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Art, Culture, History

  • August 16, 2023

Germantown Second Saturday Festival is Saturday, May 14, 2016, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Facebook-Cover-Photo-Germantown-Festival

MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2016

Historic Germantown and Germantown United CDC present
Germantown Second Saturday Festival, Saturday, May 14
Eat. Shop. Play. Learn. Experience Germantown!

WHAT: Germantown Second Saturday Festival, presented by Historic Germantown and Germantown United Community Development Corporation. Featuring: A pop-up dance performance by BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet; Art & Craft Marketplace; Live Music; Food Trucks; Historic Re-enactors; Family Friendly Programs; Free Bus Tours to Historic Germantown Sites; and more.

WHEN: Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: Market Square Park (5501 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19144); Germantown Avenue between School House Lane and Coulter Street

Germantown, Philadelphia, PA – The Germantown Second Saturday Festival will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Northwest Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood. The festival will take place along a one-block stretch of Germantown Avenue, between School House Lane and Coulter Street, and surround Market Square Park (5501 Germantown Avenue). Rain or shine.

The community festival, presented by Historic Germantown and Germantown United Community Development Corporation, invites the public to experience Germantown. The festival will celebrate the kick-off the Second Saturday series–when all 16 Historic Germantown sites are open monthly–and showcase the many thriving cultural, civic and business attractions and activities that make Germantown an exciting place to live and visit.

BalletX LogoThroughout the day, musicians, poets, and creative performing artists will take to the main stage on Germantown Avenue. BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, will present a 45-minute pop-up dance performance from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., thanks to generous support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. BalletX unites distinguished choreographers with an outstanding company of world-class dancers to forge new works of athleticism, emotion, and grace.

Musical talent includes popular local artists: Amari Rebel, Bethleham and Sad Patrick, Clef Club Youth Jazz Ensemble, Jim Dragoni, and many others. Germantown resident Yolanda Wisher, the City of Philadelphia’s Poet Laureate, will host the festivities.

Visitors will learn about Historic Germantown’s 16 extraordinary historic houses, destinations, and museums at the festival, including Awbury Arboretum, Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion, Grumblethrope, and Wyck. The adventurous can board free bus tours to Historic Germantown sites, located throughout Germantown, departing from the Festival’s main area (register for bus tours in advance at freedomsbackyard.com). Throughout the day, historic reenactors will share neighborhood history.

Pictured: Market Square Park

Over 30 vendors will participate in the Art & Craft Marketplace, coordinated by Germantown United CDC. Local Germantown eateries and visiting food trucks including The Lunchbox, a specialty peanut butter and jelly food cart, will be on-site. Attendees can also get to know many of Germantown’s civic and community organizations, including Episcopal Youth Mission, Friends of Vernon Park, Germantown Artists Roundtable, and Germantown Life Enrichment Center. Alongside Germantown United CDC, city planners from the Philadelphia City Planning Commission will share development plans for key Germantown sites.

The Germantown Second Saturday Festival is a new venture, and combines Germantown United CDC’s Re-imagining Maplewood Mall Festival and Historic Germantown’s Second Saturday Season Opener. In an effort to bring renewed attention and interest to a little-used neighborhood park and public space and more broadly promote the Second Saturday series, Germantown United CDC relocated their annual spring festival to Market Square Park and joined forces with Historic Germantown.

Schedule of Live Music & Performances

Performance start times are approximate.

12:00 p.m. Festival Start Time
12:00 p.m. Welcome and Kick-off from Yolanda Wisher, City of Philadelphia’s Poet Laureate
12:10 p.m. Settlement Music School Adult Jazz Band
12:30 p.m. Wissahickon Dance Academy (modern and jazz)
1:00 p.m. BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet
1:45 p.m. Irma Gartner as “Dinah” (historical reenactor)
2:00 p.m. Bethlehem and Sad Patrick (singer/guitarist)
2:12 p.m. Adam Monoco (singer/mandolin)
2:25 p.m. Clef Club Youth Jazz Ensemble
2:43 p.m. Lillian Hightower (vocalist)
2:55 p.m. Yolanda Wisher and the Culture Keepers (poetry)
3:05 p.m. Wissahickon Dance Academy (tap and hiphop)
3:15 p.m. Jim Dragoni (musician)
3:30 p.m. Karen Smith (drummer)
3:50 p.m. Dominique London (poetry/vocalist)
4:05 p.m. Amari Rebel (singer/drummer – band)
4:20 p.m. Ashley Phillips (vocalist)
4:40 p.m. prod (drummers/band)
4:55 p.m. Yolanda Wisher (poet)
5:00 p.m. Festival End Time

GUCDC-HG-Second-Saturday-Festival-Flyer(sm)

Public Transit & Parking

The festival is accessible by SEPTA. Bus Routes: 23 Bus, XH Bus; Chestnut Hill East Regional Rail: Germantown Station (150 E Chelten Ave). Visit septa.org for schedules.

