Philadelphia Public Record by The Public Record

FOREVER JOE

Vol. XV No. 31

Issue 1018

August 1, 2019

“The good things we do must be made a part of the public record”

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PHILLY BOXING LEGEND Joe Frazier will live on, in a mural to be executed on the recreation center at 26th & Master Streets in North Philadelphia. D em o n st rat ing the image are, L-R, artist Earnel Martinez, Sage Frazier, Joe Frazier, Weeta Frazier, Derek Frazier and Ukee Washington. Photo by Wendell Douglas

FAITH AGAINST DEATH P. 2

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Faith Leaders Join Krasner on Death Penalty

aith leaders from the Philadelphia region and across the nation are urging the abolition of the death penalty in Pennsylvania following a Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office study finding that capital punishment is unconstitutionally applied to mostly poor defendants of color. District Attorney Larry Krasner announced the results of the DAO’s study concluding that the death penalty as applied in Pennsylvania is unconstitutional. “Upon being asked to file a response in the matter of Jermont Cox v. the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, my office conducted a study of 155 death penalty cases in Philadelphia – where the majority of capital sentences have originated over the last four decades,” said District Attorney Krasner. “What we found was undeniable evidence that the quality of a defendant’s defense dramatically decreases for the poor and persons of color, and that race and income disproportionately determine whether a person will be sent to death row. Not even supporters of capital punishment can justify these outcomes with integrity or honesty. As the son of a preacher whose faith informs my values, I am honored to stand with these faith leaders of diverse backgrounds.” “The movement to build a more just and peaceful society requires both faith in humankind’s capacity to heal and rehabilitate, as well as an adherence to facts, instead of fearful mythologies about people who are unlike us. This landmark brief by the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office offers concrete data on which we must develop policies

centered around people’s inherent goodness and capacity to make amends,” said Sister Helen Prejean, internationally renowned activist and opponent of capital punishment, and the author of Dead Man Walking. “The DAO’s study of the death penalty as applied in Pennsylvania over nearly four decades shows that the least of us – the poorest, the most marginalized, and the most vulnerable are too often sentenced to death. District Attorney Larry Krasner is sworn to uphold the law and the rights of all people, but when the law is applied unjustly, he is called to act. I urge the state Supreme Court, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, and the General Assembly to put electioneering and politics aside and bring Pennsylvania’s death penalty to an end, once and for all.” “With this historic brief, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office has provided incontrovertible evidence that the death penalty in Pennsylvania is applied inconsistently, with prejudice, and is fundamentally unjust,” said the Rev. James Martin, author and editor at large of America: The Jesuit Review. “It is unconscionable that in Philadelphia, 82 percent of capital defendants currently on death row are members of racial minorities, and disturbing that in nearly all of the 112 death sentences that were overturned upon appeal, the defendant ultimately was not re-sentenced to capital punishment. Pope Francis has said, and church teaching affirms, that the death penalty is impermissible, because it is an affront to human life. As both a Catholic priest and a Philadelphia native, I applaud

DISTRICT ATTORNEY Larry Krasner charges that the death penalty in Pennsylvania unconstitutionally discriminates against poor persons and persons of color.

District Attorney Krasner's efforts to opt for compassion over vengeance, for dignity over despair, and for life over death.” “Islam requires us to be supportive of justice, even against ourselves, whether rich or poor, family or otherwise. We are all aware that capital punishment, the most extreme application of the law, is applied with inequity," said Imam Kenneth Nuriddin, resident imam for the Philadelphia Masjid. “As a clergy person, I am opposed to taking the life of anyone, so I applaud the decision of District Attorney Lawrence Krasner. But beyond my moral opposition to the death penalty, I am also aware of the disproportionate ways in which race and class impact the outcome in convictions and sentencing. In that light, taking the life of one person who might later be found to be innocent is one too many,” said Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, pastor of Philadelphia’s historic Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. “As people of faith and

conscience, the death penalty violates our moral and spiritual responsibilities,” said Rabbi Ari Lev Fornari of Kol Tzedek Synagogue in West Philadelphia. “In the Jewish tradition specifically, it undermines our belief in the ongoing capacity for repair, forgiveness, healing, transformation, and restorative justice which is built into the fabric of the universe. And it transgresses our understanding that every human being is created in the image of the Divine. All of our decisions in the court of justice must be made with these values in mind.” “The latest study by the District Attorney’s Office reinforces what we have known for decades: the death penalty is arbitrary and fundamentally flawed beyond repair. An astonishing 112 out of 155 death sentences were overturned, most often due to ineffective assistance of counsel. It is clear that we are not sentencing and executing the ‘worst of the worst,’ but the poorest of the poor, and disproportionately people

of color," said Shane Claiborne, founder of Kensington-based service organization The Simple Way and a leader of Red Letter Christians. “There are no rich folks on death row. The one without the capital gets the punishment. I am proud to stand with DA Larry Krasner as he calls on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to put an end to the death penalty. As the number of executions and death sentences reaches record lows and as public opposition to the death penalty reaches a record high, Pennsylvania has a chance to lead the nation in becoming the next abolitionist state. Pennsylvania, and the United States of America, will be even more beautiful without the death penalty.” The DAO, following a December 2018 order by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, filed a response in the matter of Jermont Cox v. the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (No. 102 EM 2018) on July 15, 2019. The DAO conducted a comprehensive study of 155 death sentences issued by the Commonwealth to Philadelphia defendants between 1978 – when Pennsylvania enacted its current death penalty statute – and Dec. 31, 2017, before District Attorney Krasner took office. The DAO’s study found grave inconsistencies and inequities. The study found that of the Philadelphia defendants currently on death row, 91% are members of racial minority groups, 82% are Black even though Black people are fewer than 45% of Philadelphia’s population, and 80% were represented by court-appointed counsel, meaning they could not afford an attorney.

