Tag: jason dawkins

Posted on by

Angel of McIlvain Playground

Mrs. Angel Brandan has been a mainstay at McIlvain Playground since 1980. Angel came to McIlvain as a volunteer helper with the Tot Recreation Program. In 1981 she became an assistant teacher in the program that boasted two classes in the morning and the afternoon. In 1983, the director retired and Ms. Angel, as she is known to over 800 children that have passed through the Tot Rec program, took over and had not relinquished the title since.

angel 1

Angel with her kids

Now, beginning her 35th year, Ms. Angel still comes to McIlvain every day, after her job as a crossing guard for the city of Philadelphia, and teaches children ages 2 ½ to 5. Along with her assistant, Ms. Linda Fagan (who has been here for 17 years), the children enter kindergarten well prepared for what lies ahead of them. Ms. Angel has taught 27 children of children that she taught when they attended McIlvain’s Tot Rec Program.

Besides the Tot Recreation Program, Ms. Angel has been the director of the Summer Day Camp for the past 20 years, taught a children’s Arts & Crafts class once a week for 5 years, taught an adult crafts class for 11 years and has been a member of the McIlvain Advisory Council for the past 7 years.

Angel Brandan is the true essence of what a community member is about. Even though she lives outside of Frankford and the closest playground to her home is Simpson Recreation Center, thirty four years ago she made a decision to make a difference in the lives of so many children, as well as adults, in the Frankford area and in particular McIlvain Playground.

She truly loves McIlvain and the children. Recently she stated that if we didn’t have enough money, she would continue to do it for free. Many people say this about a job but she actually meant it. This is who she is and she deserves to be recognized for all she has given without asking for anything in return.

by Steve Schmidt,
Facility Supervisor,
McIlvain Playground
 

Angel was honored on December 5th at McIlvain with a reception honoring her 35 years at the playground where she was honored by Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sanchez,  State Rep. Jason Dawkins State Senator Tina Tartaglione.

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Dawkins Launches Campaign

 Jason Dawkins announced his candidacy for the 179th District seat of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. He is seeking the Democratic nomination for State Representative of the District encompassing the Frankford, Feltonville, Olney, Oxford Circle, Mayfair and Wissinoming neighborhoods.

 “I’m ready to lead this community in the right direction,” said Jason. “Residents of the 179th have been underserved for too long.  I’m excited about this race and looking forward to continuing my service to my family, neighbors and community partners.”

Born and bred in the Frankford community, Jason Dawkins is an expert on recreation-based development and community engagement.  Throughout his tenure as senior legislative aide in Philadelphia City Council, Jason led the redevelopment of 9 recreational facilities to previously underserved neighborhoods, totaling more than $4 million in capital funding.   In addition to his service in City Council, Jason has built a reputation for volunteerism, customer service and being on the front lines of addressing community problems.  Jason was featured in 2012 Daily News story as a leader in efforts to revitalize Frankford.

He anticipates a high-energy race with a sharp focus on issues that most impact residents of the 179th, including education, public safety and jobs.  According to Jason, this race is the natural progression of years of service and dedication to the District, as well as genuine care and love for residents that he considers family.

“The reason I am running for office is simple – our current representative is not experienced to lead our community into a future that’s productive, vibrant and viable,” Jason continued.  “I believe I’m the best candidate that’s here – willing to listen, understand and respond to the concerns of residents of the 179th.”

 The campaign will host an Announcement Rally on Saturday, January 18, 12:00pm – 2:00pm, at The Frankford Boys and Girls Club, 1709 Kinsey Street.

Posted on by

Meadow House Gets New Video Security System

At a residents meeting at Meadow House (4649 Paul St.) on March 21st, Jason Dawkins (Business Services/Special Projects/Zoning specialist for group meetingCouncilwoman for Maria Quiñones Sánchez) explained the features of the newly installed video surveillance system.

The entire perimeter of the building can now be monitored from the office at the entrance to the building which provides residents going in and out of the building an extra measure of security.  In addition, the system can be accessed by the police department should the need arise.

Residents were pleased with the installation of the system .  The grant for the system was made possible through the efforts of the Latino Partnership Initiative.

Posted on by

Captain McCloskey Attends Frankford Civic

captain mccloskey

Captain John McCloskey

15th police district Captain John McCloskey attended the Frankford Civic Association meeting for the first time on Thursday, January 10th.  There were over 30 residents in attendance to hear him speak.  He was knowledgeable about the hot spots in Frankford as he went down the list of problems that have been encountered.  The bar at Pratt and Frankford Avenue is in his sights for the drug and weapons violations that have occurred.  4721 Oxford Avenue has issues with weapons and alcohol.  The take out beer joints are violating their working hours and he is seeking enforcement action against some of them.  He intends to introduce more bike cops by the Spring time.  He is bringing in vice to push back on the prostitution.

There were two zoning issues on the agenda.  Owners of 5029 Charles Street need a variance to legalize an existing wall around their property.  The civic voted to support the variance.

The application for a day care at 1829 Filmore had been discussed at a previous meeting.  No presentation was made by the owners at that time.  The owners were present at the meeting on the 10th but had not advised the civic that the wanted to make a presentation.  They will be invited back for a future meeting.  Their intention is to provide day care service in that area of Frankford which they believe is underserved at present.

Jason Dawkins on behalf of Councilwoman Sanchez office, was asked about the zoning issue  at 1709 Gillingham Street where an auto repair business is located.  The zoning issue was for the approval of an 8 foot high fence which the civic voted to support.  The neighbors are complaining about the traffic resulting from the use of the property for auto repair which is legal.  Jason offered to organize a community meeting where the residents and property owners can get together to work out a solution.

The Frankford NAC will be holding a zoning meeting to discuss two zoning issues at the 2nd Baptist Church on Thursday January 17th at 7PM.  See this link for more information.

Pete Specos, who is on the board of the Northwood Frankford Community Y spoke about progress being made on bringing it back to life.  Electrical service is now back on.

Lou Grow representing Turning Points for Children announced that there will be a community forum to introduce their service on February 13th at the Tacony Baptist Church.

The next meeting of the Frankord Civic Association will be held on February 7th at 7PM at Aria Hospital.

 

 

 

Posted on by

Daily News Recognizes Frankford Revitalization

4661-65-after-copy-1024x662The Daily News ran a story yesterday by Dan Geringer about the Frankford revitalization and the changes coming to the 4600 block of Frankford Avenue.

For too many years, Frankford’s main drag hovered in decline under the El tracks – dark, dirty, desolate, plagued by drugs and crime and fear.

Today, the bustling 4600 block of Frankford Avenue is the targeted center of a revitalization that Dawkins and his boss, Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, hope will radiate out along the Avenue from Womrath to Bridge streets.

It all starts with a broom, said Raymond “Ray of Hope” Gant, a former North Philly drug dealer who spent most of the ’90s in prison but has spent all of the 2000s helping struggling business corridors like Frankford’s get clean.

“When you clean up your house and your house is clean, the bugs go other places,” said Gant. “Human nature’s no different, understand?”

Gant leads a volunteer army of ex-offenders, recovering addicts and community-minded residents on a daily war against Frankford Avenue trash.

Read the entire story at this link.