October 25, 2007 Issue
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Classified Chestnut Hill Local Don't Miss an Issue, Tell us what you see or Winner of Two |
Notes from the CHESTNUT HILL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION The annual Chestnut Hill Community Fund Drive is right around the corner. You may not know about all of the wonderful local programs supported each year by the CHCF. This article begins a series of pieces showcasing the various organizations, activities, and praiseworthy volunteers that were supported by the Fund this year. Playing in the Park As you stroll along the Avenue, joyful laughs, voices and squeals of children can be heard daily from the Children’s Park located at J.S. Jenks School. Built 10 years ago in eight days by a team of 2,000 community volunteers, the park draws visitors not only from Chestnut Hill but neighboring communities as well. The Children’s Park is a recess playground for Jenks students, a break between errands on the Avenue, and a place to spark new relationships between neighbors. The accompanying garden includes an outdoor classroom for students to learn about a variety of trees and plantings. Friends of the Children’s Park, a volunteer organization, initially raised over $165,000 to build the park. They help to maintain this vital asset through grants and fundraising each year. Annual maintenance includes repairing equipment, laying mulch, planting trees, repainting fences, maintaining insurance policies, removing trash and replacing sand. These efforts are made possible through the help of volunteers within our community. One volunteer, in particular, deserves an extra round of applause. Jen Caraballo, President of the Board for Friends of the Children’s Park, received her first assignment during construction of the park. Caraballo was given the task of securing food donations for the volunteers. During her 10 years of service, she has performed every volunteer duty including pulling weeds, shoveling mulch, soliciting donors, writing thank you notes, coordinating efforts with the school, picking up trash and inspiring her fellow volunteers. Caraballo’s positive energy and tireless commitment to the playground and the community of Chestnut Hill is contagious. Though her children have grown older, Caraballo continues to dedicate her time and talents to ensure the park remains an asset for other young families and the Chestnut Hill business community. If you are interested in learning more about Friends of the Children’s Park of Chestnut Hill, please contact Paula M. Riley at 215-284-1914. Did you know… “In its early years, any individual could join the Chestnut Hill Community Association by paying dues of two dollars per year, but members did not have any voting privileges.” Source: Suburb In the City, David R. Contosta (1992) An Opportunity to Give… Blankets are needed for the homeless in the City of Philadelphia. Please drop off donations at the Water Tower Recreation Center inside the front door. Blankets will be picked up and delivered to Center City weekly. Hours for drop-off: M-F 1:30pm-9:30pm, Sat. 8am-4pm.
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