holiday Season,when you are making your list, put down Cedar Park andplan in 2006 to join us, as we help you. Cedar Park is onthe move, a lot is happening, come to our meetings, joina committee be apart and remember!

Have a Happy and Blessed Holiday Season!

THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING GOOD GOING ON IN CEDAR PARK.

CEDAR PARK NEIGHBORS COMMUNITY MEETING: FIRE PREVENTION

Reminder to all CPN Members:PLEASE KEEP YOUR CPNMEMBERSHIP CURRENT!

On the address label of your newsletter is the expiration date of your CPN membership.

We are not anxious to take anyone off our rolls!Please send us a renewal coupon if you are late

or soon to be late. See page 5 for details!

President’s Message By Carol Walker, CPN President

Wednesday, December 7, 2005 // 7–9pmCALVARY COMMUNITY CENTER 48th & Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19143Speaking will be Representatives from The Philadelphia Fire Department & American Red Cross, Southeastern PA

Sadly, there have been many fires recently in our community, and we are concerned. Come out and learn more about fire prevention and how we as a community can respond to fires when they happen!

ALL ARE WELCOME!!! Let’s come out to make a difference and get informed!

Page 2 CPN Newsletter

On Saturday, November 5, some forty block leadersgathered at the African Cultural Center for the bi-annualCPN Block Leaders Conference. Carol Walker, CPNPresident and fellow Block Captain of the 5100 block of Hazel greeted participants and described CPN’s effortsto reach out to block leaders to share problems andwork together for solutions that benefit the whole community. Our feature speaker was experienced BlockCaptain, Rosa Thomas, of the 5000 block of WaltonAvenue. Rosa gave an inspiring testimony to the rewardsand challenges of being a Block Captain and encouragedmany with her hopeful spirit and enduring commitmentto community building.

There were speakers to inform participants of recentCPN efforts to address issues of concern to block leaders.Josh Schneider spoke about the CPN Property/ HousingTask Force and its work toward addressing the problemof abandoned and deteriorated properties. Lydia Fisherdescribed the Block Improvement Grant Program whichis available to CPN blocks to build community involvement through greening projects at the block level. Patty Bulack spoke about her efforts to revive theCrime and Safety Committee within CPN and successfulstrategies around crime awareness and prevention thatshe has employed in the area of 48th and Springfield.

A good part of the day was spent in discussion andwork groups around how to organize blocks, abandonedproperty, crime and safety, greening projects and settingstandards among residents on blocks. Cassandra Whiters,of The Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee, gave thefinal presentation on the process to become a registeredBlock Captain with the City, organizing block clean-upsand other resources available through the City.

The conference concluded with a delicious lunchcatered by James Grill. We also wish to thank ChimaOrji, owner of the African Cultural Center for his gra-cious hospitality and to Citizens Bank for funding thisyear’s conference as part of its Block Organizing Grantto CPN. We are looking forward to picking up on themomentum of the gathering with future quarterly meetings on issues of concern to block leaders.

If you would like further information on the CPN BlockOrganizing effort or would like to request a Block Organizers Kit,please contact Maureen Tate, 215.726.8664; tatemch@aol.com.

CPN Block Leaders Conference By Maureen Tate, Block Organizing Committee

Above, workshops at the conference. Top right: conference speaker Rosa Thomas

Dec 2005 Page 3

Exciting Volunteer Job Available: Coordinator of CPN sponsored recycling program at the Firehouse

Get to know your Neighbors!Contribute to making our city a “greener place”!Help raise money for CPN!

Job Description: Individual or group of individuals responsible to coordinate plastic and paper/cardboard recycling program of Cedar Park Neighbors in coordination with city special recycling program.

■ Coordinate space issues with Firehouse Owner

■ Coordinate truck pick-up times with city recycling program

■ Create a schedule of volunteers to help on recycling Saturdays

■ Assure traffic flow at site

■ Communicate with public regarding any changes in recycling policies, times etc.

■ Written report to CPN board (yearly), based on data provide by city recycling program

Date Available: June 2006Time Requirement: Two Saturdays/month from 8am to 1pm (presence at site not required for entire 5 hour period) Note: no one person has to come for all recycling hours or Saturdays but coordinators will organize a schedule of volunteers to share the load e.g. 2 hrs/month, 1 Saturday every other month. Attend one-two meetings/year with citywide recycling group.

