Re: [UC] civic associations and representatives

[Glenn]

Thanks Liz.  Your comments make sense to me.

But I'd like to be clear.  I wasn't attempting to manage anyone's hurt 
feelings.  I was commenting on Mr. West's text which involved you.  

The Boards of these civic organizations do not have representatives chosen by 
outside groups and individuals, and these do not function like governments.  We 
are not constituents and board members do not represent us.  If their leaders 
suggest that they do, it must be challenged.  

These groups are not inclusive and you seem to agree.  I think we disagree 
about how much these become exclusive to both groups and individuals.  And 
about how much ugliness goes on behind the scene.

To be told to work through a representative when there is no system of 
representation is a catch-22 dilemma.  The key to the intention I see was when 
Mr. West reminded you that he was not your representative.  The list has seen 
Mr. West, for several years, use his power and perogatives as leader of the 
FOCP.

If he is not "your representative", then who should you or any of us go to when 
we have business with FOCP?  

I detected a stylistic element I've become familiar with in Mr. West's text.  
When I read these claims that FOCP is inclusive, transparent, etc., you need to 
remember that the list has watched me personally be excluded from FOCP 
discussions by Mr. West.  

This is not a feud.  It is my community too just as much as it is the leader of 
any civic association, and this is an abuse of power, victim, relationship 
between Mr. West and myself.  I'm not a silent victim.  I should not be silent 
either because Mr. West is the leader of a civic club and I am not.

I offer this discussion and these comments with all sincerity.

Best,
Glenn

 
  - Original Message - 
  From: Elizabeth F Campion 
  To: UnivCity@list.purple.com 
  Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:39 AM
  Subject: Re: [UC] civic associations and representatives


  Glenn and Tony,

  Please stop imagining my (anyone's) hurt feelings, or talking for me-others, 
to fuel this nonsense feud.

  To save your guess work, my positions are shown below.

  I want the park maintained and improved.
  Many "Friends" and many unaffiliated volunteers help do that.
  Those who do good work, with or without personal agenda, have my thanks.
  In the matters of  removing litter, action not intention, gets my attention.
  My gratitude extends to those I know do the work, and those who do it without 
seeking credit or attention.
  In my travels through life and our neighborhood, I am often awed by the 
numbers and names of people doing good work.
  There are more people contributing, and often many who are unexpected or not 
credited.
  I have enjoyed many happy surprises in discovering some of the people who 
improve our quality of life and this neighborhood.

  I do not want to see to many permanent alterations.
  I was opposed to the Basketball court expansion.
  I remain opposed to many printed proposals including:
  Moving Nell
  Moving the Memorial Stone
  Adding a Dog Park
  Adding a Storage Shed for the "Farmers" of the weekly market.
  Removing healthy trees

  I am okay with the using the Park as a Playground for our youngest children.
  This was, after all, Clark's stated goal.
  And it fits with my beliefs and desires.
  But I don't think it should be reduced to a Recreation Center.
  I like it as an Urban Oasis.
  I like it as a place to find quiet and solitude, and as a place to bond 
friendships and families, and to walk dogs (on leashes and with poo-bags).
  I don't want Clark Park overused or abused.
  I do want to see better, and more diverse uses of our existing Rec Centers.
  No one can "humiliate" me but myself.
  I don't cede that power to Tony or Glenn or to any Community Organization.
  I manage quite well on my own.

  I don't mind occasional self congratulations.
  I believe that many Volunteers need 
  a sincere invitation
  some recognition and thanks
  a sense that they are not "Chumps" but
  part of a surprisingly large volunteer force.
  I choose to say some of what I do to encourage others to speak up or join in.
  I do not let the dismissals of people who call me vain or attention seeking 
bother me.
  I am healed and encouraged by those who are moved to work beside me or who 
let me know, often off-list, that they have contributes in some other way.
  I also believe that there is value in Anonymous donations.
  Sometimes it lets us imagine who "Anonymous" is and lets us think well of 
people in general.
  It also lets "Anonymous" choose contacts, instead of being added to the list 
of those who are called upon to do, or contribute to, everything.

  I like Tony and his writing style.
  I value many of Glenn's writings.
  I read both with some skepticism.

  I don't believe Tony has or wants the "representative" power that Glenn 
assigns hi

Re: [UC] civic associations and representatives

[Glenn]

I don't want to annoy the list by addressing your crap about me.  But this 
is important


"1. Never said Matt was their representative. Said Matt had asked them to
come. They didn't come. Didn't send a representative, either. Matt did
present their concerns at our meetings, but he was very disappointed
that they didn't come or appoint a representative."

Matt and no one else from FOCP invited park groups to "appoint a 
representative"  It's just a lie, Siano.


