Philadelphia Daily Record by The Public Record

Vol. II No. 197 (357)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

December 9, 2011

Philadelphia Daily Record

German Joy

GERMAN AMERICAN DAY comes to Christmas Village in Love Park tomorrow. Schuhplattler Dancers will be among many paying tribute to German heritage. See story page 10

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Dec. 15Berean Institute Christmas Open House at 1901 W. Girard Ave., 5-9 p.m. For info (215) 763-4833. Dec. 15Christmas Celebration in 6300 block Germantown Ave., 6-7 p.m. Corporate and community donations welcome! For more info, to make a donation, A. Neal (215) 438-1768 or A. Alexander (215) 844-9345. Dec. 15Join Stephanie Singer for an evening of political comedy at “This Is the Week that Is”, 1812 Productions’ yearly political satire. Tickets, $20, cover cost of theater ticket, plus a donation of any size (from $1 up to the legal individual maximum of $2,600). For info John Barber (484) 469-0633. Dec. 17Volunteers needed to help wrap gifts for Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell’s Christmas Holiday Party for Homeless. Join her in City Hall Rm. 401, 9 a.m. Call to sign up (215) 686-3418. Dec. 17Phila. Federation of Young Republicans hosts Christmas Party at Liberties, 705 N. 2nd St., 3-7 p.m. Tickets $20. Dec. 17Committee to Elect Brett Mandel hosts Auld Lang Syne cocktail reception at 2303 Lombard St., 6-8 p.m. Contributions $100 to $1,000. For info www.brettmandel.com. Dec. 17Black Professionals Christmas Party at African American Museum, 7th & Arch Sts., 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $50 includes live music, entertainment. For info Earl Harvey (267) 244-3860.

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Dec. 17N.W. Futures PAC Christmas Bash at 5547 Germantown Ave., 9 p.m.1 a.m. $20. BYOB. For info Derek S. Green, Esq., (216) 205-4988. Dec. 20Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell hosts City’s homeless at her annual Christmas Party at Pennsylvania Convention Ctr., 3-7 p.m. Dec. 29Friends of Council Majority Leader-Elect Curtis Jones hosts “Black Out Party” at 4130 Main St., next to Manayunk Brewery, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Dress in black. VIP Cocktail 6-8 p.m. $1,000 host, $500 sponsor, $250 VIP, $50 general admission, guest. For info Dorian Stanley (732) 642-2163. Dec. 30Kwanzaa Dinner & Show fundraiser to send 50 students to Africa at Imhotep Charter HS, 6201 N. 21st St.,7-11 p.m. Tickets $40; seniors and children under 12, $30. For info Maisha Sullivan (215) 385-0214. Jan. 2Inaugural celebration for Jewell Williams, Sheriff of Phila., at Horizons Rooftop Ballrm., Sheraton Hotel, 17th & Race Sts. Attire: boots and denim, and party gear. RSVP JewellWilliams2011@gmail.com. Jan. 3- S. Phila. Tea Party meeting at Prudential Savings Bank, entrance from parking lot in rear, 1834 Oregon Ave., 7 p.m. Guest speaker. All invited. Apr. 262012 Centennial Pk. Celebration honoring Joseph Manko, Ryan Howard and Vanguard at Phila. Horticultural Ctr., Montgomery Ave. & N. Horticultural Dr., 6 p.m. For tickets, etc. Arthur (215) 9889341.

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Can USA Solve Its Problems? Kids And Adults Disagree Weekly Reader, one of the leading K-12 educational publishers, and IBOPE Zogby International, a global public-opinion polling and market-research firm, has announced results of paired nationwide surveys. The results show children and adults agree on the top two issues facing the United States today – but feel very differently about our prospects for solving the country’s problems. The economy/jobs was cited by large majorities of adults (89%) and children (64%) as our country’s number-one challenge in similar polls conducted by the two organizations. Health care was the clear second choice for both groups, but by a much larger percentage of kids (25% of adults, 44% of children). And unlike adults, children overwhelmingly indicated the number-one characteristic they are looking for in the country’s next president is honesty – even over intelligence. Children and adults surveyed showed vastly different sentiments when asked how they felt about the future of the United States. Children overwhelmingly chose “I

