This past week, the Frankford CDC stopped by Gil’s shop to observe him in action. He was hard at work restoring a couch that he believes was originally produced in the late 1960s or early 1970s. The process Gil must undertake may seem simple, though proves to be anything but straightforward, as the CDC’s visit demonstrates. First, the couch has to be stripped down to its wooden frame, and then stuffed with new padding. Once Gil makes the new seat cushions, and before the back of the couch has been reassembled, the client will make a trip to the shop to test out her new sofa and determine just how far forward she wants the back to extend. Gil will also replace the coils in the base of the couch with springs, to fulfill the customer’s desire for a firmer seat.

This forty year old piece has a lot of history wrapped up in it, specifically when it comes to the technique and materials used to manufacture and repurpose furniture. The couch was originally stuffed with coconut fiber, which has since gone out of fashion in the industry. However, trends are cyclical, and Gil noted that coconut fiber is making a comeback in part due to its eco-friendly nature and will be used for this particular project. So, not surprisingly, this piece will have a bit of the future woven in to its fibers, too.

Gil believes this piece was not mass produced, but rather built to meet the desires of its original owner. That dovetails perfectly with the ethos of Gil’s shop: a specialty store intended to deliver a customized product. Gil manages about six projects a month, and the CDC intends to keep you updated on the story of this particular couch. So stay tuned, enjoy the pictures below, and go visit Gil at 4529 Frankford Avenue (or give him a call at 215-744-5385) with more questions about how exactly he does what he does.

The 4700 block of Griscom Street was on the agenda at the Frankford Civic meeting on May 3rd.

A long discussion on the issue of drug sales on the block involved what can be done to bring it back to a livable environment.  There are several vacant properties which have become home to squatters which are part of the problem.   Vacant buildings are attractive for stashing drugs.  Drug sales are rampant all day long with numerous out of state cars making stops long enough to complete their transactions. Residents are encouraged to go to the PSA1 meeting to meet with the police directly about this issue.  That meeting is scheduled for May 22nd at Aria Health at 7PM.

Also discussed was the lack of cooperation by SEPTA on controlling the people who lounge all day on their property at the foot of the Margaret-Orthodox El station.  It creates an environment that is hostile to the commuters who use the stop every day.

There were no new zoning issues to discuss.  Pete Specos recapped the status of zoning cases taken up at prior meetings.  The 15th District PDAC will be holding the annual Community Day on Saturday May22nd at Frankford and Cottman Avenues.

The next Frankford Civic Association meeting will be held on June 7th at Aria Health at 7PM.

Marissa Peal graduates from Penn State.

Marissa, At the Neer Waterfall in India

There are many graduations stories this time of year in Frankford.  This is just one of them.

I first heard about Marissa last year when it caught my ear that a student from Frankford was studying abroad in India.  That is such an interesting idea that I had to find out the story.  Marissa grew up in Frankford on Josephine Street with her mom Carol Lynn, dad William, sister Mariah and brother Sean.  She attended Allen M. Stearne Elementary School, Warren G. Harding Middle School and Murrell Dobbins Career Technical Educational High School where she studied cosmetology.

In her own words:  Since I was born I’ve attended the Second Baptist Church of Frankford where Darrell Ricardo Bradsbery is the Reverand. My mother, mother’s siblings, my grandmother, and grandfather have all been members of this church, making it close to a traditional path in our family.

All of my friends and professional relationships I have established in college are people I know personally and they have all given me inspiration in more ways than I can count. I am surround by friends with entrepreneurial, artistic, service oriented, and doctoral goals which motivates me to work hard and to inspire those around me through my actions.My ambitions after graduation is to work in an advertising agency. I really want to contribute my ideas to an agency that focuses on marketing towards minorities. I want to to build that gap between those who are underrepresented, specifically women in the beauty realm.

While studying a semester abroad in India, I made many friends who I remain in contact with today. We use Facebook and twitter to stay connected and are making future plans to reunite again. I miss the historical sites in India. It was amazing to learn about pivotal moments like the assassination of India’s first female prime minister, Indira Gandhi, and actually taking the metro to the site! I also miss the shopping very much. Following my adventure to India, I recently spent my spring break in Honduras building a gravity water system in the Palo Verde (means Green trees) village. It will supply 18 homes and a school with clean water. I am so ready to visit Africa next. I am not sure which countries but I have a few friends I can visit and plenty of options.

Marissa is now wading through job offers for the next stage of her life.  Congratulations to her and all the Frankford graduates this year.  You are the hope for the future.

Frankford Library is seeking donations of new or gently used board games for a teen program this summer.  Games should be suitable and of interest to teens ages 12-16. Donations of Wii games are welcome too!  Drop off your games during library hours and see the branch head for a tax receipt.  For more information, call 215-685-1473

See what the Frankford CDC’s new mascot, Jackie the Yellow Jacket, is up to now!