Tag: Frankford Garden Club

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Frankford’s Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.! The Promise of Hope!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Monday morning over 200 people from the Frankford area gathered to remember and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and to continue working towards his dream of all of us joining our hands as “brothers and sisters”. Honoring Dr. King reminds us of our own call to serve, to show “true compassion … and a revolution of values” as we need more than ever, compassion, understanding and justice for each American. This was the 25th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Celebration and this event had taken place at St. Joachim RC Church in previous years. This year, Dr. Ayesha Imani, CEO,Principal, and Founder of Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School, invited the community to use the school’s facility at 4256 Paul St. for the celebration. Besides George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, Dr. King is the only one to be honored by having a federal holiday named after him.  At 8:30 AM, the school’s cafeteria was filled with people from the many different

Dr. Ayesha Imani, Sankofa Freedom Academy

organizations, churches and neighborhood who came for a free, cooked breakfast (by Ken’s Catering) and to participate in a program honoring Dr. King’s life that showcased the many talents of our area youth. There was a feeling of anticipation and excitement as we waited for the program to begin. Sponsored by the Frankford Coalition of Neighbors (FCN) with support from area organizations, this celebration, according to Jennifer Powell-Folks Executive Director of FCN, brings “Frankfordians together to sit with each other and talk with each other”. Jennifer reminded us that “grassroots people can make a difference” and that it is important that elected officials hear our views on what matters most to us. The mission of FCN is “… to improve relations among the diverse religious, economic, racial and ethnic groups in Frankford, while promoting volunteerism and community coalition”. At the end of this article we will provide contact information for two of community groups if you would like to get more involved. Also, be sure to check out the links of the various performances.

The program began with a song entitled “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. The Frankford Friends School Choir sang and played bells to accompany this song. We have links to all the performances at the end of this article. This song is commonly known as “The Negro National Anthem”. We were welcomed by Janet Bernstein, a member of FCN and the Frankford Garden Club, who asked us to reflect what each of us can do to continue Dr. King’s work. The beautiful table centerpieces were provided by the Frankford Garden Club with assistance by the Frankford High School ROTC (FHS ROTC) members. FHS

Jennifer Powell-Folks, Frankford Coalition of Neighbors

ROTC “presented arms” and we listened to the National Anthem. They also treated us to a drill team performance. Reverend Laurie Ann Rookard of the United Methodist Church gave the invocation and blessing. Breakfast was then served – buffet style. Following breakfast, there was an acknowledgement of the local dignitaries in attendance. Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sanchez and state Representative Tony Payton, Jr. were among the notables. Both were thanked for their active support and advocacy for our community.

The poetry performances by Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School students were very, very moving to all. These poets are wise beyond their years and offered us a chance to see the dreams of a life they envisioned for all. Listening to these young people, Dr. King would know his message has not been forgotten. Kimberly Washington, the Northeast EPIC coordinator, explained that her organization needed more involvement from area residents. Many of the civic groups in Frankford participate in this organization but the voices of those of us who live here, the residents, needs to be more vocal and active. The next meeting of the EPIC Stakeholders is Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 5:30 PM at Aria Health – Frankford. Please make sure your presence and voice are there!

A liturgical dance was performed by the Treasures from Heaven of the Campbell AME Church. This Church on Kinsey Street is over 200 years old and the second oldest church in the Philadelphia conference. There was a free will offering to help defray costs of the breakfast. Northeast Boys and Girls Club marched and stepped lively to drums which accompanied the drill team’s performance.

Dr. Imani explained the development of freedom schools (Wikipedia reference which references the Philadelphia Freedom Schools based on the Children’s Defense Fund model). More information is also found here on the Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School web site. Reverend Rookard closed the program with a benediction.

How Can You Get Involved? Bring a Friend! Explore and Use Your Talents for Frankford!

Frankford Coalition of Neighbors
Jennifer Powell-Folks, Executive Director
c/o Campbell AME Church
1661 Kinsey Street
Philadelphia, PA 19124
215.744.9170
email: FrankfordCoalition@Prodigy.net

CORA Services Northeast EPIC Stakeholders
Kimberly Washington, Esq.
email: KWashington@coraservices.org
Next meeting: Thursday, 1/27/11 at 5:30 PM at Aria Health, Frankford

Contributing Organizations besides those already mentioned: Aria Health, Frankford Campus; Fruit of the Vine United Methodist Church; Mater Dolorosa RC Church; Friends of Wissonoming Park

You are able to share in and relive this celebration by clicking on the following links:
MLK Day at Sankofa
Frankford Friends School Choir
Frankford High School ROTC Drill Team
Sankofa Essay and Poetry Readings
Campbell AME Church Liturgical Dance Performance
Northeast Boys and Girls Club Drill Team
Sankofa Freedom Academy “Something Inside So Strong”

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Longwood Gardens Trip

The Frankford Garden Club is sponsoring a Trip to Longwood Gardens for the Holiday Experience –
Sing-a-Longs, Gospel Choir, Lighted Trees, Fountains, and more Poinsettias than you have ever seen in a gorgeous display of Holiday themed gardens in the Fabulous Longwood Gardens Conservatories.

