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What We Believe! Bring In The Syrian Refugees! In a country this big, so broad and brave, a nation built by refugees fleeing many wars and oppressive governments over its short history, why are we changing the way we have behaved morally as a nation when it comes to welcoming the most oppressed of refugee groups? Have we become a knee-jerk population that follows the hysterical cries of political leaders who think being against Syrian Refugees is what we want to hear and will ensure we will vote for them time and again? If we are so frightened of Muslims coming in from Syria, then we are no longer the nation we all honor when we sing the national anthem with its words “o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.” Are you aware we have had God-fearing Muslims in our
Sharing Thanks PRINCE Hall Masons distributed over 500 turkey gift baskets, many donated by Sheriff Jewell Williams and Attorney Michael Untemeyer, both standing to left of rostrum. Turkey dinner will be served Thanksgiving day by Hiram Lodge at Jones Tabernacle AME Church, 2021 N. Diamond, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
TURKEYS as big and almost as heavy as these youngsters were distributed by AFSCME Local 1637 in conjunction with DC 33 and Brown’s ShopRites. President Frank Halbherr, seen here in rear, 2nd from right, with his crew, says every year the list gets bigger. Many union locals around the city annually do the same. Another pic, page 10.
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WEST Philly Tarheels, with 11-0 record ignored by Pop Warner, were taken to Eagles game by Congressman Bob Brady who learned of their plight. See Stories P. 5&11
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What We Believe! Bring In The Syrian Refugees! (Cont. From Page 1) communities serving us in so many ways for the length of the existence of this nation? In Philadelphia alone we have had elected members of our city and state governments who are Muslim! Would you decry the great record of one of our Police Commissioners who was a Muslim? How many of you are aware the generous souls that sell mundane items like attire or provide essential services from serving food, to running convenience stores, quite often belong to the Islamic faith? How many of you benefit daily from labor unions whose leadership belong to the Islamic faith and whose unions and their rank and file reach out to help the poor and unfortunate whenever they can? How about the thousands of Muslim doctors, nurses, and other medical providers who sweat and labor to keep the non-Muslims of this nation healthy and living well? Also, take a look at our first responders who we honored this week! Did we worry some of those were Muslim as they rushed into danger? There are thousands of Muslims in our military, among our ranks of teachers and school administrators, both public, charter, and private. Should our children fear them? Look at the country of Lebanon, slightly smaller than Rhode Island or adjacent New Jersey. Its population of just over 3 million Muslims and Christians is now laboring to ensure that the 2 million Syrian refugees it is hosting are kept warm and fed, especially now when
winter sets in brutally cold and snowy there. Laboring to take care of them are Christians and Muslims. Yet we are so concerned over just 10,000 Syrian refugees because radical Islamists might be among them, our leaders want to segregate them with identity cards. It’s a shame we do not remember the lessons learned from the rise and fall of the Third Reich. Catholic and Christian clergy kept silent when the Nazi began their pogrom against German Jews. So who followed them into the concentration camps? Those very ministers because they, too, became a danger to Nazi Germany. Guess who will be the first to identify those jihadists among the Syrian refugees to the government? Those very same Syrian refugees, of whom an errant media and idiotic candidates for President, are telling us we must fear. Refugees know what it is like to flee for life and struggle toward freedom. They will not tolerate anyone jeopardizing the security they will find in this country, which has always promised to be a safe haven for the oppressed from other nations. Lebanese American poet Kahlil Gibran, author of The Prophet, copies of which have been sold by the millions, wrote a poem titled “To Young Americans of Syrian Origin”, the majority of whom came from the land known as “Greater Syria” in Gibran’s time, which comprised today’s Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. We quote it in part in our conclusion on this issue: “I believe that you have inherited from your
forefathers an ancient dream, a song, a prophecy, which you can proudly lay as a gift of gratitude upon the lap of America. “….I believe that you can say to Abraham Lincoln, the blessed, ‘Jesus of Nazareth touched your lips when you spoke, and guided your hand when you wrote; and I shall uphold all that you have said and all that you have written.’ “I believe that it is in you to be good citizens. And what is it to be a good citizen? It is to acknowledge the other person’s rights before asserting your own, but always to be conscious of your own. “It is to be free in word and deed, but it is also to know that your freedom is subject to the other person’s freedom. “It is to produce by labor and only by labor, and to spend less than you have produced that your children may not be dependent upon the state for support when you are no more. “It is to stand before the towers of New York and Washington, Chicago and San Francisco saying in your hearts, ‘I am the descendent of a people that builded Damascus and Byblos, and Tyre and Sidon and Antioch, and I am here to build with you, and with a will.’” These refugees will rear such children here in America if we just stop fearful knee-jerk responses and trust our forefathers who knew the value of welcoming refugees.
