Civic Notes: Tree Tenders, Leaf Schedule and Designer Sought

Occurring on the eve of Election Day, the Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association facing off for the 194th District seat. Though the electoral forum took most of the night, local tree tender leader Maggie Effinger stumped for her group, as well.

Similar to her conversation , Effinger discussed the merits of helping and offering space to plant trees throughout Roxborough, Manayunk and Wissahickon. With a Nov. 20 tree planting coming up,  in all three areas to pitch in—whether planting, carrying or homeowner relations. 

The Saturday event should only take a few hours and will benefit the area's landscape long term, Effinger said. Contact her for planting and tree reservation information at me958@hotmail.com.

Also at the Nov. 1 meeting, President Andrew Bantly gauged whether a citywide energy plan was of interest to members. As the winter nears, heating bills go up. The Energy Coordinating Agency is offering workshops throughout Philadelphia to demonstrate efficiency techniques to keep houses warmer and drive energy costs down. Though no Roxborough or Manayunk workshops are currently scheduled, residents may attend several upcoming info sessions by visiting the group's website.

Other happenings:

• Kicking off Nov. 8, the city will start its bagged leaf drive through Dec. 17. Residents may discard collected leaves on their weekly trash day in brown-paper leaf bag. For more information, visit the Streets Department website or call 311.
• The group nears construction for additions to Neighbors Park. Currently, the civic is soliciting specific design schemes for the playground and park. Contact Bantley with a potential designer at contact@e-wnca.org.
• As the civic reorganized its executive board, outgoing secretary Christine Schwartz received a round of applause for her work with the civic. Rose Giovanazzo will become the new secretary.

The next meeting will be Dec. 6 at Pilgrim Church. Visit its website for more information.

—Sam Fran Scavuzzo