THE FALLSER July 2013 www.thefallser.com Volume 20, No. 2 NEWS & EVENTS FOR THE EAST FALLS COMMUNITY Setting Stage for Ridge Flats Independence, Philly Style July 2, 8pm: Fireworks and Concerts Philadelphia Orchestra Neighborhood Concert Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Columbus Boulevard Philadelphia Orchestra presents a free Neighborhood Concert on the RiverStage at the Great Plaza, followed by a small landside fireworks salute. Benjamin Franklin Parkway between 18th & 23rd Sts. Roots & special guests Free outdoor Fourth of July concert, followed by a fireworks display. Concert programming begins around 7pm; first performance estimated at 8pm. Fireworks estimated to begin around 10:30pm. July 3, 8pm: July 5-7: POPS on Independence Independence Hall, 5th and Chestnut Sts. Peter Nero and the Philly Pops!® Free concert Seating is first come, first served. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. July 4, 7–11pm: 4th of July Jam & Grand Finale Fireworks Taste of Philadelphia Penn’s Landing 101 S. Columbus Boulevard Sample food from area restaurants and food trucks; enjoy live entertainment and special events. Marsha Ambrosius will take the stage on Saturday, July 6, followed by another spectacular fireworks show at the Adventure Aquarium Waterfront. Celebrate the 4th Close to Home! S tenton Masnion in neighboring Germantown will hold an Old-Fashioned July 4th Celebration! Spend Wednesday, July 4, 11:30am to 1:30pm celebrating Independence Day in Historic Germantown. Begin at Stenton, where guests will enjoy hot dogs and make-your-own ice cream on Stenton’s historic grounds to celebrate America’s birthday. Activities will include creating an American flag-themed fan, mingling with Benjamin Frank- lin, colonial games, and music by Run of the Mill String Band. The event is free but reservations are greatly appreciated. Call 215-329-7312 or email programs@ stenton.org to reserve your space. This program is just one of many exciting programs happening in Historic Germantown on July 4th. Visitors can spend the whole day celebrating America’s birthday right in Freedom’s Backyard! For more information on other programs, visit www. freedomsbackyard.com. Artist’s rendering of proposed Ridge Flats, viewed from Falls Bridge. The first level of the new development’s Calumet Street frontage is planned as shops for small businesses. The Kelly Drive and Calumet Street corner will house a café w/bike racks and outdoor seating. Developers have increased the number of oneand two-bedroom rental units. Ridge Flats residents will have ground level parking internal to the building. Once the developers have obtained zoning approvals, building is planned for completion within two years. by William Epstein Chair, EFCC Zoning and Land Use Committee T he East Falls Community Council’s Zoning and Land Use Committee will meet at 7 pm Wednesday, July 17 in the Downs Hall Auditorium on the campus of Philadelphia University to continue its discussion and vote on the zoning variances requested for the proposed construction of apartments and commercial space at Kelly Drive and Calumet St. The Committee will hear additional comments from East Falls residents. More than 50 residents attended the Committee’s meeting on Wednesday, June 19, to hear representatives of the developer of the planned development, Ridge Flats, present its proposal for four stories of apartments and retail space on the site. Concerns expressed by members of the committee and other residents attending included those related to adequate parking, height, density and landscaping. EFCC is the designated Registered Community Organization (RCO) for the East Falls geographic area. The July 19 meeting satisfied the requirement under the city’s new zoning code that the developer meet with the community via the RCO prior to proceeding further in the governmental review process. The developer, Onion Flats LLC, has received its Refusal Notice from the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections. That document states the reasons why L&I can- not issue a permit for the project and sets the stage for the developer to appeal the refusal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The EFCC Zoning Committee will meet with the developer before that next step. Concurrently, the developer is scheduled to meet with the City’s Civic Design Review Committee on July 3. Jen Arnoldi, a member of the EFCC Zoning Committee, will represent the EFCC Zoning Committee in that meeting. The Zoning Committee will communicate with the developer about its concerns prior to the July 17th meeting. The developer’s plans and the refusal it has received from L&I can be viewed at www.eastfallscommunity.org. Comments and suggestions can be sent to info@eastfallscommunity.org. Available 24/7: Check out The Fallser online at www.TheFallser.com PAGE 2 www.thefallser.com CLASSIFIED PART-TIME position opportunities are available for: Accounts Bookkeeper Representatives/ Payable/Receivable Requirements: Ability to function independently in a fast paced environment. If you are interested in this job, please apply online to ptommy61@gmail.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING .50/word - $5.00 minimum 215-848-1322 Website Advertising Available www.thefallser.com Op-Ed Things that Puzzle Me by Meg Greenfield F rom time to time we all encounter things that puzzle us. I hope to be allowed to share some of the things that puzzle me from time to time. Gas prices in and around East Falls have mystified me for some time. Why are gas prices in our neighborhood significantly higher than those on City Avenue? Over the last few years I have noticed that prices in East Falls for regular gas are at least 10-20 cents higher a gallon than across the river. For example, coming home from a zumba class on June 13, I passed the Sunoco stations on City Avenue, one in the City, the other in Lower Merion. Gas was $3.42 a gallon at both, likewise at the Lukoil. I decided to swing by our BP and Sunoco stations on Ridge Avenue. BP’s price was $3.61 and Sunoco was $3.59. Why? I use the Gas Buddy app on my phone to check prices and take my pick of the lower priced options across the river. Nonetheless, it would be nice to know why East Falls merits such special treatment. A similar puzzle lies across the river at Target. Have you ever noticed that the Monument Road Target charges more for some items than the Target in Plymouth Meeting? One example: over the counter eye drops for dry eyes cost $14 to $15 at the Monument Road Target but only $12.99 in Plymouth Meeting. Hmm? It would be interesting to collect more examples. Anyone interested in doing some comparison shopping? These price differences are not accidents. July 2013 East Falls’ Riverside Events by Gina Snyder, Exc. Dir., EFDC L ast month’s Bike Race Block Party was a lot of fun. Our planning committee is a great group – headed by Peicha Chang of Falls Flowers and Nancy Karahuta from East River Bank. We were overwhelmed with the amazing kiddie carnival that Creative Minds Child Care put together for the event. Thank you! The event was successful because hard working people got together, meeting and plan for months. Thank you to Mimi Armstrong of the EFDC, Michael Laing of National Penn Bank, Jim Williamson of Slices, Ronan Gill of RGM Group, and Julie Camburn of The Fallser & East Falls Business Assoc. Paul Camillo of Franklin’s Bar and Grille was a great help and enthusiastic supporter. This year, we were thrilled that the Philly Cycling Classic was a part of our work – much thanks is due to the marketing genius of Michelle Freeman and Jaison Smulski. Our thanks as well to Tim Shin and the congregation of Metro Presbyterian Church for taking care of the volunteers during the event. Many thanks to the community organizations that came for the day and the great guys at East Falls’ Engine 26, Ladder 25 for helping in so many ways. The attendance at the Bike Race seemed down but attendance at East Falls’ street festival was as strong as ever. Next year, Parks Casino, the race’s main sponsor, has committed to supporting the Philly Cycling Classic – this should make the event more predictable and word will get out sooner. Attendance should pick up. With the Bike Race Block Party behind us, we are already planning the Dance on the Falls Bridge. It is set for Sat. Sept. 7. Music, drinks and dance lessons are included. You can get your tickets from us already. The price at the door is $50. We have discounts - groups of ten or more are only $35 a piece. And, if you buy your ticket early, it is only $40. So, buy early and buy often! Ridge Flats Ridge Flats, the new “Net Zero” apartment community planned for the lot at 4300 Ridge Avenue, is moving through the zoning process. Onion Flats, the developer, came before the East Falls Community Council’s Zoning and Land Use Committee last month as a step in the Civic Design Review. We have discovered, though their application to Licenses and Inspection that an error was made when the new zoning code was passed last August. East Falls’ zoning overlay was incorporated into a zoning category that covered many neighborhoods. Our particular parking requirement for new businesses remained as one of the few items in the East Falls overlay. But, because the context of the commercial uses was removed in the writing of the new code, this parking requirement is now being interpreted as applying to housing, which was never the purpose or intention. The result is that, on paper, Ridge Flats has to have over 650 parking spaces for only 146 apartments. It was anticipated that some errors would occur in the rewriting of the new code – this was clearly one of those glitches and will be corrected. East Falls Family Dentistry,LLC We Accept Most Insurance Plans office hours: M-Th: 9:00am-6:00pm Sat: by appointments Dr. Hyosun Christine Kim DMD T. 215/849/1826 F. 215/849/8828 EastFallsDentist@gmail.com 3500 Sunnyside Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19129 website:DrKimDMD.com State of the City State of East Falls by Gina Snyder, Exec. Dir., East Falls Development Corp. R ecently, I moderated a panel discussion on a study of the Pew Charitable Trusts, entitled “The State of the City, Philadelphia 2013.” It painted a not altogether pretty picture - with high unemployment, poor health statistics, high crime, and net loss of jobs in recent years. But there are some good signs, according to the Project Director, Larry Eichel. The study notes that “some of the key demographics are positive in a way they have not been for decades. After falling for half a century, the population of the city grew by 58,897 to 1,547,607 from 2006 through 2012, according to the most recent census estimates, becoming more diverse in the process. During those years, the share of the population represented by individuals age 20 to 34 grew from 20 percent to 26 percent, according to census estimates. This accounts for the entire citywide population increase and more. These young adults are well-educated; among the 25- to 34-year-olds, 37.5 percent have bachelor’s degrees or higher, more than 10 percentage points higher than a decade ago.” East Falls is a leader in this trend of millennials. The percentage of the population between 20 and 34 years of age grew from 29 percent in the 2000 Census to 35 percent in the 2007-2011 American Community Survey data. To complement this growth of young educated Philadelphians and to fight the flight of jobs, we are happy to see that BuLogics has rented space in the historic Masons’ Building, owned by Sherman Properties. EFDC’s Business Liaison, Stacy Simon, helped bring BuLogics’ “Team of 10” to do its computer engineering magic at this location. BuLogics is a wireless embedded software engineering firm and creator of the world’s largest wireless ecosystems, including The Wynn Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, a 65,000 piece