The Philadelphia Public Record (PR-01) (ISSN 1938-856X) (USPS 1450) Published Weekly Requested Publication ($20 per year Optional Subscription) The South Philadelphia Public Record 21 S. 11th Street, Suite 205 Philadelphia, PA 19107 Periodical Postage Paid at Philadelphia, PA and additional mailing office POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The Public Record 21 S. 11th Street, Suite 205 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 755-2000 Fax: (215) 525-2818 editor@phillyrecord.com EDITORIAL STAFF In Memoriam:James Tayoun, Sr. Editor/Publisher: Greg Salisbury Managing Editor: Anthony West Everyday People Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor: Bonnie Squires Photographers: Leona Dixon

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Director of Operations:Allison Murphy Production Manager: Sana Muaddi-Dows Sales Director: Melissa Barrett Circulation: Yousef Maaddi The Public Record welcomes news and photographs about your accomplishments and achievements which should be shared with the rest of the community. Contact us by phone, fax, e-mail or by dropping us a note in the mail. If you mail a news item, please include your name, address and daytime telephone number so we can verify the information you provided us, if necessary. The Public Record reserves the right to edit all news items and letters for grammar, clarity and brevity. No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without the permission of the publisher. City & State will assume no obligation (other than the cancellation of charges for the actual space occupied) for accidental errors in advertisements, but we will be glad to furnish a signed letter to the buying public. The Philadelphia Public Record is a publication owned by:

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Teamsters 628

LABORERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; leader Ryan Boyer gave a pep talk to the crowd as, L-R, Congressman Dwight Evans, State Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell and State Sen. Sharif Street listened.

ATTENDING the barbecue were, L-R, Mr. & Mrs. Shieng Wang, Congressman Dwight Evans, State Sen. Sharif Street, Kevin Fei and Fei Yongshan.

L-R WERE John Perzel, City Commission candidate Omar Sabir, Bill Zell and David Krain.

ENJOYING summer in Bill Hartâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s yard were, L-R, Hart, Arlene & Bernard Savage and Mike Tucker.

BLESSING the shade were, L-R, Tom Jones, John Dailey, Ronald Jackson, Ira Pressman and State Sen. Sharif Street.

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A GOODLY crowd turned out to support State Sen. Sharif Street at a barbecue at the Hart residence in Mount Airy. Among those present were, L-R, senatorial aide Jim Harrity, Temple basketball legend Mark Macon and host Bill Hart. Photos by Wendell Douglas

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Grilling and Chilling for Street

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City Political Talk Is of Crime and Punishment

POLS on the STREET BY JOE SHAHEELI oncern over crime – especially violent crime – tends to rise in the summer. Partly it is because people are out in public more, in the open; and crime in public spaces, or worries about it, inspire a different sort of fear than do home invasions or barroom brawls. In part, juveniles are less supervised when out of school and thus at more risk of getting into trouble. Politicians are trained to follow the winds of public opinion. Summertime, then, is a time for political actions, political gestures, political charges and countercharges.

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District attorneys are especially apt to enjoy – or not – their day in the sun in this season. Certainly this is true of our own, Larry Krasner, who has made waves by asking the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to declare the death penalty unconstitutional. This even as murder rates have climbed in Philadelphia during Krasner’s tenure despite a decline in other crimes. It’s a problem that more politicos than just Krasner are grappling with. But Krasner first. Bill McSwain, the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney for the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, has targeted Krasner, a flamboyant liberal in the national eye, at every opportunity. He has weighed in on individual prosecution calls as well as policy decisions: U.S. Attorney William McSwain blames Krasner for the uptick, citing policies such as backing away from cash bail and seeking shorter prison sentences. In some areas, McSwain gets

STATE REP. Jared Solomon presented a $10,000 donation to Legacy Youth Tennis at Max Myers Recreation Center in Lower Northeast Philadelphia. Solomon remarked, “Before taking office, I spent 10 years building a 500-person-strong community organization and partnering with organizations like Legacy Youth Tennis to bring much-needed supplemental educational youth programming to my community.” The organization provides programming to more than 3,500 children annually.

petuate cycles of poverty and violence. “Serving the public interest requires the Inquirer to demonstrate a more factual and responsible approach to reporting on crime, punishment, rehabilitation and safety.” The academics come

AT YOUR SERVICE

Bullock

198th District

STATE REP MARY ISAACSON

195th Leg. Dist. 2835 W. Girard Ave Phila, PA 19130

310 W. Chelten Ave. Phila PA 19148

175TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

T: (215) 684-3738 F: (215) 235-4629

P: 215-849-6426 State Senator

Sharif

Street 1621 W. Jefferson Street Philadelphia, PA 19121

215-227-6161

610 N. SECOND STREET 215.503.3245

Representative

Angel Cruz

District Office 3503 ‘B’ St. 215-291-5643 Ready to Serve you

Paid for with PA Tax Dollars

Anthony Hardy Williams 2103 SNYDER AVENUE PHILADELPHIA, PA 19145 (215) 755-9185 FAX: (215) 952-3375 ---SENATE BOX 203008 HARRISBURG, PA 17120 ROOM: 11 EAST WING (717) 787-5970 FAX: (717) 772-0574

“Paid for with Pennsylvanian taxpayer dollars”

State Rep.

Councilman

Mark

McClinton

Squilla

191st Leg. Dist. 6027 Ludlow St. Unit A Phila., PA 19139

1st District City Hall Room 332

T: (215) 748-6712 F: (215) 748-1687

215-686-3458/59

Donatucci

Councilman At-Large

DEREK S. GREEN City Hall, Room 594 Philadelphia, PA 19107

215-686-3450 www.phlcouncil.com

City Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker 9th District

District Office 1538 E. Wadsworth Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19150 Phone: 215-686-3454 Fax: 215-685-9271. www.phlcouncil.com/CherelleParker

Facebook: CouncilwomanCherelleLParker Twitter: @CherelleParker9

fore scholarship – especially when school is out. But will they vote based on safety in November 2019? For whom? Not obvious. The murder rate going forward may influence the DA’s re-election in 2021 but that is far off. Young progressives, on the other hand, probably will vote on this issue, this year and the next. It is a generational cause for them. If it turns them out, they may sway crucial races in Philly. (Cont. Next page)

Joanna E.

Rep.Maria P.

8th Senatorial District

2901 ISLAND AVE. STE 100 PHILADELPHIA, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 FAX: (215) 492-2990 ---419 CHURCH LANE YEADON, PA 19050 (610) 284-7335 FAX: (610) 284-5955 6630 LINDBERGH BLVD.

from crime and media studies at the University of Pennsylvania, Rutgers, Saint Joseph’s, Temple and Villanova. Take that, McSwain! (And the Inquirer, in collateral damage.) Most Philadelphia voters aren’t academics, however. They care about safety be-

Donna

Youngblood

State Senator

Solomon Funds Tennis

State Rep.

