Philadelphia Daily Record

1ol. I No. 161

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

February 14, 2011

Philadelphia Daily Record

Tasco: I Am In

A FIRED-UP City Council Majority Leader Marian Tasco (D) announced Saturday at Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ in Oak Lane she would be a candidate for the 9th Dist. Council seat again this spring. Mayor Michael Nutter, four Council colleagues and State Rep. Dwight Evans were among a host of dignitaries who endorsed her – and left little doubt they would be supporting her for post of Council president in 2012

Your Own Daily Forum Whether you feel good or frustrated about what’s happening in this, your city and the Commonwealth and feel you need to tell the world about it – feel free to make a comment here in your Daily

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Record. Do sign them, since others may want to communicate with you.

Mail your comments on public life to “Daily Record” at editor@phillyrecord.com.

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STATE SEN. Anthony Hardy Williams and Mayor Michael A. Nutter discussed their efforts to cap violence that has occurred between W. Phila. high schools outside Boys Latin Charter School, 5501 Cedar Avenue, this morning at 10 a.m. Comments came after conclusion of a pointed discussion with Boys Latin students about conflict resolution and need to seize educational opportunities. Boys Latin School has seen its reputation for advancing young men – particularly those of color – through a rigorous college-bound academic program tarnished. Members of Boys Latin were involved in an altercation last month at an El stop.

State Will Help You Quit Smoking

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For Pennsylvania smokers eager to go tobacco free, the Dept. of Health will offer free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) four-week starter kits to qualified applicants beginning Monday, Feb. 14. Residents can call Pennsylvania’s toll-free THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1800-784-8669) for more information. The kits will be offered through the PA Free Quitline for approximately six to eight weeks.

The Dept. of Health’s NRT kits in14 JANUARY, 2011

clude a four-week supply of nicotine patches and related information. Callers must agree to enroll in a free cessation program with the Quitline and set an actual quit date. The cessation program ranges from three to six phone sessions. To qualify for the starter kit, they must answer several questions regarding any medical conditions that would rule out the safe use of nicotine patches.

The NRT program is part of the Dept. of Health’s ‘Quit for Love’ campaign, which encourages Pennsylvania smokers to do just that: put the health and wellbeing of loved ones first and quit for them. ‘Quit for Love’ is designed to encourage quit attempts and to

highlight the numerous resources for smokers to develop a quit plan, including DeterminedToQuit.com and the Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW).

Leslie Best, Director, Bureau of Health Promotion and Risk Reduction, is available to speak with you next week to inform you and your readers about the NRT giveaway and ‘Quit for Love.’ She is available for interviews Tuesday, February 15, through Friday, Feb. 18.

In addition, a local spokesperson is available next week for interviews to discuss the NRT giveaway and programs and resources in your area.

Waters Aids Seniors On Rate Changes STATE REP. RON WATERS talks to constituents at one of the energy workshops he held recently to educate people on improving energy efficiency in their home and how to shop for electric suppliers.

State Rep. Ronald Waters (D-W. Phila.) has wrapped up a successful series of mobile energy workshops for seniors designed to help them understand how to shop for energy suppliers.

“These workshops were designed to help senior citizens understand 14 FEBRUARY, 2011

and prepare for possible electric rate changes by teaching them how to shop for energy suppliers and helping them make their homes as energy efficient as possible,” Waters said.

Representatives from energy comTHE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

panies, including PECO, provided an overview on the electric rate increase, as well as cost-effective energy conservation habits and programs. A spokesperson from PECO addressed the issue of rate increases, as well as giving tips on how to look for and select a new |

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energy supplier.

Feb. 11Fundraiser Reception for Council candidate Lawrence Clark at Rose Tattoo Café, 19th & Callowhill Sts. Feb. 11Manayunk on Ice winter festival featuring Ice Carving Competition.

Free 3-day festival runs through Sunday. Fire & Ice Kickoff featuring an ice bonfire, 5 p.m.

Feb. 12Councilman Curtis Jones hosts Petition Workshop at Pinn Memorial Baptist Ch. Founders Hall, 2251 N. 54th St., 10 a.m.-12 m. RSVP Samantha Williams (267) 2090171.

Feb. 12Fundraiser for Sandy Stewart for 6th Dist. Council at SmokeEaters Pub., 7681 Frankford Ave., 7-10 p.m. $40 ticket at door. Donations to PO Box 8937, Phila., PA 19135.

Feb. 13Volunteer petitioners for Sherrie Cohen for Council meet at Tavern on Camac, 243 S. Camac St., 4-7 p.m. Free food.