–Editor and Publisher Jim Tayoun American of Lebanese Origin
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Archbishop Chaput Blasts, Asks Wolf To Save Scholarship Credits Thousands of scholarships are being denied to students wishing to attend Catholic, Private or other faith based schools by the Pennsylvania Dept. of Community & Economic Development. Archbishop Charles J. Chaput said that department is currently unwilling to issue authorizations to many firms ready to make contributions to qualified scholarship organizations through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit. He said both are vital programs that assist many thousands of needy children by enabling Pennsylvania busi-
nesses to donate to qualified scholarship organizations. Donor companies receive a tax credit, within specified limits, against their Pennsylvania tax liability. The resulting scholarships benefit children whose families meet certain low income criteria. The Archbishop made it known DCED is refusing to issue contribution authorizations which prevent companies from gaining the approvals they urgently need in order to make contributions and secure the resulting tax credits required for the current calendar year. He said, “This creates a very serious problem. If these contributions are not made,
then scholarships will not be available for thousands of students who attend Catholic and many other private schools. In the case of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, this immediately builds pressure for school closures as early as next year, because the EITC and OSTC scholarships are vital to parents’ ability to afford their children’s education. “This situation is time sensitive, because the end of the year rapidly approaches. The administrative details of the programs require authorizations for companies and actual contributions to the scholarship organizations before year end. “I ask Catholics and all
persons who support good educational options for the poor to contact Gov. Wolf via this website –
https://governor.pa.gov/ contact/ — and to ask for his support in issuing these authorizations.”
Charter, Public Schools Win Art Grants Fitler Academics Plus and Overbrook HS were among six schools in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania chosen to each receive up to $10,000 for arts-education grants from Young Audiences New Jersey & Eastern Pennsylvania. The other four were in New Jersey. For the sixth straight year, Target Stores has partnered with YA to provide quality arts education programming to schools in need. Through the grant, winning schools will
work closely with YA to deliver a variety of arts education programs for the students, teachers and families to inspire and expand their learning. “We received an overwhelming response from the New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania school communities to our arts education grants,” said Michele Russo, president & CEO of Young Audiences. “The schools are all committed to providing arts-rich educational programs.”
The Philadelphia Public Record (PR-01) (ISSN 1938-856X) (USPS 1450) Published Weekly Requested Publication ($20 per year Optional Subscription) The Philadelphia Public Record 1323 S. Broad Street Phila., PA 19147 Periodical Postage Paid at Philadelphia PA and additional mailing office POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The Public Record 1323 S. Broad Street Phila. PA 19147 215-755-2000 Fax: 215-689-4099 Editor@phillyrecord.com EDITORIAL STAFF Editor & Publisher: James Tayoun, Sr. Managing Editor: Anthony West Assistant Editor: Cassie Hepler Editorial Staff: Joe Sbaraglia Out & About Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor: Bonnie Squires CitiLife Editor: Ruth R. Russell Veteran Affairs Dan Sickman: Creative Director & Editorial Cartoonist: Ron Taylor Photographers: Leona Dixon Wendell Douglas Harry Leech Bill Myers Bookkeeping: Haifa Hanna Webmaster: Sana Muaddi-Dows Advert. Director: John David Controller: John David Account Exec: Bill Myers Circulation: Steve Marsico 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. ©1999-2015 by the Philadelphia Public Record. No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without the permission of the publisher. The Philadelphia Public Record 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.
