New Morrell civic
group impresses

By Lauren Fritsky
Times Staff Writer

They’re young, but they’ve already made an impression on the community.
The newly revived Morrell Civic Association met for the third time on March 29 to discuss how the group can address neighborhood concerns. More than 50 residents attended.
Shawn Dillon, a Democratic leader of the 66th Ward, formed the group. He started another civic in Millbrook, and has said that his reason for starting both groups was to unify residents’ efforts to address community concerns.
The civic’s interim board includes: Ed Shonewolf, president; Mark Canning, vice president; Jim Dillon, Shawn Dillon’s brother, treasurer; Joyce Landauer, recording secretary; and Andrea Kennedy, assistant secretary.
The group discussed strengthening the Town Watch organization and curbing loitering at Mitchell Playground. Shonewolf said a local Boy Scout troop is interested in cleaning up the park.
The group also heard from Pennsylvania House Speaker Dennis O’Brien (R-169th dist.) and Sean McAleer, Democratic candidate for the 10th Councilmanic District who has worked for Councilman-at-Large James Kenney and serves as vice president of the 8th Police District Advisory Council.
The civic group also discussed how to raise money and agreed to collect $5 yearly dues for membership. The members also voted to meet throughout the summer months. They are developing a Web site to keep residents abreast of information between meetings. ••
The Morrell Civic Association plans to meet on the last Thursday of every month at Christ the King Church, 3252 Chesterfield Road. The next meeting is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26.
Reporter Lauren Fritsky can be reached at 215-354-3038 or lfritsky@phillynews.com