Rep. Rosita

Always Hard At Work for You! P H IL LY R E CO R D.C O M - 215 -755 -20 0 0

support from Police Commissioner Richard Ross, who wonders if miscreants are reacting to “consequences or lack thereof.” But neither offered data linking any specific policy to a spike in shootings. Team Krasner fought back by calling in its data warriors. Twenty-five professors from local universities slammed the Philadelphia Inquirer’s attempt at even-handed coverage of this political debate with an open letter charging that its “reporters have drawn a line from Krasner’s policies to gun violence with little factual support.” They concluded, “Research has demonstrated that media coverage of criminal justice issues influences public opinion about punishment, fostering punitive public attitudes and political conditions that drive up needless incarceration. We know from decades of experience that these counterproductive policies destabilize entire communities and only per-

D-185th District 2901 S. 19th St. Phila PA 19145 P: 215-468-1515 F: 215-952-1164 Councilwoman

Jannie L. Blackwell

District 3 City Hall, Room 408 Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 686-3418, (215) 686-3419 FAX: (215) 686-1933

State Rep. Jason

Dawkins District Office:

4667 Paul St. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (215) 744-7901 M.–Th.:8:30a.m.–5:00p.m. F.: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

State Rep.

Kevin J.

Boyle 172nd Dist. 7420 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136

215-331-2600

In the meantime, a mass shooting at a recreation center triggered a swift reaction from City Council. Council President Darrell Clarke (5th District), flanked by members of City Council and the Pennsylvania General Assembly, announced a joint legislative effort to prohibit firearms and other deadly weapons from being possessed at Philadelphia parks and recreation centers. This time, State legislators are part of the City’s efforts and promised similar efforts in Harrisburg. “We cannot sit idly by as gunfire erupts and disrupts the safe havens that our city rec centers and playgrounds are,” Clarke said. “We’re taking legislative action in Philadelphia to prohibit guns and other deadly weapons at any recreation facility in our city, and our legislative delegation in Harrisburg is focused on similar action to enable our public safety efforts. We own and operate these rec centers and parks, and we have every right to set reasonable rules and regulations to protect our kids and adults from harm.” Clarke was joined at the Mander Recreation Center in Strawberry Mansion by Councilmember Cindy Bass (8th District), chair of Council’s Parks & Recreation Committee, and by State legislators – State Reps. Donna Bullock (D-N. Phila.)

among their peers as Brinkley. Hostile dog-whistling will only get you so far with the Philadelphia bench, which is well integrated and largely of progressive values. Under unfair attack, judges, like everyone else, incline to close ranks in mutual defense. That’s the last thing any district attorney

wants as he prepares cases for court.

Last Call for Indie Candidates! Today is the last day for all municipal candidates to file for ballot position on the November general election. Endorsed Democrats don’t care. But this is of paramount importance to

dissident progressives who 5 want a shot at knocking off the two at-large Republican City Council candidates. Expect an all-out effort by city Republicans to challenge any at-large “independent” hopefuls. And while the RCC is lagging in voter registration, it still has talented election lawyers.

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Guns at Rec Centers A No-no, per Council

ly reviewing the opinion … and will begin to review options. We have no further comment on this matter at this time.” Pity Krasner. He can’t pick fights with his progressive champions. But neither can he, in order to be an effective prosecutor, pick fights with judges who are as well reputed

Meanwhile, in Meek Mill News….

For some time this spring, Krasner was hammered from both left and right – but especially from the left that elected him – for not leaping swiftly and passionately enough to the defense of rap star Meek Mill, who had run afoul of a parole violation before Judge Genece Brinkley. After a lawsuit by Robert Williams (Meek Mill’s real name) succeeded in Commonwealth Court to win him a new trial by a different judge, Krasner released a cautious statement: “The District Attorney’s Office is pleased that the Pennsylvania Superior Court has validated our position that Robert Rihmeek Williams deserves a new trial before a court that has no appearance of partiality. The DAO … Krasner is current-

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(Cont. From Prev. Page)

and Movita Johnson-Harrell (D-W. Phila.) along with State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-W.Phila.) Bullock said her staff was planning to introduce legislation in Harrisburg this fall that will enable Philadelphia to prohibit firearms at recreation centers. City Council and the Mayor’s Office approved legislation in 2013 that prohibited firearms at City recreation facilities, but there was no similar legislative step in Harrisburg, and the law was not enforced. Harrisburg support in the form of enabling legislation is essential as Philadelphia takes action to protect its citizens from gun violence.

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POLS on the STREET

Culture of Cruelty

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OPINION

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As the president and his minions spewed and then denied spewing racist rhetoric directed at four congresswomen and Congressman Elijah Cummings, scant attention was paid to the administration’s proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP, as it is better known, provides millions of Americans with the ability to purchase food items. By changing the threshold for who qualifies for the program, millions of recip-

LETTER to the EDITOR Electoral College

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t appears that Denise Clay, the self-described “Mad Political Scientist,” needs a refresher on the U.S. electoral system. She writes in her latest column (July 25), “In 2016, President Donald Trump lost the popular vote, but managed to win the Electoral College, and thus the presidency, thanks to these 'creatively' drawn [i.e., gerrymandered] legislative districts.”

ients will no longer be able to do so – including some 200,000 Pennsylvanians. It is another sop to the President’s base slavering for red meat in the form of further marginalizing of those not worthy, those others. The same principle is driving Pennsylvania Republicans to commit their own injustices against lower-income citizens, none more egregious than their ramming through the termination of the State’s General Assistance program, which delivered around $200 a month to Pennsylvanians who qualified for the financial help. The savings realized from ending a program that has no shortage of proponents and testimonials from those helped by its largesse would amount to a fraction of a percentage point.