Street parking is available beyond the festival grounds. The 5400 block of Germantown Ave and the unit block of E Church Ln will be closed to all traffic from 7 a.m.  – 7 p.m. for the Festival.

Free off-street parking is available thanks to our generous community partners. Parking lots are located at:

Citizens Bank Lot
5500 Germantown Ave (enter lot from W Schoolhouse Ln)

Wells Fargo Lot
5500 Germantown Ave (enter lot from W Schoolhouse Ln)

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church & Germantown Friends School Lot
SE Corner of 5300 block of Germantown Ave & E Coulter St (enter lot from Germantown Ave or E Coulter St)

About

Historic Germantown
Historic Germantown is a partnership organization serving historic sites in Philadelphia’s Old German Township that works collaboratively to preserve its extraordinary historic assets, increase access, interpret them to the public and raise their visibility. Learn more at freedomsbackyard.com.

Germantown United CDC
The mission of Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of the business corridors in the Germantown neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development. Learn more at http://germantownunitedcdc.org.

BalletX
BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet, unites distinguished choreographers with an outstanding company of world-class dancers to forge new works of athleticism, emotion, and grace. Founded in 2005 by Christine Cox and Matthew Neenan, and now under the direction of Cox as Artistic & Executive Director, BalletX challenges the boundaries of classical ballet by encouraging formal experimentation while preserving rigorous technique. The company is committed to producing new works of the highest quality and integrity that bring the combined visions of choreographers and dancers to life and cultivate in audiences a collective appetite for bold, new dance.

With generous support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, in its 10th Anniversary 2015-16 Season BalletX presents a series of 10 free pop-up performances around the Philadelphia community. Visit www.BalletX.org to find out where the company will be next!

Press Contacts

Emaleigh Doley
Commercial Corridor Manager
Germantown United CDC
610-331-3758 (mobile)
215-856-4303
[email protected]  

Trapeta Mayson
Executive Director
Historic Germantown
215-844-1683, Ext. 101
[email protected]

# # #

  • August 16, 2023

Vending Opportunities at the Germantown Second Saturday Festival, Saturday, May 14

Germantown United CDC (GUCDC) is seeking art and craft vendors to participate in the Art & Craft Marketplace at the Germantown Second Saturday Festival, presented by GUCDC and Historic Germantown.

The Festival will be held at Market Square Park, located at 5501 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144 on Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine.

We have two available vendor spaces:
  • $30 for (1) 6 foot x 6 foot space
    includes (1) 6ft table provided as part of vendor price
  • $55 for (1) 12 foot x 12 foot space
    includes (2) 6ft tables provided as part of vendor price

Tents (bring your own) are available for use in the 12ft x 12ft space only.

Please consider signing up to vend, sharing this information with your creative and entrepreneurial friends, and attending! 

For additional questions about vending at the Germantown Second Saturday Festival, or to submit a completed application contact [email protected].

Vendor Application & Agreement 

Follow the instructions below to complete your application.
  1. Download the Vendor Application & Agreement as a PDF file or Word document
    https://drive.google.com/a/germantownunitedcdc.org/folderview?id=0B3OZzcTGvhQ4RWNRRnVYczYwZjg&usp=sharing 
  2. Fill out/print page 6 of the Application, or submit Part 1 online today right here (it’s quick): http://goo.gl/forms/a8IthSaLdd
  3. Submit payment (see below for online payment options; see the application for Money Order or Cash payments)
  4. Sign the Memorandum of Agreement (page 7)
  5. Return pages 6 & 7 of the Application to GUCDC by May 1, 2016
Your completed application, signed Memorandum of Agreement, and vending fee must be received by May 1st, 2016 in order to vend at this event. Advance registration and payment is required.

More detailed information about vending at the Festival is provided in the full Vendor Application & Agreement. Additional instructions on vendor load-in, setup, and breakdown will be provided after you have submitted your Application.

