Is Political Landscape Vendemmia Changing In S. Philly? Honors Master
STATE SEN. Larry Farnese was guest speaker at first South Philadelphia Political Action Committee meet and greet in South Philadelphia last week. Welcoming the senator is Gaetano Piccirilli, Fred Druding, Jr. and Tony Manning.
Vol. III No. 21 (Issue 85)
Irish Fest On The Pier St. Patrick’s Day may have passed, but early next month South Philadelphians can get their Irish on! As one of the many PECO Multicultural Series' events, the Irish Festival is one of the most vibrant. Irish culture is celebrated on the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street. The festival of music, dancing, food, and entertainment will be held on Sunday, Jun. 7 from 12 m. until 8 p.m. The 11th annual Irish Festival is a family event that features well-known Irish musical performers. The gates (Cont. Page 2)
Jim Stevenson 9371 ROOSEVELT BLVD. PHILADELPHIA, PA 19114 215-698-7000 JStevenson@ChapmanAutoGroup.com
By R. George Linton Forming a Political Action Committee is the way to go when lawyers, political leaders, and unions want to flex political muscle. It’s a vehicle to raise money and to spend that money for the political candidates or to promote or attack issues in which they are interested. Now a dozen of South Philadelphia’s young community activists have decided it’s the way to go as they look to shape the future of politics in their community. They call it the South Philadelphia PAC. It’s email address
“Reporting South Philadelphia the way it deserves”
is Southphillypac@hotmail.com. John Sullivan is the treasurer. The group met for their first fundraiser last with special guest Senator Lawrence Farnese. Their purpose is to “connect a new generation of active and engaged South Philadelphians to their elected officials”. In addition, the PAC hopes to take the lead in advocating for legislation and policing affecting South Philadelphia and its communities.” The founding members are Victor Baldi, Nicole DiGuiulio, James Gallo, (Cont. Page 2)
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by Maria Merlino The wine was flowing, the conversation with good friends was going, awards were handed out and in between, the four-course menu served by Chef Francesco Parmisciano, was out of this world! Otolaryngology’s Gerard Vernose, MD, Chairman of the Vendemmia is enjoying the moment as a spectator. Friend, Vince Novello, Chairman of the Winemakers, is happy to highlight the best wine produced last year. Novello is telling me about first place winner, Ralph Cipriano. “He wrote a book on his experiences with winemaking called Garigista, chronicling his adventures from novice to best of show.” I corner Cipriano. What’s the title mean? “It translates to ‘garage’! That’s where I make my wine. I started in the late ‘90s with a product that was OK but not great. I’ve come a long way in 16 years!” In addition to the best-of-show win (Cont. Page 2)
May 21, 2009
Pacifico Family Driven To Help Kids Succeed Auto Group Marks 45th Year Awarding Scholarships By Joe Shaheeli Thirty-five high-school seniors from 14 area high schools were the recipient of $1,500 scholarships from the Pacifico Family this past week. The students may not have realized it, but they were sharing in a historymaking program, one that has continuously given scholarships to needy and academic excellent students for 45 years, made possible by the generosity of Kerry T. Pacifico, Sr., President of the Pacifico Automotive Organization and the Pacifico Family Foundation. Making history for a small business, the Pacifico Family has contributed over $1.5 million in scholarships since instituting the program. The scholarships were awarded to the individual high schools, which in turn applied those to the individual students named. High schools receiving the student scholarships were John Bartram, (Cont. Page 35)
Winemakers
Best of show winners: 3rd place Opera singer John Tenaglia, and Anthony Giocobetti, 1st place, author Ralph Cipriano, 2nd place Robert DiSalvatore. with Chairman of the Winemakers Vince Novello.
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Ron Panepinto Jewelers RECIPIENTS of Pacifico Family Foundation scholarships are these 35 high school students representing 14 high schools. Each received $1,500, marking 45th year of scholarship program by the Pacifico's. They have contributed over $1.5 million during that time.
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