installation, and an installation closer to home at The Navy Yard. Recently, BuLogics announced the launch of its StratIS Energy Management System for Commercial Building Wireless Energy Management. The system focuses on HVAC and Lighting controls and automation and can save on energy usage. BuLogics is celebrating its tenth anniversary with its move to East Falls. For more information, check out www.bulogics.com. As the Vice President of Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations, it was my pleasure to share in a lively conversation with Mr. Eichel and my colleagues about how our work can help address the challenges the City is facing. East Falls can be happy that many of our village’s statistics are on the healthy side of the City’s image. For more information about the study and to take their fun little quiz, check out the website: pewtrusts.org and look for the Philadelphia Research Initiative. email us: editor@thefallser.com THE FALLSER Julie M. Camburn, Publisher/Managing Editor • Alec Meltzer, Graphic Designer Features Writers/Contributors Anne Farnese, Mary Jane Fullam, Alexis Franklin, Meg Greenfield, Councilman Curtis Jones, Charlotte Kidd, Cynthia Kishinchand, Michael Mattioni, Wendy Moody, Karen Melton, Tom Sauerman, Ellen Sheehan, Gina Snyder, Executive Director, EFDC The Fallser, P.O. Box 43275, Phila., PA 19129-3275 Ph: 215/848-1322 • Fax: 215/848-6672 • Web site: www.thefallser.com Email: editor@thefallser.com Published monthly • Subscriptions by mail: $24.00 Free distribution to residences & businesses within 19129 & adjacent section of 19132 zip code. Available free of charge at local business establishments. Opinions expressed in submitted articles do not necessarily reflect the view of the publisher. No portion of this newspaper may be copied or reprinted without the permission of the publisher. ©2013 July 2013 www.thefallser.com PAGE 3 Town Watch Robberies Subside; Charges Filed by Mary Jane Fullam, Pres., EFTW O ne of a pair of alleged thieves responsible for the late-April through midMay spate of robberies—at gunpoint—in East Falls was charged with those crimes on June 11th. Apparently, he was being held on other charges when the East Falls involvement was determined. He is looking at 11 counts of robbery and aggravated assault that were perpetrated in the Falls, Mt. Airy, and SW Germantown, which is where the 21 year old alleged crook resides. While the second suspect remains at-large as of The Fallser deadline, Lt. Ed Bier, chief of the 39th PD Police Service Area #1 (PSA#1), reports “There were no further hold-ups (as of June 6th) in East Falls. It could be they see all the police there - and we are there (in East Falls) in a heightened presence until we solve the robbery problem.” Lt. Bier exhorts the public to be pro-active; to be alert and aware of our surroundings at all times…to call 9-1-1 to report anything unusual, anything that doesn’t seem right. “Don’t hesitate to call 9-1-1. Neighbors need to help in protecting themselves and others - by letting police know what’s going on. That’s the only way we’ll be successful in deterring criminal activity. On another front, members of the East Falls Town Watch (EFTW) will again participate in the city’s annual tire round-up program in July and August. Any household can donate two tires to the effort by calling EFTW at 215-848-2033. EFTW’s members will be scouring the city-at-large for abandoned tires to help diminish blight. EFTW will host a pretzels and soft drink GetTogether at our HQ, 3540 Indian Queen Lane on the evening of Tuesday, August 6th as part of the national Night Out Program. Police officers and firefighters will be on hand. To paraphrase our erstwhile sage, Benjamin Franklin, we need to hang together, not separately, to deter crime. We hope you’ll drop by. Important meetings, to which all neighbors are invited: Thursday, July 11th at 7:30pm, EFTW meeting at our HQ, 3540 Indian Queen Lane; Monday, July 22nd at 6pm, Community meeting at the 39th PD HQ; and Wednesday, July 24th at 8pm, 39th PSA#1 at Philadelphia University’s Downs Hall on Schoolhouse Lane. The Shape Of Things To Come by Barnaby Wittels, President, EFCC R ecently, a long time member of Community Council (EFCC) asked if expansion of the Executive Committee and other proposed changes meant that we were going to become “like those other organizations where they had an Executive Director who made all the decisions, while the Board was a rubber stamp.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Whatever changes are implemented, and regardless of the improvements that are made, the fundamental principal of participatory democracy will be preserved. As an organization, the EFCC functions in a manner that has its roots in the ancient Demos of Athens and the time honored New England town meeting. This principle is central to our mission. We cannot represent the community if we do not have the full participation of its members. We cannot speak if we do not listen. We cannot formulate policy and take positions without hearing from and discussing issues of importance with our fellow EFCC members. The question, fairly asked is what changes will be implemented and how will Community Council operate when these improvements are realized. We begin with the question and through full discussion and due deliberation we will arrive at the answer. This future will be shaped by and with the full participation and active input of our members. To do anything less would be to betray the bedrock principles that undergird our organization. To begin with, organizations, regardless of their nature or mission, fall somewhere on a continuum between completely egalitarian and totally authoritarian. Picture a circle on one end of this continuum and a pyramid on the other. Organizations which are completely egalitarian such as a commune or a co-operative are at one end, while organizations such as armies or religious orders with rigid hierarchies are at the other end of the continuum. Both the circle and the pyramid are unsuitable and unsustainable models for organizations. Successful organizations find their place somewhere along that continuum, somewhere between the circle and the pyra- 215-438-8566 Closed for vacation New Hours: CLASSIFIED ADS 50 cents per word 215-848-1322 Mon. thru Friday: 7am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday: 8am to 3pm Monday July 8 Thursday July 11 Open Friday July 12 Full hot breakfast • Lunch – eat-in or take-out • Dinner platters to go mid and find success, effectiveness and accomplishment of their mission by drawing on the best elements of each. Participatory democracies are often messy, slow to act, prone to over-discussing matters and find themselves paralyzed when there is a lack of consensus. But, they are well worth the effort and usually produce the most sustainable and widely supportable results. Winston Churchill once said that democracy is the worst form of government – except for all the others. In the months to come we will discuss the changes that will be made, the evolution to be accomplished and we will do this together. The first step is to think about the shape of things to come and our position on that continuum between the circle and the pyramid. The second step, and one to be taken co-terminously, is to think about expanding the Executive Committee. For that we need members to step up and take on a leadership role. Any volunteers? Coming Soon …2013 East Falls’ Fall Festival! by Claire Stilley, 1st VP, EFCC T he weather may be warm and sunny, but the East Falls Community Council (EFCC) has begun planning its October Fall Festival! What would you like to do or see? Back by popular demand is the House Tour, but do you have a great idea to bring the neighborhood together? What is your organization or business planning? One idea is a Craft Fair! Have you ever put one together? Do you have a wonderful craft to share and interested in participating? Where could we hold it? Email your ideas to programs@ eastfallscommunity.org! PAGE 4 www.thefallser.com Library News Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave., (215) 685-2093. Falls of Schuylkill Library’s Summer Hours: Monday and Wednesday 12-8 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10-5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday CLOSED; We will be closed on July 4th. All programs offered by the library are FREE. Many of our programs are presented with the generous support of The Friends of The Falls of Schuylkill Branch Library. Please consider joining the Friends-yearly dues are only $5.00-if you haven’t already joined! RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE MONDAY JULY 1ST FROM 1-6 P.M. For Children Weekly Programs: Pre-School Story Times (for ages 3-5 years) Mondays at 1 p.m. and Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Caregivers are invited to come with their child to Pre-School Story time and get them loving the library and ready to read! Together, using fun stories, songs, rhymes and activities, we will stimulate the children’s imaginations and help them develop respect for others, learn library manners, and develop language, listening, and motor skills. Baby & Toddler Story Times (for ages 0-3 years) Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. Caregivers are invited to come with their Infants and Toddlers to Story time! Shorter than story times for Pre-Schoolers, these last around 20-25 minutes and focus on teaching finger plays, rhymes, songs, bouncing activities and oral language that will help you teach your child basic coordination and beginning concepts. Wee Can Craft (for ages 1-5) Every Friday at 10:15 a.m. Join us for stories, singing and rhymes with a theme. Then make an easy craft with your child based on that theme. Crafty Kids (for ages 6-11 years) Every Friday at Noon Come to library every Friday to make some cool crafts. Monthly/Bi-Weekly Programs: PMA Art Splash Workshop Friday, July 12th in the afternoon Come to the library and experience hands-on art projects, led by interns from the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Call the library at 215-685-2093 for the exact time. Baby and Me Yoga (for ages 0-30 months) Wednesday, July 10th at 6:30 p.m. Embrace and enhance the bond you share with your baby through yoga poses that gently sooth and stretch their developing muscles and help ease digestion. Toddler and Me Yoga (for ages 2 ½ -5) Wednesday, July 24th at 6:30 p.m. Preschoolers and toddler “strong walkers” are encouraged to “play yoga” with their caregiver through yoga poses that are fun yet build strength and flexibility. Pre-School Story-dance with Ms. Loren (for ages 3 ½-5) Thursdays, July 11th and 25th from 10:30 to 11:30 Toddler Story-dance with Ms. Loren (for ages 1-3) Thursday, July 18th from 10:30 to 11:30 These dance classes will include creative and rhythmic movement inspired by children’s stories. We’ll have lots of fun while being our selves, appreciating each other, working together, dancing like animals, playing games, and acting out stories. For more information on these programs, or to confirm program times, please call Maggie McGinn at 215-685-2093. For Teens Weekly Teen Programs Gaming Parties Every Wednesday (EXCEPT JULY 3rd) from 1 to 3 p.m. Wii, Jenga, Battleship and more! Snacks provided. Yoga for Teens Every Wednesday (EXCEPT JULY 3rd) from 5 to 5:45 p.m. Learn yoga for strength, flexibility and stress relief. Bring your mat if you have one. Thursday Movies Every Thursday (EXCEPT JULY 4th) from 12 to 2 p.m. Catch a flick, eat some snacks and hang out with your friends. Call the library for each week’s title. Crafts for Teens Every Thursday (EXCEPT JULY 4th) from 2 to 4 p.m. Learn to make awesome crafts, graffiti, jewelry and more! Snacks provided. Biweekly/Monthly Teen Programs Short Story Workshops Tuesdays, July 2nd, 16th and 30th from 2 to 3 p.m. Read your favorite short stories