Feb. 13Kickoff Petition Party for Danny Savage for 7th Dist. Council at Juniata G.C. Banquet Hall, 1391 E. Cayuga St., 6-8 p.m. For info (267) 281-3838.

Feb. 15Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell launches reelection campaign at 1st Dist. Plaza, 3801 Market St., 1 p.m.

Feb. 152nd Dist. Council candidate Barbara Capozzi hosts Petition Party at Galdo’s, 20th & Moyamensing Ave., 5-7 p.m.

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A representative of the Energy Coordinating Associations addressed ways homeowners can conserve electricity and make their homes more energy efficient.

Constituents who missed the workshops can go to the Pennsylvania Office of the Consumer Advocate’s website, www.oca.state.pa.us, which offers a residential electric

shopping guide on how to shop and compare prices for electricity and natural gas. Consumers also should visit the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission website, www.puc.state.pa.us, which offers many tips on how to decrease energy consumption and save money, including information on budget billing, low-income heating assistance and efficient home heating equipment.

Verna Congratulates Urban Outfitters

COUNCIL PRESIDENT Anna C. Verna welcomes decision of Urban Outfitters, Inc., which relocated at Navy Yard to continue its expansion from 600 to 1,500 employees at caremonies. Urban Outfitters is marking its 30th year as a Philadelphia-based corporation.

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Springtime In Paris, Green Time In Philly IMPACT OF FLOWER SHOW’S coming “Springtime in Paris” at Convention Center is estimated to bring in $61 million to city businesses, exciting Mayor Michael Nutter seen here with supporters. From left are Rob Wonderling, head of Chamber of Commerce, Nutter, Horticultural Society CEO Drew Becher, PNC bank’s Bill Mills, and Jean Canfield of PNC. Photo

by Bonnie Squires

Mayor Names New Member To ZBA Mayor Michael A. Nutter has appointed Jeff Rush to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

“Jeff is a lifelong Philadelphian and has demonstrated his tremendous commitment to his city through service in civic organizations across the city,” said the Mayor Nutter. “I thank him for his willingness to serve on the ZBA.” Rush has owned and operated Lube Master, Inc., an auto-maintenance and -repair facility, since 1996 lo14 FEBRUARY, 2011

cated in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia. Mr. Rush previously served as vice chair of the Central Delaware Advocacy Group, which worked with the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation on the Master Plan for the Central Delaware. He has served as a board member on the Interstate Land Management Corp. since its inception in 1992 and previously served as the VP of the Queen Village Neighbors Association. Rush also served in the United States Army as an assistant to the Brigade ComTHE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

mander of the 101st Airborne.

“I would like to thank the Mayor for appointing me to the ZBA. I have long supporting zoning and planning reform and understand the necessity of these vital services for a 21st-century city. I look forward to further serving Philadelphia in this capacity,” said Rush.

Rush attended Temple University and graduated from Central HS.

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Montco Coroner Makes Statement After Morgue Was Flooded Montgomery Co., Coroner Dr. Walter I. Hofman, MD released the following statement on the flooding that impacted his office last Friday.

“We appreciate the cooperation and concern of everyone involved in assisting us on Friday when the water main break in the Coroner’s Office in the Montgomery Co. Human Services Building in Norristown necessitated our moving all of our equipment and personnel to other facilities.

I was called at 5:30 a.m. by the police radio supervisor regarding the situation and began the emergency process. Our office phones were not reinstituted till after lunch. Communication was via police radio, sheriff’s office and our cell phones.

By mid-morning, I already had major back-up plans in motion, including alternative storage and examination facilities. This was as a result of my direct contact with area funeral homes, hospitals and both the Delaware Co. and Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s offices.

As a result of the efforts of Bob Graf, County COO, Tom Sullivan, head of Emergency Management, their respective staff members and my alert staff, we were able to address the problems quickly with efficiency and respect.

Even though we are temporarily located to another set of offices while the clean-up and repairs are being made, we can assure the public of the same high level of quality of services.”

Local Rising Star, First-Time-Shown Breeds In Manhattan for Annual Westminster Dog Show

by Adam Taxin This morning began the 135th edition of the Westminster Dog Show, America’s secondlongest continuously held sporting event (behind only the Kentucky Derby). Naturally enough, the hundreds of canines being shown at Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden today and tomorrow include several from the greater Philadelphia area.

PHILLY’S CANINE ANSWER to Cliff Lee, young Longcoat Chihuahua “Eli”, shows his stuff at dog world’s premier event this morning.