feel very hopeful that we will be able to fix our country’s problems” (58%), while 75% of adults responding to the same choices picked either “I do not feel hopeful” or “I feel somewhat hopeful” about the nation’s future. Ira Wolfman, senior VP at Weekly Reader, noted, “Compared to adults, kids are strikingly more optimistic, far less concerned that the President agrees with them on all issues, and much more worried about war and the environment.” What’s the most-important quality a President should have? Kids say, “honesty.” Adults are not as certain. Fifty-one percent of children said the number-one attribute of a President should be his or her honesty. Adults, on the other hand, were evenly split between intelligence and honesty, both chosen by 31% of adults. Another big votegetter among adults was “Ideas I agree with,” coming in third with 19%, while only 9% of children made that choice. Children were much more concerned about war and the environment than adults were. Twenty-four percent of kids

picked war as one of their top two issues, and 23% picked the environment. For adults, those issues were at the bottom of their lists (7% and 5%, respectively), while immigration (17%), energy (14%) and security (14%) came in much higher. “Polling both adults and school kids and comparing results gives us valuable insight into how a broad constituency is relating to politics and the direction of our country,” said Kjell de Orr, CEO of IBOPE Zogby International. “As in this case, I often find the student responses to be both pure and thoughtful, and it indicates our future is in good hands with these bright young people.” These paired surveys mark a new chapter in the partnership between Weekly Reader and IBOPE Zogby. The educational publisher, which reaches more than 5 million students nationwide with its digital and print periodicals, has been conducting its National Student Presidential Poll since 1956. The millions of students who have voted in that poll have picked the winner 13 out of 14 times.

Casey’s Bill Would Restore Home Heating Assistance US Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) has cosponsored a bipartisan bill to support the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP is the main federal program

that helps low-income families and seniors on fixed incomes with their energy bills, providing vital assistance during the months with extreme temperatures.

“Home heating assistance provides vital help for Pennsylvania’s families and older Pennsylvanians while also generating economic activity in our communities,” the

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD Senator said. “At a time when Pennsylvanians are watching every dollar to ensure they can afford necessities for their families, this bill will help ensure those struggling in this tough economy are able to keep the heat on this winter.” With the ongoing difficult economic climate coupled with increased energy prices – such as the projected costs of heating oil this winter – Casey has joined Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Olympia Snowe (R-Me.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) to introduce the LIHEAP Protection Act and avoid a drastic reduction in energy assistance to families across the country.

Last year Congress provided a total of $4.7 billion in LIHEAP funds for low-income households. But as part of its efforts to control federal spending, the Obama Administration proposed a 45% cut in LIHEAP funds from last year’s level to $2.57 billion in 2012. The Appropriations bills proposed in the Senate ($3.6 billion) and House ($3.4 billion) only partially restored this highly disproportionate cut. Furthermore, efforts in the House to change how assistance is allocated would mean less aid for cold-weather states like Pennsylvania. Casey strongly opposes such changes.

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Josephs: Amended Bill Would Deny Legal State Benefits State Rep. Babette Josephs (D-S Phila.) criticized the movement of SB 9 out of the House State Government Committee this week, saying the amended bill would do more harm than good. As amended by the Republicans in the committee, the bill would make it a crime for undocumented immigrants to possess or use a state medical assistance card, called an Access card. Josephs said this could result in barring people from receiving benefits for which they are lawfully eligible. “This legislation is so restrictive that it would be against the law for disabled or homebound US citizens to ask their neighbor, friend or spouse to shop for them with their card, or for lawfully present immigrants to keep their US citizen children’s cards to ensure their access to essential nutrition and medical benefits,” Josephs said. “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Benefits are federally funded and provide an important boost to our economy. They also provide vital nutrition and medical benefits for at-risk children, which they might not otherwise receive if their parents could not possess the Access card for their children’s benefits. “This is nothing but a back-door attempt to prevent documented immigrants and eligible citizens from receiving benefits for which they

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD are lawfully able under federal law. It’s persecution plain and simple.” The holder of an Access card may legally permit someone else to use the card on his or her behalf. However, Josephs said, this legislation would deny that if that someone is

undocumented, even if the undocumented person was a spouse, trusted neighbor or babysitter. She also noted the legislation may prohibit undocumented immigrants from receiving emergency Medicaid, which the State is required to

provide under federal law. The approved amendment to the bill was offered by State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler), Majority Chair of the State Government Committee.