and talk about them. Snacks provided. Comic Book Club Tuesdays, July 2nd, 16th and 30th from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Talk about your favorites and work on writing/illustrating your own. Snacks provided. Cooking for Teens Tuesdays, July 9th and 23rd from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Learn to make some healthy (and maybe some not so healthy) meals and snacks. Teen Game Show Challenge Tuesdays, July 9th and 23rd from 3 to 5 p.m. Are you smarter than a fifth grader? Can you win Anime Jeopardy? Come find out! Snacks provided. For Adults Red Cross Blood Drive Monday, July 1st 1 to 6 p.m. Sign up online at http://www.redcrossblood.org (sponsor code: East Falls Library) or simply show up! All presenting donors will receive a coupon redeemable for $2.50 off the purchase of a 48 oz. container of Turkey Hill Ice Cream. Library Garden Group Tuesday, July 2nd from 6 to 8 p.m. All are welcome to join in keeping the Library Garden looking beautiful. Please join us in the garden at the corner of Midvale Ave and Warden Drive. For more information, call or email: Suzanne Penn 215-848-0729 or euphorb99@gmail.com. Culture of the Spirit World Music Concert Wednesday, July 10th from 5 to 8 p.m. Performers include: flamenco guitarist Miguel Czachowski; sitar player Avaneendra Sheolikar; tabla player and percussionist Sandesh Popatkar; Indian classical violinist, vocalist and harmonium player Pt. Prabhakar Dhakde; dancers Monia Giovannangeli, Anandita Basu and Hema Kukreja and actress, poet and playwright Poornima Kirby. For more details, please visit www.cultureofthespirit.us Military History Book Club Wednesday, July 10th at 7 p.m. Discussion about selected non-fiction Military History books and authors. The title for July is Empires of the Sea : the siege of Malta, the battle of Lepanto, and the contest for the center of the world by Roger Crowley. For more information, call Michael Davis at 267-254-7734. Scrabble: Every Thursday Morning 10:30 to Noon Upstairs in the Main Library. Drop in for an engaging hour or two at the Scrabble board. For more information on these programs, or to confirm program times, please call Stephanie Rowe at 215-685-2093. Many of our programs paid for by The Friends of Falls of Schuylkill Branch Library. July 2013 For Families Remarkable Reptiles Monday, July 15th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Learn about the behaviors and habitats of some amazing reptiles. If you’re brave enough, you can even touch some! Wellness Wednesday Wednesday, July 17th at 3:30 p.m. Wellness Wednesdays are a great time for children and teens to learn to prepare and enjoy VEGAN (dairy and meat free) snacks and treats. Samples provided. Dig Into Native America with the UPenn Museum of Archeology and Anthropology Monday, July 29th at 6p.m. OR Tuesday, July 30th at 12:30 p.m. OR Wednesday, July 31 st at 3 p.m. Learn about Native Americans and enjoy some hands on experience grinding corn and/ or making cornhusk dolls. See exhibits of genuine artifacts, arrowheads and tools. The same program is being offered at three different times so attend the one that fits your schedule! ROBERT TOCZEK MASTER CARPENTER drywall & painting trimwork & cabinetry windows & doors 215/990-3488 Lic #152160 PA Lic: 024685 Message to the TROOPS: When the dog POOPS, a good neighbor SCOOPS! Be a good neighbor…Keep East Falls Clean. July 2013 www.thefallser.com Students Honored at Prize Assembly Penn Charter recognized 38 Upper School students in May with end-of-year awards honoring their contributions in areas such as leadership, academics and the school’s service learning program. Pictured, l to r: (front): Jessie Levin, Jessica Star, Ani Schug, Erin Lo, Kelly Kubach, Carly Stern, McKenzie Case, Madeleine Perlmutter, Ella DiGiovanni, Marissa Samuels, Kira Hastings; (middle) Bennett Samuel, Andrew Uhlmann, Lital Netter-Sweet, Leigh Steinberg, Hannah Kramer, Emily Diaz, Sarah Brody-Bizar, Isabel Hirshberg, Mary Cain, Glynis Braun, Ayanna Matthews, Kristina Ohemeng; (back) Zander Chovanes, Kidder Erdman, Nic Hanson, David Kotch, Jordan DellaValle, Ben Skinner, Paul Eberwine, David Kestenbaum, Dan Foley, Jakes Snipes, Patrick McInerney, Ben Szuhaj, Hans Stedman, Ben Richards. Not pictured: Kevin Kelly. Friends of Mifflin Supports Public Education by George Matysik W ith the close of the school year, the East Falls community congratulates the Class of 2013 graduates of Thomas Mifflin School. This was a monumental year for Mifflin: the formation of the Friends of Mifflin School, the first annual Community Festival, and a school musical, “On the Other Side of the Fence.” Our students have excelled in the classroom as well, thanks to the dedicated support of teachers, staff, and volunteers. We at Friends of Mifflin School are confident our students will continue to shine, but it is vital to have continued support from Harrisburg, City Hall, and, from you! As you may have heard, the Philadel- phia School District is currently seeking funding from state and local sources to keep our public schools adequately funded. We encourage you to reach out to state and city lawmakers to let them know that public education should be a funding priority. In addition, it’s also important for us to demonstrate to elected officials that our community is in support of its local public school. This year, Friends of Mifflin has raised close to $10,000 from the community—a number we will grow even further next year. To find out more on donating money, time, or other resources to Mifflin, visit our website at http:// www.eastfallscommunity.org/ site/FOMS.html. Contact us if you want to help make plans for the coming fall semester. YOUR AD HERE Only $15.85 per Column Inch PAGE 5 Arts Ed Superheroes Lauded by Jennifer Yu I n June, creativity festooned City Hall. Signs taped to the walls outside Councilman Curtis Jones’ office urged council members to “Be an Arts Ed Superhero!” Jones and fellow Councilman Wilson Goode Jr. were honored in a unique way for their dedication to public education. “You guys are the real heroes,” Jones insisted, while Goode displayed photos from his high school yearbook picturing those extracurricular programs now under threat. A coalition which included ArtsRising, an initiative of the Philadelphia Education Fund, Public Citizens for Children and Youth, Groundswell, an initiative of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, and others worked together to recognize council members who publicly support dedicated funding bills for the School District. “This is fantastic,” ArtsZone Coordinator Carla Bednar said, “and it’s a great reflection of the dedication of arts organizations and arts education going on in Jones’ District which ArtsRising is working to promote–in East Pictured, l to r: East Falls Community Assn. President Tom Sauerman; Councilman Curtis Jones; performer/School of the Future Graduate Ismail Yusef-Ali Abdus-Salaam; Councilman Wilson Goode, Jr; ArtsZone Coordinator Carla Bednar; Cassidy Student Saleem Smith; Cassidy Student Dennis Smith; Cassidy Parent Shayla Burton Photo: Desiree Thompson Falls, Wynnefield, Overbrook– city wide.” Performing artist and School of the Future graduate Ismail Yusef-Ali Abdus-Salaam and Cassidy school sixth grader Saleem Smith performed an acoustic song and a poem respectively, for the councilmen, thanking them for their leadership in working to find funding for schools. The councilmen were pre- ROOFING • • • sented with Arts Ed Superhero capes and folders with letters from community members and students about the importance of instrumental music and arts. DVDs of arts advocacy videos made by Cassidy students were presented to the Councilmen, while Jones received a print calendar of the “Faces and Places of Overbrook” made by Overbrook students. 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Penn East Falls Contractor #009090 WWW.RKIROOF.COM www.kallerroofing.com C h e c k O u t O u r We b s i t e w w w. t h e f a l l s e r. c o m PAGE 6 www.thefallser.com EFCC Agenda The East Falls Community Council represents and advocates for residents of the community; it is dedicated to improving their quality of life. Residents are encouraged to attend both the EFCC General and Zoning Committee meetings. There is no meeting of the EFCC scheduled in July. Zoning Committee The EFCC Zoning Committee will meet on Wednesday, July 17, to further consider the variance request from the developers of Ridge Flats. The meeting will be held in the Downs Hall auditorium of Philadelphia University. If unable to attend, comments can be sent to zoning@eastfallscommunity.org. YOUR AD HERE Call Us At: 215-848-1322 To Advertise July Calendar 1 Monday 1-6pm: Red Cross Blood Drive at Falls Library. 1pm, Pre-School Story Times & Afternoon Book Club; 4:306pm, First Monday Movies, ages 6-12; Falls Library. 2 Tuesday 10:15am, Baby & Toddler Story Times; Falls Library. 11am, Pre-School Story Times; Falls Library. 2-3pm, Short Story Workshops; Falls Library. 3:30 -5pm, Comic Book Club; Falls Library. 6-8pm, Library Garden Group; Falls Library. 4 Thursday 5 Friday 10:15am, Wee Can Craft, ages 1-5; Falls Library. 10am-2pm, Farmers’ Market. Under twin bridges. Saturdays only. 8pm, Fifth Annual Summer One-Act Bonanza opens. Old Academy Players, Indian Queen Lane. Runs thru DEPENDABLE and KNOWLEDGEABLE agent seeks customers looking for real PROTECTION and long term RELATIONSHIP. SINGLE, ARTSY LADY SEEKS SINGLE ARTSY GUY. If you love painting, decorating, baking and John Nicolucci Ins Agcy Inc John Nicolucci, Agent 6001 Ridge Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19128 Bus: 215-482-7000 Look no further. Having one special person for your car, home and life insurance lets you get down to business with the rest of your life. It’s what I do. GET TO A BETTER STATE™. CALL ME TODAY. 8 Monday 10am: Stretch and Tone with a Yoga Twist. 8-week. See EF Village article this issue for more info. 1pm, Pre-School Story Times; Falls Library.. 9 Tuesday 10:15am, Baby & Toddler Story Times; Falls Library. 11am, Pre-School Story Times; Falls Library 1-2:30pm, Cooking for Teens, Falls Library 3-5pm, Teen Game Show Challenge; Falls Library 10 Wednesday Happy 4th of July 6 Saturday July 14. Info: 215-843-1109 or at www,oldacademyplayers.org. 1-3pm, Gaming Parties; Falls Library 5-5:45pm, Yoga for Teens; Falls Library 5-8pm, Culture of the Spirit World Music Concert; Falls Library 6:30pm, Baby and Me Yoga; Falls Library 7pm, Military History Book Club; Falls Library.. 11 Thursday 9:30am: EF Village Walking Free. Thursday FATHER OF for EIGHTexercise. seeks energetic lady. Must love except on July 4 and in morning kids, be fit and ready to inclement weather; meet at Falls jump in and join the fun. Library Garden. Call 267-4444507 for info. ADVENTUROUS CAT LOVER 10:30-11:30am, Pre-School seeks adventurous cat owner. DanceandClass Please be employed willing w/Ms. Loren, ages 3 1/2-5;fond Falls to relocate. Especially of Library black and white tuxedo cats. 10:30-Noon, Scrabble; Falls LiAll responses will be answered. brary Looking for that Purrr-fect match. 12-2pm, Thursday Movies; Falls Library GRANOLA EATING, CAMP LOVING, WORLD TRAVELER 2-4pm, Crafts for Teens; Falls seeks woman of my dreams. Library. Must be fit and love spending days and nights outdoors in the middle 7:30pm, EFTW mtg. 3540 Indian Queen Lane. Community residents invited. 12 Friday 10:15am, Wee Can Craft, ages 1-5; Falls Library Afternoon, PMA Art Splash Workshop. Call the library at 215-685-2093 for the exact time. 15 Monday 1101201 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL 1pm, Pre-School Story Times; Falls Library 6:30-7:30pm, Remarkable Reptiles; Falls Library July 2013 16 Tuesday 24 Wednesday 17 Wednesday 25 Thursday 10:15am, Baby & Toddler Story Times; Falls Library 11am, Pre-School Story Times; Falls Library 2-3pm, Short Story Workshops; Falls Library Falls Library 3:30-5pm, Comic Book Club; Falls Library 1-3pm, Gaming Parties; Falls Library 3:30pm, Wellness Wednesday; Falls Library 5-5:45pm, Yoga for Teens all; Falls Library. 