Make Your Payment Online:


Space Options



Anticipated Attendance:

Germantown United CDC’s Reimagining Maplewood Mall Festival in 2015 attracted 1,000 guests; because we have ramped up programming and partnered with Historic Germantown this year, we anticipate the same or more participation this year. View the Facebook event listing here. As of 4/10,  1.7K have expressed interest in the event on Facebook alone with nearly 500 already confirming attendance.

Where is Market Square Park?

  • August 16, 2023

Eco-friendly innovators tell Germantown forum attendees how easy it is to be green

May 10, 2013

By Alaina Mabaso for NewsWorks, @AlainaMabaso

A diverse panel of local innovators shared details of their eco-friendly urban projects at Germantown United Community Development Corp.’s second annual community forum on Wednesday night.

The “It IS Easy Being Green” event drew a large crowd to the Flying Horse Center on Pulaski Street near Chelten Ave. in Germantown.

Before the panel discussion, attendees perused a “trade show” of tables from groups including Awbury Arboretum, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, the John B. Kelly School’s “Kelly Green” grounds initiative, the Philadelphia Streets Department and the Sustainable Business Network.

Molly Finch, an educator with the Tookany-Tacony-Frankford Watershed, passed out small packets of sunflower seeds and suggested “guerrilla planting” for those without their own gardens.

“Stuff like this,” she said of the forum, “should be happening more often.”

The keynote address

GUCDC Board President Andy Trackman introduced moderator and keynote speaker Robert Fleming, associate professor of sustainable design at Philadelphia University.

Fleming, who co-founded the university’s Engineering and Design Institute and its sustainable-design Master’s degree program, led his remarks with childhood memories of Maplewood Mall and Mt. Airy.

Fleming, who also works as an LEED-accredited consultant to firms designing green buildings, showcased real-life statements he encountered from business owners in the nineties.

Vignettes included statements like “the Internet is too slow; it’ll never catch on,” and firms that insisted they didn’t need e-mail or websites because they had telephones and fax machines.

He compared those to naysayers claiming that “green” buildings will never catch on.

Greening strategies

Fleming then referenced a series of events that have left people with a fearful eye for the future, environmental or otherwise. Those included Hurricane Katrina, the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, the BP oil spill, the Fukushima nuclear disaster and Hurricane Sandy.

Fleming said those pressing problems leave him wanting “a more holistic view of what sustainability can be,” noting that AbrahamMaslow’s hierarchy of needs should be a model for viable greening efforts.

Specifically, he said that clean air, water and good food should underlie diverse and inclusive communities with strong economies. To top it all off, “green” efforts must be artfully crafted, to satisfy a human need for beauty, Fleming maintained.

Panelists speak

Seven panelists then shared a range of projects with the crowd.

Christine Knapp, director of strategic partnerships at the Philadelphia Water Department, spoke about the problem of urban storm-water management.

She explained the difference between “combined” sewer systems (comprising 60 percent of Philadelphia’s sewers) which cause dangerous overflow when sewage and stormwaters mingle, and “separate” ones, which help prevent flooding by giving sewage and storm-water different underground pathways.

Knapp touted solutions like rain barrels, rain gardens, roof plantings, porous pavement and increasing the number of trees planted in the city as efforts that would beautify as well as tackle sewer woes.

Obesity and re-entry

Representing the Food Trust, Dwayne Wharton pointed to a small drop in the obesity rates of city youth.

That reduction followed a range of healthy food-access initiatives like eliminating soda drinks and fryers in school cafeterias and a proliferation of city farmers’ markets that accept SNAP benefits.

The purpose of those moves was to “make the healthy choice the easy choice,” Wharton said.

Kelly Maillie, an AmeriCorps intern with the Philadelphia Horticultural Society, described a program called “Roots to Re-Entry” which trains Philadelphia Prison System inmates in food growing and landscape management.

The program, which also helps with former inmates’ job placement, was sparked by PHS’ City Harvest and currently helps to feed about 1,200 needy families per week.

Rockland Street, graffiti and storefronts

From there, Germantown sisters Aine and Emaleigh Doley spoke about their “West Rockland Street Project” which, without the help of any official structure or umbrella supporter, has revitalized a block of Southwest Germantown.

The neighborhood activists spoke about their successful efforts to remove blighted buildings, reduce dumping, build gardens, foster community engagement and even increase voter registration through a string of targeted events and initiatives.

