CPN Newsletter 09-08

September 2008

Cedar Park Neighbors Newsletter

President’s Message

There is alwayssomething goodhappening inCedar Park!

By Monica Allison, CPN President

Usually summer means that you areable to sit back, relax and enjoy the

world around you. Not so in Cedar Park.This neighborhood is ever-changing anddeveloping, and as Carol would say,“There’s always something good happeningin Cedar Park.” As with the blooming offlowers, this neighborhood is blossoming.Several new businesses are either openor in the development stage. As manyof you know, The Philadelphia FederalCredit Union is preparing a temporarylocation at 51st and Baltimore Avenue sothat they can better serve their customersin a larger facility. There is a new beautysupply store in the 4900 block of Balti-more Avenue. The condos on 48th andFlorence are almost complete and readyfor tenants, and playground renovationsare in the works. We enjoyed a wonder-ful Jazz series with Denise King andfriends, and we awarded 11 scholarships.

The morning of September 27th, join usin the Municipal parking lot in the 4700block of Baltimore Ave for the dedicationof the “Heart of Baltimore” communitymural. Immediately following this eventwe will march to Cedar Park for theopening of the Cedar Park Fair, beingheld from noon to 5pm. Please purchase

your raffle tickets — we have some greatprizes as always this year.

On a more serious note, I would liketo impress upon our community thatthe Saturday recycling at the firehousecontinues. Many have said that weshould discontinue this effort sincewe now have curbside recycling. Iwant to tell you why this initiative isso important. We cannot give out asmany scholarships to deserving childrenwithout recycling, we cannot fully fundthe Cedar Park Fair, Cedar Park gardens,the block grants and other communitybased initiatives as completely withoutthis recycling effort. I know that it’s easierto recycle at your curb, but please con-sider all that firehouse recycling has andcould mean for this area. Help us, helpyou, by recycling at the firehouse the 1stand 3rd Saturdays of each month. We’llcontinue this effort until further notice.

Fall is around the corner, and theleaves will be turning wonderful colorssoon. So stop by the park, enjoy thetransformation, support our businesseson the corridor, support the recyclingeffort, and come enjoy the entertain-ment, vendors and food at the CedarPark Fair on Saturday September 27th. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Congratulations, Karen!

Karen Allen, CPN Treasurer, waspresented with a Cedar Park

Neighbors Community Service Awardby the CPN Board at its meeting on June16, 2008. The award reads as follows:“In grateful appreciation for your manyyears of dedicated service, outstandingstewardship as Treasurer and for yourmany contributions to the work of theassociation on behalf of residents andbusinesses in the Cedar ParkCommunity.”

Page 2 CPN Newsletter

Saturday, September 27, Noon - 5pm

Cedar Park will be filled with newly fall-en leaves, people with information and

entertainment along with fun and games.Wondering what’s going on? It’s the annu-al Cedar Park Neighbors Community Fair.

The Cedar Park Fair will take place onSaturday, September 27, 2008 from noonto 5pm, in Cedar Park, located between49th Street and 50th Street on BaltimoreAvenue, the very heart of our Cedar Parkneighborhood. There will be somethingfor everyone! There will be food,vendors, kids’ activities, health screening,public service tables, and more. And thenthere is music and other entertainment allday. The line-up includes: Adimu Kuumba,a Drill Team, and The Rays of Hope plusour favorite local DJ “Jamar.”

Attached you will find some raffle tickets.When you buy Raffle Tickets, not onlydo you have a great chance to win oneof many famous Raffle Prizes, but youcan also feel good knowing that the rafflehelps fund the cost of the Fair enablingus to continue this time honored traditionas well as support other CPN efforts.The Grand Prize this year is “$500 inFine Dining,” with gift certificates fromTEN of our favorite local restaurants!

PLUS there will be more than 50 otherprizes! Bring your filled-out tickets andmoney with you to the Fair, or you candrop them off at Abbraccio Restaurant(47th and Warrington) in advance.

We still would like anyone interestedin sponsoring, performing, vending, orvolunteering for the fair to e-mail us [email protected] or call267-531-4147. So far our sponsors forthis year are: Philadelphia Federal CreditUnion, University City District, O’DonnellReal Estate Inc., Urban Bye Realty and ourown State Representative James Roebuck.Thank you for your continued support!

