So how did this all come about?  A while ago the Frankford CDC and the Frankford Business and Professional Association both decided to work on the litter issue in Frankford.  The time had come to take a shot at improving the situation here.  By a stroke of serendipity, the city of Philadelphia awoke from its slumber and decided it was time to do the same thing citywide.  So UnLitter Us Frankford is the first in a citywide effort to work on this problem.

It took a lot to drag me out of the house and down to Frankford and Pratt today for the UnLitter Us rally.  I support the idea but the rain was still dripping and the sun wasn’t out and I didn’t feel like taking the video equipment down there etc.  But I decided to go because I knew I would live to regret it if I didn’t.  I was pleasantly surprised by a congenial crowd milling about chowing down on Mark Gilbert’s Thriftway  hot dogs. It was  a stroke of genius to schedule this event on the first of the month thereby ensuring a large crowd of happy shoppers passing by.

The mural arts people had a decorated trash truck down there and I can relate to that.  Its beauty rivaled the trucks I saw traveling through the Khyber pass back in 1968 during the vacation that Lyndon Johnson sent me on.  No surface is left undecorated as if it would be an insult to the gods of art to see a patch of plain unadorned paint.  It was a site to behold.

SEPTA had a big green bus which was a big green diesel electric hybrid bus.  Neat idea combining the two technologies.

The speechifying commenced with introductions by Tracy O’Drain of the CDC.  Tony Payton spoke and Jason Dawkins spoke on behalf of Councilwoman Sanchez who was downtown on official business.  Denise McVeigh of the recycle bank, Diane Richardson and Mark Gilbert of the Frankford Business and Professional Association also addressed the crowd.

Now I admit that I am ignorant of this spoken word art idea.  My experience with it has been those idiots who are always riding around in their little cars playing their radios so loud that it shakes your bones a car length away.  I was expecting that experience today and much to my delight it turned out otherwise.

Greg Corbin performed “The City Has a Heartbeat“.  Carlo Campbell did his “Reconsider” and Whitney Peyton presented “Broken Bottles“.  I get it now.  Thanks.

The event is to be followed up by a Frankford wide cleanup on Saturday October 2nd.

• Grand Gala Unveiling of ‘Old Baldy’
  When – Sun, September 26, 12pm – 4pm

  Where – Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum & Library, 4278 Griscom St. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – Grand Gala Unveiling of ‘Old Baldy’ General Meade’s Famed Warhorse Returns Home to Post #1 Ceremony at 1:30pm Refreshments & Beverages Tours & Talks Parking at St Joachim’s R.C. Church lot on Griscom St. Please R.S.V.P. to: garmuslib@verizon.net or call: 215-289-6484
• Northeast Philadelphia EPIC Stakeholders Group
  When – Thu, September 30, 5:30pm – 7:30pm

  Where – Aria Helath, Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – The ultimate goal is to create a process that enhances the community’s ability to solve issues surrounding truancy, domestic violence, child safety and substance abuse.
• Unlitter Us Rally and Fair
  When – Fri, October 1, 11:30am – 12:00pm

  Where – outside of Holiday Thriftway (5147 Frankford Avenue) (map)
• Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House
  When – Sun, October 3, 12pm – 5pm

  Where – 4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – Presentation at 1:30 PM: “Civil War Spies and Guerillas” Dr Sid Copel
• Friends of Overington Park
  When – Tue, October 5, 7pm – 8pm

  Where – CORA Neuman Center at 1000 Orthodox Street (map)

  Description – Come out and discuss our park and what we an do to make it a safe and pleasant place for everyone.
• Frankford Civic Association Meeting
  When – Thu, October 7, 7pm – 8pm

  Where – 2nd floor conference room, Aria Health, 4900 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
• Pasta Dinner
  When – Sun, October 10, 12pm – 4pm

  Where – St. Joachim Roman Catholic Church 1527 Church Street Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – St. Joachim’s is having a Pasta Dinner on Sunday, October 10 from 12PM to 4PM. Dinners include: Pasta, meatballs or sausage, salad, rolls & butter, desserts and coffee, tea or iced tea. All this for $10 for adults, $6 for children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Take out is also available!
• Historical Society of Frankford program
  When – Tue, October 12, 7:30pm – 9:00pm

  Where – 1507 Orthodox St., Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – BREWERIES of FRANKFORD, KENSINGTON & BRIDESBURG Rich Wagner Master Brewers Association of the Americas www.pabreweryhistorians.tripod.com PHILADELPHIA BREWING COMPANY OKTOBERFEST LIBATIONS Raise one up for these three industrial River Wards, where breweries quenched the thirst of thousands of workers and shipped beer throughout the world. Schmidt’s and Gretz were two of the last breweries to close, while those of John Fritsch and John Grauch in Frankford never made it past prohibition. Rich Wagner has been studying the history of this area’s brewing industry and has researched brewing from colonial times to today’s craft brewing industry.
• Frankford Community Garden Maintenance Meetup
  When – Thu, October 14, 6pm – 8pm

