The Fairhill Times

8
T welve long years after her daughter was murdered, Liza- suain DeJesus of Hunt- ing Park is still without answers. She visited Iriana DeJesus’s grave at Greenmount Cemetery just days after what would have been her daughter’s 17th birth- day. It brought back horrifying memories of the day her daughter went missing. She said she still does not have closure of the kidnapping and murder of her 5-year-old child in 2000. The balloons tied around Iriana’s heart-shaped grave were just a few of those that C.J. Waddy, Iriana’s former preschool teacher at East Frankford Day Care, brought to her birthday party this year to release into the sky in her remembrance. Waddy also brought his recently published book. VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 WWW.FAIRHILLTIMES.COM Fire Department Battalion Chief Motivates Latinos B attalion Chief Joaquin Colon is not the average employee at the Philadelphia Fire Depart- ment. But it’s not just because of his high rank. Colon is the only Latino in the city to ever achieve the ranking of battalion chief. The 55-year- old Colon was promoted to the position last year after serving for 29 years in the department. He is now at Engine 50 on Park Avenue and West Cambria Street in North Philadelphia. “My parents raised me not to settle for mediocrity,” Colon said. “If you can do better, do better.” Colon was a firefighter for 13 years until he started pursuing promotional opportunities within the department. As battalion chief, Colon’s primary concern is safety. He is in charge of determining how much help is needed on the scene of a fire. “If I see something going wrong, I correct it,” he said. Battalion chief is the third- highest ranking in the depart- ment’s hierarchy. Colon is one of two Latinos who have ever had a position higher than lieutenant. Colon said he recognizes the need for more Latino representa- tion in the fire department. “I think it’s in direct correla- tion to the recruitment efforts. Sometimes they [Latinos] just don’t get the word,” Colon said. Colon is currently the presi- dent of the Spanish-American By Stephanie Klock continued on page 5 O fficer Frank Rivera spends his afternoons and evenings at the Harrowgate Police Athletic League Center. Located at 851 E. Tioga St. in Harrowgate, the PAL center services the 18-and-under population, many of whom are Latino. . Harrowgate PAL opened last September. Before it opened, Rivera worked in a different PAL center at Fifth and Allegheny streets. In his time there, he met German Sanchez ,who asked Rivera for help starting an adult male softball league. Sanchez, 26, said, “I lived at PAL. This is where I grew up.” PAL centers are run by Philadelphia police officers. The centers are a safe space for kids to go after school ends each day. Children ages 6-12 are permit- ted to be at the PAL center from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the center opens for children ages 13-18. During their day at PAL, there is homework assistance with a volunteer teacher and rec- reational time. The officers must Joaquin Colon, the first Latino battalion chief in the Philadelphia Fire Department, stood outside his station. New Softball League in Harrowgate By Christie Francis continued on page 6 Book Offers Happy Ending to Tragic Story By Stephanie Klock Lizasuain DeJesus touched her daughter’s grave at Greemount Cemetery in Hunting Park. German Sanchez stood in front of aG German Sanchez stood with his trophy. continued on page 8 PHILADELPHIA, SUMMER 2012

description

A local newspaper for Fairhill in Philadelphia

Transcript of The Fairhill Times

Page 1: The Fairhill Times

Twelve long years after her daughter

was murdered, Liza-suain DeJesus of Hunt-ing Park is still without answers.

She visited Iriana DeJesus’s grave at Greenmount Cemetery just days after what would have been her daughter’s 17th birth-day. It brought back horrifying memories of the day her daughter went missing.

She said she still does not have closure of the kidnapping and murder of her 5-year-old child in 2000.

The balloons tied around Iriana’s heart-shaped grave were just a few of those that C.J.

Waddy, Iriana’s former preschool teacher at East Frankford Day Care, brought to her birthday party this year to release into the sky in her remembrance.