I respect Matt's belief that organizations like yours can be reformed and 
community members should join.  I respectfully disagree with him about this. 
Matt invited individuals from volleyball to come as individuals and get 
involved with FOCP.  He was proud of the redesign plan and believes in it. 
He is an honest hard working volunteer and I hate to anger the reasonable 
members of FOCP by exposing the dirty laundry.


I and others warn the volleyball players and others about the FOCP.  Had 
Matt called the group together and invited the volleyball players to CHOOSE 
a representative to attend the planning committee, I would be a liar.  But I 
am the one telling the truth.  I do not blame individual FOCP Board members 
like Matt for the failure to gain control of the organization. I argued with 
him and some others about this but respect their beliefs.  He knows my 
belief about notification of the time, date, and location of FOCP meetings, 
as by the way, IS REQUIRED ACCORDING TO FOCP BY-LAWS. He also knows my 
opinion about the divisiveness of assuming its OK for FOCP to lie about 
representatives for outside groups.  He knows from his personal experience 
how some individuals are silenced, even as Board members, by abusive 
leaders.


 The FOCP members passed a motion to correct this "representation" problem 
several years ago and they believed that I would deliver a plan to them for 
their inspection.  You are being dishonest to suggest that any park groups 
were ever encouraged to talk among themselves to choose a representative to 
join the planning committee.


If you guys wanted to be inclusive, it is this simple:

"Hi Volleyball players.  I'm Brian from the FOCP.  We would like to invite 
you to send a representative from your group to some planning meetings.  We 
are planning a redesign of our park and your opinions and ideas are 
important to us.  Please talk among yourselves and choose a representative 
who can keep your group involved.  You are an important group in this park 
and we want you to participate.  Some from your group may want to join the 
FOCP because we want to do good things.  But we want your group to send a 
representative to our planning committee regardless of how many of your 
members join FOCP"


It ain't rocket science, Siano!  But it ain't the same as "give us $15 
dollars, then go away and keep your damn mouths shut."


Inviting individuals to a dog and pony show where you promote a UCD agenda 
is not at all the same as inviting a stakeholder group to participate in 
planning.  It is extremely dishonest to make this claim.


People understand that they are being invited to give you $15 and not 
invited because their ideas or participation are welcome.  Don't cry about 
no one coming to your stupid meetings.  When FOCP acts like a responsible 
group, lots of people would get involved.  You want people to give you money 
then you treat them like crap.


Matt knows, the list knows, the community knows that your planning committee 
is closed and exclusive. Don't try to peddle a UCD style dog and pony show 
as an invitation to participate.  Matt encouraged individuals to come to 
PRESENTATIONS.  He is not allowed to invite any stakeholder group to CHOOSE 
a representative who will be treated respectfully and invited to the 
planning group.


You're trying to put a spin on your dog and pony shows that is just plain 
dishonest and unsupportable.


Matt, Again I am sorry that your name is being tossed about.

Glenn

- Original Message - 
From: "Brian Siano" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

To: "UC List" 
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 3:03 PM
Subject: Re: [UC] civic associations and representatives



Glenn wrote:
Matt your name has been used on the public listserv.  I am sending you 
this cc as a courtesy.


"As for the volleyball players, yes, they _were_ asked to send
representatives. Matt Grubel, who's a volleyball player, invited them to
our meetings many times. They never came. Gina came to a general
membership meeting to suggest a permanent court installation, and we've
been discussing this within the Board and PlanCom. Once again, Glenn's
lying. Maybe he's ticked that the volleyballers didn't pick him to be
their rep?"

Matt does not claim that he ever asked the volleyball group to be "their 
representative."  I know that others have been making these claims and 
calling him a representative.  You Siano, have now publicly involved Matt 
with your lies.  I asked Matt directly if he ever claimed to be "the 
repres

Re: [UC] civic associations and representatives

[Brian Siano]

Glenn wrote:
Matt your name has been used on the public listserv.  I am sending you 
this cc as a courtesy.


"As for the volleyball players, yes, they _were_ asked to send
representatives. Matt Grubel, who's a volleyball player, invited them to
our meetings many times. They never came. Gina came to a general
membership meeting to suggest a permanent court installation, and we've
been discussing this within the Board and PlanCom. Once again, Glenn's
lying. Maybe he's ticked that the volleyballers didn't pick him to be
their rep?"

Matt does not claim that he ever asked the volleyball group to be 
"their representative."  I know that others have been making these 
claims and calling him a representative.  You Siano, have now publicly 
involved Matt with your lies.  I asked Matt directly if he ever 
claimed to be "the representative" of volleyball.  His answer was no!
It's a waste of time to refute all of Glen's ravings in detail-- and 
yes, they are _ravings-, utterly divorced from reality, and entirely 
products of Glenn's need to present himself as a put-upon "activist."


But:
1. Never said Matt was their representative. Said Matt had asked them to 
come. They didn't come. Didn't send a representative, either. Matt did 
present their concerns at our meetings, but he was very disappointed 
that they didn't come or appoint a representative.