Germantown artist and muralist Zack Bird shared his efforts to cover rampant graffiti on the Wissahickon’s stately stonework.

His before-and-after photos demonstrated that a sealed faux-finish, done with discarded house paints, can restore the appearance of stone without the costly and damaging removal work of sand-blasting.

Vivian Nabeta, who serves as New Haven, Ct. director of arts, culture and tourism, shared that city’s successful “Project Storefront” program, which livens up corridors by helping artists and entrepreneurs get into formerly vacant retail spaces.

 

Panelists at GUCDC’s “It IS Easy Being Green” forum spoke in Germantown about eco-friendly accomplishments. (Alaina Mabaso/for NewsWorks)

 

http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/54596-eco-friendly-innovators-tell-germantown-forum-attendees-how-easy-it-is-to-be-green?linktype=hp_topstorylist

  • August 16, 2023

GUCDC’s Storefront Activation Program: Pairing Local Artists and Makers with Germantown Businesses

Call for proposals!

We’re looking for low-cost, high impact projects. 

Download the program information below as a PDF file >>

We’re currently accepting proposals for Germantown United CDC’s (GU) Storefront Activation Program – a low-cost, high impact initiative that pairs local artists and makers with neighborhood businesses and property owners to upgrade storefront window displays, and interior spaces visible from the street. The grant program aims to enliven the street for pedestrians, attract more customers to existing businesses, market available commercial properties, and promote Germantown to prospective businesses. If you’re a business and want your storefront redone, or if you’re a maker and have an idea for a project, get in touch with Emaleigh Doley at [email protected].

Examples of Creative Storefronts

sunkissed

clothing store

hardware bearwithus

Above: Inspiration for the Storefront Activation Program. Below: Looking out from inside The Sugar Bowl at 6104 Germantown Ave. The Sugar Bowl is participating in the Storefront Activation Program! Do you have an idea for how to remake their window display? Get in touch today!

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Program Description

Storefront Activation Program
Pairing Local Artists and Makers with Germantown Businesses

Download the program information below as a PDF file >>

Germantown United CDC’s (GU) Storefront Activation Program (SAP) is a low-cost, high impact initiative that pairs local artists and makers with neighborhood businesses and property owners to upgrade storefront window displays, and interior spaces visible from the street.
The SAP supports GU’s efforts to revitalize Germantown’s business corridors by strengthening current businesses, activating street-level storefronts, and improving the overall appearance of the corridor by adding a visual richness to the walkway. The grant program also aims to enliven the street for pedestrians, attract more customers to existing businesses, market available commercial properties, and promote Germantown to prospective businesses.

The Storefront Activation Program will:

  1. Activate 5 or more storefronts (occupied or vacant) located on Germantown Avenue, Chelten Avenue, or Maplewood Mall using temporary or long-term window displays, or interior displays visible from the street, created by Germantown artists
  2. Provide Germantown artists with an employment opportunity
  3. Help business owners of occupied buildings better market their businesses; and help the property owners of vacant commercial buildings market vacant spaces to prospective tenants

What we are looking for:

  1. Eye-catching, creative displays in storefront windows (temporary or permanent)
  2. Displays that generate awareness and draw from the products/services offered by the business, helping to market the business in a unique way; displays can also be seasonal or holiday-themed; Germantown or neighborhood history-related subjects can also be explored
  3. Collaboration with the business/property owner in the creative process; the artist/maker may also work with other artists, students, and community members
  4. Projects that can be implemented quickly and make an immediate impact; the installation timeframe should be short and no more than 10 days

Participating artists and makers will provide:

  1. Design renderings and/or a written summary of the project
  2. Estimated project budget, including stipend and materials
  3. Labor for installation and de-installation (if temporary)

Germantown United CDC will provide:

  1. Financing for the project including full cost of supplies
  2. Artist stipends, based on the agreed-upon budget for each individual project
  3. Serve as an intermediary between artists and business/property owners
  4. Promote the program and completed projects via GU’s website and social media networks, and select press outreach

Project budgets may range from $250 to $2,500.

Projects that re-use and re-purpose materials, and include in-kind donations of supplies and materials are highly encouraged; Germantown United CDC can assist with outreach to potential partners.

The duration of the displays will be determined in part by the each participating business or property owner.

Got questions?