Yrs, O’Neill Lead Clothing/Toy Drive The Philadelphia Federation of Young Republicans, along with Councilman Brian J. O’Neill, are conducting a clothing/toy drive for the holiday season. Please bring any extra clothes and/or children’s toys (preferably new, unopened, but not required) to the Councilman’s District office

located at 1701 Bowler Street, 2nd floor. Donations can be dropped off Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Please drop off all toys by Dec. 21 and coats/clothes by Dec. 30. “If you are unable to drop off your donations, pickup can be arranged by emailing the YRs at Philly-

FYR@gmail.com. Thank you for your generosity, as you all know we are in a rough economy and the holidays compound some people’s difficulties. A couple toys and some warm clothes can greatly help out a struggling family,” said Steven Boc, Philadelphia YR chairman.

New Plan For Creative Economy Is Unveiled The Mayor’s Cultural Advisory Council presented Mayor Michael A. Nutter with Creative Philadelphia: A Vision Plan for Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy: a plan that establishes a clear set of goals, objectives and strategies to realize Philadelphia’s vision for a thriving artistic and creative community. The document is the fulfillment of one of the MCAC’s specific charges, assisting Chief Cultural Officer Gary Steuer in developing a multi-year plan for the City’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy. “Philadelphia is fast becoming known as an epicenter for the making of art and as a creative place where people want to live and do business,” said the Mayor. “The Mayor’s Cultural Advisory Committee has presented to me a comprehensive plan for how our City can continue this progress and strategies for how we can elevate Philadelphia as a world class City for the arts.” One of the key goals of the plan is to establish a con-

crete vision of Philadelphia, a city where art, culture and the creative economy are essential elements in making the Philadelphia region a great place to live, work and visit, and are active partners in helping to address the city’s challenges and opportunities in the areas of economic development, quality of life and education. To bring about this vision are five overarching goals: Ensure Philadelphia’s recognition as a world-class creative city; Make the arts accessible and relevant to Philadelphia residents and visitors; Incorporate arts, culture and the creative economy into the core of the City’s economic development, tourism, promotional and community revitalization strategies; Provide access to high quality cultural experiences and arts education for all Philadelphia children; and Ensure that artists, cultural organizations and creative • PHILADELPHIADAILYRECORD.COM

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD businesses have access to the resources they need to be successful.

The Bond Buyer interviewed Winkler for a supplemental piece, pro“This Creative Philadelphia plan gives Mayor Nutter and his admin- moting women in finance leadership roles and encouraging istration a clear road map for more women to enter the field. It is strategies to pursue during their included in today’s issue as a part second term, which will provide significant long-term benefits to all of the ‘Deal of the Year Awards.’ The annual Deal of the Year Philadelphians,” said Joseph Kluger, Chair of the Mayor’s Cul- Awards Dinner will be held in New York City to recognize innotural Advisory Council. “I am vation in public finance. grateful to my MCAC colleagues for the time and energy they have invested in the development of this “Nancy (Winkler) is a valuable exciting plan and to the Mayor and part of my staff,” said Mayor NutChief Cultural Officer for their re- ter. “She came to our Administration with years of private ceptivity to our recommendaexperience and a drive to bring tions.” that knowledge to the public sector.” The MCAC is a 49-member advisory body comprised of individual artists; professionals with creative Winkler has worked in the public finance industry for 28 years. She commercial firms; leaders of the is a graduate of Georgetown Unicity’s diverse nonprofit arts, culversity and the London School of ture, history, and heritage groups; Economics. and funders of those nonprofit groups. Its purposes include advising the Mayor and chief cultural Mayor Mourns Passofficer on issues relating to the arts, culture and the creative econ- ing Of Robert Burns omy; serving as a “think tank” for Mayor Michael A. Nutter released the following statement on the the development of strategies to address arts and cultural issues and passing of Robert K. Burns: opportunities; and providing assis“Today, the City of Philadelphia tance to the OACCE. mourns the loss of a great public City Treasurer Hailed health leader and community advocate. Robert K. Burns, the execAs ‘Trailblazer’ By utive director of The COLOURS Organization, served the City as a her Peers strong voice on issues of gay Nancy Winkler, City of Philadelmen’s health and the impact of phia Treasurer, was selected by her HIV/AIDS in the Black commupeers to be recognized by the Bond nity. Buyer, a national public finance publication, as one of several “Robert provided testimony to “trailblazing” women in public fiCity Council, led service-delivery nance for her many accomplishefforts and formerly represented ments. 6|

