The Northwood Civic Association typically focuses heavily on quality-of-life issues, like junk cars, vacant properties and traffic safety.
However, with a newly expanded board, the group is looking to grow its role in the community in 2020.
Three new members were added to the board in November, and, at NCA’s Jan. 21 meeting, the board divvied up duties.
Kevin Sizer is working with Town Watch Integrated Services to form a town watch for the neighborhood. The hope is to have radios, jackets and patrols in the not-too-distant future.
“I just don’t want this neighborhood to become like the neighborhoods I used to live in,” Sizer told the Times.
Sizer and NCA President Joe Krause stressed that town watch participants would not act like vigilantes. Instead, they would observe their surroundings and report suspicious activity to the 15th Police District.
“These young kids, they’ll shoot you for talking,” Sizer said to residents.
Krause said Northwood attempted to form a town watch years ago but interest quickly died. Sizer said he needs volunteers, and those interested should contact him at [email protected]. Participants will undergo training.
Mari Carrasquillo, the civic’s vice president, is planning to organize a children’s dance as a fundraiser to renovate the kitchen at Simpson Recreation Center.
In addition, Krause said the civic is working to become a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and the board will be reviewing the group’s bylaws in the coming weeks to make sure it can obtain that status.
Other board members said they planned to create a website, organize charitable initiatives and try to get more people involved in the civic association.
Fox update
A sick and injured fox rescued by neighbors in November has died at an animal hospital, Carrasquillo told residents.
Neighbors set up traps and caught the fox after they noticed its deteriorating condition. The animal broke its leg after getting hit by a car and had a severe case of mange.
Carrasquillo said other foxes in Northwood have also been infected with mange. She advised residents who see a fox to put eggs out for it and contact her. She will then deliver medicated eggs, which should cure the animal.
Other Notes
Those interested in becoming a crossing guard have until Friday, Jan. 31, to submit their applications for this most recent round of openings.
Some of the corners available are in the 15th District, specifically Frankford, Tacony, Wissinoming and Mayfair, according to the city’s website.
Pay starts at about $61 a day with benefits. For more information, visit www.phila.gov/personnel.
The Northwood Civic Association’s next scheduled meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at Simpson Recreation Center, 1010 Arrott St. ••
Jack Tomczuk can be reached at [email protected].
