[UC] Explaining Sub prime lending : Kudos to my colleagues, competition, local Lenders and PENN

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Lately, I have heard lots of general questions about the "market" and the
cause of sub prime mortgage foreclosures and the effects on individuals
and the economy.  The link is to an article which defines the big
picture, in simple terms, and gives snapshots of the devastation of two
families who signed onto sub prime loans.

http://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUSN0329892220070508


Philadelphia, and especially UC, seems to be dodging the collateral
damage of sub prime disasters.
For this we owe a debt to:
Our city, conservative in banking matters
A sufficiency of local Lenders, mostly reputable Banks and Credit
Unions
The preponderance of Agents who have acted responsibly and not
chased kickbacks.
PENN, who has encouraged Home Ownership, with good programs.


In a theme I consider related, I have had many folks question my aversion
to Knox (I much prefer to discuss my faith in Michael Nutter and my hope
that Philadelphia keeps Chaka in Federal and Dwight in State government).
 Sometimes the questions come with some base implication that I am voting
the wrong "color" (implications I find easy to dismiss!) but sometimes
people have bought Knox's campaign spins of 'Business, better than usual'
and 'opportunity as charity'.
Knox might want to sell an image that he was one of very few who would
lend to those poor enough to "need" payday loans or ownership
"opportunity".  But true Charity does not come with interest totalling as
much as 400% per Annum. 

One sad local example:
I was called to a listing appointment.
The prospective Seller was an elderly man, who had hoped to stay in his
home "forever".
But, he was confronted with a notice of Sheriff Sale and wanted to know
if by hiring an agent he could sell, pay off all of his debts and retain
enough money to be independent.
Sadly, this man had refinanced twice in 10 years.
The first time was a straightforward refinance, through his own reputable
bank, during a period of 8.5% rates, and for the purpose of helping a
grandchild through college.
He want from owning his home free and clear to having a mortgage of under
$400.00.
It was admirable and survivable, barely, on his fixed pension income.
He understood the choices and risks.
But the second time, he was vulnerable and fell under the spell of a
usurious Mortgage Lender.
He had just heard that his wife had been pronounced terminally ill.
The couple determine to take the amazing vacation that they had postponed
through the raising of kids and grand kids.
They knew they had equity and wanted to know if they could lower their
rate to the then 5.5%, keep the payment where it stood, and take out some
equity for the vacation.
The person who promised to make "their dream come true" talked them into
a total refinance (versus a simple equity loan) and an A.R.M. that
started just under 5% (but capped at 12%).  They took out $10,000 in
equity and paid almost $13,000 in fees and charges (on a now $50,000
loan) to do so.  Money seemed to flow in only one direction, and even
now, after the damage is done, this potential Seller can not understand a
reconstruction of how the loan went from a debt ratio of $23K-on-$60K  to
one of $50K on $60K.  The potential Seller didn't understand why the
percentage charge on their loan had jumped 3% / year each year, or why
payments had jumped from under $400 to well over $600.  He only knew that
he was facing Sheriff Sale with a humiliating amount of debt.  To
compound matters, the loan also had a huge prepayment feature, and so
there was no way to clear enough to live independently.  Now this elderly
widower will end up living with Adult children or in subsidized housing. 
The cost to his pride and life style are enormous, a Lender got richer
($13,000 in fees for $10,000 in cash out! + 12% interest for most of the
term!) and we taxpayers may end up subsidizing the housing of this
mortgage victim.  BTW, the vacation was never made.  The wife did not
survive until the planned day of departure.  The $10,000 disappeared in
payments on the new debt.  I could not promise him any proceeds from a
sale.  And so, I referred him to agencies that pay people to advise on
home saving and legal aid.  He had my sympathy, but I support my family,
with commissions.  He was better served, by staying in his home,  as long
as possible, even if he had to declare bankruptcy.  I left the
appointment shaken, by the evidence of a greed, that was so thoughtless
of the consequences to this man, our neighborhood, and the national
economy.

I believe that those who can't find 'opportunity' in other than sub prime
lending, are better off waiting (and working) for the 12 months needed to
create conventional / better opportunities.  Blown 'opportunity' can damn
credit records for 7-10 years.  While waiting may permit time to make a
more thoughtful purchase. 
I believe that most who can make sub prime work can probably, with good
and ethical advice, find better opportunities in FHA 

Re: Fwd: [UC] Explaining Sub prime lending : Kudos to my colleagues, competition, local Lenders and PENN

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Paul, you are correct.
I wrote with too much passion and haste.
I intended to say we are not seeing problems in the magnitude visible in
the Bush strongholds of Texas and Florida.
I am sincere, in feeling grateful for the people and institutions who
have kept some checks and balances in place, here in Philadelphia.
But it is true that Philadelphia seems to be seeing problems at two ends
of the spectrum, among condo speculators and in the poorer neighborhoods.
I gave an example of one of the failures.
The professional writer, in the article/link, wrote a clearer
presentation of the situation.

Even in Philadelphia, there are too many foreclosures.
And there is too little being done to put people into affordable homes.

As I drive through our poorer neighborhoods, I think Street (and others)
deserve some credit for getting homes built and occupied.
But much more needs to be done.
Close at hand, the Blackwell Homes, near 46th and Haverford have made
stake holders of a lot of people.
Behaviors improve as people acquire things (like homes) that they fear to
lose.
Home ownership is a good thing, even in 'flat' markets.
Being house proud, having privacy and control, being able to personalize
one's space, roots and familiarity do make for happier, healthier
neighbors.

Thanks for correcting my course.

We need to anticipate multiple consequences of our choices.
And we need to vote.

Best!
Liz



On Wed, 09 May 2007 23:18:07 -0400 [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I disagree that we have dodged the fallout from subprime lending tactics
by lenders.  The city has been going through a massive increase in
foreclosures, much of it resulting from predatory lending.  The mortgage
market is no longer local and mortgages have become commodities traded on
Wall Street.  

 
 
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; UnivCity@list.purple.com
Sent: Wed, 9 May 2007 1:40 PM
Subject: [UC] Explaining Sub prime lending : Kudos to my colleagues,
competition, local Lenders and PENN



Lately, I have heard lots of general questions about the "market" and the
cause of sub prime mortgage foreclosures and the effects on individuals
and the economy.  The link is to an article which defines the big
picture, in simple terms, and gives snapshots of the devastation of two
families who signed onto sub prime loans.

http://www.reuters.com/article/wtMostRead/idUSN0329892220070508


Philadelphia, and especially UC, seems to be dodging the collateral
damage of sub prime disasters.
For this we owe a debt to:
Our city, conservative in banking matters
A sufficiency of local Lenders, mostly reputable Banks and Credit
Unions
The preponderance of Agents who have acted responsibly and not
chased kickbacks.
PENN, who has encouraged Home Ownership, with good programs.


In a theme I consider related, I have had many folks question my aversion
to Knox (I much prefer to discuss my faith in Michael Nutter and my hope
that Philadelphia keeps Chaka in Federal and Dwight in State government).
 Sometimes the questions come with some base implication that I am voting
the wrong "color" (implications I find easy to dismiss!) but sometimes
people have bought Knox's campaign spins of 'Business, better than usual'
and 'opportunity as charity'.
Knox might want to sell an image that he was one of very few who would
lend to those poor enough to "need" payday loans or ownership
"opportunity".  But true Charity does not come with interest totalling as
much as 400% per Annum. 

One sad local example:
I was called to a listing appointment.
The prospective Seller was an elderly man, who had hoped to stay in his
home "forever".
But, he was confronted with a notice of Sheriff Sale and wanted to know
if by hiring an agent he could sell, pay off all of his debts and retain
enough money to be independent.
Sadly, this man had refinanced twice in 10 years.
The first time was a straightforward refinance, through his own reputable
bank, during a period of 8.5% rates, and for the purpose of helping a
grandchild through college.
He want from owning his home free and clear to having a mortgage of under
$400.00.
It was admirable and survivable, barely, on his fixed pension income.
He understood the choices and risks.
But the second time, he was vulnerable and fell under the spell of a
usurious Mortgage Lender.
He had just heard that his wife had been pronounced terminally ill.
The couple determine to take the amazing vacation that they had postponed
through the raising of kids and grand kids.
They knew they had equity and wanted to know if they could lower their
rate to the then 5.5%, keep the payment where it stood, and take out some
equity for the vacation.
The person who promised to make "their dream come true" talked them into
a total refinance (versus a simple equity loan) and an A.R.M. that
started just under 5% (but capped at 12%).  They took out $10,000 in
equity and paid almost $13,000 in fees and charges (on a now $50,000
l

Re: [UC] Alcohol in the Park

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Cultural profiling?
Just to be clear.. some of my best friends display culture.
Liz

On Thu, 10 May 2007 12:14:23 -0400 "SKnight" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
Alcohol has always been allowed in the Park at the Philadelphia Orchestra
concerts in the summer, first at the Robin Hood Dell and now 
at the Mann Music Center.  I suppose the reasoning is that the type of
crowd at this event will not become unreasonable.
Sande Knight
- Original Message - 
From: John Ellingsworth 
To: univcity@list.purple.com 
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2007 8:48 AM
Subject: Re: [UC] Why support Party for the Park


Tony

I am curious if you know if an exception was made for alcohol in the 
park?  It is my understanding that alcohol is strictly forbidden in 
Fairmount Park without the written permission of the executive director.

Doesn't the distribution of alcohol at an event like this convey the 
message that certain people are allowed to have alcohol in the park, 
while others are not?

Will alcohol be allowed to be drank during the orchestra event, or any 
other event?  I have never seen alcohol served at any other event in the 
park, for as long as I remember.  Only at the party for the park.

Regards,

John Ellingsworth




Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

Re: [UC] Vote for Nutter - another arrest story

[Elizabeth F Campion]

List Neighbors, I can't resist.
(Maybe I should not have had that second drink at the Party for the
park.)

Melani, implying that your arrest is an example of reverse racism
severely underestimates the amount of equal opportunity ire you can
arouse in "all of about two minutes".

If you have a copy of your original, multi- page, mass produced letter,
asking neighbors to speak as character witnesses for you, I hope you will
share it with the list.  It read as if Arlo Guthrie had written the
biography of Joan of Arc and is as bizarre and entertaining as Bender at
his best.  I wonder if it stands the test of time.


I don't believe that you and I can ever fully appreciate the way black
skin has limited opportunities and been met with suspicion for many of
our neighbors.
We have a President who was a known coke-head.
White skin, greenbacks and family connections kept him out of jail and
even helped him win the White House.
The "usual suspects" must feel frustrated hearing about the "good boys
who deserve second chances".

I hope that all people move away from prejudice and that fewer people
feel its sting.
I think healing requires acceptance of the past and truth.

At least we agree on Nutter.

VOTE Nutter (or your own well researched choice).

Liz

On Thu, 10 May 2007 12:02:49 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
In a message dated 5/10/07 9:42:02 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

Lew writes:
"He [NUTTER] believes that a properly-trained and -supervised police
force will
be able to implement this policy to make the City safer without
compromising the civil liberties of the citizens"

Sali: Anyone who believes this is patently dumb! When has this EVER
worked in the history of the world and why would anyone believe it would
work in the United States or Philadelphia? There will be tons of
mistakes, misrepresentations and law suits galore! And by the way, it
won't be your son Lew down on the ground with his hands behind his back.



Our police force is diverse these days; ANYBODY can be an arrest target! 
We have equal opportunity arresting!  It could, indeed, be Lew's son
(except, I don't think he has one)  As a middle-aged white lady, I
was arrested 15 years ago - when I walked outside my house at 46th &
Chester at 1 a.m. to find the source of loud, prolonged vehicle noise on
the 4500 block of Chester, where I lived then at the Gables B&B. 
Sharrieff doesn't mention the race of the police who put him in their
van, but I believe that the assumption in "racial profiling" is that the
officers making the arrest are usually not of the same race as the person
being arrested.  This difference in races was true in my case.  

How would the officers legitimately have seen me as a threat?  They saw a
middle-aged woman opening her front door and walking down her steps at 1
a.m., astounded to find that many road construction vehicles had appeared
on the block and were sitting there with back-up alarms beeping, workers
milling around, and engines idling.  Did I look threatening?  It was a
hot midsummer night, and I had pulled on shorts, a sleeveless t-shirt and
flip flops to go outside.  No possibility of me concealing a gun
anywhere.  I felt "lucky" to see a police car in front of my house, and I
waved to the officers as I came down the steps.  They looked my way,
through the open window of their car.  I asked them if they knew what was
happening.  They shrugged.  I asked, isn't there a noise ordinance
prohibiting this kind of work in the middle of the night?  They shrugged.
 I gave up on them, and said I would go ask a worker I'd spotted,
standing next to his truck, across the street.  One of the officers said
offhandedly, to my back, as I walked away from their car, "Lady, if you
block the construction vehicles, we'll arrest you."  WHAT?, I thought!  I
made a stupid, stupid mistake (probably the result of too many years of
"white privilege") and responded over my shoulder as I crossed the
street, "Well, maybe you'll have to arrest me" - somehow I foolishly
thought we were speaking about FUTURE events that might or might not
happen, since none of the vehicles were even moving at that point and I
had no plan to block them if they started.  

I stepped up next to the worker, at the SIDE of a truck, and asked if
they were going to work all night, and asked about the noise ordinance.
Before he could reply, my arms were grabbed from behind me, and I was
handcuffed and put in the back of the police car.  I'd been outside my
house for all of about two minutes!  I'd spoken about four sentences,
mostly questions, and never raised my voice!  I was taken to 55th & Pine,
then to the Roundhouse, and not released till the next evening, about 20
hours later.  And by the way, forget about that Miranda rights thing. 
They didn't SAY they were arresting me.  From the back of the police car,
I asked, are you arresting me? and one of them replied, "What do you
THINK?"

In court several months later, one of the officers testified that I was
blockin

Re: [UC] Stop and frisk, the city that loves you back

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Glenn (and list neighbors),

I believe some words-images should not be posted on a community list.

It was a friend, CM, who posted a link that opened to a dead child,
hanging out the window of a bomb shattered bus.
It was an image I did not (and do not) want in my head.
And I needed to forgive CM for his choice to post it, with no proper
warning.
I rarely attend even "R" films.
There is enough violence.
Seeing evidence does not help me find or work toward peace.

There is a huge difference between the way young black males and middle
aged white females are treated by the police.
I believe that being arrested while walking to the corner grocer is more
wrong than being arrested for a spontaneous act of civil disobedience,
but I don't think arrest is appropriate in either case.  
In my mind, the biggest difference in between what ML did on a hot summer
night 15 years ago, and what you did in Rittenhouse Square last week is
that your public protest (disturbance) was intentioned and planned.  

ML describes herself in a shirt, shorts and Flip-Flops.
This is appropriate dress for a trip to the sidewalk in front of her own
home, on a hot night.
ML's rendition struck me as having been skewed to mitigate her role in
defying authority and refusing to identify herself.
This is her right as a first person author.
And I succumbed to tipsy opportunism, for humor.
I could have made better use of my time.  
I hope my post was perceived as "no harm and no foul" or at least reality
based.
I was chided, off list, by two friends whose judgements I trust.
I imagine others will build on their own thoughts.

But your post takes the story to a dark place that reflects poorly on you
and on this list and is unfairly hurtful to ML and to women in general.
Why did you convert the story to word images of a "handcuffed scantily
clad" jailed and tortured "award winning"  and apply it to someone
who exists, who is our neighbor, a wife, a mother, a hard worker, a
frequent volunteer?
It is unfair.
It is too specific, too personal and too ugly for my consumption.  
And since I may be one of the tougher people on this list, and not known
for being ML's biggest fan, it makes me question:
how was it perceived by others? and
what can be done to stop or mitigate such damage?

I am beginning to wonder if some posts or some voices should not be kept
off the list.

I had an interesting conversation with someone today about civil
discourse.
The vehemence with which he described a lack of civility in our
neighborhood has me thinking.
I abhor false courtesies; don't "smile in my face" "back stabbers".
But I thrill to sincere emotions of pleasure or gratitude.

I am not seeking more horror stories.
I would like to learn more about encouraging neighborliness about
cooperating toward mutual success, about crossing cultural divides in a
"Win-Win" manner.
As tenth of twelve my upbringing involved constant competition for food
and attention.
I do not see this as an area, in which I could be a strong leader.
But I do want to learn.
I want to sweep some of the toxins out of the stew that is our public
discourse and learn how to do better without the sacrifice of doing good.
I believe this neighborhood is peopled with many people who do have the
right skills and knowledge.
I hope they are not too discouraged to lead us toward the light.

Glenn, your recent posts meet my definition of toxic.
I don't want to become a substitute target.
I want you to practice restraint.
But I don't want any women, or any neighbor, or any human, to be made an
unwilling subject of anyone else's degradation fantasies.


Please group, keep the on-list replies civil.

Best!
Liz


On Fri, 11 May 2007 15:26:08 -0400 "Glenn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:

The city that loves you back, after consultation with highly paid city
planners from the University of Pennsylvania, has worked its magic again!
The new marketing slogan designed to lure the worlds’ elite to the new
improved, brightly, lit Baltimore Ave is brilliant! 
Receiving an A plus on the UCD report card, "Stop and Frisk," surged
ahead of the second place slogan, "eat the poor," to drive the new 100
million dollar marketing spin. Decided upon in the extremely exclusive
back rooms of the Horny Hardart, the city’s new slogan, "Stop and Frisk;
the city that loves you back" will be launched tomorrow.
In the new TV commercial of the media blitz, Mayor’s Street and Nutter
will be shown wearing their pajamas as they exclaim, "it’s better if you
spend the night" then point to a jail cell housing the well known
Philadelphia intellectual, the award winning real estate agent, Melani
Lamond. The commercial will begin airing in the Beverly Hills area and
the green zone of Baghdad starting tomorrow.
Mayor Nutter issued a statement explaining the logic of the rather sexy
and revealing images of the commercial, "hey we have to compete with
Britney’s panties don’t we?" ...

[UC] campaign signs, recycle

[Elizabeth F Campion]

In a related vein...
Today is a trash - recycling day for much of UC.
If everyone paused and removed campaign signs, from public areas, they
could be dropped into recycling buckets.
Some will make it out today, and others may sit in the bucket until next
pickup. 
But our neighborhood will look a lot better with fewer flimsy signs
disintegrating on polls or in our parks.

If like me, you are pleased that Nutter won, save those signs for the
November contest.

Best!
Liz

On Wed, 16 May 2007 12:33:59 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
I need about 10 of the metal frames that were covered with campaign
posters for the primary.  The UC Historical Society's house tour is
Sunday, and I think we can use them for house "markers" for the tour.  
 
I thought it would be easy to pick them up this morning from public
spots, but somebody else must have had the same idea, because by 9:30
a.m., I couldn't find ANY at the SEPTA portal, the edges of Clark Park,
etc.  Found a few in other odd spots, but I need about 20 total, so if
you have one that you'd be willing to give up, would you please email me
off list and I can pick it up, or so you can drop it off at my house?  
 
If I get too many offers, I'll send an email saying I don't need more. 
Unless you see an email saying that, I am still seeking metal frames!

Thanks,

Melani Lamond
 

Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

Re: [UC] Possible stolen mail : could it be next door.

[Elizabeth F Campion]

 
Check first the lobbies of any nearby multi-units.
Some carriers will pile stuff on or near boxes if they don't see a
matching name on a mail slot.
Also if there are any vacant properties, see if you can get permission to
check any mail left in the vestibule.

We get a lot of mail and on average, about 2 pieces per week belong to
someone else.

We get a lot of stuff from next door neighbors and maybe 2-3 times per
year we'll get pieces with the right numbers but from a parallel street.

The problem is worse near summer, when temporary mail carriers are
working routes for folks on vacation.

Good luck with your mail.

Best
Liz

On Mon, 21 May 2007 00:04:22 -0400 Philip Forrest
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> I have had two, possibly three incidents (not sure about the third 
> yet) of 
> mailed items being stolen from our entryway at Chez Cassidy.  I'm 
> one of 
> Kyle's tenants and a neighbor had also mentioned not ever having 
> received 
> something they'd been waiting for.  Hopefully, this is just a case 
> of late 
> mail, but so far there has been delivery confirmation of two of my 
> items, 
> both of which are missing.  This is on the 200 block of 46th St, 
> between 
> Walnut & Locust.  The items missing will be of little to no value to 
> the 
> would-be thief, but are rather important to me.  If anyone has had 
> any 
> similar activity locally in the last few weeks, perhaps we can work 
> to help 
> stop this.
> Thanks all.
> PhilFo
> 
> You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
> list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, 
> see
> .
> 
> 
 
 
Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see
.

[UC] 5/22 - Tuesday 1 PM : URGENT : "Save the Mural" from the Philadelphia Historic Commission

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Urgent : Support is needed.
--

Artists, Art Lovers, LBGTGs, those interested in supporting Civil
Liberties and or Property Rights, join to reverse the Historic
Commission's horrific decision requiring that privately commissioned
mural art be covered in "brick red paint".

Any one against the imposition of a local Historic District upon
University City and all who have an open mind and or want to see proof
that an existing Philadelphia Historic District has been used to ban art
and control color should also attend, and see the HC in action.

The hearing is scheduled for

Tuesday, May 22, 2007
1 PM 
at 1515 Arch St. 18th Floor 

Please arrive a few minutes early to get through Security and be seated
before the hearing begins.


I apologize for the last minute notice.
We originally thought the hearing would be postponed and just learned
that the Commission is going ahead.

I find it almost unbelievable our city has let the historic Commission
hijack property rights and censor an artist.

The property owner, a friend, is a normally mild man who is stunned by
the process which has been dragging on for several years.
Lawyer's fees far outweigh the cost of the mural.
And I am proud that he continues to invest Art and in the protection of
his (and by extension our) property rights.

The Artist is a fragile person, a refugee from the Khmer Rouge, who feels
further traumatized by the HC's threats to his/her work.

The best summary, and a good read, with illustrations, was by Thom
Nichols.
It was the cover story of the May 16th Weekly Press.
Click Here: Check out "Weekly Press"

Michael has been under attack for so long, that his personal site has
grown heavy with the gravest implications of censorship, star chamber
procedures and civic abuse.  To check it out click on:
Save the Mural at 410 S. 15th  
There are links to other articles about the Mural, on his site.

Thank you in advance for any support that you can show.

All the best!
Liz



- Forwarded Message -
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Date: Mon, 21 May 2007 13:54:50 EDT
Subject: Save the Mural

  
Dear Liz,

The postponement of the hearing, for the mural, has been mysteriously
rescinded.
This is just another example of the HC's ongoing lack of consistency,
transparency and justice.
The hearing is now going forward at its originally scheduled time.
Please come and support the artist and me tomorrow, May 22, 2007, 1515
Arch St. 18th Floor at 1PM.
 
Michael Sher
cell phone #215-432-8049, 
 
Save the Mural at 410 S. 15th  

Re: [UC] John Fenton > Politics > Public Space / Service > Friendship > Our Councilwoman

[Elizabeth F Campion]

On Tue, 22 May 2007 10:16:33 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
...  You're a friend of the Councilwoman, Al.  
Are you trying to get to the bottom of it for us? - Melani Lamond

Some rhetorical questions are worse than pointless.
The above implies guilt by association and reminds me of local
flip-flops.
Once upon a UC Village it was cool to be seen with Jannie.

The folks who are rushing to distance themselves now, may not have looked
at the bigger picture.
The 16th division came back 80% Nutter (competing against 4 others) and
was pointedly dismissive of the uncontested Councilwoman who netted 40
fewer votes than Nutter, but her larger Councilmanic District was more
forgiving.

Personally, I am hugely disappointed that Jannie backed Knox for Mayor.
But, I am certain she will find ways to make peace and progress with
Nutter and for us, her constituents, and the city.
I remain honored to have a friend like Jannie.
I find it easy to forgive her flaws.
I do not demand perfection and I feel free to express unhappiness to her
in the interest of working toward understanding, mutual education or
change.
In the plus column, Jannie Blackwell is successful, intelligent, hard
working, long working, courageous, resilient, optimistic, faithful, makes
a good appearance in a generally timely manner, keeps her promises and
has made superhuman sacrifices on behalf of more fragile friends, her
many step children and her dying (recently deceased) mother.
She is someone who listens with two ears and speaks with one mouth.
Few elected officials retain such close relationships with their row home
base.
One of her more frequently visible flaws is a quality that some describe
as a virtue.
Sometimes she lets her compassion gets in the way of an expedient
solution.
She is becoming more adept at balancing the needs of people against the
needs of local institutions.
In this arena, I have had many disagreements with her choices, but the
learning curve for this process is huge, and I don't believe any of her
challengers could do a better or more thoughtful job on the sum of the
decisions.
I trust her as my Councilperson because I have seen the effort she makes
to research, understand and anticipate the consequences of her choices.
I would be proud to have Jannie as family and would be honored to hear
that she admires me as much as I admire her.


John Fenton has consistently won accolades for his work ethic, cheery
helpfulness and EFFECTIVENESS.
(So, I can not imagine him as pro-Knox. wink! )
I know my Nutter sign faced Lewis Wendell's Nutter sign across
Springfield Avenue, so it is hard to imagine a Knox rally being run by
UCD.
I saw Abby Wendell volunteering outside the Polls, for Nutter, and
watched her feed all of the other Poll volunteers, including those
working for other candidates, from her own kitchen with sandwiches she
made.
I do not think it is fair to describe the community party at Black Oak
Park a Knox rally.
Jannie also dragged Knox to the "Party for the Park."
And there was definitely little applause or approval of that choice.
The good news about our democracy is that it is hard to keep folks out of
public spaces or charity events where entrance is only a ticket away.
The bad news is volunteering your space can lead to visits that feel like
intrusions.


I believe that politics should be kept off the Altar and out of the work
place.
I have mixed feelings about election signage.
On one hand, I wish signs were limited to private property and reflected
their owners choices, on another, I recognize that many unpopular
candidates have important messages, and some minority (in this
neighborhood Republicans or those who chose Knox) voters might be afraid
to reveal their party or choice.
Even though I was assertively Pro-Nutter, I was offended that my boss
made repeated pro-Nutter announcements on our company voice mail system. 
I did not consider it fair to the office Republican, or to anyone who was
committed to some other choice. 

These are my opinions-du-jour.

All the best!
Liz






In a message dated 5/21/07 11:11:27 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
John ...  worked too hard and built up too much good will to lose
his job over something like this.


In a message dated 5/22/07 7:06:38 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
He's a good guy, and 
whatever the circumstances of the whole election thing were, 
I hope he gets back to his job as soon as possible because he's the one
thing at UCD we all _like_.


In a message dated 5/22/07 7:40:05 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
sad news.

Re: [UC] Tom Fenton on ABC News

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Some job descriptions are more difficult to define than others, but I
think it is fair to say...
... Once salary is accepted, work-effort is required.