Contact GU’s SAP Project Lead:
Emaleigh Doley, Commercial Corridor Manager

Germantown United CDC
5219 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Email: [email protected]
Office: 215-856-4303
www.germantownunitedcdc.org

PNC-logo

This grant is supported by PNC Charitable Trusts, which manages the Rowell Family Foundation.

  • August 16, 2023

First Look at New Neighborhood Website for Germantown

GermantownUnited-PunkAve-homepage-draft for publicGermantown United CDC is excited to share the design drafts for the long-awaited online business directory and neighborhood website for Germantown, launching in early 2016.

GUCDC received a grant from the Philadelphia Commerce Department to develop the website, which will promote the revitalization of Germantown’s business corridors by formally connecting businesses throughout the corridor and raising awareness and support in the community.

The new website will feature:

  • Business Directory will promote Germantown as a great place to shop and visit, and encourage future investment and revitalization of the commercial corridor; local businesses will have the opportunity to customize their listings!
  • Suggested Itineraries will guide residents and visitors to points of interest in the neighborhood and highlight nearby shops and places to eat within walking distance from these sites.
  • Events Calendar will provide a calendar feature for posting of community events and meetings.
  • Resources for Residents & Businesses will include information specific to businesses, and address the needs of community residents.
  • Maps will highlight destinations that may not be well-known currently in Germantown.
Participants at GU's website workshop helped to guide the look and feel of the site.
Participants at GU’s website workshop helped to guide the look and feel of the site.

The Philadelphia-based website development company P’unk Avenue was selected as the firm to assist in building the website.

As part of the research process, the development team toured Germantown, and interviewed residents, the owners of local businesses, and other stakeholders about amenities, attractions, and businesses in our community, and the potential needs of both residents and tourists when it comes to accessing information online. We also held a small workshop with prospective site users at the Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust.

In the coming months, we’ll be working with Germantown businesses and attractions to get them listed in the business directory. If you have questions, or would like your business listed on Germantown’s new website, contact us.

Design Mockups of This Is Germantown

Please note, this is not the final design of the website. The text and photography included in these mockups may not appear on the final website; the images/text were used to help inform the design process and are placeholders for final images and text. We are looking forward to working with local photographers to source photos for the website and businesses & organizations to create original copy that is reflective of each individual business or organization.

(click to enlarge images or view in a separate window)

draft of the homepage

GermantownUnited-PunkAve-homepage-draft for public

an example of how featured events & neighborhood news will be highlighted

GermantownUnited-PunkAve-events-draft fo public

draft of the business directory section

GermantownUnited-PunkAve-draft for public

an example of how neighborhood itineraries will be featured – community members will have the opportunity to suggest an itinerary!GermantownUnited-PunkAve-itineraries-draft for public

  • August 16, 2023

Three questions with Karen Singer, Germantown business owner and tile maker

Karen-Singer-1Longtime Germantown business owner and artist Karen Singer is building on her series of tiles picturing iconic Germantown buildings.

This year’s collectible tile features the historic YWCA building. Germantown United CDC commissioned Singer to create a custom tile as a thank you gift for donors to We Are Germantown, the organization’s annual fundraising campaign (read about the campaign and become a contributor). The first tile in the series featured the Germantown Town Hall. All of the tiles were made at her studio, Karen Singer Tileworks, which is located at 90 E. Church Lane (at the corner of Church and Lena Streets).

We asked Singer three questions about her business and the tile-making process.

What attracted you to the historic YWCA building, which is the focus of your tile this year?

Karen Singer: My plan with the GUCDC Development Committee has been to highlight a Germantown building that has been prominent this year. Thus, last year, we did the Germantown Town Hall, and this year the YWCA. The idea is to continue the series to form a set of collector’s items.

Karen-Singer-YWCA-Draft1

What kinds of tile making techniques are you using to render the facade in clay form?

KS: I am sculpting the original tile in low relief – a combination of building up the surface and pressing into the surface. We then made a plaster mold. We pressed a series of terra cotta tiles off the mold and bisque fired them. I will be sending photos of the bisqued tiles by separate email. We then glazed them with a white glaze, which was painted into the lines and crevices, and then sponged off, to give the tile a stronger contrast, and to mimic the look of mortar between bricks.

How long have you been working in Germantown and where can people see and buy your work?

