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www.FrankfordGazette.comVol. VIII, Issue 6—January/February 2018Frankford 2017 Year in ReviewBy Bob SmileyOverall it was a goodyear. In some respects itwas a great year.The Globe Dye Works over onWorth Street continues to attractnew small businesses and it is oneof the most successful examples ofIRMX zoning (Industrial Residential Mixed use) in the city. When Ifirst heard this idea it seemed kindof crazy. Who wants to live in anold building where they work inFrankford. There are more than 30commercial tenants, including 19who also live in the property. Current tenants include painters, photographers, floral designers, a cabinet maker, a potter, boat builders, ametal sculptor, a classic automobile broker, a tattoo artist, a creamery, a guacamole maker, a coffeeroaster and a caterer, among manyother.State Senator Christine Tartaglioneand State Representative JasonDawkins presented a check for a 1,000,000 Pennsylvania capitalgrant to the owners on January10th. The RACP grant will supportthe final phase of Globe Dye’srestoration, including the expansion of a special events space andthe remodeling of office and manufacturing spaces.Verizon Wireless opened a newstore at Foulkrod and Frankfordreplacing the former FrankfordDeli. Nana’s Day Care on OxfordAvenueandArtisanSmiles on Frankford Avenue(dental office) are both under construction and the Shoppes at Wissinoming at Tulip and BridgeStreet will bring a new ShopRiteand several new stores to the area.The Daral Building, against allodds, has been completely rehabbed by the Frankford Community Development Corporation. Itseemed like a long shot but a greatidea to stake a claim to a spot inthe heart of Frankford and restoreand occupy it. It cost a lot of money and that money had to be raised,a dollar at a time. Kim Washington and the CDC cobbled that financing together and the buildingis done. The vision became a reality. Congratulations to all on a jobwell done.What seemed even more improbable was the idea of a park in thecenter of Frankford. What startedout as a pop up temporary park,morphed into the FrankfordPause. The concept came right outof a series of focus group meetingswith Frankford residents sittingaround talking about what theywould like to see. Then the professionals got to work to see whatcould be done. The result is thereon Paul Street, right next to theDaral Building. Completion of theconcept still has a few steps to gobut the park itself is ready to beused.plagued the city for years. Theywill not solve all the problems butit is a step in the right direction anda sign that somebody has finallylistened to the neighborhoods.NorthwoodCivicAssociation took the lead in conservatorship in Frankford. They workedwith a nonprofit builder to takepossession of a house at OxfordAvenue and Wakeling Street thathad been left to deteriorate by thebank who had taken ownership andleft if neglected. After a year oflegal haggling, conservatorshipwas awarded, and the house will berehabbed and sold to a new singlefamily owner.Food Truck Fridays were sponsored by the Frankford CDC andbrought some new life to the 4600block of Paul Street during theSummer. That was despite thereconstruction of the Arrott Transportation Center that closed offblocks of Frankford Avenue forSquatters were in the news and adays at a time.situation that developed in NorthThe Arrott Transportation Cen- wood lead to legislation that willter reconstruction moved ahead at make it easier for owners to retakewhat seemed like a ponderously the property and prosecute theslow pace but it is a huge job and offenders.the light is at the end of the tunnel. Construction is scheduled to Northwood Civic took on theCastor Avenue Speedway and gotbe finished this year.some results. Some new stop signsand some traffic calming measureshave slowed down the trafficsomewhat.The Boys and Girls Club on Kinsey Street rebuilding has been going on all year long and it looksgreat. We will be doing a specialtour this month to show you how itall turned out.Regulatory progress that will helpthe quality of life came through atthe end of the year. A controversial bill in City Council that willbegin regulating Stop and Gostores that sell beer and liquor waspassed. Some of these stores andthe problems they attract are a flashpoint for crime. State Representative Jason Dawkins alsomanagedtogetregulationof recovery houses through theState Government. Both of thosebills address issues that haveThere was a new charter schoolapplication by Qor CharterSchool for the old St. Joachimschool building. Since Sankofaleft, the building has been vacant,and it will be good to see it occupied. It would also be good tohave another school choice for ourfamilies.The Malankara Church relocatedfrom their building at Penn andOrthodox to a new location fartherup in the Northeast. Frankford(Continued on page 2)