7pm, The Complete Works of William Shakepeare. Onenight only. McMichael Park. Bring the kids, friends, neighbors; bring snacks or a picnic, chairs or blankets. Free. 7pm, EFCC Zoning Committee meets to consider variance for Ridge Flats. Downs Hall, School House Lane, Phila Univ. Comments can be set to zoning@eastfallscommunity.org. 18 Thursday 9:30am: EF Village Walking for exercise. Meet in Falls Library garden. Free. 10:30-11:30am, Toddler Dance Class w/Ms. Loren, ages 1-3; Falls Library 10:30-Noon, Scrabble; Falls Library 12-2pm, Thursday Movies; Falls Library 2-4pm, Crafts for Teens; Falls Library. 19 Friday 1-3pm, Gaming Parties; Falls Library Falls Library 5-5:45pm, Yoga for Teens; Falls Library 6:30pm, Toddler and Me Yoga; Falls Library 8pm, 39th Police District PSA #1 mtg, Downs Hall, Schol Houise Lane at Philadelphia University. 9:30am: EF Village Walking for exercise. Meet in Falls Library garden. Free. 10:30-11:30am, Pre-School Dance Class w/Ms. Loren, ages 3 1/2-5; Falls Library 10:30-Noon, Scrabble; Falls Library Falls Library 12-2pm, Thursday Movies; Falls Library 2-4pm, Crafts for Teens; Falls Library. 26 - Friday 10:15am, Wee Can Craft, ages 1-5; Falls Library 12pm, Crafty Kids, for ages 6-11; Falls Library.. 29 - Monday 1pm, Pre-School Story Times; Falls Library 6pm, Dig Into Native America with the UPenn Museum of Archeology and Anthropology; Falls Library. 30 Tuesday 22 Monday 1pm, Pre-School Story Times; Falls Library. 6pm, Community mtg at 39th district headquarters, 2201 W. Hunting Park Ave. 10:15am, Baby & Toddler Story Times; Falls Library Falls Library 11am, Pre-School Story Times; Falls Library 12:30pm, Dig Into Native America with the UPenn Museum of Archeology and Anthropology; 2-3pm, Short Story Workshops; Falls Library 3:30-5pm, Comic Book Club ; Falls Library.. 23 Tuesday 31 Wednesday 10:15am, Wee Can Craft, ages 1-5; Falls Library. 10:15am, Baby & Toddler Story Times; Falls Library 11am, Pre-School Story Times; Falls Library 1-2:30pm, Cooking for Teens; Falls Library 3-5pm, Teen Game Show Challenge; Falls Library. 1-3pm, Gaming Parties; Falls Library 3pm, Dig Into Native America with the UPenn Museum of Archeology and Anthropology; Falls Library 5-5:45pm, Yoga for Teens; Falls Library.. July 2013 www.thefallser.com Award Winning Program at Maxwell Mansion S tep back in time on Friday, July 5th and discover the challenges and enjoyments of Victorian women across all socio-economic levels. Attendees will be greeted at the door by a Victorian maid who will conduct a “Downstairs” tour. Upstairs, the lady of the house will guide visitors thru the 2nd floor chambers of this 19th century merchant’s home. Upstairs / Downstairs is scheduled for Friday, July 5 at 7pm. To start the tour, guests may choose a pin featuring a Victorian woman’s portrait— from suffragists to recipe book writers, and prostitutes to medical doctors, to consider during the tour how each would fare in Victorian Philadelphia. Display boards featuring Victorian era fashions and menus will enhance the “manse” tour. Champagne and light comestibles will be served. At the end of the tour, guests will receive a cookie and its recipe, made according to a 19th century cookbook recipe. East Falls Tree Tenders That East Falls Tree Tender Could be You by Roy Cortez E Cindy Iavecchia as the maid Upstairs Downstairs received the 2013 Public Program and Educational Award from the Pennsylvania Historic Society for mid-sized museums. Don’t miss this award-winning interpretation. Maxwell Mansion’s Upstairs / Downstairs tour and reception will be held on Friday, July 5, 2013 at 7pm. Reservations are required. Cost is $20 per person. Tickets are available online at www.ebenezermaxwellmansion. org/visit_upstairsdownstairs. html or by calling 215-438-1861. PAGE 7 ast Falls has planted close to 1,000 trees, through the efforts East Falls Tree Tenders (EFTT) and 9,000 children touched by EFTT’s Arbor Day and school programs. Let me introduce you to some EFTT volunteers, a diverse group of well-trained neighbors, They are bonded by desire to plant and care for trees in their home community invite you to participate as a trained Tree Tender or as a volunteer on planting days. Meet Alexis, Alice, Charlie, Cynthia, Doug, Ed, Ernie, George, Gayle, Gina, Heather, Herb, Jack, Judith, Mike, Ray, Roy, Sue, another Sue, and others. They live on Ainslie, Cal- umet, Coulter, McMichael, Midvale, Penn, Ridge, Sunnyside, Tilden, Vaux and Warden. Some are new to EFTT while others date from its start in 1995. A diverse group our East Falls Tree Tenders – one is a Franklin Learning Center teacher of Chemistry and Biology committed to slowing traffic as it moves through East Falls; others include a retiree in conservation and preservation who volunteers with ActionAIDS and a volunteer for both The Center for the Rights of the Elderly and The Chamber Orchestra. A few EFTT volunteers were essential in establishing East Falls Village while several are active in the care of Inn Yard Park. Additionally, you’ll find a clothing marketer, a sculler and Actors Equity mem- ber, a collector of vintage radios, a former child adoption social worker, a volunteer for nursing home residents, plus…two retired teachers, a community activist for trees and childhood education and…a very fine carpenter! Volunteer with EFTT as a Tree Tender trained by The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society or just come to work on planting days or help on Arbor Day. For more information about EFTT contact Cynthia Kishinchand, (215) 849 2474 or crk3114@msn.com; to enroll for Tree Tender training, contact Mindy Maslin at PHS, (215) 988 8844 or mmaslin@pennhort. org; to report a dead or a dead or dying street tree. Call 311 or (215) 685 4363. YOUR AD HERE Only $15.85 per Column Inch We Know the Neighborhood Residential Mortgages from East River Bank Neighborhood Banking. Wherever You Go. Mobile + Online Banking With our suite of online and mobile banking services, a network of 50,000 Allpoint® ATMs, free interbank fund transfers and even a courier service for business accounts, you can bank conveniently and securely, wherever you go. Whether you’re moving in, moving up or refinancing, talk to us about our residential mortgage program. Sound advice. Safe and secure loans. Exceptional service. And great rates, too. East Falls Contact Nancy Karahuta today to discuss your needs at (267) 295-6450, NMLS# 941171. (267) 295-6420 Roxborough Old City eastriverbank.com PAGE 8 www.thefallser.com July 2013 About Our Residents E rin Lo of East Falls received the Alumni Senior Award at the June Commencement for the Class of 2013 of William Penn Charter School. J. Peter Davis, president of the Penn Charter Alumni Society, announced the award and described Lo as “absolutely remarkable … having a wonderful combination of curiosity, maturity, responsibility and sense of humor.” The award is given S ome Stanton Street residents may have been wondering about the strange activity at the vacant St. Bridget’s School the weekend of June 8th. Rest easy -- James Brady, an East Falls resident since 2008, was using it as a location for his film, Color. James has written a 30 minute short film about a group of 12 iconic figures on an “Alice in Wonderland Adventure” while traveling through their own shared emotional roller coasters --- caused by color. Approved by the SAG/ Aftra union, the cast includes a “who’s who” of local Philadelphians, including Golden Globe nominee Barbara Sigel. James and wife, Joyce, produced the film. Color’s Director, Chris R Notarile, has more than 10 million hits on his web page. Four of the cast—James, Roberto Lombardi, Nakia Dillard and Keyon Smith—are in the cast of The Underground Kings, a show written and produced by Philly local Skye Dennis, as well. James grew up in Media and attended Cardinal O’Hara High School in Springfield, Delaware County. He earned a Marketing degree at St. Joseph’s University, studied at The Joe Kubert School in Dover, NJ, and attended the prestigious Art Student’s League in New York City. Work includes animation for Marvel’s Spiderman vs. The Sinister Six, a CD Rom Game. This led James to Los Angeles where he spent seven years working in various art departments and a stint as head Art Director for NBC’s Operation Junkyard. Following studies at Playhouse West, James was cast in several film and television roles and became a Union Actor. James’ Art Show in Philadelphia in 2012, received a great review in The Weekly Press. His personal website: http:// www.visualpallette.com while Color’s Facebook page is https:// www.facebook.com/ColorbyBrady. to a member of the class to recognize scholarship, character, leadership and athletic achievement. Erin received high honors at PC while completing 10 accelerated classes and multiple sports, including, in one season, both golf and tennis. She also established at Penn Charter a successful peer tutoring program for science. Se will attend the University of Pennsylvania. EFHS Hosts Program & Elects Officers T he East Falls Historical Society (EFHS) held its final event of the year at the Falls of Schuylkill Library on Monday, June 6. Rich Wagner, author of Philadelphia Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in the Cradle of Liberty gave a power point presentation about the history of breweries in Philadelphia. There was also a fascinating display of beer related artifacts. Topping off program were samples of beer donated by the Manayunk Brewery. The lecture was informative and a good time was had by all. The final business meeting for EFHS was held prior to the presentation. A new slate of officers was announced: Patty Cheek (pictured), President, Gayl Henze, vice-president, Lyda Doyle, corresponding sec- retary and, Kathleen Gillard as recording secretary. George Kroculick will serve as legal counsel on a volunteer basis. Steve Peitzman and Joe Leube have remained on as members-at-large. One change to the by-laws was announced. The wording regarding the general membership meeting was changed from “in May” to “once a year.” There are many volunteer opportunities available for those who would like to aid in the efforts of the East Falls Historical Society. Please contact Patty Cheek if you are interested: pcheek2002@yahoo.com or 215-438-8539. Your friendly neighborhood Chiropractor, serving the Exceptional Chiropractic Experience East Falls Chiropractic 3425 Conrad St. (on the corner of Conrad and Sunnyside) East Falls 215-849-3700 eastfallschiro.com East Falls Chiropractic at East Falls Fitness 3751 Ridge Ave. Phila., PA 19132 215-354-8132 Check us out on Facebook: “East Falls Chiropractic” info@eastfallschiro.com find some time and space for summer reading ... pre-K to 12 book suggestions at www.penncharter.com/read YOUR AD HERE 215-848-1322 July 2013 www.thefallser.com The Turtle Talks…Shakespeare and McMichael…perfect together… by Alexis Franklin A nne and Joseph Jones stopped by McMichael Park to visit the tree of Anne’s brother, Danny Grimes. A Fallser by birth, Dan is fondly remembered as, for many years, he delivered mail in the 19129 zip code. Anne had lost track of the tree and did not realize that it had grown as tall as it has. She was expecting something about 10 feet tall. As the photo below shows, the Danny Grimes Memorial tree is thriving in its central McMichael Park location. The 9 inches of rain in June has kept McMichael Park very green and lush. Everything is growing. To the north side Danny’s tree is a large meadow area, the venue for our “Free” summer production of Shakespeare. This open space will provide both better viewing and hearing as it is away from the traffic on Henry Avenue. The Friends was granted a new “state of the art” electrical box which is in the process of being greened by our resident Friend, Deborah Thorpe. 