KS: I started my business in Germantown in 1991, and will be celebrating 25 years in business in 2016. We are a very small staff – only 3 of us at present. Our primary clientele are non-profit organizations. We specialize in large scale ceramic murals designed to create a portrait of each client organization’s mission. We also do custom awards, gifts and naming plaques. We are a great resource for people looking for something that you can’t find commercially made.

The studio is located at 90 E. Church Lane (at the corner of Church and Lena Streets) in a building that has many other artists’ studios. We have tiles available for sale in the studio, which is open by chance or by appointment (best option is to call us at 215-849-7010 before coming by). We tend to be here during normal business hours, 9–5 M-F. In addition, I have a limited amount of work for sale at the Mt. Airy Art Garage.

We also offer tile workshops and parties, either at the studio or at another location. We do these as team-building workshops, birthday parties, girls’ night out events, etc. I particularly love working with people who are convinced they “cannot” make art. I love helping them discover that they can, and that it can be really enjoyable.

Visit karensinger.com to learn more. 

The historic YWCA building at 5820-24 Germantown Avenue. Photo taken on December 9, 2015 by Emaleigh Doley. Stabilization and weatherization work is currently underway at the site to prevent the building from any further structural deterioration. This work will also help to make the property more marketable, and aid in stabilizing the commercial corridor. The Redevelopment Authority is expected to reissue the Request for Proposals for redevelopment of the building.

Above: The historic YWCA building at 5820-24 Germantown Avenue. Photo taken on December 9, 2015 by Emaleigh Doley. Stabilization and weatherization work is currently underway at the site to prevent the building from any further structural deterioration. This work will also help to make the property more marketable, and aid in stabilizing the commercial corridor. The Redevelopment Authority is expected to reissue a Request for Proposals for redevelopment of the building.

Karen-Singer-PC113775

Above: The YWCA tile at bisque stage.

view more images – click to enlarge

  • August 16, 2023

Seven Grassroots Community Improvement Projects Awarded “Fund for Germantown” Micro-grants by Germantown United CDC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Germantown, Philadelphia, PA (October 1, 2015): Germantown United CDC is proud to announce the next round of grantees for the Fund for Germantown, the organization’s micro-grant program supporting community-driven beautification projects in Northwest Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood.

Since the program launched, 17 micro-grants have been awarded, with funds supporting a wide range of projects from greening to murals, neighborhood bulletin boards, cleanups and other community-building activities.

Through generous seed-funding by local real estate developers Howard Treatman and Ken Weinstein, Germantown United CDC distributes small grants ranging from $100 to $1000 to local organizations, civic associations, businesses, and individuals seeking to beautify the Germantown neighborhood. The grant program is part of Germantown United CDC’s ongoing efforts to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown’s business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development.

The focus of the Fund for Germantown is to support projects that will have an immediate physical impact on the neighborhood. The fund provides grants for physical improvements across Germantown including, but not limited to, landscaping, signage, painting, reclaiming empty lots, and waste removal.

In October, the Germantown Artists Roundtable celebrated the installation of a new arts-focused community message board at the Chelten Avenue SEPTA station, located on Chelten Ave between Pulaski Ave and Morris St. The thematic board, created by the Artists Roundtable, is a Fund for Germantown project, supported by Germantown United CDC. Pictured: Emaleigh Doley, Commercial Corridor Manager, Germantown United CDC, and Paula Paul, Germantown Artists Roundtable.
In October, the Germantown Artists Roundtable celebrated the installation of a new arts-focused community message board at the Chelten Avenue SEPTA station, located on Chelten Ave between Pulaski Ave and Morris St. The thematic board, created by the Artists Roundtable, is a Fund for Germantown project, supported by Germantown United CDC. Pictured: Emaleigh Doley, Commercial Corridor Manager, Germantown United CDC, and Paula Paul, Germantown Artists Roundtable.