This is nonsense. The highest-level legislative districts – and the only ones to have any relevance to a presidential election – are congressional districts. But only two states, Maine and Nebraska, choose any of their presidential electors by congressional districts. Together they have nine electors, of whom four are elected statewide like all those from the other states, leaving only five who, being elected from individual districts, are potentially affected by gerrymandering. By contrast, Trump won the Electoral College by 77 votes, so there is no way gerrymandering in Maine and Nebraska, the only states where it has the potential to make a difference, could possibly have swung the election. Time to go back to school! Eric Hamell

Like the president, state GOP leaders may be scoring points with the party faithful through their actions, but could very well be sealing their fate by alienating moderates and swing voters – look no further than the former GOP redoubt of Cumberland County, where the party recently lost its majority of registered voters.

The News in Black & White

Godspeed, Robert

Like so many Philadelphians, we were shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Robert Mendelsohn last week. Robert was more than just a photographer. He was a fixture in the political and social firmament of the city, and a friend to all fortunate enough to cross his path. He will be missed.

MARK your CALENDAR Aug. 3- State Rep. Mary Isaacson hosts Kids Resource Fair at Hackett Sch. Plg., 2161 E. York, St., 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. For info: (215) 503-3245. Aug. 3- Local 14 Insulators Union hosts Day at the Beach at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m. Aug. 3- Firefighters Union Local 22 Union hosts Shore Party at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 5-9 p.m. Aug. 5- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Show-

BRAVING long odds in a Democrat-rich city, the Donald Trump campaign is already training volunteers for fieldwork, starting last week at the historic United Republican Club in Kensington. Photo by Wendell Douglas

time at the Apollo,” carnival talent show with free food, children’s gamers & prizes at Stenton Pk., 1701 W. Courtland Ave., 6 p.m. For info: (215) 686-3424. Aug. 6- NAACP hosts “Town Hall Mtg. Waxxed!” at Universal Audenreid Charter H.S., 33012 Tasker St., 2-5 p.m. Growing controversy of autism and Black boys. Michael Coard, Councilman Derek Green, Min. Tony Muhammad & Charles Pitts. Aug. 6- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Jazz, Funk & Soul with DJ Gary O” at Morris Estate, 1610 W. Chelten Ave., 6 p.m. For info: (215) 686-3424. Aug. 6- Phila. Republican Happy Hour hosts Lawrence Tabas & Rob Gleason with Republican municipal candidates at Vesper Cl., 223 S. Sydenham St., 6-9 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres, discounted beer & wine. Free but RSVP: https://southphillygop.nationbuilder. com/august_happy_hour

Aug. 6- Nat’l Night Out, several locations. Aug. 7- State Rep. Jared Solomon hosts Legal Clinic on Landlord-Tenant Issues at 7012 Castor Ave., 12-6 p.m. Free. For info: For info: Michel Lee (717) 884-3265. Aug, 7- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Oldies in the Park” at Vernon Pk., 5800 Germantown Ave., 5:30 p.m. Family activities &outdoor dance party with DJ Gary O. For info: (215) 686-3424. Aug. 7- American Ass’n of Political Consultants Mid-Atlantic Chap. hosts “On Fire in Philly!” at Ladder 15, 1528 Sansom St., 6-9 p.m. Light food & cocktails. Seeking sponsors: Fire Chief $5,000, Hook & Ladder $2,500, Cadet $1,000. For info: Josh Nanberg josh@ampersandstrategies.com. Aug. 8- State Sen. Christine Tartaglione hosts Community Picnic at Fairhill Sq. Pk., 412 W.

Lehigh Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. DJs, refreshments, back-to-school giveaways, child fingerprinting & vendors. Family-friendly and free. For info: (215) 5330440. Aug. 9- FOP Lodge 5 hosts “Team McNesby at Shore at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 6-9 p.m. Aug. 9- Councilman Mark Squilla hosts Summer Soirée Down the Shore at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 7-10 p.m. Yachts $5,000, Sailboats $2,500, Paddle Boats $1,000, Gen. Admission $30. Payable to “Squilla for Council,” P.O. Box 37332, Phila., PA 19148 or http://www.marksquilla.org/upcomingevents/. Aug. 10- State Rep. Jordan Harris hosts Soul School Festival at 19th St. & Washington Ave., 12-8 p.m. Bounce houses, food, games, live entertainment (Cont. Next Page)

THE PES Energy Solutions fire was the subject of an inquiry by State Sen. Anthony Williams and several colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania Law School last week. Photo by Wendell Douglas

Green at the Arc’s Youth Leadership Meet

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to “Deeley 15,” P.O. Box 22535, Phila., PA 19110. For info: (215) 906-0339. Aug, 14- Councilmanic candidate Sherrie Cohen hosts Summer Bash at Stir Lounge, 1705 Chancellor St., 5:30-7 p.m. Contribution levels: Gold $2,000, Silver $1,000, Bronze $500, Supporters $250, Friends $100, Tickets $25. Payable to “Cohen for Council,” P.O. Box 22541, Phila., PA 19110 RSVP: Matt@SherrieCohen4Philly.com. Aug. 15- State Sen. Christine Tartaglione hosts Community Picnic at Lawncrest Rec Ctr., 6000 Rising Sun Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. DJs, refreshments, back-to-school giveaways, child fingerprinting & vendors. Family-friendly and free. For info: (215) 533-0440. Aug. 16- State Rep. Joanna McClinton hosts Summer Soirée at Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh (Cont. Page 13)

COUNCILMAN Derek Green addressed the Arc of Philadelphia’s Youth Leadership Conference. More than 250 School District students were involved.

PHL 17 came out to capture all of the action and aired footage from the conference. SpArc Philadelphia is a family of organizations, including SpArc Services and The Arc of Philadelphia, which provides services and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. For more than 70 years the organizations have delivered services and supports that have opened doors to new possibilities, helping individuals reach their personal goals, and helping families find the assistance they

need. SpArc Services offers community-integrated services including employment, community supports, and opportunities for community connections. The Arc of Philadelphia has fought tirelessly for inclusion and equal access for all people with disabilities, helping to empower them with information and choices and providing access to resources that can be life-changing. SpArc Philadelphia serves nearly 500 people daily at their West Westmoreland Street location and in the community.