Waddy also brought his recently published book.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 WWW.FAIRHILLTIMES.COM

Fire Department Battalion Chief Motivates LatinosBattalion Chief Joaquin Colon

is not the average employee at the Philadelphia Fire Depart-ment. But it’s not just because of his high rank. Colon is the only Latino in the city to ever achieve the ranking of battalion chief. The 55-year-old Colon was promoted to the position last year after serving for 29 years in the department. He is now at Engine 50 on Park Avenue and West Cambria Street in North Philadelphia. “My parents raised me not to settle for mediocrity,” Colon said. “If you can do better, do better.” Colon was a firefighter for 13 years until he started pursuing promotional opportunities within the department.

As battalion chief, Colon’s primary concern is safety. He is in charge of determining how much help is needed on the scene of a fire. “If I see something going wrong, I correct it,” he said. Battalion chief is the third-highest ranking in the depart-ment’s hierarchy. Colon is one of two Latinos who have ever had a position higher than lieutenant. Colon said he recognizes the need for more Latino representa-tion in the fire department. “I think it’s in direct correla-tion to the recruitment efforts. Sometimes they [Latinos] just don’t get the word,” Colon said. Colon is currently the presi-dent of the Spanish-American

By Stephanie Klock

continued on page 5

Officer Frank Rivera spends his afternoons and evenings

at the Harrowgate Police Athletic League Center. Located at 851 E. Tioga St. in Harrowgate, the PAL center services the 18-and-under population, many of whom are Latino.

.

Harrowgate PAL opened last September. Before it opened, Rivera worked in a different PAL center at Fifth and Allegheny streets. In his time there, he met German Sanchez ,who asked Rivera for help starting an adult male softball league. Sanchez, 26, said, “I lived at PAL. This is where I grew up.” PAL centers are run by Philadelphia police officers. The centers are a safe space for kids to go after school ends each day. Children ages 6-12 are permit-ted to be at the PAL center from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the center opens for children ages 13-18. During their day at PAL, there is homework assistance with a volunteer teacher and rec-reational time. The officers must

Joaquin Colon, the first Latino battalion chief in the Philadelphia Fire Department, stood outside his station.

New Softball League in HarrowgateBy Christie Francis

continued on page 6

Book Offers Happy Ending to Tragic StoryBy Stephanie Klock

Lizasuain DeJesus touched her daughter’s grave at Greemount Cemetery in Hunting Park.

German Sanchez stood in front of aGGerman Sanchez stood with his trophy.

continued on page 8

PHILADELPHIA, SUMMER 2012

Page 2: The Fairhill Times

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 WWW.FAIRHILLTIMES.COM SUMMER 2012

Much-Sought Jordan Retro Shoes Hard to Come ByArt thusiasts collect Picassos.

Baseball fans collect auto-graphed balls. Shoe collectors, or “sneakerheads,” buy the Nike Air Jordan. The term sneakerhead refers to a person who collects rare, original or exclusive shoes. Fairhill native Chris Jackson, 32, fits that description. Jackson has been collecting basketball legend Michael Jordan’s Nike Air sneakers for more than 20 years and understands actually purchasing the sneakers in Fairhill can be challeng-ing. “I have always been a fan of Jor-dan and his kicks,” Jackson said. “It’s not just about the shoe’s design, it’s the history of Jordan’s career through his shoes that brings back memories of me watching him. I try to collect every pair he wore throughout his career.” Park’s Shoe Center, located on 2732 Germantown Ave., has trouble obtaining newly released Jordan shoes. Employee June Santana, 28, has worked at the store for years and

explained that the quantity of retro shoes and sizes the store receives from Nike are insufficient to satisfy their customers. “Our customers’ shoe sizes are normally over a 10, but we almost al-ways only get sizes 8 through 9 1/2,” Santana said. “We miss out on money we could be making at times.” Jordan played in the NBA for 16 seasons. Every year, Nike released a new pair of Jordan shoes for the upcoming season — which would quickly sell out at most shoe stores. Over time, Nike created a Jor-dan sub-brand that would become extremely popular; it has grossed over $1 billion in revenue. The company now sells sporting equipment, cloth-ing and various sports cleats and shoes. Nike’s focus has always been releasing retro versions of the original 16 pairs of shoes Jordan wore during his career. However, not all stores--especially ones that are not chains--receive the same shipments