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD the Philadelphia region as the Chairperson of the HIV/AIDS Community Planning Group. “I had the opportunity to meet

Robert, most recently at the 2nd Annual Rainbow Flag Raising, where the COLOURS Organization was highlighted for the LGBT History Month Celebration in Oc-

tober. Robert was an inspiration to many and his loss will be felt by the entire City of Philadelphia.”

Lutheran Seminary Sings Praises Of Asher Brothers

SOLI DEO GLORIA recipient Jack Asher gives audience background on Keystone State Boys Choir. The Philadelphia native described seminary “as one of the signature places I always remember.”

For noted candy executive and philanthropist John L. “Jack” Asher, Jr., the dinner honoring him and his brother, Robert, featured a big surprise. Asher and his brother were this year’s recipients of the Soli Deo Gloria Award for outstanding leadership and service to the church and to the mission of The Lutheran

Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. (Robert was unable to attend the annual Advent Vespers in the Seminary’s Brossman Center.) LTSP Trustee Robert Blanck and Board of Trustees Chair John Richter presented the award to Jack Asher, and just as he stepped to the microphone to extend remarks of gratitude, Blanck asked him to stop. And into the hall for a

surprise performance tribute to Asher and the dinner audience came 60 members of the 150member Keystone State Boychoir, featuring directors Joe “Fitz” Fitzmartin and Steven M. Fisher. Jack Asher is the choir’s founding Board member. The surprise tribute was arranged by the seminary’s interim Director of Communications Merri Brown.

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD Her son, Graeme, was a soloist for the occasion. Visibly proud and moved, Asher explained the accomplishments of the vocal group, which calls his congregation, The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown, their home. The choir, he said, has performed on every continent. Jack Asher, who has served on LTSP’s President’s Council, has been a driving force behind the seminary’s capital campaigns and strategic planning. In opening remarks, LTSP President Philip D.W. Krey thanked Jack Asher “for helping me to make the right associations and meet the right people when I became President.” In expressing appreciation for the honor, Jack Asher, a native Philadelphian, called LTSP “one of the signature places that I always remember.” In his greetings to dinner attendees, Krey noted the annual Advent Vespers program to follow under the direction of Michael Krentz, Seminary director of music ministries, is in honor of The Rev. Dr. Robert E. Bornemann, the late professor of Hebrew and Old Testament at LTSP, who directed the Seminary Choir he founded from 1955 to 1990. Krey told the audience gifts to the Bornemann Memorial Fund secure the present and future of a vibrant program of music at the Seminary. Improvements to the Seminary’s Krauth Memorial Library, including a connector to The Brossman Center, are beginning to unfold. Highlights of current Seminary life 8|

include plans for a new curriculum, the ongoing 300th birthday anniversary celebrating the life of Lutheran Patriarch Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, and a recent gathering of Philadelphia religious leaders, who strategized over “the increasing challenge of hunger in our city.” After his father’s death in 1966, Jack Asher and his younger brother, Robert, took over Asher’s Chocolates in Philadelphia’s Germantown section and expanded the business. In 1991, Asher’s acquired the Goss Candy Co. in Lewistown, Pa. and renamed it Asher’s Chocolates, Lewistown. The enterprise has grown dramatically over the years to become nationally known. In 2006, Jack Asher was elected to the Candy Hall of Fame while serving as president of the firm and co-chair of Asher’s Chocolates. His honors have included being named Small Business Person of the Year (Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, 1988). He’s served on many boards including as president of the Germantown Business Association, president of Whosoever Gospel Mission, Germantown, president of the Germantown Historical Society, and the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. He’s served as a volunteer firefighter for 35 years and today helps direct re-enactments of the Battle of Germantown from the Revolutionary War period. He has served his congregation, The 1st Presbyterian Church in Germantown, as deacon, trustee, elder, head usher, and president of the Couples Club. Jack and his wife

