April 2010 – Page 3 – Frankford Gazette

Posted on April 18, 2010 by Pat Smiley

A Shout Out and A Thank You to the Phila. Police Officers of the 15th District!

I wrote about our good friend and neighbor who spotted a man jumping our garage door to pick out and up a few items! Well, I want to thank the officers of the 15th Police District led by Officer Brookes, Badge #1306, who responded so quickly on Friday. One of them had to jump our garage, too, and that’s not an easy task!

Because of their quick response, this man was caught. Many times, burglaries and thefts are crimes of opportunity. An unlocked car, unlocked or open window and someone looking to grab and go has come upon an ideal situation. We need to review our security plan to avoid such incidences. Today’s economic times are difficult and people resort to whatever they need to do to survive.

All the more reason, we depend on our police officers to be there when they are needed. Thank you for what you do each and every day. Yes, it is your job but to us it means so much more!

You may have read about Operation Pressure Point which is aimed at troubled neighborhoods during the warm weather weekends we’ll be having now and throughout the summer. Whose neighborhood isn’t troubled in warmer weather? 18 agencies are working together in this operation. Last weekend, I noticed more of a police presence when we were out and about. This effort is appreciated!

If we want the quality of life that I think we all desire, then we must work together to do whatever it takes to “clean up” our neighborhoods! Again, thank you Officer Brookes and the other police officers who came to our aid on Friday afternoon!

Posted on April 16, 2010 by Pat Smiley

Thankfully, Our Neighbor Had Our Back!

We were reminded today of how important neighbors are! We are very fortunate! During the bad weather this past winter, our kind neighbors used their snow blower and shovels to dig us out. While we recently traveled, trying to find the sun and its warmth, we knew that our watchful and protective neighbors would watch our house.

We went out mid-morning to Lowe’s and the bookstore and grabbed a quick lunch at Starbucks (someone had given us gift certificates). When we came home, I have to go around the corner because our street is one way and I always look to see if my parking space is available. When I looked down today, I saw 2 police cars and a police van. It looked like something BIG was going on!

When we pulled up, our neighbors motioned to the officers that we were the owners. A man, whom no one in the area recognized, had used our front patio to leap over our garage doors. Our neighbor, seeing this, wondered whether to intervene himself or call the police. We’re glad he called the police. They came quickly – that’s another post – and this man had broken into our RV and was taking a DVD player.

How many of us would have gotten involved, even willing to be a witness when the police asked? We hear stories of people who are frightened and afraid to get involved because of retribution. I do understand that. But if we don’t look out for each other, who will? Those who use a opportunity to steal and rob? Or those who do worse? I don’t think so.

Our neighbor is a hero. I told him that and he said he would tell his wife. I also told him we already knew that about him. God bless you, neighbor and friend! God bless all those who are willing to get involved and help their neighbors!

Posted on April 16, 2010April 15, 2010 by Gil

Coming Up in Frankford

Italian Style Family Dinner

When – Sat, April 17, 4:30pm – 8:00pm

Where – St. Joachim’s Church, 1527 Church Street, Phila., PA 19124 (map)

Description – MARK YOUR CALENDAR Every Third Wednesday from September thru May Italian Style Family Dinner The Dinners will be served from 4:30 PM to 8 PM in Fitzmaurice Hall Take-out will be available. COST: $8.00 for Adults, $4.00 for Children. Come Join us!
Northwood Civic Association Meeting

When – Tue, April 20, 7pm – 8pm

Where – St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. (map)
Frankford Garden Club Meeting

When – Tue, April 27, 6:30pm – 7:30pm

Where – Wissinoming Recreation Facility (map)

Description – we need to iron out Plant Sale plans and plan more trips! Bring your ideas and a bite to eat. Coffee and tea provided by Nancy.
Frankford Special Services District Board Meeting

When – Mon, May 3, 8:30am – 9:30am

Where – St. Mark’s Church, 4442 Frankford Ave, Griscom Street entrance. (map)

Description – Open to the public.
Rachael Ray Shines on Frankford High

When – Mon, May 3, 10am – 11am

Where – TV ABC (map)

Description – Rachael Ray show comes to Frankford.
Frankford Civic Association Meeting

When – Thu, May 6, 7pm – 8pm

Where – Frankford Hospital – 2nd floor conference room (map)
Frankford Garden Club Annual Day-Before-Mother’s Day Plant Sale

When – Sat, May 8, 9am – 10am

Where – In Front of the Frankford Library, corner of Frankford Ave and Overington St (map)

Description – We will have “Growing from Seed” Workshop at the Sale and at the Park VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
LOVE Your Park Day in Overington Park Planting, Mulching Flower Beds and “Growing From Seeds” Workshop

When – Sat, May 8, 12pm – 3pm

Where – Overington Park (map)

Description – LOVE Your Park Day in Overington Park Planting, Mulching Flower Beds and “Growing From Seeds” Workshop
Historical Society of Frankford program

When – Tue, May 11, 7:30pm – 9:00pm

Where – 1507 Orthodox St., Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

Description – FRANKFORD’s “SLOW FOOD” EFFORTS and LEGACY HSF Collections and Frankford Friends School Students HSF’s 2010 exhibit features aspects of food in Frankford and the Northeast. Frankford Friends School students have been researching food, urban farming (such as Kensington’s Greensgrow Farms — national leader in urban farming), and other aspects of slow food. View HSF’s display of historic food use, preparation, and storage items.