The Frankford Gazette - January/February 2018(Continued from page 1)Friends School purchased thebuilding and turned it into theFrankford Friends School Annex. The Annex is now home toa multi-purpose room for performances and physical educationclasses in addition to theater,music, and library/Lower SchoolSpanish classrooms. FrankfordFriends had doubled its footprintover the last few years which is agood thing and helps to stabilizethe area around the school andMeeting House.andtheFrankfordGazette turned 10 years old in May.Crime overall went down. Aggravated assault, burglary andtheft are the lowest they havebeen since we began tracking in2013. Firearm crime is about atthe level of 2013 with 179 incidents. Robbery has continuedits decline since 2013 with 247,up slightly since last year. 91arrests for weapons violations isa record and is 38% higher thanin 2013.That is goodnews because those guns are offthe street and may help explainwhy crime with firearms hasdeclined.Business is not booming onFrankford Avenue. There aresome good businesses there butthere are too many vacancies andfew places where you can sitdown for a bite to eat.Frankford’s oldest house at 1548Adams Avenue has new ownerwho promises to care for it. Ithad been in limbo without theprevious owner taking care of it.Homicide is back up to theheight it reached in 2016 when12 people died in PSA1. It is upin the city overall. Other crime isdown overall as well. Drugs is abig driving factor.Lenny Jaynes, noted poet in That is all for this year.Frankford, began publishing hiswork in the Frankford GazetteComing Next MonthFrankford High SchoolAviation AcademyPage 2Frankford NAC ZoningBy Christine DeJesus4930 Penn Street– 21 metal containers- 12 people came outAt the Frankford NAC zoning to approve; however, a requestmeeting on January 11th, the peo- was made to install privacy fenceple spoke and voted. Here are the so people cannot see in and toresults.adhere to business hours only.5127 Duffield Street– Veteranshousing 44 units- Denied. Applicant came to the community morethan four years ago and they didnot have a clear plan as what theywanted to do with the property andchanged blueprints midspan. Thenwanted to make it into section 8housing.4684DuffieldStreet–Approved by 4 people. 2 yearproviso added, and applicant is toadhere to normal business hours.4943 Penn Street – For a multifamily living unit (4) with an existing structure. – PERMIT FOR AMULTI-FAMILY HOUSEHOLDLIVING (4 UNITS) WIHTIN ANEXISITINGDETACHED1360 Brill Street– Applicant STRUCTURE.Case will bewanted a variance to have an open heard in February.air parking spot next to her residence. Other homeowners have the 4563 Torresdale Avenue – Creasame type of parking. No opposi- tion of 3 lot spaces into 1 OPAtion; however, applicant will need account. Space 1 and 3 to remainvacant and space 2 to be used as ana curb cut out.auto repair shop. – PERMIT FORCREATION OF THREE (3) TENANT SPACES (SPACES 1, 2 & 3)FROM ONE (1) TENANTSPACE ON 1ST FLOOR. SPACE# 2 – PROPOSED AUTO MECHANIC SHOP (NO SPRAYPAINTING) (PERSONAL VEHICLE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE), SPACE # 1 AND # 3TO REMAIN VACANT IN ANEXISTING STRUCTURE (SIZEAND LOCATION AS SHOWNIN THE APPLICATION). Thecase will be heard in March.1360 Brill Street fromGoogle Street ViewHAPPY HAPPY VALENTINEI saw you walking through the park one day.I gave you a wink, you gave me a smile.I gave you that look, you gave me a nod.You gave me your heart, I gave you mine.I gave you a ring, and I gave you this song.HAPPY HAPPY VALENTINE.by LENNY JAYNESwww.FrankfordGazette.comThe next Frankford NAC zoningmeeting will be held on February8th at 7 PM at 4667 Paul Street.
