Meeting Recap: East Falls Forward

A lively happy hour, a peek back at the past, and a whole slew of good stuff headed our way.  

Something for everyone at the last East Falls Forward meeting: vintage photos, local shopping, community art, business expansions and… a speak easy?! All the scoop plus lots of ways to get involved in exciting neighborhood developments.

Joseph Minardi shared some vintage photos of Philly neighborhoods, teasing his Feb 28th library presentation on residential architecture from the city’s biggest period of growth (1890 – 1920). The biggest hit of the evening: a detailed pic of Ainslie Street near Cresson, including adorable kids and a gas lamp topped by a decorative eagle. “These were all over the city once, “ he explained.

Ainslie & Cresson, Then & Now (top photo from 1910ish, from the collection of Joseph Minardi)

Joe also addressed the importance of Historical Preservation, and outlined steps any neighbor can take to help designate and protect significant properties. If you’re interested joining EFF’s working group, please contact Steve Fillmore at fillmore.steve@gmail.com.

Next, Jasmine Fields (Trolley Car Manager & EFDC board member), put a call out for craft vendors & volunteers to help with this year’s Farmer’s Market under the Twin Bridges. Saturdays 10 to 2 (June – Nov). “We need all the help we can get,” she stressed.

Felicite Moorman (EFF president & CEO of BuLogics/StratIS) interjected that the Farmer’s Market was the real deal. “It was hot!” she told the crowd, “You talk about Trolley Car expansion, LeBus – the Farmer’s Market deserves that kinda buzz. It’s California-style, community driven and just really exceptional.”

She urged members, “Let’s support these local businesses who are giving us a chance.”

Trolley Car Cafe’s new dining room expansion (almost done!)

Speaking of the Trolley Car Café’s expansion, Jasmine chimed in, “We are set to be done in April, so in May the new dining room will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And we’ll still have outdoor space and the doggie menu.”

Local artist Trish Metzner (recently featured in EF Faces) stood next to discuss her wheat mosaic on LeBus’ façade  – it’s not done yet, she’s still working on it as the weather allows. “I still need to lay in the whispies,” she explained, “Everyone thinks the wheat is corn now, because the stalks still need the little fringe at the ends.” Neighbors are encouraged to come by and add a tile or two while Trish is working.

EFDC’s director Kathleen Hogan announced two big updates for Ridge Avenue:

  1. A pop-up speak easy! Starting Friday/Saturday March 9th & 10th , “The Red Lady” will run one weekend a month thru May in a usually vacant building at 4056 Ridge Ave (a few doors down from Frequency Tattoo). Brought to us by Meg Keel of the East Falls Beer Garden.
  2. 4th Street Cookies will be opening for retail, hopefully to include Zsa’s Ice Cream to provide Fallsers with another yummy dessert option on Ridge. Possibly even Aurora Grace (chocolates, macaroons, etc) might factor into this expansion, too.

Ed Lampe requested members to keep their eyes open for an upcoming Dirty Franks fundraisers – first one’s March 4th — to help support a beloved local bartender who has been in ICU after she was hit by a car on Lincoln Drive after working her shift the day of the Eagles parade. For more information, follow Sheila Our Sunshine on Facebook or contact Rick Modglin at 610-639-0398.

Finally, IQL photographer Sabina Pierce asked members to please keep their eyes out for “a good wall” for her planned mural based on photos she’s taken of East Falls flowers on walks with her dog. “Mural Arts will basically pay for it, they’re really excited to roll with this,” she said, “We want a nice big wall on Ridge to show off all the beautiful gardens we have here in the neighborhood.”

Ideally, the wall would provide a prominent space for her art where it did not compete with other murals in the area. Send your suggestions to felicite@EastFallsForward.org and she’ll pass them along.

ABOUT EFF: East Falls Forward is a Registered Community Organization with a pro-urban mission: a dedication to making East Falls a walkable, sustainable neighborhood with great places to live, eat, shop, and do business. This free, inclusive, public forum for EF residents & business owners meets every 3rd Thursday at 6:30pm, 3721 Midvale (BuLogics building). Next meeting is March 15th. 

 

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