Former T&T Bar

Mention of the T&T bar once again raised eyebrows at the Frankford Civic meeting on Thursday night.  Neighbors have been watching with concern as work has been going on at the now closed bar at Margaret and Hawthorne Streets. It has been not quite a year since young Christopher Spence lost his life there in a senseless shooting.   Jason Dawkins, Councilwoman Sanchez representative at the meeting assured everyone that the building was not ever going to open up as a bar again.  The building is for sale and the community will have input as to its future use.

In other news at the meeting, the representative of the owner of Torresdale Appliance and Furniture (4571 Torresdale Ave.) presented their zoning case.  The use of the building has changed and they are looking for support from the Civic.  They board voted unanimously to

Torresdale Appliances

support their application.

Stephanie Clymer made a presentation on behalf of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership.  From Manny Citron of PhillyRising, they are working on a community garden or gardens in Frankford that will hopefully be available in the Spring.  From Edgardo Gonzalez of Tony Payton’s office, there is still interest from the The Center for Urban Theological Studiesin taking over the old Frankford Community Y building.  No decision has been made as yet.

The next Frankford Civic meeting will be on March 1st at 7PM at Aria Health.

• Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House
  When – Sun, February 5, 12pm – 5pm

  Where4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – Presentation at 1:30 PM: Major Octavius V Catto (of the PA National Guard) Highest ranking black officer in the army when murdered. by Andy Waskie
• Meet the Authors CJ and Chafik Waddy
  When – Wed, February 15, 4pm – 5pm

  Where – Frankford Branch of the Free Library, 4634 Frankford Avenue (map)

  Description – Meet the Authors…CJ and Chafik Waddy, local creators of U Noo Tito, Boy Hero, says No to Strangers will share their story at the Frankford Branch of the Free Library, 4634 Frankford Avenue on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 4:00 pm. The father-son author-illustrator team from the Frankford section of the city will appear in costumed character, and children and their grown-ups are invited to participate in a read-aloud session. The event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and autographing. Call 215-685-1473 for more information.
• Frankford Business and Professional Association Meeting
  When – Tue, February 21, 8:30am – 10:00am

  Where – Aria Health, 2nd floor conference room (map)
• Northwood Civic Association Meeting
  When – Tue, February 21, 7pm – 8pm

  Where – St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. (map)
• Northeast Philadelphia EPIC Stakeholders Group
  When – Thu, February 23, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

  Where – Aria Hospital’s Frankford Campus (4900 Frankford Avenue) in the 2nd floor meeting room. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – Understanding your credit report is the first step to improving your finances. As such, this will be the first in a series of workshops hosted by the N.E. EPIC Stakeholders to help residents take control of their finances. bt Chris Rhametulla, Pathways PA Want to find out what’s going on with the Mural Arts Project in Frankford. Come out and here about what’s going on with the project and what’s to come. Also, this is another opportunity for YOU to give input on the project. by Netanel Eliezer, City of Philadelphia Mural Arts
• College Financial Aid Form (FAFSA) Workshop
  When – Sun, February 26, 12pm – 5pm

  Where – Frankford CDC, 4900 Griscom Street (map)

  Description – In the Frankford Computer Lab experts will be available to help you fill out this form. See the Gazette for detailed information. http://frankfordgazette.com/wp1/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/FAFSA-Flyer-02262012.pdf
• Small Business Banking Counseling
  When – Wed, February 29, 12pm – 4pm

  Where – Third Federal Bank Building, 4625 Frankford Avenue (map)

  Description – Whether you are just starting your business or have been at work for years, get all of your finance questions answered.A representative from the Small Business Administration will be in attendance. Be sure to bring your credit questions too. Contact Michell Feldman at 215-743-6580 with questions or to sign up. Space is limited.
• Frankford Civic Association Meeting
  When – Thu, March 1, 7pm – 8pm

  Where – 2nd floor conference room, Aria Health, 4900 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

The EPIC Stakeholders group continues to be a rising positive force in Frankford.  Attending one of their meetings is never a chore and always interesting.  Thanks to Kim Washington for the meeting minutes.

Ambrose Lui / Seth Pollock (Arts Rising / Harding Middle School)

We work in schools to ensure access to a high quality education inclusive of the arts for all of the students that we work with.  The Artzone program taps into the expertise and enthusiasm of educators, parents, and community members at all levels.  We have reached out community organizations such as the Northeast EPIC, local politicians, Councilwoman Sanchez’ office, State Representative Tony Payton’s office, the public libraries and recreations centers, faith based groups and various businesses in Frankford.  The Artszone is work with Clay Studios, Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater and the Walnut street theater to bring art into the classrooms.  We have convened an Artzone Advisory Council and with that we have done community asset mapping with students.  You can find out more about what we do at myartsrising.org or contact Ambrose Liu, Artszone Coordinator at aliu@philaedfund.org, (215) 665 – 7400 ext. 3355.

The Artsrising program in collaboration with the Walnut Street Theater is working with the students at Harding Middle School around the issue of bullying.  They are in the process of writing, directing and acting in their own play around bullying to perform for the local elementary schools.  The EPIC Stakeholder group will be working with Artsrising in hosting a play for adults in the community o showcase what the student put together.  Once the details of that is put together the coordinator will get that information out to the group.

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Applebees Fundraiser

The color guard attended the 26th annual Martin Luther King breakfast celebration at Sankofa Freedom Charter school on January 26th.

Color Guard

On January 29th, the Pioneer Battalion hosted a fundraiser at the Applebee’s located on Castor and Aramingo. It was an “All-you-can-eat” breakfast. I am glad to say it was a huge success! We raised over $600. The money will be used to fund various JROTC events.

Meet the Authors…CJ and Chafik Waddy, local creators of U Noo Tito, Boy Hero, says No to Strangers will share their story at the Frankford Branch of the Free Library, 4634 Frankford Avenue on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at 4:00 pm.  The father-son author-illustrator team from the Frankford section of the city will appear in costumed character, and children and their grown-ups are invited to participate in a read-aloud session.  The event is free and open to the public. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and autographing.  Call 215-685-1473 for more information.