Dance Director’s Tough-Love Approach Gets Results

As the Fuego Dance Com-pany rehearsed for its Susan

G. Komen Latinas United for the Cure performances, dance director Hector Serrano’s voice reigned supreme. “Let’s go everybody, get your butts in here,” said Serrano, 32. “Don’t make me say it again: From the top!” Serrano smirked as he described how he communicates with his dancers. “I don’t talk to them; I scream at them,” Serrano said. Nearby dancers chuckled at the response. Serrano’s students know his tough-love teaching style can be demanding, but they understand his passion for dance, and his students’ well-being. Serrano said if his dancers do not give it their best, he gets agitated, as he wants to instill ap-preciation and respect into them. “I’m very, very picky when it comes to choreography,” Serrano

said. “If their parents are going out there and spending all that time and money, I think every-body should look and dance their best.” Alexis Colon, 15, and Taisha Cardona, 20, have danced at Ser-rano’s Bailando Dance Studio, located at 3632 N. Fifth St., for eight and five years, respectively. Colon said she feels Serrano’s studio enables her to grow as a dancer. “Dancing is a passion for me,” Colon said. “Dancing is a stress reliever and takes me to another place.” Cardona agreed and added that being a Feugo dancer keeps the girls out of trouble. “Being here gives me an opportunity to do a bunch of dif-ferent activities,” Cardona said. “It keeps me off the streets.” The dance performances at the Latinas United For the Cure lunch break — in front of nearly

1,000 spectators Philadelphia Marriott Hotel – went smoothly and received loud applause from the audience. Afterward, Serrano was all smiles as he congratu-lated his dancers. He explained that the studio’s members are very close. “We’re a tight-knit family,” Serrano said. “Families argue and scream at each other. But at the end of the day, I make sure that from my little ones all the way up to my teenagers feel special.” Arianna Santiago, 20, said that it was great the dance was well received, but the studio’s show of support for the cause was the most significant element of the performance. “As a dancer, I feel [the Su san G. Komen event] is a great way to show the community that we care about the things that are effecting the community,” Santiago said. “We’re not just a dance team that likes to perform;

we always have to remember where we came from, and that’s home.” Serrano beamed with pride at the response.

By Tom Knopp

By Tom Knopp

Hector Serrano instructed his dancers.

continued on page 8

2

June Santana held a pair of retro Michael Jordan sneakers.

Page 3: The Fairhill Times

Sonia Collazo acted as a translator for a community forum at Congreso.

Congreso de Latinos Unidos, a nonprofit organization dedi-

cated to providing services to the local community, is celebrating its 35th anniversary.

Described by Cynthia Figueroa, the president and CEO, as a multiservice organization with Latino expertise, Congreso provides direct services to over 15,000 members of the comm-unity each year.

In Congreso’s 35-year history, it has developed a multiservice holistic approach. There are 51 unique programs offered through the organization. In order to bet-ter offer these services, Congreso needed a way to group all of the services together.

“We focus in four distinct service areas: education, employ-ment, health and social services,” Figueroa said.

Figueroa added that Congre-so can provide both services and connections to other organiza-tions for those in need.

Congreso’s mission is to strengthen Latino communi-ties by giving local members the opportunities to move up the socioeconomic ladder.

Figueroa said her hope is that one day Congreso will help end poverty.

Some of the major highlights of Congreso’s history include increased individual impact, the creation of a federally quali-fied health center and increased bilingual domestic violence support. When Figueroa started with Congreso, she worked with domestic violence cases. That service area is the one she is most proud of.

Also included in the organi-zation’s history was the open-ing of a kindergarten through eighth grade charter school, Pan American Academy Charter School. Figueroa said Congreso’s commitment to education and

the need for this resource inspired its creation.

“Where I feel we’ve been most success-ful in 35 years is respond-ing to really significant is-sues that have arisen in the community

and then created programming that’s sustaining and still in place today,” Figueroa said.

Earlier this year, Congreso hosted its Sixth Annual Gala Latina, celebrating the organiza-tion’s 35th anniversary.

Every year, the gala has a dif-ferent theme based on a country in Central or South America. This year’s theme was Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico. The gala incorporated the music, food, culture and flavor of Viejo San Juan.

