A few weeks ago, Jim noted that Google is now showing businesses on Google maps.  One of businesses that turned up in frankford was the Philadelphia Wooden Boat Factory.  That sounded interesting and I looked up their web site to see what I could find out about them.  They have recently moved into the Globe from their original location in South Philly.  It became obvious that there would be no ship construction going on in Frankford.  This turns out to be an educational/youth development program.  I emailed to find out if anybody would like to talk about it.

A couple of days later got a call from a guy named Brett who said he would be happy to give me the story and we could meet at the Globe over on Worth Street.  I met with him last Wednesday and got a better story than I had bargained for.

Brett Hart is thirty something and lived on Hawthorne Street and attended Frankford Friends.  He is the Executive director of the Philadelphia Wooden boat Factory.

They have a canoe building program that is up and running now.

PWBF Canoe Program is a long-term boat building program that is available free to eligible Philadelphia area schools.  Taking place typically over a 12-week period during either the fall or spring academic semester, Philadelphia area students (14-18 years old) work three hours a week to complete a 15-foot canoe.  Participating students become proficient with academic fundamentals and practical application of skills such as reading blueprints, understanding and using scale, linear measurement, applying material properties, applying trigonometric/geometric principle, safe tool use/care, and fine woodworking.  Additionally, in a group setting, students further develop critical/analytical thinking, problem solving, conflict resolution, responsibility, and self-reliance skills.  PWBF’s unique educational philosophy, in conjunction with the canoe project, enables students to creatively develop and apply academic, personal, and interpersonal skills in a practical hands-on environment.

In addition they are looking to start a new after school boat building program.  This pilot program is slated to begin for a group of twelve 8th grade students on January 25^th with a five-month restoration project that will lead into a competitive sailing program by June.  The restoration will entail rebuilding a boat called a Lightning.  One was in the shop the day I visited and Brett was going to pick up the second this past weekend.

I had fairly simple questions.  Safety with kids around wood working equipment is important.  The shop is equipped with a table saw that will stop if it is touched by any part of the body.  I had heard of them but never saw one in person.  The dust collection system looks up to the job.  They are partnering with the Broad Street Y for swimming lessons to make sure all the kids who go out on the water can swim. 

Anyone having an interest in this program can contact Brett Hart via email at Brett@woodenboatfactory.org.  Visit their web site for a good look at the philosophy and more pictures.

This is another of the interesting things going on over at the Globe in historic East Frankford.

Pics from Friday’s Tom Judd art exhibition at the Globe Dye Works.

• Tom Judd is having an open reception
  When- Fri, November 13, 6pm – 9pm

  Where Globe Dye Works (map)

  Description – Philadelphia based artist Tom Judd is having an open reception this Friday at the Globe Dye Works from 6 PM to 9 PM. According to Mr Judd’s biography, he’s done a lot stuff around Philadelphia. From murals on the street to walls for local restaurants. Some of his stuff has been added to the Philadelphia Museum Art’s permanent collection. I hope we get something like Tijuana Weekend.
• Frankford Garden Club
  When – Sat, November 14, 10am – 12pm

  Where – Wissinoming Recreation Center (map)

  Description – This Saturday From 10AM to 12PM we will be making autumn arrangements for the Vitas Hospice in the old Frankford Hospital (now Aria) We will meet in our new Home at Wissinoming Recreation Center Enter the driveway on Cheltenham Street between Charles and Frankford Avenue (one block east of Frankford Avenue – go past the Frankford Transportation Center at Bridge and Pratt, up the hill, and turn right onto Cheltenham Avenue at the traffice light – then turn left into the driveway about a block down – you are allowed to drive up the red brick road to the building !
• Northwood Civic Association Meeting
  When – Tue, November 17, 7pm – 8pm

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

  Description – AGENDA: • Terry Tobin, director of New Frankford Community Y, will make a report on the possible future of the now closed facility. Accompanying him will be officers of the company planning to buy the facility. They will make a presentation and take questions. • The membership will be updated on the progress of the various zoning battles the Association is currently engaged in. • Any new business will be accepted from the floor.
• Italian Style Family Dinner
  When – Wed, November 18, 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!
• Solar Power Workshop
  When – Thu, November 19, 6pm – 8pm