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The Arc of Philadelphia, along with PHMC, hosted its annual Youth Leadership Conference recently and by all measures, it was a huge success. The day opened with some inspirational words from Philadelphia Councilman-at-Large Derek Green, who is a champion for individuals with disabilities. Joseph Mancini, executive director of The Arc of Philadelphia, said this daylong event planned with, and for, youth of all abilities, helped to educate youth about leadership opportunities and methods to become more productive citizens. The conference had more than 250 students ages 1621 from the Philadelphia School District in attendance, along with teachers, administrators, and support staff. Break-out sessions included presentations on money management, self-advocacy, employment, healthy living and more, and were designed to support these youths as they navigate from school.

(Cont. From Prev. Page) & government-agency information. For info: (215) 952-3378. Aug. 10- IBEW Local 98 hosts Down Under at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m. Aug. 10- Local 686 Gas Workers’ Union hosts Shore Party at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 4-8 p.m. Aug. 10- State Sen. Sharif Street hosts “Happy Hour down the Shore” at Cuba Libre Restaurant & Bar, 2801 Pacific Ave., Su. 228, Atlantic City, N.J., 4-6 p.m. Contribution levels: Platinum $10,000, Gold $5,000, Silver $2,500, Bronze $1,000, Tickets $100, Young Professionals $35. Payable to “Friends of Sharif Street,” P.O. Box 28854, Phila., PA 19151. RSVP: Lindsey Perry (267)

275-2120 or Lindsey@LPerryGroup.com. Aug. 12- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Showtime at the Apollo,” carnival talent show with free food, children’s gamers & prizes at Stenton Pk., 1701 W. Courtland Ave., 6 p.m. For info: (215) 686-3424. Aug. 13- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Jazz, Funk & Soul with DJ Gary O” at Morris Estate, 1610 W. Chelten Ave., 6 p.m. For info: (215) 686-3424. Aug. 14- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Oldies in the Park” at Vernon Pk., 5800 Germantown Ave., 5:30 p.m. Family activities &outdoor dance party with DJ Gary O. For info: (215) 686-3424. Aug. 14- City Commissioner Lisa Deeley Hosts Birthday at the Palm, 200 S. Broad St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Contribution Levels: Gold $1,000, Silver $500, Bronze $250. Payable

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Williams Queries Fire

MARK your CALENDAR

ANNUAL

SHRIMP, BAR-B-Q, POOL PARTY

Sunday, August 11th

2019

AU G US T 1, 2019

2:00pm - 7:00pm

WITH KARAOKE DJ BATHING SUIT CONTEST CASH PRIZES & GIVE AWAYS

Mayor

Jim Kenney

City Commissioner Lisa Deeley Omar Sabir

City Council At-Large

Congressman Bob Brady

Chairman of the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee

Pictures from Past Cookouts

Cindy Bass Cherelle L Parker Judy Moore

Sheriff

Rochelle Bilal

Judge of the Court of Common Pleas

Allan Domb Helen Gym

City Council

Judge of the

Katherine Gilmore Richardson

SID BOOKER ENTREPRENEUR

City Council (continued)

Anthony Kyriakakis Jennifer Schultz Joshua Roberts Tiffany Palmer James C Crumlish Carmella Jacquinto

Isaiah Thomas Derek S Green

2019 Honoree

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Election Winners

Mark F Squilla Municipal Court Kenyatta Johnson David H Conroy Jamie Gauthier Judge of the Curtis Jones Jr Superior Court Darrell L Clarke Amanda Green-Hawkins Bobby Henon Maria Quinones Sanchez Daniel D McCaffery

United States Senator City Council President B o b Ca s ey, J r. Da r re l l L . C l a rk e City Council At-Large United States Congressman De re k S . Gre e n D w i g h t Eva n s Wi l l i a m Gre e n l e e Pennsylvania Governor He l e n Gy m To m Wo l f A l l a n Do m b State Senators Bl o n d e l l Rey n o l d s Brow n A r t Ha y w o o d City Council Sh a r i f St re e t C h e re l l e Pa rk e r Jo h n Sa b a t i n a , J r. Ci n d y Ba s s V i n c e n t Hu g h e s Ma rk Sq u i l l a A n t h o n y Wi l l i a m s Ke n y a t t a Jo h n s o n State Representatives Ja n n i e Bl a c k we l l Ro s i t a Yo u n g b l o o d Cu r t i s Jo n e s , J r. St e p h e n K i n s ey Bl o n d e l l Rey n o l d s Ma r i a Qu i n o n e s - Sa n c h e z Chris Rabb Isabella Fitzgerald

Philadelphia Mayor Ji m Ke n n ey City Commissioners L i s a De e l ey A n t h o n y C l a rk

B o b by He n o n Philadelphia Police Commissioner

R i c h a rd Ro s s

Pictures from Past Cookouts

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SID BOOKER’S

Special Invited Guests:

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You’re Invited to

Sund Augu ay Acknowledging st 11 th The 2019 Democratic

Former Philadelphia Police Commissioner

Sy l ve s t e r Jo h n s o n

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S th 1 1 t s u Aug

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ELEPHANT CORNER

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he heat is on, and if you’ll forgive yet another reference to this scorcher of a summer, I’m not just referring to the heat wave outside! Word on the street is that federal authorities are allegedly combing the streets of Philadelphia to investigate possible vote fraud and irregularities. Apparently, votes from previous elections on the ledger don’t add up correctly to votes cast in the corresponding machines – and many signatures seem to be com-

EVERYDAY PEOPLE BY DENISE CLAY n Philadelphia’s Black Community, there are certain people that are considered ubiquitous, commonplace, always there. From the Odunde festival to the Philadelphia Urban League dinner, you know who those people are and you’re surprised when they don’t show up. They almost always have a warm hello for you. Or a smile. Or a hug. Or often all three. You kind of take them for granted in a way. They almost fade into the background.