The gala is not just a fun-draiser for Congreso, but also an opportunity for community members to gather and see the variety of cultures that make up the Latino community in Phila-delphia.

Congreso attempts to not only provide basic support for the Latino community in Phila-delphia, but also to remove barri-ers that prohibit the community from moving forward. Figueroa said that the geographic region that Congreso serves is one of the poorest districts. Congreso tries to improve this barrier one family at a time.

A large concentration of the organization’s clients are from the

area immediately surrounding Congreso’s physical location at American and Somerset streets. However, Congreso has clients from all over the city.

“We have folks on our staff who were clients of the orga-nization years ago and have a tremendous loyalty and support,” Figueroa said.

Not all of the people who re- ceive direct services are Latino. Figueroa estimated 78 percent of the 15,000 people are Latino.

“I think the biggest challenge is how great the barriers are for the individuals in the commu-nity,” Figueroa said.

She noted that the group also suffers from funding issues.

“We have a diverse pool of funding, but it is a challenge and it continues to be a growing chal-lenge,” Figueroa said.

Funding for Congreso comes from a variety of sources, includ-ing the public sector, foundation support and the corporate com-munity. The benefit to offering so many services is that budget cuts, like the ones that occurred last year, can be spread throughout many services, so they do not need to severely cut one area.

Nury Padua reviewed the agenda for a community forum.

Congreso Gives 35 Years of Service to Latinos

WWW.FAIRHILLTIMES.COM SUMMER 2012

By Christie Francis and Stephanie Klock

continued on page 5

3

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1

Page 4: The Fairhill Times

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 WWW.FAIRHILLTIMES.COM SUMMER 2012

Halal Live Poultry Shop Offers Cross-Cultural Appeal

What’s for dinner tonight?For the diverse cli-

entele of the Saba Halal Live Poultry Shop, it’s likely to be the freshest-tasting chicken, guinea hen, rabbit, duck, goat and beef, reminiscent of the poultry and meats found in their birth countries.

At Saba’s, located at 162-B W. Lehigh Ave., the raucous sounds of clucking roosters and the typical intense smells of a

country farm greet visitors upon entry. But this city slaughter-house, located in the heart of El Centro de Oro, has managed to successfully bring the Islamic halal method of killing animals to a community that is primarily Latino and Catholic.

Fadwa Awed, a Muslim Palestinian currently living in Bensalem, Pa., makes the trek to Fairhill on a monthly basis.

“I appreciate that the poultry

is prepared in the halal tradition and I typically take home between 15 to 25 chickens per visit,” Awed said.

The term halal, in accordance with Islamic law, refers to the reli-gious practice in which an animal is humanely slaughtered, making it suitable for consump-tion. “That makes a big difference in the mental-ity of the customer,” said Khalid Mouhtarim, Saba’s Moroccan-born general manager.

Mouhtarim has trained his Latino butchers to say

the Muslim prayer “Bismil-lahi Arrahman Arraheem,” which loosely translates into “In the Name of Allah.” After prayer, a customer-selected animal is slaughtered with a specialized knife that cuts its throat swiftly, which enables the animal to quickly bleed out.

Saba’s clientele also enjoys the halal practice of slaughtering animals for reasons other than religion.

“When you bleed the

animal, it makes the meat more clean because the blood contains bacteria,” Mouhtarim said. “They love the action of bleed-ing the animal before they eat it. My main customer is the Latino customer. They grew up in the islands and they are used to eat-ing the fresh-killed chicken.”

Mouhtarim said about one-thi rd of his clientele is Latino, another third is Muslim, and he was surprised by the number of Asians who frequent his shop.

“The Asian customer is in-teres ted in fresh-killed chick-ens, too,” Mouhtarim said.

Willy Pichardo, 25, a Domican-born Fairhill native, couldn’t wait to get his newly purchased guinea hen home.

“I will put it in a pot with lots of cilantro and a Goya packet, and it is delicious,” Pich-ardo said.

Although 9-year-old Mo-hamed Kafy admitted he enjoys eating chicken, he expressed unhappiness at the prospect of the live chickens and rabbits he met at the store being slaugh-tered for dinner.

