Nancy Ostroff has, among other things, written a book on disabilities that she hopes becomes part of the curriculum in elementary schools.
Activist and volunteer Nancy Ostroff was honored at last week’s Take Back Your Neighborhood meeting.
Ostroff is a retired teacher who had to overcome a spinal cord injury suffered when her car was rear-ended at full force.
In recent years, she has become an advocate for handicapped people and kids with special needs. She is a volunteer at Crossan Elementary School and author of a book on disabilities. She hopes her book becomes part of the curriculum in elementary schools.
Ostroff was also one of the leaders in the fight to preserve Burholme Park.
Lt. John Craig and community relations officer Mark Mroz, of the 2nd Police District, presented her with a Community Service Award signed by City Council President Darrell Clarke.
Greg Bucceroni presented her with the Town Watch Award.
“Nancy fights for people with disabilities,” he said.
State Reps. Kevin Boyle and Jared Solomon signed a House citation in Ostroff’s honor.
Ostroff thanked many people, including Mroz; car dealer Geno Barbera, who helped her after her accident by putting her in a Jeep that is still going strong after 11 years; the Acme at 6640 Oxford Ave. for contributing to events at Crossan; Chris Hess (and wife Liz), her mentor for her book and inventions; book illustrator Lisa Howell-Baxter and videographer Ricky Haldis; and members of Grace Community Bible Church.
In other news from the Nov. 19 meeting:
• Chris Hess outlined initiatives at Community College of Philadelphia.
Hess spoke of the Workforce and Economic Innovation and Power Up Your Business programs.
Free training is available for small businesses at CCP’s Northeast Regional Center, 12901 Townsend Road.
A Store Owner Workshop Series will begin in January. There will be sessions on social media, Facebook marketing, accounting software and city taxes.
In May, a 12-week Peer-Based Learning Experience program will begin for businesses that have been open at least a year.
Continuing professional education courses are available.
For more information, call 215-496-6151 or visit ccp.edu/powerup
• Lt. John Craig and community relations officer Mark Mroz, of the 2nd Police District, mentioned a couple of recent crimes.
No arrests have been made after someone fired seven shots at a house on the 800 block of Granite St.
Also, an 81-year-old woman was carjacked on the 6900 block of Eastwood St.
• Friends of Bushrod Library will hold an open house on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 5:30 p.m. at the library, 6304 Castor Ave. Refreshments will be provided. Call 215-685-1471.
• There will be an open house on Tuesday, Dec. 4, from 3:30 to 6:45 p.m. at the Northeast Regional Library meeting room (lower level), 2228 Cottman Ave., to discuss the Cottman Avenue Streetscape Project.
The city is planning improvements to Cottman Avenue, from Castor Avenue to Roosevelt Boulevard.
Proposals include lighting, bus shelters, crosswalks, curb ramps and green stormwater infrastructure.
Light refreshments will be provided.
• Local recreation centers are collecting donations of small toys, non-perishable foods or money through Dec. 12 to benefit St. John’s Lutheran Church. Donations can be dropped off at American Legion, Holmesburg, Disston, Jardel, Lawncrest, Lower Mayfair, Mayfair, McIlvain, Max Myers, Roosevelt, Russo Park, Tarken, Vogt and Wissinoming. ••