2. It's revealing that while Glenn portrays himself as Mr. Volleyball, 
they didn't ask him to be their representative.


3. Glenn never recruited me for the Festival: I helped out because I 
liked the Festivals. Note how he has to believe that he's the source of 
all that's good and fine in the world.


4. Tony never put me in charge of any dealings with the Festival. He 
always dealt with Glenn directly.


5. Glenn no more owns the festivals than I do; they've been going on for 
thirty years or more, and while Glenn would love to think of himself as 
the festivals' heart and soul, the fact is that he's just one of many 
organizers over the years.
I told the list this story as it occured in 2004 when Mr. West 
convinced a Dept of Rec. employee to break a contract with me for the 
use of the city's mobile stage.  Siano at his side.  It's an ugly 
story to have to tell about one's neighbors.  Nevertheless, it is an 
important story to be told.
6. I've told the story before. Tony didn't try to have any contracts 
broken. In fact, Glenn failed to take responsibility for the stage, and 
tried to break an agreement he'd had with the FoCP and Rec. Ever since, 
he's been peddling this story about how he'd heroically prevented Tony 
and I from taking over the Festival. Ain't true, never was true, and no 
matter how often Glenn resurrects it, it never will be true.



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Re: [UC] civic associations and representatives

[Glenn]

Matt your name has been used on the public listserv.  I am sending you this 
cc as a courtesy.


"As for the volleyball players, yes, they _were_ asked to send
representatives. Matt Grubel, who's a volleyball player, invited them to
our meetings many times. They never came. Gina came to a general
membership meeting to suggest a permanent court installation, and we've
been discussing this within the Board and PlanCom. Once again, Glenn's
lying. Maybe he's ticked that the volleyballers didn't pick him to be
their rep?"

Matt does not claim that he ever asked the volleyball group to be "their 
representative."  I know that others have been making these claims and 
calling him a representative.  You Siano, have now publicly involved Matt 
with your lies.  I asked Matt directly if he ever claimed to be "the 
representative" of volleyball.  His answer was no!


You FOCP "leaders" constantly try this tactic.  You can't assign an outside 
group's representative.  In fact, the volleyball group has often come to me 
with their concerns and ideas.  I founded the activity in 1983 and restarted 
it in 1996.  I have a request to the members of FOCP from them which Tony 
has blocked since 2004.  Matt knows all of this.


This "representative" lie is a divisive tactic which is done often by FOCP.

When FOCP leaders cannot win by bullying the leader of a park organization, 
they engage this trick.  The gang tries to recruit a "representative" for 
the outside group. Mr Siano himself went for this bait.  The character and 
leadership of the disobedient individual is attacked as usual.  Someone is 
asked to replace the leader and this is promised to solve all the problems 
with FOCP.  Over several years, I experienced this several times.  Brian 
Siano was the fourth individual from the group, of which I was the 
undisputed leader, to be approached this way.


FOCP leaders tried this with the Clark Park Music and Arts Community long 
before Brian Siano betrayed me.  Mr Siano was a volunteer I recruited to the 
festival group.  Mr West put Mr. Siano in charge of dealings with FOCP so 
that my legitimate leadership of the group could be circumvented.  When I 
was on trial at the UCD/FOCP Quality of Life Task Force, Clark Park 
festivals were even referred to as "Glenn's rock concerts" not Siano's 
concerts.


I told the list this story as it occured in 2004 when Mr. West convinced a 
Dept of Rec. employee to break a contract with me for the use of the city's 
mobile stage.  Siano at his side.  It's an ugly story to have to tell about 
one's neighbors.  Nevertheless, it is an important story to be told.


Matt is a friend of mine and he is not a party to Siano's lie about 
"representation."  Thanks Brian for helping to make these ugly tactics clear 
to the list and to Matt.


Matt is not like these other FOCP characters.  He asked volleyball players 
to come join FOCP and listen to FOCP plans with the best intentions.  But he 
also understands what a "representative" of a group implies.


Matt, I believe the volleyball players don't trust the FOCP organization.  I 
told you about these "representative" claims and now you see it in action. 
This exchange was on the public listserv.


Sorry that Siano decided to involve you.

Take care,
Glenn


- Original Message - 
From: "Brian Siano" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

To: "UC List" 
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 11:44 AM
Subject: Re: [UC] civic associations and representatives



Glenn wrote:

Folks, this is an important local issue.
 These local groups like FOCP and SHCA pretend that they are a stand in 
for a non existant village government.  The list just saw West flex his 
power with a warning to Liz about the catch-22 she may find herself in. 
If I told someone to "have a wonderful trip over the river on the Pine 
St. bridge ," all of you would know my meaning.  Of course, I could 
convince a stranger that I was trying to be sweet.
I'm wondering what Glenn's talking about here. I've been unable to find 
any notes from Tony mentioning Pine street or a bridge.
How does one work with an FOCP "representative" other than West?  West is 
the one who decides whom may participate in discussions with the FOCP and 
whom may not.  He has made that perfectly clear on numerous occasions on 
this list and in person.
"Delusory" isn't the word for this. Tony doesn't act as a gatekeeper for 
the FoCP, and he's never pretended to be one. People talk to me about park 
stuff, they talk to our board members, they come to our meetings, and they 
even join the organization every so often. We've also had non-members 
attend our board meetings.