Page 3The Frankford Gazette - January/February 2018Northwood Civic Green Lights TriplexVisit the Frankford GazetteBy Bob SmileyAt the Northwood Civic Association meeting on January 16th, members voted not to opposean application to legalize an existing triplex at 4725 Northwood Street. The zoning hadlapsed for the property due to a technicality and it had been inlegal use as a multi family previously. It is not in the DeedRestricted area.online atwww.frankfordgazette.comusing your smartphone, tablet orAlso at the meeting Joe Krause, President of the Association,updated the membership on the conservatorship progress of theWakeling Street property. The Civic plans to address otherproblem properties when the current project is completed.containing the links tobonus information, more storiesand picturesTerry Heiser talked about additional traffic calming measurescoming to Castor Avenue in the Spring and new signage coming to the 4600 block of Oakland Street in an attempt to slowdown traffic on the block which has many children.The next meeting of the Northwood Civic Association will beon February 20th at 7 PM at the Simpson Recreation Center,Crafters & VendorsWantedfor the Spring Spotlight Fairto be held on April 21, 2018 from10 AM to 2 PM.St. James Christian PreschoolPleaseemail preschool.sjelc@gmail.comfor more information.computer to access the articles. Try it today!SENIORS SOUGHT TO VOLUNTEERWITH THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA’S FOSTER GRANDPARENTPROGRAMThe Office of Civic Engagement & Volunteer Service (OCEVS) is recruiting lowincome seniors, ages 55 to volunteer as arole model, mentor and tutor to Philadelphiayouth in PreK through 2nd grade classroomsthrough the Foster Grandparent Program.Participating seniors receive a tax-freestipend of 159 to 424 monthly, paidtraining, transportation reimbursementplus sick, vacation and personal leavedays. Foster Grandparents enrich the livesof children with their knowledge and compassion. If you are interested in giving backto the community and working with children, please contact the Foster GrandparentProgram at 215-686-8413 or 215-685-3798.Visit us atwww.serve.phila.gov/foster-grandparents.St. Benedict's Clothes ClosetNew and well used clothing to thosein needSt. Mark’s Church4442 Frankford AvenueEvery Saturday from 1 PM to 3 PMBy Grace Alone Frankford ChurchSecond Baptist Church of FrankfordRev. Darrell R. Bradsbery, Pastor1801 Meadow StreetWhere people who come in feel ACCEPTED and are sentout TRANSFORMED and EQUIPPED with the life changing Gospelof Jesus Christ.For more information call 215-537-1263About the Frankford GazetteKeep the Faith in Frankford publishes the Frankford Gazette. This is a print edition of some of the articles available online. We cover the Frankford neighborhood in Philadelphia. Go to www.frankfordgazette.comto get full details.Editor: Bob Smiley; Associate Editor: Pat Smiley, Veterans Affairs: Richard W. Johnson, IT Director: Jim Smiley, Printing by Health Partners Plans.You can receive Frankford/Northwood news and event information by text message sent directly to your cell phone. Text the word JOIN to sms 659@telefio.com.Interested in writing for Frankford's community newspaper? Email contrib@frankfordgazette.com or call (215) 847-5506. Want your event on the community calendar? Email events@frankfordgazette.com or call(215) 847-5506 Publication date is the 20th of each month. Events and ads are due by the 14th.Distribution locations: Frankford CDC - 4667 Paul St., S&A Dry Cleaner - 4935 Frankford Ave., Rep. Dawkin's Office - 4667 Paul Street, PA Auto Insurance Outlet - 4901 Frankford Ave., Lee Brothers Deli - Harrison St.& Frankford Ave., Lowi’s Market - 4801 Frankford Ave., Peter Bressi N.E. Senior Center - 4744-46 Frankford Ave, Taha Barber Shop - 4665 Frankford Ave., Meadow House - 4649 Paul Street, Frankford Library - 4634Frankford Ave, Frankford High School, Frankford Friends School, Northwood Academy Charter School, Marshall School, Gambrel Recreation Center, McIlvain Recreation Center, Simpson Recreation Center, Boys andGirls Club, Great Awakenings Café - 1466 East Cheltenham Ave. Campbell AME Church 1657 Kinsey St., St. Marks Church 4442 Frankford Ave., 2nd Baptist Church 1801 Meadow St., All Star Kids Learning Factory4654 Frankford Ave., Sen. Tartaglione Office 1061 Bridge St., American Legion POST 224 2006 Orthodox St.www.FrankfordGazette.com
The Frankford Gazette - January/February 2018Page 4Martin Luther King Day in FrankfordLarry Krasner, District Attorney of Philadelphia speaksat the MLK Breakfast CelebrationThe Frankford Garden Club helped set up the event space forthe MLK Birthday CelebrationThe Ray of Hope project coordinated a clean up with 15 volunteersfrom Rosemont College on Monday, January 15th. Block captain,Lynda DeSouza and Frankford Watch, Elijah Myers worked withthe volunteers on this brisk Martin Luther King Day of Service toclean the area around the Arrott Street terminal.Ike Hardy at Margaret and Orthodox handing outbowls of soup on MLK DayBags of trash and other items were collected and left for city pickup from this MLK Day of service project.www.FrankfordGazette.com