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Looking For A Hot July! by Joe Shaheeli With this Thanksgiving and Christmas season calendars carrying many a holiday or family event on almost everyone’s mind, especially the more attuned political readers, we felt it’s time to look at what’s going to be a major factor capturing all our attentions at the end of next July: the 2016 Democratic National Convention. It will be show business first, nominations second, and a need for Democratic leaders to figure out how to repackage and resell Hillary Clinton, sure
to be the Democratic presidential standard-bearer. Emmy Award-winning producer Ricky Kirshner and creative producer Vicangelo Bulluck will serve as executive producers for the National Convention. Both are tasked with crafting and implementing a program to transform the Wells Fargo Center into an engaging, innovative, and forward-looking convention for the history books. The pair will be responsible for the overall look and execution of the convention program, including the design,
Kal’s Kids Honor Rudmans
PHILANTHROPISTS Kal & Lucille Rudman are surrounded by “Kal’s Kids,” some of Phila. public school students benefitting from Rudmans’ generous gift to LiveConnections, upon their arrival at music-education nonprofit’s annual fundraiser held at World Café Live. Kal & Lucille Rudman Foundation has created countless scholarships and awards for students of the arts.
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Photo by Randex Communications
Always Hard At Work for You!
LT. GOV. MIKE STACK and PRPA Exec. Dir. Jamie McGIVING THUMBS UP, Mike Stack and Jamie McDermott Dermott discuss warehouse video at Phila. Regional Port Auget ready to ride to one of the warehouses at Phila. Regional thority as Sen. John Sabatina, Jr., looks on during Stack’s Port Authority Nov. 20 for lunch and tour of port facilities. luncheon and tour of port facilities. Photo by Wendell Douglas
staging, lighting, audio and entertainment. “Come July 2016, the world’s spotlight will shine on Philadelphia and the Democratic Party,” said Rev. Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. “We are confident this production team will give us a winning combination of experience, professionalism, and fresh ideas that will give our attendees and viewers at home a stellar experience.” Bulluck executive-produced the NAACP Image Awards for 10 years. Kirshner is a ninetime Emmy-winning producer and winner of both a Peabody and Edward R. Murrow Award. Kirshner has worked on the production team of every convention since 1992, and served as an executive producer for the 2012 Democratic NaRepresentative
Vanessa Lowery Brown 190th Legislative District
tional Convention in Charlotte as well as the 2008 Convention in Denver. The convention will be held at the Wells Fargo Center Jul. 25-28, 2016. The official website of the 2016 Democratic National Convention is www.demconvention.com.
organizations. “By providing thousands of dollars in tax credits, we can fuel millions of dollars in direct economic development- and billions of dollars in adjacent investment,” said State Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh), who chairs the committee.
Senate Bill 282 Could Spur Port Investment
Seth And Staff Now Are More Sensitive
The Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a roundtable discussion in Philadelphia last week to find ways to encourage waterfront development throughout Pennsylvania. Much of the panel discussion was focused on SB 282, which would provide up to $10 million in tax credits to business entities and others that invest in waterfront development initiatives. The tax credits would be available to individuals or businesses that contribute to nonprofit waterfront improvement
District Attorney Seth Williams took himself and his beleaguered key staffers and almost all his other supervisors to a day-long sensitivity training seminar held by CEO Paul Me-
8th Senatorial District
2901 Island Ave. Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 • Fax: (215) 492-2990
shanko of Legacy Business Cultures. However, he won’t be left off the hook by the elected and activist ladies who demand he fire Frank Fina, Marc Constanza and Patrick Blessington. Despite the persistent demand that will be leveled at him to do so, we believe his refusal is his right. He was elected by voters and if they feel his next time around they should have been fired, then they will make the decision. Attempts by groups, unhappy the way elected officials run (Cont. Next Page)
Happy Birthday, Senator Hughes!
