CreekSide Co-op Groundbreaking Set for Feb. 2

CreekSide Co-op, the member-owned food co-op set to open in Elkins Park later this year, will hold a Groundbreaking Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, to mark the start of renovations on its new home at 7909 High School Road. There will be a reception following the groundbreaking at The Frame House, located just across the street at 7900 High School Road. CreekSide Co-op is set to complete the purchase of the site on January 17. Construction is anticipated to take approximately six months, with the 9,000-square-foot grocery store opening sometime early in the Fall of 2012.

Offering sustainably raised produce, kosher meats, organic bulk foods, a café and community meeting place, this full-service grocery store will be a major asset in and of itself, but the opening of CreekSide Co-op in the former home of Ashbourne Market will bring a huge boost to the Elkins Park East commercial district. “It will be great having a co-op grocery store open-to-the-public right around the corner, selling local and organic produce and a full range of quality groceries,” said CreekSide Board President Max Minkoff, “but almost as important is the positive impact this member-owned store will have on the local economy: the taxes we will pay, the foot traffic we will generate, and the local multiplier effect of all this local investment, not to mention close to fifty jobs in the first year.”

The purchase and renovation are significant steps toward the end of a journey that began four years ago, when over 200 neighbors crammed into Elkins Park Library to discuss the idea of starting a co-op. Since that time, over 1,300 households have joined, investing $214,000 in member equity and another $280,000 in member loans, while the board of directors worked to assemble a financing package that includes $3.5 million in funding from Vantage Point Bank and The Reinvestment Fund, with guarantees from the USDA. CreekSide Co-op also runs the CreekSide Co-op Farmers Market, which for the past two years has operated Sundays from May through October at High School Park. For more information about CreekSide Co-op, visit www.creekside.coop.

Law Enforcement Responds to Local Crime Wave

Through the joint efforts of East Mt. Airy Neighbors and West Mount Airy Neighbors a community meeting was held in the Brossman Center of the Lutheran Theological Seminary on Thursday January 12.  Well attended, upwards of 150 were present to hear comments from all levels of local and national law enforcement..

Officials from the 14th District through to the FBI were present to discuss what was clearly defined as a recent crime wave with a 16% increase in burglaries in the last few months in Mt. Airy alone, and even higher rates of increase in the Germantown area.  Also discussed was the number or murders city-wide and in the 14th District, with at least four of them being in the Germantown and Mt. Airy communities in the last month.

Former Mt Airy ward leader and now Community Liaison to the District Attorney Seth Williams, Vernon Price conducted the program and the first speaker was DA Williams.  He expounded on his personal experiences growing up in this city and with repeat offenders being one of the major problems being faced and it was acknowledged that many of these local burglaries were being committed by some of the same individuals who had been caught and are now back in the community through light sentences or failure to prosecute previous crimes.  Williams stated that when he took office that 59% of cases brought before judges were dismissed through some failure of the prosecution to have the case in order, or the witnesses present.  Additionally he spoke of the one single aspect all Philadelphia criminals have in common - - that being their lack of having finished high school.  Stressing the importance of education and opportunity as remedies, he vowed toward continuing to regionalize the District Attorney’s office so that the prosecutors and neighbors would know each other and assist in better control of the case load. Williams stated that 5% of the criminals cause 60% of the crimes, and therefore recidivism is a major issue. Making the case that many of these issues are crimes of opportunity he stressed that awareness and prevention on the part of the citizens are the first steps to remedial action.

Commissioner Ramsey introduced himself as both neighbor and Commissioner as he purchased a home on Lincoln Drive when he moved to this city.  He also focused on repeat offenders and light sentences that created some of the revolving door justice that is challenging the police with regularity. Making his point he said he “believed in second chances, but not fourth chances” and credited observant neighbors who report anything suspicious and inconsistent as the best way to combat the recent rash of break-ins on the same streets.

Captain Dales of the 14th District also told of his being born in Mt Airy and being familiar with the area and its issues. Pointing out the size of the 14th District he emphasized the importance of organized Town Watch and community vigilance.  As to recent significant increases in break-ins he stated that there was not a discernable pattern in perpetrators as they ran in age from 12 to 55.  He praised Carpenter Woods Town Watch in helping to both apprehend and prevent further crime in that area.