“I will be very upset if they kill a rabbit,” Kafy said.

Local Mural Artist Aims to Improve, Beautify Community

Casanas painted murals that face the gardens on Fourth and Somerset streets.

By Christie Francis and Stephanie Klock

Even though Betsy Casanas, 37, had the opportunity to leave North Philadelphia, she stayed and is attempting to improve the community where she was born and raised through her art. Casanas started Semilla Arts Initiative in 2007 with two other artists but is now running it by herself. “Semilla Arts Initiative is a grassroots initiative that uses art as a catalyst for social change,” Casanas said. Casanas said Semilla is about teaching people how to mobilize and how to change social cir-cumstances by actively partici-pating in the transformation of the community. Casanas used to be a full-time art teacher. She retired from her

teaching job to focus on Semi-lla and her own art. She also started her own gallery, Seed on Diamond, on the first floor of her house. The gallery, located at 124 Diamond St., shows the work of different artists in the community and visiting artists from around the country. “It’s about exposing the community to a wide range of artists and artists of different cultural backgrounds,” Casanas said. Not only does Casanas showcase other artists’ talents, but she also shares her own tal-ents with communities through murals. “I just got back from Dubai,” Casanas said. “I was in Dubai

in January and again in March because I painted a mural with the Universal American School there.” This mural is just one that she

has painted during her time as a mural artist. Right now, she is working with the Asociacion Puertor-riquenos en Marcha, the Phila-

continued on page 6

Khalid Mouhtarim took a guinea hen to the butcher for slaughter.

By Kadida Kenner and Tom Knopp

4

Page 5: The Fairhill Times

WWW.FAIRHILLTIMES.COM SUMMER 2012

including the public sector, foun-dation support and the corporate community. The benefit to offer-

ing so many services is budget cuts, like the ones that occurred last year, can be spread through-

out many services, so they do not need to severely cut one area specifically. Figueroa said there were some cuts in youth services but Congreso received a grant that will allow them to bring back these services. Congreso also aggressively fundraises to avoid budget cut impacts. Michael Martinez, an active community member, said the education and health ser-vices that the organization can provide are very useful to the community. “They do all they can for the community. I’ve never seen anybody leave here dissatisfied,” he said.

Martinez has never reached

out to Congreso for services be-fore, but he is now turning to the organization for help paying his monthly utility bills. Figueroa said that the utility assistance program that Congreso offers is one of the programs with the most need. Funding for the program is used up quickly. Sonia Collazo, a member of Voluntarios en Accion, or Vol-unteers in Action, said,:“When I worked for the city, I used to refer people to Congreso all the time time and they always received the benefits.” Nury Padua, also a member of Volunteers in Action, said, “We help Congreso with their events and activities. Plus we work in the community.” Volunteers in Action helps Congreso determine the needs of the community. This way, the

necessary programs are being created in the future. In September, the Pan Ameri-can Academy Charter School as well as Harcum College at Con-greso will move to a new building across the street from Congreso’s main location on the 200 block of West Somerset Street. The new building is currently under construction. Because the charter school now only offers kindergarten to eighth grade, Congreso recognizes the need for expansion into ninth through 12th grades. Congreso also hopes to expand the health center. When Collazo was asked what she thought Congreso’s great-est highlight was in the last 35 years, she said “The very fact that they are here in the heart of the community. It gives people easy access to the services.”Michael Martinez has turned to Congreso

for help paying his utilities.

Professional Firefighters As-sociation. The group encourages Latinos to apply for promotions and supports currently employed Latinos in the fire department. “We’d set up tables in different neighborhoods where there was a strong presence of Latinos, like Fifth Street, in

order to get more Latinos on the job and get the word out,” Colon said. Recruitment is just one way

the fire depart-ment is trying to increase La-tino participa-tion. Fire Com-missioner Lloyd Ayers said in the past the de-

partment only recruited Latinos for a short period of time but now recruiting efforts last all year. “I think that this recruitment is probably the one of the best recruitments that we’ve had as far as the Latino and the minor-ity population, “ Ayers said. “We do have to do a better job, and part of that is a continued outreach.” Noel Bermudez, a Latino firefighter who works with Colon, said Colon’s promotion was “well past due and well deserved.” He said that Colon’s promotion inspired him to start

