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Germantown Newspapers • Education
March 4, 2010
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Dine at Trolley Car, Help WCS
Families, staff and friends of Wissahickon Charter School will clean their plates for a very good cause during the week of March 15-21.
From Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 3 – 9 p.m., the Trolley Car Diner, 7619 Germantown Avenue, will donate 15 percent of all meal receipts from diners with WCS Helping Hands coupons.
Wissahickon Charter School, an urban, eco-centered K-8 school located in a former radio factory, emphasizes inquiry-based learning and an integrated approach to studying the human and environmental systems that make up our world. The idea for the seven-year-old school was conceived around a kitchen table by community educators, activists and parents.
Take a night off from cooking and show your support by bringing friends and family to the Trolley Car Diner during the week of March 15-21. You’ll also be helping to support a locally-owned, community-minded small business.
Diners must present a coupon in order for the school to benefit; coupons are available at the Wissahickon Charter School website, www.wissahickoncharter.org
More Than 70 Artists to Display Their Work at GFS Craft Show
Erin Castellan and Robert Siegel are two young, contemporary craft artists creating in their South Philadelphia studios. Both are drawn to rich, intense color, but their means of expression are very different. For Castellan it is knitwear. Siegel’s canvas is porcelain. While on the northern edge of the city, Tristram MacDonnell crafts custom furniture in his Germantown studio. The talents of all three have earned them coveted spots in the upcoming Germantown Friends School Juried Craft Show on March 5, 6, 7.
It was serendipity that brought Castellan and knitting together. A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design with a degree in textile design, she took a single knitting class in her final year. Graduation gave way to a job in a coffee shop where the early morning hours and lack of creativity frustrated her. A friend spotted a knitting machine advertised in the paper and told her to go look at it. “’It might change your life,’ she said, and it really has. “I have been slow in getting the designs up and running due to other work commitments, but now have the inventory necessary for participating in craft shows such as GFS.”
That inventory includes scarves, gloves and hats, all knit of certified organic merino wool, which Castellan promises is super soft, or sustainable fibers such as Tencel and bamboo.
Castellan’s pieces are created on a hand-powered Japanese knitting loom. She uses fine needles and hooks to create multi-dimensional designs, which are then felted, or finished by hand, once the pieces are off the machine. The machine speeds up the basic fabrication process, allowing more time for the creative structural designs. “A good deal of the initial design work is trial and error. You can really do as much as you have the patience to do.” An individual scarf may take anywhere from two to eight or more hours to create. Once the design is established, the artist enjoys sampling colors.
Pursuing ceramics is a passion that started when Robert Siegel was just a kid, in summer camp. The passion was rekindled later, in high school, and Siegel went on to become a studio art major with a concentration in Ceramics at Miami University of Ohio. “I never had the innate ability to draw, but I always enjoyed making art. It was only natural I found myself working in a three dimensional medium,” the South Philadelphia resident explains, “and the tactile nature of the material drew me in.”
His material of choice is porcelain, which he claims is the very best material for a potter to use. “It has no iron, no grit. It’s a beautiful pure white clay body with no impurities. Some people say it’s like making pots with cream cheese.”
After earning his B.F.A., Siegel, who has always been fascinated by Eastern cultures, completed a residency in Jingdezhen, China. “Jingdezhen is the birthplace of Chinese porcelain, the imperial kilns were located there, and the history and traditions of Chinese porcelain making go back over 1500 years.” I figured, ‘Why not go to the source?’”
Now Siegel is a full-time ceramist, spending hours on end at his potter’s wheel creating high-end gift items and dinnerware sets. He considers himself one of the luckiest people in the world. “I am doing what I really love to do.”
Both Castellan and Siegel say they are looking forward to the experience at Germantown Friends School, where they are among three artists in the Emerging Artists category, developed to offer opportunity to participate to Philadelphia-based artists who have never before shown their work in the GFS Show. The third is woodworker Tristram MacDonnell of Germantown.
Despite an economy that is still shaky, the show saw a 10 percent rise in applications for its 2010 show. “We weren’t quite sure what to expect this year,” says Jennifer Celata, Manager of the event. “Last year we saw a tremendous rise in applicants and thought we may have hit our peak. But we were thrilled to receive 330 applications this year, up 10% from last year. I think it’s a real testament to this gem of a show’s national reputation.” The 74 artists are coming to the GFS campus at Germantown Avenue and Coulter Streets from 21 states coast to coast, and represent some of the finest craft artists in the United States. Thirty are exhibiting at the GFS show for the first time.
The show takes place in two gyms on the school’s campus. Three local restaurateurs will serve their signature dishes in the Café des Artistes, open Saturday and Sunday during show hours. A Preview on Friday evening will offer a first look at the artists’ offerings as well as a silent auction of hand-crafted works donated by the exhibitors. Students will entertain and light refreshments will be served by Charles Roman Catering.
