The Source
Dear Friends:

TTF to the Big Easy!
NOLA program

In early June, I had the opportunity to represent Philadelphia at an Urban Water: Strategies that Work series in New Orleans presented by the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) and Urban Institute. The purpose of the five workshop series was to jump-start a citywide conversation about water challenges and possible solutions, with experts from Milwaukee, Washington DC, and Portland sharing their experiences integrating green infrastructure into water policies.

 

I served on the Metropolitan and Comprehensive Green Stormwater Strategies panel with very knowledgeable Michael Talbott, Director of the Harris County Flood Control District in Houston, Texas. Our remarks covered our 

organizational missions and resources, the challenges and solutions developed by our 

organizations and communities to solve these challenges, and lessons learned. We both 

discussed the critical issues of community involvement and maintenance in the success of green infrastructure.

New Orleans Conference

 

It's incredibly exciting to realize how the rest of

the country views Philadelphia's groundbreaking stormwater initiative. We should be very proud of our city's creative leadership. For more on my talk, visit my blog. For information on these workshops - agendas, power points, presentations - visit here.  

 

Board News!

Our Annual Meeting was held at Arcadia University in June, and we want to let you know about Board comings and goings. We are so pleased to welcome Laurie Harvey and Rev. Derick Scudder to our Board of Directors.

 

Laurie will serve as our new Treasurer. As a partner at Maillie LLP, auditing firm for Cheltenham Township, Laurie comes to us highly recommended by our outgoing, long-serving Treasurer, Bryan Havir. Bryan is our new Vice President for Montgomery County serving with Joanne Dahme of the Philadelphia Water Department as Vice President for Philadelphia. We are delighted to welcome Ian Litwin of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission as our new Secretary. Gerry Kaufman continues as our Board President!

Gerry Clean Up w/ Family
Gerry Kaufman at a cleanup with his wife & grandchildren.

 

Derick Scudder is Co-Chair of the Juniata Action Committee (JAC) and Junior Pastor of the Bethel Chapel Church. A key partner in our successful Healthy Trails 5k, Derick is currently working with us to plan and install a rain garden at the Cayuga Triangle, at the intersection of Cayuga and Wingohocking Streets and Castor Avenue in Philadelphia.

 

We'd like to recognize the contributions of outgoing Board members, who have served on our Board as members and alternates during the critical early years of TTF. Thank you to Jack Kitchen and John Ungar of the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC) as well as Ben LePage and Suzanne Ryan of PECO, for their valuable input and support.

 

Best wishes and thanks to Susan Myerov, who has represented the Heritage Conservancy and been TTF's first and only Secretary since 2005! Susan has joined the Pennsylvania Environmental Council as Senior Program Director and will serve on our Board as Patrick Starr's alternate. We are so pleased that she will continue to work closely with us. 

 

 Julie  
Julie Slavet, Executive Director 

FREE BLOCK PARTIES AT TACONY PARK GATEWAYS
Block Party DetailsJoin us and our partners on Wednesdays in July from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m for fun, family-friendly block parties at each new Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Tacony Creek Park gateway. Enjoy FREE soft pretzels, water ice, and giveaways. Explore the creek on a guided walk in the park and learn about community resources. 

Dates and locations listed in Events section. 

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR OPEN HOUSE 
TTF Globe Dye Works
We love our new office at Globe Dye Works, 4500 Worth Street so much that we're inviting you to stop by for our Open House on Tuesday, September 17 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm! Watch your email for your invitation! 
 
We're seeking sponsors for this event -- let us know if you're interested in learning more about this opportunity.
MOVING FORWARD WITH PROJECT TOURS
WREN grant

With the support of a Water Resources Education Network (WREN) grant from the League of Women Voters of PA Citizen Education Fund, TTF will offer stormwater management project tours in our watershed, targeted to local stakeholders ranging from township supervisors to public works staff to environmental advisory committee volunteers!

  

Alix Howard, Director of Education & Outreach and Julie Slavet, Executive Director attended the WREN orientation retreat in Carlisle, PA in early June. At the retreat, they met leaders from organizations from all over the state doing exciting work to protect our water. Realizing that we're all working towards a common goal is inspiring..and TTF is honored to do our part through WREN funding. Keep an eye out to register for these fall and spring tours!

THANK YOU AND BEST WISHES TO MOLLY 
Molly Finch TTF

This month, we say thank you and best wishes to Molly Finch, our Educator through Americorps VISTA. Molly has been a vital part of the TTF team this past year. She has led our efforts at Vernon Park, as well as at our buffers at Glenside Elementary, Cedarbrook Middle, and Abington Junior High Schools. She has developed valuable programs and partnerships in and around Tacony Creek Park, particularly at the Olney Recreation Center and Laurethia Vaird Boys and Girls Club. She has inspired young people to care about the watershed around them! One of her greatest accomplishments was developing and writing our successful WREN grant. We will miss her quiet enthusiasm and competence! 

