Tag: frankfrord CDC

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Frankford Community Development Corporation at a Crossroads

Funding for a critical position at the Frankford CDC has been lost due to economic conditions and as a result Tracy O’Drain, Managing Director, has left the organization.  In addition, Marie Delaney, President of the CDC has left to pursue other interests and Michelle Feldman, Commercial Corridor Manager, has left to run Keep Philadelphia Beautiful  an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful.  The board has not yet met to determine a course of action for the future.

Tracy O’Drain managed the CDC during a period when it was on the verge of bankruptcy and returned the organization to stability.  She worked for the CDC for 9 years, serving as the Business Corridor Manager prior to taking over as Managing Director.

Michelle Feldman, came in as the Commercial Corridor Manager early in 2011 and was instrumental in bringing several new businesses to Frankford.  She served as Secretary of the Frankford Business and Professional Association and was well known and appreciated by the business community.

Marie Delaney leaves with these words:

It has been a pleasure and an honor, to serve as the president of the Frankford CDC, Board of Directors since 2006. Moving into my new endeavors, I wish for the Frankford CDC to continue growing and prospering under the new Frankford CDC Board leadership and staff. I would like to thank all those who have made the Frankford CDC the best in the city. I will always be grateful being a part of this dynamic CDC.

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Northeast Treatment Centers Clients Clean Up

Wednesday afternoon, April 18th, was the inaugural day of a new partnership between the Frankford CDC (Community Development Corporation and NET (Northeast Treatment Centers.  Aimed at keeping the Frankford Avenue commercial corridor litter free, in light of the recent disbanding of the Frankford Special Services District,  three days a week, four NET clients, with assistance and supplies from the Frankford CDC, will walk from Womrath Park to the Frankford Transportation Center, picking up litter and sweeping the sidewalk.  The program is designed to be a sustainable means for regular cleanings of the Avenue, as well as an employment training mechanism for NET clients.

Terence McSherry, CEO of NET and Frankford CDC board member notes “A critical part of the recovery protocol is the concept of ‘responsible concern’ which fosters long term civic pride and involvement in our PIRs, as well as a positive impact on the community in which we live. This project achieves these goals and continues the commitment NET has made to the community to be an asset.”

Any help we can get in keeping the Avenue clean is welcome and at the same time it can be instrumental in helping these folks recover. Slideshow below of the first day on the Avenue.


 

 

What does NET do?

NorthEast Treatment Centers (NET) offers a range of mental health, addiction, foster care, community based, residential, and in-home social services to adults, adolescents, children and families. NET is dedicated to providing a comprehensive recovery and resiliency-oriented system of behavioral health care services and supportive social services to adults, adolescents, children, and their families utilizing a quality-driven, cost-effective service provider network.

 

 

 

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Frankford CDC Adds Board Members

The CDC continues to build for the future after a period of difficulty over the last few years in rectifying some past problems.

Four new members recently joined the Board of Directors.  In addition Michael O’Brien has moved into the Vice president’s position with Terence McSherry as Treasurer.

The Board now looks like this:

Marie DeLany, President – Overington House, Inc.
Michael O’Brien, Vice President -Resident
Terence McSherry, Treasurer – Northeast Treatment Centers
Mike Galdi, Century 21 Realty
Herb Frayer, S&A Cleaners
Santo Caruso, Aria Health
Faye Allen, Special People In Northeast/Resident
Fernando Torres, Dreamgirl Fashion & Mark My Flesh
Aldridk Gessa – Resident
Nidia Mezalick – Mezalick Design Studio
Derek Andrews– Resident and Parent Ombudsman/Liaison Harding Middle School
Leticia Hernandez – Resident

Congratulations to all!!!

 

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Financial Aid for College

The Frankford Community Development Corporation is offering a workshop to help residents complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form on Sunday, February 26, from Noon to 5PM.  It will be held at the CDC office at 4900 Griscom Street (Griscom and Harrison streets).    If you need aid you have to complete this form and it can be a challenge.  See the flier below.

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Better Know a Frankford Business: Gil’s Upholstery!

Frankford, as we all know, is much more than meets the eye. One of the many special shops right here in our business district is Gilbert’s Upholstery, 4529 Frankford Avenue. They not only reupholster furniture, but have a large collection of antiques and a warehouse full of sofas, chairs, and more right behind their shop.

Though the shop is currently run by Gil Pons and his brother, Rick, their father, Gilbert Pons Sr., started the business in 1970, a year after he moved to the United States from Santiago, Cuba. Gilbert was nine years old when his family moved to Philadelphia, and he and Rick would head to their dad’s shop after school each day to learn the family trade.

Gil and Rick took over the shop in 1982, and their father officially retired in 1998. Both brothers love the upholstery business for a variety of reasons. But, most importantly, satisfying their clients is what gets them out of bed each morning. They consider their store a specialty shop, and work to ensure they return each piece to their customers’ exact taste. Gil also enjoys the challenges involved in his work: each piece has its difficulties and surprises, and he loves working with his brother to figure out how to overcome those obstacles and give their clients the best possible product. Recently, Gil and Rick have become a part of the nation-wide “green” trend. For two years they have been using sustainable materials and practices, and they are even a distribution point for GRID Magazine, Philadelphia’s premier magazine dedicated to issues surrounding environmental sustainability.

That’s not all, either. Gil is working to take his store online! Friend him on his new facebook page – search for Gil’s Antiques – and visit www.gilbertsantiquegallery.com. You can always do things the old fashioned way and call the shop at 215.744.5385. Maybe one day they’ll be on twitter, too!

But don’t just follow Gilbert’s Upholstery online. Stop by the shop and meet Gil and Rick for yourselves. We know you’ll love their gallery of antiques as well as their workshop.