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Destination Frankford

Destination Frankford, all aboard.DF Logo_RGB-white

It all started with the Philadelphia City Planning Commission (PCPC).  I attended all of the meetings last year during the planning process for the Lower Northeast District Plan, a component of Philadelphia2035.  The first thing I noticed was that Ian Litwin, the head planner, was actually saying good things about Frankford.  The emphasis was on the strengths of the community and seeing Frankford through new eyes gave me hope that something might come of it.

After the plan was adopted, an application was made to Artplace for a grant to begin implementing some of the concepts.   The grant came through and we are now about to see some results.  Destination Frankford will create a vibrant public space in Womrath Park, artfully designed signage and street furniture, a storefront dedicated to local artists, and an arts-focused marketing campaign.

The project will increase exposure to Frankford’s growing arts scene, add vibrancy to Frankford’s commercial corridor, and attract new artists, businesses, and residents to Frankford.

It sound ambitious and it is but remarkably it is a reality.  We are proud to be partners in this project and will be working on stories that highlight the arts, artists and artisans in Frankford.

You can read all about it on the Destination Frankford web site at this link.

 

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Dedication of the Frankford Murals

Mural Dedication: Imagining Frankford

Friday, September 13

Womrath Park

Frankford & Kensington Avenues

12 – 2 p.m.

Join City Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez, the Mural Arts Program, muralist Cesar Viveros, neighborhood youth, and community members-turned-storytellers, for the dedication of the Imagining Frankford mural series. Partner organization the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) will be on hand to showcase the rain garden in Womrath Park, created as part of Philadelphia’s Green City, Clean Waters plan.

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Sunday Poem

By Alice Henry

Pigeon Poo

This morning a pigeon did alight on my door,
I thought to myself, “What is he here for?”
Looking out at the bare frozen ground,
I saw not a morsel could be found.
The sparrows also were waiting for,
The crumbs to be thrown out my door.
Turning, I found two pieces of bread,
And broke it for the birds to be fed.
Please, little birds, when I hand my sheets white,
Remember today I gave you your first bite.
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Simplicity

Sunday Poem by Alice Henry

Simplicity

Where did simplicity go?
Does anyone really Know?
It always has been a friend of mine.
Through life’s shower or shine.
 
As each day in body you arise,
Just wipe the sleep from your spiritual eyes
Ask yourself:
“Today which molehill will I mountainclimb”?
 
For like molehills, Simplicity requires much time.
Simplicity is there for the taking.
It soothes many a mind that’s aching.
 
Simplicity can not be bought or sold
For it’s value surpasses any gold.
Some search for it their whole life thru
Never knowing it can only be found within you.
 
Man has invented many time-saving devices.
Why then Man is there such a
“Simplicity crisis”?
 
 

 

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Let’s Move It Philly Provides Information and Entertainment

There was a really great crowd Saturday, February 16th at St. Marks Let’s Move It Philly.  I stoppped by for a few minutes and took a quick tour of the health forum exhibits.  Also had time to stay for  Jeanine Kayembe (see her performance here) and a performance by four of the students from Harding middle school.

The girls, Jasmine Richardson, Janaya Alexander, Sabria Henderson and Samaya Smith-Bey attend the Carson Valley Children’s Aid C.H.I.C.K.S. program at Harding Middle School.  CHICKS stands for Creating Healthy Informed Confident Knowledgeable Selves. The program teaches the girls about the importance of building self esteem and confidence along with eating healthy, exercising daily and building good peer relationships.  See their performance here.

This was a great program by Carson Valley Children’s Aid.