SEPTA police officers were present and offered assistance to the community at stations and with complaints with security and lighting.  Feedback to SEPTA about ongoing issues was discussed.

Winton Singletary, former 14th District Captain and now Chief of Detectives in the Northwest Sector spoke of the extensive territory they cover and also remarked that he lives in West Mt. Airy and is very familiar with the issues that are not prioritized.  He made a point of the fact that identity fraud is now one of the crimes that faces all of us and reinforced idea of careful disposal of personal information that had been discussed earlier.

Tanya Jetter of the FBI told of how information sharing helps local police and how programs they have adopted in recent years are more tailored to the community.

Deborah Nash, recently appointed Assistant District Attorney for the Northwest Sector told of her background in prosecution of violent and repeat offenders in her 21 year career with the Philadelphia Office of the District Attorney.  She also is an area resident.

Comments by other FBI and District Attorney representatives rounded out that portion of the program and it was turned over to questions from the community.  Clearly concerns as to the nature and increased frequency came from the audience that was representative of both community groups and town watch members. Law Enforcement officials stressed that community vigilance and reporting as the first line of defense against these challenges to person and property.

Closing remarks were made by newly elected councilperson Cindy Bass who noted the importance of facing these issues and thanking those whose large turnout and suggestions were the valuable feedback that is needed.

 Editor’s Note:  During the public discussion section I identified myself and told the group of having attended many of these sessions on crime in the Northwest over last three year and found a common thread.  The 14th as the city district serving the most individuals has a logistical problem in the extended territory it has to cover; made only worse by the recent crime increase. I suggest a logistical change that would separate Chestnut Hill from the district and move it to the adjacent 5th District for coverage, and to change the Southern border of the 14th back to Wayne Junction a natural barrier and where it once was.  This would give the 14th the opportunity to concentrate on Germantown and Mt. Airy where the crime is concentrated.

 

Jim Foster

Editor   

Chelten Plaza Funding Request Rejected

What may be the final development in the controversial Chelten Plaza project made its way to the public in the last week or so.

While the $3 million RACP funding initially approved by Governor Rendell was approved by the Pa House on December 19, 2011 as part of a package of 197 projects statewide, a later request for an additional $1 million from developer Pat Burns of Pulaski Partners was removed from consideration according to reliable sources.

The additional $1 million was requested during the process where neighborhood challenges to how the initial funding was approved, and how the developer used questionable means to by-pass Zoning Codes and acquire building permits delayed the process and altered time frames for completion.

Although Mayor Nutter sent a letter to Governor Corbett requesting this additional $1 million be approved, the Corbett administration rejected the request. 

City Evicts Central Germantown Council

by Jim Foster

Editor

In a surprising reversal of past practice the City of Philadelphia, through its Parks and Recreation Department, formally evicted the Central Germantown Council from its offices at the Vernon House in Vernon Park.

By formal letter dated January 2, 2012, the CGC was given 120 day notice to the organization, its tenants and caretaker under the terms of a lease which the letter stated actually expired on January 31, 1994.

The letter also states that what has been called the “Vernon House” was actually known as “Wister House”. Information being circulated through the community is that the city is looking for a tenant who can contribute to a revitalized Germantown.  Some community members have petitioned newly-elected Councilwoman Cindy Bass to consider the site as an option for her community office.

The city’s Commerce Department has confirmed cutting all funding to the CGC and the related Germantown Special Services District has also ceased to operate as the designated entity that kept the central Germantown business district streets and sidewalk area cleaned.  A few years back the city reduced the funding of the CGC after some operational irregularities and record keeping inconsistent with its 50lc3 status were noted.

The Commerce Department is interested in renewing a relationship with responsible and capable parties to help reinvigorate Germantown through its Corridor Management Program that is federally funded with an annual application process.  Kevin Dow of Commerce stated they are prioritizing Germantown issues and want to hear from all stakeholders.

The Germantown Special Services District is a defined program that operates on funds assessed to all businesses in the corridor district and whose purpose is to maintain the district’s streets and assist in positive business development.  It has been inactive in recent months.

