Justin DiBerardinis, new executive director of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed, was the guest speaker at last week’s Lawncrest Community Association meeting.
DiBerardinis replaced Julie Slavet, who had led the organization since 2011. He previously had leadership roles at Bartram’s Garden and FDR Park.
DiBerardinis said TTF Watershed works to keep the creeks well maintained and well used to discourage dumping and ATV riding and improve the surrounding neighborhoods.
The organization has four full-time maintenance employees and works to raise money and partner with elected officials to improve accessibility and add amenities such as bathrooms and parking.
TTF Watershed offers organized walk groups, fishing, festivals, children’s educational programs and more.
DiBerardinis said he is open to any suggestions from residents.
For more information, call 215-744-1853, email DiBerardinis at justin@ttfwatershed.org or visit https://ttfwatershed.org/.
In other news from the July 18 meeting:
• Lt. Joe Mortimer, of the 2nd Police District, provided an update on crime.
• Design has been completed and construction begun for Lawncrest Recreation Center, which closed in May. The grounds and fields remain open, for now. The center will reopen in late 2025.
• The AM Radio Trio will perform on Wednesday, July 31, at 7 p.m. in the Philadelphia Protestant Home social hall, 6401 Martins Mill Road.
• State Sen. Tina Tartaglione will hold three upcoming community picnics, all from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The schedule is Thursday, Aug. 1, at Mayfair Recreation Center, 2990 St. Vincent St.; Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Wissinoming Park and Recreation Center, 5773-5945 Frankford Ave.; and Thursday, Aug. 8, at Norris Square Park, 2100 N. Howard St. There will be refreshments, a DJ, back-to-school giveaways, raffle giveaways, games and face painting. Call 215-533-0440.
• The 2nd and 7th police districts will hold a community bike ride on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 5 p.m., beginning outside Fox Chase Elementary School, 500 Rhawn St. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a new bike. National Night Out will follow at 6 p.m.
Sen. Jimmy Dillon has replaced Rep. Kevin Boyle as organizer of the annual National Night Out celebration in the Fox Chase Elementary School yard. There will be a DJ, food and vendors. Call 215-695-1020.
• Lawncrest Community Association will meet on Thursday, Aug. 15, at 6:30 p.m., at Monsignor James Mortimer Memorial Hall, Argyle and Robbins streets. ••