Cedar Park Neighbors is looking forwardto seeing the community out and about.We hope that you will visit our member-ship table, at which you may renew orbecome a member of CPN, buy one ofour fabulous newly designed t-shirts, meetmembers of your community association,chat and talk with neighbors you haven’tseen, and buy raffle tickets to win aplethora of prizes.

Mark your calendar! Come to the dedi-cation of the “Heart of Baltimore Avenue”mural at 4714 Baltimore Ave at 11am,then follow the crowd to Cedar Park.We look forward to seeing you there.

CPN Annual Fall Fair

“Heart of Baltimore Avenue” Mural Dedication

Saturday, September 27, 11am

Philadelphia Mural Arts program,University City District and Cedar Park

Neighbors, along with city officials, willdedicate the “Heart of Baltimore Avenue”mural located at 4714 Baltimore Avenue.The event will include a brief speakingprogram and light refreshments. Invitedguests are Councilwoman Jannie Black-well, State Representative James Roebuckand our Mayor Michael Nutter.

If you have not seen the mural, pleasejoin us. It truly represents the “Heart ofBaltimore Avenue” with our icons suchas Amari, Benny the barber, and Vernonthe carrot cake man prominently featuredin the design. The mural itself was createdby David Guinn with considerable input

from nearby residentsand businesses. Thetiles that surroundthe mural were doneby students in theMural Arts after-school program.

At the conclusionof the dedicationceremony, participantsmay stay and chat atthe mural, possiblyenjoy some additionalmusical entertainmentor they can follow a procession downto Cedar Park for the kick-off of theCedar Park Fair. What a wonderfulstart to an exciting day. See you there!

T W O E V E N T S • S A T U R D A Y , S E P T E M B E R 2 7 , 2 0 0 8

Join us for the dedication ofthe “Heart of Baltimore Avenue”mural at 4714 Baltimore Avenue

September 2008 Page 3

By Maureen Tate, Park Improvement Committee

Summer in Cedar Park is framed thisyear by two important events. On

Flag Day, Saturday, June 14, Cedar ParkNeighbors, along with local veterans andpolitical officials, commemorated a rededi-cation of the World War Memorial locatedat the 49th Street end of the Park. Theevent celebrated the unveiling of a newlycreated eagle adornment for the top of

the memorial that was createdto replace one stolen sometimein the 1980’s. The sculpturewas specifically commissionedby CPN as part of our ParkImprovement Project, an effortbegun in 2003 that has sinceresulted in a complete renovationincluding landscaping, lighting,new benches and new entrances.The Eagle Project was fundedby CPN and the PennsylvaniaHorticultural Society.

The Cedar Park Eagle was designed,created and installed by local sculptureartist, Dustin Dowd, who is both a CPNmember and 49th street homeowner. Weare very grateful to Dustin for workingwith us on this project in the midst ofother national commissions. All those whoattended were very pleased with the design.The program included a welcome by CPNPresident, Monica Allison, the Pledge ofAllegiance led by local flag bearers fromCub Scout Troup 352, remarks on thehistorical context of the memorial by StateRepresentative James Roebuck, informationabout the Memorial and Park Project byPark Committee co-chair Maureen Tate,

a description of the design process increating the eagle by Dustin Dowd, a rapfor peace by local rap group Rays of Hope,and a closing with The Star SpangledBanner sung by Christian Walker, one ofour CPN Scholarship recipients. All wererewarded for enduring the extreme heatwith cooling red, white and blue PatriotPops, distributed by our friends at thePhiladelphia Federal Credit Union. Besure to stop by and admire the new Eagle.

Although summer is coming to a close,there is more to come for Cedar Park.Shortly after Labor Day, the much-awaitedconstruction of a new playground for thePark will get underway. This final phaseof the improvement plan will include newplay equipment suitable for ages 2-12,a new safety surface and fencing, as wellas new planting beds and installation ofwater service to help gardeners maintainplantings. These improvements are possi-ble thanks to funding secured by Council-woman Blackwell. Later in the fall, just intime for the holidays, we will be plantinga large evergreen tree thanks to funds fromthe Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

Eagle Unveiled and Memorial Rededicated in Cedar Park

Philadelphia Federal Credit Union Prepares for Temporary Relocation

Approximately forty residents attendeda community meeting on August 7,

to learn about forthcoming plans for thetemporary relocation of the PhiladelphiaFederal Credit Union in anticipation ofconstruction of a new building at 50thand Baltimore Avenue. Representatives ofthe Philadelphia Federal Credit Union spokeabout their plan to relocate to the vacantlot at 51st and Baltimore for the durationof the construction using a trailer or “Bankin a Box” concept. They have worked withCouncilwoman Blackwell’s office in identi-fying and confirming the site. In responseto questions, they assured residents thatthe temporary location would have allof the same security features as the regularbank in addition to on-site securitypersonnel and additional lighting.

