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Community Stories

Southwest Center City has had a long and varied history. The most important part of this history is the stories of the residents who make up our community. Tell us YOUR story about the neighborhood, about living here, about what makes this a great place to live. We'll publish selected stories on this page.

Meet Daniel Wolf - SOSNA Spring Intern
02/20/2013

My name is Daniel Wolf, and I am excited to be SOSNA's spring 2013 intern. I am currently pursuing a Masters in City Planning at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on urban design and transportation planning.

Since I travelled to Copenhagen, Denmark during college for a semester abroad, I have been inspired by the high quality of life offered by a robust pedestrian and bicycle network, as well as the environmental benefits of reduced car use. Since then, I have worked for a variety of organizations and municipal planning departments, promoting sustainable transportation options and improving bike, pedestrian, and public transportation infrastructure.

Meet Emily Lenae Dieckmeyer - SOSNA Fall Intern
09/13/2012

Hi, my name is Emily Lenae Dieckmeyer and I am the fall 2012 intern here at SOSNA. An undergraduate at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Visual Studies and Urban Studies, I grew up between Anchorage, Alaska and Saint Louis, Missouri and have finally migrated all the way east to Philadelphia!

My main interests are in city planning and I'm especially fascinated by public space. I hope to study the interactions among people in and around public spaces, and how these interactions can be facilitated by design. I also work with visual design including graphic design, photography, and three-dimensional design.

Meet Composite Inc - Builders of Catharine Park
07/24/2012

SOSNA has selected Composite Inc. as the contractor for the Catharine Park at 22nd and Catharine Streets.

Michael LoFurno (pictured at left, with Dennis Murphy), a landscape architect and owner of the firm, brings over thirty years of design and construction experience to the team. Composite's recent experience includes construction of the Cliffside Path between the WaterWorks and Art Museum in Fairmount Park, recreation of an historic cobblestone plaza at Friends Cooperative Housing in Northern Liberties, and creation of the path and sitting area at Benjamin Franklin's Grave in Old City. In addition, they have designed and constructed many contemporary gardens throughout the Philadelphia area.

LoFurno is vested in the Graduate Hospital area having lived here since 1981. He is a registered Landscape Architect, licensed contractor, and also serves on the faculty at Temple University's Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture. LoFurno is also a judge of SOSNA's annual Streetscape Contest and a founding member, designer and one of the builders of the Fitzwater 2000 Garden. Stop by the project site to say hi to LoFurno and his team!

Meet Justice Nadutey - SOSNA's Summer Intern
07/10/2012

My name is Justice Nadutey and I recently moved to the 700 block of Reed St. I am currently pursuing degrees in Political Science, International Relations and International Development at the University of Pennsylvania. My ambition is to obtain a PhD in Community Development. I will be working this summer as an intern with the South of South Neighborhood Association (SOSNA) helping with Economic Development and Clean and Green initiatives, and more.

2011 Board Election Winners
10/04/2011

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2011 Election for members of the SOSNA Board of Directors.
Also, thank you to the candidates for running and putting forth such impressive credentials and experience for voters to consider.  Lastly, a special thank you goes out to Alex Braden, Lindsey Keck, Adam Kaufer and Keith Todd, who together made up the 2011 Elections Committee who adminstered a smooth, fair election this year.

Congratulations to the five winners of this year's election below - (italics = current board member):

2011 Board Nominee - Paul Toner
10/03/2011

Personal Statement: Why I am interested in being on the Board of SOSNA.

I want to continue my involvement with the SOSNA Board of Directors, which is an organization that has grown exponentially over the past three years in its ability, initiative and understanding of the potential of our neighborhood.

Ways I have participated in SOSNA or the community in the past.

2011 Board Nominee - Christopher Stromberg
10/03/2011

Personal Statement: Why I am interested in being on the Board of SOSNA.

2011 Board Nominee - Michael Showell
10/03/2011

Personal Statement: Why I am interested in being on the Board of SOSNA.

I am interested in being on the SOSNA Board of Directors because I want to continue to serve and help the neighborhood that I live in and love tremendously. I would like to continue to unlock all the potential Southwest Center City has to offer to our residents, as well as all Pennsylvanians.

Ways I have participated in SOSNA or the community in the past.

2011 Board Nominee - Jennifer Leupold
10/03/2011

Personal Statement: Why I am interested in being on the Board of SOSNA.

I am interested in being a part of the board at SOSNA because I see the positive impact SOSNA has had on our neighborhood. My husband and I own a home at 24th and Carpenter, and I work at the YMCA on 17th and Christian. As someone who is quite vested in the neighborhood, I feel SOSNA has the tremendous opportunity to help shape the growth of the community.

Ways I have participated in SOSNA or the community in the past.

2011 Board Nominee - Jocelyn Gabrynowicz Hill
10/03/2011

Personal Statement: Why I am interested in being on the Board of SOSNA.

I would like to continue my involvement in the community by serving a second three year term on SOSNA.

Ways I have participated in SOSNA or the community in the past.