Most of us know that it is not possible to please all of the people, all
of the time.
And many of us have learned to handle the rewards and dismissals that
come from being squeaky wheels.


On Thu, 24 May 2007 11:15:35 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

This listserv is impossible to satisfy.  I suspect that the UCD has come
to the conclusion that it isn't worth trying.

So, Ray, tell us what you'd do?

Melani Lamond

Re: [UC] UC Review Graffiti Contest

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Do these d'uh moments make us feel more
Stupid, 
at least those of us that missed the obvious, or
Lucky 
to be surrounded by smart folks who help connect the
dots?




On Thu, 24 May 2007 18:57:16 -0400 "Turner,Kathleen" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
To change the subject for awhile . . .
 
Quite an idea the UC Review had with their "Graffiti Watch" feature --
best tag of the week gets a photo on the front page.
 
I can see this being a BIG disincentive to the neighborhood graffiti
artists.  
 
Cornbread rides again?
 
 
Kathleen

Re: [UC] The UCD answer

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Could we vote that the below occur more often and with greater
consistency?

On Mon, 28 May 2007 14:56:10 -0400 "Kyle Cassidy"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:

Across the country small children are being given Time Outs by their
parents without due process, fraternities are being put on academic
probation without the intervention of judges, and 8th graders are being
assigned detentions without a court appointed attorney. 

[UC] Another "hidden" real estate deal > Caution: Question the Experts

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Melani (and list),

I am not sure what your google reference related to, but...
... FEE SIMPLE and CONDOMINIUM ownership are NOT mutually exclusive.

Fee simple ownership is the most common form of ownership in common law
countries.
It is considered the most complete ownership interest that a private
individual can have.
While Fee simple ownership represents absolute ownership of real
property, it is subject to basic government powers of taxation, eminent
domain, police power, and escheat and can also be limited by certain
encumbrances such as when uniting with other property owners and acceding
to property restrictions (as from Home Owner's or Condominium
Associations).

Condo owners accept restrictions and benefit from sharing expenses,
services and common areas.
Condo owners retain rights to buy, sell, will, inherit and enjoy,
specific real property.

Maybe you were thinking of Cooperative Ownership.
Coop purchasers buy STOCK, and only rent real estate.
Transfers, including by inheritance, may be subject to the whims of other
stockholders.

I have posted attributed definitions below.

Let's not confuse the public.

Liz


fee simple
n., pl. fees simple. 


AMERICAN HERITAGE
An estate in land of which the inheritor has unqualified ownership and
power of disposition. 
Private ownership of real estate in which the owner has the right to
control, use, and transfer the property at will.


McGRAW HILL PROFESSIONAL DICTIONARY

An inheritable, possessory interest in land which may endure until the
death of all lineal and collateral heirs of the first owner and which may
be freely conveyed by its owner. 

An estate in real property, by which the owner has the greatest power
over the title which it is possible to have, being an absolute estate; an
estate of inheritance belonging to the owner, that he may dispose of,
trade, or will, as he chooses.



THOMPSON - GALE LAW ENCYCLOPEDIA
The greatest possible estate in land, wherein the owner has the right to
use it, exclusively possess it, commit waste upon it, dispose of it by
deed or will, and take its fruits. A fee simple represents absolute
ownership of land, and therefore the owner may do whatever he or she
chooses with the land. If an owner of a fee simple dies intestate, the
land will descend to the heirs.
The term fee used independently is an adequate designation of this type
of estate in land. The term simple is added to distinguish clearly this
estate from other interests in real property.

On Tue, 29 May 2007 20:58:53 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:


A quick Google search turned up this acceptable definition of "fee
simple:"

Fee Simple Ownership
In contrast to the condominium regime, you may own real estate by fee
simple. Fee (from the old word, feifdom) refers to legal rights in land,
and simple means unconstrained. Fee simple ownership is the absolute and
unqualified legal title to real property, including both buildings and
land. This is the most commonly used type of ownership.

All it means is that what is being transferred is not a condominium.  As
Paul wrote, don't worry about that termjust wonder what's going on. 
The timing of this ordinance, at the end of Council's session, does
indeed suggest another surprise.

Melani Lamond



Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

Re: [UC] Re: Our house was burglarized; do not be like us

[Elizabeth F Campion]

 
I just noticed the Subject line, "... do not be like us".
And thought, more people should be like Sean and Charlene.
They took a hit, identified what could have been done better and shared a
warning and constructive suggestions with their neighbors, including
neighbors they do not know (yet).
 
 
There are no ideal solutions.
 
Perhaps the safest offset backup on the planet were the vaults and
computers below the World Trade Center, until 9/11.
At which point data, priceless photos (including Kennedy family archives)
and the contents of private Safe Deposit boxes were lost forever.
 
Some crime is a 'phase', or driven by temporary need.
Some catchall solutions just provide a finishing school to
professionalize criminality and a record which can limit a career path to
a life of crime.
 
Some 'victims' mature in ways that could never occur without incidents of
loss and suffering.
The grace notes of compassion, personal accountability and forgiveness
strengthen our social bonds.
'Victims" can be paradigms of resiliency, endurance, or success.
 
 
An attempt to replicate lost photos may lead to kindness or art.
Others may copy and send photos they took or received.
A memory of a favorite photo may lead to replication by pen, pencil,
collage, stained glass, poetry or music.
A talented artist can extrapolate backward or forward to capture a
fleeting moment of beauty or pleasure.
 
I will hope and pray that Sean and Charlene recover most of their
possessions and enjoyment of their home and that more of us respond to
adversity as they did.
 
Best!
Liz
 
 

Re: [UC] House numbers on transoms

[Elizabeth F Campion]

 
Here is a true confession, of improvements dictated by price point not
the HC.

When genius painter, Ed Sarbough, was prepping my front door for
painting, he uncovered our original house numbers.
They were in shabby condition, but sufficiently intact that I was able to
climb up on the ladder and recreate the black outline and shadow line
with Black SHARPIE.
Ed had painted our library ceiling in a "Ralph Lauren's Princess Gold",
and I used less than an ounce of the leftover paint to recreate the gold
text.
The original work was probably stenciled or freehand and my touch-up was
also freehand.
Since the gold paint, the sharpie and the ladder wall all in place, I was
able to complete the job in less than an hour and at no cost.
The numbers sit far enough above eye-level that most people don't even
realize the deficiencies.
Passerbys would probably never guess.

For another affordable 'improvement', I recreated the raised molding on
our neighbor's side of our porch triangle in paint.
Most don't even realize that half of the molding on our front triangle is
simply a painted, mirror image, of the existing originals.
First, the hard part, was getting written permission from the neighbor,
who was not sure of my color choices.
I painted the first coat, of the blue raised molding, on my side (the
intact side) through a screen that was being recycled.
When the screen dried, I reversed it against the plywood next door and
painted the first coat of the yellow side through the remaining holes in
the screen.  I than came back and did the blue (and the faux shadows)
free hand, using the negative spaces as basic guides.
There may be an easier method, or better method, but my solution recycled
materials at hand, took less than 1.5 hours, and was acceptable to the
owner of our twin and to most who pass by.  The tenants who live in the
twin love the decoration and color, which pleases the owner.  He has not
had any vacancies since the work was completed several years ago.

My intention is to have a professional sign painter replace my numbers
with gold leaf, 'someday'.
Maybe someday, I can afford to treat our beloved home to some authentic
"house jewelry" but...
... for now, I'm trying to stay ahead of deferred maintenance and college
tuition bills.

I hope my neighbors consider my interim measures an improvement over what
we found, and that they are not afraid to use and share their own time
and money saving solutions.

Best!
Liz


On Fri, 01 Jun 2007 09:41:39 -0400 Dave Axler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> You may want to check hardware stores for decals that will serve the
purpose at a much lower cost.
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Robin Gresham-Chin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> To: UnivCity@list.purple.com
> Sent: Fri, 1 Jun 2007 8:23 am
> Subject: Re: [UC] House numbers on transoms
> 
> I think you can do this yourself.  I have done it and with new 
> products 
> out there it is getting easier.
> There are books on gilding in art stores and I am sure the library 
> too. 
> You would first need the individual stencils of the numbers. A clear 
> 
> adhesive that is sold for the purpose, a gold leaf or imitation gold 
> 
> leaf, a soft brush and burnisher are also on your list.  I believe 
> these supplies can be bought in kit form.  You most likely can go to 
> a 
> how to site on the net for more info.  Pearl Paint on South St. has 
> 
> everything you need.
> Robin
> 
> On 5/25/07, Steve and Mimi  <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>   Many older homes had gold and black house numbers on the transom 
> above 
> the
> front door.  We're interested in restoring ours.  If you have info 
> about the
> fonts and the way the figures were applied, please e-mail --
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]  Thanks!
> 
> R. Mimi Iijima

 
Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see
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Re: [UC] Seeking house-selling tips

[Elizabeth F Campion]

The house in question, is listed, (with me).
The pool IS an incredible bonus.
The Owner paid extra to have a portion of the basement excavated, so that
users climb into the pool without climbing up to (or banging their heads
on) the basement's rafters.  This adds the potential for luxury to what
might otherwise by simply a utilitarian option.
The home also has a whirlpool tub, a basement recreation center and a
backyard gazebo that will stay.
I hope that the eventual Buyer is someone who values the fun, health and
exercise advantages of these extras.
Photos are available at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/campionef/4945Walton


The owner is a participant in her own, eventual success.
She has an exquisite color sense, the eclectic taste and style of someone
who has traveled, and she is keeping her property pristine and accessible
for showings.  There will be an Open House this Sunday from 1:20-2:30 PM.
She has tackled many of the manageable tasks that are often deferred by
busy careerists.
Her finishes are truly finished.
The Is dotted and the Ts crossed
And clearly, she has enlisted the help of friends and neighbors in
getting the word out.
:-)


Without making an Ad specific to myself, I'd like to remind folks that
having an agent (even one of my competitors) can be a good thing.
Statistically, Home Buyers and Sellers, are best served when they use
good agents.
I've read NAR (National Association of Realtors) articles which document
that Home Sellers who used Agents actually made money.  Studies show 8%
higher sale prices and many fewer headaches within an average 6%
commission charge.  The result is that a seller saves work, makes a
little extra profit and has a buffer against some of the more
intimidating stresses of home selling, when represented by a good agent.

An Agency association is also a critical step to exposure via MLS and
home search Web-sites.
MLS posting encourages cooperation among Agents and is a boon to
relocating Buyers and Sellers.
The largest site may be 
www.Realtor.com
You can use it to find an Agent, to check on the details posted about
your home, or to find a new home.

Some companies, like mine, also have sites with automatic search
features.
Fill in your own search criteria, and whenever something that fits your
stated goals is listed, (or has a planned Open House, or a price
reduction), you will receive notice  by E-mail.  You can ignore or follow
up on the notice at your will.  You can remove yourself at any time.  The
PFR program is called "Home Pilot" and is accessed through our Web-site
at www.PruFoxRoach.com
PFR has 1,000s of Agents, so this is not an 'ad' specific to me.
Note: I am required by PA law to put contact info in any writing that
discussions a listing, so I must leave my auto signature.  It's at the
bottom of this note.  Feel free to delete or ignore it.


I don't want to encourage any of our good neighbors to move away.
I hope, those in place get first choice of the "move-up" properties. 
And I hope readers who choose an agent, choose one of those who live,
work and play in and give back to their neighborhood.


Cappy, thanks for your efforts on behalf of your friend.
She is lucky to have a friend and near neighbor like you, and I know you
(and UC) will be missed as she moves on to her next, great opportunity.

Neighbors, please copy me on any good tips.
Selling has a constant learning curve.
When I started in this business, 30 years ago, I could not have imagined
that I'd be taking digital photos and creating my own web-links.
I want to stay at the top of the Real Estate Industry, and I am open to
learning new techniques even though I am fast becoming an old dog(?).

All the best!
Liz

On Fri, 1 Jun 2007 07:19:35 -0700 (PDT) Cappy Harrison
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> Hi all,
> 
> Sadly, my best friend, who lives down the block from me, is moving 
> to
> Europe very soon. She's trying to sell her house, and I'm trying to 
> help her
> brainstorm creative ways to market it.  
> 
> Have any of you utilized nontraditional methods to sell your home, 
> and
> if so, can anyone suggest ideas that worked & share ideas that 
> didn't work so well?
> 
> We're on the 4900 block of Walton Avenue, and hers is a two-story 
> row
> house in beautiful condition.  I would buy it myself if I could 
> afford to.  I'm
> especially envious of the "endless pool" she installed in her 
> basement before she
> fell in love and decided to emigrate...
> 
> Thanks for any input you may have.
> 
> --Cappy



Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

Re: [UC] First Thursday Meeting will have an update on the UCD investigation

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Could the post be from a local "Committeeman" maybe of District 7?
Personally, I prefer a full "signature" and disclosure of potential
conflicts of interest, but if this was written by a Committeeman, he may
think he provided sufficient ID and maybe he just forgot to sign.

This is one of the least "loaded" of the recent posts.
Better grammar could have made the Councilwoman's position more clear,
but than you'd probably call it even more loaded.

While I rarely have time to attend meetings, I am always happy to be
invited to community meetings and to have a sense of what might be
included on the Agenda.  And I am grateful to the writer and thank him
for the notice.

And so, I see your chide and raise it.
:-)

Meanwhile, thanks for your other recent posts, 
helpful regarding backup
funny regarding Lew Mellman's dog.

Best!
Liz


On Tue, 5 Jun 2007 11:20:36 -0400 "Bill Sanderson"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
This anonymous post is typical of the tactics of a few on this list.  It
pretends to be a simple objective announcement, while using
loaded/slanted descriptions of the events mentioned.
 
You (the poster) should be ashamed of yourself—grow up,  stop playing
these games.  
 



From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 9:13 AM
To: UnivCity@list.purple.com
Subject: [UC] First Thursday Meeting will have an update on the UCD
investigation
 

Come to the First Thursday meeting at the Walnut Street Library, 40th and
Walnut Street for an update on the UCD's investigation into Councilwoman
Jannie Blackwell's claim that she asked UCD for help at a community fair
or a political rally for Tom Knox. This should be interesting.

The meeting starts at 8:00am and a light breakfast will be served. Please
inform your neighbors.



AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free
from AOL at AOL.com.


Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

Re: [UC] First Thursday Meeting will have an update on the UCD investigation

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Can the official - planned Agenda, in its current entirety, neutral or
otherwise, be posted to the list.
It might help possible contributors triage this meeting above others.
Lurkers please step up.


Bill, I still think you are stretching to assign emotion and (small a)
"agenda" to a post that was in my opinion a helpful reminder of a meeting
and otherwise harmless.

Best!
Liz


On Tue, 5 Jun 2007 12:28:42 -0400 "Bill Sanderson"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
Most people in political positions seem to want their name out there at
all times, in my observation.
 
I’ll concede that perhaps the purported “committeeman” might not want
Councilwoman Blackwell to be aware of who posted this message—perhaps all
the more reason to have simply stuck with the facts, and described the
agenda in a neutral fashion.
 



From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Elizabeth F Campion
Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 11:47 AM
To: UnivCity@list.purple.com
Subject: Re: [UC] First Thursday Meeting will have an update on the UCD
investigation
 
 
Could the post be from a local "Committeeman" maybe of District 7?
Personally, I prefer a full "signature" and disclosure of potential
conflicts of interest, but if this was written by a Committeeman, he may
think he provided sufficient ID and maybe he just forgot to sign.
 
This is one of the least "loaded" of the recent posts.
Better grammar could have made the Councilwoman's position more clear,
but than you'd probably call it even more loaded.
 
While I rarely have time to attend meetings, I am always happy to be
invited to community meetings and to have a sense of what might be
included on the Agenda.  And I am grateful to the writer and thank him
for the notice.
 
And so, I see your chide and raise it.
:-)
 
Meanwhile, thanks for your other recent posts, 
helpful regarding backup
funny regarding Lew Mellman's dog.
 
Best!
Liz
 
 
On Tue, 5 Jun 2007 11:20:36 -0400 "Bill Sanderson"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
This anonymous post is typical of the tactics of a few on this list.  It
pretends to be a simple objective announcement, while using
loaded/slanted descriptions of the events mentioned.
 
You (the poster) should be ashamed of yourself—grow up,  stop playing
these games.  
 



From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Tuesday, June 05, 2007 9:13 AM
To: UnivCity@list.purple.com
Subject: [UC] First Thursday Meeting will have an update on the UCD
investigation
 

Come to the First Thursday meeting at the Walnut Street Library, 40th and
Walnut Street for an update on the UCD's investigation into Councilwoman
Jannie Blackwell's claim that she asked UCD for help at a community fair
or a political rally for Tom Knox. This should be interesting.

The meeting starts at 8:00am and a light breakfast will be served. Please
inform your neighbors.



AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free
from AOL at AOL.com.
 

Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com


Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

Re: [UC] Re: Debunking the hysteria - by dealing in facts

[Elizabeth F Campion]

No allowance for the competitive narcissists?

For them, winning is not enough, destroying the opponent-du-jour brings
the bigger thrill.



On Tue, 5 Jun 2007 23:18:14 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
In a message dated 6/5/2007 11:03:13 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
looks like i owe glenn an apology. thanks for catching that mike. and
sorry glenn.

Assuming Glenn has wired the $10K retainer to Dick Sprague's office this
may lessen your damages settlement from that of Sanderson and Lamond;
hers being the most embarrassing because she included her employer's name
and her personal real estate advertisement.
 
When you put the smackdown on someone it ceases to be funny when you
really damage them. Even in sports you make your opponents hear
footsteps, but you don't try and to make a cripples out of them.
 

Re: So, who is Committeeman7? [was: Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job]

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I prefer attribution, but I understand why someone might not want to
expose themselves to the rampant paranoia, profligate speculation and
general nastiness that began to swirl around the 'offending' post, long
before a beginner might have twigged to list etiquette (or not) or a more
adept sender might have discovered an address oversight.
 

Many of our senders are known by insider nicknames.
Some of us include to much in our signatures, others too little, some
assume the E-address says it all.

I'm fairly fearless, but the remarks are so awful that I'd be reluctant
to admit to being the poster.


One irony, the post turned out to be accurate, and still the poster is
referred to as dishonest.


Meanwhile, among the latest gentle requests for introduction...

Cassidy wrote:
"I'd say it's relevant because:
 
... So the question "why did committeeman7 make the post and then leave
Glenn to fend for himself amongst the jackles?" I think is relevant. And
now we discover that it was probably someone who was at the meeting or
who works for someone who was at the meeting
 
Maybe it was UCD!
In a message dated 6/7/2007 11:05:27 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:


Really?  Our "little list" of over 300 University City folks who care
enough about what's happening in this community to stay aboard, despite
having to endure frequently nasty exchanges and messages?  We don't
count?  We can be lied to, or spoken to anonymously by folks who refuse
to reveal their identities?

According to Tony's report, the first Thursday meeting <<... asked that
UCD policies in general be made public.>>  

What about the Councilwoman's office's policies?  Shouldn't they be
public also?  We elect her; should her office and/or her supporters be
sending anonymous emails to the listserv?  Or was it sent by an anonymous
supporter of John Fenton?  Or somebody who just guessed about today's
meeting, and just happened to be right?  In any case, what is to be
gained by adding new layers of secrecy to neighborhood processes? 
Committeeman7 knew what was going to happen today and is probably reading
my questions on the list now.  Who is he, or she, and why is this person
afraid to identify him or herself?

... ...

My guess, now, is that our anonymous poster, Committeeman7, is either
affiliated with the Councilwoman's office or has inside information from
the Councilwoman's office.  Why doesn't the person simply identify
him/her/self and be honest and open with us?  Why operate secretly?  Why
didn't Jannie's office confirm their plans for the first Thursday meeting
when Tony called, if they were collecting signatures and planning to ask
for support?  What were they hiding?  Have they missed all the calls on
this list for transparency and process?  

Melani Lamond


Best!
Liz
 
On Thu, 7 Jun 2007 10:35:05 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Tony, thank you for this thorough and important update.  A question
remains about the person who posted about it to our listserv.

My guess, now, is that our anonymous poster, Committeeman7, is either
affiliated with the Councilwoman's office or has inside information from
the Councilwoman's office.  Why doesn't the person simply identify
him/her/self and be honest and open with us?  Why operate secretly?  Why
didn't Jannie's office confirm their plans for the first Thursday meeting
when Tony called, if they were collecting signatures and planning to ask
for support?  What were they hiding?  Have they missed all the calls on
this list for transparency and process?  

Melani Lamond

Re: So, who is Committeeman? [was: Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job]

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Ross,

I repeat, "I prefer attribution".
My further comment was MHO, that said writer might have good reason to
stay quiet and avoid any association with the straw figure, held up for
immolation, by you and others.
What may have been an oversight has been so roundly pounded beyond
recognition, and the writer (possibly a hapless soul) defined as
vile, sneaky, manipulative and part of some putative clique.

I believe 'strangers' should be invited in, and bona fides revealed in a
natural and organic manner.
Most on this list are neighbors and even potential friends.
"Newbies" should not be grabbed by the digital throat and shaken until
they accept the pigeon hole assigned by the loudest bully.

I'm not calling the post or subsequent silence the bravest or most
honorable or smartest choice.
But I'll note that it is hard to build relationships upon such a rocky
start.
C-7 may be choosing a new E-name as we speak.


Committeeman7 did nothing wrong!
Unfortunately he did nothing right.
But the real harm is being caused by those who are abusing their talents
and our time.

Focusing on C-7's identity is a distraction from the content of the
message and the much bigger issues of 
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
My questions include:
How do we thank John Fenton?
Can his job and reputation be saved?
Should we 
save his job? 
lose UCD? 
settle for what we get (and thus deserve)?
How do we prevent the further co opting of UC by Politics, Penn
and powerful lurkers?
Do we support any person or initiative at UCD?
?, ?, ?

Ask more, limit responses to facts and goals or clear opinions, not
gossip and speculation.
And stop attacking me.
I am not C-7.
I don't deserve the attacks and I don't like being grumpy or angry at you
and I don't like thinking of you as some overstuffed gnat that needs a
smack-down.  
I'd rather enjoy your civil company, in a friendly environment, where
body language and immediate feedback can provide the clues as to when
either of us has gone to far in a stupid direction.

Best!
Liz



On Thu, 7 Jun 2007 16:13:24 -0400 "Ross Bender" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:



On 6/7/07, Elizabeth F Campion <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
I prefer attribution, but I understand why someone might not want to
expose themselves to the rampant paranoia, profligate speculation and
general nastiness that began to swirl around the 'offending' post, long
before a beginner might have twigged to list etiquette (or not) or a more
adept sender might have discovered an address oversight.


Many of our senders are known by insider nicknames.
Some of us include to much in our signatures, others too little, some
assume the E-address says it all.

 
Liz, I fail to understand why you're putting so much energy into
defending the practice of anonymous posting, which even the most hopeless
newbie realizes is a vile and scummy practice. There is absolutely no
excuse for sending messages under false names to a public email list. In
fact, it is technically illegal, although I can't cite the statute at the
moment. WTF is wrong with you today??? 



-- 
Ross Bender
http://rossbender.org/mqrtoc.html

Ph.D. in Love, Columbia University
D.Hon. Bob Jones University
Certificate in Cognitive Science, Institute of Glottopsychiatry,
University of Waterloo 
Chevalier, Legion d'Honneur
Lt., (Ret.) Queen's African Rifles
Voted Most Likely to Succeed, Goshen High School, 1967




Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

Re: So, who is Committeeman? [was: Re: [UC] Blackwell calls to save Fenton's job]

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Ross,

The only posts with inarguable intent to annoy were those who demand the
right to 'out' or badger C-7. 

I still consider the original post and accurate and timely invitation to
a community meeting that was more lively than most.

Sorry,
your need to know
inability to let go
do not alter my original opinion or my interpretation of the regulation.

Let's agree to disagree.
I am beginning to find this thread boring and I am one of the
participants.

Liz   


On Thu, 7 Jun 2007 18:29:07 -0400 "Ross Bender" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:



On 6/7/07, Elizabeth F Campion <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:


Committeeman7 did nothing wrong!

He/she/it did something very wrong -- posted an anonymous message that
not only "annoyed" the listserve but caused a whole lot of trouble,
igniting a firefight and gangbang that resulted in a huge amount of
damage to the list. 

I'm not focusing on the anonymous posters' identity -- simply insisting
on the very basic principle that ANONYMOUS POSTING IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
PERIOD.

FWIW here is the text of the federal statute which became law in January
2006: 





It's illegal to annoy
A new federal law states that when you annoy someone on the Internet, you
must disclose your identity. Here's the relevant language. 
"Whoever...utilizes any device or software that can be used to originate
telecommunications or other types of communications that are transmitted,
in whole or in part, by the Internet... without disclosing his identity
and with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten, or harass any person...who
receives the communications...shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned
not more than two years, or both." 
http://news.com.com/Create+an+e-annoyance,+go+to+jail/2010-1028_3-6022491
.html

While you may believe, as the above commentator does, that it's a stupid
law is beside the point. There's a very good reason for this type of
statute, even if it's unlikely to be enforced. 


-- 
Ross Bender
http://rossbender.org 


Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

[UC] Found Wallet

[Elizabeth F Campion]

 
Please help reunite 
Justin Ryan Beckler
with his wallet, containing cash, found near 46th and Springfield this
evening, Saturday June 9, 2007.

I can't find him in www.411.com
There is a High School, photo ID.
I sent the HS Webmaster a request for help in reuniting boy and wallet.
 

 
Thanks!

Liz 

Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

Re: [UC] Out of the Ivory Tower and Into the Streets

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I am not into book burning, but if I were, I can think of a few texts to
torch that would hold precedence over the new JR work.

So, List neighbors if you were to burn your least favorite book, 

What Author?
What Book?
Is When part of the context?
(e.g. Hysterical romance or High School assignment)
Where would you burn it?
Why choose flame?

I'd probably start with a few of my appointment calenders, saved against
Tax Audits, but collecting dust and if examined, reading as an indictment
of the times that work has taken precedence over family, friends or even
self protection.  :-)


On Sun, 10 Jun 2007 20:25:11 -0400 "Ross Bender" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
...
Anybody want to go in with me to buy the book so we can have a public
burning at the Turtle in Clark Park? If ten of us chip in, that'll only
be about 3 and a half bucks apiece. If twenty of us chip in, even less. 
...
Ross Bender
http://rossbender.org/gentrification.html 

Re: [UC] Out of the Ivory Tower and Into the Streets

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Melani,

This post may be your most twisted perspective on reality, yet.


IMHO, John Fry and Judy Rodin managed our neighborhood as if it were an 8
second Bull-ride.
Life was a Quid Pro Quo Caberet and rule by the aesthetically fussy (with
or without mitigating competence) was endorsed.
Flackettes and Flackers were paid to write unfavorable comparisons to the
'bad old days'.

