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The Northeast Frankford Boys and Girls Club is Coming Back

The Northeast Frankford Boys and Girls Club advisory council has been hard at work this year raising funds and organizing to make much needed improvements to the facility at 1709 Kinsey Street.  I stopped by this past Saturday, September 27th, to have a look at the progress.  Some members of the Sixers organization were volunteering their time as well as some familiar faces from the neighborhood.  Paint was on the agenda and as you can see they were hard at work.  The new computers are up ad running already and there will be a free open house week from October 6th through the 11th to show off the facility and what has been done so far.

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There is much more to do however as the club moves forward.  We’ll be doing an in depth interview with those involved next month to hear about the plans.

free week boys and girls club 2014

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PSA1 Meeting for September

PSA1 met on Thursday September 27th with a good sized crowd numbering over 30.  Captain McCloskey lead off with an update of the most recent crime problems.  The homicide of an innocent young mother and child were on everyone’s mind.

  • Drug activity is ongoing on the 5000 and 4700 blocks of Griscom Street.  The police are aware of the players.
  • Worth Street near Orthodox is still full of drug activity.
  • Joe Krause, president of Northwood Civic made the captain aware of an upcoming hot spot that needs attention in Northwood.
  • There is also a problem with unregistered cars being parked on the streets in Northwood.  311 calls are made for that situation.
  • Residents are concerned about sales of K2 (artificial marijuana) and “loosies” in some stores on Frankford Avenue.  Sales of “loosies” should be reported to 311.

The Captain says he has not yet see the formal policy on the new marijuana laws that would make possession of small amounts a minor offense punishable by a $25 ticket.

On the proposal to split L&I into two departments, he says if it happens it could be beneficial if inspectors were assigned to specific divisions.  They would get to know the area better.  That would help establish better relationships between the police and L&I and facilitate getting things done faster when an urgent need arises.

The issue of alternating the PSA between Frankford and Bridesburg every other month was raised by Pete Specos.  McCloskey said that it probably would not be an improvement because each community has very different needs.  They are working on a way of meeting the needs of residents in the Burg in another way outside of the PSA.

Veronica Daniel, designed a form for participants to use to provide information to the police at the PSA meeting.  We will publish a link to it for download when it is available.

The next PSA meeting will be held at Aria Hospital on Thursday, October 30th at 7PM.

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EPIC Stakeholders September Meeting

The Northeast EPIC Stakeholders met on Thursday, September 25th at Second Baptist Church.

jamie fader

Jamie Fader

First off was Jamie Fader, Assistant Professor in the Criminal Justice Department at Temple.  She has been making the rounds of community meetings in Frankford, trying to get to know the neighborhood.  She explained that her interest is a study project that she will conduct in Frankford.  She wants to make contact with men aged 25 to 24 for an interview.  It is a long term study but participants will be compensated with a $50 gift card for the interview.  Referrals will be compensated with a $24 gift card.  If you are interested in participating in the study or would like more information, email her at jfader@temple.edu or call 215.870.2821.

Captain McCloskey of the 15th police district, spoke to the group about the increase in violence over the last two months. There have been 6 homicides and 19 shootings during that time period.  He said the 30 new cops assigned to the district have already helped in reducing the job backlog.  He has used some of them to start up foot patrols again on Frankford Avenue in problem areas.  He also said that he needs and additional 15 to 20 new officers and some cars to put them in to get the crime situation district wide under control.

He brought up an interesting issue that he has encountered in his work.  Returning offenders have a very difficult time finding work even in the best of economic times and these are not the best.  Some of these people turn back to the drug trade because they have no other way of making money.  He proposes that it might make sense for the government to provide incentives for employers to hire these folks to give them a chance to stay straight.

Tony Burton gets the guys talking.

Tony Burton gets the guys talking.

Lt. Tony Burton, head of PSA1 in the 15th district, took the opportunity of finding a group of teenaged males in the audience to go one on one with some of them to get their questions about whatever was on their mind.    At first they were reluctant to talk but Burton got them going and talked about the issues related to the police and the youth of the community.

Once again the culinary crew of the Second Baptist provided a delicious dinner.

The next EPIC meeting will be on Thursday October 30th at Second Baptist Church at 1801 Meadow Street.

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Coming Up in Frankford 9/27 to 10/24/2014