Page 5The Frankford Gazette - January/February 2018Martin Luther King Day in FrankfordWHEN WE LOOK UPSometimes we’re so busy we can’t see the road,when we keep looking down at our shoes.When is the last time you looked up to the sky,to see the clouds as they pass by.When was the last time you looked at the stars and seehow bright they really are?Kat Hardy at Margaret and Frankford “giving back to thevillage”How about the moon when it turns bright bright orange.Sometimes we need to stop looking down at our shoes andlook up and see the flowers as they bloom.And maybe a rainbow to lighten the load and maybe asong for the long walk home.The shocking truth is you have a lot to lose when you keeplooking down at your shoes.HAPPY MLK DAYBy Lenny JaynesCardinal O'Hara High School's Community Service Corps joined theCapuchin Franciscan Brothers from Padre Pio Prayer Center on Martin Luther King Jr Day to serve a meal and pray with our neighbors inthe street. It was a powerful experience! Credit to Charlie Wieners,moderator of the Community Service Corps, for the photos.Governor Tom Wolf stopped by at Frankford High School onMartin Luther King day to see what the volunteers were doing.Diane Kunze and Mary Ellen Post arrange the flowersat the MLK breakfastwww.FrankfordGazette.com
Page 6The Frankford Gazette - January/February 2018By Richard W. JohnsonDonald DonaldsonA Fallen Eagle RememberedBy Bob Smileydischarged in 1976.Don became a sheet metal workerat Progressor Metal Company. Heloved doing community work andvolunteering. He began sweepingup on Frankford Avenue because hesaw that it was needed, and it wasnot long before Kim Washington,Executive Director of the FrankfordCommunity Development Corporation, hired him.Donald Donaldson, Frankford Gazette Veteran of the month for February of 2017, passed away suddenly in late December.Don was an active member ofLloyd C. Wilson American LegionPost 224. He was also a mentor toHis funeral service was held at theNortheast Baptist Church in Frankford on January 13th where StateRepresentative Jason Dawkinsspoke on behalf of the FrankfordCommunity. Post 224 made apresentation to the family.He was born on April 19, 1954 inAnderson, South Carolina the firstof the family of 2 boys and 2 girlsand was raised on Harrison Streetin Frankford where he attendedSmedley Elementary, Harding Junior High and Frankford HighSchools. He was a long-time member of Northeast Baptist Church.He enlisted in the United StatesMarine Corps in 1972 during theVietnam era. He finished his basictraining at Parris Island, South Carolina and served in Japan, Koreaand Vietnam. He rose to the rank ofE5 (sergeant). Don was honorablymany in recovery.He is mourned by his family andfriends and the entire FrankfordCommunity.Donald Johnson1954—2017www.FrankfordGazette.com
Page 7The Frankford Gazette - January/February 2018Coming Up in FrankfordHousehold Assistance Workshop Tue, January 30, 5:30pm – 7:30pm,Second Baptist Church of Frankford,1801 Meadow St, - Sheriff Sales Property taxes - Water revenue - PECOCAP - Free light bulbs, ECA weatherization - Free weather stripping andcaulking for attendeesFrankford Civic Association Meeting- Thu, February 1, 7pm St Mark'sChurch Frankford, 4442 FrankfordAvenueCommunity Night - Fri, February 2,7pm – 9pm, St Joachim's Church, 1527Church St. - Invite your friends! Inviteyour family! All are welcome to anevening of fun & fellowship. Simplemeal followed by games and children’sactivities. We are happy to be collaborating with the Catholic Daughters ofAmerica Court St. Francis De Sales#2617 who are sponsoring the event!Parking is available in the lot aroundthe corner from St. Joachim's Churchon Griscom St.15th Police District PSA1 Meeting Winter Programming at Frankford Library from January 2018-March 2018Thu, February 22, 7pm, Aria Hospital,4900 Frankford Ave.Teen Third ThursdaysCrafts, games and fun for Teens Only. - 3rd Thursday of the month 4:30 p.m.