Sad (and bad) neighborhood news was cherry picked, exaggerated and than
the hyperbole highlighted until fear and false economies won PENN the
Civic Center Properties and Schuylkill Lands as values plummeted area
wide.  Once PENN had gathered all the land they could manage through
years of future development, PENN realized that the collateral damage to
the neighborhood was harming their admissions statistics and began a
drive to jump-start logical improvements.  By granting (only their own
employees) seed money they helped many long term neighbors leave.  The
investments totalled an average of 5% of the improvements while Buyers
(Penn only need apply) and Lenders carried responsibilities for the
balance.

Even though we (West Philly) started this century as the POSH side of
Schuylkill living, and still have the better built houses, more genteel
space, more convenient conveniences and the Lion's share of art,
cultural, educational and employment opportunities, we are still valued
beneath inferior CC properties.  I suspect the PENN spin, which is
cumulatively negative, has something to do with that.

The latest UCD fund Raising letter continues the theme.
I don't have it in front of me, but a paragraph about the slum we were
"just ten years ago" resonates in a rage inducing way.
Those of us who grew up at on blocks where Town meets Gown, get tired of
Gown's supercilious low points.

A counter reality is how many people truly love this neighborhood and
their homes.
Folks try hard to stay in their houses even after age or disability make
moving on a logical choice.
I do not see the churning of properties that is apparent down town.

Well enough rant,
Let other voices battle the merits of our wildly different opinions on
this matter,
TTFN

Liz



On Mon, 11 Jun 2007 13:13:34 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

In a message dated 6/11/07 10:29:25 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

To be fair, I suppose one must admit that Penn and Judy made a difference
in the hood, but to give her all the credit seems a little unrealistic
and mythic, to say the least.


Yes, there is a history in UC of groups / organizations claiming credit
for things they didn't do.  The "best" thing Penn did under Judith Rodin
was to stop BADMOUTHING the neighborhood.  That allowed University City
to grow and prosper naturally.  It had always been a special place to
live; it was great, once Judith Rodin took over, to see more people
REALIZING this.  

Once those of us who were active back then, no longer had to convince
potential newcomers, one at a time, that they were unlikely to get killed
if they lived here; no longer had to persuade them that having a diverse
neighborhood was an asset, not a liability, then the activists finally
had time to move on to other projects.  Like park clean ups, graffiti
removal, community fairs, block clean ups, etc.  

Melani Lamond

[UC] Warning : Damage to porch to Steal a bike

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I do not have all the details yet, but a bike was stolen from a porch on
the 4700 block of Baltimore.
The wooden Porch Railing that it was chained to was severely damaged.

It seems clear that a serial thief is in our midst and we need to
exercise greater precautions until the thief is caught and stopped (if
necessary via lengthy detention).  I hope you and your property are and
remain safe.


Meanwhile, this bike was the primary form of transportation for a
eco-friendly, female grad student.
So if anyone has an obsoleted or extra bicycle that (must be functioning,
or within just a few dollars of working) that they can donate (or sell
cheaply) that could suit a young woman about 5'7" tall, please let me
know off list.


Other spare bikes, including kids bikes, helmets and parts, might be
welcome donations at the Neighborhood Bike Works.
NBW is a good organization that helps people, especially kids, learn to
respect and repair equipment, appreciate the environment, gain better
understanding of cost versus value, and learn and follow rules in a
cooperative environment.  
I just checked out their site and saw a notice about summer camps.

http://www.neighborhoodbikeworks.org/
ATTENTION:
Neighborhood Bike Works is offering 4 Earn-a-Bike Summer Camps. Spaces
are limited! Click here to download the application. Feel free to contact
us should you have any questions or concerns.


Best!
Liz

Re: [UC] Out of the Ivory Tower and Into the Streets

[Elizabeth F Campion]

In a message dated 6/11/07 2:19:57 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

This post may be your most twisted perspective on reality, yet.



Not sure where we disagree here, Liz.  
Melani


Your statement,
"The "best" thing Penn did under Judith Rodin was to stop BADMOUTHING the
neighborhood. ...
 it was great, once Judith Rodin took over, to see more people REALIZING
this.",
runs totally counter to the my perception of the early years of Rodin's
rescue.

JR's 'successes' were based on the false recording of you, me and our
neighbors as a disproportionately dangerous collection of low-income,
criminal types.

Even when Penn was 'good' it were discouraging.
In the first year of the 'new' PENN housing initiatives, Penn made a big
deal out of defining 'low income' as a number just high enough (I think
it was $42 K or $60 K)  to make every one with less feel bad or
unqualified, and anyone with more prepared to run from the risk of being
labeled unsuccessful.

Re: [UC] Reality check

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I was also at the meeting.
I do not remember either side making many fact based declarative
statements.
But there were lots of distractions and I may have missed a few words.

I did not hear Lewis Wendell state either of:
"John Fenton has NOT been fired" or
"John Fenton HAS been fired".
LW read a statement that referred to "suspension" pending an ongoing
"internal investigation".
I believe most in the room hear it as some version of, "UCD hopes John
resigns so that we won't have to fire him."

Several people referred to a "Termination package" which would allow John
to "resign", and "receive 6 months benefit".
I do not remember LW making any comments regarding this.
Such a package may be better than sending John back to work in a tainted
environment, but
maybe a better paradigm for all of us could be reached.
IF UCD and JF could achieve public and private accommodations, it could
catalyses work place toxins into useful compounds benefiting the people,
institutions and neighborhoods that are affected.  Such success could be
a model for others undergoing work place traumas.

I like Lewis Wendell, John Fenton and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell.

Lewis is a good neighbor.
I have learned much from him, and in listening to him I have developed
more informed views of our neighborhood.
For me personally, he has been a voice for introspection and good.
I do not know how much of this brouhaha results from his decisions, but I
was sorry to see the "Lord of the Flies" attacks on his character.
Two wrongs do not make a right.

Jannie is a friend and hero.
She defied a Mayor and was arrested in the best of civil protests,
FEEDING THE HUNGRY.
Even those who did not agree with her methods were forced to think about
the problem and more viable solutions.
She is not perfect, no one is.
But I trust her heart, resilience and stamina.

John has been the type of guy we want to call family.
He has been helpful, accessible, cheery, accommodating and effective.
I do not know how well anyone's work would survive a rigid
"investigation".
In my experience, speed and effectiveness can sometimes require corner
cutting and mutual back scratching.
I know I would not want my work life disrupted by internal or external
audit.
And I don't like the idea that everything he has done will be put under a
microscope based upon reaction to gossip and a news report which may pan
out to be little more than juicy hyperbole born of the creative whining
of a PENN miscreant.

IMHO, these three people are strong, effective, intelligent and grounded
in good will.
They could be powerful enemies or a magnificent force for good.
I hope they work out their differences and channel their abundant
energies and talents for good.


Several people accused another neighbor, someone not at the meeting, of
being the Machiavelli in this mess.
His thumbprint is on too many other projects, too lightly dismiss the
accusations.
But, I have no fact upon which to base my doubts and nothing concrete to
contribute regarding a solution.
The person, in question, makes many valuable contributions to our
community and puts his time, money and labor behind his ideas.
When his goals align with mine I am delighted with the good he does, when
they do not align, I feel outgunned.
He may be smarter, better trained, more energetic, and have more free
time, stamina and resources than I.


I do not know why my last message transmitted in Asian characters.
I was trying to say that I did not see Kathleen at the meeting.
And IMHO, it does not seem fair that folks who were unable or unwilling
to attend, should post assumptions about words that were or were not
spoken.  I heard the Councilwoman state unequivocally that it was a
community fair, with many components, but NOT a political rally.
She stated that Knox walked around the park for about "10 minutes" and
that the fair ran "All Day" and separately gave times (which may have
been "9 AM-5 PM") that indicated Knox was present for only a fraction of
the days events.
If such is the case, Knox's presence seems little different than his
perambulation through the more upscale "Party for the Park".
My point, is that once Jannie made her statement, any further forays down
a path toward termination, appear to be calling our Councilwoman a
"liar".  Diplomacy and preservation of community bonds would both
recommend against such name calling.

John and Lewis are different types of people doing different types of
jobs.
John makes Lewis and UCD look good.
Lewis cleans up nice and can take UCD's successes, including John's
popularity, to the halls of power and the people with the big bucks.
One is the "go to guy" who gets the streets cleaned, the other handles
planning and development.
Together there is success, separated we've seen 3+ weeks of nasty
tension.

Sincerely,

Liz





On Fri, 8 Jun 2007 10:06:03 -0400 "Anthony West" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
Glenn's report is false. John Fenton has not been fired. His employer,
Lewis Wendell 

Re: [UC] Out of the Ivory Tower and Into the Streets

[Elizabeth F Campion]

My daughter, born in 1986 and my son, born in 1991 spent much of their
free time in the park, in the "bad old days".
They seem well begun.
Katie is a rising Senior at PENN.
Michael is a rising junior at West Catholic.
Much is in perception.
In 1986 there seemed to be fewer 'white' toddlers.
But the toddlers we met weren't crack heads, and the parents who cared
enough to take their kids to the park didn't seem particularly
maladjusted.
If I think back 10 years, the Youth Soccer Program were already in full
Saturday swing, and many of my friends had toddlers using the park.

I've always considered it a socializing gift of the 'hood that my kids
had to learn early to respect and embrace class, income and social
differences.  I don't want us to become a more homogenized extension of
the PENN brand.  I believe you (HB) feel the same way.

Maybe your friend was new to mothering or new to the neighborhood, and
the way she is and the way we are is just more comfortable for her now. 
I can't speak for her perceptions.  

It may be that clean ups improve perception by eliminating cumulative
deposits of evidence.
For me, the biggest changes to Clark Park have been in the maintenance.
I am delighted that trash is removed more frequently.
I am grateful to all who've helped with these improvements, from the
youngest volunteers through to the major institutions and including UCD.

Best!
Liz


On Tue, 12 Jun 2007 13:14:27 -0400 "Hilary Bonta" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
> That's funny, Ross, because a friend of mine was just telling me the 
> 
> complete opposite.
> 
> She's raising her kid here as well.  She babysat for me about a 
> month ago 
> and after taking my son to the tot lot was just amazed by the 
> difference 
> between now and 10 years ago.  She spoke at length about the great 
> community 
> of other families and caregivers here now.  When her son was little, 
> she 
> felt isolated and lonely as a stay-at-home Mom.  She hated taking 
> her son to 
> the turtle lot, where he eventually fell on the stone wall and had 
> to get 
> stitches, because she was alone for long stretches and there weren't 
> many 
> kids around for him to play with.
> 
> She said she might have had more kids if she were raising them in 
> the 
> current community.
> 
> Hilary Bonta
> 
> 
> >Funny. Maybe my memory is giving out, but I'm almost positive that 
> my son,
> >born in 1987, spent a good portion of his tender years in that 
> dangerous
> >drug-infested space, and as I recall, really enjoyed it. Not the 
> drugs, but
> >the old low-rent playground in the north park, which, while 
> certainly not 
> >as
> >fancy as the new playgrounds they've got in the south park these 
> days,
> >provided lots of fun for a wee toddler. There was a low wall which 
> he
> >enjoyed learning to walk on, an old fashioned slide, a couple of 
> crude
> >dinosaurs, and the turtle. I spent about a year with him as a 
> stay-at-home
> >dad, and remember meeting lots of other (friendly) parents and 
> their
> >toddlers in Clark Park. Don't remember running into any whores, but 
> maybe I
> >was just too naive to recognize them.

You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see
.

Re: [UC] bike theft

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I've moved from home to home, REMOVING window bars.
Rape is a horror, but relatively rare and survivable.

When I consider what I value...
... I'd rather my family and pets could escape, or be helped out of our
home than worry about our possessions.

There are too many stories of Fireman unable to save people to install
most of the bars that I see on properties.

My family enjoys the protection and companionship of dogs.
Morris shelter and the SPCA might be a better choice than bars-r-us.

Most Alarm Systems have (or could easily add) panic buttons for the truly
nervous.

Best!
Liz


On Wed, 13 Jun 2007 21:53:32 -0400 "SKnight" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
I personally don't believe window bars are necessary if you are doing
some of the other 
important anti-crime practices such as:  -  Sharrieff

The block on which I live has, over the last 35 years, had EVERY house on
it burgled with the exception of the house in which I live. The only
element that is different in my house from the others is the presence of
bars on the first floor windows, front, sides and back.  While I can
appreciate, with a shudder, the seeming nonchalance of living in a house
without them, I can tell you from my perspective as a woman that it is
incredibly and stunningly frightening to live with the possibility of a
break-in and mugging and rape.
Sande Knight


From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] on behalf of S. Sharrieff Ali
Sent: Tue 6/12/2007 10:59 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; UnivCity@list.purple.com
Subject: RE: Warning : Damage to porch to Steal a bike and recent entry
in the day


The real problem here is storing a bike on a porch. The answer is.

"JUST DON'T DO IT". 

Storing bikes on porches is just asking for trouble. If a thief sees a
bike on a 
porch not only will they attempt to steal the bike (and damage what ever
it is chained to)
but also take a look in your windows to see what else is available.

I personally don't believe window bars are necessary if you are doing
some of the other 
important anti-crime practices such as:

Trimming scrubs which block the pedestrian-way or porch-view. 
Create well lit exteriors particularly installing porch lights. 
Invest in a monitored alarm system for your home and display a sign or
sticker. 
Closing curtains when no one is at home or at night before you go to bed.

Not placing valuables in windows such as bikes or computers (laptops)
etc. 
Keeping a log of suspicious activity for your block and forwarding to the
police. 
Calling 911 when you see potentially dangerous things happening. 

We need to be a bit smarter about crime & safety.

I have a block safety guide and a safety survey for distribution, just
e-mail me off-list.

The keys are communicating with neighbors and the police about what is
happening on your block.

S
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mariellen Smith
Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 10:25 AM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; UnivCity@list.purple.com
Subject: Re: Warning : Damage to porch to Steal a bike and recent entry
in the day

It always struck me as strange that all those really nice houses around
Osage and Larchwood don't have bars on the windows. The people with the
really nice homes would presumably also have some really nice stuff. And
they are the only houses around without bars. If you were going to steal,
where would you go? I know that area looks like a nice suburb, but people
seem to have forgotten that they are still in the city. The bars are not
that pretty, but there is a reason why most homes have them. 

The rule of Philadelphia is, 'If it's not locked up or nailed down,
somebody's going to take it. And even if it is, somebody's still going to
try.' This is certainly true with bikes. When you bring a bike into this
city, you should probably just reconcile yourself to the fact that you
are really just renting it. I'm on bike # 2. Bike # 1 was stolen off my
porch on 43rd and Larchwood. It's unfortunate and it's not right, but
it's how it is. There are lots of good people and nice homes in this
area, but you need to remember where you are. You still need to be
vigilant about your self, your home, and your belongings. 

On a side note, that thief seems really bad at what he does. Hopefully,
he will get caught soon and no one will get hurt.

-Mariellen Smith

At 07:11 PM 6/11/2007, Vivianne T. Nachmias wrote:


and I am told by my husband that a house on 400 block of 47th St. was
broken into (window, first floor) during the day. the burglar was
seen by some  one and scared him away a member of the househo0ld was
on the 3rd floor and did not hear the peerson so maybe it happened fasst.
do be sure windows are locked.
Vivianne
On Jun 11, 2007, at 2:43 PM, Elizabeth F Campion wrote:




I do not have all the

[UC] An easier link to Tony in The Public Record : correcting Campion quotes

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I liked being referred to as "Liz Campion, a prominent University City
real-estate agent", but my statement was not properly recorded and the
conclusion does not accurately reflect the outcome that I desire.  The
accurate quotes have been placed in Italics.
I "suspect universities approach their neighborhoods in a top-down manner
that ignores local leadership."
I believe that "Councilwoman Blackwell for a long time has supported the
'trickle-down' theory of Penn investment."  It was not reported, but I
also said, "This can be wise.  If a City grant can jump-start matching
dollars from institutions and neighbors, and 2-3 dollars hits the local
economy for every tax dollar spent, than the neighborhood wins."
I said, "... if Penn is importing people who are not from the
neighborhood and trampling on the wishes of the neighborhood..."  But MY
ending was, "it is not serving or representing the neighborhood.  And if
this is being communicated to the Councilwoman by unhappy voters, than I
understand why she might shift to trickle-up economics".  I define
Trickle up economics as helping more needy constituents and hoping their
use of dollars will lead to rippling improvements.  
I've heard people call her statements "Threats".  I saw them as an
attempt to satisfy constituents.  If PENN or UCD continues to hand pick
the "Community" representatives who sit on their boards, and if the
neighborhood is fairly unanimous against this and other points of
dissatisfaction, (such as the John Fenton suspension), than it begins to
make sense to deliver money directly to 52nd Street or 64th Street and
not flow it through UCD.  My personal belief is that a well moderated UCD
has the theoretical potential to do more good than the disconnected or
redundant attempts of disconnected Community Associations.  But, in the
Thursday meeting, it was clear that many community leaders are not happy.
 
I know that I do not like being ignored, patronized or discriminated
against.  Many of our neighbors said this is how they feel.   I think
some of our neighbors made a good case for changes that need to take
place.  We all deserve to feel respected and included in decisions about
the people and "services" being 'offered' to the "community" by UCD and
PENN.
I did NOT say that I am "...supporting Blackwell's attempt to rein in
UCD."  I believe our politicians, (including Councilwoman Blackwell, a
politician I like and respect), answer to us, the voters.
I also believe UCD should answer to the community's that it is purporting
to serve.
What I support is the Councilwoman helping our neighbors define goals and
ways (possibly including UCD) to better implement them.
To be fair to Tony, our conversation was a hasty, and impromptu one.  We
bumped into each other on 43rd Street.  I am amazed at how much, and how
accurately he remembered so much of what was said.
Thanks for letting me clarify things.
Liz

On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 12:25:04 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Click here: The Philadelphia Public Record 

Re: [UC] Siding contractor?

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Check out the BEAUTIFUL work being completed at
4607 Springfield.
 
The fish scale siding on the bay is stunning, and the fresh cut Cedar
smells fabulous to me and not so fabulous to annoying insects.
 
The owner, Ed, is as pleased as punch and seems happy to reward good and
talented work by passing along names and contact info.
 
Ed is not on the list, so I will blind copy him with your contact
address.
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 
Meanwhile, I am headed back to work, suffering from Roof Envy.
RUSSELL ROOFING did the roof, and there signs are still up.
I think the painting is being done by FINE PAINTERS.
But I can not remember the names of the wood workers who did the siding.

All the contractors were as courteous, clean and considerate as such huge
work permits.
And I love living next to such beautiful improvements.
  
Best!
Liz
 
On Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:25:55 -0400 "Michael Stauffer"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> Hi all,
> 
> I think participated on this list years ago, and am happy now to 
> have
> remembered again that it exists!
> 
> I'm looking for some siding work on my bays of my victorian. Ideally 
> I'd
> like to find someone to replace the original cedar shingles and 
> possibly
> aluminum glad the unshingled areas, depending on the condition of 
> what's
> underneath the asphalt siding that someone put up years ago. Anyone 
> have any
> contractors to recommend for such work?
> 
> Many thanks,
> Michael
> 
> 
> 
> You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
> list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, 
> see
> .
> 
> 


Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

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Re: [UC] Press release or Wendell statement?

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I already posted, to the best of my much distracted knowledge (it was an
agitated political circus),
Lewis Wendell's only contribution to the meeting was to read a prepared
statement.

I thought Lewis acted with remarkable forbearance to an intense degree of
attack, some too personal and some way off the track.

I felt he could (and perhaps should) have responded to some of the
comments and questions that were not directly related to the John Fenton
matter, but... it was not a UCD meeting, and Lewis may have been
attempting to show some respect for Glenn Bryan's (PENN's) Agenda.
Certainly no one else in the room, including myself, was interested in
much more than the hijacking the meeting.

Lewis Wendell, his lovely wife and beautiful children are our neighbors.
They are good neighbors.
We should not lose sight of this connectedness as we pursue remedies.

Days after the meeting, I bumped into John Fenton at a retail
establishment, and he would not discuss the matter, no matter how hard I
pried.
I forced a brief monolog of my sympathy and support, on him.
All he would say was "Thank you."

Both men continue to behave in ways that lead me to believe they would be
better Allies than Enemies.

Glenn, I find many of your posts confusing.
I am not sure when nuance or sarcasm are in play.
I am not sure where they dilute or confuse your message or turn away me
(and other readers).
Can you keep them simpler?
 
Best!
Liz

On Fri, 15 Jun 2007 08:59:39 -0400 "Glenn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
It’s unclear what Melani/Ucd are doing with this June 8th secret press
release and who else is involved. The Public Record reports that Lewis
Wendell first provided the latest Fenton information in a public spoken
refutation and explanation on June 7th at the public University of
Pennsylvania meeting.  Read closely:
'...She charged Fenton had been dismissed by UCD.
Not so, replied UCD Executive Director Lewis Wendell, who attended the
meeting. Fenton is on paid administrative leave pending the results of
the internal investigation. "The UCD leadership is reviewing the matter
and will determine an appropriate course of action once all the facts are
known," he added.
The investigation is slow in part because Fenton is not cooperating. ‘UCD
has made numerous documented attempts to contact John Fenton asking him
to respond to the matter under investigation. Our calls and letters have
gone unanswered," Wendell explained later.’
"Not so, replied.." and "Wendell explained later" Folks, this is reported
as supposedly given as a direct and public contradiction to Councilwoman
Blackwell’s spoken statements on June 7th, not cited from a June 8 press
release.
But, Wendell never made any thing like such a statement! 
A large number of people were at the reported meeting. West is not
reporting that this information came from a press release after the fact,
but was clearly explained by Wendell. Remember in the list posts, West
wrote, "clearly stated.".
 West is enclosing part of the non-existent quotes and not other parts. I
suspect that is the reason to assert this secret June 8th press release. 
Little mistakes here?  I think not; the intention of the report is clear.
 Readers are clearly led to believe this spoken exchange occurred!
Liz, Matt, Sharrieff, Freda, did anyone of you hear this explanation
given by Mr. Wendell last Thursday? Did Mr. Wendell explain that Mr.
Fenton was refusing to cooperate with the investigation? Did anyone hear
that UCD calls and letters were "unanswered?" Did anyone hear about
"numerous documented attempts?"
Is it in any way believable that all of us whom have reported about the
meeting missed this?
 Did West hear this statement, hold back on clarifying all of our
incorrect listserv reports, and now; he reports these very important
quotes and clear statements alone?  This report is the most unbelievable
attack to date upon our elected representative. It is a very very bold
lie.
Other attendees, please help confirm the meeting statements.  There is an
announced UC Review report coming next week and the Penn meetings are
supposed to have minutes.
Thanks,
Glenn




Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

Re: [UC] Press release or Wendell statement?

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Dear Ray,

While my conversation with Tony was an unscheduled convergence of
neighbors at the busy intersection of 43rd and Baltimore, I know him as a
writer and editor.   As a grownup, I was forewarned and chatted anyway.
I enjoyed talking with Tony.
He told me he might put some of my ideas into an article he was writing.
Ultimately isn't all publicity good publicity?
(I write it with a grain of salt.)

I am forthright, and usually say what I mean.
If I were to be embarrassed by my choices I would probably work toward
change (in either my behavior or associates).

I was not aware of the 2nd Press release when I spoke with Tony.
He may not have been aware of it either.

I like Tony, I like Ray and 
I think Ray and Tony are even more polarized than Melani and I.

Can't we all just get along?
(In my case, by keeping a healthy distance from the 'nails on a
chalkboard' sensory overload, I experience near Ms. Lamond.)

;-)

Liz

On Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:25:27 -0400 UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> Doc Baldy wrote:
> > Didn't Tony also get Liz's quote "later"?  Isn't it common for
> > journalists to question speakers after a meeting to get 
> clarification
> > and comments?
> > 
> > It seems to me that what's important is that more information has 
> been
> > released in an effort to clarify the situation.  Unfortunately 
> that
> > information seems to be getting lost in the continued dissection 
> of
> > exactly how the information came to light.
> 
> 
> 
> did either liz or melani know they would be quoted in an 
> article about blackwell when they spoke with tony? did 
> either of them know of ucd's 2nd press release when they 
> spoke with tony? do either liz or melani agree with being 
> portrayed in the article as the polar ends of the 
> 'controversies' over ucd? will liz's clarification ever 
> appear in philly public record (online)? blah blah etc. etc.
> 
> good thing we can get feedback, right here online!
> 
> 
> ..
> 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

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[UC] UCD Related - Whoa

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I think Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell made a mistake when she backed
Knox.
IMHO she gets things right more often than she gets things wrong, and she
keeps my vote and admiration.

John Fenton may (or may not) have put work effort and UCD resources into
a political rally.
IMHO there should have been clear, written policies and procedures; less
jumping to conclusions and resounding support (and a second chance even
if 'guilty') for a guy who gets more things right than wrong.
I am glad he landed on his feet, working on behalf of our neighborhood

Lewis Wendell may (or may not) have rushed to judgement on John.
IMHO he is another good neighbor and hard worker who should be given the
chance to learn from the events of recent days.
I do not want another rush to judgement, especially in the absence of
clear evidence and the presence of too much emotion.
IMHO Lewis is someone who has gotten a lot right and who deserves a fair
hearing and another chance.

I think Craig is absolutely correct: “In business, as in sports, you
always go for the very best talent available, even if it is not local”.
With the caveat that the current 'player' be considered as to whether or
not he may be the best available.

Another good aphorism, is "fix only the broken".
IMHO it is UCD, not the director, that needs to be fixed.
Like Al, I'd like to see an SSD emerge that gets back to the basics of
"clean and safe" and drops the marketing, development, and social
engineering roles that make it unpopular with me and many other
neighbors.
I want it to serve the neighbors of the neighborhood, not trample our
culture and replace it with something artificially bright.
Also, like Al, I want our SSD to operate in a transparent manner -- both
functionally and fiscally.


No one is perfect.
I have few happy thoughts of JOHN FRYE, and feel a sense of good
riddance.
I am only moderately sorry he fell up (are F&M and the suburbs "up"?).

I have many good memories of hard and effective work by
DL WORMLEY
PAUL STEINKE and
LEWIS WENDELL.
It is easy to forgive and feel grateful to each for the maintenance and
progress driven by their efforts.
I am not prepared to see Lewis sacrificed to the current passion for
vengeance or perceived opportunity.
I hope that among the scenarios being considered are all the possible
consequences of the costs &/or benefits of a change at the helm of UCD.
My preference, at least for now, is healing with LW in place.