2013 marks the Sixth Season for a free theater production in McMichael Park. On July 17th, 7pm, the Friends of McMichael Park will sponsor The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged comedies)–very entertaining and fun for the entire family (above). Bring a blanket and a picnic to make it an evening in McMichael Park. Invite your family and friends for a little culture under the stars. Commonwealth Classic Theater with its professional actors and staging. You are guaranteed to go home with a smile on your face....Turtle has been laughing during reherasals. In the event of rain, the production will move to the William Penn Charter School (meeting room), 3000 School House Lane. Looking forward to seeing all of you there on Wednesday, July 17th. PAGE 9 Community Garden Hosts Picnic O n a warm June Saturday the gardeners at the Scotts Lane-Ridge Ave. garden hosted a picnic to which the community was invited. Neighbors from Scotts Lane, Ridge-Allegheny-Hunting Park, and East Falls were in attendance. While the guests admired the 14 garden lush plots, some gardeners built a corrugated roof for rain collection into rain barrels. Those interested in a garden space next spring or desiring to be on the newsletter list can contact the committee at eastfallsgarden@gmail.com. The garden is a cooperative project of the Ridge-Allegheny-Hunting Park Assoc. and East Falls Community Council. Ben French (on ladder) and Drew Myers work to construct the roof that will collect water into rain barrels for periods of drought. For a better night’s sleep Choose Drexel Medicine. The Drexel Sleep Center of Manayunk When you’re tired of feeling tired, choose Drexel Medicine. Our renowned Sleep Medicine specialists provide the most comprehensive and compassionate care in Philadelphia. From sleep apnea and insomnia to narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome, receive the latest treatments from our convenient and comfortable Manayunk location. Call 215-482-0899 today to schedule a consultation. drexelmedicine.org/sleep 10 Shurs Lane, Suite 205 (entrance on Jamestown Street) PAGE 10 www.thefallser.com July 2013 Upper Valley Green Parking Lot to Close F riends of the Wissahickom (FOW) will begin work on a two-phase project at the upper parking lot on Valley Green Road in Wissahickon Valley Park this summer. The project will improve water quality in Wissahickon Creek by helping to meet the EPA Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for sedimentation, improve parking conditions, and restore native vegetation. Phase 1 (July 1 to September 30) will involve stabilizing the streambank along the parking lot and Phase 2 (dates to be determined) will involve resurfacing the parking lot itself. Construction dates are determined by the permitting process and weather conditions. The project will involve stabilizing 350 feet of stream adjacent to the parking area by installing rock steps designed by Mary Flournoy Chair, Membership Committee EFV starts third year… s of late June, rhere are 157 members in East Falls Village (EFV), representing 107 households. East Falls residents join EFV for many reasons: access to Vetted Vendors for varied services; help with computers or setting up a new phone system at home; Village programs and activities; or, the opportunity to meet, make new friends and socialize with other community residents. In the two years that the Village has been in existence, we have provided more than 100 rides or in-home help with technology. We currently have 61 volunteers; most of whom are members and always willing to help another member. Visit the EFV website – eastfallsvillage.org – for information about planned events on the Calendar, FAQs (frequently asked questions) or other benefits of membership. You can join online as well, safely and securely with your credit card, by clicking on Member Sign Up. If you have questions or would like to have a brochure/ application mailed, call The Village Hotline: 267-444-4507. Two Opportunities for non-members to experience what the Village offers: A Stretch & Tone – with a Yoga Twist A new Stretch & Tone Series begins July 8th. Held on Mondays, 10am, at East Falls Presbyterian Church, classes are led by Karen Carroll, a veteran instructor from the Ralston Center in West Philadelphia. Classes include strengthening, toning, and balance techniques that incorporate the basics of yoga. Cost for non-members is $80 for the 8-week session. Session 1 participants tell us: “I never would have tried a ‘yoga’ class, but this is great and my balance has improved.” “ It’s low-key, non-competitive, non-intimidating, and fun for all ages and levels of ability.” To sign up, call the Village Hotline: 267-444-4507; or, send a check to EFCC, PO Box 12672, along with your contact information (note if you are a member of the Village or the Presbyterian Church). Walk & Coffee Break with Village Members & Friends Any Thursday mornings (except July 4th), meet in the Falls Library garden to join a Village-sponsored leisurely walk through the Falls, with a stop for coffee, snack and great conversation. Everyone is welcome – no reservations needed -- just show up – you won’t be disappointed and you’ll feel better afterwards. to dissipate high energy storm flows, resurfacing/restriping the parking lot, repairing broken wheel stops, and replacing invasive plant species with natives. This project is being done in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Philadelphia Water Department as part of the Wissahickon Stormwater Mitigation and Sediment Reduction Project, a collaborative effort to reduce erosion and the loss of forest habitat park-wide. The parking lot will be closed during Phases 1 and 2, beginning July 1, 2013. Parking will be limited during the week prior to the start of Phase 1, from June 24 to 30. The two parking lots closest to Valley Green Inn will be reserved for patrons with disabilities and families with small children. For the safety of all park users, FOW has contracted for additional Park Ranger patrolling during the length of the project and cars parking in non-designated parking areas in Wissahickon Valley Park will be ticketed; emergency vehicles must have access. Park users are urged to bike, walk, or use public transportation to the park, and use alternative parking lots in the Wissahickon, which are shown in the attached park overview graphic. A more detailed map of the park, trails and parking areas can be found on FOW’s new Map of Wissahickon Valley Park (available at www. fow.org/about-park/maps). “This could be a great opportunity for park users to explore areas of the park they don’t normally visit,” says FOW Executive Director Maura McCarthy. Philadelphia Traffic Court Still Open S tate legislation signed by Gov. Tom Corbett in June transferred the authority of the Philadelphia Traffic Court to the Philadelphia Municipal Court, Traffic Division— it did not close Philadelphia’s Traffic Court. If you have a citation, it is still viable! The courthouse remains located at 800 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, Pa., 19123, where defendants should re- spond to citations, pay fines, contest motor vehicle violations or resolve their issues regarding impounded vehicles. Defendants may contact the court at 215-686-1675 for general information. Benefits East Falls Serving The Community Since 1928 President: Julie M. Camburn • 215-848-1322 Boyle, Joseph D., Nationwide Agency Fallser Lifer boylej3@nationwide.com Commons & Commons LLP lawyers@commonslaw.com 610-642-2707 Delaware Valley Computing Business Solutions…Thought Through 215-849-1500 East Falls Development Corp East Falls Family Dentistry, LLC All phases of dentistry eastfallsdentist@gmail.com 215-848-8084 East Falls Town Watch Serving the East Falls community since 1971 215-848-2033 East River Bank www.eastriverbank.com 267-295-6430 Eastern University Now offering classes in East Falls! www.eastern.edu 484-581-1272 Epicure Café at East Falls We Have Wi-Fi 215-438-8566 215-849-4400 215-849-1826 Falls Flowers, LLC www.fallsflowers.com 215-888-1754 Falls Pediatric & Teen Care, LLP Mary Dhand, MD and Kathryn VanDerhei, MD 215-842-7415 888-574-3686 JPG Photography world non-corp & corporate the in events special ing Document www.jpgphotography,com 215-228-8200 Laurel Hill Cemetery etery.org www.thelaurelhillcem 215-844-0211 McIlvaine Funeral Home www.mcilvainefuneralhomes.com 215-843-4747 Slices Pizza East Falls best pizza, hoagies & wings 215-848-1322 The Fallser newspaper www.thefallser.com St. Bridget Parish www.stbridgeteastfalls.org 215-844-4126 Sweat Fitness & Frames www.sweatfitness.com William Penn Charter School www.penncharter.com 215-352-5439 215-844-3460 CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE www.t he f a lls e r. c o m Savvy Seniors…Committed to Community. Care to connect? Join us! www.eastfallsvillage.org July 2013 www.thefallser.com East Falls Farmers Market Fallser Kitchen by Noemi Armstrong Come On Down to the River! great scenic location with parking and recreation, the East Falls Neighborhood Farmers Market can be found in the parking lot under the Twin Bridges (4100 Ridge Ave.), every Saturday from 10am-2pm. McCann’s Farm is back this season, while new to the Farmers Market are artisan craft vendors. Shagannan Creations sells crocheted jewelry and painted glassware; Virginia Evans offers stationery sets, jewelry and photography; and, Evvy Edinburg creates one-of-akind clothing and mosaic mirrors. McCann’s Farm accepts A by Anne Farnese A s health experts and politicians continue their arguments that soda consumption is a major culprit in rising obesity rates, it is interesting to note that the beverage was once considered medicinal. That’s because soda was developed from artificially duplicating the healing waters of natural springs both still and effervescent. Primarily made in apothecaries, therapeutic mineral water would eventually be mass produced. A carbonation system was created in the eighteenth century and refined in the early nineteenth. Improvements in manufacturing, bottling, dispensing and flavoring would grow a massive industry and Philadelphia played a part in the early process. In 1807, one of the first to sell the so-called health tonic was “The Father of American Surgery,” Doctor Philip Physick of Philadelphia who touted that one of its benefits was a cure for obesity. Two years later, Philadelphian, Joseph Hawkins, was granted the first 7 UP™ CAKE 1 ½ cups butter, softened 3 cups sugar 5 eggs 2 teaspoons lemon extract 3 cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup 7 UP™ The handy man with professional skills Heat oven to 325°. Grease well a 12-cup Bundt pan. Cream together butter and sugar and beat for 20 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in extract. Alternately add flour and 7UP™ Pour into Bundt pan and bake for 60-75 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. U.S. patent for “the preparation of imitation mineral water.” French émigré Elias Durand opened an elaborate apothecary at sixth and Chestnut streets in 1825 and sold medicated waters in the drugstore environment. It became a social gathering place for intellectuals that some historians say gave way to the similar but less high-brow environment of soda fountains. Eugene Roussell of Philadelphia gets credit for adding syrup B ment of Fairmount Park in the 19th century. Register by August 22nd: https://org.salsalabs.com/ o/372/p/salsa/event/common/ public/?event_KEY=80423 The New West Bank Greenway/Sunset and Moonrise from the Schuylkill River Gazebos Tuesday, August 20, 2013, 5:30-8:00pm As the Schuylkill River leaves the coastal plain, it enters the more rugged Piedmont, where our Victorian predecessors built several gazebos north of the Art Museum which afford wonderful sunset and moonrise views. Two are well known, but two are