Time Commitment: preferable at least a two year commitment

Who: Individuals, Family/extended family, Household, Group of friends, Committee

Questions? Contact Jim Kurtz, (215)724-0399; jimhuong@yahoo.com

Watch for Recycle NOW Philadelphia Campaign By Al Airone, Recycling Chair

The RecycleBank pilot project–in which Philadelphians in two neighborhoodshave been directly reimbursed for their recyclables with couponsredeemable at local stores–has been deemed a success. Now MauriceSampson, head of Niche Waste Recycling, Inc. and the City’s first recyclingcoordinator, is heading a campaign–”Recycle NOW Philadelphia”–toextend this program to the entire City. The campaign is asking for help to achieve 2 major goals: (1) create a groundswell of public support forWEEKLY CURBSIDE RECYCLING SIMILAR TO THE RecycleBank PILOT,and (2) secure public from each candidate in the next elections, forMayor, City Council member, and every other elected City official, a commitment to implement the program within one year of election.

More details will follow. Cedar Park and other Partnership Recyclingorganizations are being asked to act as “hosts” for events promoting this campaign and for activity aimed at garnering support.

Page 4 CPN Newsletter

Leaf Collection

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA 2005 LEAF COLLECTION AND RECYCLING PROGRAM FOR UNIVERSITY CITYThe Leaf Collection and Recycling Program is one of severalservices provided by the Streets Department to honor theCity’s on-going commitment to recycling. This recyclingprogram helps to reduce the amount of materials that reachthe waste stream and saves landfill space.

The 2005 Leaf Collection and Recycling Program will beginMonday, November 14, and will end Friday, December 23. Bagged leaf collection services are offered each week, city-wide,along rubbish collection routes. Supplemental mechanicalcollection will be offered on a designated weekly schedulein some areas with a heavy concentration of leaves.

A designated fleet of sanitation compactors will collectbagged leaves. These crews will be assigned to collectONLY bagged leaves for the duration of the program, moving along rubbish collection routes in compactors, and will collect the bagged leaves in the same manner as rubbish collection crews normally operate.

Follow these tips for bagged leaf collection:

■ Never mix trash or other recyclable materials with baggedleaves. This contaminates leaves and makes them unfit forrecycling purposes.

■ Set out leaf bags on your regularly scheduled trash collection day. Crews make every effort to collect bagswithin 2 days of set out.

■ Put leaves in large brown paper trash bags. By usingthese biodegradable bags, you will help crews workmore efficiently and more easily identify your bags as leaves.Leaves set out in other bags or containers may be collected as rubbish.

Next Community Clean UpSaturday, December 10, 2005

Let’s make it a clean sweep! University City District (UCD) and Litter Co., the Anti-Litter Coalition,are partnering with local community groups to organize block clean-ups within their respective boundaries. UCD and Litter Co. will help out by providing bags and work gloves, as well as by picking up the rubbish collected including using a LeafVac from the Managing Director’s Office.

Last fall, the community cleaned up 60 blocks and removed over5000 bags of trash contributing to UCD’s yearly removal of 1 millionpounds of litter.

We urge Block Captains and Community Leaders to encourage participation. To register your block or for more information, pleasecontact 215-243-0555 or email John Fenton at john@ucityphila.org.

Dec 2005 Page 5

Cedar Park Neighbors Membership Application/Renewal

Name

Address

Phone

Email

❒ YES! I would like a free CPN T-shirt with my renewal of $30 or more. Adult Size: ❒ M ❒ L ❒ XL

❒ Block Organizing

❒ Cedar Park Fair

❒ Community Development

❒ Education

❒ Fundraising

❒ Greening Activities

❒ Holiday Baskets

❒ Membership Committee

❒ Neighborhood Clean-upCommittee

❒ Neighborhood Safety

❒ Newsletter (writing, publishing, delivery)

❒ Recycling Project

❒ Scholarship FundCommittee

❒ Website

❒ Zoning Committee

Cedar Park Neighbors welcomes your participation. Please check your areas of interest and return the form to CPN, Calvary Community Center, 4740 Baltimore Ave, Phila, PA 19143

YES, I want to make Cedar Park a better place. My annual Cedar Park Neighborsmembership dues are enclosed.

❒ New Member ❒ Renewal

❒ $7 Individual

❒ $10Household (2 persons or more)

❒ $20Business

❒ $5 Senior/Student/Unemployed

❒ $30Sponsor

Enclosed is my additional contribution of $________________________

Page 6 CPN Newsletter

James’ Grill

Firehouse Produce

Africom

Wayne’s Garage Inc.

White Seal Cleaners Inc

Urban & Bye Realtors

St. Francis de Sales

Dahlak Restaurant

KC Exhaust

Philadelphia Federal Credit Union

Kulture

UC PETS

Abbraccio Restaurant

I. Stewart Hayward Agency

Westside Community Day Care

Joe’s Market

Alan Klein Properties

Philadelphia Folklore Project

Fresh Deli

Chilalo Construction

Dr. Alice Moyer, Chiropractor

St. Francis de Sales

Peaks Little Angels, Inc.