Best!
Liz

Re: [UC] UCD Related - Whoa

[Elizabeth F Campion]

The triggering messages contain too much 'spin', and ongoing, unsupported
attack.
Simplicity is most notable by its absence.

It is outrageous to define Al's motives.

Neighbors should be able to agree to disagree, without being assigned to
some clique-du-jour (either in & out of favor).

For the record:
I have found Al to be both
thrifty and
extraordinarily generous 
(across a broad spectrum of causes and with all of
money, time, advice and housing.)

One of the things I've learned from Lewis Wendell is to notice how
"mean-spirited" some of the folks on this list (including at times me)
can be.
Hopefully he has helped me improve my self and posts.
Liz


On Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:06:43 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
... Al Krigman and folks who share his viewpoint have been working to
discredit the UCD in our eyes and the Councilwoman's eyes for several
years now, because they don't want to pay $7 per apartment per month or
less for a Business Improvement District.  It's that simple, actually. 
...

Re: [UC] UCD Related - Whoa, now simplicity

[Elizabeth F Campion]

 
I long to own talent of the magnitudes exhibited by Ross, Ray, Frank,
Kyle and others.
I have to settle for sharing meals and reading (and sometimes buying)
examples of their art.
 
As someone who attended Catholic School for 12 years, I generally fault
my posts for being too simple.
I favor declarative statements and documentable facts.

Don't mistake length for complication.
I blame PENN for the length.
While pursuing a degree, too often length was weighted too heavily in
grading.
I get lots of off-list posts reminding me to edit.
I hope I improve in the area of brevity.
 
Simply... do not confuse my support of Lewis with support for a NID.
 
Personally, I stand to benefit from any program that cleans up after
other people.
But, my principles are against erecting a slippery slope that:
Taxes one segment of the population and not others
Discriminates by source of income and choice of 'work"
Decreases individual responsibility
Removes incentives and disincentives for neighborhood cooperation

Creates another layer of self funding bureaucracy
(like PPA that exists to ticket not resolve bad parking)
Might be a tool to promote the HD (truly evil, in MHO)
 
And so, I am not likely to make much noise for or against a BID, but
would be probably correct or protest any false, manipulative or even
simply naive representations.
 
Sorry, but I can't back BIDs.
I am willing to continue to do more than "My Share", and keep my
properties (and adjacent sidewalks and storm drains) clean and decorated
and also work to promote:
better use of the services that should be delivered based upon
our existing taxes
neighborhood cooperation, especially assistance to the elderly,
fragile and overwhelmed
tree planting and tending
self reliance
common sense solutions (like storm drain clearing) to snow and
water removal
expressions of gratitude to our many neighborhood volunteers 
(including Melani) when they make worthwhile
contributions.

 
Liz
 
 
On Tue, 26 Jun 2007 13:58:32 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

In a message dated 6/26/07 1:55:37 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

Simplicity is most notable by its absence.



Liz, when are your posts ever simple?  I think the notable thing here is
that, as often as you and I disagree, neither of us feels that calling
for Lewis Wendell's resignation is appropriate here.

That's simplicity!

Melani

[UC] Ref : Appraisers

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I have had many good experiences with both of:

Steve Phillips
610-642-8870

Jay Miller
215-757-1664
 
An Appraisal will run about $300.
 
Both meet state certification.
Both are able to appraise for the FHA, VA in addition to Conventional
documentation.
Both arrive as scheduled and both quickly produce the finished report.

There are other good appraisers, but these are the two in my PDA.

I have had also seen satisfactory appraisals from Paul's suggestion
   Bob Ludwig
   564-6854.  

Best!
Liz




On Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:15:45 -0400 "Lowell Lysinger"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> Hello,
> 
> Does anyone have a home appraiser in Philadelphia that they would 
> recommend?
> 
> The last time I had my house appraised for a refinance I think the 
> guy
> did a sloppy job. Looking back I discovered that the included 
> sketch
> and some other details about my home were from another home in the
> neighborhood.
> 
> Any help would be appreciated.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Lowell
> 
> You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
> list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, 
> see
> .
> 
> 


Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

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[UC] Ref : Appraisers : in more detail

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Dave gives excellent advice.

And, you can take it one step further.
If the appraiser you want is not on your Lender's list, it is often a
very simple procedure to have you choice added to the Lender's list.

In most cases, the Lender needs documentation that the Appraiser has 
a current license
adequate E&O insurance
no bad history with the Lender
Most appraisers are happy to supply documents to be added to a list.
They may get your job AND become eligible for other appraisals through
your lender.

Just yesterday, a neighbor called, after they hit a refi hurdle.
Their bank hired an out of area appraiser who put a value of $150,000 on
a home east of 44th.
A better estimate of value would have been more than double that
appraiser's guess.


Most Realtors will provide a "Free Comparable Market Analysis" (aka CMA).
But this is usually not considered acceptable for lending purposes.
It might be a good check and balance in for the purpose of planning.
We all know that luck favors the prepared.

All the best!
Liz


On Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:14:17 -0400 Dave Axler <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> You may want to begin by asking your intended lender if they have a 
> list of recommended or preferred appraisers.
> 
> 
> On Wed, 27 Jun 2007 19:15:45 -0400 "Lowell Lysinger"
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> > Hello,
> >
> > Does anyone have a home appraiser in Philadelphia that they would
> > recommend?
> >
> > The last time I had my house appraised for a refinance I think 
> the
> > guy
> > did a sloppy job. Looking back I discovered that the included
> > sketch
> > and some other details about my home were from another home in 
> the
> > neighborhood.
> >
> > Any help would be appreciated.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Lowell
> > 
 
I have had many good experiences with both of:
 
Steve Phillips
610-642-8870

Jay Miller
215-757-1664

An Appraisal will run about $300.

Both meet state certification.
Both are able to appraise for the FHA, VA in addition to Conventional
documentation.
Both arrive as scheduled and both quickly produce the finished report.
 
There are other good appraisers, but these are the two in my PDA.
 
I have had also seen satisfactory appraisals from Paul's suggestion
   Bob Ludwig
   564-6854.  
 
Best!
Liz
 
 
Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, see
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[UC] Local girl is the NCAA Champion in 400m hurdles, headed to OSAKA

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Please share my joy and pride.

West Philly girl, Nicole Leach, finished third in the 400, hurdles in a
time of 54.49.  I think her time also makes her, unofficially, 3rd in the
World




6/24/07
Leach and Johnson Qualify for World Championship Team
Former Bruin and NCAA Champion Sheena Johnson and current NCAA Champion
Nicole Leach earned a spot on Team USA for the World Championships in
Osaka on the final day of the USATF Senior National Championships in
Indianapolis, IN. In all, UCLA will have six senior women at the World
Championships and two incoming freshmen on the PanAm Junior team. (More)


The Osaka contest will be Leach's first roster spot for a "senior" meet.
(She turns 21 on July 18.)
Nicole's early comments about winning the trip to Osaka include, "It
hasn't hit me yet," and "What it means is more hard work. 
Leach has a mom who works at PENN and a dad at TEMPLE and a permanent
address in West Philly.  She was coached by LENNY JORDAN, formerly of
West Catholic H.S. at 45th and Chestnut.  Nicole has run from West Philly
to West Coast and is trying for World Champion and a future that includes
Olympic competition.
Nicole's victory is a happy reminder of the World Campion fencing
victories of Graham Wicas, another young person raised in West Philly.
I see these Victory's as no accident.  Cream floats in the presence of
convenience and opportunity offered in our neighborhood parceled, big
city.

Here are links to Nicole's UCLA bio (only current through 2006) and to a
video taken seconds after she won the trip to Osaka.  It amazes me, that
a young woman, sweaty, exhausted and probably full of adrenaline can face
cameras with courtesy, poise and grace.  Track keeps her fit, and her
parents and coaches have molded a young woman who is very well begun.  I
hope each of us finds ways to provide opportunities and support for our
younger citizens.
Nicole Leach Bio with photo & links:
http://uclabruins.cstv.com/sports/w-track/mtt/leach_nicole00.html

Here is the text:
Summer 2006 - Earned a gold medal on the USA 4x400m relay at the Junior
World Championships ... Also earned a silver medal in the 400m hurdles at
Worlds ... Won her third consecutive USATF Junior 400m hurdles title at
the Junior National Championships. 
2006 - Earned All-American honors with her fourth-place finish in the
intermediate hurdles at the NCAA Championships (55.93) ... West Region
(56.54) and Pac-10 (57.27) champion ... Also finished second in the 400m
at Pac-10's (52.61)... Against USC, won the 400m (52.27) and 400mH
(57.89) ... Won the Long Beach Invite 400m hurdles in 56.89 ... Finished
third in the 400m (53.25) at the RJ/JJK Invite ... Placed second in the
200m (24.04) at the UCLA Invite ... Lifetime-best of 55.35 ranks fifth
all-time at UCLA ... Athletic Director's Honor Roll. 
High School - 2005 Track & Field News All-American ... Member of the 2004
USA Junior Team and 2005 PanAm Junior Team (earning gold on 4x400m
relay/placed sixth in 400mH) ... Four-time All-America ... Two-time USA
Junior 400m hurdles Champion (ran a PR of 57.25 in 2005) ... Seven-time
Catholic League ... 10-time indoor state champion ... Indoor junior class
record holder in the 400m ... Indoor state 400m record holder ... Won the
400m at the NSIC in 2005 in a time of 53.04, moving her to No. 3 all-time
on the indoor high school list ... Set Catholic League Meet records in
the 100m (12.05), 200m (24.37), 400m (54.13) and 400mH (59.85) ... Penn
Relay record holder in the 400mH ... Two-time Penn Relays MVP ... High
school team were two-time Indoor State Champions MVP ... Member of the
outdoor sprint medley relay team that set the national record ...
Two-time Junior Olympic 400m champion ... Top prep times of 52.19 (indoor
400m), 57.25 (400mH, No. 3 on 2005 U.S. HS List) and 23.93 (200m) ... In
2005, West Philadelphia Catholic's 4x400m relay time of 3:41.96 (indoor)
was No. 4 on the U.S. prep chart. 
Personal - Born July 18, 1987 in West Philadelphia, PA ... Daughter of H.
Allen Leach and B. Diane Scipro ... Has one brother, Corey ...
Pre-Business/Economics major. 
All-American 
2006 - 400m Hurdles 
West Region Champion 
2006 - 400m Hurdles 
Pac-10 Champion 
2006 - 400m Hurdles 
Leach's Best Times 
400mH - 55.35 
400m - 52.27 
200m - 23.93 

Nicole Leach
Video Description: 
Video URLClick here to view this video
(http://www.flocasts.com/flotrack/speakers.php?sid=356&vid=4262)<<1085799_mini.jpeg>><>

[UC] Free Good Stuff at 4800 Cedar Ave

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Free 
Good Stuff at 4800 Cedar Ave

It was placed along the chain link fence this afternoon.
Anything still outside on Monday morning will be taken to the dump.

There is a 
Futon Mattress
Twin Size - Green color
Good condition
Rarely used
Came from a bug free, student apartment

Antique Breakfront
Glass doors intact
One Drawer missing, but shelf would hold baskets
Dusty with some damage to wood but charming and serviceable


3 really cool chairs, projects for another person
1 = dark wood arm chair, back broken, but piece with chair
2 = painted wood, great carving, includes a harp motif, needs
seat
3 = ancient, upholstered arm chair with nice wood details
  upholstery is wrecked, leg is broken, this is a big
project'


There are also some metal folding chairs

There is also a comforter and sheet, hanging from the fence.


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[UC] Vandalism alert : 900-1000 S. farragut (and may be beyond)

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Dear Neighbors,

This morning we woke up to beautiful weather, chirping birds and nasty
vandalism.
My husband discovered that some one (or more) had moved along the east
side of the 900 and 1000 blocks of Farragut puncturing the side walls of
tires and "keying" the sides of cars.  They got both of our cars and at
least five others.
Some cars had 2 or 3 tires damaged, and for those, it will not be a
simple matter of changing a flat.
He typed the note, shown below, and tucked it under the windshield of
cars for which he noticed damage.
He did not have time for a more thorough inspection of nearby vehicles as
a tow truck arrived to take our van to Central City Toyota.

His fear was folks might not notice the damage until they had pulled out
of their parking spaces.
My hope is that a heads up will help folks better plan their days, or
maybe notice and take precautions to prevent a larger problem that might
come from unnoticed lesser damage, (a smaller puncture that safflower,
could become a major problem once you are on the road).

Please forward this note,  to anyone who might live between Baltimore and
Chester and 46th and 47th who might be affected.
All those who suffered similar vandalism, please notify the Police and
please send me an offlist reply.
I would like to send coordinated documentation to the police to
supplement all the individual reports.

Here is the note with Police contact info, that Larry left:

"Good Morning.
 
I’m sorry about your tire damage.  I also have two damaged tires.  My
damage is in the sidewall.  Your damage may also be in the sidewalls.  If
so, the tires may need to be replaced.
 
There are five vehicles with tire damage, all on Farragut Terrace.  Three
are on the north side and two are on the south side of Springfield Ave. 
In additional, one car was scraped along the entire sidewalk side with a
sharp instrument.
 
I encourage you to dial 911 and make a police report.  I have already
done so this morning.  I learned that I can only report damage to my
vehicle.  Please report the damage to your vehicle.
 
Also, please call the 18th Police Precinct and ask for the Captain’s
Office.  The numbers are 215-686-686-3180 or 686-3181.  
Please call to report the damage.
 
Larry Motyka
4611 Springfield Ave."

>From the direction of the "keying", it appears that the marauder started
near Baltimore Avenue and went South along the east side of Springfield,
but they could as easily have come from the other direction and done the
"keying" as an after thought, and with the dame tool with which they
punctured the tires.

I hope everyone affected is able to make a quick, safe and affordable
repair, without undo stress or inconvenience.
I hope we pull together to learn the WHO of this vandalism and find a way
to stop it and maybe even get compensation.

Separately, I am searching my brain for a WHY.
Is this 
a fraternity prank?
the result of jealousy?
a tire dealer going hungry?
revenge (maybe police shut down a loud weekend party and
festivity freaks targeted the neighborhood)?

I hope most of you enjoy a better start to the day than many of us along
Farragut.

Best!
Liz

[UC] Sa'ads

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I believe Sabbath is honored by tradition as follows

Friday - Islamic  
Saturday - Jewish
Sunday - Christian

If so, it may increase the chances of being under staffed on any given
Friday.

I like much about Sa'ads.
They have many refreshing salads and vegetarian options.
Their chicken Schwarma (sp?) is superb.
They drink options go well beyond soda, with cans of watermelon and
bottles of mango juices and a variety of other unusual juices and teas.

Sometimes I feel a roiling disapproval, for my gender and lack of burkha,
from some of the male patrons of the restaurant, but that is water off a
Duck's back, and I always feel welcomed and well greeted by the owner and
staff.

Best!
Liz

On Wed, 04 Jul 2007 07:54:50 -0400 Margie Politzer
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> Once I went to Sa'ads and they were closed for prayer. (I can't 
> remember if
> there was a sign saying this, or if a passerby told me.) I believe 
> it was a
> Friday afternoon. Lancaster Ave is a bit far.
> 
> Margie
> 
> > Well, that's something they're going to have to deal with 
> commercially.
> > If I, as a non-Muslim customer, found I couldn't get my shawarma 
> because
> > the proprietor was too busy praying, I wouldn't go back there 
> again.
> > That hasn't happened to me at Sa'ad. If it did happen to you --
> > patronize the joint on Lancaster Ave. instead. Their food is okay 
> also.
> > 
> > -- Tony West
> > 
> > Wilma de Soto wrote:
> >> As I said to LA, it still escapes me and even THEY don't know if 
> the hours
> >> on the take-out menu are accurate.
> >> 
> >> Ergo, it may be a "Brigadoon business" to me.  No offense, just 
> so I would
> >> understand, and I do.
> >> 
> >> I thanked them for posting such and also I thank you.
> >> 
> >> -Wilma

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[UC] An Act of War: Battle lines are drawn in University City

[Elizabeth F Campion]

One of my favorite sources of election info is the "Committee of 70"
site.
http://www.seventy.org

The Mayoral results are at:
http://www.seventy.org/electioninfo/results/2007/demmayor.pdf


Something I never noticed before is that the 27th Ward (Spruce Hill,
etc.) is lumped with
"Center City, Fairmount, University City"
(whether by income,class or ideology is not clear) and not with more
geographically appropriate
"Southwest, Grays Ferry, Point Breeze" or
"West Philadelphia".

I believe perception, even self delusion, have an awful lot to do with
interpretations of any results, and that individuals who believe
themselves aligned with PENN sometimes find themselves the next group
slated for constructive eviction.
While I recognize PENN as an 800# Gorilla, many of their faculty, staff
and students are not voting in Philadelphia (under age, not Citizens,
still registered in another state, too busy or bored to do their civic
duty, etc.).
So, when it comes to reelecting the Councilwoman, PENN's power is limited
to whose votes can be influenced and how that influence is perceived. 
Beating up on our local girl, overtly or even via 3rd party press
releases does not play well with us natives.
These self selecting computer lists may influence some, but miss the vast
majority of the voters.

When I look at the results for my Ward (the 46th) it appears those with
an anti Knox agenda held little sway.
Knox pulled 15.9% of the vote in the 46th, which was little different
than his 16.5% average across all of West Philadelphia.
The big difference is in the Nutter statistics.
Nutter pulled 51.1% of the vote in the 46th, which was very different
than his 38.4% average across all of West Philadelphia.
But the losses came from Brady (average almost halved) and Fattah (down
by about a third).

Jannie ran uncontested.
She is here for another term (and maybe as long as she cares to serve).

Now, what is in the best interest of our neighborhood?
Do we stand behind Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, work toward a
diplomatic and productive solution to any difficulties that remain
between her and Nutter and / or Penn or do we let the Broad from South
Philly lead Council, possibly to the detriment of our West Philly
neighborhoods (including the land owned by Penn)?

Where does Penn's protection and largess stop?
Is it determined geographically, or in line with Penn's self interests
and agendas?
Are we undermined by arguing among ourselves when we could be helping
each other to exponential improvement through a more synergistic approach
and ergometric support of wheels already in motion?

I am Pro-NUTTER and Pro-BLACKWELL and I do not see any insurmountable
conflict.
Maybe these two politicians are two similar to forgive each other's
flaws.
And maybe we Voters should help them recognize their common purpose, to
achieve the highest and best return of services for our citizens by using
our tax dollars, saving and spending wisely, while preserving the land,
physical structures and well functioning programs that exist.

Best!
Liz

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[UC] Re-use, Recycle and Rave

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I had amazing experiences with TRASH this week.

I turned to the computer, to help sort through my altered mental state
and stumbled on a link to some amazing, thought provoking Art.
http://www.chrisjordan.com/current_set2.php?id=?view=XXX_09NNN/ 
The link didn't address the emotions which had me seeking, but I felt my
mind further altered by exposure to someone else's vision.
The pictures, concepts and thoughts are too good to not share.


My exciting experience was more local.
I learned some new stuff, about West Philly, and found myself humbled
within the context of sensory overload.
Since some of the info could be of value to others on these lists, I'm
sharing my tale of Wednesday morning.

I sold a property. 
A basement that had not been emptied for the current owner (and possibly
through a series of former owners) needed to be cleared.
The new Buyer was firm about this point, an oft ignored standard in most
sale contracts.

The contents of the basement were lifted to the alley.
'Good' stuff was segregated from the 'bad' in hopes that individuals
would carry things, that could be reused, away.
Less was taken than I'd hoped.
Normally, I'd throw things in my van, and take them to the FREE
"Citizen's" Dump at 51st and Lindbergh.
(Follow 49th around the curve to the Southwest, make a left on 51st,
enter the driveway on the left, pause at the gate to be signed in, and
than unload as directed.  Usually this means, appliances and larger
furniture to the left and the balance in either the row of dumpsters on
the right, or in an idling trash truck straight ahead.)
Since my pile was huge, I located a private hauler to carry the remainder
away.
And since I'd had no direct experience of this contractor as a hauler,
and did not want to be linked to any "short dumping" I arranged to
accompany the hauler to the dump.

I felt sassy and tough in the passenger seat of the overloaded pick up
truck.
We road to a dump, not formerly known to me, on 58th, near Woodland.
The long entry drive seemed a normal 2 lanes wide, until the first huge
container truck squeezed by on the left.
Things tightened down even further when we arrived at the line for the
scale, sandwiched between enormous trash hauling trucks with a mountain
of trash on the right and huge vehicles moving past on the left.  
"10 miles per hour" seems incredibly fast when the pick up truck that
felt so sturdy, just a moment before, was suddenly scaled down to the
carapace of a water bug, in the vicinity of my son's size 16 shoes.
I felt like Alice after the pill, shrinking in a world of noise, heat,
odor and danger.
I felt a glimmer of the excitement that two-year olds exhibit when the
point out "Car!", "Truck!", "Go!", "Up!", "Go!".

Once in the queue, things unfold like a magic act.
Glimpses of monster machines shifted between the openings created as
trucks change positions.

Our truck was weighed and hard hats dispensed to us.
A signal man, in safety gear, was choreographing the placement of massive
vehicles.
We were directed to a roofed structure, with an open side and told to
back in between two "dump" trucks, both larger than the municipal hauling
trucks that pick up from our home.
Along the back wall, the largest crane I've ever seen was systematically
scooping up piles of trash and moving them into shipping containers.  At
one point a queen sized box spring dangled from one of its iron jaw, with
less significance than a bit of spinach caught in a smile.
Our truck was not mechanized and we had to get out and unload the items
by hand, as dump trucks spewed their loads to either side and the crane
swung close by and a bull dozer made passes down each side, between
dumps, to pile things highest near the crane, and to keep the dump areas
clean for the incoming trash haulers.
Since we were hand loading, giant trucks came and went on both sides
while we scurried about our task.
Our hard hats seemed like costumes and as silly defiance against the
potential risks of even the smallest screw-up.
I was shot through with adrenalin by the time our truck was empty, and as
we exited, saw bull dozers and cranes riding across the tops of mesas of
trash.

To exit, we wove through incoming behemoths, onto the exit scale.
The minimum charge is $65.00 for the service and our bill totalled
$70.00.  
I can't even guess at the summed weight of items piled 5' high on the
truck (and including water logged bags of plaster, and contractors bags
full of masonry dust) that was removed for $5.00.

So, now you know what to do, if you need to empty a basement.
And, if you are out of shape (like me) or don't have an appropriate
vehicle for the hauling, 
start by calling Roosevelt Wright, who charged me only $100.00 + dump
fee, for 2 hours.
He provided the truck and did all of the heavy lifting and knew where to
go and what to do.
Mr. Wright can be reached at 215-828-1181.
If you have a kid who would 'get' the thrill of such an adventure, I
recommend you take him or her along for the ride

[UC] Beauty, Health and Indulgence west of 52nd Street

[Elizabeth F Campion]

This is a very belated response to comments (challenges) posed on these
lists, many by the delightful Wilma de Soto.

It took a while to make time to indulge myself in beauty treatments (and
ad hoc social experimentation) but...
I am happy to report delightful outcomes.

The original thread spoke to Barbershops and Beauty Salons and the way
services are purchased, delivered and perceived across lines of color.  I
am not much for makeup or fancy hair "dos" but I love a good pedicure and
melt into the hands of a competent masseuse.
 
So I looked for a "Day Spa" in a 'Black neighborhood' and determined to
cross the color barrier.
The results were even better than expected.

I discovered 
Louise Antoinette's Salon.
5439 Whitby Avenue
Phila, PA 19143

215-747-3329
Open 
Wednesday and Saturday 9 Am - 5 PM
Fridays 9 AM - 7 PM
 
On my first visit, I enjoyed the BEST pedicure.
Their service list distinguishes between "Natural" (Hot Oil, Parrifin and
scrubs) and "Artificial" (Sculpture, Acrylic, Polish) "Nail Services".  I
chose "Natural" and enjoyed an hour of Soaking, Scrubbing, Nail Trimming,
Callous Removal, and Exfoliation followed by soothing creams spread from
toes to knees.  This salon uses the "OPI" method.
http://www.opi.com/pedicure.asp
It feels great, smells wonderful and leaves feet and legs refreshed.
The price, $30.00" was a little higher than at one of the ubiquitous
'Asian' Nail Salons and a lot less expensive, but still much better than
any pedicure I've received at top places, like the "Adolph Bieker" or
"Topper" Salon-Spas.
A full hour was lavished upon my tootsies, and the supplies used are more
expensive than I'm willing to indulge in for home use.
I felt the visit was a great value and a smart, mood altering, use of my
time.
Plus my feet looked great, even though I didn't choose polish or color
for my toes.
 
Since I was not sure if one treatment was a fair test, I went back for
the "Full Body Massage".
The goal is to relieve stress, reduce pain, increase mobility, preserve
and restore body and soul.
It did all of the above.
It was  a great massage at only $60.00 / an hour+ long hour.
(The top Spas run much closer to $100.00 / session (often more)).

There are private body workers closer to home, that do as well, in the
$60.00 / hour price range.
Dan Choplik, Iris Bloom, Carol Bower and Jed McKee leap to mind as
talented practitioner's of healing massage.

Each person has to find their own balance as to which qualities provide
the most comfortable emotional and locational contexts for a complete
massage experience (privacy, anonymity vs. familiarity, access, etc.)
There was something fun about the L.A. "Spa" experience.
I liked the young woman, Crystal Custis, who worked on me.
She was my size and had my physical strength, and seemed sensitive to my
problems and goals.
It was a good match.
She was slow and steady and helped center my more assertive-mercurial
nature.
I recognized her last name, as being from one of the great West Philly
boxing families, and it turns out that she started her career giving
muscle rubs at her family's "James Schuler Memorial Boxing Gym" on
Lancaster Avenue.  She pursued certification with years of training and
now divides her time between the Spa (Fridays and Saturdays) and the
family gym.  I was able to relax into confidence that she had natural
gifts, proper training and a lovely reassuring manner.
 
Sociologically and Anthropologically, the biggest areas of difference
were:

I was the only white person in the building.

The greetings and welcome were more profound than found in more
posh name-spas.

There was much more privacy.
Pedicure rooms could hold two (for BFF escapes and chats).
(The much more expensive Biecker's runs an assembly line of
chairs, with no privacy.)

Most of the clients seemed to be there to have Semipermanent eye
lashes attached.
(The change in appearance and confidence was fabulous.)

The colors and decor were seemed based in Morocco, where 'rest'
is defined as cool and dim.
(My Irish roots tend to see 'rest' as sun and surf and eye
searing brightness.)

The music choices.
A place like Biecker's might feature only "New Age" sounds of
flutes and surf, while 
Louise Antoinette's featured a mix of "New Age", Jazz, Southern
lullabies and even "Amazing Grace".
My only complaint was that the background music was a little
higher than I like.
But I enjoyed the choices and responded to the unexpected themes
therein.