Germantown Y Changes Name

by Jim Foster

Editor

The annual membership meeting of the Germantown Y took place Jan. 14 as the organization reflected on what has been accomplished since its September 2010 reincarnation.

Closed for an extended period as a result of a July 2008 flood and management issues, a new board and volunteer force, coupled with upgrades to the facility and its pool, are now offering all the services this Germantown landmark was famous for, including exercise, Olympic swimming pool, steam and sauna rooms, weight room and expansive facilities that serve any number of community based needs.  Expanded programs and training are part of the new focus that is planned to affect the quality of life in Germantown for families and individuals of all ages.

Part of the process of reopening included making a clear distinction between being a member of the YMCA national organization and a self-contained community center that offered all that a Y did and much more.

The membership voted to make a formal name change of the institution to the Germantown Life Enrichment Center.  A sub heading under the new name explains its history and mission when it states:  “An historic interfaith association for culture and fitness.”

The meeting of Members and Directors then discussed issues of how the organization would upgrade its facilities further and make the larger Germantown community aware of its broad based approach to serving needs at all levels.

Martin Luther King Day in Vernon Park

On January 16th 36 volunteers came together in Vernon Park to honor Dr. Martin Luther King’s memory.  The day of service was organized by Friends of Vernon Park with support from the Parks and Recreation Commission.  Volunteers came from Villanova University, Germantown Friends School, the Tookany/Tacony Frankford Watershed Partnership and the neighborhood. 

The weather was bitterly cold at 9:30 am, but the volunteers warmed up quickly by raking up leaves and trash from the garden beds near Germantown Avenue and clearing leaves from the rain garden swales in front of the Center in the Park.  After a brief lunch break the Villanova University volunteers, led by Kyra Simon, continued by clearing out debris from behind the storage shed and constructing “fantasy” fences around 5 young trees planted last fall. Despite the frozen ground and the need for deep post holes the work was completed.

We encourage everyone in Germantown to walk in Vernon Park and see the fences and enjoy the park.

Ruth Seeley & Sue Finch

Friends of Vernon Park

Philly Youth Propose Solutions to Create Nonviolent Schools & Communities

In honor of Dr. King’s legacy of nonviolence, youth and adults from around Philadelphia packed the Community Engagement Center at Arch St. Methodist Church to take action to create nonviolent schools and communities. Youth leaders from the Campaign for Nonviolent Schools hosted an expert panel of youth and adults along with workshops designed to provide skills and steps that students, teachers, parents, and community members can take to end structural, interpersonal, and bias violence in our schools and communities. Some of the panel speakers included Steve Korr from the International Institute for Restorative Practices, Helen Gym, board member of Asian Americans United, and youth leader Joshua Glenn of CNS and the Youth Art & Self-Empowerment Project (YASP).

In attendance at the event were not just students, parents, and teachers, but also representatives from the School District, the City, and the State. SRC Member Lorene Cary, Safe Schools Advocate Kelley Hodge, Councilman Bill Green, State Representative Vanessa Brown, and State Representative Ronald Waters attended as participants for the panel and workshops, continuing to show their support for young people.

The Campaign for Nonviolent Schools (CNS) has been working since 2009 to engage leaders of the School District and the community in developing alternatives to current school models. In the 2008-2009 school year alone there were almost 3,000 school-based arrests, despite continued research that shows that the criminalization of youth only leads to more frequent arrests and lost education time, not reductions in violent incidents. 

“We know that more police in schools and increased arrests are not the solution,” says Joshua Glenn, a youth leader of CNS and YASP. “As leaders in the community it is up to us to define what the solutions are. That is what today was about.”

In addition to looking at ways to end the criminalization of young people, there was also a workshop focusing on ending ongoing patterns of bias violence. Nancy Nguyen, of BPSOS and CNS, said, “We want schools where the entire community confronts bias violence and takes a stand against such messages of hate, schools where young people have the opportunity to engage in making positive change.”

Workshops at the event included Implementing Restorative Practices, Ending Bias Violence, Creating Nonviolent Schools, and Stolen Dreams: The Impact of Trying Young People as Adults.  This event is free and open to the public.