Proceeds of the event benefit community scholarship and general scholarship programs at Germantown Friends School. Since 1985, more than $1,050,000 has been raised, and close to $600,000 has been given to the Community Scholars Program, which supports qualified students from the community, and the General Scholarship Fund. A portion of the proceeds is also earmarked for special projects for the school.
The GFS Craft Show is located at Germantown Friends School, 31 West Coulter Street. Hours are: Friday, March 5, 6-9 p.m.; Saturday, March 6, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, March 7, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 per adult, $3 per student.
Admission for the Preview is $35, good for the entire weekend. Parking is free. Call (215) 301-4711 or visit www.germantownfriends.org/craftshow for information.
MALT Classes, Raffle, for Heli-Hiking Trip
Upcoming classes at Mt. Airy Learning Tree (MALT) include:
WL12, Women’s Next Work Adventure? Join us for an evening of exploration of mountain peaks, river quests, documentary filmmaking, clean-ups on Everest and more. Investigate all possibilities not only for your career but also for your heart and mind. “Can’t” and “No” are just not options. Come hear what women are doing that is not “traditional” work. Share in the joy of pushing yourself to find your own limits and to climb your own Everest. Class meets 7 - 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, at Summit Presbyterian Church, Greene and Westview streets. The cost is $19. Instructor Kellie Erwin of CMH Heli-Hiking holds a B.A. in Outdoor Education and a master’s degree in Health Education.
Then, on Thursday, March 18, also 7-9 p.m. at Summit Presbyterian, there’s AC34, Photography from Around the World: Exploring Nature with Your Camera. It’s not just about the technical side of photography; it’s also about what captures you in nature. Come explore the world through the eyes of a mountain/nature photographer. Learn firsthand the tricks and moments of capturing the shot. Share the joy of putting your impressions and view of the outdoors into a photographic story. The cost is $19.
To register call 215-843-6333 or go to mtairylearningtree.org. Walk-ins are welcome.
Erwin and Lazarski, with CMH Heli-Hiking, are donating fees for the above classes to MALT’s Make This Our home fundraising campaign. Students in these classes are automatically entered in a raffle for a Heli-Hiking Trip for one (approximate value $2495). The drawing will be held at 9 p.m. after Lazarski’s photography class on March 18. You need not be present to win.
Johnson House Reschedules Essays
Due to the recent heavy regional snowfall the 322nd Annual Freedom Essay Contest at the Johnson House Historic Site, 6306 Germantown Avenue, originally scheduled to be held on Sunday, February 21, has been cancelled. The rescheduled date for this event is Sunday, March 14 from 3-5 p.m.
The JHHS Freedom Essay Contest, “Commemorating the 322nd Anniversary of the First Protest Against Slavery,” encourages school students in grade groups 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12 to submit essays on three topics: “What is the difference between protest yesterday and protest today?”; “What was the impact of the civil rights movement?”; and “What impact does protest have on society?” First place and runner up prizes will be awarded for each grade group. Three students will each win $100, while three runners-up will each win $25. All winners chosen will present their essays during a public program spotlighting their leadership achievement in front of their parents/guardians, community and the JHHS Board of Directors.
JHHS will also recognize Mr. Scott K. Bass for his many years of service and dedication to youth. Mr. Bass, vice president of Operations at the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, lives in Mt.Airy and is the president of the local chapter of Concerned Black Men, an international civic organization which provides educational and life enriching experiences for minority youth.
This is a FREE educational and inspirational event. For more information, call 215-438-1768.
The Johnson House Historic Site, Inc. is a National Historic Landmark and treasure. In addition, the Johnson House is a leading educational site providing experiential learning opportunities for understanding the Underground Railroad and the struggle against slavery. The authenticity of this historic building and surrounding grounds provide rich encounters with history and evidences of the past in a tangible way.
Apply for KAP Scholarships
The Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., one of the nine predominately African American national Greek letter organizations, is seeking applicants for its annual Hiliary H. Holloway, Esquire Scholarship Award program. The chapter’s scholarship program, named after the late Hiliary H. Holloway, Esquire, a past Grand Polemarch and Laurel Wreath recipient of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, as well as a longtime member of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter, is designed to aid promising minority male students in the public high schools of Philadelphia who are planning to matriculate in college following their graduation from high school.
Applications and further information can be obtained from the student’s principal and/or guidance counselor. Applications can also be downloaded from Philadelphia Alumni Chapter’s web site, www.phillykappas.org. All applications must be postmarked by March 27 to be considered.