The Salon also offers
Waxing Services
Back facials (for skimpy dress occasions and/or acne treatment)
Extractions (zit removal)
  
I like that the Salon's mission statement includes, "our staff is
committed to professional, ethical and exceptional service, in a warm,
friendly environment".


Please remember, this is was a social experime

Re: [UC] The way he should have handled it, were he not playing CYA so desperately

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Is this a 
"When did you stop beating your kid?" question?

Or just a continuation of a trend that asks a distracting question that
insures that the "guilt" of the person or people who irritate the asker
is a 'given', and...
... that the irritators are presumed "blame"-able for something?
... a reminder that the irratatees have a tight little clique and are
reading from a similar script.

Liz


On Sun, 15 Jul 2007 12:41:18 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

So, Al, are you saying that the Philadelphia candidate, Tom Knox, should
have taken the blame for having John Fenton help out with his political
rally?

Melani Lamond

Re: [UC] The way he should have handled it, were he not playing CYA so desper...

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Your argument assumes that
The Community Fair was a "Tom Knox Rally" and that 
Our Councilwoman was lying when she denied it.

I saw the video clip and it looked like a quick introduction of a
candidate, in the context of other activities.
It appeared things were hammed up for a brief time, and there was nothing
that could have filled two days (or even one day).
There was more Tom Knox action at the Party in the Park and 
more Tom Knox posters near Clark Park, than was visible in the Malcolm X
park video clip.

So given some context, are you saying the Party in the Park was also a
Tom Knox rally?

Liz

On Sun, 15 Jul 2007 13:26:01 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

In a message dated 7/15/07 12:45:36 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

In a message dated 7/15/2007 12:41:18 PM Eastern Standard Time, MLamond
writes:

So, Al, are you saying that the Philadelphia candidate, Tom Knox, should
have taken the blame for having John Fenton help out with his political
rally?

No.
And, you know, you're ven more adorable when you try to twist things
around to change their obvious allusions that you are when you're
stamp-your-little-feet angry.
Al



Blatant ad hominem attack, Al.  Blatant use of a red herring.  Shame on
you.  

I think it would have been an appropriate and helpful gesture for
candidate Tom Knox to take the blame for the setup for the Malcolm X Park
rally - he could have used McCain's very words, �We�ve made mistakes. 
The responsibility is mine. I�m the candidate.�  Perhaps it would have
helped to take the heat off of what has turned into a huge escalation of
turf trouble, where the residents of University City, who certainly don't
deserve the blame, are the losers.  

Note, though, that McCain's taking the blame didn't mean that he felt
obliged to quit the race or anything.  

Melani Lamond

Re: [UC] Public safety alert from Penn police

[Elizabeth F Campion]

 
I'm always telling Buyers and Renters that it is safer WEST of 44th.
Thanks for making my point.

:-)
Liz


On Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:34:34 -0400 "Kyle Cassidy"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> 
> Dated last Friday -- just hit my desk this morning. Stay safe 
> neighbors.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Relevant excerpt:
> 
> There has been an increase in groups (3-8 members) of young male
> juveniles, ranging from 9 - 13 years of age, who are walking through 
> the
> University City area, and are harassing, assaulting and/or robbing 
> both
> male and female residents and/or Penn students and staff. There have
> been six incidents, since July 3rd in the Penn patrol zone, 
> occurring
> from 4:30pm - 12:30am in the following locations:
>Area of 33rd and Chestnut
>3700 block Locust Walk
>4000 block Locust Street
>4200 block Locust Street
> 
> Additionally, there has been one similar incident in the vicinity of
> Drexel University, at 35th and Spring Garden Streets. Several young
> males have been arrested in conjunction with one incident occurring 
> in
> the 4200 block of Locust Street.
> 
> The University of Pennsylvania Police Department, working in 
> conjunction
> with the Philadelphia Police Department, as well as Penn Security
> Officers and University City District Safety Ambassadors, have 
> increased
> police and security patrols in University City. Both covert and 
> overt
> police patrols are being used. Additionally, the Division of Public
> Safety is utilizing virtual video patrols in the targeted areas.
> 
> 
> 
> You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
> list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, 
> see
> .
> 
> 
 
 
Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

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Re: [UC] The way he should have handled it, were he not playing CYA so desperately

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Glenn,

I agree with a lot of what you have written.

With two caveats.

1. Frequent posters must be careful when employing fictional devices to
avoid confusing, annoying (without purpose) or unfairly offending
readers.
(You may recall I jumped on you, when one of your posts teetered into
areas I consiedered misogynistic and pornographic.  And, you made a
gracious apology to the list.  I consider this behind us, and only used
it as an example.)

2.  Few on this list are stupid.
Many are brilliant.
I think all posters should give the benefit of the doubt to readers.
Before calling someone "stupid", in digital print, I prefer to imagine
them as distracted or at a different point on a learning curve.

Glenn, I value your passion and your insights, but...
... your tone, volume and quantity often lead me to delete.
I suspect you are making converts for the forces of evil.
;-)
Please moderate your posts, so that folks don't find a way to ban you
from the lists.

Best!
Liz

On Mon, 16 Jul 2007 09:16:58 -0400 "Glenn" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:

- Original Message - 
From: Elizabeth F Campion 
To: UnivCity@list.purple.com 
Sent: Sunday, July 15, 2007 5:56 PM
Subject: Re: [UC] The way he should have handled it, were he not playing
CYA so desperately




Is this a 
"When did you stop beating your kid?" question?

Or just a continuation of a trend that asks a distracting question that
insures that the "guilt" of the person or people who irritate the asker
is a 'given', and...
... that the irritators are presumed "blame"-able for something?
... a reminder that the irratatees have a tight little clique and are
reading from a similar script.

Liz


On Sun, 15 Jul 2007 12:41:18 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

So, Al, are you saying that the Philadelphia candidate, Tom Knox, should
have taken the blame for having John Fenton help out with his political
rally?

Melani Lamond



Liz,
You really understand what is going on here. And you see this "clique"
strategy. Most often, I�ve noticed that it is the group straw man that is
used and becomes so intimidating. It becomes one of the biggest causes of
the list incivility. I�m glad you publicly and accurately questioned this
post.
I need to always ask are these uses of fallacious arguments really based
on extremely poor reading comprehension? Or is this something much more
problematic? Are these strategies actually intentional attempts to
dishonestly obfuscate important issues and destroy any chance for honest
discussion?  Anwser: YES 
Should they be condemned as mean and a huge original source of
incivility? I think civility does not come with fake politeness. Civility
requires an ingenuous attempt at communication by the players.
When the first person on the list does the "misreading" of someone�s
opinion or question, and then another 5 join in the mistake with angry
insulting posts; our neighbors who rarely post must be incredibly
intimidated. Once we all see the pattern, we can see how mean,
destructive, and dishonest the actors are being. Those who engage in
these strategies do risk being exposed at a later time, but for a time on
this list any outside reader saw "the gang" getting away with this
behavior. It was "the free pass" discussed a few months ago.
I was very confused at folks for harshly criticizing some of my clear
fictions because the imagery was crass while remaining silent to the big
obvious destructiveness going on simultaneously. A fiction or satire is
an attempt to make the reader think for him or herself and come to their
own conclusions of the writer's position. 
By its clear fictional nature, an honest fictional effort cannot be used
like the pretense of a non-fictional but actually fallacious argument or
straight out lie. It cannot be as destructive as the deliberate attempt
to deceive and intimidate with these fallacious strategies. Constructing
obvious fiction is always honest, and non-fiction is often fiction that
we sometimes call propaganda or lies.
These mean strategies are designed to make a fool of the target, but once
exposed, as you clearly understand; they have actually made fools of the
writers. It is my opinion, that it becomes very important to challenge
these posts.
If someone seems to honestly make a misreading, I think it would be mean
to respond harshly instead of trying to help clarify. But I assert the
right to use any literary device and the right to pull out all literary
stops against those using these tactics deliberately.  It is an important
way to stand up for free speech.  
If our neighbors are intimidated from participation on this public
communication vehicle, aren't their free speech rights being harmed by
their neighbors with this intimidation
The question should always be the same to the gang. Are you really stupid
with a pathetic level of reading comprehension? Or are you t

Re: [UC] Public safety alert from Penn police

[Elizabeth F Campion]

But these crimes seem to be occurring inside the zone.
H?
Faulty logic, but is there a correlation?

Or maybe good neighbors and watchful volunteers are actually create more
security than the Penn Patrol?

Liz



On Mon, 16 Jul 2007 11:22:50 -0400 "Isabel Lugo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
> Liz,
> 
> you may be right, but the Penn patrol zone only goes as far west as 
> 43rd.
> 
> Isabel
> 
> On 7/16/07, Elizabeth F Campion <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> >
> > I'm always telling Buyers and Renters that it is safer WEST of 
> 44th.
> > Thanks for making my point.
> >
> > :-)
> > Liz
> >
> >
> > On Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:34:34 -0400 "Kyle Cassidy"
> > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> > >
> > > Dated last Friday -- just hit my desk this morning. Stay safe
> > > neighbors.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Relevant excerpt:
> > >
> > > There has been an increase in groups (3-8 members) of young 
> male
> > > juveniles, ranging from 9 - 13 years of age, who are walking 
> through
> > > the
> > > University City area, and are harassing, assaulting and/or 
> robbing
> > > both
> > > male and female residents and/or Penn students and staff. There 
> have
> > > been six incidents, since July 3rd in the Penn patrol zone,
> > > occurring
> > > from 4:30pm - 12:30am in the following locations:
> > >Area of 33rd and Chestnut
> > >3700 block Locust Walk
> > >4000 block Locust Street
> > >4200 block Locust Street
> > >
> > > Additionally, there has been one similar incident in the 
> vicinity of
> > > Drexel University, at 35th and Spring Garden Streets. Several 
> young
> > > males have been arrested in conjunction with one incident 
> occurring
> > > in
> > > the 4200 block of Locust Street.
> > >
> > > The University of Pennsylvania Police Department, working in
> > > conjunction
> > > with the Philadelphia Police Department, as well as Penn 
> Security
> > > Officers and University City District Safety Ambassadors, have
> > > increased
> > > police and security patrols in University City. Both covert and
> > > overt
> > > police patrols are being used. Additionally, the Division of 
> Public
> > > Safety is utilizing virtual video patrols in the targeted areas.
> > >
> > >
> > > 
> > > You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
> > > list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive 
> information,
> > > see
> > > <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 
> 215-880-2930
> > 215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
> > PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
> > Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
> >  www.PruFoxRoach.com
> > 
> > You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
> > list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, 
> see
> > <http://www.purple.com/list.html>.
> >
> 
> 


Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
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Re: [UC] RE: Attempted Assault/ Robbery on 4800 Beaumont

[Elizabeth F Campion]

As long as we don't make the mistake of thinking any place is "Safe".
It is easy to note stuff close to home, but...
... a similar scenario just led to the death of a 69 year old man steps
from his home, not near us, and
... a 14 year old was shot to death by an 18 year old road rager who
couldn't handle the delay of a bicycler in the street, not near us, and
... a female McDonald's worker was shot to death in the takeout window of
her Suburban drive-thru.
When the grass begins to look greener on the other side of the fence, it
might be good to make sure the lawns are not on some cancer inducing
chemical feeding schedule.

We should all be aware of 
our own safety and that of those we cherish, in
all of our environments (sidewalks, autos, homes and workplaces) 

I've mourned to many losses, of self and even neighbors (including
property, pets, innocence or death) whether from
crime
malice
accident
divorce
natural causes
smoking or
drunk driving (by themselves, family members or strangers)
etc.

I guess the trick is to be safe without the complete sacrifice of
pleasure.

Liz

On Thu, 19 Jul 2007 21:50:38 -0400 John Ellingsworth
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> 
> Keep your eyes and ears open, folks.  It's getting hot in the city.

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Re: [UC] Memorial Service for Marianne Das

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I admired Marianne.

I liked the way she:

Led me to answers
vs. imposed her version of the truth upon me.

Gave time and energy, to friends and her causes,
out of proportion to her means.

Embraced a broad range of personality types, 
across race, class, education and income.

Looked, listened, learned and than offered her opinions.

Spoke of her children, with pride and love.

She adored her daughter, and Al's memorial notice indicates
reciprocity.
It is good to hear that Marianne was cared for, by her daughter,
in her final weeks.

She loved her son.
When my husband learned his company was sending him to Japan for
two weeks,
Marianne sent the following note to me,
"I hope your husband enjoys his trip to Japan. 
My son majored in Japanese and international relations in
college.
He spent his sophomore year over there: 
living with two families in Kyoto; 
a couple of weeks traveling throughout the country, 
mostly by hitchhiking and public transportation; 
several months working for the Japan Times 
while living at a traditional Japanese inn in Tokyo; and 
3 months at a Japanese university. 
He had a blast!"
Marianne's note reassured Larry and I and helped us feel
adventure and 
a share in the human experience of travel and extended horizons.


There have been many losses in the last year.
Some, like the passing of Duane Ball, are marked publicly with song,
dance and celebration and privately with enormous pain.
Others, like the trees cut down at SFDS are memorialized in protest and
alternative plantings.
Vandals, seem to be targeting property, and those losses are met with
resistance and a determination to catch the perpetrators and stop the
action.
New stories like the one about the child killed for causing a motorist a
small delay leave there mark on strangers.

Marianne, or her family, have chosen a venue that seems to suit her
quiet, forthright way.
Saturday, July 28, at 2:00 PM at the 
Philadelphia Ethical Society 
1906 Rittenhouse Square
I will try to be there.
Meanwhile, I will shore up my good memories of Marianne, and remind
myself of my good fortune in being connected with her.
I am making a choice, to hear her name as a blessing and not a reminder
of 
regret, for not knowing or doing more during her passing, or 
the loss to me, Clark Park, our neighborhood or her family.

Rest in peace Marianne.
I'll keep your family, friends and admirers in my prayers.

Best!
Liz


On Fri, 20 Jul 2007 09:14:37 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Marianne Das, a 50-year resident of University City, passed away earlier
this month at age 77. She had been ailing for a few months, and was
diagnosed in June with lung cancer that had metastasized elsewhere in her
system. Marianne spend her last few weeks with her daughter, while she
was undergoing radiation therapy. She died peacefully in her sleep.
 
Some of the younger residents of the area may remember her as active in
Friends of Clark Park, an interest she developed from the pleasure she
derived from that facility while she was raising her son and daughter.
When the FoCP website was moribund, Marianne stepped up to the plate and
learned some HTML so she could start and run the organization's on-line
bulletin board, independently of the website. She also "worked the polls"
during elections -- at the Fairfax location for many years and along with
me at the SHCA clubhouse during the time I was Judge of Elections in the
14th Division.
 
Longer-term neighbors will remember Marianne from involvement in
community affairs spanning the 50-plus years she was here -- as a renter
and then a homeowner. She was always willing to lend a hand when anyone
needed her, and her insights were valuable in planning as well as in
promoting a wide range of programs (not to mention keeping some of my own
wilder notions in check).
 
A memorial service is scheduled for this coming Saturday, July 28, at
2:00 pm at the Philadelphia Ethical Society on Rittenhouse Square (1906
Rittenhouse Sq -- near the southwest corner).
 
Al Krigman

130-daffodils
Description: Binary data

Re: [UC] Photos from the orchestra in the park

[Elizabeth F Campion]

First - communication under circumstances such as pre- or mid-concert
could be easily garbled.

Second - seeing brilliant photos altered to make everyone look like a
new, long-life, replacement bulb was cool.
So there was a happy consequence to the perception / response to the
request.

Third - why is it never enough?
I feel gifted with the sound and sight and convenience of having the
Orchestra play close to home.
Do we demand more?
Souvenirs? autographs? photos?

I am now in the awkward position of being grateful to the Orchestra, the
Sponsors and the crowd, and desirous of seeing their wishes honored,
while also feeling grateful to Kyle, who shared some fun and fabulous
photos (and made me long to see the before and after alteration versions)
even though he may be defying or taunting the very organization that made
Saturday night so sublime.

Maybe since we are a "List" and not a "Web-site" the request does not
apply.

Living is complicated.

Best!
Liz

On Mon, 23 Jul 2007 18:05:37 -0400 "David Toccafondi"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:

Kyle, that's freaking crazy and the Philadelphia Orchestra should be
ashamed!  If someone came up to me and told me that, I can promise you
those photos would be on every website I could get access to.  There is
no legal reason preventing you from putting those photos online.  Nobody
there had anything remotely close to a reasonable expectation of privacy,
the photos are not portraying anyone in a false or even a negative light,
and you're not using them to promote a product.  If you don't want to
risk posting the un-censored photos, I'll be more than glad to put them
on my website for you so u can link to them. 

dave



On 7/23/07, Kyle Cassidy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Ross pretty much had it down in his review.

I was photo-documenting the whole thing for those of you affeared of
traveling SOBA after dark and after I'd taken about ... six photos a
woman in a yellow "Philadelphia Orchestra" t-shirt came over to me and 
told me that "photographs of the orchestra cannot appear on a website"
(I kid you not) -- which I took for a moment to be some sort of vampire
thing -- like, they just wouldn't show up on film so I was wasting my 
time pressing the shutter button, but then I realized she meant that she
was telling me I wasn't _allowed_ to show anybody photographs of the
orchestra -- which surprised me, it being a public event, outdoors, to 
which the media had been invited. But, nonetheless, I have adhered to
her request as best I can.





Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
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Re: [UC] Break My Routine and Smack Me Upside the Head

[Elizabeth F Campion]

No & No

xo
Liz

On Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:48:01 -0400 Frank <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
Is it just me or does anyone else think bringing children to the opening
of a business whose main purpose is brewing and selling beer is
inappropriate in the first place?


Also, does every business that asks for community support need to be
"family-friendly?"


Frank


On Jul 27, 2007, at 11:13 AM, B Andersen wrote:


Okay, admittedly, I'm feeling crotchity today, but I'm copying the
announcement that was sent out about the event. It clearly said 21 and
over. 

I will dwell on Kyle and his beer no more.

On 2/14/07, CPN Membership <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 
THIS IS A LIST MESSAGE - PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL
--
Dear CPN Members,

The proprietors of the upcoming Dock Street Brewery and Restaurant, along
with the University City District, would like to invite all of you to a
"Before" Party on Wednesday, February 28th, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, at the
Firehouse, 701 South 50th Street (see the attached flyer). 

Many of you pitched in to help support Dock Street in its efforts to open
at the Firehouse, so come celebrate the beginning of construction and get
a taste (literally) of what to expect when the restaurant opens later
this year. "The Illuminator," Dock Street's famous double-bock beer, will
be served. For this reason, the event will be only for neighbors 21 and
over.

Hope to see you there,

Cedar Park Neighbors,
http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org



On 7/27/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: 

In a message dated 7/27/07 10:28:51 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

Now that I've had an opportunity to look at the picture I remember what
that event was. I'm still frosted that after asking for community support
to get them in the building, the welcome party was tailored only to
people who could drink beer at 5 in the afternoon ( i.e. not family
friendly).
 
Hope the beer was good ...


Bruce, there were plenty of kids there, and I think there were
nonalcoholic drinks too.  There was something other than beer; I didn't
get anything to drink, so I forget what.  I'm not a beer drinker, but I
enjoyed the event.  They hadn't even begun to turn the building into a
restaurant, so they had no kitchen and couldn't serve much!  It was a
standing event, not sit down at tables.  Your kids would have been
welcome, but it was crowded, so they might not have enjoyed it.  And it
wasn't only at 5 p.m.; it went on for a couple of hours.

Melani









Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
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Re: [UC] Fuck UCD and Shakespeare in the Park

[Elizabeth F Campion]

My Spell checker is always trying to tell me that [EMAIL PROTECTED] is
Mammon.
It cracks me up, so I don't instruct the spell checker to accept it as an
exception.
"Ignore" x 100's is more entertaining than deletes any number.

Liz

On Mon, 30 Jul 2007 18:12:00 -0400 Wilma de Soto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
HEY!  HEY! Isn’t that acronym, Mamón?

Come on let me be your Salty dog. :)

Re: Fwd: [UC] Since the real reason for the new list is...

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Flip-flop, from a guy who is so far to the left of Lenin that he is often
to the right of Rush?
Just a consistent part of thoughtful, complicated living.
 
Al is good with words, but the real test is found looking at "Deeds".
He has sterling bona fides, if an MIT degree still counts for something.
He pays his bills, keeps his properties tidy, helps immigrants and has
helped to educate a child, not his own.
This weekend he postponed a trip to the shore to attend neighbor Marianne
Das's memorial service and he spoke with feeling about her contributions
to Spruce Hill and environs.
I am astounded at the way people pile on Al.
Is it jealousy because he really is so much smarter than so many of us?
Or is the "paranoia" of those made to feel like outsiders more valid than
most will admit?
 
Liz

P.S. Did you really mean to post "I favor constraints on civility." in
another of your recent posts?
Personally I favor civility, but accept 'delete' when incivility rankles.

 
On Mon, 30 Jul 2007 20:28:06 -0400 [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
This is really interesting.  I thought Al was the kind of guy that
loves it when people are free to do their own thing, free of social
constraints.  Is this some kind of liberal flip flop?
   And, as I think I've mentioned before, one of my examples of childish
behavior is intentionally reversing someone's name repeatedly, thinking
its some sophisticated critique and refusing to acknowledge it.  

Paul

[UC] Community Association & Town Watch

[Elizabeth F Campion]

 
Dear Paul,

I am fairly certain you fall into all of:

   CEDAR PARK NEIGHBORS (your primary)
   www.cedarparkneighbors.org

   Spruce Hill
   www.sprucehillca.org
   They extended to 46th when they realized they stopped one block
short of one of the prettiest blocks in UC.
   Or maybe it was so there hand picked annointees could be named
(voted?) officers, it's so hard to guess the motives of SHCA.

   LarSage Neighbors
   Not as active as they used to be

   You probably also qualify for 
Garden Court Community Association

   I think you just missed 
Squirrel Hill, 
which might stop at Baltimore.

   And you can always, voluntarily join Friends of Clark Park
  www.clarkpark.info
   and
   The UC Garden Club

I did not have time to look up all the links.
Maybe someone can improve my list above.

Hopefully, the local Town Watch leaders will get in touch with you
directly.
They are good neighbors and an asset to our community.

46th Street is lovely!

We are UC - the demographics
http://www.ucityphila.org/about_ucity/ucity_facts

Best!
Liz

On Fri, 3 Aug 2007 12:28:07 -0400 "Paul Weidner"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> All-
> 
> 2 quick questions:
> 
> 1. If I live on South 500 block of 46th St in which community group 
> zone do
> I belong too (Garden Court, Spruce Hill, Walnut Hill, Cedar Park, 
> etc)?
> 
> 2. The recent and sustained crime wave has me wondering about Town 
> Watch.
> I've seen signs for an "East of the West Town Watch" but have never 
> seen
> anyone on the street resembling a Town Watch.  Do we have an active 
> Town
> Watch group and if so, where could I get more info?
> 
> Thanks.
> 
> -Paul Weidner
> 
> 
> 
 
 
Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

Re: [UC] Car jacking confirmation

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Or maybe they are just republicans?

(Isn't this the way Bush and his ilk are running our country?)

Liz

On Mon, 06 Aug 2007 15:17:16 -0400 "KAREN ALLEN" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
> That may be true. You don't want contention on "your" list, while 
> getting in 
> people's faces here.
> 
> So if it's OK act like that here, then what's the problem???  Why a 
> new 
> list???  It's OK to come onto MY list with garbage while 
> simultaneously 
> claiming you hate garbage? You and Brian are saying you won't dirty 
> up the 
> new list while throwing garbage here???  That's hypocrisy.
> 
> Karen Allen

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[UC] How we look, what we need

[Elizabeth F Campion]

In light of recent posts, I thought I'd share very popular links.


For those who want to give orders that will actually be obeyed:
http://www.idodogtricks.com/index_flash.html
(This one is kid friendly, with quiet background music.)


For those who want to see:
What they look like to others...
 ... or how others perceive them no matter what...
Angry German boy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAOFPSY4H20
(This is PG-13.
The kid screams, a lot, so you might want to moderate the volume
setting.)

All the best!
Liz

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Re: [UC] Name-calling 202

[Elizabeth F Campion]

If what you really want is a neutral definition of mental illness, 
the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR)
definition considers the context in which the abnormal behavior occurs,
whether the behavior is culturally and/or historically acceptable, the
degree to which the individual has emotional distress and the degree to
which the individual’s ability to function is significantly impaired.


Is "Paranoia" worse than "Narcissism"?
 
Is diagnosis by amateur psychiatrists a worthy pursuit for any public
list?
 
Should he who is without sin be the first to cast stones?

Is it reasonable to ask people to enter a manipulated topic about "mental
cases" "Glenn and Ray" with the caveat "Please make no references to
particular individuals."?

Truly inquiring minds are busy with constructive issues.
Enquiring minds are little more than gossips.

Best!
Liz
 
 
On Mon, 06 Aug 2007 19:40:26 -0400 Anthony West
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> I don't think Glenn and Ray are "mental cases" in a vague, insulting 
> 
> sense. Both have displayed paranoid thinking repeatedly, year after 
> 
> year, in public, on this list. It is always fair to call this what 
> it is.
> 
> Once again, I won't step into a deeper discussion of paranoia in 
> this 
> case because of a conflict of interest. But "paranoia" is not just 
> an 
> insult-word to me; it carries complex but precise clinical meaning.
> 
> Would any other mental-health professional care to chip in a 
> detailed 
> general description of paranoid thinking, for the purposes of this 
> listserve? Please make no references to particular individuals. The 
> 
> question is: what are the salient features of what we call paranoid 
> 
> thinking? Then we can all judge for ourselves.
> 
> -- Tony West
> 
> Wilma de Soto wrote:
> > Did NOT Anthony West (and others) try to portray Glenn NOT only as 
> a
> > liar and a mental case, but also Ray Rorke repeatedly?
> >   
> 
> 
> You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
> list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, 
> see
> .
> 
> 
 
 
Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
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 www.PruFoxRoach.com

Re: [UC] Glenn Moyer Eats Crow

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I think psychiatric analysis is best left to professionals.

Liz

On Mon, 06 Aug 2007 19:29:01 -0400 Brian Siano <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
> Wilma de Soto wrote:
> > Second, Did NOT Anthony West (and others) try to portray Glenn NOT 
> only as a
> > liar and a mental case, but also Ray Rorke repeatedly?
> That is NOT true.
> 
> Tony West did not portray Glenn as a liar and a mental case. Glenn 
> _IS_ 
> a liar and a mental case.
> 
> Tony and I have merely pointed this out to the list.