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pletely different from those in the official books. This raises the question: Does vote fraud really exist? In a word: Yes. This is the real world and in it exists all sorts of crimes and corruption. To believe anything to the contrary displays either ignorance of it or a condoning of it. There should be no fraud by any party, period. This is more than a Republican problem; it also affects upstart Democrat insurgents who are working hard to beat deeply entrenched and out-of-touch incumbents. Hopefully, justice prevails. Meanwhile, Republicans are seeing an uptick in registrations in the City of Brotherly Love as people are getting increasingly disgusted by Democrats’ one-party dominance, which openly oozes corruption. It’s not only Democrats, however, since even some Republican leaders locally have sold

their allegiance of party and their people for the benefits of Democratic goodies proffered, real or perceived. We are noticing a steady diminishing of these collaborators as the Trump train vows to drain the Pennsylvania swamp. On the horizon of tomorrow’s new political frontier is a new, more informed voter. The voters of tomorrow will likely remove the catalysts of corruption and usher in a new era of proper and decent government. There’s no doubt that Republicans will be a part of that new tomorrow. All eyes should be on the Philly Republicans’ efforts to mount a pro-Trump ground game in the 2019 general election. This will be a dry run for the 2020 election. It is our mission to show that urban Americans hearken to a message of good times and safe streets – even if our local elected officials fail to provide either.

For a professional photographer, I guess that’s a good thing. That said, it was probably hard for photographer Robert Mendelsohn to achieve that anonymity after a while. Mendelsohn’s presence, whether folks liked the reality or not, is how you knew that your event was a can’t-miss occasion in the Black community. When Mendelsohn arrived – usually on public transit – he was hard to miss, and not just because he was a short, stocky white man who often resembled the TV character, Columbo. People gravitated to him. Swarmed even. I can’t tell you how many interviews I had to stop in the middle of because someone saw Robert and wanted to greet him as he walked by. While I’m sure he could have chosen to photograph any group of people – he used to go to tapings of the old “Mike Douglas Show” and take pictures with

Douglas’s celebrity guests as they were leaving – he chose to take pictures of the Black community almost exclusively. On Saturday, we all found out that Robert Mendelsohn, the short, stocky white man who often looked like “Columbo,” yet made sure that anything that went on in Philadelphia’s Black community was documented for posterity, died. He was 61. For much of Philadelphia’s Black community, it was a punch in the gut. Mendelsohn played the role of Philadelphia’s Carl Van Vetten, a photographer and patron of the artists of the Harlem Renaissance. He’d walk around the city, sometimes literally, covering events in the Black community, shooting pictures of everyone from kids to captains of industry. His career as a professional photographer started with a stint at K-Mart and continued with his pictures appearing in (Cont. Next Page)

WALKING the BEAT BY JOE SHAY STIVALA A U T I C A L LY SPEAKING, we are in the “DEEPS” of the summer doldrums. The back-to-school warning ads are annoying since we do not want to think END of summer. Some of the most beautiful summer days (once called Indian summer) are in September to mid-October. And the nights are cool – just right. News critical of elected or union officials is down. While it has been too hot after precious few spring days this year: Bring on more summer – mostly in

CITY HALL SAM

hilly DA LARRY KRASNER is a leader of the criminal-justice reform movement. He believes that the criminal-justice system needs major changes. Many prisoners need to be released. The charging system is too harsh. He’s much more on the side of the accused then the accuser. Now he’s petitioned the State Supreme Court to outlaw the death penalty. GOV. TOM WOLF has not signed a death warrant since becoming governor in 2014, pointing to a flawed capi-

the 80-degree range. Forget “school” talk. The major news concerns real-estate assessments where Judges Idee FOX and Dennis COHEN have issue landmark rulings against the City Office of Property Assessment’s “methodology” and needed uniformity. The City must return collected taxes in these matters. The OPA has many EVALUATORS (Assessors) - so USE them in annual market value determinations! Forget citywide market values from one computer. Use people in SHOE LEATHER (walking) property inspections. A great choice for administrator would be Bob ZAMBRANO or Angel SCAFIDI. City arrogance that results in lawsuits won’t happen again. If you are poor, paying $10 a day to ride SEPTA to and from work is a BIG CHUNK of take-home pay. The transfer fee DOUBLES the cost. Charging $2.50 for

one is a heinous fee. Mayor KENNEY and SEPTA, get rid of it next year! SEPTA wonders why BUS USE IS DOWN - look to the evil $2.50 transfer. Absentee ballots: Yes, EXTEND deadlines to give the disabled more time! Attention: Commissioners Lisa DEELEY, Al SCHMIDT, attention Omar SABIR. After reading in the daily press for a long time that local college grads LEAVE Philly since it has little to offer, it was a pleasure to read the OPPOSITE. My ongoing blurbs on federal prosecutors brought a note saying that no tyrant or DICTATOR has more control over lives than said prosecutors. I thought about it for a second and reacted with “good point.” A classic post in the Facebook exchange over the TRUMP remarks against Rep. CUMMINGS’ Baltimore district was, “They do (Cont. Page 15)

tal-punishment system and recent legislative report on the issue. Word on the street is that several State legislative leaders are backing Krasner’s petition. STATE SEN. SHARIF STREET and STATE REP. CHRIS RABB are introducing bills to eliminate the death penalty in the Keystone State. Legislation coming out of City Council recently is COUNCIL PRESIDENT DARRELL CLARKE’S attempt to ban handguns at rec centers. Sam wonders how would this ever be enforced? And this proposal seems to conveniently assume that no one carrying a gun in some of the tough areas of Philadelphia owns a license to carry a firearm or bought their guns through gun stores or gun shows. Leaders may want to focus on real solutions. Clarke is an excellent leader but even he knows such a bill would do little but make people feel good that some “action”

is being taken. The only way to solve the madness of guns in America and in Philadelphia is to get the majority of gunrights folks on board with solutions. The back-andforth between pro-gun and anti-gun hasn’t solved anything for decades and won’t solve anything into the future. The name of the game is to find a middle ground such as mandatory background checks and training for firearms owners. Judiciary Minority Chair and STATE SEN. LARRY FARNESE has such a bill pending in Harrisburg. Another needed reform is a national gun registry to track down bad actors. Even these are tough pieces, but are at least realistic. At the end of the day, gun violence can be tracked back to the drug epidemic and turf wars over the selling of drugs. Until that issue is under control, the carnage of gun violence will also continue.

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them from scratch, and whenever we were having an event at the Sun, he’d ask if my cookies were making an appearance. A group of folks got together via social media and organized a full-on repast in Mendelsohn’s honor following his memorial service yesterday at the Goldstein-Rosenberg-Raphael Sacks funeral home on N. Broad Street. I hope he got to see it … and shoot a few photos.

