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THE UPCOMING THOMAS PIM COPE 2008 AWARD
April 27, 2008
Thomas Pim Cope (1768-1854) was a forefather of the Quaker family that established Awbury Arboretum. He devoted his time, intellect and financial resources to Philadelphia’s civic and environmental improvement, showing a special interest in conservation and preservation of natural resources, education and social issues. Cope was instrumental in the establishment of Fairmount Park as well as Philadelphia’s first waterworks.
The Thomas Pim Cope Award was established to honor those who exemplify these commitments in their service to the Philadelphia community.
 The 2008 recipient of the Thomas Pim Cope Award is Michael DiBerardinis. Govenor Edward G. Rendell appointed Mr. DiBerardinis to serve as the second secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) which was created in 1995. DiBerardinis oversees the state agency as it manages the state’s parks and forests; administers grant programs to benefit rivers, trails, greenways, local recreation and regional heritage; and provides information on the state's geologic resources.
At DCNR, he has set his sights on looking beyond the traditional stewardship of public lands, to one of advocacy and leadership on broad environmental issues around land and water. Recently, DCNR has undertaken such initiatives as Pennsylvania Wilds, a nature tourism effort in the northcentral part of the state; TreeVitalize, a public-private partnership to restore tree cover in southeastern Pennsylvania; and has lead efforts to promote statewide land conservation, build sustainable communities and create outdoor connections for citizens and visitors.
Prior to working as secretary for DCNR, DiBerardinis served as Executive Director of the Campaign for Working Families, a program at the University of Pennsylvania providing free filing assistance, support and counseling for eligible families to acquire public benefits and access to information and programs on financial literacy.
Continuing in his service to the community he worked as Recreation Commissioner for the city of Philadelphia from 1992 to 2000. During his tenure as commissioner, Mr. DiBerardinis significantly expanding programs and services.
Mr. DiBerardinis also held the position of Vice President of Programs for the William Penn Foundation where he oversaw the $60 million annual grant-making programs in the Philadelphia region while developing and coordinating the foundation's strategic planning process and evaluation system.
Active in civic and community organizations, DiBerardinis is a former member of the Fairmount Park Commission - which oversees one of the nation's largest urban park systems- and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the New Kensington Community Development Corporation, People's Emergency Center, Research for Action, and the Office of Community Development of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
Mr. DiBerardinis has a bachelor of arts in political science from St. Joseph’s University. He lives in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia with his wife, Joan Reilly, and their children He enjoys fly-fishing, bird watching and learning the Italian language.
Silent Auction
These are some of the items that will be up for auction:
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A Botanical Print, Framed from the Philadelphia Print Shop
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Dinner for two at the Valley Green Inn
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Catered dinner for ten from Shackamaxon Catering for All Seasons
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A Tour
of Morris Arboretum followed by Lunch for four at the Log Cabin Restaurant and a one-year membership
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Handmade, plant themed jewelry from Emily Lapham
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Lunch for four and a tour of Robert Butera's garden
This is a ticketed event.
For information on purchasing a ticket
please call 215-849-2855 ext. 10
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June 21, 2008 (Saturday) Composting Workshop from 10:30-Noon. Free workshop conducted by Penn State Extension Service. Free composting bin to preregistered participants. Size is limited -Call 215-471-2200 for reservations.
- Garden Lovers – The World’s Largest Garden Party is Happening Now!! Check out www.greaterphiladelphiagardens.org for their calendar of events that run through May and June.
- June 28, 2008 (Saturday) 10-11 am. Organic Gardening Workshop hosted by the Awbury Community Garden Club. The presenter is Master Gardener, Mr. Roundtree. Location is the Francis Cope House on the grounds of Awbury Arboretum Association. Refreshments will be served. This is a free event, but RSVP’s are required as space is limited. For more information or to RSVP leave a message at 215-224-5872.
• Learn about Awbury's Field Studies Program 2007/2008
or download the printed 2007/2008 brochure
For a printable pdf copy of our
Annual Report 2007 click here.
You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file, to download this program go to www.Adobe.com.
The grounds of the Arboretum are open year round from dawn until dusk. There is no charge for admission.
Position Vacancies at Awbury are listed on our
"News" & "Staff" pages.
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Nominate a special person you admire and win an afternoon for you and your guests at the
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Mad Hatter's Tea Party
Saturday, May 10th, 2008
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Tea & Light Refreshments will be served from 11AM to 12Noon
Activities for all will run from
12 Noon to 3PM
Enjoy a wonderful family afternoon of free fun activities at the beautiful Victorian Francis Cope House in Germantown. Elegant, delicious tea party, music, MayPole dancing and more!
We will also have some herbs and flowers for sale.
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To Enter:
Finish this sentence (and you can write as much as you like): "I am nominating this special person because..." Tell us why your nominee should be honored at the
Mad Hatter's Tea Party.
Please be sure to include your name, address, daytime phone number, the name of the person you are nominating, and the number of adults and the number of children you plan to bring.
Mail your entry to: Linda Brown,
Awbury Arboretum Association
The Francis Cope House
One Awbury Road
Philadelphia, PA 19138
Or email: linda@awbury.org
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Deadline for entries is
May 2, 2008
If you have questions, please call: Linda Brown at 215-849-2855, ext. 15
The 4th Annual
Awbury "Welcome Spring" Event
was a success despite the
cold weather
The free community event, held on March 22 of this year, proved to be a fun day even though Mother Nature was keeping things cool.
The children came bundled up, egg basket in hand
and ready to hunt
In addition to looking for hidden eggs, the kids ran egg races which helped to warm everyone up!
The children participated in a scavenger hunt to look for the  signs of spring, like butterflies
 and eggs.. |