  Where – Corner of Oxford Ave. and Foulkrod St. (map)

  Description – Gather together with your friends and neighbors to maintain and improve this garden spot in Frankford.
• Northeast Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
  When – Sun, October 17, 1pm – 2pm

  Where – Holy Family University – 9801 Frankford Avenue (map)

  Description – NORTHEAST HALL of FAME Holy Family University – 9801 Frankford Avenue Inductees: Benjamin Rush, Robert Purvis, Butch Ballard, Sister Mary Scullion, Special People in the NE (SPIN) .  Tickets $25.00 available from Holy Family University.
• Northwood Civic Association Meeting
  When – Tue, October 19, 7pm – 8pm

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

• Sidewalk art contest for kids and pet event
  When – Sat, September 18, 10am – 1pm

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

  Description – We will be holding a sidewalk art contest for kids. If adults would like to show off their skills with chalk they are welcome to come. There will be prizes for the kids and refreshments for all! Thanks for your support. Also, A veterinarian and a team of volunteers will offer low-cost vaccinations and microchips to pet owners (both dogs and cats). They will also give out info about spay/neuter, pet care, leash laws, etc. They will give out vouchers for $40 spay/neuter and vaccinations for pit bulls and pit bull mixes. Also, they have leashes and collars they will give people.
• Northwood Civic Association Meeting
  When – Tue, September 21, 7pm – 8pm

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

  Where – Aria Health, 2nd floor. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – The ultimate goal is to create a process that enhances the community’s ability to solve issues surrounding truancy, domestic violence, child safety and substance abuse.
• Grand Gala Unveiling of ‘Old Baldy’
  When – Sun, September 26, 12pm – 4pm

  Where – Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum & Library, 4278 Griscom St. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – Grand Gala Unveiling of ‘Old Baldy’ General Meade’s Famed Warhorse Returns Home to Post #1 Ceremony at 1:30pm Refreshments & Beverages Tours & Talks Parking at St Joachim’s R.C. Church lot on Griscom St. Please R.S.V.P. to: garmuslib@verizon.net or call: 215-289-6484
• Unlitter Us Rally and Fair
  When – Fri, October 1, 11:30am – 12:00pm

  Where – outside of Holiday Thriftway (5147 Frankford Avenue) (map)
• Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House
  When – Sun, October 3, 12pm – 5pm

  Where – 4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – Presentation at 1:30 PM: “Civil War Spies and Guerillas” Dr Sid Copel
• Friends of Overington Park
  When – Tue, October 5, 7pm – 8pm

  Where – CORA Neuman Center at 1000 Orthodox Street (map)

  Description – Come out and discuss our park and what we an do to make it a safe and pleasant place for everyone.
• Frankford Civic Association Meeting
  When – Thu, October 7, 7pm – 8pm

  Where – 2nd floor conference room, Aria Health, 4900 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
• Historical Society of Frankford program
  When – Tue, October 12, 7:30pm – 9:00pm

  Where – 1507 Orthodox St., Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – BREWERIES of FRANKFORD, KENSINGTON & BRIDESBURG Rich Wagner Master Brewers Association of the Americas www.pabreweryhistorians.tripod.com PHILADELPHIA BREWING COMPANY OKTOBERFEST LIBATIONS Raise one up for these three industrial River Wards, where breweries quenched the thirst of thousands of workers and shipped beer throughout the world. Schmidt’s and Gretz were two of the last breweries to close, while those of John Fritsch and John Grauch in Frankford never made it past prohibition. Rich Wagner has been studying the history of this area’s brewing industry and has researched brewing from colonial times to today’s craft brewing industry.
• Frankford Community Garden Maintenance Meetup
  When – Thu, October 14, 6pm – 8pm

  Where – Corner of Oxford Ave. and Foulkrod St. (map)

  Description – Gather together with your friends and neighbors to maintain and improve this garden spot in Frankford.

• Historical Society of Frankford program
  When – Tue, September 14, 7:30pm – 9:00pm

  Where – 1507 Orthodox St., Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – FRANKFORD CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL In preparation for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War (2011-2015) research has begun on the CW veterans interred in Frankford’s Cedar Hill Cemetery. Learn of the all-volunteer effort to install individual gravestones involving the Sons of Union Veterans, CW re-enactors, Masons, SW Roundtable members, and others – and how you can be a part of this effort to preserve the history of Frankford and the nation.
• Sidewalk art contest for kids and pet event
  When – Sat, September 18, 10am – 1pm

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

  Description – We will be holding a sidewalk art contest for kids. If adults would like to show off their skills with chalk they are welcome to come. There will be prizes for the kids and refreshments for all! Thanks for your support. Also, A veterinarian and a team of volunteers will offer low-cost vaccinations and microchips to pet owners (both dogs and cats). They will also give out info about spay/neuter, pet care, leash laws, etc. They will give out vouchers for $40 spay/neuter and vaccinations for pit bulls and pit bull mixes. Also, they have leashes and collars they will give people.
• Northwood Civic Association Meeting
  When – Tue, September 21, 7pm – 8pm

