The 2nd Police District was well represented at Monday’s Take Back Your Neighborhood meeting.
Capt. James Kimrey, the district commander, was in attendance, along with community relations officer Mark Mroz and officer Andre Dunkley, whose assignments include watching Max Myers Recreation Center, including the swimming pool.
The district will take part in National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 2, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Fox Chase Elementary School yard, 500 Rhawn St. There will be giveaways and free food.
A 1-mile bicycle fun ride will begin at 5:15 p.m. All participants will be entered into a raffle for a free bike.
In other news from the meeting:
• Local, licensed independent agent Gilbert Trippett Sr. spoke about issues such as Medicare coverage. Appointed by Independence Blue Cross, he offers no-cost, no-obligation consultations. Call 267-905-5076 or visit www.medicareful.com/giltrippettsr.
• Tascha Chalmers, director of community engagement for City Councilwoman Cherelle Parker, spoke about the basic systems repair program. Income-eligible homeowners can get free repairs to correct electrical, plumbing, heating, limited structural and carpentry and roofing emergencies. Call 215-448-2160 or visit www.phdcphila.org.
• TBYN member Nancy Ostroff mentioned she attended a school board meeting to criticize Woodrow Wilson Middle School for secretly changing the name to Castor Gardens Middle School. Spurred by Wilson’s failure to reach out to the community, Ostroff and others are planning a meeting in September as the first step in getting Northeast civic associations to work together. The effort is similar to the United Civic Associations of the Northeast and United Northeast Neighbors, two groups from the 1990s.
• The Food Trust and the Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association have opened a farmers market at 6434 Castor Ave. (at Hellerman Street). The market is open Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m.
• State Sen. Tina Tartaglione will hold a backpack giveaway on Aug. 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lawncrest Recreation Center, Rising Sun Avenue and Comly Street. There will be hot dogs, a DJ, face painting, water, water ice and pretzels.
• Mi Rancho Mexican Grill has opened at 5498 Oxford Ave. The site had been a McDonald’s, which closed in 2018.
• Take Back Your Neighborhood will meet on Monday, Aug. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at Max Myers, 1601 Hellerman St. The guest will be Councilman Allan Domb, who is expected to run for mayor next year. ••
