Style to make
a comeback in Frankford

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

Joan Oliveto, owner of the Frankford jazz restaurant mozaic, told the Frankford and Business and Professional Association last week that she plans to spearhead the revival of FrankfordStyle, a community non-profit organization that taught drama, art, music and dance to children and promoted arts and culture in the neighborhood.
Wearing her Frankford 19124 T-shirt, Oliveto told association members at their meeting that she had been approached months ago by FrankfordStyle founder Martha Kearns, who asked her to take over the helm of the organization, which has been inactive in recent years.
"Right now we’re in the embryonic stage again," Oliveto said, noting that the Rev. Jonathan Clodfelter has offered the use of St. Mark’s Church for art and stained-glass classes. "We also hope to add yoga and put a women’s step troupe together."
The restaurateur will work with others during the summer to organize the group and expects to begin classes in the fall. Since FrankfordStyle had operated with support from the Frankford Group Ministry, a coalition of community churches, the bylaws of the cultural group also have to be rewritten, Oliveto said.
Style is coming to the area in more ways than one.
According to Liz McCollum-Nazaria, chief of staff for City Councilman Dan Savage (D-7th dist.), new banners welcoming visitors to historic Frankford will line Frankford Avenue.
"Before leaving office in January, Councilman Savage wants to make sure Frankford is taken care of in many ways," she said. "The ‘Welcome to Historic Frankford’ banners takes us in a direction the avenue would like to go."
Additionally, new trash cans and other improvements are in the works, according to McCollum-Nazaria.
In other business, it was noted that a vigil will be held on Thursday, June 28, starting at 7 p.m., on the 4600 block of Penn St. to protest violence and recent shootings in the community, including the May 19 slaying of Miguel Torres, 21. No arrests have been made.
The violence has distressed Peggy Hoch, president of the East Frankford Civic Association.
"It’s not acceptable," she said. "Take your courage and put it on your sleeve. That’s the only way we’re going to take our neighborhood back."
During its meeting, the business association also announced some upcoming events, including Frankford Salsa Sunday on July 15, from 2 to 6 p.m., with live bands and an anti-violence message.
Also in the works are concerts at Overington Park in September. ••
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com