Signature Investment Realty, Inc

Sugar Hill Bakery

Sims Giles and Associates

Mia Lou

Michelle Robinson Architects

A-1 Floor Refinishing

Martnet Communications

Please support local businesses who supportCedar Park Neighbors!

Thanks to Newsletter Sponsor:U.C. Pets, 4916 Baltimore Avenue

A New Entrance for Cedar ParkBy the Cedar Park Improvement Committee

Cedar Park has a new look! Take an invigorating winter stroll downBaltimore Avenue and admire the newly completed art project at the50th Street. The project was a collaboration of CPN with the Mural Arts Program and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society ParksRevitalization Program. Artists Michael Smash and John Bus have just put the finishing touches on a design that incorporated ideas from the ParkImprovement Committee which includes local residents, businesses andagencies in and around Cedar Park. In the spring we will install planterson top of the two central pillars leading into Cedar Park softening theplaza and added some natural beauty. Enjoy!

On Thursday, November 17 PhillyCarShare, the locallybased non-profit, celebrated its third anniversary andnew pod opening party. PhillyCarShare, dedicated toreducing automobile dependence in Philadelphiathrough community-based car sharing, moved its officelocation to Cedar Park Neighborhood in May. Theanniversary celebration started at 5 PM with a ribbon-cutting to inaugurate the new “pod” (PhillyCarShareparking location) in front of the Firehouse Farmer’sMarket, also PhillyCarShare’s home. The festivities continued in PhillyCarShare’s newly renovated office onthe third floor of the Firehouse Farmer’s Market at 50thStreet and Baltimore Avenue, with over 150 members,supporters, and government and city officials. Speakerssuch as State Rep. James Roebuck, State Rep. BabetteJosephs, Cathy Weiss from the Claneil Foundation, LewisWendell from University City District, Linda Miller fromthe Philadelphia Parking Authority,

John McGee from SEPTA, and Patrick Starr from thePennsylvania Environmental Council attended the partyto show support to the young local non-profit alreadymaking a difference on the streets of Philadelphia.Sponsors of the event included White Dog Café,Abbraccio, Whole Foods Market, and Trader Joe’s. WorldCafé Live and IKEA sponsored the raffle by giving awayperformance tickets and furniture.

This new location, together with the existing one on 47thStreet and Baltimore Avenue, confirms PhillyCarShare’sdetermination to expand its West Philadelphia coverage.The new cars provide the opportunity, already availableto thousands in Center City, South Philadelphia, andmost of the city neighborhoods, to West Philadelphia residents. PhillyCarShare is determined that car-sharingwill work in this neighborhood as well. Much like in the other neighborhoods, most residents here use publictransportation to get around the city. For more distanttrips where public transportation does not go, or for trips that require a pick-up truck, they will now have the

option to rent the PhillyCarShare cars and pick-uptracks by the hour, available when they needthem, instead of owning and maintaining a car.Research shows that car-sharing members save up to $4000 a year from not owning, maintaining,and insuring a car, as well as no gas and parkingexpenses. PhillyCarShare covers all these expensesand its members only pay for their actual usageof the car. The organization hopes that currentcar owners will realize the benefits of car-sharingand will join the fast growing membership toenjoy the freedom of having a car when theyneed it and only pay for that.

For more information on this program visit www.phillycarshare.org or call 215-730-0988.

Dec 2005 Page 7

PhillyCarShare hosting Anniversary Party and New Pod Opening at Cedar ParkBy Elena Anguelova, Marketing Manager, PhillyCarShare

Guests at the third anniversary and new pod opening party.

Page 8 CPN Newsletter

CPN Mission Statement:

Cedar Park Neighbors is an association of diverse households and businessesbased in the Cedar Park neighborhood of WestPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the associationshall be to foster collaborationamong all persons living andworking in the Cedar Parkneighborhood, to promotecommunity development, to provide a forum for communication and communityeducation, to respond to neighborhood concerns and to advocate for and promotethe general welfare of theCedar Park community.

Newsletter EditorsMaureen Tate & Judy Lamirand

Newsletter DesignLeigh Maida Graphic 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

PresidentCarol Walker

Vice PresidentsMaureen TateJosh Schneider

TreasurerKaren Allen

SecretaryDorothy Welch Berlind

DirectorsMonica AllisonPatty BulackJim KurtzWayne MarquardtChima OrjiEmma PadenJoanne PhamRenee WarnickAndy DillerSean DornBruce HansenVictoria IannottaSarah MackShirley RandlemanRobert SchnollRichard Warner

CPN Board of Directors