Friday, November 26, 2010
We will be Leaving via Yellow School Bus
from Frankford (at the Corner of Griscom and Orthodox Streets)
at 1:30 pm,
we will be back in Frankford by 9:00 pm

Frankford Garden Club Members – $5 / person – includes both  Admission and Bus
Guests (non-members) – $12 / person – includes both  Admission and Bus

Please call or email ASAP  to Reserve your seat!
Janet Bernstein at 267-982-9620 or jamberstone@gmail.com
or Johnnie Mae Parker, 215-537-0145

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Coming Up in Frankford

  • Frankford CDC to host Public Meeting
    When – Tue, May 25, 5pm – 6pm
    Where – Frankford Library, Frankford Avenue at Overington St. (map)
    Description – The Frankford Community Development Corporation will host a public meeting on Tuesday, May 25, 2010. The Frankford CDC will discuss the 2010 Program of Work and ideas for collaboration with community organizations. Guest may enter through the main door.
  • Frankford Garden Club Meeting
    When – Tue, May 25, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
    Where – Wissinoming Park (map)
    Description – Celebratory meeting and Pot Luck for members only (use parking lot entrance by the playground on Cheltenham Ave between Frankord Ave. and Charles St) At this meeting * Time to make our Summer Plans! * Are members interested in Judging in the City Garden Contest this year? * Latest info on Entering your Garden into the Contest New members are always welcome to join at any time for only $10/year (individual) or $15/yr (family)
  • Northeast Philadelphia EPIC Stakeholders Group
    When – Thu, May 27, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
    Where – Edmunds School, 1197 Haworth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124
    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.
  • Frankford Civic Association Meeting
    When – Thu, June 3, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – Aria Health, Frankford – 2nd floor conference room (map)
  • Grand Army of the Republic Museum Open House
    When – Sun, June 6, 12pm – 5pm
    Where – 4278 Griscom Street, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – Presentation at 1:30 PM: The story of Gettsyburg battlefield National Military Park Herb Kaufman
  • Historical Society of Frankford program
    When – Tue, June 8, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
    Where – 1507 Orthodox St., Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – ANNUAL TEA and PROGRAM: RESEARCHING NORTHEAST HISTORY — A Local Historian’s Journey Frank W. Hollingsworth. Local historian and co-author of “Northeast Philadelphia: A Brief History” Frank Hollingsworth has conducted his research at various sites throughout the region — including right here at the Historical Society of Frankford. Learn of his approach to researching local history — utilizing the many techniques and resources available — and evolution from HSF member, to researcher, to lecturer, co-author, and recognized local historian.
  • Northwood Civic Association Meeting
    When – Tue, June 15, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. (map)
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Frankford Garden Club Update

Frankford Garden Club Update

The Annual Plant Sale did great this year! We sold out around 2:30pm with a profit of  $200 – our best haul yet!
Yes, Charlie, $200, not $195.  I forgot about the $5 I had at home for 5 little potted Black-Eyed Susans I sold.

Mark your Calendar for a Celebratory meeting on Tuesday May 25th at our Wissinoming Park home 6:30 pm – Pot Luck
(use parking lot entrance by the playground on Cheltenham Ave between Frankord Ave.  and Charles St)
At this meeting

  • Time to make our Summer Plans!
  • Are members interested in Judging in the City Garden Contest this year?
  • Latest info on Entering your Garden into the Contest

Thanks go to Diane Kunze, Una Esther Coyle, and Janet Bernstein for driving out to Delran NJ to pick up the plants for the plant sale from Bart’s Nursery; and to all the members who  came out to help at the sale:
Cara Kaminski, Nancy Tweed, Mary Ellen Post, Marie Zimmerman, Maria Goldston, Connie Whitmore, Pat Hoberg, Joan Long, Gloria Green (with her eyepatch!) Charlie Bugg, Una Coyle, and Nona Bloom -oh, and myself and Diane Kunze too. Yup, we was a crowd!
Cara, Marie Z., Una and Nancy finished up the tail end of the sale (was it one or 2 hours?)
AND  thanks to Betsy Baxter, Librarian, and the Frankford Library, for letting us set up shop in front of the Library, and for  coming out on her day off to give out Library information.
AND thanks to Simone Wood (staff member for PA Rep Tony Payton) for designing and printing the Sale flyers-
OH! Thanks to Johnnie Mae Parker fr getting the flyers out and about!
AND Special Thanks to Bart’s Nurseries for supporting our Club by providing strong healthy plants at a fantastic price for our Sale.
Lots of supporters and neighbors came out to shop, and we thank them too! (Like you, Sloane and Jennifer Folks and Yvonne Philips) Thanks to  Frankford Gazette, the online Fkd website, Second Baptist and others for publicizing the Sale!

—
Janet E. Bernstein
6946 Jackson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19135
(267) 343-3267  home
(267) 982-9620 cell
jamberstone@gmail.com
jamberstone@aol.com

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Overington Love Your Park event May 8th

Overington Love Your Park event was a big success!
We had 47 volunteers come out and plant , weed, and mulch our park, Frankford Garden Club members, Frankford ROTC members, a group from Philly Cares, neighbors, and Friends of Overington Park (Leiper and Overington Streets). We worked from 11:30 to 3:00. We gave away 44 recycling bins along with information on signing up with Recycling Bank.
Thanks to Maria Quinones-Sanchez, our councilwoman, and her aid, Jason Dawkins. We planted 50 seed packs in the park and gave away 150 packs to our volunteers, along with seed starting instruction workshops.  We painted over 9 benches that had been covered in graffiti. We added 2 new flower beds, and planted over 20 new plants and shrubs in our beds. We cleaned the sidewalks surrounding the park of weeds. We  received a snack, soft pretzels and water, from ward leader Dan Savage, for all our hard work.
A discussion was held about future work in the park, we spoke about water being opened, lighting being upgraded, park signs, and event planning. We came together, worked hard, laughed, and felt good about making the park a better place for everyone. Thanks to all the fine people who helped make this event a big success!  We couldn’t do this without you!
Diane Kunze, Friend of Overington Park