Northwood leadership
squabble is finally over

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

Northwood Civic Association vice president Michael Bane told the membership at last week’s monthly meeting that the group’s infighting has ended.
"Our long nightmare is over," he said to applause.
Bane sounded like former President Gerald Ford, who famously told the nation after taking over for Richard Nixon that, "Our long national nightmare is over."
In this case, Bane was referring to former civic association president Joe Menkevich and board member Len Williams.
Bane and other board members sought to oust Menkevich and Williams for a variety of reasons. They faulted Menkevich for running unorganized meetings and claimed that Williams controlled the president’s agenda.
After insisting that they heard Menkevich announce his resignation at the group’s June meeting, board members accepted his wish at a special meeting in July. Menkevich maintained he was the president, arguing that he said he was merely "considering" resigning.
Also at the July meeting, the board impeached Williams and planned to hold a hearing last week to determine if the full membership agreed with its decision.
The president and board member were willing to resign, but only if the association refunded money given to its discretionary legal fund by Menkevich, Realtor Mike Galdi and three Menkevich-Williams allies — Debbie Klak, attorney Flora Becker and Brien Gardiner, head of Northwood Academy Charter School.
They penned resignation letters on Aug. 12 and officially resigned on Sept. 12, when all the money had been returned. The letters followed negotiations between attorneys Tom Guinan, representing Menkevich and Williams, and Alex Talmadge, who recently replaced Guinan as counsel for the civic association.
"We wish them the best," Bane said of Menkevich and Williams, adding that the duo is welcome to attend future meetings.
The board named treasurer Bill Rodebaugh to replace Williams. Gina Panchella is the new president.
Menkevich and Williams spent much of their term supporting a neighborhood deed restriction that permits only single-family houses in certain boundaries.
Panchella vowed to continue that work.
"We will vigorously defend the Burk deed restriction," she said.
The meeting was very formal, from a speaker’s podium to readings of the financial report and the previous meeting’s minutes to Bane repeatedly referring to Panchella as "Madam President."
Panchella announced that all residents would be able to speak at the podium for two minutes and that she would like to adjourn all meetings — which start at 7 p.m. — by 8:15.
Board member Barry Howell wants to build up the group’s legal fund by holding a bake sale and other fund-raisers.
Howell introduced John Tumulty and Tara Lynn, who head the Northwood Neighbors Association, which formed in May 2006 and meets on the second Thursday of every month at Simpson Playground.
"Northwood Civic works hand-in-hand with John and his group," he said.
Tumulty was speaking about some pit bull fights in the neighborhood when the two-minute timer went off, and he had to sit down.
At next month’s meeting, neighbors will have the chance to nominate board officers. The election will take place in November, with new terms starting on Jan. 1.
As the meeting ended, Bane took one last shot at Menkevich, saying it was the best meeting in two years.
"This is the first productive general meeting since the (Jim) Howarth presidency," Bane said,
In other news from the Sept. 18 meeting:
• City Councilman Dan Savage (D-7th dist.) is sponsoring the first 15th Police District Advisory Council community day, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wissinoming Park, at Frankford Avenue and Comly Street.
Also, Savage’s office is inviting constituents to call for help in appealing their property tax increase. The office number is 215-686-3448. The deadline to appeal is Monday.
• State Rep. Tony Payton (D-179th dist.) expects debate on his Reliable Educational Assistance for College Hopefuls (REACH) legislation to begin in mid-October. Payton’s bill would give full four-year college scholarships to state universities for all students who maintain a 3.0 grade-point average and a 90-percent attendance rate in high school.
The measure is similar to Georgia’s Hope Scholarship, which has been in existence since 1993. Rep. James Roebuck, chairman of the House Education Committee, supports the bill. Among the co-sponsors is Rep. John Taylor (R-177th dist.).
Payton’s office also reminds senior citizens and the disabled that the deadline to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31. Forms are available at the lawmaker’s office at 4915 Frankford Ave.
• West Frankford Town Watch is looking for members to patrol on Friday and Saturday nights. For more information, call president Mike Mawson at 215-284-6823.
• Northwood Civic Association will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m., at St. James Lutheran Church, Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. ••
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com