2009
2009
2009
New Jersey Quaker Alice Paul (1885-1977)
This ardent fighter for women’s suffrage founded the National Woman’s Party and drafted the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in 1923. Alice Paul worked for its passage into the 1970s, although it did not become law. Celebrate this year’s Women’s Equality Day by watching HBO’s movie “Iron-Jawed Angels.”Learn more about Alice Paul.
2009
Fun!
100s of happy toasters and tasters strolled
through Hillcrest on a beautiful Tuesday evening for the Hillcrest
History Guild’s third annual Toast to Hillcrest. The summer fundraiser included
cocktail lounges, cafes, restaurants, yogurt shops, bars and
coffeeshops located from
Albatross & Washington east to Park Boulevard. Those wanting to
cover the neighborhood at a faster pace hitched a ride on a
double-decker bus 
hosted by Benny and Ricky. Check
out these slideshows.
The will-call line formed early as the eager crowd waited for orange wristbands and ticket/maps as the Crest Cafe and The Loft welcomed early “toasters.” Revelers noshed along Fifth Avenue and sipped up and down University with some jumping on the bus for a loop between toasts. High marks went to Bombay for an array of dishes set up in their banquet room; Cafe Eleven and Kous Kous both had great sangria; The Loft got big thumbs up for cocktails, and Huapango’s (Hillcrest’s newest Mexican restaurant) received rave reviews for taquitos in a spicy cream sauce. Did anyone make it to all 44 locations?
Thanks to Hillcrest’s best bars and eateries for participating, and all of you who supported the Hillcrest History Guild through your ticket purchases. See you next year on another Thursday after CityFest.
2009
2009
“Plenty of fire, but no fireworks”
It was standing room only at the August Hillcrest Town Council (HTC) meeting tonight as US Congressional Representative Susan Davis discussed the Universal Health Care initiative proposed by President Obama. Police estimated 350 crowded into the Joyce Beers Community Center with over 1,000 outside in the Uptown Shopping District. Unlike many
uncivil forums across
the nation, Hillcrest neighbors and visitors were respectful of
opposing views and listened as the Congresswoman
addressed the audience then responded to questions. Most comments
centered on having a choice when it comes to health care options. One resident asked
if the present health care initiative included coverage for those who
find relief from the use of cannabis. Davis responded that she
continues to support the use of marijuana for those legally allowed to
use the herb as recommended by a physician.Other HTC business included the passage of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the Uptown Partnership (our community parking district), the Hillcrest Business Association and the HTC. The MOU will establish ground rules for the committee, which will review and provide input on issues relating to how parking meter money is spent in the Hillcrest community. The motion was made by HTC chair John Taylor and seconded by Jan Spencely. The vote was unanimous.
The HTC meets the second Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8pm at the Joyce Beers Community Center in the Uptown District. All Hillcrest residents are encouraged to attend.
2009
Susan Davis to address the HTC on health care
The Hillcrest Town Council’s August meeting will be held tomorrow evening at the Joyce Beers Community Center from 6:30-8pm. Our special guest speaker will be US Representative Susan Davis who will be discussing the hot topic of Universal Health Care and responding to concerns from area constituents and gathering feedback — this will be an ideal opportunity to make sure your support for health insurance reform is seen and heard at exactly the right time. Learn more about the proposed national program and ask the Congresswoman your questions. Here’s a reality check from Obama.
You’ve seen anti-reform activists on the news...will a choreographed protest come to Hillcrest? We don’t anticipate one, but residents with questions are encouraged to sit in the front rows. Join Hillcrest renters and homeowners for this important forum on health reform and share your thoughts. Refreshments will be provided by Babbo Grande Restaurant.
2009
Hillcrest fans enjoyed fantastic weather for the annual CityFest street fair topped with the 25th anniversary relighting of their beloved sign. This year’s new booth layout, with the beer & spirits garden on University Avenue and massive entertainment stage was a huge hit with the appreciative crowd. For the first time CityFest began at noon and continued into the night as neighbors and friends came to Hillcrest to party and celebrate the silver anniversary of the re-lighting of the iconic pink neon sign. CityFest 2009 closed University Avenue between Fourth and Fifth avenues and set up a grand stage and sound system at the corner of Fifth & University as emcee and vocalist Laura Jane entertained the masses and introduced a line-up of new entertainment that dazzled the swaying crowds as they danced in the street.
At dusk, the Spirit of Hillcrest led a lantern parade from Fifth & Pennsylvania to University as the crowd prepared for the re-lighting of the sign. Councilman Todd Gloria and the excited crowd counted down before he threw the symbolic switch to again light the newly painted beacon that was topped with fireworks. Here’s a slideshow of the festive day...and another.