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(Cont. From Prev. Page) the Philadelphia Tribune, Scoop USA and the Philadelphia Sunday Sun, among other places. While he and I did a lot of assignments together, the restaurant reviews were the best, which makes sense because Robert was a bit of a foodie. I’d interview folks, he’d shoot their best dish, and I would come back on another night to check out their customer service. But what I didn’t know, until this weekend at least, is how Mendelsohn gained his place within the Black community. It turns out that when he was in elementary school in Feltonville, he found himself identifying with the Black kids who were bused to his neighborhood because they,

like him as one of the area’s few Jewish kids, were being picked on. He always felt more comfortable among Black folks than he did in a room filled with whites, and it showed. Not having to explain why racism hurts to someone is always a good thing, especially when you’re working with them. As I write this, I’m getting together a grocery list so that I can make chocolate-chip cookies. I make

LABORERS’ DISTRICT COUNCIL HEALTH & SAFETY FUND 665 N. Broad St. Philadelphia, PA 19123

(215) 236-6700

www.ldc-phila-vic.org Alan Parham, Adminstrator

Local 57 - Esteban Vera, Jr., Business Manager Local 135 - Daniel L. Woodall, Jr.,, Business Manager Local 332 - Samuel Staten, Jr., Business Manager Local 413 - James Harper, Jr., Business Manager Laborers’ District Council - Ryan Boyer, Business Manager Building better and safer communities in Philadlephia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties

Do it Right, Do It Safe, Do It Union.

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EVERYDAY PEOPLE

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Jones’ ‘White Party’ Lights up the Mann Center

HUNDREDS of Philadelphians poured into the Mann Center for Councilman Curtis Jones’s “White Party” . Photos by Wendell Douglas

COUNCILMAN Jones was joined by his wife Jazelle Jones, L, and councilmanic candidate Sandra Dungee-Glenn.

INFLUENTIAL senatorial aide Jim Harrity, L, appeared with Philly political legend George Burrell and Marnie Aument-Loughrey.

DRESSED to spec were, L-R, Alita Livingston, Linda Norris and John Gillespie.

A DAZZLING lineup of white: L-R, Councilman Curtis Jones, Bridget Daniel, Wendell Corbin, Councilman Derek Green and State Rep. Morgan Cephas.

MARGERY & MILLER Parker appeared for the affair.

THE MANN Music Center offered a dramatic view of the city on a summer evening.

THIS WAS a Jones family and friends shot.

ENJOYING the cool breezes on the plateau were, L-R, Jeff Pinkney, Andre Belard and Michael Rice.

COUNCILMAN Curtis Jones admires anti-violence activist Bilal Qayyum’s snazzy shoes.

L-R WERE Winnie Clowry, Joanne Letzow, Mel Gregory, Joan Derenberg and Brenda McGrew.

SOCIALIZING were, L-R, Councilman Derek Green, Barbara Bridge of ClearChannel, State Rep. Morgan Cephas and Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr.

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STATE SEN. Tina Tartaglione and State Rep. Angel Cruz counseled constituents on how to obtain medical-marijuana authorizations at Tartaglione’s Kensington office. L-R, Robert Rudnitsky of Philadelphia National Association for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, Dr. Jan N. Widerman of Medically Assisted Recovery Services, Tartaglione and Cruz. Photo by Leona Dixon

Tiny Houses to Come THIS YEAR’S Jazz Legacy Awards were presented by State Sen. Vincent Hughes at the Clef Club. L-R were Hughes with awardees Bernard Purdie, Gloria Galante, Helen Haynes and Germaine Ingram. Photo by Wendell Douglas

City of Philadelphia TINY HOUSES will be built in Kensington to cope with the area’s homeless population. Breaking ground were Councilmembers Allan Domb, 3rd from L, and Mark Squilla, 2nd from R, along with anchorwoman Lucy Noland, members of Morris Animal Refuge, Student Run Emergency Housing Unit of Philadelphia and community members. Photo by Leona Dixon

PUBLIC NOTICE

AT&T proposes to collocate antennas (tip heights 99’) on the building at 1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA (20191246). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-8091202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

T-Mobile proposes to collocate antennas (tip heights 54’) on the building at 862-910 East Church Lane, Philadelphia, PA (20190663). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

PUBLIC NOTICE

T-Mobile proposes to collocate antennas (tip heights 113’) on the water tank at 4850 Rhawn Street, Philadelphia, PA (20190661). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856-8091202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

T-Mobile proposes to collocate antennas (tip heights 113’) on the building at 1080 N. Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, PA (20190637). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

T-Mobile proposes to collocate antennas (tip heights 63’) on the building at 6632 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA (20190654). Interested parties may contact Scott Horn (856809-1202) (1012 Industrial Dr., West Berlin, NJ 08091) with comments regarding potential effects on historic properties.

PHILADELPHIA GAS COMMISSION PUBLIC NOTICE

THE PHILADELPHIA GAS COMMISSION WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2019 AT 10:00 A.M. IN THE COMMISSION’S HEARING ROOM ON THE 18TH FLOOR, 1515 ARCH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA FOR THE PURPOSES OF CONSIDERING PGW’S FISCAL 2020 OPERATING BUDGET. THIS MEETING IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. COPIES OF THE AGENDA TO BE CONSIDERED AT THIS MEETING WILL BE AVAILABLE ON THE COMMISSION’S WEBSITE, WWW.PHLGC.NET

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(Cont. From Page 7) Blvd., 5-9 p.m., Dinner 6 p.m. For info: www.mcclintonforpa.com. Aug. 17- State Rep. Danilo Burgos hosts First-Time Homebuyer Workshop at 635 W. Erie Ave., 10 a.m.12 m. Establish credit, down-payment & closing assistance. For info: (215) 223-1890. Aug. 17- Teamsters host Unity Day at Keenan’s, 113 Olde New Jersey Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m. Aug. 17-Operating Engineers host Shore Party at Flip Flopz, Bar & Grill, 106 W. Spruce Ave., N. Wildwood, N.J., 3-7 p.m. Aug. 21- Councilman Al Taubenberger hosts Seniors Health & Resource Expo at Murphy Rec Ctr., 300 W. Shunk St., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Partnered with CareGivers America. Health info, DJ, prizes, giveaways & refreshments. For info: (215) 686-3440. Aug. 21- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts “Oldies in the Park” at Vernon Pk., 5800 Germantown Ave., 5:30 p.m. Family activities &outdoor dance party with DJ Gary O. For info: (215) 686-3424.