The latest Fund for Germantown winning projects ideas are:

  • Artist and photographer Tieshka Smith will launch the Peaceful Places public signage project in Germantown’s storied Penn-Knox neighborhood, next to the Central Germantown business corridor
  • Fitler Academics Plus, a public elementary school in Germantown serving students in grades one through eight located at 140 W Seymour St (at Knox St) will paint ground murals and organized games in the school’s playground
  • West Central Germantown Neighbors civic association will enhance their community orchard and garden project at the Tulpehocken Train Station, a SEPTA Regional Rail station at 333 W Tulpehocken St (off Walnut Ln and Wayne Ave)
  • Support to sustain the ongoing streetscape beautification efforts of Men Who Care of Germantown around their headquarters at 180 East Tulpehocken St (at Morton St)
  • The Imperfect Gallery will install an interactive sidewalk mural outside of the gallery and community space at 5601 Greene St, adjacent to the Maplewood Mall pedestrian plaza and shopping corridor
  • Freedom Gardens, a project by Germantown resident Susan Guggenheim, will connect local gardeners who would like to share their crop free of charge with Germantown residents looking to improve their diets with home-grown produce; Freedom Gardens will be identified by lawn signs and online via Google Maps
  • Support to sustain Chew-Belfield Neighbors Club’s ongoing cleaning and beautification projects in East Germantown

“We are excited to support these small projects that have a big impact”, says funder Ken Weinstein. “These kinds of initiatives are exactly what we had in mind when we envisioned the Fund for Germantown”, said Howard Treatman. “It’s been great to see how Germantown United has been able to empower the community and leverage grassroots efforts.”

This is the third round of giving for the Fund for Germantown, which launched in the summer of 2014 and features two grant cycles per calendar year. The deadline for the next Fund for Germantown grant cycle is December 31, 2015. Funding guidelines may be found on Germantown United’s website at www.germantownunitedcdc.org. To request an application, email [email protected].

ABOUT

Germantown United Community Development Corporation is a 501(c)3 organization that was created to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown’s business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven  approach to economic development. Founded in 2011, Germantown United CDC’s focus is to work with residents, businesses and community organizations to create an inspirational vision of Germantown’s business corridors and surrounding neighborhoods, create innovative case studies and sustainable business models to attract green-oriented developers, and recruit forward-thinking investors committed to fostering sustainable economic growth and development for all Germantown residents.

  • August 16, 2023

Re-imagining Maplewood Mall Festival, a “Germantown Renaissance” is Saturday, May 30th

Germantown, Philadelphia, PA (May 13, 2015) The 3rd annual spring Re-imagine Maplewood Mall Festival will take place on Maplewood Mall (between Germantown Avenue and Greene Streets) on Saturday, May 30th (rain date June 6th), from 12pm to 5:00pm. This free event will offer live music, fo
od from restaurants in and around the Mall (Flower Café, K&J Caribbean, and Little Jimmies), locally made arts and crafts vendors, and entertainment for children. This year’s festival features a solid musical lineup, with a special performance by Kùlú Mèlé African Dance and Drum Ensemble, one of the City’s oldest and most well-regarded dance companies.

Building on the immense successes of the last three Re-imagining Maplewood Mall Festivals, Germantown United CDC is working with community stakeholders and local businesses to host this year’s Festival.  Last year’s event drew hundreds of local residents, showcasing local talent and providing free family-friendly activities. The year’s event theme, “Germantown Renaissance”, is an opportunity to re-imagine Germantown, and Maplewood Mall, as an epicenter for creativity, music, food, literature, poetry and art.

“We want to not only showcase the brilliance of our own community”, said Germantown United CDC Executive Director Andy Trackman, “but demonstrate to Philadelphia that Germantown is a gathering place for the cutting edge in art and culture.”

In addition to Kulu Mele, the musical lineup also includes:

Jim Dragoni, a composer, guitarist and teacher with performance areas in blues, jazz and his own fiery original brand of hybridized cross genre art-music.

Bethlehem and Sad Patrick a vocal and guitar duo who specialize in songs of love, love lost, and love that would be better off lost. The duo recently released their first full-length CD, Did You  Ever Do?

Live from NYC DreamWolf viaawQward talent – Jendog Lonewolf & Yalini Dream joined  forces in 2011 to commemorate lives lost to police brutality. Rooted in ending the full     continuum of violence and exploitation from the intimate to the global, from the street to the  state, DreamWolf invokes a masterful collision of Hip Hop, poetry, theater & dance in their  collaborative work, Above Street Level.

Rhenda Fearrington a Philadelphia jazz legend. She delivers an authentic and warm presentation of Jazz standards mixed with Soulful originals. This well established jazz vocalist has a history of working with artists such as Roberta Flack and MTUME and kicked off the 2014 Center City Jazz Festival.