But Glenn seems to be fixated on Tony in a way that's far from realistic, 
accurate, or even healthy.
When I tried to propose the Clark park farmer's market to the community 
via a spot on the FOCP agenda, I tried the accepted process.  I 
approached the President face to face and politely asked for an 
opportunity.
 He told me that "the community was opposed.

Re: [UC] Campus Inn proposal to be presented to the Friends of 40th St on Friday, 1/25

[UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN]

[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

Friday, January 25
Oshiver Community Room, 3901 Market Street
8:00am - 9:30am

This month, Tom Lussenhop will be presenting his proposed hotel 
development for
40th and Pine Streets, and Captain Joe Fischer of Penn Police will be 
discussing

several of UPPD's new initiatives.

Hope to see everyone there!

Best,
Andrew Goodman
Friends of 40th Street

This is an opportunity for all concerned solid citizens who don't have 
to go to work on Friday mornings to get the latest news about the Campus 
Inn project from the horse's mouth (so to speak). It will be especially 
interesting because the Development team has heard a great deal of 
constructive criticism -- at venues such as the November SHCA meeting, 
and also in private coffee sessions with individuals -- and we'll be 
able to see how community inputs have helped shape the plan. It will 
also be an opportunity to ascertain:


* how far along they are in the process of applying for a zoning
  variance;
* whether the report in the DP was correct in stating that the whole
  project must be presented to the Penn Board of Trustees for
  approval before the property can be leased in the necessary manner;
* how the developers explain the rather striking difference between
  the rendering of the hotel prepared by its architect and that
  prepared by the acclaimed local architect, Marianna Thomas -- who
  happens to have an office (the only commercial occupancy) in the
  3900 block of Baltimore Avenue.

The Oshiver Room is at the east end of the 3901 Market apartment 
building, street level -- you should be able to enter from Market Street.




thanks for the announcement, al.

not sure what you mean by 'how community inputs have helped 
shape the plan.'


I could find nothing on the friends of 40th street website 
about the proposed hotel (nothing in their meeting minutes).


lussenhop had already presented the hotel proposal (using 
his architect's renderings) to the philadelphia historic 
commission on 9 november. and he got their approval -- 
before the november SHCA meeting on 13 november.





..
UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN
[aka laserbeam®]
[aka ray]
SERIAL LIAR. CALL FOR RATES.
  "It is very clear on this listserve who
   these people are. Ray has admitted being
   connected to this forger."  -- Tony West
  "Ray's falsehoods are more sophisticated,
   more believable" -- Tony West




























































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Re: [UC] civic associations and representatives

[John Ellingsworth]

Brian

Are/Were there specific reasons for the construction delay?

John

Brian Siano wrote:

Glenn wrote:
It may have a fence and a lock on it so that FOCP can control it in 
the future.  We simply have no idea.  We are not allowed to 
participate and those claiming the right to make all decisions will 
not give us truthful answers.  If I were a basketball player, I would 
conclude that I don't have a voice in my park.
We've been presenting information about the project at meetings and in 
our newsletter. The finished court will have three sides fenced in, 
before, with _no_ gate, and _no_ lock.


Glenn, as usual, is making stuff up and presenting it as truth.

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Re: [UC] civic associations and representatives

[Brian Siano]

Glenn wrote:
It may have a fence and a lock on it so that FOCP can control it in 
the future.  We simply have no idea.  We are not allowed to 
participate and those claiming the right to make all decisions will 
not give us truthful answers.  If I were a basketball player, I would 
conclude that I don't have a voice in my park.
We've been presenting information about the project at meetings and in 
our newsletter. The finished court will have three sides fenced in, 
before, with _no_ gate, and _no_ lock.


Glenn, as usual, is making stuff up and presenting it as truth.

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Re: [UC] civic associations and representatives

[Glenn]

I thought it odd and a shame that they hadn't completed them on time.


Yes John, it is.  We don't know the details, of course, and there is most 
certainly some plausible excuse.  Had some of the actual basketball players 
been allowed and invited into the process, they could keep the others 
informed through the grassroot networks that exist in communities.


How difficult would it be to use a construction delay to cloak an effort to 
break-up the community whom has used that court for decades?


Since the basketball players have no idea about anything involved with the 
project, they will simply break up and go away.  That court might not be 
done for years as far as we know.