studying to become a lieutenant. Another firefighter, Javier Handle, said, “He is a motiva-tion.” Even though Colon is a motivator for many Latinos, the population is still underrepre-sented. In fact, only 6 percent of fire department employees are Latino. Historically, we [Latinos] have been downplayed; it’s noth-

ing new,” said Dan Gutierrez, 40, a barbershop owner near Fifth and West Cambria streets. Despite some doubts, many said having a Latino in a high-ranking position is a motivator and something worth celebrating. “There are a lot of people in the community that can’t speak English,” 33-year-old local resi-dent Adam Perez said. “I really think it does help a lot.”

Fire Department Seeks to Raise Latino Representationcontinued from page 1

Colon decided how many ladders and engines were needed at a scene.

Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said the fire department is making efforts to increase Latino representation.

5

Congreso Celebrates 35th Anniversary with Galacontinued from page 3

“My parents raised me not to settle for mediocrity. If you can do better, do

better.”

--Chief Joaquin Colon

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1

Page 6: The Fairhill Times

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 WWW.FAIRHILLTIMES.COM SUMMER 2012

background in athletics Rivera worked in the 25th Police District.

“I’ve seen a lot of kids getting locked up, arrested and getting shot out there. I found out what PAL was about and got into PAL to help the kids,” Rivera said.

PAL centers have zero toler-ance for violence and bad behavior. The officers in charge are able to arrest anyone who disturbs the center. They are the authority and enforcement that make the centers run smoothly for the children.

“They feel com-fortable,” Rivera said. “They know that we’re here to help them.”

Because the 26 PAL centers provide activities to students under 18, Sanchez, an avid softball and baseball player, looked elsewhere for a league to join once he was no longer eli-gible to play for PAL. He and his team played in a different softball league, but they weren’t happy with the leadership.

Sanchez asked Rivera for his help, knowing his connections to athletics. They formed a commit-tee and made Rivera the commis-sioner for the league. Rivera will not have a team in the league, allowing him to stay unbiased.

“Saturdays, for this softball league, I want to give back to the community and I want to help them out,” Rivera said. “I’m doing it on my own time. I’m just doing it as a volunteer.”

This year, the softball league has 12 teams with approximately 15 people per team. Although it had to turn away some teams, Sanchez said he hopes the league will be successful and expand to allow for more participation.

The league is meant to get

families involved. Sanchez and Rivera said they hope that chil-dren will come out to watch their fathers play. Between players,

families and other spectators, Rivera estimates 200 people will attend the opening day ceremony on April 14.

“By these parents playing in our softball league, their kids participate in our programs,” Rivera said.

The league also gives back to the PAL center. At the opening day ceremony, members of the league will present a $1000 check to Harrow-gate PAL. The money will be used to maintain facilities, pur-chase books or snacks and fulfill some of the needs of the center.

“PAL is a free program. No kid pays for anything,” Rivera said. “If you show these kids you care, they’ll come back to you.”

Sanchez is evidence of Rivera’s claim.

“We help them and they help us,” Sanchez said. “They give us a place to play and we give them funding for the kids.”

Harrowgate PAL and other PAL centers rely on donations from their supporters. Teams in the softball league also rely on donations to pay for its needs.

Sanchez said: “Most of the money will come from sponsors. You have the people that just love to help.”

Sanchez estimated the average donation for the league to be up

to $500. These donations allow for operation of the PAL center and the purchase of new

uniforms. Rivera said it is important

to show the Latino community around the center that many who have been involved have enjoyed their time at PAL and are now giving back to the community in positive ways.

“I’ve got a couple of former PAL kids in the police depart-ment and the fire department, and that makes me feel good,”

Rivera said. Last year, Concilio

recognized Rivera for his dedication to community service.

Since September, 500 kids have regis-tered for Harrowgate PAL. Of those 500 kids, approximately 200 are registered for structured programs including soccer, flag football, basketball and boys and girls mentoring.

Rivera said: “This program, PAL, I’ve seen it with my own eyes. It does help keep them off the streets.”

