The Interfaith Hospitality Network of Philadelphia is based in the Northwest, but Executive Director Rachel Falkove hopes it can soon better meet the needs of the growing number of Northeast Philadelphians seeking its services.

Falkove was at Tuesday’s Lawncrest Community Association to explain the network. She was invited by Rev. Ben Krey of Lawncrest’s Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

“We are not a shelter,” Falkove said. “We are a program.” But shelter is one of the services the network provides to its members. In short, congregations join together to provide a mobile network of shelter, meals and other social services to families in need. The families spend short periods of time in each congregation as they work toward getting back on their feet. continue reading »

ICEdot has arrived in Philadelphia

It’s as simple as a sticker on your car or the window of your house. The yellow sticker and accompanying brochure hold your family members’ names, emergency contact information and other personal details to assist first responders in an emergency.

The In Case of Emergency system is a free service now offered in Philadelphia that residents can register with online. continue reading »

Phil Grutmacher reviews Lawncrest's top zoning issues at the January Community Association meeting. Photo/Shannon McDonald

Last night’s Lawncrest Community Association meeting began with a word about burglaries from 2nd District Community Relations Officer Mark Mroz, ended with a $49 50/50 ticket and was interrupted by  a birthday cake for dedicated LCA member Peg Kramer.

But the meat of the meeting was zoning. With no guest speaker plan, President Bill Dolbow breezed right through the agenda and let Phil Grutzmacher take the mic to discuss zoning. Five proposals were reviewed, but the first is a site that’s been a thorn in the LCA’s side for months. continue reading »

Police Monday arrested one of their own when Kevin Workman was taken into custody.

The 47-year-old is a 21-year veteran of the force, and has been suspended with intent to dismiss following charges against him of theft and receiving stolen property.

Media reports indicate Workman’s place in the 2nd District in the Northeast, but Community Relations Officer Mark Mroz Tuesday night explained how his district has “taken a black eye on that.” continue reading »

With recent tornado-related disasters in the South and Midwest, and still memorable tragedies in Haiti and along the Gulf Coast, Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management continues to take steps toward readying the city for widespread emergencies.

Deputy Director for External Affairs Joan Przybylowicz was at Tuesday night’s Lawncrest Community Association to highlight some of the services the office has, and review safety measures business and homeowners are encouraged to take. continue reading »

From left: Heavy Hitta's coach Rick Terrell, Kieran "Hitman" Hooks, LCA President Bill Dolbow, Heavy Hitta's coach Lonnie Haile

Weighed down by trophies and nursing a gym class injury, Kieran “Hitman” Hooks was all smiles at Tuesday night’s Lawncrest Community Association meeting.

He and Heavy Hitta’s Boxing Club coaches Lonnie Haile and Rick Terrell had recently returned from two tournaments where Hooks came out on top. continue reading »

Mark Mroz

When Town Watch isn’t cutting it, Mark Mroz recommends Block Watch. The 2nd District Community Relations Officer promoted the idea at last night’s Lawncrest Community Association, with support from a handful of residents who said recent crimes around their house had been perpetrated by neighbors. continue reading »

This is the first in a two-part look at zoning in the Northeast. Read the second part here.

There are 10 day cares on the three city blocks of Rising Sun Avenue between Robbins and Fanshawe streets. My Little Doves by Hellerman Street is the newest addition.

Lawncrest residents are concerned about the number of daycares on Rising Sun Avenue. Photo by Ian Romano.

Many residents said they are angry about their zoning board’s approval over the site.

“Someone needs to decide when enough’s enough. We’re going overboard now,”  said Lawncrest resident Cherylann Wharton.

Residents said they were left out of the decision. Their concerns about the day care were made clear at the April 19 Lawncrest Community Association meeting: they don’t want any more traffic. continue reading »

Heavy Hitta's boxers celebrate their Mid-Atlantic Box Tournament wins at the February meeting of the Lawncrest Community Association.

Updated: The Heavy Hitta’s have returned from Pittsburgh with two awards. A slideshow from the tournament is below.

Hugh Campbell, a 45-year-resident of Burholme, thanked Matt Taubenberger for sweeping up trash Saturday.

Campbell said he can’t shop at the stores on Castor Avenue because there is too much trash.

“It’s good to see a couple of young fellas cleaning up,” Campbell said. “I’m a product of New York City and left because it was so filthy.”

Taubenberger and a group of college students took part in Philadelphia’s spring cleanup by packing mulch into the street trees and sweeping the sidewalks on Burholme’s end of Rising Sun Avenue. Councilwoman Marian Tasco joined volunteers on the Lawncrest end of the street.

“One of the things that I really hate and see all the time is people throwing their trash right on the ground,” said Taubenberger, who plays an active role in the neighborhood as part of the Business Association. “I think when people walk by and see us cleaning up they realize how hard it is to keep the street clean and they try not to litter.” continue reading »