Philadelphia Daily Record

Vol. I No. 112

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

December 6, 2010

Philadelphia

Daily Record

DEAL OR NO DEAL

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA announced yesterday he had concluded a deal with Senate Congressional leadership on the future of the Bush tax cuts. Congressional Democrats remained restive. Will the deal hold?

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UNITED FRONT behind continued Federal funding of Delaware River Dredging was obvious as our delegation attended information brief at Philadelphia Regional Port Authority Headquarters this week.

From left are US Sen. Bob Casey, Congress Members Bob Brady and Allyson Schwartz, ILA Local 1291 President Boise Butler, PRPA Executive Director James T. McDermott and Congressman Chaka Fattah’s aide Solomon Jones.

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PRPA BOARD MEMBER Rhonda Hill Wilson, Esq. and ILA Local 1291 President Boise Butler assured US Sen. Bob Casey of superb support given Port dredging by labor leaders.

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

6 DECEMBER, 2010

Delaware R. Deepening As the new Congress supposedly ponders doing away with earmarks, Congressman Bob Brady said, “If I had my way, I would earmark for the Delaware River and the Philadelphia Port all the millions of dollars they need for dredging and expansion.”

The letter notes the project, which will deepen the shipping channel from 40 feet to 45 feet to accommodate larger vessels, has the potential to create thousands of jobs and generate over $1 billion in revenue in its lifetime. The members stressed any delay in the project will increase costs and harm the countless residents and workers in the region who will get a job, keep their job or otherwise benefit as a result of this project.

With that statement, he summed up the determination of Philadelphia’s Congressional House delegation and US Sen. Bob Casey, who met with the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority and stakeState Rep. Bill Keller reminded holders to support the Delaware those at the meeting, “The Panama River Main Channel Deepening Canal is being widened as we Project. speak. When it opens, thousands of tons of cargo will be shipped to The Senator led members of the the Atlantic side of our coastline.

Pennsylvania delegation, includ- Philadelphia is poised, before all ing Sen. Arlen Specter, Congress- the other ports, to become the men Chaka Fattah and Robert main port for much of that shipBrady, and Congresswoman ping.”

Allyson Schwartz in sending the letter to Jacob Lew, director of the It its letter to Lew, the group Office of Management & Budget. stated, “In an era in which ConThey called for the inclusion of gress appears unlikely to direct the project in the President’s fiscal funding to specific projects, the 2012 budget.

Obama Administration must take affirmative steps to move this “This project will create jobs project forward. Your leadership and grow the region’s economy,” on this matter is therefore necesthe members wrote. “This project sary.” will make maritime transportation The signers included U.S. Senamore efficient and reduce shipping tors Robert P. Casey, Jr. and Arlen costs, and is necessary to sustain Specter and Congress members the economic viability of the ports Robert A. Brady, Chaka Fattah along the Delaware River.” and Allyson Y. Schwartz.

6 DECEMBER, 2010

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Nutter Hails Blackhawks And Chargers For Pop Warner Advances Mayor Michael A. Nutter has released the following statement congratulating the North Philly Blackhawks and the Frankford Chargers on their first round victories at the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Florida: “Congratulations to the Blackhawks and the Chargers on their first round victories at the 2010 Pop Warner Super Bowl. These teams are representing Philadelphia on the national stage and the whole city stands with them as they progress through this competition.

“I had the opportunity to meet with these young men and their coaches last week and it was so inspiring to see their commitment and dedication to each other and their communities. Go Blackhawks! Go Chargers!”

Last Sunday, the North Philly Blackhawks defeated the King Philip Chiefs (Mass.) 35-0 in the Division I Pee Wee Bracket, and the Frankford Chargers defeated the Kaneohe Knights (Haw.) 28-0 in the Division I Midget Bracket.

Tomorrow, the Blackhawks take on the Santa Margarita Titans (Cal.) and the Chargers play the Detroit Dolphins (Mich.).

Mayor Nutter announced on Friday he had raised $26,500 from local businesses to send the teams to the Championship in Florida. The Philadelphia Eagles, Mitchell & Ness, VILLA, Comcast, CBS Radio, and Bowman Kavulich Law Firm all made generous contributions towards the teams’ travel and accommodation expenses. |

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Time For More Choice STATE SEN. DOMINIC PILEGGI joined other legislators in touring Walter D. Palmer Partnership Charter School to discuss need for more school programs at rally hosted by school.

From left are Rep. Ted Koch, Pileggi, Palmer, and Rep. W. Curtis Thomas.

