Tag: Northeast EPIC Stakeholders

The EPIC Stakeholders group continues to be a rising positive force in Frankford.  Attending one of their meetings is never a chore and always interesting.  Thanks to Kim Washington for the meeting minutes.

Ambrose Lui / Seth Pollock (Arts Rising / Harding Middle School)

We work in schools to ensure access to a high quality education inclusive of the arts for all of the students that we work with.  The Artzone program taps into the expertise and enthusiasm of educators, parents, and community members at all levels.  We have reached out community organizations such as the Northeast EPIC, local politicians, Councilwoman Sanchez’ office, State Representative Tony Payton’s office, the public libraries and recreations centers, faith based groups and various businesses in Frankford.  The Artszone is work with Clay Studios, Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Shakespeare Theater and the Walnut street theater to bring art into the classrooms.  We have convened an Artzone Advisory Council and with that we have done community asset mapping with students.  You can find out more about what we do at myartsrising.org or contact Ambrose Liu, Artszone Coordinator at aliu@philaedfund.org, (215) 665 – 7400 ext. 3355.

The Artsrising program in collaboration with the Walnut Street Theater is working with the students at Harding Middle School around the issue of bullying.  They are in the process of writing, directing and acting in their own play around bullying to perform for the local elementary schools.  The EPIC Stakeholder group will be working with Artsrising in hosting a play for adults in the community o showcase what the student put together.  Once the details of that is put together the coordinator will get that information out to the group.

Continue reading Northeast EPIC Stakeholder Group Meeting 1/26/2012

The EPIC meetings are always interesting but this one was the best that I have attended.  There was representation from every segment of Frankford which made it a very productive gathering.  Below are some of the highlights:

 

• Manny Citron made the presentation for PhillyRising.  He explained the Frankford Action plan and made available copies for those who had not seen it.
• There is 311 Neighborhood Liaison training available to Frankford residents.  A 311 liaison is a person who has had training on the 311 system and has log on privileges.  That person can act as a local neighborhood contract in resolving 311 issues.  It will be held on December 5th.  If you are interested you can contact Manny at 215-605-0853.
• He also explained the tree planting initiative in Frankford which is intended to replace dead or missing trees.  A survey will be conducted by neighborhood groups and the trees will be planted in the Spring.
• Kim Washington talked about the EPIC strategic plan.  We are about half way through the fiscal year at this point.
• Copies of the EPIC Community Advisory Committee by laws were distributed
• There will be a 2012 EPIC Min Summit held at the Frankford Boys and Girls club on April 14th.
• A Youth Engagement Summit will be held on November 29th.

 

A discussion was started about the attendance of a police representative at the EPIC meetings.   It also came up that the EPIC should be represented at the PDAC  (Police District Advisory Council) meetings.   One member volunteered to take that assignment.  Pete Specos suggested that it might be possible to combine the monthly PSA meeting with the EPIC meetings.  Manny Citron will make contact with the police to see if it can be done.  That would give more citizens access directly to the police than presently attend the PSA meetings.

Also the EPIC had on its strategic plan for this year a college tour for local high students.  That would give the students the opportunity to see what college really looks like since many of the kids have no experience in their families with higher education.  The Frankford Boys and Girls club runs a similar tour and plans to combine those two efforts for next year were suggested.

Continue reading EPIC Stakeholders Meeting 11/17/2011