It may have a fence and a lock on it so that FOCP can control it in the 
future.  We simply have no idea.  We are not allowed to participate and 
those claiming the right to make all decisions will not give us truthful 
answers.  If I were a basketball player, I would conclude that I don't have 
a voice in my park.


I'm a dog walker, a volleyball player, festival organizer, and I know for 
sure that none of us outside the inner circle of FOCP leaders have rights or 
a voice about the future of Clark park.


Sincerely,
Glenn.
- Original Message - 
From: "John Ellingsworth" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>

Cc: 
Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:52 AM
Subject: Re: [UC] civic associations and representatives



Glenn wrote:


FOCP leaders are cutting secret deals about control of our park.  Ask
 the basketball players, if they were part of the decision to rip up 
their court and let it lay in ruins until their basketball groups GO 
AWAY.  Ask the volleyball players if they were invited to send a 
representative of THEIR CHOOSING to the park A redesign planning 
committee.



Interesting; I noticed that the sign at the basketball courts indicated
that constuction would be done in October, but they were still in
disarray when I went to the park recently.

I thought it odd and a shame that they hadn't completed them on time.

Regards,

John Ellingsworth
















































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Re: [UC] civic associations and representatives

[Brian Siano]

Glenn wrote:

Folks, this is an important local issue.
 
These local groups like FOCP and SHCA pretend that they are a stand in 
for a non existant village government.  The list just saw West flex 
his power with a warning to Liz about the catch-22 she may find 
herself in.  If I told someone to "have a wonderful trip over the 
river on the Pine St. bridge ," all of you would know my meaning.  Of 
course, I could convince a stranger that I was trying to be sweet.
I'm wondering what Glenn's talking about here. I've been unable to find 
any notes from Tony mentioning Pine street or a bridge.
How does one work with an FOCP "representative" other than West?  West 
is the one who decides whom may participate in discussions with the 
FOCP and whom may not.  He has made that perfectly clear on numerous 
occasions on this list and in person.
"Delusory" isn't the word for this. Tony doesn't act as a gatekeeper for 
the FoCP, and he's never pretended to be one. People talk to me about 
park stuff, they talk to our board members, they come to our meetings, 
and they even join the organization every so often. We've also had 
non-members attend our board meetings.


But Glenn seems to be fixated on Tony in a way that's far from 
realistic, accurate, or even healthy.
When I tried to propose the Clark park farmer's market to the 
community via a spot on the FOCP agenda, I tried the accepted 
process.  I approached the President face to face and politely asked 
for an opportunity.
 
He told me that "the community was opposed."  There was no public 
meeting and no agenda spot.  This was my first experience with the 
organization and I saw how incredibly destructive these associations 
have been to this community.
Back when I took Glenn seriously, I asked about the Farmer's Market-- 
and everyone I spoke to said that people had been discussing it as far 
back as 1992, long before Glenn suggested it.
The only reason there is a farmer's market at Clark park was because 
UCD decided that it was good for gentrification.  The community was 
deprived the opportunity to hear from a community volunteer bringing a 
proposal to them at a public meeting.  The good folks starting the 
farmers' markets wanted these as a benefit to the community and 
farmers, not for support of the Penn "brand."
According to Glenn, the FoCP President opposed the Farmer's Market, but 
only through the work of UCD did we actually get it. So why isn't he 
praising UCD for enacting the will of the community?
  How many times has this type of abuse of power occured and been 
cloaked?  How many of our neighbors have similar stories?
About _other_ community organizations, yeah, there are dozens. But about 
the FoCP? Just one.
FOCP leaders are cutting secret deals about control of our park.  Ask 
the basketball players, if they were part of the decision to rip up 
their court and let it lay in ruins until their basketball groups GO 
AWAY.  Ask the volleyball players if they were invited to send a 
representative of THEIR CHOOSING to the park A redesign planning 
committee.
Sure, ask them. They _were_ part of that decision. The basketball court 
reconstruction came about when state money was made available to rebuild 
six such courts in the city, and Rec and Jannie Blackwell's office got 
our court on the list. Making the project even easier was the desire of 
the Water Department to install a rainwater basin there. Generally 
speaking, the FoCP had very little to do with the planning (and UCD had 
none whatsoever) of the project. But we did bring the b-ball players to 
our meetings, and kept them informed throughout the process as best as 
we could.


As for the "lay in ruins" business, Glenn's simply lying again. In 
addition to the contractor dragging his feet, there was a weeks-long 
delay while the Water Department issued a permit to attach their 
rainwater basin's drainage to the sewer mains under 43rd street. (The 
permits have been issued, but Lord knows if the contractor's done the 
attaching.) But we hope that the major work will be completed soon (we 
keep hearing Real Soon Now announcements), and the lines can be painted 
only in the spring, which is when we'll have the Grand Opening.