GFS Community Celebrates Martin Luther King Day

On Monday, January 16, Germantown Friends School participated in the 17th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service. More than 600 volunteers, including GFS students, parents, staff, alumni, neighbors and friends, took part in a variety of activities, both on and off campus, followed by a celebratory luncheon. This is the seventeenth-straight year that GFS has participated is this region-wide event.

Participants broke out into 31 projects that included sewing fleece hats, scarves and mittens for Germantown residents; pie, cookie, cupcake, soup and bread making for Covenant House and the Holsey Temple food ministry; peace and Civil Rights-themed card-making for residents of area retirement homes; turning wooden bowls for the Northwest Interfaith Hospitality Network’s Empty Bowl Dinner; collecting, sorting and delivering men’s clothing to Holsey Temple CME church; and creating books-on-tape for the Philadelphia Reads Literacy Program.

All projects benefited the school’s immediate Germantown neighbors.

“Dr. King and Quakers worked together for many years,” says Kathy Paulmier, director of community involvement at GFS. “The non-violent approach to conflict resolution, speaking truth to power, and calling on the best in people to work for a more just and humane world are Friends’ tenets, too. It makes sense to coordinate and amplify the work we do the rest of the year on this day, in [Dr. King’s] name.

“To be an active and participatory neighbor in this urban neighborhood is a high priority for our school and my program,” Paulmier adds. “[MLK Day] gives us an opportunity to work in concert with neighbors and share resources and ideas, but equally, if not more important, it offers the opportunity to build a sense of community, a sense of connection between people.”

Pilates of Germantown: Hometown Devotion

by Scott Alloway

Associate Editor

Jeff Smith is a hometown guy, born and raised in Germantown and enamored with everything that Germantown has been, is and could be.

He grew up in Germantown, attended Germantown High School, taught scool locally and when he retired a few years ago, decided to build a business that fit the needs of the community.

What that business would be was still a question mark as he settled into retirement.

In the course of his off time, he began working out at Red Mountain, a Pilates studio in the neighborhood. Smith found the process both relaxing and a positive way to build tone.

But six months into the process, problems arose. Red Mountain went out of busines and he was left with no place local to go.

"When they closed, I needed to do something," Smith said. “I decided to do Pilates in Germantown.”

Smith was fortunate in his search for space. The building at 5904 Greene Street had an available space — space right next door to his home.

“It took six months to pull things together,” he added. “Valley Green Bank was kind enough to lend me money.”

He found a trainer and opened his doors in November, 2008.

“I'm still learning abut the business,” Smith said. He handled the business end while his trainer worked with the clientle.

In developing his programs, he put together classes, private instruction and double or triple person sessions. Pilates of Germantown offers scheduled classes six days a week with group sessions 55 minutes in length, Individual and small multiple groups are one hour long sessions.

“Pilates puts together a mat concept which provides resistance training,” Smith explained. Joseph Pilates developed the process while being held as a detainee in World War I.

“He worked with other detainees on the mat to stay in shape and developed his system,." Smith continued After the war he went to Germany and then to the U.S. where he settled in Manhattan and opened a studio.”

Smith stressed that Pilates works with major muscle groups, emphasizing developing tone, not muscle mass. He sees it as an ideal process for women looking to stay or get in shape without bulking up.

“You get toned, not muscular,” he said.

For information on the Pilates of Germantown program, contact Smith at 215-848-3275 or on the web at pilatesingermantown.com.

CHC Opens Psychological Services Clinic in Flourtown

The Department of Professional Psychology at Chestnut Hill College has opened a clinic for psychological services in Flourtown, Pa. to serve the local community.

Currently, the Psychological Services Clinic of Chestnut Hill College (PSC-CHC) provides affordable psychoeducational, psychosocial, and diagnostic assessment services to children, adolescents, college students and older adults living in the greater Philadelphia area. All testing and assessments will be conducted by practicum students and pre-doctoral interns enrolled in the College’s Doctor of Psychology program. Licensed clinical psychologists on the faculty of the College’s Department of Professional Psychology will directly supervise all of the assessments. Fees for services can be negotiated based on a client’s ability to pay.