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Re: [UC] Carjacking at 44th & Larchwood

[Elizabeth F Campion]

On a similar theme, one of my sisters moved back to the city (West
Philly), from Lower Merion, after the 5th (or 6th) time her car was
stolen from the parking lot of her upscale condo building.
And another client moved back from Darby, after a "100 year storm"
flooded (to the point of failure) their Suburban home, while we in West
Philly had to pump a few basements but were otherwise able to carry on
with structures still intact.


Best!

Liz 

On Mon, 06 Aug 2007 21:09:46 -0400 John Ellingsworth
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> In light of this recent thread, I offer the response of the Lower 
> Merion 
> township to a similar incident:
> 
>
http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20070806_Warning_of_carjackin
gs_in_Lower_Merion.html
> 
> -- 
> Regards,
> 
> John Ellingsworth
> 

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Re: Kiddie Shows (was: [UC] Malcolm X Park's Seasonal Maintenance Attendant)

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Peter Boyle went to a West Catholic prom with my oldest sister Mary Beth.
Shortly after graduation, Mary Beth chose Paul Yost as her "steady", and
Pete joined one of the celibate orders, I think the Christian Brothers.
He lasted a year or two and than he moved on to acting.
 
My mom always said she liked Pete (she liked tall men, and he was
definitely taller than Paul).
He had good manners and was a "good Catholic boy".
 
Paul has stayed the course.
He and Mary Beth have been married for over 50 years, have 6 kids (now
all grown).
 
When I was a kid I was always hearing how I missed out on 
seats in the audience at Uncle Pete's show 
(courtesy of Mary Beth's friendship with Peter)
and
Trips to American Bandstand.
(my beautiful and bad, elder sisters were always pulled from the
line and let in.)
 
My mother had her first kid at 15 and her last at 45 and the rhythm
method kept the 12 of us far enough apart that we were raised in
different times and cultures.
Bobby was working his way toward Commander in the USN during WWII, Billy
served in the army in Japan was all Elvis, all the time, and Kevin spent
18-21 praying for a low "draft number" and hoping to avoid a trip to
Vietnam.
 
The neighborhood was smaller than.
I can remember WALKING to the Yeadon Movie theater from 43rd and
Larchwood every summer Saturday for 25 cent movies, and nickel popcorn
and sodas.
Today kids are driven to reserved seating at 40th and Locust.
I think we knew our neighborhood landmarks better.
But the people were divided by their school systems.
Catholic School teens rarely knew the "Publics" or the "Privates"
 
Best!
Liz
 
On Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:43:56 -0400 [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> I'm curious to know more about Uncle Pete Boyle.  You said that he 
> grew up at
> 50th and Osage or Larchwood across from then Black Oak Park, but the 
> park is
> actually between 51st and 52nd.  Do you know if he lived right on 
> the park?
> 
> Andrew
> 
>

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[UC] Dock Street > a GRAND opening

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Thanks Andrew,

I am grateful for the digital menu.

Some of my favorite parts of the event were:

Great beer
Enjoying happy husband enjoying great beer
Meeting the Brew master, a scientist, former Pharm-tech
Enjoying the Windows
3 high, clerestory style lofted the space and added a
natural light cycle
2 converted carriage doors bridged sidewalk with interior
and 
opened a vista to the park.
Admiring the young lovelies who got the "red shoe" memo
Noting a crowd that had an average age younger than this list
Thanking the very gracious owners
and
Reading the signs and Menu which identify the location as
   WEST PHILLY 
WEST PHILADELPHIA


I am glad there will be a variety of salads, and nonalcoholic beverages.
I hope the coffee choices don't have any negative impact on "Satellite".
I am revived by the young, rebellious crowd that hangs out at Satellite
Coffee and feel educated by the art and music available there.
They remind me, "I was so much younger then..."

Now, when can we go back to Dock Street?
Please remind me, when does it open for business.

Best!
Liz

On Sun, 19 Aug 2007 10:14:24 -0400 [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> 
> 
> Stopped into the opening for Dock Street last night.  It was 
> delightful!  I'm
> sure many of you were there, but if you weren't, I put up a scan of 
> their
> "introductory menu" here: http://malcolmxpark.org/?p=327
> 
> Andrew
> 
> You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
> list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, 
> see
> .
> 
> 


Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
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[UC] Favorite Bakery, MATHES : A sad departure

[Elizabeth F Campion]

West Philly was so much smaller than...
... When I was young, Sunday was a day of worship and relaxation.
Our Church was St. Francis de Sales where our family would take up an
entire pew, anchored at the inside by mom, who sat next to the youngest
child and moving to Dad at the end, on the center aisle.  From the back
it must have been amusing to see a little round woman (5'2" tall and
240#s) holding her 12th child, with a generally rising stair step effect
as the kids grew in age and size.  Ultimately, some of the middle spots
would be occupied by siblings as tall (and one taller) than our 5'11"
tall, 180#  dad.

After church, there would always be a treat.
When there was money we would head to Croft's Drug Store,  now Larry's
furniture, on the south west corner of 46th and Baltimore, for ice cream
sodas or sundaes.
When there was less money, we would walk up Baltimore to 55th and south
on 55th to AMOROSO's for bread and than MATHES for pastries.
Than home via Thomas Street to 53rd to Baltimore, wiping crumbs from our
smiles.

Even now, when I have a big BBQ, I'll try to get to AMOROSO's for their
still warm Club and Kaiser Rolls.
The cost, around $2.00 / dozen, is less than the bagged breads at retail
stores.
There is no savings.
When I can pick up the Amoroso rolls, I notice I get extra compliments
and I don't have to worry about finding space for leftovers.
They disappear.
More rolls than meats are consumed.
When I only have time for the bagged bread, I notice the ration of buns
to meet is only about 75%.
So, I buy the Amoroso rolls to please my guests, and because I enjoy the
excursion to the factory style bakery.
The retail window at Amoroso's used to be open 24/7 but it is now 8-5
daily.
The free parking is up a steep hill, and the first visit may feel a
little confusing, but it is worth learning the ropes.
I have many happy memories of driving home, surrounded by the aroma of
cooling bread and knowing the over stuffed brown bags will be reduced  by
2 or 3 rolls / kid in the car, before we close the mile distance to our
home.

I also stop at MATHES bakery.
Cup Cakes in White, Pink or Brown are still only 50 cents each (with
discounts for the Dozens).
Ditto for the Brownies and small bags of cookies.
Pastries, including ricotta and fruit stuffed croissants, cost a dollar
(or less).
They have the old fashioned Cheesecakes that can be covered with
Pineapple, Cherries or Blueberries for a small extra charge.
Their Sticky Buns have a cult following.
People return from far away to press their noses against the glass as
they try to decide
"Nuts", "Raisins", "Both" or "Plain"
Some are passionate about one flavor, others try to change up the
'accessory' to the butter, sugar and cinnamon swirls that have called
them back to West Philly.
My favorite is the Chocolate Iced Spice Cake.

I have staged holiday gifts and parties around the seasons of Mathes
Bakery.
At Thanksgiving, shut-ins and fellow foodies might receive a MATHES pie.
Towering meringues adorn tart Lemon and Lime pies.
Sweet Potato was added to attract new customers and Pumpkin kept to
please old-timers.
Fruits in season make pies available at different times of the year, but
at Thanksgiving, magic is done to Bakery preserves, so that even out of
season fruit pies are available and scrumptious.
At Christmas, crumbly, yet still melt in the mouth butter cookies, are
the basis for trays we give to the local convents.

MATHES is still one of the great Philadelphia Bakeries.
It is of the German Style.
The cakes are solid, pound cake types.
They are made with real butter and no preservatives and should be eaten
fresh.
The pastries are basic.
Their offerings comfortably predictable.
MATHES has adapted new technologies.
Bring in a photo and it can be spray painted, in colored sugar, unto a
sheet cake.
Older consumers marvel at the technology and might choose a wedding photo
on a 50th anniversary cake, while toddlers ooh and ah at their own
cherubic faces.

MATHES has mastered the art of tiered celebration cakes.
Yesterday I arrived to learn the owner was out, personally delivering a
nine tier wedding cake, that she would assemble at the reception hall.
Still to be delivered was a 5 tier marvel, with roses custom colored deep
Burgundy to match a bride's  theme.
It would also require personal delivery, assembly and touch up icing.
Mathes can only handle three major weddings in a day, because the art and
labor is so extensive.

Mathes does not use the Pine nuts or Almond extracts or Ricotta cheeses
of a Termini's.
Mathes does not make the elaborate Swans or Napoleons of an Isgros.
Mathes will turn a good, tasty cup cake into Elmo and make a sheet cake
that is not an air cake and sell bite sized treats at affordable price
points, even for families that have "too" many children.

MATHES is being run by its third generation.
And now, with only one family member left, it has become less financially
rewarding than another available option.
It is slated to

[UC] Risk & Recreation : Clark Park and the Swim Club

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I worry about many things, but two that have been on my mind a lot this
Summer are the changing definitions of:

Reasonable risk
Desirable diversity

I am hugely saddened by the removal of the 
"fairy tale" tree at Clark Park and
the expansion of the Basket Ball Court in Clark Park and
the banning of diapered children from the Leisure pool at UCSC

I believe there are no 'risk free' situations.

I expect nature to limit our risks when it comes to big trees.
The type of storm that could have taken down that huge hollowed tree,
probably would have also kept pedestrians out of that section of the
park.
I mourn what I consider its premature removal, and feel loss for the kids
who won't experience the hollowed out 'cave' at the base of one of my
favorite, neighborhood trees.


I remember the installation of the original 3/4 sized Basketball Court at
Clark Park.
I remember it as a "white" attempt to isolate from 'blacks" who were
"taking over" the Kingsessing Rec Center.
Society is more integrated today, and I hoped it was time to restore
Clark Park to "Park" functions and return Basketball to the Rec Centers,
of which there are several, close-at-hand.
I feel safe at Kingsessing Rec Center, on 47th Street and on the B-Ball
courts at Wilson School (the 4500 Block of Woodland).
I encourage others to use these centers.
The lives improved may be those of your own family and those of
youngsters who already play at the Rec centers.
My kids often benefited from superior competition and when it came time
to 'travel' to games we could offer rides and snacks to kids who had
neither.
We learned a lot, socially and culturally, by exploring class and culture
differences and commonalities, during the fellowship of friendly
competitions.

As Soccer expands, the teams should avail themselves of the Rec Centers,
with their wonderful fields, real goal posts, building with facilities,
including bathrooms and proper meeting rooms and in Summer, pools &/or
spray areas to cool off in, after practice and games.  

The Kingsessing Rec Center runs from 49th to 51st, from Chester to
Kingsessing Avenues.
The 'block' house a Train Station, Free Library with Public Computers and
Reading Clubs, Parklands, hundreds of trees and benches, Playgrounds, a
Pool that runs from shallows to 5' deep, a huge playing field and
Football field, new Tennis and Basketball Courts, a Wall ball Wall and
Walking Paths.  The Fields and Courts have impressive new lighting
systems, and arrangements can be made to keep them on for public events
that run past dark.  There is a staff that provides maintenance and
supervision and runs summer Camps and Sports Programs.
If you want your first look to be 'virtual' than please check out the
photos I included at the end of a link I developed for a home located
Northwest of the Rec center (on 51st Street).
 http://picasaweb.google.com/campionef/1120S51st
The string of photos ends with 7 Rec Center Photos and 2 Street Photos.
When you click on the link the photos appear as thumbnails.
You can click on any one photo to enlarge it, but the largest views are
visible using the "Slideshow" feature.
I took the photos Friday at Noon.
There were only a total of 8 kids on the grounds, 3 on one half of a BB
court, 2 on the swings and 3 walking around trying to choose what to do.
In recent seasons, I have taken groups of five to ten, 4th and 5th grade
CYO kids to these courts, on several occasions.
We always had a great time, learned some B-Ball and life lessons and got
some coaching support from a Rec Center Staffer.
I hope the Youth Soccer League explores the potential uses Games and
expanded practices.
I hope individual families learn and use the local facilities /
opportunities.
I hope people realize that true diversity includes interactions across
ability, age, class, color, gender, nationality, political and religion
differences.

 
Most recently, The UC Swim Club decided to ban Diapered babies from the
Leisure Pool.
The ban is driven by a caution that, to me, seems unreasonable.
Sides are being taken, and memories that do not jibe with mine are
surfacing, in support of the ban.
I see simple arguments:

1. If you want to change rules, mid season, you need majority support of
the membership.
Anything else is "bait and switch".

2. Proof that the pool was the source of a contagion is possible, IF the
contagion exists.
It is not fair to state, 'the water we tested, the number of samples we
used and the type of tests we chose, were not adequate for the task of
confirming the presence of Crypto, so we must assume the test results
were a false negative'.  To me, that is just crazy talk.  Do the right
tests or back the truck up.
Since, as far as members know, the only people made sick shared a common
household, and since all parties agree that Crypto is highly contagious,
the lack of other victims actually speaks for the cleanliness of the
Pools and the success of the Policies that were in place.

[UC] Recycling near, but not at the Firehouse

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Recycling of 
Corrugated and other Cardboards and papers and 
#1 and #2 Plastics 
has been moved 1 block South to 50th and Florence, to accommodate the
annual Labor Day Weekend Party at 50th and Baltimore.

Even though we now have "Single Stream" recycling, our family continues
to make the pilgrimage on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, because
profits from the recycling support college scholarships for neighborhood
kids.  Plus, our house produces lots of recyclables and it is good 

It may be difficult to move cars on Baltimore or across 50th and 49th.
An easier path may be west on Baltimore to the 4 point intersection at
48th, and left (West) on Florence.

The Cedar Park "Party" is usually entertaining, so you may want to budget
some time to 
watch the "Steppers"
hear local musicians
visit health monitoring stations
collect freebies
let kids enjoy the moon bounce

This is not an official post, I write this as a neighbor, hoping to
encourage recycling and spare folks confusion driving near 50th and
Baltimore this morning.
I am very grateful to the neighbors who chose to do their volunteering by
enabling the rest of us to recycle.
When I drop our stuff off I think these volunteers are working toward a
multiple "Win".

Saving the planet through conservation of resources
Raising money to educate children
Helping neighbors clean out of their homes
Creating networking opportunities, in a 'feel good' way
Bringing customers to Satellite Coffee and other nearby business

Thanks volunteers!

All the best!
Liz

Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

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Re: [UC] 43rd and 42nd Streets: Two robberies at gunpoint last night

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I am sorry that your roommate suffered the horrific experience of being
robbed at gun point.
I hope he recovers his emotional equilibrium quickly and completely and
that he is made whole for any losses.

As you predicted, someone, me, has an objection to your post.
"regular basis" is hard to define and inflammatory.

I have lived between 43rd and 49th for 50 of my 52 years.
My husband has lived between 45th and 49th for the past 20 years.
My daughter between 39th and 49th for 21 years,
My son between 45th and 49th for 16 years and
our foster Daughter between 30th and 64th Street for many years.
Not one of us has ever been robbed at gun point.
Collectively, we have over 120 gun-crime free years.
None of our tenants have ever been robbed at gunpoint.
None of my close friends who live nearby has ever been robbed at gun
point.

We believe those who have had the experience, but
it is not an experience I would define as "normal" or "regular".

I think you and I can agree that:
Once is too often
More should be done to keep guns away from children and
criminals.

It makes me especially sad, because I felt as if the foot traffic around
the GREENLINE has made us all a little safer and better connected.
I wonder if the ATM at the Best House is the attractive nuisance.
I remember when an ADA was shot and killed at an ATM in Society Hill near
2nd and Pine.
At first there was some fear it was retaliation, but it turned out to be
a robbery gone very, very bad.

Over the weekend, my assistant, a PENN Sophomore, had her purse taken by
a sneak thief, who was able to remove it from the bench she was sitting
on, at 40th and Locust, without her notice.  

Welcome back to a new school year in University City.
The neighborhood will be at its most chaotic (and most vulnerable) until
the neighbors adjust to its changing population and people have a sense
of who belongs where, how to cross the street at a busy intersection, and
how to honor bike lanes.
I hope we all operate with heightened awareness and consideration.

Thanks for the warning.

Liz
 

On Tue, 4 Sep 2007 10:59:47 -0400 (EDT) [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> My roommate got robbed at gunpoint last night near 43rd and 
> Baltimore. 
> Luckily, he wasn't hurt, but the people who robbed him (three young 
> black 
> men on BMX bikes) took his wallet and phone.  The police said they 
> robbed 
> someone else at 42nd and Locust too.
> 
> I'm sure someone will be along shortly to point out how 
> statistically safe 
> our University City Village is.  However, the fact remains that 
> residents 
> of our neighborhood are accosted by men with guns on a very regular 
> basis.
> 
> Mark

[UC] GOT KIDS? GOT TALENT?

[Elizabeth F Campion]

CEDAR PARK NEIGHBORS will be running its annual fair on

September 29
in Cedar Park, 
located between 
Baltimore Avenue and Catharine Streets and 
49th and 50th Streets. 

This year CPN wants to encourage young artists and identify and provide
some exposure to professional, visual artists as part of the activities
and offerings that will be available at the Fair.
Toward that end,  CPN is soliciting art.

KID ART

We are hoping Schools, Day Cares and After School Centers, Home Schoolers
and even private families will get on board to supply art and artists for
Cedar Park.
We are seeking paintings, drawings, photographs, prints, collages and /or
digital art done by children younger than age of 18.
Requirement are:
1. The artwork be less than or equal to 8.5" x 11" (standard letter
size).
2. It may have horizontal (landscape) or vertical (portrait) orientation.
3. It must be donated on or before September 20, 2007.
4. The artists must be under 18 (or still in High School, if older).
5. Each artwork must be accompanied by a clearly printed (or typed) label
that lists
TITLE, NAME AND AGE OF ARTIST and SCHOOL AFFILIATION (if any).

CPN will supply 'document frames' for the kid artworks. 
One of our volunteers will create a Web-site to document the donations
and to celebrate the art and talent of our children.
Another volunteer will frame the donations.
The labeled Art will be on exhibit through the duration of the fair and
the young artists will be recognized for their talents and contributions:
on the Web site and 
by signage during the exhibit and 
by loudspeaker between music sets.

The Artworks will be a hung along the black metal fence that surrounds
the climbing area.
If we get more donations than can be displayed on the fence, than
overflow will be displayed in boxes along the fence, and hung as sales
open spaces. 

We are hoping the artworks will "Sell" for donations of about $5.00 per
picture.
The proceeds will be used to support CPN's programs, including the
Scholarship Fund.
We hope the exhibit will be a happy, inviting and interesting backdrop
and contribute to a fun 'meet and mingle' day at our neighborhood fair.

I am prepared to pick up art from any teacher, school or program that
wants to offer this opportunity in a classroom setting.


PROFESSIONAL ART and CRAFT OPPORTUNITIES

We hope more mature artists, talented Amatuers and serious Professionals
will also participate in the fair.
CPN is offering three options and artists may choose to do one or two or
all three.

1. Post a "Curriculum Vitae" in a Ring Binder to be on display at the
Fair and to become part of a list to become a resource for Artists and
potential purchasers.
Submit a single sheet, 8.5" x11" page that contains brief 'RESUME' and/or
Agency details, along with a photo or self portrait and maybe some photos
of samples of work.

2. Donate a Work that can be Auctioned off to benefit CPN.
The Art Works will be photographed and the photo placed on a Web-site for
bidding.
Works will be displayed, on tables and clothes lines, during the Fair.
CPN will run a Digital "Silent" Auction that will be capped off with
final written bidding during the Fair.

3. Artists and Crafts People are encouraged to "buy" a table.
The charge is $25.00 for a table with two chairs.
Bring and sell whatever you want.

If you LIVE, WORK or HAVE A SERIOUS AND CONTRIBUTORY INTEREST IN WEST
PHILADELPHIA and are able and willing to participate in our embrace of
art and artists, please let me know, off list.

Thanks for your kind attention to this post.
Please send private replies with comments, questions or to arrange
donations and or table 'rental'.

All the best!
Liz Campion

Re: [UC] More robberies and assaults in University City

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Hi Mark,

You wrote
"the fact remains that residents of our neighborhood are accosted by men
with guns on a very regular basis."

I wrote:
"regular basis" is hard to define and inflammatory". ...
"Not one of us  has ever been robbed at gun
point.
Collectively, we have over 120 gun-crime free years."

Not one of the new crimes you mentioned has any mention of "gun"
involvement.
It is not even clear if all of the "suspects" are "men".
They are notices, not indictments of any gender or class of human or
neighborhood.
And most interesting to me, all three occurred along the Campus edge and
inside the Triply (UCD Security, Penn and City Police) protected Campus
Zone, and not west of 46th Street, where I choose to live.

I know many more people who have been injured in bike or auto accidents
than by criminals.
And, the injuries in the accidents have more severe than those suffered
through the loss of a "wallet" or "bag".

I read your post as an attempt at thoughtful warning that could back fire
into encouraging flight from or prophylaxis against the unlikely.
I wanted to down play any fear of "men" or any exaggeration of crime by
the use of the word "regular".
And I segued into an extension of your thoughtfulness by including the
more likely hazards caused by an influx of drivers who might be
lost,
used to different signage,
distracted.

Now that I have clarified my context, perhaps you will agree that my
contribution was at least as 
"relevant to this discussion" about "gun point" crime,  as your "suspect
grabbed her bag".

I think we both wish for the safety and well being of our neighbors and
neighborhood.

Best!
Liz



On Wed, 5 Sep 2007 13:11:12 -0400 (EDT) [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> (For the readers of the ucneighbors list: I am replying to a post 
> made by 
> Liz Campion on the univcity list.  However, I feel the points I want 
> to 
> make are appropriate for both lists, so I am directing my response 
> to both 
> audiences.)
> 
> Hello Liz:
> 
> > "regular basis" is hard to define and inflammatory.
> 
> Why is discussing the incidence of crime in University City 
> "inflammatory"?  Inflammatory to whom?
> 
> > it is not an experience I would define as "normal" or "regular".
> 
> Allow me to quote from just one article from today's Daily 
> Pennsylvanian:
> 
> "On Aug. 29 at about 8:45 a.m. a female [...] reported that an 
> unknown 
> suspect approached her on the 3800 block of Woodland Walk, pushed 
> her, 
> took her wallet and fled southbound on 38th Street.
> 
> "On Aug. 28 at about 5:30 p.m., a male [...] was on the 4200 block 
> of 
> Spruce Street when he was assaulted by a male offender who tried to 
> remove 
> some of his belongings.
> 
> "On Aug. 28 at about 8:30 a.m., a female [...] reported that an 
> unknown 
> suspect grabbed her bag near the intersection of 41st and Pine 
> streets and 
> fled westbound on Pine Street in a vehicle."
> 
> These robberies and assaults aren't happening in the dead of night, 
> and 
> suburbanite Penn undergrads are not exclusive targets.  These 
> incidents 
> victimize ordinary people who live or work in the neighborhood, as 
> they 
> walk to and from their jobs or public transportation.
> 
> > Welcome back to a new school year in University City.
> > The neighborhood will be at its most chaotic (and most vulnerable) 
> until
> > the neighbors adjust to its changing population and people have a 
> sense
> 
> The incidence of crime in University City is not necessarily tied to 
> the 
> Unviersity's academic schedule.  These outbreaks of street crime 
> happen 
> year-round.  What about the rash of violent assaults perpetrated by 
> children on adults walking on Locust St. in July?  Was that a 
> transitional 
> period as well?
> 
> "It's Penn's summer break! THAT'S why teenagers are punching 
> non-students 
> in the head at 45th and Locust and robbing them of their 
> belongings!"
> 
> > of who belongs where, how to cross the street at a busy 
> intersection, and
> > how to honor bike lanes.
> 
> I don't understand how crossing the street or bike lanes are 
> relevant to 
> this discussion.
> 
> Mark

Re: [UC] yes, Virginia, there IS a marketing scheme

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Make us safer?

I thought they made us look like an appendage to Target or IKEA.
Why pay retail when the attractive nuisances of UC provide better and
often easier pickings than lesser neighborhoods?

Liz


On Thu, 6 Sep 2007 14:18:55 -0400 Frank <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> CONNECT?!?!? And here I was thinking the signs indicated the 
> boundary.
> 
> Frankus
> Sleek. Edgy. Infinitely flexible.
> 
> 
> On Sep 6, 2007, at 12:54 PM, UNIVERSITY*CITOYEN wrote:
> 
> > from today's dp:
> >
> >
> > http://tinyurl.com/2wz9op
> >
> >
> >> A FRESH COAT OF PAINT GOES A LONG WAY

> >> ... New "Welcome to University City" signs accompanied by
> >> Penn's spruced-up logo now adorn the rail bridges that
> >> stand at the three original locations.
...  the new signs aren't there just to beautify the
> >> campus -- they are partly the product of a continuous,
> >> concerted effort of Penn officials to connect the campus
> >> to the neighborhood it calls home.
> >> The signs are part of a project to "brand University City
> >> as a place people want to be" and a place "synonymous
> >> with clean and safe," 
 ... branding University City and Penn's campus
> >> using signs works to both mark territorial boundaries and
> >> influence people's perception of the area.

... Vice President of Public Safety Maureen
> >> Rush said the branding effort has an positive effect on
> >> crime, as well; she believes the repainted signs let
> >> potential criminals know they are entering a protected
> >> neighborhood.

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[UC] New, improved, Crime UPDATE

[Elizabeth F Campion]

The Burglars struck again, last night, and ...
a quick thinking neighbor and
very fast Police work 
led to the CAPTURE of two men.

Last night at about 04:00, my neighbor Ed was startled from sleep by the
repeated ringing of his doorbell.
He looked out his window to see a man cross the street to his porch.

Soon thereafter, Ed heard someone using tools on his front door.
He dialed 911 and headed downstairs.

As he yelled,
"The Police are on the way", the door was forced open.
Fortunately a chain latch, kept it from flying all the way open.

Ed got a good look at the two men attempting the Break-in.
And he watched where they headed when they left his house.
He saw their tools, and the bag they were carried in.

These were guys, probably in their thirties.
They behaved as if this was NOT their first robbery.
One had acted as a lookout while the other rang the bell.
They were dressed in dark clothing.
They had tools and skills.

The police caught one of the burglars almost immediately.
The other was caught near 46th and Osage.

Ed was able to identify both burglars, so they were held over.
Ed is retired and is prepared to spend time in court helping it insure
these creeps "do time".

When the 2nd thief was caught he still had the canvas bag, but he had
managed to dump his tools somewhere.
Today is trash day, so they may be gone (picked up with the trash)...
... but, if you live between 46th and Springfield and 46th and Osage, 
Please look in or near your front yards, alleys, hedges and trash cans.
If you find a collection of tools that might be useful to criminals
(Screw Drivers, small Pry bars, glass or bolt Cutters, etc)
please report it to the Police.