We're certainly grateful for the improvements, and the replacement of a 
cracked, rusty and obsolete basketball court... but apparently Glenn 
feels that the old court was "good enough" for the b-ball players.


As for the volleyball players, yes, they _were_ asked to send 
representatives. Matt Grubel, who's a volleyball player, invited them to 
our meetings many times. They never came. Gina came to a general 
membership meeting to suggest a permanent court installation, and we've 
been discussing this within the Board and PlanCom. Once again, Glenn's 
lying. Maybe he's ticked that the volleyballers didn't pick him to be 
their rep?



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Re: [UC] civic associations and representatives

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Glenn and Tony,

Please stop imagining my (anyone's) hurt feelings, or talking for
me-others, to fuel this nonsense feud.

To save your guess work, my positions are shown below.

I want the park maintained and improved.
Many "Friends" and many unaffiliated volunteers help do that.
Those who do good work, with or without personal agenda, have my thanks.
In the matters of  removing litter, action not intention, gets my
attention.
My gratitude extends to those I know do the work, and those who do it
without seeking credit or attention.
In my travels through life and our neighborhood, I am often awed by the
numbers and names of people doing good work.
There are more people contributing, and often many who are unexpected or
not credited.
I have enjoyed many happy surprises in discovering some of the people who
improve our quality of life and this neighborhood.

I do not want to see to many permanent alterations.
I was opposed to the Basketball court expansion.
I remain opposed to many printed proposals including:
Moving Nell
Moving the Memorial Stone
Adding a Dog Park
Adding a Storage Shed for the "Farmers" of the weekly market.
Removing healthy trees

I am okay with the using the Park as a Playground for our youngest
children.
This was, after all, Clark's stated goal.
And it fits with my beliefs and desires.
But I don't think it should be reduced to a Recreation Center.
I like it as an Urban Oasis.
I like it as a place to find quiet and solitude, and as a place to bond
friendships and families, and to walk dogs (on leashes and with
poo-bags).
I don't want Clark Park overused or abused.
I do want to see better, and more diverse uses of our existing Rec
Centers.
No one can "humiliate" me but myself.
I don't cede that power to Tony or Glenn or to any Community
Organization.
I manage quite well on my own.

I don't mind occasional self congratulations.
I believe that many Volunteers need 
a sincere invitation
some recognition and thanks
a sense that they are not "Chumps" but
part of a surprisingly large volunteer force.
I choose to say some of what I do to encourage others to speak up or join
in.
I do not let the dismissals of people who call me vain or attention
seeking bother me.
I am healed and encouraged by those who are moved to work beside me or
who let me know, often off-list, that they have contributes in some other
way.
I also believe that there is value in Anonymous donations.
Sometimes it lets us imagine who "Anonymous" is and lets us think well of
people in general.
It also lets "Anonymous" choose contacts, instead of being added to the
list of those who are called upon to do, or contribute to, everything.

I like Tony and his writing style.
I value many of Glenn's writings.
I read both with some skepticism.

I don't believe Tony has or wants the "representative" power that Glenn
assigns him.
I also don't believe that FoCP is any where near as inclusive as Tony
claims.
Further, trying to exclude me is like trying to sweep water up hill.
I am not afraid to tackle problem spots or people.
I don't have the time to make any consistent, organized commitment to the
Park, but I pick up litter on my walks through the park, and I jump in,
vigorously, if I see a need and fell able to make a contribution of words
or money.  And I try to honor the other commitments that I make.
I encourage all to pursue volunteering in the areas that hold interest
for them.
In this way, our community will be better served an with better spirit.

All the best in 2008 and beyond.

Liz

On Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:42:12 -0500 "Glenn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
Folks, this is an important local issue.

These local groups like FOCP and SHCA pretend that they are a stand in
for a non existant village government.  The list just saw West flex his
power with a warning to Liz about the catch-22 she may find herself in. 
If I told someone to "have a wonderful trip over the river on the Pine
St. bridge ," all of you would know my meaning.  Of course, I could
convince a stranger that I was trying to be sweet.  

How does one work with an FOCP "representative" other than West?  West is
the one who decides whom may participate in discussions with the FOCP and
whom may not.  He has made that perfectly clear on numerous occasions on
this list and in person.

Lot's of former board members from these groups have told me stories that
were the same as my experiences.  If someone is disagreeing with the
inner circle in these groups, they are essentially punished, excluded and
there is an organized attempt to humiliate them.

The only way to interact with the organization is to kiss up to their
leaders.  But this hurts the whole community.

When I tried to propose the Clark park farmer's market to the community
via a spot on the FOCP agenda, I tried the accepted process.  I
approached the President face to face and politely asked for an
opportunity.

He told me that "the communit

Re: [UC] civic associations and representatives

[John Ellingsworth]

Glenn wrote:


FOCP leaders are cutting secret deals about control of our park.  Ask
 the basketball players, if they were part of the decision to rip up 
their court and let it lay in ruins until their basketball groups GO 
AWAY.  Ask the volleyball players if they were invited to send a 
representative of THEIR CHOOSING to the park A redesign planning 
committee.