INTERNS TAKE OVER TTF!

This summer TTF is hosting a whopping total of eleven interns from across our 

Summer Interns 2013

watershed -- through the Mayor's Office Internship Program, Philadelphia Youth Network's Work Ready program, and Arcadia UniversityWe're grateful to have so many hard working young people devoting their time and energy to our mission Read about the interns three pictured here.

 

Interested in interning with TTF this fall? We accept graduate, college or exceptional high school students with:

  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
  • Interest in improving the health of our urban watershed
  • Minimum commitment of 10 hours per week.

TTF is committed to providing a supportive and educational internship experience. Apply here! Questions? Contact Alix Howard at 215-844-8100/[email protected].

TTF WELCOMES LINDA MCCABE
Linda McCabe

We're very excited to introduce you to our new part-time Office Administrator, Linda McCabe! Linda has more than 20 years experience supplying thorough, organized administrative support to 3 senior executives. She currently serves as Executive Assistant at The Trust Fund of the Alumnae/i Association of Women's Medical College/Medical College of Pennsylvania, where she is responsible for all executive and administrative work supporting a 12-member Board of Trustees. 

 

Linda earned her Associates Degree in Business Administration from Montgomery County Community College. Linda lives in Jenkintown and has a rain barrel in her garden! 

TTF SHARES CLEAN WATER TIPS WITH FRANKFORD BUSINESSES
Clean Water Partners

TTF recently shared our Clean Water Partners program with Frankford business owners at a meeting hosted by the Frankford Business Association. This presentation provides business owners with ideas on how to keep their properties water-friendly. We met with these owners to share valuable information about how they can incorporate water stewardship into their everyday work, as well as to introduce ourselves to our new neighbors! 

 

Now that we are down the street at Globe Dye Works, we're working hard to get out and create new partnerships. We look forward to continuing to work with local organizations in Frankford and across the watershed to share information and resources about how to become Clean Water Partners.

URBAN WATERS TRAINING PROGRAM 

Last year, TTF and our partners, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and GreenTreks Network,TTF EPA logo received a generous grant from the EPA to provide green stormwater management job training. Because of the Green City Clean Waters plan, many new green stormwater infrastructure sites are being constructed all over the city of Philadelphia. These diverse new technologies require special care, and programs such as Urban Waters are critical for educating employees and stewards to care for these community assets. 

 

Through six sessions of classroom plus hands-on training, over 20 students have learned about maintenance and construction of a variety of green stormwater features. TTF looks forward to engaging community residents around these sites in long-term care and stewardship.
ENVIRONMENTAL WORKSHOP FOR EDUCATORS  
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary  TTF Watershed Partnership Philadelphia, PA Educators from all walks of life are invited to attend one or both Delaware Estuary Watershed Teacher Workshops this summer.

Gain professional instruction in 
environmental education, receive FREE educational and classroom materials, explore exciting field-trip locations in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania and earn approximately 15 professional development hours per workshop!

Visit 
www.DelawareEstuary.org or contact Cheryl Jackson at [email protected] for more information.
STAY DRY WITH A TTF UMBRELLA 

TTF Blue White Umbrella

 

You may wonder, how can I support TTF

AND stay dry in style? 

 

By buying one of our beautiful new wooden handle golf umbrellas, of course! 

 

These umbrellas, complete with our logo, are $35 each.
                Contact [email protected] to buy yours.

 

 EVENTS MayEvents
Please note: TTF's outdoor events are canceled in the case of heavy rain. Please check the
TTF Events calendar for updated information. 
 
JOIN US IN JULY & AUGUST!

Block Party Details
CELEBRATE YOUR PARK BLOCK PARTIES
TTF is hosting a series of fun, low-key family fun block parties at each of the new Parks and Recreation gateways in Tacony Creek Park. We will provide FREE pretzels, water ice, and giveaways as well as guided walks into the park and community resources. Come on down and tell us what you'd like to see happening in your park!
 
DATE: Wednesday, July 10 
TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.  
PLACE: I Street and Ramona Avenue, Philadelphia 19124

DATE: Wednesday, July 17
TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.  
PLACE: Fishers Lane and Ramona Avenue, Philadelphia 19124

DATE: Wednesday, July 24 
TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.  
PLACE: Whitaker Avenue and Loudon Street, Philadelphia 19120
 
DATE: Wednesday, July 31
TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
PLACE: Rorer Street and Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia 19120

 

CONTACT: Alix Howard at [email protected]/215.744.1853
 

TTF Mussel Mania
MUSSELMANIA 

The Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center (FWWIC) and TTF are teaming up for Mussel Mania training. Free transportation will take you from FWWIC to the sites and back. If you can join us for this exploration, please contact Alix Howard by July 24. 

