Here is another good reason to stop by Overington Park tomorrow:

This Saturday November 12th from 10 to 1 we will be having a park clean-up, digging up tender bulbs and planting spring bloomers, painting over graffiti, giving away recycling bins and hosting PAWS low cost animal vaccination and micro chip clinic for your pet. We need your support, so come out and lend a hand. Refreshments will be served for our helpers. It’s supposed to be a lovely day so we hope to see you there!

It was a busy day yesterday and I thought about passing up the Historical Society of Frankford meeting but decided to go anyway and see what was on the agenda.  I knew there would be a video of Howard Barnes who was the former curator of the society.  He lived on Penn Street only a block from us and I have his autographed book so I thought I had heard it all.  The video ran over an hour but it was fascinating to hear this guy go on about the history of Frankford which he clearly had spent a long time researching.

Jim Young made his first appearance as the incoming President of the society since the departure of Paul Andell in June.  Jim spoke about some of the initiatives that the society will be taking on in the future.  Volunteers are always welcome and much needed.  I noted some new members sign up last night which is really the most valuable resource of this organization.

Before I left I met with Debbie Klak who has been following a discussion on the Gazette about the Overington mansion.  She dug up some clippings from the scrap books that the society has in its collection.  As time goes on those scrap books are golden with their treasure trove of information.  Posted below are some pictures of the meeting and also those clippings that may further illuminate the fate of the Overington mansion.  Click on any of the pictures for a more detailed view.

 

The rain fell 10 minutes after we finished. Somebody up there likes Overington Park. We mulched our 15 new trees, planted 71 donated plants and shrubs, 4 crates of cannas bulbs, and 50 packs of seed. We planted 3 new beds that we turned in April. A 50′ bed connecting two established beds along the Orthodox Street wall, a shade bed by the Pilling Street steps,  and the square bed by the play equipment. Also a small Ginkgo tree was planted. Our morning began with delicious baked goods made by our Friends group, and ended with warm soft pretzels. We laid out our plants by sun and shade and got under way planting. Once again we couldn’t have gotten it all done without the great help of Frankford High’s ROTC. Those kids shoveled a mountain of mulch and asked for more work, they are an invaluable resource.

Our Frankford Garden Club showed up in force. Friends of Overington Park count on them and they never let us down. Digging in wherever there was a need. Talking with our other volunteers, sharing their vast knowledge, and planting.  More neighbors from around the park joined us for the planting, this community of good people filling the park with positive work was very up lifting. Everyone’s hard work is making the park a beautiful place for all to share. As the season unfolds, the flowers should fill the park and let everyone know that Overington Park is a magical place protected and nourished by a great group of people who care.

Thanks for all of your hard work, Diane Kunze, Friend of Overington Park

Was over at Overington Park on a beautiful cool day a few weeks ago baby sitting.  We needed a little playground and Overington has a nice play set for the little kids.  We were there for a while and a guy was sitting over on the bench talking on the phone.  At first I didn’t know what to think.  Finally went over and asked him what was happening.  Turns out his name is Anpu.  He sells crystals.  No joke.