PFCU expressed their commitment toremain at the 50th and Baltimore locationalthough the current building is no longersufficient to meet their needs. Havingsecured the adjacent building vacant formany years, they will demolish both build-ings and build new. The new building isintended to be one story, although withelevated ceilings and façade and will bebuilt as a “green” building, integratingenvironmentally sustainable technologies.Residents expressed appreciation for thePFCU’s commitment to remain and rein-vest in the community. Although architec-tural renderings of the building are not yetavailable, the PFCU staff will work withCPN to share them with the communityonce they become available.


Leroy’s Showcase Lounge Changes Ownership

By Bruce Hansen, CPN Board Member

Leroy’s Showcase Lounge, long a fixtureon the 4900 block of Baltimore Avenue,

was recently purchased by local businessmanAlgernong Allen. Upon taking ownership,Mr. Allen has quickly worked to breathelife back into this bar, which decades agowas a popular music venue that once hostedsuch acts as the Temptations and PattiLaBelle. When one initially enters the bar,it looks much the same as it has for years.Once you nestle up to the bar, however, acouple of major changes are readily appar-ent. These include flat screen TVs withcable, a fully stocked bar, and a kitchenmenu that looks enticing — and that’s notall. Shortly after he took over, Mr. Alleninvited the Jazz groups who play in CedarPark every Friday evening in the summerto keep playing well into the night at thebar. This has been a huge hit, and patronageat the bar on Fridays has increased signifi-cantly. In addition to Friday night Jazz,there is now Karaoke on Wednesday nightsand there are plans to broadcast footballgames during the upcoming season.

Sitting down to talk with Mr. Allen, one isimmediately struck by his ambition and hiswarm and energetic personality. Originallyfrom Southwest Philadelphia and currentlyresiding in Fairmount, Mr. Allen earned aB.S. in Finance from Hampton University,and is currently enrolled at New York

University for a Masters Degree in RealEstate. Leroy’s is his first venture into therestaurant business, but he has an eventmarketing background, and owns andmanages several properties in the city.He feels that his contractor managementbackground has greatly helped him figureout how to run a bar, which he admitshas been a slightly daunting task. Hehad not been planning specifically to buya bar,just a commercial property. Thatbeing said, he concedes that subconsciouslyhe was probably looking to buy a bar.

When asked if he was nervous aboutcompetition from neighboring Dock StreetBrewery, Mr. Allen calmly replied, “It’sa conglomeration. We’re not competing;we’re working together. We need moreentertainment and social outlets in thiscommunity.” It is his hope that this stretchof Baltimore Avenue will become a desti-nation spot for both local neighbors andothers from throughout the city. Giventhe effort that he has already put into theShowcase Lounge, one can be certain thatMr. Allen will be a major force behind theimprovement of this part of the Avenue.All grand plans aside, Mr. Allen offers aquick explanation of his vision for the bar.“I want our place to reflect Cedar Park, andin the long term, I just want it to be a coolplace to visit.” After just one visit to theShowcase Lounge, you’ll probably thinkthat he has already achieved his goal.

Leroy’s looks much thesame as it has for years,but Friday night Jazz, andWednesday night Karaokeare huge new hits.


Block Improvement on 4700 Hazel

Congratulations to residents of the4700 Block of Hazel Avenue upon

the completion of a block improvementproject funded by the CPN BlockImprovement Grant program. Plantingimprovements were made to the frontgardens of nine households. Care wastaken to choose hardy plants with agreater chance of survival, particularlyfor rental properties which do not havepeople able to care for plants regularly.Some households received plants to fill inan already existing landscape while othersrequired many plants to establish plantingbeds, resulting in a major improvementto the façade and overall streetscape.

If you are interested in aBlock Improvement Grant for your block please contact CPN [email protected]

It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it!CPN was out in force once again for

the annual City of Philadelphia TireRound Up. Seven volunteers and threetrucks hit the streets on August 9 between9am and noon and collected more than200 tires! Although not for the faint ofheart, our volunteers acknowledge thatthey actually enjoy this annual challenge.

