Frankford Civic Association
needs volunteers

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

Though the Frankford Civic Association, formerly known as the East Frankford Civic Association, is still awaiting official paperwork from Harrisburg to finalize its more inclusive name change, the group is moving forward with its agenda to be more proactive in the community.
The civic group’s Feb. 7 meeting attracted about 18 Frankford residents along with state Rep. Tony Payton (D-179th dist.), 15th police district commander Capt. Frank Bachmayer, Sgt. Kevin McDevitt, and Rebecca Willem, an aide to Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sanchez (D-7th dist.).
Member Franny Quinn donated a fax/copier/printer and $200 in seed money to get the civic group on its feet.
Civic members also circulated a petition and will continue to collect signatures in opposition to a permit issued to a property at 4243-47 Frankford Ave./4244 Salem St. to operate an alcohol and drug treatment center. An appeal hearing at the Zoning Board of Adjustment is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday at 1515 Arch St., 18th floor.
Committees were formed to handle zoning and quality-of-life issues, fund-raising and membership activities, and a committee to explore the formation of a neighborhood Town Watch.
Nancy Doerr, vice president of the 15th Police District Advisory Council, suggested the group contact Chad Enos, director of Integrated Town Watch Services.
According to Bachmayer, there are 12 Town Watches under his jurisdiction. Community relations officer Sharon Krause will be in touch with a civic representative to offer pertinent information, the captain said.
Bachmayer also asked civic members to step up and volunteer for the 15th district curfew center, located at 4620 Griscom St.
“It’s extremely important we get volunteers to help us out,” he said. “Part of our responsibility is taking back our neighborhood and not letting that curfew center close.”
The captain also assured members that there is a police officer present at the curfew center and volunteers are escorted to and from their cars.
Doerr, who has been volunteering three nights a week, agreed.
“We are protected,” she said.
Liz McCollum-Nazario, who was serving as the civic group’s acting secretary at the meeting, suggested members work together to ensure the civic association is represented at the curfew center. A few members stepped up and asked for applications.
To volunteer at the center or for more information, call 215-744-2990, Ext. 211.
In other business — as part of a grant application process, sisters Angela Raymond and Sonya Edwards presented their 15-page business plan for Angela’s Educational Early Learning Alliance to the civic group for its review. In addition to civic support, the non-profit is also seeking a property to offer educational assistance, group activities and leadership programs to the youths of Frankford. ••
The next meeting of the Frankford Civic Association will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 6, in the second floor conference room at Frankford Hospital, Frankford Avenue and Wakeling Street. For more information, send an e-mail to frankfordcivic@gmail.com
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com