Holme Circle Civic Association last week listened to remarks by state Sen. Jimmy Dillon and veteran park ranger Monica Hicks.
Dillon described himself as a graduate of Our Lady of Calvary, Holy Ghost Prep and Notre Dame, a ward leader, owner of a basketball academy, father of two teenage girls, caretaker for his 88-year-old mom and basketball coach for the Bustleton Bengals and Our Lady of Calvary.
In office, he has worked to bring money for security cameras placed at hotspots recommended by local police district captains. He added that more money is coming for police retention, equipment, recruitment and training.
Dillon also said a focus has been on bringing money back for schools such as Archbishop Ryan, Father Judge, St. Hubert and Holy Family.
Dillon told the crowd Philadelphia needs a new district attorney. Larry Krasner is up for re-election next year.
In other news from the Sept. 25 meeting:
• Hicks has worked as a park ranger since 1989. There are 25 park rangers, who are part of the city Department of Parks and Recreation.
Hicks said rangers can write tickets and code violations for things such as parking on grass and having dogs off a leash. She said some of the area hotspots are Pleasant Hill Park and the Tacony and Frankford boat launches, adding that many out-of-towners leave trash after visiting parks. In addition, outreach is provided to people living in homeless encampments.
Hicks expects the city to make things safer for rangers after one of them was stabbed on Sept. 1 in Rittenhouse Square. Rangers do not have anything to defend themselves, such as pepper spray.
One man wanted to know why the city is building a playground in the Little City portion of Pennypack Park when he said there are greater needs, such as safety, maintenance, upgrades to existing playgrounds and not enough rangers or police.
The civic association adopted a motion by member Carmen Galone to send a letter to Susan Slawson, commissioner of parks and recreation, asking for an increase in the number of park rangers, safety protections for them and more park maintenance. Mayor Cherelle Parker will be copied on the letter.
Hicks said people can reach her at Monica.Hicks@phila.gov.
• St. Jerome will show Despicable Me 3 on Friday, Oct. 4, at 6:30 p.m. on the parish green, 8100 Colfax St. The movie is free, and guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
• Sen. Jimmy Dillon will hold three upcoming events.
Shredding will take place on Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at George Washington High School. Call 215-695-1020.
Mammograms will be offered on Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. at his office at 12361 Academy Road. Register at 215-214-1682.
Halloween Bingo is set for Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. at Holy Family’s gym, 9801 Frankford Ave. Register at 267-878-3516.
• St. Jerome will hold a festival on Sunday, Oct. 6, from noon to 7 p.m. There will be food trucks, concession tables, a biergarten, cornhole tournaments, a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo, craft/vendor tables, raffle baskets, inflatables, a bake sale, and entertainment by a DJ and Bigg Romeo. Admission is free for adults. Wristbands for children cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Call 215-624-0637, email festival@sjsphila.org or follow St. Jerome Festival on Facebook. ••