For hard-core recyclers and anti-litteradvocates, it doesn’t get any better thanthis! CPN earns 50 cents for each tireollected. It’s great to have extra income,but the real satisfaction is in seeing results.Thank you to this year’s Tire Round UpTeam: Al Airone, Lisa Johanningsmeier,Bruce Hansen, Jim Kurtz, Peg Nowakand friend Michael, and Maureen Tate.

Tire Round Up Team Collects More Than 200 Tires

It’s our turn to extend a warm welcome toCedar Park’s newest community partner

and resource — Welcoming Center West,a program of the Welcoming Center forNew Pennsylvanians. Welcoming CenterWest celebrated its new satellite locationat 246 S. 52nd Street with an Open Househeld on August 5, which was attended byCPN Board members Dorothy Berlind,Maureen Tate and Shirley Rheinhart.Developed as a result of community-drivenmeetings and stated need, WelcomingCenter West works with both immigrantand native-born populations to strengthenthe community and the economy.

The Welcoming Center has two statedpriorities: Small Business Support andCommunity Integration. The Center seeksto promote economic development in anincreasingly diverse community and hasservices that address a range of businessneeds — from the entrepreneur with limitedEnglish proficiency to the native-bornmerchant. Services include informationand referrals on business resources, smallbusiness seminars, English language instruc-tion, and customer service training, as wellas technical assistance to business associa-tions with diverse membership. The Centeralso seeks to break down the barriers thatkeep immigrant and native born communi-ties separate and use these new connectionsto unify and foster a safer, stronger, moreeconomically dynamic community. To thisend the Welcoming Center sponsors cross-cultural events, provides conflict resolutiontraining for leaders and residents interestedin community mediation work as well asmediation and diversity training sessionfor immigrant and native-born communi-ties experiencing tension.

The Coordinator of Welcoming CenterWest is Fatimah Muhammed, who isherself native born and grew up in NewJersey. Ms. Muhammed was drawn to theWelcoming Center for New Pennsylvaniansthrough her work with and commitmentto human rights issues while working asan organizer in Europe with Humanityand Action, a program fostering dialogueand action on the impact of immigration.She guided the establishment of the newCenter while working from a desk in the52nd St. Business Association office withthe support of local community activistShirley Randleman. Fatimah believes in

the importance of working collectively andembracing the challenging conversationsthat are critical to figuring out how diversegroups of people can work together.

In a recent conversation, when asked whatshe finds most challenging and gratifyingabout her work in West Philadelphia, shereplied that, “West Philadelphia has sucha rich history. It is an honor to learn andbe part of a team that is growing every day.There are long-standing tensions, and itcan be herculean to begin a conversation,to break down the walls and tensions thathave just sat in the communities.

To look at whatwe can do aboutit is constantlychallenging.There are alwaysnew insights.We don’t lookthe same, butwe care abouta better worldand want to doit together.”She would likeresidents to knowthat WelcomingCenter West isnot only for immigrants — the door isopen to everyone.

Welcoming Center has both short-termand long-term goals. In the immediatefuture there is an emphasis on expansionof identified services and more directservices. They will expand upon the“Holidays Around The World” events,begun in 2007, utilizing the program toencourage merchants to bring their culturalfood, art, clothing and holiday traditionsto eight public events beginning with theend of Ramadan during the first week of

Page 6 CPN Newslettercontinued on page 9

Welcoming Center West Celebrates Grand Opening

Fatimah Muhammed,Coordinator ofWelcoming Center West,and CPN Board memberShirley Randleman atthe August Open House

CPN Board MembersDorothy Berlind andShirley Rheinhart stepinto the new center

Welcoming Center Celebrates Grand Openingcontinued from page 8


October. Plans are underway for a post-Thanksgiving-Day parade to take placethe Friday after Thanksgiving, with otherevents continuing through to the Saturdaybefore Christmas. Thinking more long-term, Welcoming Center West seeks toput to the fore the symbolic importanceof coming together to achieve healingand believes that its vision and programis unique and can serve as a nationalmodel. Cedar Park looks forward to

future collaborations with the WelcomingCenter. You are encouraged to stop into see what it is all about. Participate inupcoming events and become part of theever-expanding team of businesses andresidents building cross-culturalcollaboration. For more information:Welcoming Center West246 S. 52nd Street215-2208795www.welcomingcenter.org