I'd love to see these guys, who cost Ed some sleep and new locks, go down
for ALL the crimes they committed.
They may be the same team that ripped off Elisabeth/
Maybe they can be forced into a plea that would lead to recovery of some
of the missing items.

I hope the Police are checking auto registrations and home addresses and
using search warrants to recover things that may have been stolen from
others and not yet off loaded to dealers or fences.

It felt good to hear about the successful cooperation of neighbor Ed and
the police.

Best!
Liz

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[UC] GCCA Progressive Dinner

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I forward the message below at the request of Maria Luisa.
The Progressive Dinner has been consistently one of my favorites annual
events.

There is always an abundance of good foods and always a melange of old
favorites, new twists, comfort foods and exotic, tasty experiments.
Walking from home to home, seeing the neighborhood and the houses,
realizing another side to volunteering all lead to a delightful mix.
And, for the money, it is a good value.
It is a night out, where well behaved children are welcome, and there are
no hidden charges for parking, baby sitting, tax or tip.

I hope to see all of the usual suspects and extend a welcome to any of
our many new neighbors.

Best!
Liz

- Forwarded Message -
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Date: Mon, 17 Sep 2007 01:13:23 EDT
Subject: GCCA Progressive Dinner


The Garden Court Community Association (GCCA) is having its most
important fund raiser on Saturday, September 29, 2007.
It is the Annual Fall Progressive Dinner. 
As some of you know, it is a fabulous event! 
A lot of fun, great people and great food come together to support a good
cause. 

Come, join in and invite your friends. 
If you would like a copy of the flyer or to arrange a reservation, please
e-reply to me.

Best wishes, 

Maria Luisa Delgado 
Progressive Dinner Chair. 

***

The theme for this year’s Progressive Dinner is
“An Explosion of Red to satisfy your palate”

Have you ever noticed how many of the best things to eat, happen to be
the same color? 
Think of luscious strawberries, homemade pasta sauce, ruby-red borscht,
spicy gazpacho. 
These plus ripe tomatoes, including Heirlooms, and many other gourmet
dishes, will be highlights on our menu.

Move from one magnificent Garden Court home to another for the separate
courses.
The addresses and the names of Host Volunteers will be revealed when you
make your reservation.
Appetizers: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM 
Entrée: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM 
(So many choices Dinner will be staged in two homes, side by side
twins)
Dessert: 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM 
Wine and other beverages will be at each home.
Coffee and Tea will accompany desserts.

Cost: 
$25.00—members $35.00—nonmembers
$15.00—children 5-12 years of age 
The extra charge for nonmember Adults results in one year free
membership.
Advanced reservations and payment are required
RSVP by Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007

For information and reservations, call 
Maria Luisa Delgado, 215.748.5476;
Hazel Singleton, 215.476.2874; 
Howard Lowell, 215.747.6371

Mail, with payment, to GCCA / P.O. Box 16654 /  Philadelphia, PA 19139
-


Name/s:  # of guests _ $ enclosed
__

Telephone_ E-mail___

Please make checks payable to GCCA

[UC] Cafe Pier One : 4505 Baltimore

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Finally...
... A frothy Latte and a real, fresh cooked breakfast!

Okay, CAFE PIER ONE has been at  4505 Baltimore for a while, but I
finally walked in, and immediately felt at home.
I wish I'd made it a habit sooner.

A pleasant young lady served a great Latte, comparable to GREENLINE (43rd
& Baltimore) or SATELLITE (50th & Baltimore) but with the added bonus of
cooked to order Eggs.
Pancakes, Waffles and Breakfast sandwiches are other morning options. 
For lunch or early dinner their are Soups, Salads and hearty Sandwiches,
including some Vegetarian options.

It was yummy.
The place was clean, nicely decorated and comfortable.
I regret my delay in checking it out.
And I am glad I have a new designation to correct the course of a dreary
morning.
They are open Tuesday- Friday 8 AM-7:30 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM - 8 PM
Sunday 10-5 PM.

My favorite breakfast is at 4700 Baltimore.
The cook is of the old short order variety and he knows I like hot sauce,
onions and peppers in my home fries.
But, they only serve a basic cup-o-Joe and I have learned to chase Latte.
I suspect I'll be juggling lusts on those days when someone else needs to
jolt me into action with good food or liquid caffeine.

Neighbors, consider a resolution to dine out at least one a week.
Enjoy all of our local restaurants.
Singles, dates and old fogies might all benefit from a weekly meal in a
new setting.
And I hope all our best places will have enough customers so that our
enjoyment stretches over the course of years.


Further afield, my favorite bakery 

MATHES BAKERY at
55th & Thomas
(one block south of Baltimore)
remains open Wednesday through Sunday.
Karen serves tasty treats at tiny prices.
That and her unique and elegant custom ordered cakes make this worth a
visit.


Best!
Liz

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[UC] Cafe Pier One : 4505 Baltimore

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Finally...
... A frothy Latte and a real, fresh cooked breakfast!
 
CAFE PIER ONE has been at  4505 Baltimore for a while, but I just
noticed, walked in, and immediately felt at home.
I wish I'd made it a habit sooner.
 
A pleasant young lady served a great Latte, comparable to GREENLINE (43rd
& Baltimore) or SATELLITE (50th & Baltimore) but with the added bonus of
a cooked to order Egg.
Pancakes, Waffles and Breakfast sandwiches are other morning options. 
For lunch or early dinner there are Soups, Salads and hearty Sandwiches,
including some Vegetarian options.
 
The food was yummy.
The place was clean, nicely decorated and comfortable.
I regret my delay in checking it out.
And I am glad I have a new designation to correct the course of a dreary
morning.
CP1 is open 
Tuesday- Friday 8 AM-7:30 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM - 8 PM
Sunday 10-5 PM.
 
My favorite breakfast is at 4700 Baltimore.
The cook is of the old short order variety and he knows I like hot sauce,
onions and peppers in my home fries.
But, the Kims only serve a basic cup-o-Joe and I have learned to chase
Latte.
I suspect I'll be juggling lusts on those days when someone else needs to
jolt me into action with good food or liquid caffeine.
 
Neighbors, consider a resolution to dine out at least one a week.
Enjoy all of our local restaurants.
Singles, dates and old fogies might all benefit from a weekly meal in a
new setting or directing appetites to old favorites.
My motive? A hope that all our best places will have enough customers to
keep them open and thriving for many years.
 
 
Further afield, my favorite bakery has postponed closing, indefinitely.
 
MATHES BAKERY at
55th & Thomas
(one block south of Baltimore)
remains open Wednesday through Sunday.
Karen (the third generation) serves tasty treats at tiny prices.
Mouth watering pastries, homemade sticky buns, lavish pies and her unique
and elegant custom ordered cakes make this real, not just retro bakery,
worth a visit.
 
 
Best!
Liz

Re: [UC] more on 'anchor institutions' to "Mom & Pop"

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I think of "Mom & Pop" as a real estate term with business connotations.
To me a classic example was the Fireside Restaurant that used to be on
43rd Street near Pine.
The row of stores on the 4500 block of Baltimore provided other examples.
The Davis Family lived above and behind their Drug Store.
Norman and Mary Weister raised 5 kids above their appliance repair shop.
Joe the Butcher lived above his place, until his wife made him move out
to Overbrook.
 
In a "Mom & Pop" arrangement, the 'family' would live above or behind the
business (store, restaurant, beauty parlor) and they would pull together
to keep costs low.
Mom could sub for Pop behind the counter.
One could do the banking or pick up supplies while the other ran the
register and kept the place clean.
Kids if any would sweep, restock and do homework under a parents eye.
 
This use is still a way for recent immigrants to create equity, buy a
home and start the climb up the income ladder.
And it is still a common property use in North and South Philly.

On the 3400 block of Sansom, the White Dog qualified under my definition,
as Judy Wicks lived above the Restaurant.
I thought I read somewhere that she retired or sold it, to concentrate on
good deeds and changing of minds and the world.
 
Another great old term is "In-Law" apartment.
These are now more often used for income, guests, live-in help, or
seriously indulgent entertaining.
 
Best!
Liz
 
 
On Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:42:27 -0400 [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> It's possible he's referring to the food carts which would certainly 
> qualify as
> Mom-and-Pop in many cases.
> 
> Quoting Anthony West <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>:
> 
> > It's anybody's guess! For starters, "upscale" does not contrast
> > logically with "mom-and-pop"; many a Napa Valley winery is an 
> upscale
> > mom-and-pop operation. For another thing, I'm hard pressed to 
> think of
> > any "on-campus" operations that are "mom-and-pop" -- Penn's 
> real-estate
> > wing has long favored chains -- and not many that are "downscale"
> > (unless you count their fast-food franchisees, etc.).
> >
> > Either that Penn real-estate wonk hadn't had his coffee before he 
> was
> > interviewed, or, more likely, the Penn kid who wrote the story had
> > little grasp of either business or geography and was flinging 
> around
> > terms wildly, hoping they had a nice ring to them.
> >
> > -- Tony West
> >
> >
> > Ray wrote:
> > >
> > > here's another: [thursday's dp]: http://tinyurl.com/2zydee
> > >
> > > [if anyone can figure out what they mean by mom-and-pop 
> operations,
> > > I'd like to hear!]
> >
> >

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[UC] 9/21 - Pinwheels for Peace Day

[Elizabeth F Campion]

9/21 is International Peace Day.

imagine . . . 
... whirled peace for
World peace!


Here is a photo
http://www.pinwheelsforpeace.com/
 
It provides links to instructions on how to build your own pinwheel.
 
This might be a fun project of Home or School.
 

We could all enjoy more Garden Follies and more peace in our time.

 
Best!
Liz

[UC] Clean House and Help others

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I have been made aware of two 
needs / opportunities

1. A couple, International Researchers, arrived in Philly and had to
settle for an unfurnished apartment.
The lease came with a requirement to protect wood floors with carpet or
desk chair mats.
If any neighbors are ready, willing and able to donate (or sell cheaply),
any decent furniture or furnishings please reply off list.
I have already found them a Dining Room Set and dishes.

Needed are lightly used
Carpets (small, large, runners and even bath mats)
a Bed (prefer Full or Queen),
maybe a small (portable) sofa or love seat.
One claims cat allergies, so they prefer items to come from a cat free
home.

Useful might be:
Blender, Mixer, better pots.
Please reply off list.


2. St. Francis de Sales will be holding its Back-To-School Flea Market in
early October.
This event is so much fun, and often so rewarding, that it deserves (and
will get) its own post.
But meanwhile, anticipate:
Clearing out your clutter
Restocking with super bargains
Having fun, with neighbors, in the "Filene's Basement" atmosphere

in the architecturally spectacular SFDS school hall
Eating Bill Mellete's outstanding Chili and 
Churchlady (and some Churchguy) cakes and cookies
Supporting very worthy (and often needy) students.

Best!
Liz

Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

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Re: [UC] Washing Machine Repair

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Dear Leila,

For the short term check your lid.
The Spin cycle will not work unless the machine recognizes the lid as
closed.
There might be a slot on the machine side and a 'male' part on the other
side.
Make sure the slot is not clotted with lint or soap.

If you can't make it work with some cleaning than call 

NORMAN WEISTER
46th & Cedar
215- 222-5826

Norman is the best appliance guy in the business.
He likes an audience and can teach you a lot if you hang around during
the repair.

In the short term, you can fool the machine into believing the lid is
closed, by stuffing something in the slot.
But a proper repair will eliminate the risks that might accrue from the
spin cycle running with the lid open.
(Splashing, injury to pets, kids, etc.)

Best!
Liz

On Thu, 20 Sep 2007 20:32:12 -0400 Leila Graham-Willis
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
I searched the archives but didn't find anything. 
 
Can anyone recommend an appliance repair person/company to fix a washing
machine? Everything seems to be working fine except the spin cycle so I
am left with soaking wet yet clean clothes.
 
Thanks, Leila




Can you find the hidden words?  Take a break and play Seekadoo! Play now!



Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

[UC] Purse recovered, is now w/ Police : Please help restore it to the victim

[Elizabeth F Campion]

I spent a half hour or so, between 5:30 and 6 PM, chasing two purse
thieves and talking to Police Officers McBride and Oreo (no kidding).

Two thrill seekers, age about 12, black and male were racing down the
street in possession of a quilted bag.
It was a large, 'crunchy' item, colored with a white base, densely
covered in paisleyish medallions in green and blue.
 
Since the purse seemed a major style clash with the running shoes,
gender, age and Tommy Hilferty styling, of the two 5' tall, medium brown
boys, there was a "what's wrong with this picture" element to the event.
 
Shortly thereafter I passed a distraught woman, I started an exchange
yelled from my car to her in the parking lane, which confirmed her purse
had just been stolen.
 
I dialed 911 and chased the kids north on 46th.
I yelled "Drop the Bag" every few car lengths.
They'd get ahead when I caught a light, and I'd catch up on the
stretches.
 
Pursuit started south of Spruce and ended at Market where chain link
barriers stopped my car.
The kids raced across Market, up the hill behind Aldi's and appeared
headed for the projects.
The cops caught up with us north of Chestnut.
One car headed east on Ludlow, probably headed towards the logical end
point.
The other car stopped near me, and took details.
 
As I was chasing the kids, they were throwing items out of the purse as
they dug for the items they wanted.
My passenger followed the route and gathered up
2 smaller purses that had been inside
a hair brush,
a small green journal
and a few other items, and finally
the quilted purse.
 
These items were turned over to McBride and Oreo.
 
I headed back to where I had seen the victim and she was gone.
 
So...
If anyone knows of a young woman, possibly named Stephanie S. (a name on
an end page of the journal), who drives a "car share" car, and who had
her purse stolen today, please let her know that any money,  ID, credit
cards or cell phone that were in the purse were not found, but the other
items, that might be a comfort to recover, can be picked up, probably at
55th and Pine.  Feel free to forward the message.  Better she should get
multiple announcements of the recovery than none.
 
I am sorry the kids were not caught.
Unless the police catch them with her ID in hand they would probably not
be caught.
 
To the victim:
I am sorry two thrill seeking punks were motivated to take your purse,
possibly wrecking your day.
I hope tomorrow is better.
 
These kids were young, and fit and should have been in an after school
program for art or sports.
They were having too much fun with the theft and even the chase.
It seemed that opportunity and fun, not need was their motive.
They need some retraining and different opportunities.
 
People like 
Bruce Andersen, 
Lauren Leatherbarrow, 
Leland Mayne, 
Vivianne Nachmias, 
Betty Allen, 
Cyndy Preston and 
many others 
especially good teachers and
coaches 
who volunteer time to give kids (not just their own)
attention, 
tools (like books and reading, and bike repair), 
skills (like cooking, first aid, camping, etc.) 
fitness, and 
a sense of the larger community and 
opportunities to build a better future 
are models I deeply admire.
 

The cops responded quickly and courteously.
I wish their assistance had not been necessary or that the outcome had 
been a full recovery of lost items.
I hope the young woman who lost her purse makes peace quickly with this
bad event and takes all necessary steps (like cancelling her credit
cards) to make sure it has no further negative consequences.
 
Today some of our neighbors celebrate the beginning of important holy
days.
Today is also International Peace Day.
I hope each of us makes some time to think and or pray and or act for
peace.

Best!
Liz
 

Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

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[UC] CPN Fair - 9/29 - Kid Artists can help

[Elizabeth F Campion]

We are still looking for donations of art produced by West Philly kids.

So, teachers, if you want a quick and easy lesson plan and to give your
children a chance to
display their art in 
a public exhibit and 
on a the web 
do good for their neighborhood
please give me a jingle or respond (off list).

Parents, if you would like to make room on your refrigerator for new art,
without hurting tender feelings, this might be your opportunity.

Pictures can be delivered to my home, or I can come to local schools to
pick up drawings.

I have over 200 frames and am hoping to fill them all.
The sizes range include
3" x 3" 
4" x 6"
5" x 7"
8" x 8"
5" x 10"
8" x 10"
8.5" x 11"
I may trim some pieces to fit frames.


All donated art will be posted at the link, click below.
http://picasaweb.google.com/campionef/CPNChildArtDonations

Please forgive my amateur photography, and please
enjoy the efforts of our neighborhood kids.

The first responders have been

SFDS - BSA 152
47th near Springfield, and

Greater Enon Church
46th at Cedar

Neighbors, please come and support the young artists and take home an
ORIGINAL work of art.
The suggested donation is $5.00.
Proceeds will fund important community programs, like the CPN Scholarship
fund.

Thanks and all the best!


Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

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Re: [UC] another window break-in

[Elizabeth F Campion]

You can get a huge variety of custom made security bars and even
decorative iron work and fencing at

GUIDO

They manufacture, and have a showroom, in SW Philly (maybe 63rd near
Bartram or Woodland?).

They are not the cheapest and not the most expensive.
You can get iron security in almost any size, color or sizing that you
want.

They can create custom pieces while using a lot of mass produced
components, and
they are a good sized company, so there are some economies of scale and
some veracity to delivery dates.

They are also a good source for the grills that go over doors and for
security storm-screen doors.

Personally I am more afraid of the potential threat of house fire than
criminal, so I removed all our bars, and rely on Fluffy and Dobby for
safety and companionship.


Best!
Liz

On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 12:38:13 -0400 "Lewis Mellman"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
> Sara,
> I have (perhaps naively) felt protected by my vicious dogs, and I 
> didn't 
> like the look or feel of the outside bars, so I removed the metal 
> bars from 
> my window.
> I offered them to Cassidy a few years ago when he was getting 
> scarred by the 
> seemingly endless cycle of crime that hovered around his crib, but 
> he never 
> followed up and since he deserted the UCLipServ, I'm retracting my 
> offer to 
> him and you are welcome to them them if you are considering going 
> this 
> route.
> I want to find a source for the style of security bars that mounts 
> on the 
> inside and has a locking system that is simple for the occupant to 
> open in 
> the case of a fire but impossible for a thief to operate from the 
> outside.
> Anybody know what I'm taking bout?
> -Lew
> 
> 
> >From: "S. Scheckter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >Reply-To: "S. Scheckter" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >To: Sarah Scheckter <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> >CC: uclist 
> >Subject: [UC] another window breakin
> >Date: Sat, 22 Sep 2007 10:59:46 -0700 (PDT)
> >
> >hi, all,
> >
> >my house on the 4700 block of hazel was broken into last night, or 
> rather 
> >early this morning. someone cut the screen of an open window and 
> took 
> >electronics and items in the living room, then let him/herself out 
> via the 
> >front door. no one was hurt or injured, and no one saw the burglar, 
> as far 
> >as i know.
> >
> >i know this kind of crime has been happening a lot over the last 
> few months 
> >in UC, so just wanted to tell people.
> >
> >what kinds of precautions are people taking to prevent this sort of 
> crime?
> >
> >sarah
> 

Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

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[UC] Crime : Catch Frank's "New detective"

[Elizabeth F Campion]

 
In light of so many recent crimes, this old post of Frank's might give
folks entree to one of the people being paid to solve the problem.
There are some good exchanges on the blog.
 
Note: Crime occurs everywhere there are criminals, not UC.
Ed, the guy who thwarted a Burglar here in UC was robbed, in an upscale
bookstore in a 'good' neighborhood, in Dublin, Ireland, in July 2007.
I am headed to Paris for a few days in the fall (my first trip to Europe)
with a group of nuns.
Our itinerary is museums and cathedrals, and a big warning is, Europe is
overrun with clever pick pockets.
A recent rape (of an elderly woman, in her home) occurred in "safe"
Hatboro.


Best!
Liz
 
[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: UnivCity@list.purple.com
Date: Tue, 29 May 2007 15:11
Subject: [UC] New detective
 
 
A Philadelphia Policeman posted this to PhillyBlog. I feel certain there
are people on the list who have a thing or two to say: 


I just wanted to inform the readers of the University City/West Philly
thread that I have been reassigned to the Special Investigations Unit of
SWDD.


Myself and another detective are now responsible for 18th District
Robberies and Burglaries. The 18th District covers south of Market St
from 30th to Cobbs Creek. The southern border is to Baltimore Ave in most
cases to give you a general idea of the area.


Being that we are going to be held repsonsible for robberies in the area,
I would prefer that we didnt have that many to handle in the first place.
I would rather be proactive in preventing robberies as opposed to showing
up after the fact every time and trying to solve them.


Not living in the area, I would like to hear some opinions from residents
on how to protect you. What I mean is, what areas do you avoid? Where
have you had bad experiences and where do you feel the least safe in
general? I can look at crime maps and guess, but I prefer to hear from
you.


I have my ideas already about what to do at a certain spotgetting
lighting and a greater police presence at the 46th St El stop being
number 1. There are too many robberies on Farragut St regarding Septa
commuters and if you go out there at night you can see why.


Any and all input is appreciated and welcome.


http://www.phillyblog.com/philly/showthread.php?t=37571


Frank

Re: [UC] Who do sworn officers of the Philadelphia Police report to? - Not You

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Brilliant.

Finally, even though I was born in West Philly, I have become a stranger
in a strange land.
It helps to understand this when I am stumped by the imposed culture.

Thanks Al, Karen and Kimm for casting some light on the paths not taken.


Liz

On Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:38:49 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
In a message dated 9/27/2007 10:50:47 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
UCD ... They want to tax us.  They want to control the Police Department.
 What's next---foreign policy???

When will you people rollover and accept - you are foreign to the
PennWay?
 
Perhaps Brian's earlier gem needs only a little bit of tweaking:
 
In a message dated 9/27/2007 9:29:08 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

 
UCD
... think it's cute to push their filthy things on others.
Ciao,
 
Craig

[UC] More Kid Art needed, please help.

[Elizabeth F Campion]

To: Parents, Principals, Art Teachers and After School Program
Coordinators,
 
Please help with:
 
1. An announcement:
 
The Cedar Park Fair will be held on
SATURDAY, 9/29 from NOON-5PM
Free MOON BOUNCE, live music,
Flea Market and food tables.
 
2. Donation of Student produced Art
 
If anyone has time to coordinate the production of pictures, I can offer
a chance to:
Display the art in 
a public exhibit and 
on the web 
Do good for the neighborhood
Strengthen the understanding that children can contribute
Revisit the joy that comes from creating and viewing kid art
 
I can come to school to pick up art, or it may be delivered to my home,
4611 Springfield.
I have over 200 frames and am hoping to fill them all.  
I plan to frame the Art Friday, in the late afternoon and evening.
Volunteers will hang the show, on the perimeter fence of the Cedar Park
play area, on Saturday.
 
The available sizes range include
3" x 3" 4" x 6" 5" x 7"  
  5" x 10"   8”x 8"  
I may trim some pieces to fit available frames.
  
All donated art will be posted at the link, shown below.
http://picasaweb.google.com/campionef/CPNChildArtDonations
 Please forgive my amateur photography, and enjoy the efforts of our
neighborhood kids.

Invite the kids to bring family members to the fair, to view the art show
and enjoy the fun.
 Our goal is to ‘sell’ the art for a suggested donation of $5.00.
Proceeds will fund important community programs, like the CPN Scholarship
fund.
 (This fund has already helped many local students with money for tuition
and books.)
 

Thanks!
Liz Campion.

[UC] Blessing of the Animals : 9/30 (Sunday) at 1 PM at 4625 Springfield Ave

[Elizabeth F Campion]

 
To Quote St. Francis (of Assisi), whose actual feast day is October 4th,
 
"Preach the Gospel, and when necessary use words".
 
Those of us with animal friends feel blessed every time they make us
laugh and keep us company during both exercise and marathon TV sessions.
It feels good to take a few minutes to appreciate them within a community
of like minded pet lovers.
Here are some of my favorite pet quotes:
 
 
Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and
get used to the idea. 
-Robert A. Heinlein
 
 
If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise. 
-Anonymous
 
 
If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite
you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man. 
-Mark Twain

 Dogs love their friends & bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who
are incapable of pure love & always have to mix love & hate.
-Anonymous

 Handle every situation like a dog. 
If you can't Eat it, Chew it, or Hump it. 
Piss on it and Walk Away. 
-Anonymous
 

Best!
Liz
 
 
On Thu, 27 Sep 2007 10:21:44 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Hi, All,
 
 On this Sunday, Sept. 30, St. Francis de Sales Church (47th &
Springfield Ave.) will celebrate its annual Blessing of the Animals at 1
pm.  
This is to commemorate the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the friend
of all of God's creatures.  
Pets of all types are welcome.  
The whole community is invited.  
Please keep dogs on leash.  
or questions, call 215-222-2255.
 
 
 Fran

[UC] Labels and Slogans ideas needed

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Like so many other volunteers before me, 
I have bitten off a little more than I can chew.

So, as I frame pictures, between work calls and appointments, I am also
trying to print up a few catchy labels that will:

Applaud the young artists

Encourage Adults to take home a picture to support CPN.

Cedar Park puts on a fun annual event and I hope this, Kid Art Exhibit
and Sale, idea adds another layer to a 5 hour extravaganza that already
includes great Music, Flea Market Tables, a Moon Bounce, Food Tables and
this year the promise of PERFECT WEATHER to gather, meet and greet, under
the trees in the freshly improved Cedar Park.

I welcome offlist suggestions.

Ideas I've considered include:

Original art to support a good cause

Better than a greeting card

If it makes you smile now, it may save your day later.

Kid Art can be Date Bait,
It's better than a cock-a-poo for those with allergies to puppy
training

The artist you encourage today may be the Picasso of tomorrow

Complete the circuit, match effort with a contribution

Everyone needs a child's PoV.


So, all you brilliant word smiths out there, please contribute a better
way of saying any of the above.
And feel free to volunteer other ideas.

Thanks in advance,

Liz

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Re: [UC] Who do sworn officers of the Philadelphia Police report to?

[Elizabeth F Campion]

The symbolic often carries more weight than the actual.

I am grateful for the opportunity to take Philosophy courses and read
Heinlein.
I don't always remember to practice what I've learned, but am happy to
know that 
even if the front of the house I see might be Yellowish ferrous
brick
the side might be Salmon colored bricks, and
the back Cedar siding.
  
Thanks to folks like Al and Karen who help me read between the lines and
anticipate the dangers beneath the surface of our local icebergs.

And thanks to Wilma, whose memories reveal the real.

Thanks also to someone who sent me a forward that made me LOL, and speaks
to problems with perception.
If you don't read me, or don't read forwards, you might miss something
that might brighten and enlighten your day.
:-)



Begin forwarded message:


I had a bunch of Canadian dollars I needed to
exchange, so I went to the currency exchange window at the local bank.

Short line.

Just one guy in front of me . . . an Asian guy who was
trying to exchange yen for dollars and he was a little irritated . ..

He asked the teller, "Why it change?? Yestoday, I get
two hunat dolla fo yen. Today I get hunat eighty?? Why it change?"

The teller shrugged his shoulders and said,
"Fluctuations".