DATE: Saturday, July 27

TIME: 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
PLACE: FWWIC, 640 Waterworks Drive, Philadelphia 19130
CONTACT: Alix Howard at [email protected]/215.744.1853
 
PARTNER EVENTS

MONTGOMERY COUNTY HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTERecycling Bin
Don't know what to do with your household hazardous waste? Drop it off at Montco County's designated drop-off area!
DATE: Saturday, July 13
TIME: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PLACE: Upper Perkiomen High School, 2 Walt Rd. Pennsburg, PA 18073
CONTACT: Montgomery County at 610.278.3000

DELAWARE ESTUARY WATERSHED TEACHER WORKSHOP: ESTUARY EXPLORERS
Partnership for the Delaware Estuary  TTF Watershed Partnership Philadelphia, PA
Educators from all walks of life are invited to attend our Delaware Estuary Watershed Teacher Workshop during summer break. This workshop is divided into two parts: Estuary Explorers on July 10-12 and Urban Waters on July 16-18. Teachers are not required to attend both sessions. 
DATE: Wednesday, July 10 to Friday, July 12 
TIME: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
PLACE: Dover and Lewes, Delaware; Salem, New Jersey; and elsewhere (map)
CONTACT: For details visit delawareestuary.org/wetland-workshop.
 
DELAWARE ESTUARY WATERSHED TEACHER WORKSHOP: URBAN WATERS
Educators from all walks of life are invited to attend our Delaware Estuary Watershed Teacher Workshop during summer break. This workshop is divided into two parts: Estuary Explorers on July 10-12 and Urban Waters on July 16-18. Teachers are not required to attend both sessions. 
DATE: Tuesday, July 16 to Thursday, July 18
TIME: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PLACE: Greater Philadelphia, PA (map)
CONTACT: For details visit delawareestuary.org/wetland-workshop.  
 
 
WEEDING WORK DAY AT VERNON PARK 
Friends of Vernon Park (FOVP) will host a weeding work day to clean up the rain garden for the summer. Join FOVP and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation in front of the Center in the Park (on the Germantown Ave. side) to take part in the weeding festivities. Water, snacks, gloves, and tools will be provided. Bring your own water bottle and dress for garden work (closed-toed shoes, clothes that can get dirty, and plenty of sunscreen).  
Monday, July 22
DATE: Wednesday, July 17 
TIME: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
PLACE: Located near Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia 19144 
 
The Oval logo
PARTY FOR THE PARKS SUMMER CELEBRATION

The Oval, Philadelphia's new "Park on the Parkway," will be transformed for five weeks this July-August from a surface parking lot into an eight-acre urban oasis with free programming and events, food trucks, and so much more. Check out this recent Inquirer article highlighting the transformation.

  

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and the Fairmount Park Conservancy will offer you private access to The Oval. Dinner, beer, wine, and refreshments will be served, and DJ Patty-Pat will keep our toes tapping and our brains working with fun park trivia and prizes. 

DATE: Monday, July 22
TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
PLACE: The Oval, directly in front of the Art Museum at the northwest end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
RSVP INFO: Register hereWe welcome 2 volunteers per park free as our guests, additional guests pay $10--RSVP online at www.myphillypark.org (click "DONATE NOW" and select the "Events") or by sending a list of attendees and, if necessary, mailing a check payable to Fairmount Park Conservancy, 1617 JFK Blvd., Suite 1670, Philadelphia, PA  19103.) RSVP no later than July 15, 2013
CONTACT: If you have any questions, or to RSVP over the phone, please don't hesitate to call  215.988.9334.

Recycling Bin
MONTGOMERY COUNTY HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE
Don't know what to do with your household hazardous waste? Drop it off at Montco County's designated drop-off area!
DATE: Sunday, August 11
TIME: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PLACE: Abington Jr. High, Enter via Tyler Rd., 970 Highland Ave, Abington, PA 19001
CONTACT: Montgomery County at 610.278.3000
TTF's mission is to enhance the health and vitality of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Creek and its watershed. We initiate and support efforts to restore the health of the watershed, and to mobilize our communities as watershed stewards through community outreach, networking, educational programs, and projects.

 

Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership, Inc.
phone: 215.744.1853 email: [email protected]  web: www.ttfwatershed.org

  

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