All Together Now – Baltimore Business Association is Renewing Itself

By Algernong Allen, Owner of Leroy’s Showcase Lounge

Afreshly wrapped 34 trolley hums downBaltimore Avenue sporting a form-fit-

ting, colorful montage of cardboard, glass,plastic and paper, the words “All TogetherNow,” splashed across the side of the car.It’s Mayor Michael Nutter’s slogan for thecity’s new single-stream recycling program,but it could very well be the slogan for therenewal of Baltimore Avenue. The colorfulcorridor of cultural diversity, artistic expres-sion and neighborhood pride is recyclingand renewing itself. Neighborhood residents,community organizations and businessesowners are in it together, working handin hand towards responsible growth anddevelopment. That is what the BaltimoreBusiness Association is all about.

Local businesses provide vital resources toneighborhoods and create a more vibrantcommunity. Recently, a group of businessesdecided to take steps to resurrect theBaltimore Avenue Business Association(BABA), in order to reconnect the varietyof establishments dotted along the strip.

In early 2008, Gebremanuel Manny,proprietor of the Ethiopian restaurantand bar Queen of Sheba (4511 Baltimore),Stephen Fisher of Studio 34 yoga (4522Baltimore), and Pamala Williams of CaféPier One (4505 Baltimore) saw the needto have businesses work together in aneffort to reinvigorate the corridor.The BABA’s mission is to promote andadvance the interest of Baltimore Avenuebusinesses (from 40th to 52nd street,including one block to the north andto the south of Baltimore Avenue) and

to foster a better relationship betweenmember businesses and our community,according to BABA member VincentWhitaccre of Abbraccio Restaurant(820 S. 47th Street), which serves Italiancuisine. The organization was rekindledafter a former BABA languished.

Over the past few years changes haveoccurred rapidly to Baltimore Avenue.In a University City District survey ofthe community the following items werelisted in high demand in 2001: sit downrestaurant, book store, grocery store,music store, upscale restaurant and liveentertainment. Since that time, manyof these needs have been met. However,many more must be served.

Through communication BABA cancultivate conversation among the diversebusinesses situated along each block.The similarities and differences can behighlighted and common goals can becoordinated to create an even morevibrant destination for local residents andvisitors alike. BABA will be the commonthread woven between the tapestry ofdiversity represented in our local GlobalVillage. Establishments represent thecultures of the world: flavors from Asia,Africa, Vietnam, Korea, Italy, Cambodia,and the United States, to name a few.

The Baltimore Avenue BusinessAssociation is in its beginning stepstoward creating the Rosetta Stone,encouraging the dialogue between ourcommercial and community interests.By working together, Baltimore Avenuecan once again become growing lifelineto this burgeoning community.


Local Scholars Jazz Up Cedar Park in July

By Paula Harvey, Scholarship Committee

Cedar Park Neighbors Association’sScholarship Committee presented the

20th annual scholarship awards to deserv-ing students of the Cedar Park Communityon July 25 during the Jazz Series. Thesestudents have made a commitment to fur-thering their education. They were recog-nized for their academic success and theirservice to the community. Scholarships aregiven directly to the students,who choosewhere to allocate the money.

Over the past 20 years, almost $56,000has been raised through personal dona-tions and income generated through ourrecycling program to support students inCedar Park. Under the leadership of inter-im chairperson Laurie Friedman, the com-mittee undertook two new fundraising ini-tiatives. General donations, a beer-tastingat Dock Street Brewery and Restaurant, awine tasting at Abbraccio, combined with

silent auctions at both events raised$6,161. This does not include fundsdonated by Abbraccio Restaurant throughtheir Sunday brunch support. Thanksto owners Roger and Vince of AbbraccioRestaurant for their ongoing supportof the scholarship fundraising effort.

This year’s results are a joint effort of thescholarship committee and the CPN board.This year’s scholarship committee mem-bers are: chairperson Laurie Friedman,Darryl Bundrige, Tom Robinson,Gary Bronson, Katherine Hopkins,Heather Stepnovic, Eric Nordgren,Melissa St. Pierre, Lola Rooney, PaulaHarvey, Eric Werfel, and Jessica Naugle.

This year’s awardees include one senior,three juniors, four sophomores, and twocollege freshmen, one receiving the firstannual 2008 Eric Werfel Scholarship.We are pleased to announce this year’sCPN Scholarship Awards (see next page).