The Asian guy says, "Fluc you white people, too!"
Best!
Liz


On Sun, 30 Sep 2007 19:46:07 -0400 KAREN ALLEN <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
Whether Penn, UCD or some combination charges the City no rent, market
rent, subsidized rent, or whatever,  that doesn't give UCD the right to
assert authority, whether actual or symbolic, over the personnel and
functions of the Philadelphia Police Department.  One is a non-profit
organization, the other is a branch of municipal government.  To take
this chain of logic to its conclusion is to state or suggest state that
the independence of a branch of municipal government can be redirected to
a private entity merely by providing free or subsidized rent.   

Re: [UC] Who do .. ... report to?

[Elizabeth F Campion]

 
On Saturday, I spent 7 hours volunteering for Cedar Park Neighbors, 5 of
them in Cedar Park.
 
At one table, a woman and child were selling magnificent homemade
greeting cards, for $1.00 per card.
Each card had a front layered with decorative paper, than a reprint of a
book plate of a famous writer, topped with a raffia bow.
On the inner left page was a something written by the pictured author.
The right side was blank, inviting a thoughtful greeting.

In a very brief meeting, I bought 5 of the cards, delivered in a
decorated brown paper 'lunch' bag.
I have spent much more time, contemplating the encounter and the cards,
since the purchase 2 days ago.

I marveled at a mother who could name her child
"Sojourner"
I suspected it was more than just a nod at a heroine, but also
acknowledgement that our opportunity, to raise children well, is brief.
Most 'sojourn' in our homes only 18 years, just a fourth of a reasonable
life span.
I was grateful to see a child enjoying and sharing the wisdom of writers
dead before my first reading of their works.
It felt a reward for my own volunteering.
I had no part in the shaping of this lovely child, but perhaps providing
access to art activities will support other children to become artists,
or adults who encourage and support others in the arts.

I saw Karen volunteering at the park (along with Roger and Ross, two
other prolific contributors to this list).
Karen's thoughtful posts of Friday and today, have mingled with the words
on the cards that I choose.


Please share with me, the choices of the child Sojourner, encountered at
a neighborhood fair.

"I sell the shadow to support the substance."   
Sojourner Truth

"There is in the world
no force as the force 
of a person determined to rise"
W.E.B. DuBois

"Oh, some scholar! Oh some sailor!
Oh, some wise man from the skies!
Please to tell a little pilgrim
Where the place called morning lies!"
Emily Dickinson

"Do I contradict myself?
Very well then I contradict myself.
I am large, I contain multitudes."
Walt Whitman

"Keep your eyes on the prize!"
W.E.B. DuBois


So...
What helps us separate shadow from substance?
How do we enlighten ourselves and others?
What contradictions benefit the many?
Who are the forces for good?
Who holds a pilgrim in their soul?
Who do we report to?
Will any of the 'lurkers' share their questions with me (on or off list)?



All the best!
Liz

[UC] Re: [UC-Announce] Bark in the Park

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Off List:

Dear Fran,

Why "(Bring money)"?

What is for sale?

The announcement felt incomplete.
Since I spent this Saturday volunteering, I'll probably have to work
extra hard next Saturday.
I value clear and inviting posts about events. 
In MHO  "(Bring money)", with no context, could be a turn off.


Best!
Liz

On Mon, 1 Oct 2007 13:38:00 EDT [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Hi, Everyone,
 
All dog fanciers and owners are invited to Friends of Clark Park's
annual Bark in the Park which will take place this Saturday, October 6,
at 2 pm near the bowl at 43rd & Chester Ave.  There will be doggie
contests, an opportuniy to meet the vet, Dr. David Littlejohn, and to win
a basket of doggie goodies.  (Bring money).  All are welcome to spend a
beautiful fall afternoon with your favorite canine friends.  See you
there.
 
Fran

Re: [UC] Re: [UC-Announce] Bark in the Park

[Elizabeth F Campion]

My error.
Apologies to all.

And thanks Fran for supplying the answer, and so much other good energy
for the park and neighborhood.

Liz

On Mon, 01 Oct 2007 18:57:57 -0400 "Elliot M. Stern"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
Off list?


On 01 Oct  2007, at 3:16 PM, Elizabeth F Campion wrote:


Off List:

Dear Fran,

Re: [UC] 40th Street Hotel letter - an interesting reply

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Like it or not, zoning change involves 
a petitioner
someone planning some benefit for themselves
(or their agenda/goals if a nonprofit)
requesting an accommodation/change from 
neighbors and
existing communities.
 
I do not see the benefit in revealing names or contact info of those who
have objections (or even questions).
"Outing" PEOPLE creates a system for identifying individuals who 'need'
to be suppressed or converted, either by bullying and or bribery.
 
Addressing the QUESTIONS and CONCERNS of the community, while permitting
questioners to remain anonymous, at least during the early stages, keeps
the focus upon the track record of the developer and is a better method
of analyzing the features and benefits of the proposed
change/development.
 
I think Karen's concern is valid.
Further, information should be easily available to the entire community,
through door-to-door delivery, not just to those who need persuading, or
those on all the current computer lists.

Best!
Liz
 
 
 
On Sun, 21 Oct 2007 23:46:24 -0400 "Doc Baldy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
writes:
> Hi Karen,
> 
> > I don't think that it's appropriate for the PHC to forward letters 
> from residents to Mr. Lussenhop
> > prior to the hearing - isn't that giving him advance opportunity 
> to respond
> > to any comments we may have?
> 
> Hopefully without taking sides in this issue.I'm curious about
> your concern.  Why is it better to surprise the developer with your
> concerns?  It seems to me that providing the developer with time to
> consider your concerns allows him to more thoughtfully take them 
> into
> consideration.
> 
> Best,
> Stephen
> 
> 
> On 10/21/07, Karen Heenan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
> >
> > I emailed a letter to the PHC on Friday setting forth my feelings 
> about the
> > proposed hotel.  On Friday evening, at 6:14, I got a response.  
> Not from
> > anyone at the PHC, but from Tom Lussenhop, our "friendly 
> neighborhood hotel
> > developer."  I didn't send my letter to Mr. Lussenhop, and while I 
> cc'd my
> > letter to the SHCA zoning committee, that letter went out by snail 
> mail, so
> > he didn't get it from them.
> >
> > I'm curious how he got a copy of my letter within 5 hours of my 
> sending it
> > to someone other than him.  Maybe it's me, but I don't think that 
> it's
> > appropriate for the PHC to forward letters from residents to Mr. 
> Lussenhop
> > prior to the hearing - isn't that giving him advance opportunity 
> to respond
> > to any comments we may have?
> >
> > Also, the letter ended up in my junk mail folder, and when I 
> clicked "not
> > junk," MSN asked it I wanted to add that mailing list to my safe 
> lists.
> > Apparently my response was one of many that Mr. Lussenhop sent out 
> that day.
> >
> > Karen
> >
> >
> > - Original Message -
> > From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> > Sent: Friday, October 19, 2007 6:14 PM
> > Subject: Hi
> >
> >
> > >
> > > Tom Lussenhop here.  Your friendly neighborhood hotel developer.
> > >
> > > Since you took the time to offer some thoughtful comments, I 
> thought
> > > I'd respond.
> > >
> > > First, the hotel I am proposing is an extended stay hotel.   
> That is,
> > > somewhere where the thousands of visitors to University City's
> > > institutions can stay for a 6 to 8 days (avergae stay) and not 
> have to
> > > drive but can walk to the institutions.  Harvard and MIT have 
> several
> > > such hotels.
> > >
> > > The hotel is more like an apartment building since there is no 
> meeting
> > > space...just quiet rooms with kitchens.  Guests will be able to 
> shop on
> > > 40th Street, take the trolley to Center City etc.  The shop 
> owners on
> > > 40th Street love the project.  Talk, for example, to Larry at 
> The Last
> > > Word bookshop.
> > >
> > > Second, there are 120 parcels located on the 3900 and 4000 
> blocks of
> > > Pine and Baltimore.  I have letters of support from the owners 
> of 90 of
> > > them.  Of course they are overwhelmingly investor owned 
> properties but
> > > that is the reality of this location and has been for 40 years. 
> I think
> > > the hotel and restaurant cafe will introduce new (more 
> responisble)
> > > neighbors to the area. Who knows?  Maybe even a couple of nice 
> cafes or
> > > restauarants might pop up!
> > >
> > > There will be community meetings coming up and I hope you will 
> come.
> > > Despite what you have read, there have been a lot of meetings.
> > >
> > > Best,
> > >
> > > Tom
> > > 4244 Osage Ave
> > >
> >
> > 
> > You are receiving this because you are subscribed to the
> > list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive information, 
> see
> > .
> >
> 
> 
> -- 
> --
> Studio 34 Yoga
> http://www.studio34yoga.com
> 
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> list named "UnivCity." To unsubscribe or for archive informa

[UC] The Basilisk and 2 Ophelias are up, further decorating will follow the rain

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Halloween in the 'hood can be a lot of fun.
 
As the 10th of twelve, raised in a family that was often hungry,
Halloween was heaven.
For one night a year, there was no shame in foraging, and sweet treats
could be accumulated in quantities that could be rationed through
Christmas.
Some of my happiest memories are of neighbors (even strangers) who made
some extra effort through 
decoration
performance art
full sized candy bars
 
My desire to 'pay-it-forward' by hosting 'over-the-top decoration' and
full size candies for ALL comers coincided with 
Cynthia Preston's need for a "safe" place for neighborhood kids the
annual
SQUIRREL HILL TOWN WATCH & POLICE SUBSTATION
HALLOWEEN GARDEN GALA
 
Last year, with the help of many volunteers, we entertained
1,560 kids and
   440 adults
 
With good weather, we might see an even larger crowd this year.
Bring toddlers, send older kids (no one is too tall or too old to receive
some treat at my home) to:
 
4611 Springfield Ave
Phila, PA 19143
 
on 10/31
from 5-7 PM
 
And, as an added bonus...
 ABBRACCIO has offered to host a show of the photographs that we will
take at this years Halloween Gala.
The show is scheduled to Open on November 16 and run for a few weeks.
 
 
Cindy's Preston is trying to raise money to purchase additional items for
the many distribution stations she sets up inside the yard between our
front porch and the back gate exit.
In previous years she has coordinated stops within the garden for Fruit,
Juice 'Hugs', Cookies (from McDonalds), Toothbrushes (from the Penn
Dental School), Lollipops and promo items (from Commerce Bank), Toys,
Canned Sodas and her gift bags.
At each stop a costumed volunteer makes collecting the "Treat" as
interesting as possible.
It is possible to fill a mylar Town Watch Halloween bag, just walking
through our garden.
 
If you are able and willing to donate some money, or items, to make the
event better, please send contributions to:

Payee : Squirrel Hill Police Substation

4619 Chester Avenue, B101
Phila, PA 19143
 
Send checks or deliver items ASAP, as things need to be in place by
Halloween.
 
Please note, I am not soliciting for our "porch".
We supply the decorations (for our porch and the Sub Station) and put
them up, take them down and repair and store them.
Our family also provides a full sized candy to every one who visits (last
year this expense was $750.00).
 I'm not seeking 'credit'.  Every smile and 'scream' is a lovely reward. 

This is information.  (People have questioned us.)
We welcome any contributions of time, treasure and talent that others can
make to improving the event.
We are grateful to the parents who bring kids by, and glad that older
kids stop by on their own.
 
Cyndy has already stuffed over 1,000 gift & candy bags.
Last year she had completed over 6,000 by the time Halloween rolled
around.
This is just a part of her contribution of time and money.
 
We encourage our neighbors to host Trick or Treaters from 5-7 PM on
Halloween night.
 
If you have a porch, be sure to send clear signals...
...Lights on, decorations up, host near the doorbell for Treaters.
...Lights out, no decorations for those unable or unwilling to host the
hordes.
 
If you do not have a porch, and want to experience the fun of hosting, I
welcome additional volunteers at my home, send a private e-reply.
We can use all of: Line Monitors, Candy Distributors, Face Painters &
Costume Consultants (for those without a costume), Actors, Decorators,
Cleanup Crew, Photographers, Battery Changers, Fog Makers, Bubble Machine
Supervisors.
 
Happy Halloween!
 
Liz

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[UC] 2 Steps Forward, 1 Step Back

[Elizabeth F Campion]

 
Will I get all the decorations up by 5 PM?
 
I tried to get the big exhibits and sidewalk teasers up in advance and
some evil spirit(s) came along and stole some signs, 2 cheap plastic
skeletons, 2 beloved raffia angels (and beheaded the other 2) and other
items from the front.  
I heard several neighbors suffered the loss and destruction of pumpkins.
It is disheartening.
I hope good spirits rise above the petty crap to enjoy (and help others
enjoy) a Spook-tacular Halloween.
Sadly, the losses caused me to redirect my time, so that I'll spend all
day getting ready.
It would have been nice to stage the event, in time and to build a
crescendo among the neighbors, but the risk of decorations being taken or
destroyed is still to great.
 
In the plus column...
 
Several neighbors told me that they bought extra candy to accommodate the
hordes that will overflow unto their front steps.
I am delighted they embrace my Halloween goal and don't resent the annual
chaos.
 
Special friends, one an original mini-station volunteer, dropped off
1,000 Tootsie Pops to supplement the Squirrel Hill Town Watch &
Substation offerings in the side yard.
 
Karen Allen, the volunteer treasurer of Cedar Park made extra efforts to
deliver a CPN donation to Squirrel Hill TW&PSS to support the side yard
event.
 
Another local, a Penn grad that I've known for over 20 years wrote a very
generous check to help SHTW&PSS underwrite expenses.
 
John Fenton and Jannie Blackwell's office have promised to send treats
and coordinate volunteers
 
Cyndy tells me that many other people and businesses and the Garden Court
Community Association have also made donations to the Town Watch side of
this production.
 
My husband enabled me to spend an insane amount of money on the 2,500
full sized candy bars that my family is prepared to "treat" from our
front step, before directing Tricksters into the wilderness of the Town
Watch 'patrolled' side yard.
 
Many elementary students from St. Friends de Sales, and one teacher, Mr.
Thomas O'Connell volunteered time and energy.
Several of the kids are recent immigrants and it is awe inspiring to see
their whole hearted embrace of this odd holiday and to benefit from their
inspirations, flavored with alternative cultures.
 
Student volunteers from PENN'S Alpha Phi Omega, a coed service
fraternity, spent an afternoon
changing batteries on animated items
putting together items dismantled for storage
coloring the "porch monsters", with magic markers
and more of them will come back today to help with distribution.
Jonathan Lee, the Vice President of Service, coordinated volunteers.
If any of their teachers, advisors or even peers are on these lists,
please let these young people know how much I value their good will and
good work.
They stage crew was Abby Dosertz, Young Kim,  Matthew Kwong, Leanna
Jaleyola, Courtney Kalkstein, Anna Lee, Tina Lee, Jennifer New Comer, 
Elaine Yip and Yvonne Wang.
Jonathan tells me that Yvonne Wang and Courtney Kalkstein will come back
to help out this evening and that they will be joined by new volunteers
Amy Lei, Amulya Penmetsa, Gina Li and Stephanie Conteh. 
 
Cyndy Preston has kept in touch and worked hard and smart.
She is the heart, soul and backbone of this event, even though I seem to
get more recognition, because the event takes place at 4611 Springfield.
We are odd partners.
She is a chain smoker whose focus is on safety and activities for young
children and I a rabid nonsmoker whose focus is on fun and building happy
memories and providing attention, inspiration and community across all
generations.
I am lucky to have been asked to help, and fortunate that I could.
Every year brings some moments of head butting and wonderment that we are
the Halloween team, and every year
I am awed by the energy and effort that tiny, fragile Cindy throws into
making each Halloween better than the one before.
 
If anyone feels trapped in an apartment and wants to volunteer and
participate, we can use 
face painters, candy distributors, line monitors (costumed
entertainers).

So... while the petty thefts were annoying, the overwhelming evidence is
that most of our neighbors are good, generous and fun.
I hope all the good spirits, even those who choose anonymity, take a
moment to bask in their good deeds.
 
We hope to see most of you "Trick or Treating" tonight, between 5 and 7
PM at
4611 Springfield Ave
Happy Halloween!
Liz Campion
(and Lawrence, Katie and Michael Motyka)
 

[UC] Halloween : Photo Link to the "Haunted Garden"

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Here is a link to photos taken last evening.
http://picasaweb.google.com/campionef/Halloween2007

If the link does not work, it may have broken in transmission.
Just cut and paste (or retype) to eliminate the gap and restore its
function.

I didn't have time to make captions, but I tried to order the first 20 or
so, in a way that would illustrate a trip through the side yard.


My family wants to thank all who helped and all who attended.
We saw many happy smiles and a few satisfactory startlements.


If anyone has any good digital photos to share, please send them by
private E-reply.
If you send a photo, let me know if I may add it to the link.


All the best!

Elizabeth Campion   Cell Phone: 215-880-2930
215-546-0550 Main, -546-9871 fax,  Desk + VM: 215-790-5653
PRUDENTIAL, FOX & ROACH REALTORS, LLC
Please read Consumer Notice & enjoy "HOME PILOT" tools at
 www.PruFoxRoach.com

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Re: [UC] 40th Street Hotel and "hardship"

[Elizabeth F Campion]

As points of information:
   
Real Estate Sale contracts for Pennsylvania properties must contain
ZONING information.
(The only exception is a "Single Family Residence".)
Zoning codes are public records, and while the Codes may seem complicated
or obscure, it remains the Buyer's obligation of "Due Diligence" to be
fully aware of Height, Setback, Use and other restrictions under each
Zoning definition.


Most Real Estate transactions are subject to delivery of a written
"Seller Disclosure" form to Buyer..
Seller Disclosures must reveal the presence of any Historic Designation
and location within any Historic District.
In instances (Foreclosures, Estate Sales, etc.) where SD is not required,
the Buyer should be notified, in a writing, signed by Buyer and Seller.
And in those cases, the Buyer and Buyer Agent should be professional
enough to do proper Due Diligence.

Best!
Liz

On Fri, 02 Nov 2007 13:14:51 -0400 [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> 
> One aspect of this project that has only been alluded a couple of 
> times is
> "hardship."  Some commenters to the list have suggested that, since 
> de-listing
> of the historic property was denied, whatever else happens, the 
> property will
> be restored.  This is not necessarily the case.  According to the 
> historical
> commission ordinance, an owner may claim a financial "hardship" 
> exemption.  An
> evaluation of such an exemption, if I understand the ordinance 
> correctly, would
> not have to take into account the depth of the owner's pockets.  And 
> if Penn
> didn't know that the property was historically designated, that fact 
> might work
> in their favor if they sought a hardship exemption.  I have not 
> heard anyone
> suggest that the developers might seek to prove "hardship," but they 
> *could* go
> down that road, in which case all bets are off, and the entire 
> building could be
> demolished.
> 
> Andrew
> www.malcolmxpark.org
> ---
> Here's the relevant text (and it's source:
> http://www.phila.gov/historical/pdf/ordinance/ordinance.pdf)
> 
> (f) In any instance where there is a claim that a building, 
> structure, site or
> object cannot be used for any purpose for which it is or may be 
> reasonably
> adapted, or where a permit application for alteration, or demolition 
> is based,
> in whole or in part, on financial hardship, the owner shall submit, 
> by
> affidavit, the following information to the Commission:
> (.1) amount paid for the property, date of purchase, and party from 
> whom
> purchased, including a description of the relationship, whether 
> business or
> familial, if any, between the owner and the person from whom the 
> property was
> purchased;
> (.2) assessed value of the land and improvements thereon according 
> to the most
> recent assessment;
> (.3) financial information for the previous two (2) years which 
> shall include,
> as a minimum, annual gross income from the property, itemized 
> operating and
> maintenance expenses, real estate taxes, annual debt service, annual 
> cash flow,
> the amount of depreciation taken for federal income tax purposes, 
> and other
> federal income tax deductions produced;
> (.4) all appraisals obtained by the owner in connection with his 
> purchase or
> financing of the property, or during his ownership of the property;
> (.5) all listings of the property for sale or rent, price asked, and 
> offers
> received, if any;
> (.6) any consideration by the owner as to profitable, adaptive uses 
> for the
> property;
> (.7) the Commission may further require the owner to conduct, at the 
> owner's
> expense, evaluations or studies, as are reasonably necessary in the 
> opinion of
> the Commission, to determine whether the building, structure, site 
> or object
> has or may have alternate uses consistent with preservation.

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[UC] 40th Street Inn : Huge Change demands public meetings and open discourse

[Elizabeth F Campion]

40th Street "Inn" : Huge Change demands public meetings and open
discourse


FACTS:

According to the Zoning map, the property in question is zoned R5A.

Other information from the city records includes:

Owner : Oap Inc / 3451Walnut St / Phila, PA 19104-6205
Settled Date : 3/25/2003
Sale Price : $1,685,000
Annual RE Tax : $17,628
Assessment $213,312 (Presumed Market Value $666,600)
Ward : 88
Zoning Map shows R5A
Prop Class: Commercial
(CF0) Boarding Home / Shelter
Frontage 116 x Depth 190 = Square Footage of 22,040 (.51 acres)
The Building is listed as 17,280 Sq Ft and as 1 story


Transaction History 


 Owner Names:Lavin, Robert E ; Lavin, Rosalind S 

 Date 2/18/1987  
 SaleAmt $550,000 

 


REALITY:

10 (or 11) stories will overshadow the other R5A buildings on Pine,
Baltimore and 40th.

Parking will be an issue.
Some people will not trust their car to valet parking, others will make
efforts to avoid paying for parking.

Construction will create traffic hassles and other problems


OPINION:
I have not formed my opinion about the project.
But, I have formed some opinions about the pronouncements (and /or lack
thereof) of the folks in SHCA and UCHS.
IMO:
1. Any organization that wants to control my "mullions" (measured in
fractions of inches) should be very openly and publicly concerned about
height extensions of about 100 feet.
2. Any organization that wants to call itself a "Community Organization"
should be a lot more transparent and community inclusive.
3. The First Thursday meetings do not meet my test for Community
inclusion. Most affected parties are not available at 8 AM on weekdays.
4. Since Zoning is R5A and the Zoning variance has been out of play for
more than 2 years, I'd expect the Community Association to be supporting
ONLY residential uses.
5. It is the apparent hypocrisy, the blatant attacks on anyone not in the
clique, the misdirections and outright falsehoods, that will drive me to
stand against a project that might have merit.
6. I'd like the responsible parties to act in an open and transparent
manner or to step aside.

Sincerely,
Liz

[UC] 40th St. Inn : Parking and other problems of radically increased density

[Elizabeth F Campion]

In my experience:
 
1. The housing gap is not of a need for hotel space or one week stays, it
is for housing for:
 
ESL students, other International Scholars, Laboratory and
Medical researchers, 
Touring Theaters (Cast and Crew), advance Business or
Construction teams,
People (and their families) involved in complex, medical
procedures (transplants, etc.)
 
The most common time need appeared to be around 4-6 weeks
 
 
2. Guests-Residents are not house bound.
They will probably leave their rooms for work and again for
recreation.
They will use a variety of transportation methods including:
Walking
Private vehicles
Free Penn Bus & Escort Service
SEPTA
Taxis
Airport Shuttles
 
I like the idea of increased and improved public transportation.
More and better Cabs, Car Shares and Public Transportation could ease
traffic while increasing urban vitality.
If there are 9 off street spaces and most are dedicated for passenger
pickup, deliveries, cab stands, valet services, etc. it should be made
very clear to the community.
Further, the off-site valet option needs to be clear, financially
sustainable and guaranteed.
 
 
3. About 70% of my tenant-guests want to bring a car.
My assurance that in most cases, cars in urban settings create more
problems than they solve, kept the number of cars to under 40%.
If the same numbers hold true, the proposed Inn will need to accommodate
35-75 guest cars, plus the cars of those employees who drive to work.
I would like to see some clear, believable, guaranteed plan for parking
before I'd vote to approve a zoning change.
 
 
4. It takes a lot of supplies to run 100 units of housing.
One example: Laundry -
if done on site, the amount of soap and bleach needed is huge,
off site, linen needs to be moved in and out
Where will the loading take place?
How will it look?
 
 
5. 100 units will generate a lot of trash.
Which neighbors will bear the brunt of the noise, smell and view of
dumpsters and compactors?
 
 
6. My tenant neighbors are still my NEIGHBORS.
Justifying this location because "95%" of the neighboring properties are
tenant occupied seems shortsighted and divisive.
 
I am reminded that Cynthia Preston, volunteer extraordinary with Town
Watch, the Police Substation, and many activities over many years helping
MANY neighborhood children is 'just a tenant', she is not part of the
debate, but an example that contradicts what seems to be a pervasive
prejudice on this list.
 
There may be higher turnover rate among tenants, but this neighborhood
has a very low vacancy rate.
I imagine that something unpleasant to the 2007 tenant might also feel
unpleasant to a different 2008 tenant (or home owner).
Taking it a step further, creating traffic, parking, or other density
problems may even discourage further conversion of tenant properties to
owner occupied homes.
Those who despise tenants, should recognize this consequence.
 
Frank has outed himself as a nearby tenant neighbor.
I value Frank's contributions to this list and our neighborhood.
 
My Penn student daughter is someone else's tenant on the 3900 block of
Baltimore.
I want to know if this development, improves neighborhood conditions for
her and others like her.
She, and her peers, deliver a lot of money and talent to the
neighborhood.
They are more than just 'nuisances'.
 
I am also aware of several nearby homeowners.
 
The O'Donnell's are not just competitors, they are my niece and nephew
and parents of my great nieces and nephews.
I am proud of their successes, and delighted they were able and willing
to buy the property at 4100 Pine.
I think their choice, to use it as a family compound is respectful of the
neighborhood and that their voices (and objections) should be respected
by the neighborhood.
 
I would like to hear how other homeowners feel about the plan.
 
 
7. One on one meetings strike me as not sustainable for the developer.
Public meetings are key to public understanding and decision making.
Karen should be applauded, not chided, for recognizing the slippery slope
of ego gratification, bribery (or threat) and self delusion that comes
with access to 'back rooms' and 'corridors of power'.
 
Seems I've offered 7 cents tonight.
All the best!
Liz

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[UC] Abbraccio - 5- 7 PM tonight

[Elizabeth F Campion]

Cynthia Preston
 
One volunteer,
encouraging many volunteers and
creating 3,023 smiles
(just this year).
 
Photos from the
Squirrel Hill Town Watch and Police SubStation
 
Halloween Haunted Garden – 2007
will be on display at
ABBRACCIO
from November 16 to December 13, 2007.
 

Opening with light refreshments at Abbraccio - 5- 7 PM tonight.

Note:
Many of the participants are not known to me, so please encourage anyone
whose photo is up, to stop in and check out the exhibit and the
Restaurant.