  • HIV and Hepatitis C Testing – Sun, September 28, 11am – 4pm,  St. Mark’s Church, 4442 Frankford Avenue – Philly Faith in Action was brings the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Drexel University with their mobile medical center to St Marks for rapid HIV and hepatitis C testing, counseling and follow up care. They will be here the 2nd Saturday of every month.
  • Frankford Parks Group – Mon, September 29, 6:30pm – 7:30pm,  CDC Building, 4900 Griscom St. – I hope you all enjoyed your summer and that your fall is off to a good start. We had several great volunteer events over the summer for both Wilmot and Hedge Street Park and were able to host the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Hedge Street Park. We are now preparing for the Fall Love Your Park Service Say on Saturday, November 15th. In addition, a representative from the Wooden Boat Factory would like to host an event in Hedge Street Park in October so that will also be discussed at this months parks group meeting. Several folks have also mentioned that they would like to come up with formal names for Wilmot and Hedge street park, so a representative from Councilwoman Sanchez’ office will be present to discuss that process as well.
  • Senior Breakfast – Tue, September 30, 8am – 10am,  Aria Health, Frankford – 2nd floor cafeteria – Aria will provide our community seniors with monthly, insightful tips and information on issues that are directly affecting you and your health. Breakfast will be provided free of charge. To reserve your seat call 1-877-808-2742 and then press 2.
  • CRAFTS WITH PAM – Basic Sewing – Tue, September 30, 2:30pm – 4:00pm,  Frankford Neighborhood Library, 4634 Frankford Avenue – Come learn essential stitches and how to use them for creative projects as well as keeping your clothes looking great. All materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own needle and thread. Instructor Pamela Thomas has conducted many workshops, on a variety of topics, for the library and other organizations. Preregister to save a spot! Call 215-685-1473, or e-mail baxterb@freelibrary.org
  • Nature’s Hidden Surprises – Wed, October 1, 9:30am – 11:00am,  Tacony Creek Park, I and Ramona – Themed nature walk with TTF environmental educator Judith Gratz
  • Interested in Becoming a Foster Parent? – Wed, October 1, 6:00pm – 7:30pm,  Turning Points or Children, 4329 Griscom St. – Attend an orientation session – refreshments will be provided. RSVP at 215-287-4353 or 215-287-4745
  • Frankford Friends Benefit Concert – Wed, October 1, 6:30pm – 8:00pm,  Frankford Friends School, 1500 Orthodox St. – FFS Jazz band with special guests: Mike (Slo Mo) Brenner, Jonathan Clifton, John Colgan-Davis, Andrew Nelson, Tom Spiker and Tracey Stanton! Donate what you wish. Proceeds to benefit the FFS music program. Children old enough to enjoy the concert are welcome to attend. (To reserve a space for child care for younger kids, email development at frankfordfriendsschool dot org).
  • Frankford Civic Association Meeting – Thu, October 2, 7pm – 8pm, Aria Hospital, 2nd floor
  • Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House – Sun, October 5, 12pm – 5pm,  4278 Griscom Street – Presentation at 1:30 PM: Robert Hicks – Civil War Medicine
  • Neighborhood Advisory Committee Meeting – Thu, October 9, 7pm – 8pm, 2nd Baptist Church, 1801 Meadow St.
  • Historical Society of Frankford program – Tue, October 14, 7:30pm – 9:00pm, 1507 Orthodox St. – “LIFE is a LARK at WILLOW GROVE PARK” David B Rowland, President, Old York Road Historical Society The Willow Grove Park of 1896,with its music pavilion, boating, picnic grove and amusements—including some legendary roller coasters—was very different from the Park of the 1950s-70s with rocket ships, aliens, a bowling alley, and “Six Gun Territory.” The Park was demolished in 1981 to make way for a Mall. Come out; learn more!
  • Interested in Becoming a Foster Parent? – Wed, October 15, 6:00pm – 7:30pm,  Turning Points or Children, 4329 Griscom St. – Attend an orientation session – refreshments will be provided. RSVP at 215-287-4353 or 215-287-4745
  • Flea Market – Sat, October 18, 7am – 1pm,  McIlvain Playground, 5200 Penn Street – We are across from the Frankford Transportation Center. $12 per spot, 2 for $20. Call 215-685-1228 for more information. Sponsored by McIlvain Playground Advisory Council
  • Friends of Overington Park – Tue, October 21, 7pm – 8pm – We will meet in the park in fair weather and at 1500 Orthodox St. , the Friends Meeting House, in bad weather or cold months.
  • Northwood Civic Association Meeting – Tue, October 21, 7pm – 8pm,  St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street.
  • HIV and Hepatitis C Testing – Sun, October 26, 11am – 4pm,  St. Mark’s Church, 4442 Frankford Avenue – Philly Faith in Action was brings the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Drexel University with their mobile medical center to St Marks for rapid HIV and hepatitis C testing, counseling and follow up care. They will be here the 2nd Saturday of every month.
  • Philadelphia Open Studio Tour at the Globe – Sun, October 26, 2pm – 4pm,  Globe Dye Works, 4500 Worth Street- http://philaopenstudios.org/post/neighborhood/east
  • Frankford Garden Club – Mon, October 27, 6:30pm – 7:30pm, Wissinoming Park Playground
  • Senior Breakfast – Tue, October 28, 8am – 10am,  Aria Health, Frankford – 2nd floor cafeteria- Aria will provide our community seniors with monthly, insightful tips and information on issues that are directly affecting you and your health. Breakfast will be provided free of charge. To reserve your seat call 1-877-808-2742 and then press 2.
  • Frankford Business and Professional Association – Tue, October 28, 12pm – 2pm, NET, 4625 Frankford Ave. – Hear from our President, Diane Richardson about our accomplishments from 2013 -2014 and learn about what we have in store for the upcoming year. Representatives from Ready Philadelphia will be joining us to discuss business emergency preparedness and Project HOME will be discussing what we can do to help address the issue of homelessness in Frankford. SEPTA will also be in attendance to give an update on the 2015 Arrott Terminal (Margaret Orthodox Station) construction project.
  • Frankford Parks Group – Tue, October 28, 6:30pm – 7:30pm,  CDC Building, 4900 Griscom St.
  • Northeast Philadelphia EPIC Stakeholders Group – Thu, October 30, 5:30pm – 7:30pm, 2nd Baptist Church, 1801 Meadow Street