On September 1, 2008 while the neigh-borhood was gathered for Senator

Williams’ Neighborhood-to-NeighborhoodStreet Festival, children and parents ofGreater Enon Baptist Church were gath-ered at the Ronald McDonald House inUniversity City to prepare a scrumptiousdinner for the Family Meal program.

The volunteers prepared spaghetti withsalad and all the fixings, and dinner aswell as dessert was presented at the table.The youth had an opportunity not only toprepare dinner for the families staying there,but also took the time to sit and talk withthe families about their children and howas a family they were working toward thehealth and welfare of these children. Priorto leaving, the volunteers offered words of

encouragement and a means for the fami-lies to receive spiritual comfort as well.

The youth at Greater Enon BaptistChurch are very involved in their com-munity, seeking out volunteer activitiesthat will help them grow into productive,responsible, civic-minded adults. We oftenhear the negative about our youth in thecity, but here is a group striving to bepositive role models. Keep up the goodwork! Greater Enon Baptist Churchis located at 4633 Cedar Ave, whereKristopher S Reese is Senior Pastor.

Please contact our website at:www.cedarparkneighbors.org and let usknow what our community children areup to, so we can spotlight them as well.

Spotlight on Our Children: The Youth at Greater Enon Baptist Church

Thanks to O’Donnell Real Estatefor sponsoring this issue of theCedar Park Neighbors Newsletter

Emanuel Ghebremariam is a senior atVillanova University, where he studiespsychology with a focus on health careethics. Emanuel graduated from WestCatholic High School He is involved inthe Multicultural Students League andthe University City Hospitality Coalition.Emanuel volunteers extensively withgrade school students, in soup kitchens,and at Children’s Hospital.

The first junior, Kitakiya Dennis, a John W.Hallahan Catholic High School graduate,attends the University of the Arts. Sheplans to pursue a degree in multi-media.At school, Kitakiya organized socialevents, helped orient college freshmanand high school students and held herfirst gallery event this spring. We look for-ward to seeing her work in neighborhoodrestaurants and other local venues.

Emebeit Beyene is starting her third yearat NYU. A graduate of the Creative andPerforming Arts High School, Emebeithas a double major in Theater and AfricanaStudies. She is a Tish School freshmanmentor, a tutor and an intern this summerfor the Hip Hop Theater Festival.

Christian Walker is also a graduate ofthe Creative and Performing Arts HighSchool Christian is a junior at BenedictCollege in Columbia, South Carolina.A business major, she traveled to Spainand to Seoul, Korea, this season to sing.

Our first sophomore is Timothy Baldwin.Tim goes to Shippensburg Universitywhere he is studying Exercise Science.A Roman Catholic High School graduate,he has immersed himself in his studiesby working at the Mercy Wellness andFitness Center. At college, Tim is amember of the multi-ethnic studentassociation and serves at the feedingprogram group for his local church.

Cynthia Bird attends the University ofMiami. A West Philadelphia High Schoolgraduate, she will major in liberal arts.She joined the tennis club and the UnitedBlack Students group. Cynthia workedfor at a law firm this summer.

Donte Stanton is a West Philly High Schoolgraduate attending Temple University.We are proud of his accomplishments.

Martice Sutton, a John W. Hallahan CatholicHigh School graduate, now attends SpelmanCollege. Martice hopes to major in eco-nomics and minor in business manage-ment. She is very involved at Spelman inthe National Council for Negro Women,Alpha Lamda Delta Honor Society, andthe economics club to name a few of hercommitments.

Two freshmen are our newest scholarshiprecipients. Sara Ghebremariam will be afreshman this fall at the University ofPennsylvania She graduated from WestCatholic High School, where she wasactive with the orchestra, newspaper,and other groups while providing com-munity service hours to several worthwhile projects.

This year a neighbor came forward todonate a special scholarship of $1,000.The Eric Werfel Scholarship goes to a personwho embodies outstanding academicscholarship, amazing potential, and need.Eric could not be present, but asked thescholarship committee to make the presen-tation on his behalf. The first annual EricWerfel Scholarship recipient is LawrenceJones Mahoney, who received a check for$1,000. Lawrence graduated from WestPhiladelphia High School and will beattending Drexel University this fall.Lawrence is a leader inside and out,with Student Government, NationalHonor Society and Philadelphia StudentUnion among his accomplishments.He was active on the School Districtof Philadelphia’s search for a newCEO and the Sustainability Circlefor West Philadelphia High School

Congratulations to all and best wishes fora successful school year. The scholarshipprocess will begin again in the spring of2009. Visit the Cedar Park Web site atwww.cedarparkneighbors.org or callthe Cedar Park Neighbors office at(267) 531-4147 if you know of a studentneeding a scholarship or would like tojoin the committee. Your generosity openstomorrows for our involved area scholars.