The amount of the award is $2,000. A total of four of these scholarships will be awarded. In addition, a new scholarship award for $1,000 - the Ramon Gregory Scholarship -has been established beginning in 2010. The fraternity uses all of its scholarship grants to enhance the opportunities for minority males to acquire a college education. The organization seeks to reach and assist those young men who have demonstrated academic promise but have not necessarily accumulated the highest averages. Additionally, the need for financial assistance is fundamental. Students who meet these criteria should contact their Principal or guidance counselor about the scholarship opportunity being offered by the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter immediately. For further information, call 610-827-7335.
GFS Stars in MathCounts
The GFS Middle School MathCounts club: (front row) Matt Wilson, Oliver Fox, Veena Advani, Annie Block; (center row) Taara Advani, Camille Choe, Sophie Trotto, Liana Spiro, Madie Lee; (rear) Leland Reardon and coach Matt Zipin.
On Saturday, Feb. 13, when most of Philadelphia was sleeping (or digging out), the Germantown Friends School MathCounts team earned second place in the Philadelphia Chapter competition against ten other schools at Temple University. Lee Reardon of Mt. Airy, a GFS 8th grader, finished first overall in the city.
The official GFS team consisted of all 8th graders: Lee Reardon, Veena Advani (who finished in the top ten), Oliver Fox and Camille Choe. Four additional GFS contestants took the same tests: 8th grader Madie Lee and 7th graders Taara Advani, Liana Spiro and Sophie Trotto. All of the GFS participants finished in the top half of all contestants.
Lee and Veena, by virtue of a top-10 finish in the written part of the competition, competed in the CountDown Round, where two contestants face each other in a one on one duel to see who can answer questions first. Lee not only won the written competition but won the CountDown round as well. He will be going to the State competition at the end of March, representing GFS, for the second year in a row.
The GFS MathCounts team is coached by two Upper School math teachers, Matt Zipin and Dave Mraz.
For Parents of Special Needs Kids
Special Parents of Exceptional Children (SPEC), a group founded and run by parents of children with special needs, invites you to come and share with other parents the triumphs and challenges of raising a child with special needs. SPEC’s purpose is to provide support and information. We meet monthly during the school year and welcome parents and caregivers of children of all ages and types of needs. We love newcomers.
On March 6, 1-3 p.m., at Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Avenue, we welcome Robert Naseef, psychologist and author, who is also a parent of a child with a disability. He will speak on “Raising a Child with Special Needs: Maintaining Balance While Surfing Your Stress.”
Whenever you care a lot, stress can mount, and you can feel “burned out.” This workshop will focus on understanding this common reaction and introduce you to concrete methods for reducing stress. We will learn about the impact of stress, how to identify stressors, how to get in touch with your feelings, and basic stress reduction techniques. No RSVP is necessary. There is no child care at the meetings.
For more information, call Jean at 215-913-9027 or email JFMcCou@aol.com.
Dr. Suess
Come on over to the Lovett Memorial Branch Library, 6945 Germanown Avenue, to celebrate the 104th birthday of Dr. Suess at “Dr. Seuss is on the Loose” on Tuesday, March 2, at 6:30 p.m. Seuss-themed stories, crafts and activities will be sure to delight children ages 5-12. No pre-registration is required. For more information please call 215-685-2095.
Big Backyard Winter Funfest
The Big Backyard’s annual Winter Funfest will be held February 20, 2:30 - 6:30 p.m. at Grace Epiphany Episcopal Church, 240 East Gowen Avenue.
Back by popular demand, kids will be dancing to the music at the Fabulous Big Backyard Disco! This BBY fundraiser will also feature a bouncy castle, lots of yummy food (plan to stay for dinner!), fun games and prizes, great crafts, face painting, and lots more. Activities are geared to kids aged 2 to 8 years, but all ages are welcome.
Admission is $6 per person, not to exceed $24 per family; children aged younger than 1 year are admitted free.
The Big Backyard is a licensed, accredited, parent-run cooperative preschool founded in 1952, for kids aged from 2 years, 7 months to pre-K. For more information, call 215-248-0919.
School District Special Ed Services
The Northwest Region Office of the School District of Philadelphia offers a full array of special education programs and services for students with disabilities. Under federal and state law, each eligible child has the right to a free and appropriate public education. If you have a child thought to be eligible, call the special education desk of The Northwest Region Office at 215-248-6684, or your neighborhood school to receive additional information. Regional Office and school staff members are available to discuss issues regarding special education services program and procedural safeguards.
Workshop for Education of Young Children
Do you care for or work with children under 8 years old? Are you a member of a faith-based organization that works with children? If so, join us for a free workshop on Saturday, February 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Wadsworth Branch of the Free Library, 1500 Wadsworth Avenue.
The Care to Read presenter will be Yvonne Ellison. Learn about everyday activities that you can do to create a literacy-enriched environment for children. Learn ways to develop or improve children’s language and reading skills. Get a book!
