Northwood Academy Charter School held it’s annual science fair this past Thursday at it’s annex in the former Saint Joachim’s school at Penn and Church.  My father, wife and I stopped by to check out how the budding scientists were faring.  I met with Meagan Hopkins-Doerr, former Northwood Charter teacher and current iPraxis program director, who guided me through the process that the students would follow.  All students in 7th and 8th grade are prepped for science projects.  Those that were able to attain a certain level of preparation were moved ahead to the school’s science fair.

Judging  for the school’s science fair was coordinated with iPraxis, a non profit organization who’s focus is to improve science opportunities for underserverd students.  According to iPraxis’ website, “science comes to life for kids when they get to learn by seeing, hearing, feeling, and experiencing science inside and outside of their classrooms.”

iPraxis coordinated with the school to link up Ph.D. candidate scientists to judge the competition and then mentor the winning students in each category weekly until the region wide  George Washington Carver Science Fair hosted at Temple in early March.

I spoke with Cordell, an 8th grader at Northwood Academy, who’s science fair project this year centered around what can make an electromagnet stronger.  He was excited by the opportunity to showcase what he learned and looked forward to the opportunity to compete.

Cordell showcases his project

It was great to the asset to the community that Northwood Academy has become and it was the first time in a couple decades that I was back in Saint Joachim’s auditorium since I graduated 8th grade.  It seemed a lot smaller than I remembered.

One of the many bright spots that emanate from Frankford High School this year is the Junior ROTC.  I meet them at a lot of different community events lending a hand.  This week they were busy sprucing up the High School itself.

On December 13, 2011, the Frankford High School JROTC cadets spent over three hours cleaning-up the Frankford High School campus. The cadets raked over 38 large bags of leaves.

Hugh Boyle

I visited the GAR Civil War Museum and Library on Sunday December 4th during their monthly public program.  I didn’t have much time to spend and so I did not get my fill of history, music, pictures, exhibits and stories from Hugh Boyle and Tom O’Toole.  I hope to do better next time.

There are lots of reasons to go to the GAR.  If you have an interest in the Civil War as we enter the 150 anniversary years of the conflict, this is a place to see some historic artifacts for yourself.  The GAR was the original Civil War veterans organization.

Google Old Baldy and General Meade and you will find a ton of hits.  Then troop on down to the GAR Museum and see what they have.  You will find Old Baldy himself.

Old Baldy

If you’ve been to Washington DC and toured and Ford’s Theater, you know about the house across the street (Peterson boarding house) where President Lincoln died.  On display at the GAR Museum is a piece of the pillow case where Lincoln lay which still has his blood still on it.  There is a great display of Lincoln material on hand.

Did you ever hear about Dr. Mary Edwards and her experience in the Civil War. You can see her tool kit right there on Griscom Street.  You got the Congressional Medal of Honor for her service.

The Ruan House itself is a historic gem.  It was built in 1796 and is on the National Register of Historic Sites.  It is in amazing condition and a treat to see.

28th Pennsylvania RegimentalBrass Band in Concert

An unexpected highlight of my brief visit was the performance by the 28th Pennsylvania Regimental Brass Band.  They were doing music of the Civil War era and it was interesting to hear songs that the troops would have heard back in that time.    The venue at the museum is cozy and intimate with the musicians and audience in close proximity.  It is more like having a concert in your own living room.  That is the best way to enjoy this music and the acoustics were really great.

Put this place on your schedule.  It should not be missed.  Bring the kids.  They have parking in back.

Ninette Cooper

I met with Ninette Cooper, director of the Northeast Frankford Boys and Girls Club today to talk about the club and her job.  I got there early and walked about taking some pictures.  For those who have not been to the the club building, it is housed in the former William W. Axe school (1709 Kinsey Street) and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  It looks to be about 110 years old.

When we finally sat down, I asked Ninette what her job was all about.  She said it is all about hope.  Giving hope and positive direction to the 350 kid who utilize the club at various times during a typical year.  Her official title is Club Director but in fact she is now serving as Interim Chief Operating Officer for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, so I was lucky she could find time to talk to me.

The club offers child care, after school care, teen programming and recreation.  Kids can do homework, use the computer lab, play sports or just have a good time.  The club is open until 8Pm and midnight on Friday.  There are numerous programs to encourage and facilitate education. There are an additional 50 slots for kids for after school care over at Sullivan Elementary School at 5300 Ditman Street.

At the EPIC Stakeholders meeting last month there was a discussion about the idea of getting high school students to tour colleges.  The purpose is  not so much to pick a college but to get them to actually see one first hand.  The club has such a program in place.

Basketball Court

The club also has a Drill Team that has performed at many events in the neighborhood and throughout Philadelphia.

I asked Ninette about what the club needs.  She said she gets great support from Councilwoman Sanchez and the state representatives.  The basics are covered but the building is old and there are some capital improvements that have to be put on hold until the economy makes a turn around.  She says she has a tremendous staff who every day go about the business of saving lives.  The club can be that important in the life of some of these kids.

You can read all about the programs at the club website”  http://www.bgcphila.org/home.  You can call 215-743-7515 or better yet, stop by and say hello.  They will be happy to talk to you and your child.

The literal meaning of “treasure trove” from the old English is “treasure that has been found”. Have you discovered all that the Frankford Library has to offer? An Open House was sponsored by the Friends of the Frankford Library on Wednesday, October 26, to familiarize us with the services available at the Library. The Library, at Frankford Avenue and Overington Street, has been at its present location since 1906.

The Frankford Library provides students in grades 1-12 an opportunity to LEAP (Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program) ahead in their studies. This is a free, drop-in after school program that provides homework help and computer assistance to students. There are literacy enrichment activities for early elementary students. The LEAP Program operates four days a week, Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 PM – 6 PM and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 PM – 5 PM.

There are eight computers for the community to use and you can bring your own mobile devices to access the free wifi. This internet access provides a great resource for job-hunters and even for those updating their skills.

What can we do for the Library? We can become Friends of the Library whose mission is to support the Free Library of Philadelphia. Each branch has a volunteer group promoting cooperation and communication between the community and the Free Library. Note that today – not many services are free!

Check it out! For more information, visit the library Monday through Friday! Check out the website at www.freelibrary.org.