rarely vis- cards, but most of the vendors don’t, so bring cash. More farmer and vendor information is available at www.eastfalls-pa. com. Vendor commitments are week to week. We are always looking for new vendors. If you are interested in vending your artisan craft or know of someone who may be, contact mimi@eastfalls-pa.com. Shoppers have the opportunity to add a bit of East Falls to Waffles, a 5’ tall catfish to be installed at the Trolley Car Café when completed. Come on down to the river for farm fresh produce and artisan crafts. Buy Fresh (and Creative), Buy Local! Mostafa Mouhib flavoring to soda. His product was so successful he had to design a distinctive cobalt blue bottle to differentiate his soda from rivals. Soda is not just a beverage. Often it is used as an ingredient. Lots of cooks flavor baked ham with ginger ale; root beer gives an interesting taste to baked beans and BBQ glazes. Perhaps one of the most famous recipes using soda as an ingredient is the iconic 7UP™ Cake. Parks Alliance Tours The Fairmount Park Trolley Tour Wednesday, July 24, 2013, 5:30-8:00pm ob Thomas will share his love of Fairmount Park and transportation history as we enjoy a walk through some of the quietest and least visited parts of the Park, following the route of the old park trolley (1896-1946). We’ll see an array of historic engineering works and buildings and magnificent views of the Schuylkill River from the large former trolley bridge. We’ll trace the route of the trolley from Wynnefield to Strawberry Mansion, returning to Center City for an optional dinner to discuss the fascinating develop- PAGE 11 ited. Join architect, historian, planner & Parks Alliance Board President Bob Thomas on an early evening walking tour on the new West Bank Greenway past historic sites to reach these great river views. We’ll see the recently restored gazebos above the Waterworks, the improved views from Lemon Hill, and hidden parts of the park awaiting rehabilitation. We’ll conclude with an optional dinner at a local restaurant and discussion of the restoration of the gazebos and cliff-side paths. Register by August 16th: https:// org.salsalabs.com/o/372/p/salsa/ event/common/public/?event_ KEY=80424 Responsible and careful worker for carpentry, electric, plumbing, cementing, clean outs, organization, yard work, etc. local references available Tel: 215 843 6817 Cell: 267 312 5780 Now serving choice wines and liquor fiorino cucina italiana 3572 Indian Queen Lane, East Falls, PA 19129 Tel. 215-843-1500 www.fiorino.us It’s Italian! www.fiorino.us LUNCH: MONDAY - FRIDAY 11:30 TO 2:30 DINNER: MONDAY- SATURDAY 5 TO 10, SUNDAY 4 TO 9 YOUR215-848-1322 AD HERE PAGE 12 www.thefallser.com July 2013 “I Speak” Translation Cards ACADEMY 5thOLDAnnual Summer One-Act Bonanza at OA D id you know that people with limited English skills can get interpretation help when they interact with Philadelphia city government agencies? The city uses bilingual employees, telephone interpreters, and other “Language Access” tools to make sure that all Philadelphians can get the services they need. The city distributes free “I speak” wallet cards that can be used by any city resident. The cards are printed in English on one side, and in a different language on the reverse side. The card explains that the person carrying it needs language assistance. It can be used at any city agency, including: • Philadelphia Police • Philadelphia City Health Centers • Dept. of Licenses & Inspections • Philly 311 Call Center •…and many more. Originally developed by the city’s Global Philadelphia program under David Torres, it’s been a few years since the cards were released, so we thought it was a good time to re-send them. The card is currently available in Amharic, Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Burmese, Cambodian (Khmer), Chinese (Traditional), French, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Mandinka, Nepali, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. There is also an “Other Language” card that allows the user to fill in the blank. PLAYERS F rom July 6-14, 2013, the Old Academy Players will proudly FOUR SCORE AND A WHOLE LOT MORE present its Fifth Annual 192 3– 2003 Summer One-Act Bonanza. Founded in 2009 by Old Academy member Chris Schenk, the One-Act Bonanza is an opportunity to feature new playwrights and directors on the Old Academy stage. Chris, who spent four years with Old Academy as an actor, writer, producer, publicity chairperson and newsletter editor, produced the first two seasons of the One-Acts until moving to Chicago. He lost his fight with cancer in March 2012, but his legacy lives on through this delightful annual event. This year’s production features seven shows: How He Lied to Her Husband, written by George Bernard Shaw and directed by Polly Edelstein; Can You Hear Me Now?, written by Lynne Moses and directed by Tiffany Brink; The List, written by Victoria Steele and directed by Thomas Abraham; The Second Thanksgiving, written by David Vazdauskas and directed by Jane Jennings; Alex Yurcaba and Brittany Adams are two of the local actors appearing in Old Academy Players’ 5th Annual Summer One-Act Bonanza, running July 6-14 at the East Falls’ theater. Scrambled TV, written by Carlyle Dryden and directed by Judy Van Buskirk; If, written and directed by Brenna McBride; and The Signal, written by David Vazdauskas and directed by Norm Burnosky. Local actors bringing these shows to life include Brittany Adams, Courtney Bambrick, Ilana Brookshier, John Clark, Lea Faye, Cary Gottlieb, Marcy Hoffman, Deborah McFetridge, Dale Mezzacappa, Paul Muscarella, Randy Shupp, Austin Stanton, Harrison Stengle, Robert Toczek, Thomas Van Dean, Jonathan Walsh, Chris Wunder, and Alex Yurcaba. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m., and Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15. Parking is free. For information and reservations, call 215-843-1109 or visit www. oldacademyplayers.org. Clinical Trial for Cardiac Device D safety and effectiveness of this rexel University College investigational system and is of Medicine is studying currently enrolling patients. the AngelMed Guard“More than a million heart ian System, an implantable attacks occur every year, and cardiac monitoring device 1/3 of those are fatal because designed to track significant most patients deny or don’t recchanges in the heart’s electriognize heart attack symptoms cal signal and alerts patients to and don’t get to the hospital in seek medical attention. enough time,” said Dr. Fontaine. This device is designed for “This device is designed to meapatients who are at high-risk of sure changes in the electrical having a first or recurrent heart signal of the heart by continuattack. John M. Fontaine, M.D., ously recording an EKG from professor in the Department of inside the heart 24 hours a day, Medicine, Division of Cardievery day and can potentially ology, and director of cardiac alert the patient at the earliest arrhythmia services at Drexel onset of a heart attack before a Cardiology, is leading the patient feels any symptoms so ALERTS Pivotal study with coinvestigator, Peter Kurnik, M.D., that they can get treatment as soon as possible.” Studies have professor in the Department of shown that most of the delay in Medicine, Division of Cardiolreceiving treatment for a heart ogy, and director of diagnosattack is due to the patients’ tic and interventional cardioldelay in contacting the emerogy. The study will evaluate the The Fallser offers on-line advertising at www.thefallser.com Available at all times—No deadline Credit card and Paypal payment options for all advertising available on our website gency medical system and arriving to the hospital in a timely manner. The AngelMed Guardian System is comprised of an implantable monitoring device, a standard pacemaker lead, and an external telemetry device. There is also a programmer that is used to wirelessly program and retrieve data stored in the implantable device. The ALERTS clinical trial is ongoing in approximately 100 centers throughout the United States and abroad, more than 800 patients are currently enrolled. To participate in the study, or to determine if you are eligible, you must meet various inclusion criteria. If you think you may qualify and are interested in participating, call the ALERTS clinical trial hotline at: 215-762-4570. July 2013 www.thefallser.com East Falls Goes Green Happenings by Noemi Armstrong The SEPTA station ave you noticed? East Falls Goes Green has been working on the meadow at the SEPTA station. Planters, rain barrels and the meadow have been planted or groomed. Regular seasonal maintenance by the SEPTA friends volunteer group is vital to the success of our current plantings. Willing volunteers are welcome to contact mimi@ eastfalls-pa.com to sign up for week-long watering commitments until November. The planters have been cleaned; some new plantings have been added. The rainbarrels have been gathering water and are almost full. The meadow has been replanted with material donated by PHS and made possible through neighbor George Grigonis and Anna from the SHARE Food Program on Allegheny Ave. (http://sharefoodprogram.org/ get-involved/ There are many new, mature plantings -- Coreopsis, Salvia, butterfly Bushes and more. We plan to create a clear border with the Salvia and have lovely pops of color with the other plantings, grouped in threes. Soaker hoses, hooked up to the rain barrel system for watering, will be added. Be A SEPTA ‘friend’ East Falls Goes Green seeks volunteers to water the planters from the 8-rain barrel system and tidy them of trash and weeds. Each volunteer will take a week (only twice during the season). If you are interested in becoming a volunteer to water H the planters at the SEPTA (R6) station, contact Mimi at the EFDC mimi@eastfalls-pa.com, 215-848-8084. Learn more about the East Falls Model Stormwater Project and East Falls Goes Green under plans & Projects at www.eastfalls-pa.com Clean Currents The East Falls Development Corporation is in partnership with Clean Currents in The Green Neighborhood Challenge (http://www.cleancurrents. com/your-community/greenneighborhood-challenge/). More information is available at www.eastfalls-pa.com. If you sign up, make sure to note ‘East Falls’. The EFDC receives $30 for every new customer to help pay for neighborhood Go Green projects. There is a drop-down after you fill out the form; click GNEC PA and then, under “further details,” type East Falls. Go Green Resources If you are interested in rainwater collection at your residence or business, a local resource is Delaware Valley Rainwater Catchment Systems. DVRCS was created to address the future of rainwater harvesting. Based in East Falls, DVRCS comes to your home and analyzes your home’s water needs and rainwater collection potential, then provides & installs the most effective solutions. Check out DVRCS and other Go Green resources at eastfalls-pa.com East Falls Goes Green under Plans and Projects. dvrainwater.com Zip Car has a location in the parking lot under the Twin Bridges (4100 Ridge Ave); more info: www.eastfalls-pa.com. by Ellen Sheehan O PAGE 13 East Falls Past n May 10th I interviewed former East Falls resident Robert P. Levy, pictured at his office in Narberth. Bob lived at “White Corners,” at the corner of Henry Avenue and School House Lane. The property is now part of the campus of Philadelphia University. What do you remember about growing up in East Falls? I was born in center city. My parents lived in the Rittenhouse Hotel. They moved to East Falls when I was about 6 and starting school at Penn Charter. A PC grad in ’48. I went to Penn where I was active as a tennis player and with the radio station there doing play-by-play. I coached at Penn Charter; Jack Kelly (Kel) and I helped to establish a gym on the campus. Tell me about your parents. My mother was Blanche Paley. Born in Chicgo, she moved