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Carolyn have three adult children. Native Philadelphian Robert “Bob” Asher serves as co-chair of the Board of Asher’s Chocolates as well as president of Robert Asher Associates. He is a member of the Session of Oreland Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Oreland, Pa. He is a Pennsylvania member of the Republican National Committee and served as co-chair for the Tom Corbett for Governor Campaign. Bob Asher serves on several boards, including the Delaware River Port Authority, Philadelphia Hospitality, Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp. and Greater Philadelphia Executive Committee Chamber of Commerce. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business & Commerce and is a US Army veteran. He has been recognized for public service by the Montgomery Co. Association for Retarded Citizens, Boy Scouts of America and the Union League of Philadelphia. Bob Asher has been a key networker on behalf of LTSP, facilitating the securing of grants for Seminary capital projects. Bob and his wife, Joyce, have three children and seven grandchildren. Both brothers are members of the Union League of Philadelphia. Almost 500 students study at the Seminary. The student body is comprised mostly of Lutherans, but more than 35% are from 28 other denominations, including Episcopalian, Baptist, Presbyterian, United Methodist, United Church of Christ, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Church of God in Christ.

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Bo De Temple Returns To Community

BO DE TEMPLE ownership has returned to Temple’s community after four-day trial in which its leaders successfully fought illegal seizure by former member. Temple, located at 13th & Washington, now serves growing Asian community.

Use Safe Pathways Around Dilworth Plaza Construction Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Center City District announced an effort to encourage pedestrians to use safe pathways around the Dilworth Plaza construction site. Over the next 27 months, Dilworth Plaza will be transformed into a green, public space including street access, a large lawn and tree

groves. During this time, there will be no sidewalk access and, through signage and police officer instruction, pedestrians will be encouraged to cross the street. Sidewalk access was considered by the City and CCD; however, when construction begins, dangerous conditions will extend too close to

the curb for pedestrians to pass safely. “Pedestrians put themselves at risk when they walk in the street in the high traffic zone around City Hall,” said the Mayor. “When finished, this project will make Dilworth Plaza an urban oasis for our

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD city’s residents and visitors. However, during the construction, I want to strongly encourage pedestrians to not walk in the street. You’re putting your life at risk to save two minutes.” CCD President Paul R. Levy added, “There will be some temporary inconvenience while this major construction project is underway, but we think everyone

will appreciate the results of the totally transformed and more-accessible Dilworth Plaza that we are creating in partnership with the City and SEPTA.” Starting Wednesday evening, the CCD emailed information cards describing safe walking routes to office and residential buildings surrounding Dilworth Plaza. The City’s Dept. of Public Property

also distributed cards to all City employees in City Hall, the Municipal Services Building, One Parkway Building, and the Criminal Justice Center. Additionally, uniformed Community Service Representatives from the CCD will be deployed during rush hour starting Monday to hand out these information cards to individuals at more than 10 crosswalks and intersections.

Christmas Village Brings German American Day Back To Town! Christmas Village in Philadelphia has been back in town for two weeks. All family and friends have been enjoying this little piece of German culture in Love Park right in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. This weekend, Saturday, Dec. 10, the village will host its annual German American Day, which the visitors loved the most last year. The day will be filled with German Dance Performances, choir performances and again two performances from our bass-baritone singer Chris Latzke. The schedule for the day looks like this: 12:30 p.m.: Donauschwaben dancers 1 p.m.: Christ Latzke - German Christmas Program 2 p.m.: GTV Almrausch Schuhplattler Dancers 3 p.m.: Deutschschüler von Hardford Choir 4 p.m.: United German Hungarians Dancers 6 p.m.: Chris Latzke - Christmas Program

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TV Teams should be there for the 2 p.m. Schuhplattler Dancers (see photo enclosed). Come and watch these wonderful performances and enjoy all the German specialties Christmas Village has to offer: Stollen, Bratwurst, frosted nuts, Lebkuchen (gingerbread), Sauerkraut, Glühwein (mulled wine) and all the other little things which will make you feel like you are in Germany! If you are looking for Christmas gifts for the family, over 50 international vendors surely have the right idea for you. Christmas Village also has five vendors from Germany who brought their wonderful crafts and food, such as handmade glass ornaments, honey, pewter, nutcrackers, pyramids and much more, directly from Germany for you to enjoy!