Frankford Crime Map

Thanks to the Northeast Times, who is publishing the crime log every other week, we have been able to update the map and now have data for the past 6 weeks. This is a link to the map. It is interesting, to say the least. Better to be informed and know what we are up against. The police will say that statistics show a decline in most crime and that may be the case. To me it seems to be spreading to areas that we did not previously find it. No corner of Frankford is immune. We are all in this together and solutions are needed now.

Leonard Williams

The Northeast Times this week carries a story on the passing of Leonard Williams. Agree with him or not, he was a dedicated activist. We need more of those folks. Read the entire story here.

Northeast history center

From the Northeast Times:

Excitement is building around the Center for Northeast Philadelphia History. Local historians held their third meeting at the Historical Society of Frankford last week to discuss the project that would preserve and promote the history of Northeast Philadelphia.

When asked if there is a defining line for what might — or might not — be considered historical, Harry Silcox, retired Lincoln High School principal, historian and co-director of the project, said that while most people think of history as when George Washington walked down Bristol Pike, to Silcox "it’s yesterday."

The session also included discussion of the history center’s Web site. The site will feature information, photos and links to each neighborhood, an overview of houses of worship, parks and watersheds, along with information related to sports and the history of ethnic groups and religions in the region. The historians discussed ways to get the community involved, as well as the benefits of undertaking possible partnerships with other organizations.

Read the entire story here.

Northwood Civic Association Meeting

Tom Waring of the Northeast Times reports on last week's meeting of the Northwood Civic. Read the story here.

Frankford Civic takes a stand

The Frankford Civic continues to oppose the use of 4243-47 (map) Frankford Ave. as a drug- and alcohol-rehabilitation center. Emphasizing that their opposition is not to the commendable work being done but the fact that there are just too many of these centers already on Frankford Avenue.

Read the entire story here in the Northeast Times. Another story from the News Gleaner is here.

Northwood Civic sails on calmer seas

From Tom Waring of the Northeast Times this week:

State Rep. John Taylor feels welcome again at Northwood Civic Association meetings.
Taylor (R-177th dist.) had a strained relationship with Joe Menkevich, the colorful former president of the group.
Now, with Barry Howell as president and a united board of directors, Taylor thinks the meetings are now more warm and respectful.

Read the entire story here.

National Treasure

A great story from Diane Prokop in the Northeast Times about the gathering last week at Mozaic for the recording of Butch Ballard for a documentary. Read the article here.

Presbyterian Church of Frankford set to enter its third century

From the Northeast Times and reporter Diane Prokop:

The church will hold its 200th anniversary celebration of its transfer to the Presbyterian Church (map) on Sunday, May 4, with a luncheon at noon and celebration
services at 2 p.m.

Read the entire story here.

Frankford CDC turns a corner

There has been a great deal of discussion about the CDC and the mistakes made in the past. This update from the Northeast Times brings us up to date. The the entire very informative story by Reporter Diane Prokop here.

Frankford Civic Association meeting

Though the Frankford Civic Association, formerly known as the East Frankford Civic Association, is still awaiting official paperwork from Harrisburg to finalize its more inclusive name change, the group is moving forward with its agenda to be more proactive in the community.

From Diane Prokop of the Northeast Times, we have this summary of the proceedings at the last meeting. Read it here.

Northeast EARN Center

From the Northeast Times:

Simone Woods and Lisa Lewis are taking full advantage of the Northeast EARN Center’s community service program.
Woods and Lewis are single moms who are clients at EARN, an acronym for Employment Advancement Retention Network. The office is located at 4739 Frankford Ave. (map).
The agency, which opened in November 2006, seeks to find work for people.

Read the entire story here.

Making history in Northeast Philadelphia

It is exciting to see the pre-eminent Frankford cultural institution (Historical Society of Frankford Google map)taking a leadership role in this new venture of the historical societies of the northeast. Everybody stand up and cheer and then support them in every way possible. Read the entire story in the Northeast Times.

Frankford Civic meeting

From the Northeast Times:

The Frankford Civic Association opened its meeting last week with a moment of silence for Peggy Hoch, its longtime president and the founder of Tackawanna Against Drugs. Funeral services were held Saturday for Hoch, who died of lung cancer on Jan. 4. The 73-year-old Frankford activist was laid out in her Tackawanna Against Drugs sweatshirt. Her 15th Police District curfew center shirt was folded neatly beside her.

The civic association, formerly known as the East Frankford Civic Association, is still waiting for official paperwork from Harrisburg to finalize its more inclusive name-change.

An agenda item to form committees was tabled until next month.

Read the entire story here.

Lorenzo DellaValle

It is a note of interest when everybody come to a unanimous agreement about anything. This time our 2 fine neighborhood newspapers both covered the honor bestowed upon Lorenzo DellaValle by City Council.

I still remember shortly after turning 11 the pictures on TV of the sinking of the Andrea Doria. One famous Philadelphian, then mayor Richardson Dilworth was on board. Unknown at the time, to us, was that a future famous Frankford resident was also on board coming to America.

Read the story from the Gleaner and the Northeast Times and don't forget to wave when you walk by Lorenzo's shop on Frankford Avenue near Harrison.

Positive signs on the Frankford business corridor

The Northeast Times this week has a lead story about the new signage along Frankford Avenue. Attention to the needs of the business area is always a plus and it is great to read about the cooperation of our various legislators in getting this done.

Special services to return to Frankford

From the Northeast Times:

Business owner Bill Goldshlack tried hard to block re-establishment of the Frankford Special Services District, but, in the end, he just couldn’t pull it off.
In a last-minute push, Goldshlack, who owns the Victor Stores, needed 51 percent of Frankford business owners to oppose the Special Services District — and in particular the taxes that would be assessed by the city to support it.
Goldshlack couldn’t muster that opposition. As a result, Mayor John Street’s endorsement of a bill creating the district is expected to have it up and running before he leaves office in January.
The Frankford Special Services District will encompass both sides of Frankford Avenue, from Torresdale Avenue to Bridge Street, and certain side streets that include parts of Kensington Avenue and Foulkrod, Gillingham, Griscom, Margaret, Meadow, Orthodox, Paul, Pratt, Darrah and Unity streets.

Previous criticism that the system failed in the past due to poor management does not seem to be addressed in the new proposal. Read the entire article here.

St. Joachim Convent may have a new tenant

As reported by the Northeast Times, Catholic Social Services may take over the convent as a community-based home for 16 dependent girls between the ages of 12 and 17. Read the entire story here.

Frankford Group Ministry’s Parent Empowerment Training

The Northeast Times reports on this program run by the Frankford Group Ministry. Read the entire story here.

Frankford Civic Association

The East Frankford Civic Association has changed its name to the the Frankford Civic Association. Read about it and other issues discussed at the recent meeting here.

History in the Northeast

There is a story in the Northeast Times this week about a new and exciting development. The cooperation of our various historical societies is something that makes so much sense you have to wonder why it has not come before now. However the time seems to be right for this new opportunity to preserve and teach the history of the Northeast. Have a look at the full story.