New Bowling Alley Strikes A Deal for You
Programs Employing People Directors Mark Valentine, Graham Gill and Dan Ciecka test out new six-lane PEP Bowling Alley at 1200 S. Broad Street center. New renovated bowling alley is now open.
Vol. III No. 10 (Issue 74)
by R. George Linton A nonprofit group that works to provide jobs to the intellectually challenged has figured out a way to stimulate the South Philadelphia economy. Using its own real estate, Programs Employing People has renovated its old bowling alley, at 1200 S. Broad Street. The six-lane alley opened for business late February. PEP Executive Director Graham Gill said PEP wanted to utilize the space at the center. “The bowling alley provides a
“Reporting South Philadelphia the way it deserves”
new revenue source to support our services to the intellectually disabled South Philly residents,” said Gill. “In addition to providing bowling to the general public, it will also provide employment and social opportunities to people of all disabilities.” Gill said the two-year renovation project cost about $300,000. PEP received grants in phases from the City and State. The service agency has also installed state-of-the-art high-tech software that provides many valuable fea(Cont. Page 2)
Value 50¢
Ripping Away Our History
by Rory G. McGlasson Stick and stones won’t break their bones, but some missing cobbles have broken some hearts on Percy Street. Hundreds of angry residents have signed a petition to get part of their heritage back from the City. Long-time residents and local business owners want the City to return the cobblestones to the 1300 block of Percy Street. Although most cobblestones in Philadelphia are buried below layers of concrete asphalt, the neighbors on the 1300 and 1500 block of Percy Street cherished theirs, until the Streets Dept. dug the cobbles up.
In January 2009, a subcontractor working for Streets took away the cobbles, technically known as “Belgian blocks”, while it installed a new water main on Percy and Reed
Streets, near the Italian Market. They haven’t been returned yet. One of few remaining cobblestone streets in South Philadelphia are now close to blacktop. (Cont. Page 2)
Reaching Their Goal!!
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(Prices Subject to Change) • SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Quitting Smoking Now Greatly Reduces Serious Risks To Your Health
JOE VENTO recipient this year is Joe Vento, owner of Geno’s Steaks. Our last issue covered in detail the many contributions made by Mr. Vento through his years in business. He has given away millions of dollars to individuals, causes, schools, and countless charities. If you hadn’t planned to come, you might want to change your mind. It’s your one chance to meet and be greeted by the Republican and Democratic candidates for District Attorney and City Controller and the judicial candidates and sitting judges running in the primary. We look forward to seeing you there. Tickets are $50 and will be available at the door. For further information, call John David at (215) 755-2000.
Ron Panepinto Jewelers
Claymont, Delaware
5 Minutes from Comm. Barry Bridge, Naaman’s Rd, Turn Left, Next to K-Mart
Marlboro
We apologize to the loyal individuals who braved this weekend’s twoday storm to attend our 10th anniversary celebration Monday evening, only to find the wroughtiron gates of Swan Caterers at Water & Snyder, closed. Our staff spent the whole day Monday reaching out to whoever we knew was planning to attend the gala, and that was several hundred. But we did miss a score of you and to you we owe this apology. However, God willing we get navigable weather, our 10th anniversary bash will go on at 7 p.m. this Monday evening, Mar. 9. Highlight will be the presentation of the Public Record’s much-coveted “Public Servant of the Year Award”. The
March 5, 2009
Will Agency Become Victim Of Economy? Residents Fight City Over Cobbles
by Rory McGlasson A local nonprofit group that treats victims of crime could become a victim of the worsening economy. Victim/Witness Service of South Philadelphia, Inc. is based at 1426 S. 12th Street, but it may not be around much longer. The local nonprofit has been treating and assisting victims through the complex criminal-justice system for almost 20 years. V/WSSP provides information and support, court accompaniment, assistance with crime victim compensation and referrals to crime victims in South Philadelphia. It has an innovative Asian Outreach Project to provide (Cont. Page 31)
Vento Honored; Annual Party Rescheduled
SOCCER STARS from South Philadelphia Soccer Association were recognized for their success at Galdo’s Caterers. They are: Alex Hartzag, Mark Casasanto, Julian Melchiore, Joe Contessa, Chaz Franchine and Joey Franchine. Photo by Maria Merlino. For story and more pics see page 31.
700 Sansom St. 215-923-1980
www.PanepintoJewelers.com We Buy Gold & Diamonds