This Year’s CPN Scholarship Awardees

Crossroads Music is pleased toannounce our Fall/Winter 2008-2009

schedule. While West African music isespecially strongly represented this fall,there are also some wonderful EasternEuropean, English, Latin American, andNorth American artists coming up.Concerts take place at 7:30 pm in thechapel of West Philadelphia’s CalvaryUnited Methodist Church, a beautifulroom with excellent acoustics.

Crossroads Music is Philadelphia’s onlyorganization dedicated to organizingpublic performances by accomplishedmusicians with roots in cultures fromaround the world. Our concerts, work-shops, master classes, lectures, and otheractivities educate the public by providing a

welcoming and affordable environment formusic-lovers of all ages and backgroundsto explore seldom-heard sounds andengage in intercultural dialogue.

Crossroads is a community-based not- for-profit organization where musiciansretain the freedom to stay close to theirroots and also explore new avenues ofexpression. Most tickets are pricedbetween $10 and $20 and are availableboth at the concerts and in advance fromBrown Paper tickets (via our website orat 1-800-838-3006) and at House ofOur Own Books, 3920 Spruce Street.Information on the season, including artistbios, sound clips, press photos, and more,is available at www.crossroadsconcerts.orgor 215-729-1028.


Crossroads Music: Concerts in West Philly, Music from All Over the World

Thursday, September 18Jez Lowe & The Bad Pennies Topical folk music from England’spost-industrial northeast

Friday, September 26Jayme Stone & Mansa Sissoko Africa to Appalachia

Saturday, October 4Bernard Woma Master of the Gyil(Ghanaian xylophone) withAlokli West African Dance andGina Ferrera’s Gyil Fusion

Tuesday, October 7Etran Finatawa Nomad Blues from Niger’sTuareg and Wodaabe peoples

Saturday, November 8 Venissa Santi Cuban jazz standards and Afro-Cuban folkloric song Sonic Liberation Front Afro-Cuban Yoruba roots meetfree jazz and electronica

Saturday, November 22Metrofolk Band Traditional Music fromHungary and Romania

Saturday, December 6April Verch Band Ottawa Valley fiddle & stepdance

Saturday, January 17Peter Ostroushko Heartland Americana (with a Ukranian twist) withSvitanya Eastern EuropeanWomen’s Vocal Ensemble

Wednesday, January 21International Guitar Night,Pierre Bensusan (France)Benjamin Verdery (New York) Cecilia Zabala (Argentina) Brian Gore (San Francisco)

New CPN T-Shirts!

Make your fall neighborhood fashionstatement by picking up one of the

new Cedar Park Neighbors t-shirts.

Emblazoned with the CPN logo, the shirtswere designed by neighbor, CPN logo andnewsletter designer, Judy Lamirand.Beautiful “stonewashed green” 100%cotton shirts are available in both longand short sleeve, adult and children’s sizes.You can be any size and wear your shirtin any season!

Send check and size request to CPNaddress or drop a check and size requeststo the mail drop at the home of Jim Kurtz,820 S. 48th Street. Call 215-724-0399or email [email protected].

Yes! Send Me a CPN T-Shirt!Children’s Short Sleeve

___ S ___ M ___ L ___ XL

Adult Short Sleeve

___ S ___ M ___ L ___ XL

___ 2XL ___ 3XL ___ 4XL ___ 5XL ___ 6XL

Total number short sleeve shirts __________ x $15 = ___________

Adult Long Sleeve

___ S ___ M ___ L ___ XL___ 2XL ___ 3XL

Total number long sleeve shirts __________ x $20 = ___________

Name

Address

Phone

June 2008 Page 11

Cedar Park NeighborsMembership Application/Renewal

New Member

Renewal

Multi-year(max. 3 years)..# of years_____

$10 Individual$15 Household (two persons or more)$ 7 Senior/Student/Unemployed$30 Business$40 Sponsor (one free CPN t-shirt!)