here because her father was in the cigar business in Philadelphia, LaPalino Cigars. It was the biggest cigar company in the country. His son still runs the company from Washington, DC. My grandmother was Goldie Paley; she built a house across the street from us near the Henry Avenue Bridge. When my grandfather died, Goldie moved to Chestnut Hill and gave her house to Textile (now PhilaU). My father, Leon, was from south Philly, a graduate of Southern High. He went to Penn and became a Dentist. One of his patients was Barbara Standwyck. A research building at Penn is named for him. He wasn’t making enough money as a Dentist, however, so he started a radio company, WCAU. It became a TV station later on. Did you meet any famous personalities? Yes, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, lots of Hollywood stars…they all stayed at our house. My father and his brother, Ike, were friends with Manny Sacs; Manny knew all the Hollywood people. Sinatra stayed with us whenever he performed at the Latin Casino or the 500 Club.. Did he marry Ave Gardner at White Corners? I’ll tell you what happened. My parents went to London and said to me, “Now, don’t get into any trouble.” Frank and Ava were to be married at “White Corners” but all the reporters were hanging around there so they decided to get married at Manny Sac’s house on Walnut Lane in Germantown. A friend of mine, Ronny Phillips, enticed the butler to dress in a tuxedo and the maid in a wig. Ronny drove the limo with them in the back seat. We went down School House Lane with all the reporters in tow and into Manny’s house. Of course, the reporters were furious when they found out the wedding was taking place somewhere else! Note: The photo in last month’s EFPast column, according to Mimi Mather who owns the photo, was taken on 10/20/20 at Rose Tree Park. Pictured: John B Kelly, Sr., Man-0War, George Conway and Jack Dempsey. If you would like to conduct an interview or know someone to be interviewed, contact Wendy Moody at wmoodyw@aol.com. Tax & Accounting Services Bookkeeping Services for Small Business Income Tax Preparation / Tax Help Free review of your 2012 Individual tax return Bill Cunningham Sr., CPA Cell (215) 219-1950 Office (215) 991-6559 E-mail: cunninghamcpa@mail.com If you want to drink, That’s your business. If you want to stop, That’s ours. Call Alcoholics Anonymous • 215-923-7900 • www.sepennaa.org YOUR215-848-1322 AD HERE PAGE 14 www.thefallser.com EMERGENCY: 911 39th Police District 2201 W. Hunting Park Ave. 215/686-3390, 91, 92 fax: 215/685-9786 Commanding Officer: Captain Michael Craighead Community Relations: Police Officer Carol Keys, 215/686-2751 Community Liaison, organize & assist community meetings & workshops, assist Townwatch groups, Police District Advisory Council, Police Clergy, take complaints on community problems. Crime Prevention: Police Officer Lukaitis, 215/686-2751 Conduct security surveys for residential & commercial properties, offer suggestions to improve security, address groups on crime prevention, evaluate neighborhood to reduce crime, S.A.V.E. (auto sticker) program, business owners notification decal (B.O.N.D.) program. Victims Assistance: Police Officer Byrd, 215/686-3390 Contact victims of crime, make referrals to appropriate agencies, educate victims on the judicial system, check status of court case, determine eligibility for compensation, aid victim in filing PA Crime Victim Compensation Claim. Sanitation: Ofc. Lukaitis and Ofc. Keys, 215/686-2751 Deal with sanitation problems, answer questions regarding sanitation; issue sanitation citations. Abandoned Auto: Officer Lukaitis and Officer Keys, 215/686-2751 Survey neighborhood & take complaints on abandoned autos; have abandoned autos towed. Philadelphia Anti Drug Violence Network: 215-686-9521 Human Relations Commission: 215686-4670 Nuisance Hotline: 215-686-5858 F.X. DUFFY & CO. CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS KEVIN P. DUFFY, CPA President 4265 Kelly Drive Philadelphia, PA 19129 Tel. 215-438-8400 Fax 215-438-9630 Crime Report The Information on these incidents comes directly from the files of the 39th Police District. The Fallser includes only those occurrences within our distribution area. Descriptions of perpetrators (race, age, clothing, etc.) are as filed on police reports. May 10, 10:15pm: Burglary. 41xx Ridge Ave. Unknown person/s removed $4000+ from home. Prior incident of vandalism was reported but resident was unavailable to see if anything was missing. May 23, 8:15pm: Theft. 37xx Midvale Ave. Unknown person/s removed a wallet from purse hanging on the back of chair. Purse contained various ID, heath card, SEPTA card and $40. May 25, 8:20pm: Robbery. 30xx Midvale Ave. Complainant stated he was approached from behind by 2 unknown males wearing hoodies. Offender #1 reached for the complainant’s left shoulder, complainant turned and off #1 said, “Give me that $#!+.” while holding a black semi-auto handgun with a silver rail. Complainant then handed over his Motorola Droid X2 cell phone and offenders fled n/b on The Oak Road. May 26, 12pm: Auto Theft. 29xx Queen Lane. Black 2005 Jeep Wrangler with PA tags. May 27, 10am: Stolen Vehicle Recovered. 32xx Woodstock St. Previously stolen gray 2002 Mercury Sable with PA tags located. May 30, 3pm: Theft. 33xx Henry Ave. Unknown person/s removed an I-Phone 4 from desk. May 31, 7:50pm: Theft from Auto. 27xx Kelly Drive. Unknown person/s smashed the front d/s window of a 2003 Dodge Ram and removed a correctional service bag containing blue leather shoes, July 2013 black pants, pink shirt and (3) gold rings. June 3, 11am: Theft from Auto. 38xx N Ferry Road. Unknown person/s broke the rear p/s window of a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe and removed a black bag with a Dell Notebook and a fishing tackle box. June 4. 8:05am: Retail Theft. 36xx Ridge Ave. Complainant observed an unknown female take 2 bottles of perfume and leave without paying. This is not the first time that this same female has taken items from store. June 5, 3:45pm: Theft from Auto. 43xx Kelly Dr. Unknown person/s broke the d/s window of a 2001 Honda Civic and removed a leather purse containing $600, various credit cards and identifications. June 9, 1:50pm: (4) Thefts from Auto. 42xx Henry Ave. #1 - Unknown person/s pried open the d/s window of a 1998 Mercury SW and removed 8 CDs, $8 in change and a duffel bag with clothing. #2 - Unknown person/s entered possible unlocked car and removed an HP laptop and a suitcase with clothing. #3 - No further info. #4 - Unknown person/s removed items from vehicle. June 13, 1:58pm: Arson. 32xx Roberts Ave. Officer responded to a red Mercedes Benz on fire in parking lot. No tag and unable to get VIN # due to fire. June 14, 9am: Theft. 36xx Conrad St. Unknown person/s removed a white Apple laptop Macbook. June 15, 9am: Auto Theft. 29xx Queen Lane. Blue 1985 Chevy Caprice with PA tags. June 15, 12:30pm: Theft. 35xx Scotts Lane. Complainant walked into the 5th District and stated she was at the Rec center and an unknown female started to strike her in the face and pull her hair. Offender took her I-Phone after it had fallen to the ground. June 15, 6pm: Aggravated Assault. 32xx Henry Ave. Complainant stated a known male punched him in the face breaking his jaw. Offender also threatened complainant not to report incident. June 15, 9:35pm: Theft from Auto. 32xx McMichael St. Unknown person/s removed an IPhone 4 in a blue case from the d/s seat of a Nissan Altima that was left open and running. June 16, 4pm: Auto Theft. 33xx Allegheny Ave. A blue 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass with PA tags. June 17, 6:30pm: Theft from Auto. 33xx Ainslie St. Unknown person/s removed a Macbook Pro, Vera Bradley wallet and various credit cards from a 2011Chevrolet Cruze. No forced entry. June 17, 11:27pm: Aggravated Assault on PO. 32xx Allegheny Ave. An unknown male offender pointed a black handgun at the complainant who was arrested for REAP, PIC and agg assault. June 18, 1:15pm: Theft. 32xx Schoolhouse Lane. Unknown person/s removed a Macbook Pro. June 19, 12:15pm: Theft. 33xx Henry Ave. Unknown person/s removed an I-Phone 5 from desk. Phone was tracked and recovered a short time later. June 19, 8pm: Theft from Auto. 43xx Kelly Drive. Unknown person/s broke the d/s door of a 1999 Subaru Impreza and removed a wallet containing ID, registration, credit cards, $100 and other cards. FOW Promotes Safety in the Park T YOUR AD HERE 215-848-1322 he Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) is encouraging park users to take safety precautions this summer when visiting Wissahickon Valley Park. Park Rangers will patrol throughout the summer to increase safety and enforce regulations regarding swimming, parking, littering, and walking dogs off-leash. Safety Guidelines • Exercise with a partner whenever possible; if exercising alone, try to avoid using the park during off-peak times. • Be alert! Go headphone free! It is not only unsafe from the perspective of crime prevention, but you won’t hear bicyclists behind you or other potential problems. • Vary your routine. If you always start your run at Valley Green at 6am, try going to Bell’s Mill Road or Kitchen’s Lane once or twice a week. • Trust your instincts. There is a sense of isolation from the City while in the Park that has a lot of appeal. If you sense trouble in a person or a place, leave. • When you park your car, lock your doors, carry your keys with you, and do not leave wallets, cell phones, or other valuables in plain sight in your car. The major area of crime in the Wissahickon is in the parking lots. • Please report suspicious activity by calling 911. • Visit www.fow.org frequently. FOW posts crime alerts as necessary Important Numbers to Know If your car is broken into, call 911. Report the location of your car (the number of the parking lot will help). Stay until the police arrive. The Fairmount Park Rangers can be reached at 215-685-0144 FOW Trail Ambassadors are often in the park. Their primary role is to provide information to visitors about the Wissahickon and report any problems they see to Fairmount Park Rangers. If you are unable to call 911 or the Rangers yourself, a Trail Ambassador can help. July 2013 www.thefallser.com National Security and the Constitution by Michael Mattioni, Esquire and Anna M. Haslinsky W hile national security has always been a government priority, since 9/11 efforts have increased to monitor the technology communications of foreigners and American citizens. With the recent newsworthy leaks by Bradley Manning, and the latest, Edward Snowden, you are perhaps wondering, is this legal? What rights do a citizen and our government have concerning secret surveillance of internet use and telecommunications? This article will introduce the legal framework of this hot button issue. First, the age of social media makes it easier for others, including the government, to track things that we publicly (or what we assume is privately) post on the Internet. Since 9/11, Congress and Presidents Bush and Obama have expanded the rights of security agency surveillance through the USA Patriot Act, amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), and the newly exposed, top-secret PRISM program. Obviously, national security and terrorism pose compelling reasons for increasing surveillance and searches, especially in light of domestic tragedies like the Boston Marathon bombing. Nevertheless, we still have rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The First Amendment protects our right to free speech, while the Fourth Amendment protects our rights against unreasonable searches by the government. So, how have courts balanced these equally compelling interests? Several cases have been brought questioning the validity of electronic surveillance. FISA provides the process for obtaining a court order authorizing foreign electronic