Yolanda Wisher & The Quick Fixx the group features Germantown born and Philadelphia- based poet, singer, musician, and educator Yolanda Wisher

The Re-imagining Maplewood Mall Festivals started in 2013 as an open-air café/block party,  and to engage with residents to re‐imagine what the Maplewood Mall could be: a space for families and neighbors to enjoy a nice afternoon out in Germantown. Since then, the event has grown to become an annual much-anticipated community festival.

“These festivals are an opportunity to bring the entire Germantown community together and support our locally based economy while helping to create the vibrancy that once used to exist in Germantown’s commercial district”, said Germantown United CDC Board President Garlen Capita. “Since the festivals started we have had a number of people recall their fond memories of shopping in Maplewood Mall. It is our hope that we can again make our corridors vibrant community spaces. ”

“Re-imagining Maplewood Mall is a labor of love and a chance for the community to show up and show out for each other. It is a true display of Germantown at its best and a reflection of how much this community cares”, said Event Coordinator Amelia Carter.

“The festival embodies our hopes and dreams for Maplewood Mall so get ready for a great day of fun and good food”, said Linda Samuel, owner of the Flower Café at Linda’s. “Our famous veggie burgers are just one of the many reasons to make it to the Re-imagining Maplewood Mall festival!”

Support for the event comes in part from this year’s sponsors: Philly Office Retail, Harvest Equities, Post Brothers Apartments, Loretta Witt at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS, Elfant Wissahickon Realtors, Jeff King, The King Agency Inc., Allstate Insurance Co., and Germantown Friends School.

For more information about the Re-imagining Maplewood Mall Festival, and vending table registration please contact [email protected] or 215-856-4303.

Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) is a three year-old community development corporation that is rapidly gaining momentum and building trust in the Germantown community over its short life. GUCDC’s mission is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown’s business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development. With the help of a new full-time Corridor Manager and host of volunteers, GUCDC is working to promote local businesses via an online business directory through a grant from the City’s Commerce Department; hosting bi-monthly Business Info Sessions to connect existing businesses to resources; cross promoting the businesses with the 16 designated historic sites in Germantown by partnering with Historic Germantown to promote their Second Saturday program; launching a Storefront Activation program and Street Tree planting program with a number of local partners.

Founded in 2011, Germantown United CDC’s focus is to work with residents, businesses and community organizations to create an inspirational vision of Germantown’s Business Corridors and surrounding neighborhoods, create innovative case studies and sustainable business models to attract green-oriented developers, and recruit forward-thinking investors to Germantown committed to fostering sustainable economic growth and development.  www.germantownunitedcdc.org.

  • August 16, 2023

We are Germantown: We are Creative


Creativity is part of Germantown United’s mission. Over 1000 artists live and/or work in Germantown. Their cultural contribution to the community is widely known, but their economic contribution as independent businesses and entrepreneurs is equally important. Through programs like Stone Soup Saturdays, the Fund for Germantown and our new Storefront Activation Program, Germantown United gives Germantown artists the opportunity to work in the neighborhood.        Photo of Susan by Gary Reed

  • August 16, 2023

Stone Soup

STONE SOUP; a cross cultural folk tale about collaboration In the story, villagers learn that when everyone contributes just a little of what they have, a greater good is achieved for all.

Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) presents STONE SOUP SATURDAYS, a resident-driven series of beautification projects to be completed in 2014. GUCDC will award grants to Germantown artists, gardeners and creative citizens for the implementation of projects designed to beautify and enliven a handful of key locations. This program was made possible by a grant from the Samuel Fels Fund; grants of up to $1500 will be awarded. Priority will be given to projects that have the potential to foster community ownershipSTONE_SOUP_LOGO and build a framework for future enhancements to take place at the project sites. The beautification project locations identified by GUCDC are:

• Unit block of West Rockland Street-vacant lot
• Unit block of West Haines Street (garden space on south side of Germantown Town Hall)
• The wall at the southwest corner of Chelten and Greene (Bus stop at Greene and Chelten, traveling southbound)
• 5722 Greene Street (parking lot entryway of the Germantown Life Enrichment Center)

GUCDC is looking for ideas with the potential to do the following:
• Create a catalyst for future beautification and development in the neighborhood
• Foster community ownership of public spaces and increase community pride
• Attract new businesses to move into vacancies
• Attract more shoppers to the area as to increase business revenue on the Avenue

Deadline for submission is June 7 2014. To request an application, or for questions, please contact GUCDC directly at [email protected]

Winning designs will be on display at GUCDC’s table at the Juneteenth Festival on Saturday, June 21, 2014.