Space is limited. Please call 215-681-0928 by February 24 to register to attend this workshop.
Brazilian Music for Adults at NXNW
On Saturday, February 20, at 7 p.m., at North by Northwest, 7165 Germantown Ave., the 8th graders from the Project Learn School (PLS) in Mt. Airy will host an electrifying evening of Brazilian music with Jim Hamilton’s “Brasil Project“ featuring Brazilian singer Anne Simoni and special guest appearances from members of Alo Brasil. The night will open with folk singer and PLS science teacher Liam Gallagher. In a correction from last week’s press release: this event is for adults only.
Tickets are $20 and all proceeds support the PLS 8th-grade community service trip. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Buy your tickets in advance, and receive free entry into the grand prize raffle.
Tickets are available for advance purchase by calling 215 438-3623 or online. Go to www.projectlearnschool.org/support, click the donation link, and enter “Costa Rica ticket donation” in the additional comments section.
KAP Cooks to Raise Funds for Haiti
The Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., one of the nine predominately African-American national Greek letter organizations, is once again seeking applicants for its annual Hiliary H. Holloway, Esquire Scholarship Award program. The chapter’s scholarship program, named after the late Hiliary H. Holloway, Esquire, a past Grand Polemarch and Laurel Wreath recipient of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, as well as a longtime member of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter, is designed to aid promising minority male students in the public high schools of Philadelphia who are planning to matriculate in college following their graduation from high school.
Applications and further information can be obtained from the student’s principal and/or guidance counselor. Applications can also be downloaded from Philadelphia Alumni Chapter’s web site, phillykappas.org. All applications must be postmarked by March 27 to be considered.
The amount of the award is $2,000. A total of four of these scholarships will be awarded in 2010. In addition, a new scholarship award for $1,000 - the Ramon Gregory Scholarship -has been established beginning in 2010. The fraternity uses all of its scholarship grants to enhance the opportunities for minority males to acquire a college education. The organization seeks to reach and assist those young men who have demonstrated academic promise but have not necessarily accumulated the highest averages. Additionally, the need for financial assistance is fundamental. Students who meet these criteria should contact their Principal or guidance counselor about the scholarship opportunity being offered by the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter immediately. For further information, call 610-827-7335.
Scholarship Gala at Chestnut Hill College
The first annual Chestnut Hill College Scholarship Gala will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. in the Rotunda of St. Joseph Hall, 9601 Germantown Avenue.
Guests will enjoy cocktails and dinner and will have the opportunity to meet Chestnut Hill College students who are assisted by academic scholarships. Highlights of the evening include dancing and a performance by students from the College’s Music Department. College President Carol Jean Vale, SSJ, Ph.D. will speak on the importance of supporting academic scholarships. Proceeds from the event will fund Chestnut Hill College academic scholarships.
“Chestnut Hill College strives to keep a college education rooted in Catholic values within reach for our students and families,” says Ken Hicks, M.B.A., vice president for Institutional Advancement. “For many, the scholarship support they receive makes all the difference.”
Tickets are $175 a person. Event sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available. The Scholarship Gala is black tie optional.
For information call Jessica Hannan at 215-753-3666 or e-mail hannanj@chc.ed. To purchase gala tickets online go to www.chc.edu/gala/gala.html
Simon Gratz Reunion
The Class of January 1965 (73/65) of Simon Gratz High School will be celebrating its 45th class reunion on Saturday, April 10 at the school at 1 p.m. For more information contact Charlotte Hatcher Conway at 215-927-1079, e-mail conway7828@juno.com.
Art Grant to Parkway School
As part of its efforts to keep the arts alive in Philadelphia schools, the Picasso Project, an arts advocacy program of Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), presented grants totaling $40,000 to nine Philadelphia public schools in a ceremony Wednesday, February 3 at the World Café Live.
The grants, ranging from $4,000 to $4,790, will fund and support projects designed and driven by classroom teachers and other school staff, and enriched by the participation of community-based artists and arts organizations.
The nine projects were chosen from 25 proposals submitted by elementary, middle and high schools.
The grants include one of $4,500 to Parkway Northwest High School for Peace and Social Justice, 7500 Germantown Avenue, for its project “Putting the Arts into SHARE.” The Peace school has adopted a question to be answered by all students this year: What happens when we are aware of other cultures?
Many areas of focus will be explored such as Mahatma Gandhi, global markets, and human rights. The country of India, the Congo, and African and Latin American countries will be explored in regards to colonization and space.
Mentoring Program
Attention parents, guardians, and friends: Connections Training Services Mentoring Program is established to make an impact in the life of a child whose parent or family member is incarcerated. We are looking for participants between the age of 4-18, living in the Philadelphia area, who want to attend fun and exciting events throughout the year with a mentor. For information call 215-430-0381, ext. 5535.