Interesting; I noticed that the sign at the basketball courts indicated
that constuction would be done in October, but they were still in
disarray when I went to the park recently.

I thought it odd and a shame that they hadn't completed them on time.

Regards,

John Ellingsworth
















































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[UC] civic associations and representatives

[Glenn]

Folks, this is an important local issue.

These local groups like FOCP and SHCA pretend that they are a stand in for a 
non existant village government.  The list just saw West flex his power with a 
warning to Liz about the catch-22 she may find herself in.  If I told someone 
to "have a wonderful trip over the river on the Pine St. bridge ," all of you 
would know my meaning.  Of course, I could convince a stranger that I was 
trying to be sweet.  

How does one work with an FOCP "representative" other than West?  West is the 
one who decides whom may participate in discussions with the FOCP and whom may 
not.  He has made that perfectly clear on numerous occasions on this list and 
in person.

Lot's of former board members from these groups have told me stories that were 
the same as my experiences.  If someone is disagreeing with the inner circle in 
these groups, they are essentially punished, excluded and there is an organized 
attempt to humiliate them.

The only way to interact with the organization is to kiss up to their leaders.  
But this hurts the whole community.

When I tried to propose the Clark park farmer's market to the community via a 
spot on the FOCP agenda, I tried the accepted process.  I approached the 
President face to face and politely asked for an opportunity.

He told me that "the community was opposed."  There was no public meeting and 
no agenda spot.  This was my first experience with the organization and I saw 
how incredibly destructive these associations have been to this community.

The only reason there is a farmer's market at Clark park was because UCD 
decided that it was good for gentrification.  The community was deprived the 
opportunity to hear from a community volunteer bringing a proposal to them at a 
public meeting.  The good folks starting the farmers' markets wanted these as a 
benefit to the community and farmers, not for support of the Penn "brand."

 How many times has this type of abuse of power occured and been cloaked?  How 
many of our neighbors have similar stories?

Isn't it a bit ironic that the most destructive organizations in this 
neighborhood were then chosen by our partners Penn to speak for the community, 
to rubber stamp the Penn agenda?

The pretense that outside groups are allowed to send "representatives" to these 
civic associations is such an "in your face lie" that I really wanted to 
explain how these groups work for those of you fortunate enough to have never 
been bullied by them.  

FOCP leaders are cutting secret deals about control of our park.  Ask the 
basketball players, if they were part of the decision to rip up their court and 
let it lay in ruins until their basketball groups GO AWAY.  Ask the volleyball 
players if they were invited to send a representative of THEIR CHOOSING to the 
park A redesign planning committee.

Then you will know the contempt in these self congratulatory claims of 
inclusiveness spewing out from the leaders in these organizations!

Thanks for considering this problem,
Glenn

Re: [UC] MLK Jr. Day of Service in Malcolm X Park, the director's cut.

[Cindy Miller]

Wonderful!

Excellent!

Great Job!


-cm
`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><º>

On Jan 22, 2008, at 9:20 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:



MLK Jr. Day of Service at Malcolm X Park.  We'll be there next  
year, and so will

those leaves!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc7EoSb9fk4

Andrew

www.malcolmxpark.org

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[UC] MLK Jr. Day of Service in Malcolm X Park, the director's cut.

[anm]

MLK Jr. Day of Service at Malcolm X Park.  We'll be there next year, and so will
those leaves!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc7EoSb9fk4

Andrew

www.malcolmxpark.org

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Re: [UC] MLK Jr projects in Clark park

[Glenn]

"If any of this is what you like to do ... contact your representatives and 
they'll hook you in. (Psst! I'm not your rep.)"

You really get off on this in your face bullying.  Folks know that you have the 
power in your little FOCP gang.  Folks know that anyone whom pisses off the 
inner circle will be excluded from future "community decisions" and "community 
discussions" under your thumb.

There are no "representatives" in the FOCP inner gang.  There is no process to 
approach FOCP like a mini government.  Those of us who have tried to work as 
mature adults with the UCD anointed civic associations all share the same sets 
of experiences.

Those of us who don't accept a hierarchy of ass kissing experience a series of 
tricks while our character is attacked.  You clowns act like a gang of grade 
school bullies.

There are lots of people whom would like to work with groups like the FOCP and 
SHCA pretend to be.  I explained this to some of the more reasonable members of 
your gang.  If they want your groups to be respected, they need to stop 
allowing neighborhood bullies to rule the groups in this way.  