The new clinic provides a wide range of assessment services, ranging from brief diagnostic tests to comprehensive batteries. These include assessment for:

• Learning Disabilities

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• Personality

• Behavior Disorders

• Intellectual Abilities

• Academic Achievement

•Clinical/Diagnostic

Beginning in the fall of 2012, the clinic will also offer psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families.   They will be performed by pre-doctoral students and interns, and will be supervised by licensed psychologists on the faculty.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide low cost, high quality psychological services to individuals in the Philadelphia area while supporting Chestnut Hill College’s mission of service to the community, says Jeanne DiVincenzo, Psy.D., assistant professor of psychology and director of the Psychological Services Clinic of Chestnut Hill College. The College and the Department of Professional Psychology have been working on this project for a long time, and it is exciting to see it is come to fruition. The need for these services in the community is great, as evidenced by the growing number of referrals from schools, colleges, and therapists who are grateful to have our services to offer their students and clients.  We will be able to provide a high quality of care for those who would otherwise be unable to afford these services, with licensed faculty members supervising our students and interns. I am very happy to be a part of the development of this project.  Not only does the clinic help those in the community, but it provides our pre-doctoral students with great opportunities for supervised clinical training.”

The Psychological Services Clinic of Chestnut Hill College is open by appointment Monday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and Friday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information, visit www.chc.edu/psc or call 215-233-1914.

Circus Arts School Plans Valentine’s Workshop

Double the love this year with double the circus fun.  Love is in the air at Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (PSCA) with “Double the Love:  Intro Circus Workshop” on Saturday, February 11 at 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

During this Valentine's Day-inspired workshop, couples/pairs will fly during doubles trapeze, work together in doubles acrobatics, and balance on doubles tightwire.  This first-ever workshop will take place at PSCA, 5900A Greene Street. Free parking is available.  Workshop activities are geared towards beginners with no special experience or skills required. “Double the Love” is $25 per person, and open to anyone 16 years and older.  Advanced reservations are required. For additional information, call (215) 849-1991.

PSCA is the region’s center of contemporary circus arts.  PSCA presents professional and student productions during the year. Seasoned faculty lead a curriculum featuring aerials (static trapeze, corde lisse, aerial silks and lyra), juggling, unicycling, tightwire, tumbling, acrobatics, Chinese pole, and physical conditioning.  In addition to ongoing classes, PSCA also offers introductory workshops, birthday parties, rental space, summer camp and special guest performances.

PRO-ACT Family Addiction Education Program Serves Philadelphia Communities

Sessions begin week of Feb. 1 in North Philadelphia and Northern Liberties; and Feb. 7 in Northeast Philadelphia.

Each month PRO-ACT (Pennsylvania Recovery Organization–Achieving Community Together) hosts a Family Addiction Education Program to help individuals and family recognize and address an addiction problem in a spouse, parent, child or other loved one. Facilitated by trained volunteers who have been in the same situation, these information and support programs run one evening a week for three consecutive weeks at three locations in Philadelphia.

Sessions in Northeast Philadelphia meet on the first three Tuesdays of the month, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at CORA Services.

In North Philadelphia, sessions are held on the first three Wednesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Philadelphia Recovery Community Center.

Sessions are also held on the first three Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the PRO-ACT office in Northern Liberties.

Sessions are free and confidential—first names only. Pre-registration is required. To register, call 800-221-6333, weekdays 9 a.m. through 5 p.m., at, or visit www.proact.org and click the Family Education Program link.

NPIHN Hosts ‘Real Estate Rock Star” in Housing Initiative Benefit

Frank McKinney, once described by the Wall Street Journal as a “real estate rock czar,” made his fortune developing beachfront mansions in Florida.  Now he uses his marketing skills and business savvy to draw public attention to the needs of the poor in America and overseas. McKinney will make Northwest Philadelphia a stop on his current “Survival to Thrival” tour this month. His appearance here at a free event on Jan. 26 at 6:45pm at Lutheran Theological Seminary, 7301 Germantown Avenue in the Brossman Center, will benefit the Northwest Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network (NPIHN) and its transformational housing initiative for homeless families.

