In case you have not noticed, over the past few months a hired contractor (LRC Services) has been sweeping the main streets within the Passyunk Square boundaries. The main east/west streets and numbered north/south streets are being swept every-other week (usually on Thursdays). The sidewalks and curbs are being swept with brooms to make our neighborhood more attractive & enjoyable. As a reminder, Passyunk Square covers 6^th to Broad, Washington to Tasker.

This new program is the result of much hard work & the dedication of the Passyunk Square Civic Association, and is also solely funded by PSCA through fundraising efforts. In addition, this service is currently supported for one year and PSCA must continue to receive funding to keep it going. Again, this is not funded by the City of Philadelphia, but by neighbors and businesses like you, and we need your help.

Please support PSCA’s litter fighting efforts by following the “Top 10 Ways to Fight Litter in Passyunk Square”

1. Give financial support to the new program. You can donate  directly to PSCA by following this link http://www.tinyurl.com/psca-give Also, PSCA now has an on-line store to promote fundraising items. Check it out! http://sites.google.com/site/pscafundraisingsite/
2. Continue to sweep in front of your own house and block, the new program is not meant to remove this responsibility.
3. Display the “No Handbills” sticker on the front of your home. Much of the sidewalk litter can be attributed to menus/flyers left in railings. You can get a sticker at a PSCA meeting or download and submit a request to the city here: http://www.southofsouth.org/files/No_handbills%20%281%29.pdf
4. Report businesses that do not adhere to the “No Handbill” sticker or do not have a valid license. PSCA will be launching an on-line form for reporting these business and residences which contribute to the litter problem.
5. Secure your trash and recyclables on collection days. The wind always seems to make a mess of our streets so please ensure trash does not leave your bin.
6. Volunteer your time at one of PSCA’s monthly events. There are many programs available where your assistance is needed. Please check the PSCA website for more info: http://www.passyunksquare.org/
7. Curb your dog and clean up the mess they leave. Not only is it hygienic, it’s the law.
8. Support businesses which support PSCA and encourage those that don’t to start helping. If you notice litter always comes from the same businesses (menus, red & white cups, black & orange cups) please ask them to help make the neighborhood more beautiful and participate in the efforts.
9. Encourage your neighbors, friends, and local business to follow these guidelines and help spread the word. We all need everyone’s participation!
10. Donate http://www.tinyurl.com/psca-give and purchase from the store http://sites.google.com/site/pscafundraisingsite/

If you appreciate this program, we need your help to keep it going. Make a donation to Passyunk Square Civic either through our PayPal account, which can be accessed on this website, or by sending a check to P.O. Box 18052, Philadelphia PA 19147.

Many thanks to our partners, Capitolo Playground, Columbus Square Park, and Gold Star Park, for allowing their sites to be used for bag collection. Also kudos to the Philadelphia Streets Department for collection, State Rep. Babette Josephs for her generous support, and to all the neighbors and businesses that have supported this effort over the years.

Enjoy this article from the South Philly Review about the program.

Sweeping Gesture ( http://www.southphillyreview.com/view_article.php?id=8802)
by Amanda Snyder

Great news for the neighborhood! You may now put your recycling out with your trash EVERY week starting this week! For more information about recycling, visit recyclingPAYS.phila.gov.

Many thanks to all of the homeowners who opened up their houses on the tour and to all of the sponsors:

Benna’s
Jason Delp, Realtor
Devil’s Den
Fitness Works
Generation 3 Electric
Mo’Bland Properties
SLiCE

Please mark your calendars for the next PSCA meeting on Tuesday December 2nd.  We will be having a silent auction and a potluck!  The meeting will take place at 6:30 at SPOAC (South Philadelphia Older Adults Center) at Passyunk & Dickinson!  Meet your neighbors, hear more about upcoming community activities, events and more!

December 2, 2008
6:30pm
SPOAC
Passyunk & Dickinson

Different from the usual house tour, this event provides a showcase of homes in all stages of renovation, gives a chance to compare contractors, get ideas, and meet neighbors.

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE at Benna’s (8th and Wharton) or B2 (Dickinson and Passyunk).

Pre-sale price
1/$15
2/$25

Day of event price
1/$20
2/$30

Your ticket includes:

• $1 off Benna’s/B2
• a free slice of pizza from SLiCE
• a free drink from Devil’s Den

Are you on Facebook? Tell your friends about the house tour: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=95968710037

The occasion will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2008, from noon to four. In addition to raising funds for the PSCA Trash Committee, we hope to show homes that showcase all stages of renovation, provide a chance to compare contractors, get ideas, and meet your neighbors. Please note your home does not need to be in pristine condition, work-in progress (as well as not yet begun) homes will also be featured. You will also receive two complimentary tickets for the house tour of your own use or to give to a friend.

Participation is easy, download and fill out this form and drop off at 801 Greenwich or email the form to jeffsnyder[at]hotmail[dot]com, and simply open your home on the day of the event. All forms are due NO LATER THAN Friday, November 14, 2007.

Again, please consider donating your time and your home on this special day for a very worthwhile cause. Every home will benefit in the end. If you do not or cannot participate as a home showplace, please feel free to attend the house tour. For any questions or information, please contact Jeff Snyder at (215) 356.8873.

We look forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for your support!

Jeff, Heather, Christine & Nicole
PSCA Fall House Tour 2008 committee