Rivera noted that the time between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. is usually when chil-

dren are committing crimes. Having the PAL center open during these hours, he said, helps decrease the crime rate among children.

The PAL centers also need support from parents to run suc-cessfully.

“We are lacking a little bit in the parent participation, and that’s key,” Rivera said. “If you remember what President Obama said, ‘Everything starts at home.’ I’m a true believer in that. ”

Rivera said Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez is very supportive of the PAL center and will be at the opening ceremony for the softball league. She will throw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch.

“She wants to bring the neigh-borhood back,” Rivera said.

He added that if the fields continue to be maintained and athletic programs continue to be offered, support will grow for Harrowgate PAL.

“We’re actually bringing this neighborhood right back up again,” Rivera said.

Center Creates a Welcoming Environment for Local Youthcontinued from page 1

6

“I want to give back to the community and I want to

help them out. I’m doing it on my own time.”

--Officer Frank Rivera

German Sanchez watched another team practice and joked around with his competition.

Page 7: The Fairhill Times

Artist Transforms Empty Lots into Community Gardens

delphia Mural Arts Program, the Philadelphia Department of Be-havioral Health and Yale Univer-sity as they conduct a study about the effects of art during therapy and recovery. She is in charge of one of three sites being studied in this Porchlight Initiative Project, which spans three years. Casanas said, “In the main mural, there’s a huge mandala that is supposed to represent [the Asociacion Puertorriquenos en Marcha’s] connection to the com-munity.” Carmen Febo, the executive director at Taller Puertorriqueno, a local arts venue, said, “She’s done a number of murals that beautify the community.”

Casanas said simple changes to improve the community at any age, something that she tried to instill in her students when she

was a teacher. “It’s really

about teaching and work-ing with the community in order to transform or change,” Casanas said. “Really it’s just having that other way of expressing.”

Casanas’ need for expression sparked her interest in art. When Casanas was 14 years old, she was no longer allowed to go outside due to the danger in her family’s neighborhood. She enrolled in a paint-ing class at Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls and has been painting

ever since. “The area in the early ’90s

became really infested with drugs and alcohol and just violence,” Casanas said about her neigh-borhood at Fourth and Cambria streets. “Around that time, my freedom was taken away.”

Five years after she started painting, she started working at Taller Puertorriqueno. She said the organization has seen her grow up and has connected her to other artists. She also at-tended Moore College of Art and Design, which provided her with inspirational educators.

“I started everything at the exact same time,” Casanas said. “I became pregnant when I was 19. I started teaching when I was 19, and I became a public artist when I was 19.”

Because everything began at the same time, Casanas said it is

all intertwined and there is little separation. Her children have been involved in her art projects and are supportive of her career choices.

“We do multiple things to make it work,” Casanas said. “Financially, I’m an artist, so I’m struggling, obviously. Who’s not? But we’re mak-ing it work.”

Casanas, a single mother, said she had to teach her two children to provide for themselves while she was working. Because she homeschools her children, sometimes they come with her to work on projects but other times they stay at home. She said her large, extended family has been very supportive.

“It’s not fair for our children to not have a safe place to play,” Casanas said. “The fact that my

children have never been able to go outside and play because of these conditions is a problem.”

Febo said she doesn’t know of any artists trying to duplicate the work that Casanas is doing to improve the community.

“She is a very strong model to young women artists because of

the kind of work she does in the community that she lives and participates in,” Febo said.

Though Casanas said she feels the neigh-borhood isn’t safe enough, she has given her children the opportunity to be involved in

transformative projects, show-ing them the importance of her work.

“I think the biggest challenge for me as a mother was the deci-sion to stay,” Casanas said. “As an artist, as a community leader, as an activist, if I leave, who is going

Betsy Casanas said she plans to turn the shed behind her house into a studio.

continued from page 4

“I started everything at the exact same time.

I became pregnant when I was 19,

I started teaching when I was 19, and I became a public artist when I

was 19.”

--Betsy Casanas

Casanas pointed out where students from Julia de Burgos School helped in the community garden.

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 WWW.FAIRHILLTIMES.COM SUMMER 2012

7

Page 8: The Fairhill Times