Additional contribution: CPN t-shirt:

(Write $ amount) (Write $ amount if not Sponsor and circle size)_____Holiday baskets_____Scholarships_____Jazz Series_____Other, specify ___________

____Short Sleeve Adult S, M, L, XL, 2Xl, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL, 6XL ($15.00)____Short Sleeve Kids S, M, L, XL ($15.00)____Long Sleeve Adult S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL (20.00)

Check your areas of interest for potential participation:

Block Organizing: Maintain list of Block

Leaders, organize forums etc.

Block Improvement Grants Committee:

Review applications, help awardees

implement projects etc.

Board of Directors: CPN leadership and

decision-making body.

Cedar Park Fair: Publicity, children's

activities, venders, entertainment, etc.

Cedar Park Garden Tenders: Plant and

maintain gardens at Cedar Park.

Clean-up Committee: Promote participation

in block clean-up days and Tire Round-up.

Education Committee: Interaction with

local schools and parents on issues.

Firehouse Recycling Project: Two

Saturdays/year.

Fundraising: Special events, grant writing.

Holiday Baskets: Coordinate and assist

distribution to needy Cedar Park families.

Hospitality: Provide refreshments for

community meetings and special events.

Membership Committee: Promote

membership to residents and businesses.

Newsletter: Writing, publishing,

photography, distribution.

Property/Housing Task Force: Strategize/

respond to issues of deteriorated property.

Scholarship Committee: Raise funds,

promote program, and select awardees.

Website: Technical support, maintenance,

updating info/pictures etc.

Zoning Committee: Monitor &

communicate issues to residents; appear

before Zoning Board of Adjustment,

coordinate meetings.

Name: __________________________

Address: _________________________

Phone: __________________________

Email: __________________________

Yes, I would like to receive an email notice with a link to the current newsletter on the CPN website (and

do not deliver a paper copy to my home).

TOTAL ENCLOSED _________Return form with check to:

Cedar Park Neighbors

Calvary Community Center

4740 Baltimore Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19143

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.cedarparkneighbors.org

Phone: 267 531 4147

Cedar Park Neighbors Membership Application/Renewal


CPN Board

PresidentMonica Allison

Vice-PresidentCarol Walker

SecretaryDorothy Welch Berlind

TreasurerKaren Allen

DirectorsMichael ClapperDeborah ClarkeSean DornShani Adia EvansNaomi FiordimondoBruce HansenFred KauffmanTheresa McColePeg NowakJoanne PhamKristopher ReeseShirley RheinhartMaureen TateRosa ThomasRichard WarnerRenee Warnick

CPN Mission Statement:Cedar Park Neighbors is anassociation of diverse house-holds and businesses based inthe Cedar Park neighborhood ofWest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.The purpose of the associationshall be to foster collaborationamong all persons living andworking in the Cedar Park neigh-borhood, to promote communitydevelopment, to provide a forumfor communication and commu-nity education, to respond toneighborhood concerns and toadvocate for and promote thegeneral welfare of the CedarPark community.

Newsletter EditorsMaureen Tate & Judy Lamirand

Newsletter DesignJudy Lamirand, Parallel Design

To Contact Cedar Park Neighborsor submit Newsletter items:contact@cedarparkneighbors.orgwww.cedarparkneighbors.org267-531-4147

c/o Calvary Community Center4740 Baltimore AvenuePhiladelphia, PA 19143

Homeowner Workshops Set For September

Are you planning to purchase andrestore an older home? Are you

in the midst of home renovation lookingfor great how-to information? ThePreservation Alliance for GreaterPhiladelphia is pleased to a series ofFREE September workshops in WestPhiladelphia for owners and aspiringowners of older and historic homes.Attendees will have the opportunityto learn about the best practices forrestoration and maintenance of olderand historic homes. These popularprograms are free and open to thepublic, but seating is limited andreservations are required. The workshopsare presented in collaboration with theFairmount Park Historic PreservationTrust, Cedar Park Neighbors and theUniversity City Historical Society.

“Hands On” Demonstration Workshops in West Philadelphia

Masonry and Pointing Tuesday, September 9 7pm

Maintaining Historic PorchesTuesday, September 167pm

Interior PlasterTuesday, September 237pm

Workshop LocationCalvary Center for Culture andCommunity, 801 S. 48th Street

To reserve a space, or for more infor-mation, please contact Patrick Hauck,Director of Neighborhood PreservationPrograms, at 215-546-1146 x4 [email protected].

Documents

CPN Newsletter 09-08