South of South Neighborhood Association (SOSNA) and Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC)

General Public Meeting

Wednesday, January 8, 2003, 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Marian Anderson Recreation Center - 17th and Fitzwater

A sign-in book with a list of those people attending is maintained at the SOSNA office at 1711 South Street.

Chair Angela Richardson convened the meeting at 7:40 p.m..

1. December minutes. Upon motion duly made, seconded, and unanimously carried, the minutes of the December 4, 2002, 2002 general meeting were approved as circulated.
   
2. NAC Director Report. Eve Lewis reported on the imminent hearings regarding the closings of two schools in the 30th Ward -- E.M. Stanton and Durham, and circulated a copy of the legal notice in the newspaper, incorporated by reference. Many of those present expressed concern about the possibility of students having to travel longer distances, possibly crossing some very busy streets, to schools that were no better. In discussion, Doerte Smith, Soledad Gillespie, and Babette Josephs all offered some constructive suggestions to affect the process to make certain the needs of area students are adequately addressed.
   
   Lewis encouraged attendees to patronize the businesses on South Street as a means of encouraging a healthy shopping district. She also reported that SOSNA had distributed 300 holiday turkeys and provided toys for seven needy families in the neighborhood.
   
3. Babette Josephs. Angela Richardson introduced State Representative Babette Josephs, who represents part of the SOSNA service area. Josephs commended SOSNA for its meeting attendance and its informative public programs and encouraged attendees to remain engaged with the redevelopment process.
   
4. Christian Street YMCA. Incoming Associate Director Michele Stevenson presented information on a number of programs including the free Saturday Fun Club for children ages 6-12; plans for a teen program on Saturday afternoon; computer labs in partnership with Universal; other special programs. Regular membership opportunities include a monthly payment plan, some co-pay possibilities, some health insurance reimbursement possibilities. The Y is always seeking volunteers, and Stevenson can be contacted at 215-835-5800 or mstevenson@philaymca.org . SOSNA will be placing some membership and program information on its website as a public service.
   
5. PIRG fuel purchase program. Emily Schiller presented the Public Interest Research Group's fuel-buyers program, which can save customers $200 on their annual oil heating bills. Membership is $15 for individual households, $5 for seniors, students, and LIHEAP participant. The program is free to PIRG members. For additional information, see the PIRG's website: http://www.pirg.org/fuelbuyers.
   
6. My 2 Hands Design. Michael and Wanda Freedman made a brief presentation on their new business venture, located at 2124 South Street. They offer candles, bath and body products, gift baskets, and related merchandise. Their hours of operation are Mon-Thur 9:30-6:00, Fri/Sat 9:30-9:00, Sun 10-4, and their telephone number is 215-546-8772.
   
7. New Support Group for Seniors Raising Children. Laura Blanchard announced that St. Charles Borromeo would be starting a new support group for seniors raising children. At the time of the meeting she had no further details, having been told about the program by a St. Charles staffer as she was about to board a bus. She volunteered to find out additional information, share with the SOSNA office, and place on the SOSNA website.
   
8. Other possible new areas for SOSNA activity. Some suggestions made at the meeting included starting a SOSNA resource directory listing electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, carpenters, and related suppliers of building services. Another attendee suggested that dog waste is becoming a growing concern in the neighborhood.
   
9. Next meeting. The next meeting will be February 12, 7:30 p.m., at the Marian Anderson Center.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Laura Blanchard for the secretary

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SOSNA is the Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the area from South Street to Washington Avenue, Broad Street West to the Schuylkill River, funded by the Office of Housing and Community Development to provide citizen input into their redevelopment process in our community. SOSNA is a registered nonprofit corporation exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Site contents copyright SOSNA except where indicated.