Times Chronicle & Public Spirit
Revitalization effort honored
Township presents award to June Parkinson for work to improve Keswick Avenue train underpass
ABINGTON » The board of commissioners honored local environmental activist June Parkinson with the Robert W. Montgomery Jr. Award for her ongoing efforts to revitalize the Keswick Avenue train underpass during its June 12 meeting.
The award is given annually to a community member or organization that demonstrates outstanding environmental leadership, officials said.
“Ten years ago, my kids came to me and said, ‘Mom, that place is awful,’” Parkinson said. “The first year was rough. There was a lot of trash and broken glass. We actually pulled the front end of a 1967 Chevy Nova off the hill.”
Parkinson, who has served as the Glenside Fourth of July Parade chairperson and photographer for the past six years, attributes the area’s revitalization to the help she’s received from the community.
“We get mulch donated to us every year by both Cheltenham and Abington townships. We get plants donated as well. In 2012, 80 volunteers helped us paint a mural,” she said.
The environmental advisory councils of Abington and Cheltenham have played crucial roles since day one, she said.
“We get at least 25 volunteers every year because it’s such a visible place,” she said. “We’ve had students from Abington and Cheltenham [high schools] and a bunch from Arcadia University. And every year it gets a little better. It gives people some pride in their community.”
“June is a true community leader,” Commissioner Matthew Vahey said. “She’s a keystone of the Fourth of July parade. We can’t thank her, and those who have helped over the years, enough for all that they’ve done.”
In police matters, Officer Troy Senne was promoted to the rank of sergeant.
Senne has served the patrol division since joining Abington’s police department in 2011. A graduate of West Chester University, Senne has additionally contributed as a field training officer and as a member of the S.W.A.T. team.
“He’s held the crucial responsibility of training new officers and imparting the culture of our department,” Chief Patrick Malloy said.
“It’s an honor,” Senne said. “Thank you for instilling your trust in me.”
In related news, Sgt. Jennifer Doyle and patrol K-9 Bella were recognized by the board as recent recipients of the National Explosives Detector Dog Certification.
“She’s done an outstanding job,” Malloy said. “This is the first time an Abington police officer has earned this prestigious award.”
In turn, Doyle and the board took time to show gratitude to the Pennsylvania K-9 Assistance Foundation, from which Abington’s K-9 Unit received a grant in 2010.
“Thank you so much for bestowing this great gift upon us,” Doyle said.