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Tina Bregman of Society Hill, who has been involved in the showing of dogs for six years, came in with lofty expectations for her Longcoat Chihuahua “Eli,” currently ranked #15 in the country and who, at a very young age, has already earned titles which include “North American Kennel Club International Champion” and “American Kennel Club Grand

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14 JANUARY, 2011

Champion.” Eli ended up not receiving an award when Longcoat Chihuahuas were judged as a breed this morning. However, he did make the first cut, an exceptional performance for a very young dog whose third birthday, in fact, is today. According to Bregman, “Eli had an outstanding day in the ring. I watched the judging. He looked very good, and he did make the first cut. I observed the judge looking at Eli very closely several times, and Eli was very attentive to the judge. I couldn’t have asked for anything more for his first appearance at a big show like this.”

This year features six first-time-in-show breeds, which include Boykin Spaniels (sporting category), Bluetick Coonhound (hound category), Redbone Coonhound (hound category) and Icelandic Sheepdog (herding category). Also among the first-time-in-show breeds are two in the working category, Cane Corso and Leonberger, both of which feature dogs from the Philadelphia area in the competition.

Krissy Sauers, a full-time CPA from Hatfield, Pa., is thrilled to have her Cane Corso ”Afterglow” being shown tomorrow, during Day Two of the competition.

Only able to purchase a dog when her schedule became less demanding in recent years, she chose to buy a member of this ancient Italian breed, specialized for minding livestock and property, which only started being imported into the US in 1988. Although her allergies were one factor in her choice, she also “definitely wanted a bigger dog. I wanted to play with them. I like to roughhouse with them.… I really liked the Rottweiler, but I knew they shed a lot, and I just kept looking and doing searches online. I kind of stumbled on the Cane Corso, went to a couple of the rare-breed shows and just fell in love.”

“Behru,” a Leonberger (relative of Mastiffs, St. Bernards and Newfoundlands) belonging to Kristin Steichen of Oxford, Pa., will be judged tomorrow. Although excited about Behru’s debut, Steichen is cautionary about some of the negative consequences of a 14 FEBRUARY, 2011

debuting breed’s trendy status. She states: “Westminster is an honor and extremely exciting. However, the appearance of ‘new’ breeds on what is our most public stage for dogs in America also has a direct impact on what shows up in rescues and shelters in the following year.”

Steichen adds the three (there used to be only one) Leonberger rescue associations are bracing themselves for the fallout of what is called the “Westminster Effect”: “People see these beautiful dogs on TV. People see them all beautiful and puffy and gorgeous, and they don’t realize that, at home, they’re covered in mud and twigs, and they’re quite happy to bring that all into the house every single day.”

Others dogs and owners from the Philadelphia area making the trip to Westminster include, among others, Shira Lee Barkon of Malvern with Siberian Husky “Valiant”; Judy Sarkisian of Elkins Park with Black Cocker Spaniel “Evelyn”; Susan Palius of Belle Mead, N.J. with Spinone “Rico”; Jerold Glick of Lafayette Hill with Dandie Dinmont Terrier “Professor”; Cynthia and Steven (a Precinct Captain in Willistown under Committeeman John B. McGowan, Jr.) of Willistown with Giant Schnauzer “Bacchus”; and Nichole Bartlett of Newark, Del. with Great Dane “Danica.”

The showing of dogs is not a cheap hobby. According to Bregman, “I think the least you can possibly expect the show circuit to be without a professional handler is $50,000 a year and well into the six figures. “ However, according to Joan Weiskopf of Sinking Spring, near Reading, who made a late decision to pull her Bedlington Terrier “Dyce” out of Westminster because of issues with the judge, as well as an unfavorably-early-in-the-morning time for showing given to the breed this year: “The reason you have to hedge the answer to this question is because there are so many levels of participation. If you are a top-ranked cham-

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pion competing for group placements at Westminster, the cost is substantially greater than an owner-handler attempting to put a champion title on a dog. If you are looking simply to title your dogs to bring attention to your kennel name, the level of participation, both physical and monetarily, is not the same as seeking national titles.”

Regardless of the cost of raising, showing and promoting dogs on the circuit, one need not pay to watch the Westminster Dog Show’s television coverage. Should one need further motivation to feel good about tuning

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in (USA Network 8-9 p.m. tonight, CNBC 9-11 p.m. tonight, then back to USA 8-11 p.m. tomorrow night, it might be helpful to keep in mind the words of New York writer Mark Levenson, in his essay “Canines and Commandments”: “if the dog, a servant and tool of man, is worthy of kindness, how much more so are our fellow human beings – creatures created in the image of God – worthy of such kindness.”

Center City attorney Adam Taxin is partial to St. Bernards and Newfoundlands. He can best be contacted via Facebook or at adamtaxin@gmail.com.

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