—Frankford Civic Association Meeting January 18, February 15, March 15- Thu, March 1, 7pm, St Mark's ChurchAdult/Teen Laptop LoungeFrankford, 4442 Frankford Avenue,Simpson RecreationCenter Simpson Afterschool program islooking for an adult worker. Must beable to assist with homework, be available during the hours of 2:30-6:00 p.m.Enjoy working with schoolage children. If interested contactCynthia Young at 215-685-1223. Lifeguards are needed for theSummer 2018 Pool season. Classes areforming Now! If you would like tohave a great summer jump and will beat least 16 years old then contact theGrand Army of the Republic Muse- center at simpsonrecctr@hotmail.com.um Open House - Sun, February 4, We are looking for teams to join12pm – 5pmour Terrell Bruce Developmental Bas4278 Griscom Street - Presentation at ketball League for youth ages 8u, 10,1:30 PM:and 12u.Friends of Overington Park - Tue,February 6, 7pm, Friends MeetingHouse, 1500 Orthodox Street - Thegroup maintains and supports Overington Park at Orthodox and LeiperStreets. This park has been resurrectedand now hosts events almost everymonth of the year but it can't do itwithout your active participation. Newmembers needed. Join us the first Tuesday of the month. We meet In the Parkfrom May to September. Simpson Recreation Centermonthly Family Bingo will be movedto Thursday, January11, 2018 at 7:00p.m. do to the pending storm. Brush up on your computer skills using our in-house laptops with our Digital Resource Specialist. Space may be limited.Mondays 5:30p-6:30p - January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19,26Resume Open LabNeed help with your resume. Come to our resume open lab with extended laptoptime. - Thursdays 11a-1p - January 4, 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8,15, 22Wii Wednesdays with VinceCome play your favorite Wii games with Mr. Vince. For Teens and school-aged kids.4th Wednesday of the month 4:30 p.m. - January 24, February 28, March 28Frankford Library Minecraft ClubCome build and play Minecraft with other kids, ages 8 to 12. Your host will be librarian Mr. Pagán. We’ll be playing in peaceful mode only! Call or stop by to sign up. Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. - January 13, February 10, March 10Preschool Storytime with Mr. PagánPreschoolers and their caregivers are welcome to come to listen to stories, do fingerplays and sing songs with children’s librarian Mr. Pagán. - First and third Tuesdays ofevery month at 11:00 AM - January 2 and 16, February 6 and 20, March 6 and 20Frankford’s Wednesday Movie of the MonthCome the second Wednesday of every month and watch a fun family movie hosted bylibrarian Mr. Pagán. Come one time, or all the time! - Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m.,January 10, February 14, March 14Frankford’s Lego PlaytimeCome to build with our Lego collection along other kids ages 6 to 12. Your host willbe children’s librarian Mr. Pagán. Call or stop by to sign up. - Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. January 27, February 24, March 24SRAC Wednesday, January 10,2018 at 7:00 p.m.Block Building PartiesBlock Party!? Wooden Block Party in the library. - On the first Wednesday of the Monday Arts & Crafts 6:00 p.m. month, join librarian Mr. Pagán to build whatever you want with our collection of2,000 blocks, signs and figures! Children ages 4 and up are encouraged to build, Tuesday Zumba Class 6:00 p.m. overcreate, and play! Come one time, or all the time. - Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m , JanuaryFriday Martial Arts Class starting at 3, February 7, March 7ages 4-6 at 6:00 p.m. 7 & up 6:30 p.m.Lectura bilingüe de cuentos infantilesSpanish/English Bilingual StorytimeNeighborhood Advisory CommitteeZoning Meeting - Thu, February 8,7pm, 4667 Paul St.For children and their parents. Read by librarian Mr. Pagán. The third Wednesday ofevery month. Come one time, or all the time. - Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. - January 17,February 21, March 21Northwood Civic Association Meeting - Tue, February 20, 7pm, Simpson.Recreation Center, 1010 Arrott St,Para niños y sus padres. Leido por el bibliotecario Sr. Pagán. El tercer miercoles decada mes. Vengan una vez o todas la veces que quieran. - Miercoles a las 6:00 p.m.,17 de enero, 21 de febrero, 21 de marzoServices atSt. Mark’s Episcopal Church4442 Frankford Ave.8:30AM SIMPLE ANDSHORT WORSHIPSunday Morning Bible Study: 9:00am10:00AM Main WORSHIP SERVICECampbell AME Church1657 Kinsey StreetChurch Office: 215-288-2748Email: campbella.m.e.frankford@gmail.comSt. James Lutheran Church5185 Castor Ave.Philadelphia, PA 19124215-743-1828www.StJamesPhilly.comSunday Worship Service: 10:00amFriday Night Youth Ministry (4th to 12thGrade): 6:30pm – 8:30pmwww.FrankfordGazette.comServices atFaith Assembly of God1926 Margaret StSunday 11 A.M. and 6:30 P.M.Wednesday 7:00 P.M.Friday 7:30 P.M.
The Frankford Gazette - January/February 2018www.FrankfordGazette.comPage 8
Girls Club, Great Awakenings Café - 1466 East Cheltenham Ave. Campbell AME Church 1657 Kinsey St., St. Marks Church 4442 Frankford Ave., 2nd Baptist Church 1801 Meadow St., All Star Kids Learning Factory 4654 Frankford Ave., Sen. Tartaglione Office 1061 Bridge St., American Legion POST 224 2006 Orthodox St. About the Frankford Gazette