Hughes Awards Players

Marijuana Cards

FURTHER, THIS IS TO INFORM THE PUBLIC THAT THE PHILADELPHIA GAS COMMISSION WILL HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS DURING FISCAL YEAR 20·192020 ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2019 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019 AT 10:00 TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2020 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2020 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2020 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2020 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2020 AT 10:00 A.M. TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2020 AT 10:00 A.M.

THESE MEETINGS WILL BE HELD IN THE COMMISSION’S HEARING ROOM ON THE 18TH FLOOR, 1515 ARCH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA. COPIES OF THE AGENDA TO BE CONSIDERED AT EACH MEETING WILL BE LABLE UPON REQUEST, PRIOR TO EACH MEETING, AT THE GAS COMMISSION OFFICE, 1515 ARCH STREET, 9TH FLOOR, PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA AND ON THE COMMISSION’S WEBSITE, WWW.PHLGC.NET. THESE MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. DEREK S. GREEN, CHAIRMAN

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Special Issue

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Please join us on September 12th for The Philadelphia Public Record’s annual

Back to School Issue,

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a fresh look at the latest trends in and out of class. Please make checks payable to the Public Record Newspaper

Please send your ad to mbarrett@phillyrecord.com or call Melissa Barrett, 215-755-2000 Ext. 5 21 S. 11th Street, Suite 205 • Philadelphia PA 19107

the WAFFLE MAN

o! Here we go again with children in church. A little boy was in a relative’s wedding. As he was coming down the aisle, he would take two steps, stop, and turn to the crowd. While facing the crowd, he would put his little hands up like claws and roar at those assembled. So it went, step, step, ROAR, step, step, ROAR, all the way down the aisle. As you can imagine, the crowd was near tears from laughing so hard by the time he reached the pulpit. When asked what he was doing, the child sniffed and said, “I was being the Ring Bear.” One Sunday in a small West Texas town, a young child was “acting up” during the morning worship hour. The parents

did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew but were losing the battle. Finally, the father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly up the aisle on his way out. Just before reaching the safety of the foyer, the little one called loudly to the congregation, “Pray for me! Pray for me!” One particular fouryear-old prayed, “And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets.” A little boy was overheard praying: “Lord, if you can’t make me a better boy, don’t worry about it. I’m having a real good time like I am.” A Sunday-school teacher asked her little children, as they were on the way to church service, “And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?” One bright little girl replied, “Because some people are sleeping.” The preacher was wired

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for sound with a lapel mike, and as he preached, he moved briskly about the platform, jerking the mike cord as he went. Then he moved to one side, getting wound up in the cord and nearly tripping before jerking it again. After several circles and jerks, a little girl in the third pew leaned toward her mother and whispered, “If he gets loose, will he hurt us?” Six-year-old Angie and her four-year-old brother Joel were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough. “You’re not supposed to talk out loud in church.” “Why? Who’s going to stop me?” Joel asked. Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, “See those two men standing by the door? They’re hushers.” My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, “Grandpa, do you know how you and God

are alike?” I mentally 15 polished my halo, while I asked, “No, how are we alike?” “You’re both old,” he replied. A 10-year-old, under the tutelage of her grandmother, was becoming quite knowledgeable about the Bible. Then, one day, she floored her grandmother by asking, “Which Virgin was the mother of Jesus? The Virgin Mary or the King James Virgin?” A Sunday-school class was studying the 10 Commandments. They were ready to discuss the last one. The teacher asked if anyone could tell her what it was. Susie raised her hand, stood tall and quoted, “Thou shall not take the covers off the neighbor’s wife.” “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Thanks, Maya Angelou (One very special lady!). T HE P UB L I C R E CO R D

(Cont. From Page 10) not put people in cages in Baltimore.” Actually, Cummings’ district includes some fine downtown streets. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Northeast community activist Fred MARI! Fred could have been a superb Traffic Court judge given the nowlost opportunity.... Also lovely Pina Carabello PATTI celebrated her Born Day in the burbs... South Philly “expat” Shane GEE celebrated his 30th year with wife and new puppy “El Chapo” in Hawaii where he serves us in the NAVY! SEVERE LOSS: The passing of ace news photographer Robert MENDELSOHN ends an era of caring and concern in his trade. Bob lived modestly in a rooming house and had no car. He took SEPTA to events. Often I would drive him between the many events that he covered in a single night. Bob was so at peace with life, despite illness – serene, in fact. Kind of like Platon Karatayev in “War and Peace.” Bob taught is how to live ... and he taught us how to die – known as he wished to be:

“A nice guy.” TRUMP got a modest win for the border wall from the high court, for contract completion. But the funds that would come from the Defense Department budget are needed there for our worldwide missions which keep the enemy away from our shores. A wall assumes that the enemy is at the gates. The Defense allocation by CONGRESS was specific. What is the point of having a Congress?... Still, Trump has an unshakable base who overlook his faults. If it wavers, he has a problem. One shock was a post on Facebook that said, “We conservatives will not vote for Donald Trump.” He has not delivered much to them. Trump’s attack on Baltimore loses him no votes there, but an increasing number of undecided and some blue-collar supporters post that the attacks are indecent. One area where libs and neos have a MUTUAL CURIOSITY is the Trump Tax records. Dems must continue to increasingly demand them! Neo-cons post that Trump will win in 2020, but for now Tony WEST, Philly Public Record Editor, correctly says it is TOO SOON to call the election.

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WALKING the BEAT

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off and 0% financing for those who qualify. PLUS Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-569-3087 Notices or Announcements: Pursuant to �128.85 of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Title 7 regulations, GROWMARK FS, LLC. hereby gives notice of ground application of “Restricted Use Pesticides” for the protection of agricultural crops in municipalities

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Special Issue

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HAPPY LABOR DAY Honoring Our Locals

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Please join us on August 29th in our 2019 Labor Day Commemorative Issue honoring our Local Unions and their membership. Come celebrate at the 32nd Annual AFL-CIO Labor Day Parade:

Monday, September 2, 2019

at Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 Union Hall 1301 S. Columbus Blvd. & Washington Ave.