  Where – Location TBD (map)

  Description – Rep. Payton is hosting a series of workshops on solar power to help you become a part of the solar revolution. Three solar professionals will present their services and general information about the benefits of solar energy. Rep. Payton’s staff will also present on solar rebates and tax incentives available on solar purchases. Presenters include: Rene Ermilio, Helio Power Systems Micah Gold-Markel, Solar States David Blumenfeld, Urban Eco Electric Jorge Santana, Office of State Rep. Tony Payton, Jr. For more information about any of these events, please contact Rep. Payton’s constituent service office at 215-544-7901.
• Parent Computer Expo
  When – Sat, November 21, 9am – 12pm

  Where – Frankford High School, 5000 Oxford Ave. Phila. PA 19124 (map)
• Fall For Your Park at Overington Park
  When – Sat, November 21, 10am – 1pm

  Where – Overington Park, Leiper and Orthodox Streets (map)

  Description – Our next Friends of Overington Park event is on Saturday November 21, 2009, from 10am till 1pm. We will be planting a few trees, and racking up leaves, I hope some of your readers would like to attend. The event is called Fall For Your Park and will be going on around the city in over 60 parks. I hope to see you there.
• Town hall meeting
  When – Tue, November 24, 7pm – 8pm

  Where – St. Joachim’s church hall, Church and Griscom streets.Phila. Pa 19124 (map)

  Description – Captain Bachmayer (15th District) invites residents from the district to share their concerns at a town hall meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m. at St. Joachim’s church hall, Church and Griscom streets.
• Program at the Historical Society of Frankford
  When – Sun, November 29, 2pm – 4pm

  Where – Historical Society of Frankford, 1507 Foulkrod Street, Phila. PA 19124 (map)

  Description – THE LENAPE TRADITION — Special Guest Program and Fundraiser Indian Cultural Museum of Allentown This interactive program and display will highlight the heritage of the Lenape people that were the first to inhabit the area that is now Frankford. In light of the Thanksgiving holiday, it is appropriate to remember and appreciate the people that once called Frankford home. Join the folks from the Indian Cultural Center in Allentown as they share information on their history and traditions. The Historical Society of Frankford is also mounting a small display of its own Lenape and other Northeast Philadelphia American Indian artifacts. Activities for all ages will be offered, so bring the entire family and support the educational outreach HSF has been doing for over 100 years to promote and preserve the history of Northeast Philadelphia. Special refreshments will be offered.

Philadelphia based artist Tom Judd is having an open reception this Friday at the Globe Dye Works from 6 PM to 9 PM.  According to Mr Judd’s biography, he’s done a lot stuff around Philadelphia.  From murals on the street to walls for local restaurants.  Some of his stuff has been added to the Philadelphia Museum Art’s permanent collection.  I hope we get something like Tijuana Weekend.

But if for nothing else, you gotta swing by just check out the Dye Works complex.  The last art show, Globe Dye Works: Layers, was a spectacular sight to see in Frankford.  Check out some pics from it here.

[link] http://frankfordgazette.com/tag/globe-dye-works/

[link] http://tomjuddart.com/

[link] http://globedyeworks.com/

I haven’t actually been able to catch up with Kyle Dunleavy but I knew he existed because the Carters and Jason Roberts have workshops next to him.  And I couldn’t post about him because I didn’t have a picture, and I never post without pictures.  So it was a nice find when I came across an article on Philly.com by Diane Mastrull talking about new uses for industrial sites and Kyle shows up in one of the photos.  So I’ve appropriated it.  The Carters said you could tell how close he was to finishing the drums because the noises that came from his shop would get more and more musical.  He makes steel drums!  That is so neat.  It’s a shame they run to three grand or I’d take them up.

[link] http://www.kdsteeldrums.com/