New leader at TTF Watershed

Justin DiBerardinis, the new director of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed, was the guest speaker at last week’s Lawncrest Community Association meeting.

DiBerardinis replaced Julie Slavet, who had led the organization since 2011. He previously held leadership roles at Bartram’s Garden and FDR Park.

DiBerardinis said TTF Watershed is committed to maintaining and utilizing the creeks properly, discouraging trash dumping and ATV riding and improving surrounding neighborhoods.

The organization employs four full-time maintenance workers and works with elected officials to raise money and improve accessibility and add amenities such as restrooms and parking.

TTF Watershed offers organized walking groups, fishing opportunities, festivals, educational programs for children and much more.

DiBerardinis said he is open to suggestions from residents.

For more information, please call 215-744-1853, or email DiBerardinis at [email protected] or visit https://ttfwatershed.org/.

Other news from the July 18 meeting:

• Lieutenant Joe Mortimer of the 2nd Precinct provided an update on crime.

• Design is complete and construction has begun for Lawncrest Recreation Center, which closed in May. The fields and courts will remain open for the time being. The center is scheduled to reopen in late 2025.

• The AM Radio Trio will perform on Wednesday, July 31 at 7:00 PM at the Philadelphia Protestant Home Hall, 6401 Martins Mill Road.

• Sen. Tina Tartaglione is hosting three upcoming community picnics, all from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The schedule is Thursday, Aug. 1, at Mayfair Recreation Center, 2990 St. Vincent St.; Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Wissinoming Park and Recreation Center, 5773-5945 Frankford Ave.; and Thursday, Aug. 8, at Norris Square Park, 2100 N. Howard St. There will be refreshments, a DJ, back-to-school giveaways, raffle giveaways, games and face painting. Call 215-533-0440.

• The 2nd and 7th Precincts will hold a community bike ride on Tuesday, August 6 at 5 p.m., starting at Fox Chase Elementary School, 500 Rhawn St. Participants will be entered into a drawing for a new bike. National Night Out follows at 6 p.m.

Sen. Jimmy Dillon has replaced Rep. Kevin Boyle as organizer of the annual National Night Out celebration on the schoolyard of Fox Chase Elementary School. There will be a DJ, food and vendors. Call 215-695-1020.

• The Lawncrest Community Association will meet on Thursday, August 15th at 6:30pm in the Monsignor James Mortimer Memorial Hall, Argyle and Robbins Street. ••