Pattie Gillett last week addressed the Fox Chase Town Watch and Civic Association about Philadelphia250’s efforts.
On April 9, the day after the meeting, a Fox Chase-themed fiberglass replica Liberty Bell was installed at Lions Park as part of the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
In Philadelphia, 22 bells were hand painted by artists affiliated with Mural Arts Philadelphia.
The Fox Chase bell, Heartbeat of the Fox, was designed by Sean Martorana. It includes a fox, deer and duck in a playful “Chase” around the bell, along with images of Ryerss Museum arches and other neighborhood architecture, trees, waterways and Lenape.
Other local bells will be placed on Frankford Avenue in Mayfair and at Glen Foerd in East Torresdale.
Fox Chase is also getting a beautification on Oxford Avenue, from the 7600 to 8000 blocks. There will be new planters, pole banners, street trees and benches.
Somerton is also getting a similar beautification at Bustleton Avenue and Byberry Road.
Gillett said volunteer “phambassadors” are needed. Go to https://phambassador.com/
While everyone seemed happy at the local celebrations of the semiquincentennial, one woman said all of the money would be better used to spruce up parks.
In other news from the April 8 meeting:
• The group heard from Ned Bloom and Owen Pendergast, of the American Red Cross. They explained that the Red Cross assists people in a variety of ways, largely by offering shelter after house fires. The agency also provides school education, installs free smoke alarms and helps people affected by wildfires, floods and hurricanes. The Red Cross operates the Northeast Philadelphia Blood Donation Center, 1401 Rhawn St., which is open Monday-Wednesday, 11:45 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday from 10:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Friday-Sunday, 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Red Cross is seeking volunteers for its disaster action teams. Call/text 267-634-3766 or email [email protected]
• Crime updates were provided by Lt. Justin Morris, of the 2nd Police District, and Al Fiorentino, community relations officer in the 7th Police District. Morris, describing Wawa as “hands off” when it comes to retail theft, said the 2nd district assigns officers to routinely visit the convenience stores, as manpower permits.
• State Rep. Sean Dougherty, who was at the meeting, will hold a Mobile Mammography Screening event on Thursday, May 7, at 9 a.m. at his office at 7801 Hasbrook Ave. The mammograms are for people 40 and over who are due for an annual screening, have a prescription from their doctor, have no breast problems or implants and are not pregnant or breast feeding. To schedule an appointment, email [email protected] and include your name, date of birth and phone number.
• Town Watch president Steve Phillips said he has reported the Mister Softee truck that parks outside Champions Park Playground, with the vehicle sticking out on Verree Road. Phillips noted a law that prohibits ice cream trucks from playing music when they are parked and serving customers.
• The group held a moment of silence in memory of Doc Quinlan, an Army veteran and retired chiropractor who died on March 15 at age 92. Quinlan was scheduled to be the Republican challenger to Dougherty. Two days after he died, a voter named Lisa Wade filed a challenge to Quinlan’s nomination petitions. The basis of the challenge was that Quinlan did not sign his Statement of Financial Interests. A Commonwealth Court judge removed Quinlan from the ballot, and Republicans will likely have to run a write-in campaign in the primary to have a candidate for the general election. Quinlan, a longtime commander at American Legion Loudenslager Post 366, will be laid to rest April 15 at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.
• Kate Friend, president of the civic association, provided an update on two properties. An apartment complex recently built at 451 Rhawn St. is looking to add more units, not commercial space, on the ground floor. At 448 Rhawn St., a much bigger apartment complex is under construction. Neighbors have opposed both buildings due to a lack of parking and the busy intersection.
• Friends of Fox Chase Cancer Center will hold a cash bingo on Saturday, April 25, in the St. Cecilia School gym, 525 Rhawn St. Doors open at 6 p.m. Games start at 7. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. There will be 10 games, raffles and a 50-50. The event is for people 21 and older and is BYOB and snacks. Go to donate.foxchase.org/cashbingo
• Fox Chase Town Watch and Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m. at Loudenslager Post 366, 7976 Oxford Ave. ••