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

  Where – Edmunds School, 1197 Haworth St. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – The ultimate goal is to create a process that enhances the community’s ability to solve issues surrounding truancy, domestic violence, child safety and substance abuse.
• Grand Gala Unveiling of ‘Old Baldy’
  When – Sun, September 26, 12pm – 4pm

  Where – Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum & Library, 4278 Griscom St. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – Grand Gala Unveiling of ‘Old Baldy’ General Meade’s Famed Warhorse Returns Home to Post #1 Ceremony at 1:30pm Refreshments & Beverages Tours & Talks Parking at St Joachim’s R.C. Church lot on Griscom St. Please R.S.V.P. to: garmuslib@verizon.net or call: 215-289-6484
• Unlitter Us Rally and Fair
  When – Fri, October 1, 11:30am – 12:00pm

  Where – outside of Holiday Thriftway (5147 Frankford Avenue) (map)
• Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House
  When – Sun, October 3, 12pm – 5pm

  Where4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – Presentation at 1:30 PM: “Civil War Spies and Guerillas” Dr Sid Copel
• Friends of Overington Park
  When – Tue, October 5, 7pm – 8pm

  Where – CORA Neuman Center at 1000 Orthodox Street (map)

  Description – Come out and discuss our park and what we an do to make it a safe and pleasant place for everyone.
• Frankford Civic Association Meeting
  When – Thu, October 7, 7pm – 8pm

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

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

  Where – 4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – Presentation at 1:30 PM: Celtic Music of the Civil War Andy Redmond – 79th New York ‘Cameron Highlanders’
• Friends of Overington Park
  When – Tue, September 7, 7pm – 8pm

  Where – CORA Neuman Center at 1000 Orthodox Street (map)

  Description – Come out and discuss our park and what we an do to make it a safe and pleasant place for everyone.
• Frankford Business and Professional Association Meeting
  When – Wed, September 8, 12:00pm – 1:30pm

  Where – Aria Health 2nd Floor Conference Room – (4900 Frankford Avenue) (map)

  Description – The Frankford Business and Professional Association will be holding a general membership meeting Wednesday, September 8 at 12:00pm at Frankford Hospital conference rooms 1 & 2 (4900 Frankford Avenue). At this meeting the Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Streets will be there to speak about Frankford and our efforts to become a Litter Free Zone. We will also be discussing many of the exciting upcoming events we have planned. Lunch will be provided so please RSVP as soon as possible. Theresa Hanas, FBPA Secretary
• Frankford Community Garden Maintenance Meetup
  When – Thu, September 9, 6pm – 8pm

  Where – Corner of Oxford Ave. and Foulkrod St. (map)

  Description – Gather together with your friends and neighbors to maintain and improve this garden spot in Frankford.
• Frankford Civic Association Meeting
  When – Thu, September 9, 7pm – 8pm

  Where – 2nd floor conference room, Aria Health, 4900 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
• Historical Society of Frankford program
  When – Tue, September 14, 7:30pm – 9:00pm

  Where – 1507 Orthodox St., Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – FRANKFORD CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL In preparation for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War (2011-2015) research has begun on the CW veterans interred in Frankford’s Cedar Hill Cemetery. Learn of the all-volunteer effort to install individual gravestones involving the Sons of Union Veterans, CW re-enactors, Masons, SW Roundtable members, and others – and how you can be a part of this effort to preserve the history of Frankford and the nation.
• Sidewalk art contest for kids and pet event
  When – Sat, September 18, 10am – 1pm

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

  Description – We will be holding a sidewalk art contest for kids. If adults would like to show off their skills with chalk they are welcome to come. There will be prizes for the kids and refreshments for all! Thanks for your support. Also, A veterinarian and a team of volunteers will offer low-cost vaccinations and microchips to pet owners (both dogs and cats). They will also give out info about spay/neuter, pet care, leash laws, etc. They will give out vouchers for $40 spay/neuter and vaccinations for pit bulls and pit bull mixes. Also, they have leashes and collars they will give people.
• Northwood Civic Association Meeting
  When – Tue, September 21, 7pm – 8pm

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

  Where – Edmunds School, 1197 Haworth St. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – The ultimate goal is to create a process that enhances the community’s ability to solve issues surrounding truancy, domestic violence, child safety and substance abuse.
• Grand Gala Unveiling of ‘Old Baldy’
  When – Sun, September 26, 12pm – 4pm

  Where – Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum & Library, 4278 Griscom St. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)

  Description – Grand Gala Unveiling of ‘Old Baldy’ General Meade’s Famed Warhorse Returns Home to Post #1 Ceremony at 1:30pm Refreshments & Beverages Tours & Talks Parking at St Joachim’s R.C. Church lot on Griscom St. Please R.S.V.P. to: garmuslib@verizon.net or call: 215-289-6484
• Unlitter Us Rally and Fair
  When – Fri, October 1, 11:30am – 12:00pm

  Where – outside of Holiday Thriftway (5147 Frankford Avenue) (map)