In his new book “The Tap,” McKinney explains why he believes that true success in life comes from what you do for others.  He tells the story of his inspirational journey from being “down and out”, leaving home with $50 in his pocket at age 18 to becoming a philanthropist who seeks to make a difference both here and abroad. Through his Caring House Project Foundation, funded by many of Florida’s rich and famous, McKinney is on a sixteen city East Coast bus tour this month to draw attention to the work of food pantries and homeless shelters.  McKinney has committed to donate $25 to NPIHN for each person who attends the 30 minute inspirational session.  NPIHN hopes to attract 400 people to the event and raise $10,000 towards rehabilitating a blighted property in Germantown to create an affordable rental opportunity for a currently homeless family.

“How many times do we get a chance to provide financial assistance to an organization we support by just showing up at an event?” said Robert Rossman, NPIHN’s Board president. “This is a great opportunity for everyone in our community who supports NPIHN’s work to help us do more to help our neighbors who need our assistance.”

According to Rachel Falkove, NPIHN’s Executive Director, “These are difficult times for non profits, with shrinking government funds and diminishing foundation grants. We are more dependent than ever on “compassionate capitalists”, the term that McKinney uses to describe himself and the people he builds houses for. He does his work in a unique and entertaining way, definitely more South Beach than Mt Airy style, but it’s going to take all of us working together to help our neighbors overcome poverty and homelessness. “

Earth Bread and Brewery is giving 15% off coupons for dinner to attendees who pre-register in advance on NPIHN’s website.  To pre-register go to http://www.philashelter.org/content/events. 

If you cannot attend the event but would like to make a $25 donation, please go to philashelter.org/how-to-help/make-a-donation.

For more information or to register contact Lulu, Network Associate at 215-247-4663 (137).

Fern Rock Transportation Center Study Proposal

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission recently published a study that might be of interest to your readers. DVRPC’s Fern Rock Intermodal Study and Concept Plan explores passenger access and ridership patterns at Fern Rock Transportation Center, and proposes a conceptual station Master Plan for near- and long-term improvements to the facility. A few key takeaway proposals from the report are:

· The critical need for pedestrian station access from the east (currently passengers need to drive, walk one mile around, or trespass across the tracks)

· We scoped out a relatively inexpensive first phase which would address each of the key needs we identified (including access from the east) for less than $5M

· We developed a long-range station master plan that consolidates three surface parking lots into a new parking garage and makes numerous additional improvements to passenger access, but does so by retrofitting much of the existing facility (i.e., no need for a total tear-down/rebuild, which would be much more expensive and disruptive to passengers)

The project is currently on SEPTA’s aspirational/unfunded capital projects list for Philadelphia. You can access the report here:http://www.dvrpc.org/asp/pubs/publicationabstract.asp?pub_id=11013. If you have any questions about the study, please contact Greg Krykewycz at 215-238-2945 o rgkrykewycz@dvrpc.org.

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In This Issue

CreekSide Co-op Groundbreaking Set for Feb. 2

CreekSide Co-op, the member-owned food co-op set to open in Elkins Park later this year, will hold a Groundbreaking Ceremony at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, to mark the start of renovations on its new home at 7909 High School Road. There will be a reception following the groundbreaking at The Frame House, located just across the street at 7900 High School Road. CreekSide Co-op is set to complete the purchase of the site on January 17. Construction is anticipated to take approximately six months, with the 9,000-square-foot grocery store opening sometime early in the Fall of 2012.

More below...

Law Enforcement Responds to Local Crime Wave

Through the joint efforts of East Mt. Airy Neighbors and West Mount Airy Neighbors a community meeting was held in the Brossman Center of the Lutheran Theological Seminary on Thursday January 12.  Well attended, upwards of 150 were present to hear comments from all levels of local and national law enforcement..

Officials from the 14th District through to the FBI were present to discuss what was clearly defined as a recent crime wave with a 16% increase in burglaries in the last few months in Mt. Airy alone, and even higher rates of increase in the Germantown area.  Also discussed was the number or murders city-wide and in the 14th District, with at least four of them being in the Germantown and Mt. Airy communities in the last month.

More below ...