surveillance. Likewise, the Patriot Act expanded the power of federal officials and agencies to conduct surveillance within the U.S. to prevent terrorism. Courts have validated FISA by noting, first, that it “represents a reasonable balance” between intelligence gathering and the Fourth Amendment, and second, that the standards required for criminal investigations and national intelligence are different. Addi- tionally, a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court exists to review warrants regarding national security and has survived several Constitutional challenges. Of course, it is not easy to challenge these statutes or warrantless searches due to principles such as Standing. Standing limits plaintiffs in any suit to those who can prove either actual or imminent harm. In a 2012 case, human rights, legal, and media organizations challenged the amendments to FISA, which removed the requirement for probable cause when the target is an agent of a foreign power and noncitizen located abroad. The Supreme Court denied standing because the injury was too speculative. Another example concerns a charity, which allegedly supported terrorist activities. In that 2002 lawsuit, the charity sought to bring an injunction, or a court order stopping an activity, against the government regarding a warrantless search. However, because probable cause was established after the fact, the court denied the injunction. Essentially, many searches are considered valid under the Fourth Amendment so long as the purpose is to obtain foreign intelligence information. In some instances, the warrant does not even have to identify a target or a location. The statutory language of the acts survived repeated challenges concerning their breadth under the First Amendment and Due Process, which ensures citizens receive fair legal proceedings. Finally, a Ninth Circuit case determined the Attorney General may grant immunity to telecommunications companies that cooperate with warrantless wiretapping. These are just a few examples of how the courts upheld these rather sweeping provisions granting greater government surveillance power. So, what does this mean? Regardless of what your stance is on the necessity of such programs as outweighing privacy rights, plenty of people are upset about this type of surveillance. Since the most recent reports leaked to The Guardian and The Washington Post, many citizens and politicians feel confused, and perhaps betrayed, concerning the pattern of leaks, denials, and admissions. Several accused social networking internet brands like Facebook and Google have tried to protect their image and business by now asking for greater reporting transparency so the public can be aware of their relationships with the National Security Agency. Furthermore, the American Civil Liberties Union filed suit challenging the constitutionality of the policies and subsequent searches. Although the courts supported the controversial policies, it certainly triggers complex questions regarding constitutional rights and the rights of government security agencies and major corporations to disclose information in the name of national security. This article provides general information and does not provide legal advice. Anyone with questions or concerns about the topics addressed should contact an appropriate professional. Michael Mattioni, Esquire is a shareholder in the Philadelphia office of the law firm Mattioni, Ltd., where he practices in the tax, business, real estate development, land use and zoning areas of the firm. Anna M. Haslinsky is a summer law clerk with Mattioni, Ltd., having recently completed her first year at Villanova University Law School. PAGE 15 Obituaries Obituaries as posted in The Fallser may not be timely as this is a monthly publication. It is never too late, however, to send condolences, remembrances or donations honoring family or friends. Wallace T. Miller, Sr. of East Falls passed away on June 23rd. The beloved husband of Betty L. Miller (nee Depo) and dear father of Wallace T. Jr. (Christina), Peter K. (Karen), Kimberly Fogarty (Brian) and the late Matthew T. (Rebecca), he was the loving grandfather of ten and great grandfather of one. He is survived as well by his brother Keith (Anna). Viewing and services were held at St. Bridget Church on June 28th. Interment private. For those desiring, donations may be made in Wally’s memory to The Wallace T. Miller Scholarship Fund at the University of Pennsylvania (http://alumni.med. upenn.edu/annualgiving.php) or to the Friends of Falls of Schuylkill Library, 3501 Midvale Ave., Phila, PA 19129 (http://www. eastfallscommunity. Phyllis Ditlow-Des Jardins died on April 13th at age 71 of complications from pneumonia and other chronic illnesses. Pre-deceased by her father, Jack Ditlow, and mother, Anne Cavich-Ditlow, Phyllis is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, John Des Jardins, and daughter, Margaux Des Jardins, as well as a brother, Jerry Ditlow, sister, Marci Ditlow-Kaplan, numerous nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and close friends. Phyllis was born in Philadelphia January 8th 1942, attended Northeast High School and held multiple degrees in Education and Psychology from Lehigh, Temple and Hanhnemann Universities plus certifications in PA and NJ as a supervisor of curriculum and instruction, elementary school supervisor and principal. For a time, she had a private practice in clinical psychology specializing in alternative life style is- sues and the treatment of GLBTG adults. Phyllis became an authority on early childhood education and an expert facilitator in research-based conflict/resolution techniques. She spent 36 years in the Philadelphia School District and Vinelend, NJ school systems, as supervisor, then principal. A Life Celebration will take place Sunday, September 15th at the family home in East Falls from noon until sunset. Donations in Phyllis’s name may be made to Planned Parenthood: 211 Chestnut Street, Suite 405, Phila., PA 19107; any public media station directed for early childhood programming, eg: WHYY Inc., N. Sixth Street Philadelphia, PA 19106; KenCrest Services, 502 W. Germantown Pike, Ste. 200, Plymouth Meeting, PA Condolences to the family may be made to thejohngardener@gmail.com Eugene H. Hill, III of East Falls passed away on June 6, 2013. He was the beloved husband of Olivia “Mitzi” (nee Cort), dear father of Cort and the late Hank, and the loving grandfather of Alexander, Colby and Macklin. Services were private. John J. McGee of East Falls passed away on June 15, 2013. Former husband of Patricia McGee, he was the dear father of John, Meg Childs (Richard) and James, loving grandfather of Jacob (Ashley), Joshua, Caleb (Amanda), Luke and Joy Childs and Jason, Jessica and the late Justin McGee. He is survived by his twin sister Theresa Kelly. A Funeral Mass I Joh’s memory ws held at St. Bridget Church. Interment followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. CLASSIFIED ADS 50 cents per word 215-848-1322 PAGE 16 It’s a Wrap! T he 2013 Baseball season wrapped up on June 27th with a Closing Ceremony barbecue, awards ceremony, and All Star game at McDevitt. East Falls Rockies in the Rookie League: Ethan Ross, Jack Durkin, Marlowe Asbury, Cormac Fitzgerald, Avery Williams, Colin McClarren. www.thefallser.com July 2013 Programs at Laurel Hill Cemetery A ll tours depart from Laurel Hill Cemetery’s Gatehouse entrance at 3822 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19132. Free parking is located in the lot across the street from the Gatehouse. Cinema in The Cemetery Sit back and relax with a drink, popcorn and friends on this summer movie night under the stars. Feature film? An American horror classic, House on Haunted Hill, produced in 1959 and starring that “merchant of menace,” Vincent Price. Bring your own blankets or beach chairs, picnics, and/or beverages. Saturday, July 13, 9pm, (rain date: Saturday, July 20, 9pm) Gates open at 8pm. $10/person general admission. Advance reservations requeseted. Ticket info below. The Nature Of A Great American Cemetery On a lively walk across the grounds, Mike Weilbacher, Exec. Dir. of Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, introduces you to the names and life stories of the cemetery’s natural residents, from lowly clover flowers to a massive sycamore. He’ll also share some of the connections to acclaimed scientists interred there. It’s a cemetery the way you’ve never seen it before: full of life. July 9, 6pm $12/person general admission. Tour will be followed by wine and beer. Reservations suggested. Ticket info below. What’s In A Name? Famous People Not Buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery An estimated 75,000 permanent residents now inhabit historic Laurel Hill Cemetery. Some bear illustrious names synonymous with America herself (George and Martha Washington, General Robert E. Lee as well as names from our contemporary culture (Indiana Jones and Harry Potter) are inscribed above earthy beds in Philadelphia’s city of the dead. Learn the stories of the famous and the infamous, real and figurative not buried at Laurel Hill. Program will be followed by a light reception. Thursday, July 18, 6pm 20/person; $18/students & seniors. Reservations suggested. For tickets, see below. Photographing Laurel Hill After Hours Lunar Strolls will occur on the third Friday of every month from May through August. Photo enthusiasts: grab your cameras, tripods and flashlights, and capture the ethereal wonders of Laurel Hill Cemetery after the sun goes down. This guided stroll through the site’s picturesque landscape, will visit some of its most photogenic spots and evocative statuary. Learn to paint with light using only a flashlight and ambient iridescence. Photography experience is recommended, but not required. July 19, 8pm $15/person general admission. Advance reservations required. Ticket info below. Fourth Friday Tour Series: Hot Spots and Storied Plots Informative overview of Laurel Hill’s long and colorful history, which will include many of the marble masterpieces, stunning views and legendary stories that afford the cemetery its WOW factor. Presented monthly . July 19, 10am $8/person general admission. Ticket info below The French Connection From its architecture (City Hall) to avenues (Benjamin Franklin Parkway), events (International Flower Show) and art (Rodin Museum), Philadelphia bears a French influence rivaled only by Paris itself. It is only fitting that distinguished French Émigrés and their offspring would choose Laurel Hill Cemetery as their final resting place—soldiers, aristocrats and the best known hair-dresser in 19th century Philadelphia. Sunday, July 28 .1pm $12/person; $10/students and seniors. Ticket info below. Unless otherwise indicated, tickets for all programs/tours can be purchased at the door, or in advance by phone (215) 228-8200 or online at www. thelaurelhillcemetery.org. • Kitchen & bath • Additions & decks • Doors & insulation • Windows & skylights • Moulding, trim work built-ins & closets • Plaster, spackling, drywall & painting • Ceramic tile & natural stone setting • Porches/cornice/eaves • Mansard/Tutor/soffits re-built & preserved • Finished basements • All masonry work • Architectural & structural engineering services • Building & Zoning permits/violations Major League Astros are ready for the camera – and ready to plaaay ball! Caleb L. Schodt General Contractor Minor League’s Tommy Boles aims to connect for his team! Correction to last month’s photo: Joey Markey at bat. NWIR SPRING 2013: YOUR AD HERE • Qualtiy Replacement Windows $450 each • Drain cleaning: $125 per drain furnished and installed • New pressure treated deck from $6,000 • Powerwashing from $325 • All front porch repairs Call Us At: 215-848-1322 To Advertise • Foundation stone pointing from $225 • And more. Contact us for details • Gutter replacement from $325 per 8’ length