I've pleaded numerous times with some of them to put safegaurds in place.  
Codes like an ethics rule need to be written into the by-laws and a set of 
written guiding principals adopted to reaffirm that it is the duty of the group 
to hold its leaders accountable. To state that FOCP will conduct itself 
honorably and operate openly and inclusively as a neighborhood association 
would be expected to do.   I can't stop you from bringing shame to the FOCP, 
but they can.

Your groups act exactly like UCD using secrecy, exclusion, and evasive crap 
like your posts.  Our neighbors are getting more hip to these processes thanks 
to our beloved UCD and Partner Penn.  It's not the same as when your gang mates 
first started attacking my character almost 10 years ago.

By the way dude, who the hell is my "representative" on the board of FOCP?  

You write: "Smoothing the way for this year's festivals..."  
I read in the UC Review that folks from the Best Fest rallied at your elections 
because they had been bullied at their event.  Some of the actors change but 
the process remains the same.

Not fooled,
The Wanker

  
  


  - Original Message - 
  From: Anthony West 
  To: UnivCity listserv 
  Sent: Monday, January 21, 2008 8:20 PM
  Subject: Re: [UC] MLK Jr projects in Clark park


  Good heavens, Liz, I'm sorry you took my remarks that way!

  Anybody is welcome to volunteer in any park at any time. But I am personally 
unaware of any outdoor volunteer work that the officers of either FoCP or any 
other group have scheduled in Clark Park this winter. In my experience, seldom 
has such work been organized. That's why I can't imagine what projects people 
might join on 24 hours' notice -- there aren't any that I know of. Good 
volunteer projects take beaucoup advance planning most of the time.

  I was thrilled to death to hear Andrew and Greg and the gang over at Malcolm 
X Park did have something going. You rule, Greg and Andrew! You're a model for 
Clark Park to follow.

  Liz, if you want to lead a winter work project in the park, you know you'll 
have FoCP behind you all the way. Contact one of your officers and get 
something going. You know how to do that! You are a truly incredible Lifetime 
Supporter of the park.

  I honestly reported what park volunteers are working on in the winter season, 
that I know of. They are smoothing the way for this year's festivals and soccer 
leagues. They are planning complex rehabilitation work. They are also working 
on Charles Dickens' Birthday Party and figuring out how to raise the money 
needed to maintain the park come spring. If any of this is what you like to do 
... contact your representatives and they'll hook you in. (Psst! I'm not your 
rep.)

  FoCP is far from the only game in Clark Park. You can volunteer there 
directly through a host of other cool neighborhood groups. Most of them have 
cross-membership with FoCP, though.

  -- Tony West


 I appreciate lots of what volunteers, (including Tony, but NOT limited to 
the FoCP), do in and for Clark Park and other contributory work that 
strengthens are people and improves this environment we call home-neighborhood.

I disliked a few points in Tony's response.

1. No one should be told,
"I can't imagine what useful work you could do..."
I can imagine lots of things that can be done now, by both organized groups 
and by concerned individuals.
For Example:
I walked through the park today, as I do every other day, and noticed 
a. what appears to be a killing amount of salt dumped on the grass 
and near a tree, on the 45th street perimeter of the park at the base of Regent 
Street.  
b. wind blown litter
c. wind swept twigs and limbs that could become trip and fall 
hazards
This salt should be cleaned up.  
I mean to do it,

[UC] Re: Mugging this Monday morning

[JAFDesmond]

Salutations, again, gentlefolk,

Mr. Clarke wrote:

<<

Date: Mon, 21 Jan 2008 22:02:56 -0500
From: Joe Clarke <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: Re: [UC] Mugging this Monday morning

John,
   Sorry to hear about this and so close to my block 4800 Beaumont.
John have you thought about going to one of the gatherings that the new
commish is giving this week?
Tommorow nighnt at Pinn Memorial Church on North 58th street (double
check that) and Wednesday night at 7 PM at Germantown H.S.I think
that your experience with crime and the treatment by police of victims
of crime is timely.  It sounds like the kind of thing that he's looking
to hear about.  This feedback from the public can be his mandate for
reformining the status quo in the Police department that he is inheriting.
I don't know if you or anyone has been a juror in the past couple of
years, but it's changed immensely.  The seats are comfortable, free
coffee, tea and cakes, vending machines.  Respectful treatment from the
judge and the staff at the court.  You are treated with dignity which
helps people take their civic duty seriously and act so for the process.

Joe Clarke


>>

Were I still a Philadelphia resident, would try hard to see the new 
commissioner (Was 'gentrified out', moved to Lansdowne in '05)


Was on jury duty a few times during my years in Philly, both in the City 
Hall quarters and the new Criminal Justice center juryroom - great 
improvement.  But I was talking about the facilities in the police 
station at 55th (?) and Pine, HQ of the dective unit that covers West 
Philly.  Unappealing place, especially if you're s-haken up and 
over-adrenalined.


Anyone having the ear of local politicians is invited to pass this on, 
and claim whatever credit you can get ;-).


Yours, John Desmond


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