Alliance Is Commended By Council For Saving Children COUNCILMAN AT LARGE Frank L. Rizzo, Jr. presented a resolution to Phila. Children’s Alliance thanking nonprofit for work it does with city’s child sexual-abuse victims. Accepting resolution is Chris Kirchner, PCA executive director; Betsy Scarcelli, its Board president, right; and Christine Jones, its office manager, far left. PCA promotes healing and justice for these victims by conducting state-of-the-art forensic interviews, by providing victim-support services and by collaborating with other agencies on an integrated response.

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

6 DECEMBER, 2010

Seminary Invites Mt. Airy To Have A Seat In New Plaza Once, the 146-year-old Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia gave the architectural impression of being “walled off” from the Mount Airy community it has historically and increasingly supported over the years.

installation of three permanent benches to make the plaza even more accommodating to visitors.

The benches, which “wrap around” three trees on the plaza, were fabricated by craftsman Matt Sharaat of Mount Airy Custom Furniture, and dedicated Dec. 3 as part of the treeVisually, that changed a year ago lighting and caroling held annually with the dedication of William Allen there.

Plaza, a public square on Germantown Avenue in front of the SemiThe plaza-furniture project was nary’s chapel. Seminary President the brainchild of Elise Rivers, who Philip D. Krey says the inviting with her husband moved to Mount space was created to be a “gateway” Airy six years ago. Rivers explains to the neighborhood the school cher- she and her husband have both ishes, serving also as a functional formed strong businesses, hers public space. The new plaza was being Community Acupuncture of part of a $3 million renovation un- Mount Airy. dertaken by the seminary for its chapel.

“I’ve always loved the outdoors,” she explains, “and when I saw the Community development group space I thought it is just what the Mount Airy USA suggested ele- community needs along Germanments for the plaza’s design. Local town Avenue.” She became further officials secured $500,000 in state involved through her role as a board grants and $400,000 in city grants to ATTENTION cover the plaza’s construction. This PUBLIC NOTICES summer, the plaza became the site of a Tuesday afternoon Farmer’s ADVERTISERS Market that attracted many commu- We publish various types of Legal Notices including: Estate Notices, nity shoppers.

Name Changes, Fictitious Name, Articles of Incorporation and Now, several Mount Airy busimore, Call ness leaders, inspired by the initiaJohn David for more tive, have taken the project a step further by donating the creation and Fax: 215-689-4099

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6 DECEMBER, 2010

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Dec. 8Fire Fighters Local 22 and Police FOP Lodge 5 host plaque dedication honoring 100th anniversary of largest loss of life which killed 13 firefighters, one police officer and two fire horses at Plaza Complex on 2nd St. south of Girard Ave., 11 a.m.

For info Jerry Kots (267) 5496326.

Dec. 14Portrait presentation of Hon. Sheldon C. Jelin at City Hall, Room 653, 4 p.m. Reception following in Conversation Hall.

Dec. 18Caribbean Night Happy Hour fundraiser for Lawrence Clark for City Council at Banana’s 876 Lounge, 5500 Rising Sun Ave., 6-9 p.m. Donation $10 includes food.; donate blanket for homeless and it’s $8. Make checks to Clark4Change, P.O. Box 27154, Phila., PA 19118.

Jan. 27Edward J. Lowry, founder of Phila. Veterans MultiService and Education Ctr., will be honored on retirement at Waterfall Rm. in Plumbers Local 690 Union Hall, 2791 Southampton Rd., Cocktails 6-8 p.m., followed by Tribute Program.

Tickets $65. Order by phone (215) 238-8050. Event Chair Ed Keenan, Board Chair Jim McNesby and Exec. Dir. Marsha Four.

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member of the Mount Airy Business Improvement District. One of its missions is to add green space along Germantown Avenue between Cresheim Valley Road and Washington Lane. With the help of MABID, she has already improved the “pocket park” at Germantown Avenue & Carpenter Lane, with more in the works for next spring.

Elfant contacted Edward Hillis, owner of Domus Inc., the Germantown general contractor recently involved in building a new Weaver’s Way Co-op store in Chestnut Hill.

Hillis made a $1,000 gift. The Seminary also contributed $2,000.

In addition to the successful Farmer’s Market, the initiative is generating a vision for other possiPondering benches, Rivers con- ble activities are well – maybe outtacted Ken Weinstein, owner of the door concerts and movies.

