Mike Bobby, John Duffy and Steve Phillips keep watch on Fox Chase

They are the eyes and ears of the Fox Chase community. Since 1995 The Fox Chase Town Watch has patrolled the streets of Fox Chase, alerting police to incidents and making note of ongoing problems that need police attention. Steve Phillips, current president of the Watch, has been a member since 1995. Membership is open to residents 18 years and older.

Members receive training, but rule No. 1 is to remember as a member you are not a law enforcement officer. Phillips became involved after the death of Eddie Polec, “Witnessing the death of Ed Polec has been my motivation for the last 17  years. I said to myself, this will not happen again, and that is why I do this.” continue reading »

At the pinnacle of the hill sits  Ryerss Museum and Library keeping a look out over Burholme Park.  The park, once home to the Ryerss summer home and the surrounding farm fields and live stock, is now an active home for residents of the Northeast.

Located on the southern edge of Fox Chase at 7370 Central Ave., the museum/library and the surrounding parkland are managed by Fairmount Park with assistance from The Friends of Ryerss.  The museum and lending library are open weekends between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; Tours are provided for free.

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable of the history of the Museum.  Community events are held throughout the year to include Easter egg hunts, craft shows, watercolor classes, Petapaloosa, crafts for kids, The Burholme Stamp Club and various literary events of interest to the community. continue reading »

Here’s a summary of the week’s Northeast news we didn’t cover. See others here.

Aquan Spearman will soon go to trial after being charged with the sexual assault of three eighth-grade girls from Cooke Middle School one year ago. The assaults took place in December 2007 and January 2008, though Spearman is still awaiting trail for committing statutory rape of a 14-year-old girl in June 2006 in the Northeast.

Keep reading for news on a Washington High football player, police news and more. continue reading »

Here’s a summary of the week’s Northeast news we didn’t cover. See others here.

Escaped convict Oscar Alvarado has been captured as of Monday.

Kamilah Alvarado, 22, Dean Ortiz, 33, and Crysta Otto, 27, of Barnett Street near Erdrick, in Mayfair, face charges for holding up the apprehension of the escaped convict by hiding him inside a Motor Inn in Trevose. Alvarado is accused of murdering a woman in October 2008.

Keep reading for break-ins at Franklin Mills Mall, a sentence for an ex Northeast charter school board president, and more. continue reading »

Gary Weyhmuller, senior VP and COO of Fox Chase Cancer Center discusses building a stronger Fox Chase.

Much-anticipated updates from the Fox Chase Cancer Center were the focus of last night’s joint meeting of the Fox Chase Homeowners Association and Fox Chase Town Watch groups.

Gary Weyhmuller, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Cancer Center gave a presentation following to neighborhood residents, providing updates on construction, services and finances. Matt Braden, president of the Homeowners Association, told the more than 30 people in attendance: “We’re very thankful and appreciative of Fox Chase Cancer Center for updating us and including us.” continue reading »

The annual matchup of the NEO Outlaws (black and white) and the Holmesburg Tigers (black and orange) proved victorious for Outlaws in the 106lbs. (NEASC Midget) bracket. NEO came out on top (16-0) at the Burholme Park game with a 3-2 season record. The previously undefeated Tigers now have a 4-1 record. If you or someone you know is in these photos, shoot us an e-mail with names and we’ll publish them on NEast Philly.

More photos below. continue reading »

By Shannon McDonald

Here’s a summary of the week’s Northeast news we didn’t cover. See others here.

A big story last week involved Huntingdon Valley’s Valley Swim Club. The Montgomery County private pool is accused of kicking out a group of black campers from Creative Steps Day Camp on Devereaux and Summerdale avenues. Many reporters stated the pool is in the Northeast, when in fact, it is not in Philadelphia at all. Here’s a roundup of some of the media outlets that covered the story. continue reading »