Trolley Car Diner and current MABID chair, for advice and sup“I’ve long had a soft spot in my port. Weinstein told Rivers the Sem- heart for the seminary,” Elfant exinary has historically supported plained. “The seminary is physically Mount Airy in multiple ways. such a big part of the community, and it plays a major role in how it “During the Germantown Avenue serves the neighborhood.” reconstruction, the seminary community really supported the diner, Krey said, “I think we’re part of a which was so negatively impacted mutual admiration society in Mount for a time by the construction,” We- Airy. We all help each other.” instein said. The road excavation made access to the restaurant a real Participating in the Friday cerechallenge for many months. Wein- monies were LTSP President Philip stein also praises the seminary for Krey, bench donors Rivers, Elfant investing in the fledgling Valley and Weinstein, East Mount Airy Green Bank five years ago. In addi- Neighbors President Dan Muroff, tion the Seminary has energetically Mount Airy USA Executive Direcparticipated in Martin Luther King tor Anuj Gupta, LTSP Professor Day service projects and cleanups Katie Day, and Councilwoman along Chew Avenue.

Donna Reed Miller. Professor Day led the prayer for the dedication of Rivers met with Krey, then the benches, and the Councilwoman pledged a $4,000 gift toward the flipped the switch to light the plaza benches. Weinstein made a $1,000 tree. Seminary Director of Music supportive pledge and also con- Ministries and Cantor Michael tacted Robert Elfant of Elfant-Wis- Krentz and seminarian Pam Petersahickon Realtors, who pledged son, playing the flute, led the com$1,000 toward the project. And munity in singing carols.

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

6 DECEMBER, 2010

Xmas Came Early In Northeast’s 55th Ward HOST Ward Leader Bob Dellavella, right, welcomes, from left, Judge Roger Gordon, Scott O’Keefe, Michael “Ozzie” Myers and Gill Dolbow.

ENJOYING 55th Ward Party were Margaret and Councilman Bill Green, left, and Anna and Shawn Dillon.

JOINING Sen. Christine Tartaglione, seated in front, were elected officials, ward leaders and candidates at Bob Dellavella’s 55th Ward Christmas Party.

JOHNNIE’S Restaurant on Harbison Avenue was scene of Ward Leader Bob Dellavella’s Democrat 55th Ward Christmas Party. Among honored guests were Frank Dillon, Lisa Deeley and Controller Alan Butkovitz.

Photos by Harry Leech 6 DECEMBER, 2010

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

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Surprisingly Fresh Choreography Adds To Charm Of White Christmas

by Adam Taxin Irving Berlin’s holiday musical classic White Christmas opened last month at the Walnut Street Theatre.

Directed and choreographed masterfully by Marc Robin, artistic director of Lancaster, Pa.’s Fulton Opera House, the production runs through January 9 on the Mainstage.

The show is based on the blockbuster 1954 same-titled movie starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye and, predictably enough, features the popular Berlin song “White Christmas,” for which it encourages audience participation. Berlin, it should be noted, considered “White Christmas” “the greatest song I have ever written.” The song is only tangentially related to the show’s plot; the song’s lyrics express the wistfulness of a Southern Californian who misses the more traditional winter weather he experienced as a boy in the Northeast.

As for the show’s plot, Bob Wallace (Jeffrey Coon, who just appeared at the WST as Aaron Fox in Curtains) and Phil Davis (David Elder, a veteran of the WST’s Curtains, State Fair, 42nd Street, Windy City and Phantom of the Opera) are former US Army buddies who have become a successful song-anddance team. They attract the fellow8|

The quaintest plot device, tying in to the original meaning of the song, is, with apologies to Al Gore, Vermont’s unseasonably high weather and lack of snow. Given Philadelphians have experienced 79 inches of snow (including about 0.1 inch this past Thanksgiving morning) since a different version of White Christmas played just a year ago at the Kimmel Center, this is more likely to trigger audience amusement than empathy.

entertainer Haynes sisters, Betty (Julie Reiber, who played Niki Harris in the WST’s Curtains as well as Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway) and Judy (Vanessa Sonon, a WST rookie who appeared both on Broadway and on tour in both 42nd Street and Spamalot). If audience members let down their guard, they may even speculate that one of the two pairings may not last.

Clean and family-appropriate as the show is, it is not mere pablum.

As one expects from the Walnut Street Theatre Mainstage, the acting, singing, set design and dancing are at the level of Broadway. And, in terms of dancing, in contrast to, say, the classic South Pacific (which just came through the Academy of Music), there is plenty, the highlight of which being the Act II opener “I Love A Piano.”

Meanwhile, a former general, Thomas Waverly (Paul Nolan, who has performed in Honor and the River, Of Mice and Men and Afterplay at the WST), the commanding officer of the two Army frets, among other things, about finances about the lodge he has opened, post-retirement, in Pine Tree, Vt.

The other standout musical number is “Blue Skies,” which closes Act I. Director/choreographer Robin caught this reviewer pleasantly off guard when the well-known standard was staged and performed in a surprisingly invigorating and edgy way reminiscent of Bob Fosse’s Chicago and Cabaret.

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

6 DECEMBER, 2010