Councilman
Mark
Squilla 1435 N. 52nd St. Phila. PA 19131
(215) 879-6615
1st District City Hall Room 332
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BIRTHDAY CAKE with Sen. Vincent Hughes at 59th birthday party at World Café Live. Happy Birthday Senator! We are sad we missed having a piece. State Rep.
Donna Bullock 195th Leg. Dist. 2839 W. Girard Ave Phila, PA 19130 T: (215) 684-3738 F: (215) 235-4629
State Senator
Anthony Hardy Williams
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State Senator
JOHN P. SABATINA JR. Fifth Senate District 12361 Academy Rd. Philadelphia, PA 19154
215-281-2539 www.SenatorSabatina.com
State Senator
Larry Farnese First Senate District Tel. 215-952-3121 1802 S. Broad St.• Phila. PA 19145
www.SenatorFarnese.com
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Joanna E. McClinton 191st Leg. Dist. 6027 Ludlow St. Unit A Phila., PA 19139
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Why Is Pam DeLissio Forever A Target? CUTTING ribbon to open Happy Bread Café, 5701 Germantown, were owner Zenobia Rose, Councilman W. Wilson Goode, Councilwoman Cindy Bass, State Rep. Stephen Kinsey, Photo by Leona Dixon Larry Griffin, and Roger Kern from City Commerce Dept. would push through term-limit legislation which she reportedly indicated would be one of her legislative targets. But that hasn’t happened. 21st Ward Leader Lou Agre believes her key voting base is in Montco. “They have the school money they need, and none of the problems facing her Philadelphia County constituency. Her town-hall meetings play well to that voter base and that impression is what constantly stirs up a new challenger from Roxborough each primary. They feel their State Representative has to be more hands-on than she has perceived to be.” A strong pro-police constituency in the 21st Ward might not understand her vote against HB 1538 last week, a bill which would prohibit investigators from releasing the name for an indeterminate period of
Rep.Maria P.
Donatucci
D-185th District 2115 W. Oregon Ave. Phila PA 19145 P: 215-468-1515 F: 215-952-1164
John
215-744-2600 State Rep.
William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street
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Boyle 172nd Dist. 7518 Frankford Ave. Phila., PA 19136
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COHEN 215-342-6340
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Kevin J.
Mark B.
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Taylor
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State Rep.
Councilman Wm.
State Rep.
time of a law-enforcement officer involved in a shooting or use of force while on the job. “I think the jobs that first responders and police officers do are tremendously important – there’s no discussion about that,” she said. “This discussion is about how best to go about balancing transparency and protection, and HB 1538 does not achieve that balance.” DeLissio said creating a state law to govern all cases would be overreaching and local law-enforcement departmental policies are currently in place to protect officers in those instances where additional concerns for safety are identified. Local law enforcement makes such decisions every day and has the ability to take into consideration many extenuating factors, she added. “Our law-enforcement officers deserve first-rate protection in the course of performing
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their duties, and thankfully those policies exist,” DeLissio said. “They exist because we entrust our law-enforcement community to use their professional judgement when determining the appropriate level of protection in cases involving a shooting or use of force. Since these policies and procedures are currently in place, it is not appropriate for legislators to make a blanket determination.” Attorney Sean Stevens, 49, Kensington born and bred, but a 13-year resident of East Falls with his wife and two children, has made it known he will challenge her in the primary. His early announcement, he hopes, will keep out
Brady Gives Tarheels A Needed Pickup Congressman Bob Brady (D-Phila.) was as disappointed as the West Philadelphia Tarheels Football Team members when they will not be allowed to take part in the Pop Warner Mitey Mite invitaMercruiser/Yamaha/Volvopenta Johnson/Evinrude/Mercury Honda/Nissan/Tohatsu
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Usually after the second successful term, a State Representative in Philadelphia or any other county can be considered a shoo-in. Why is that not the case with State Rep. Pam DeLissio (D-Northwest)? She has served the 194th Legislative Dist. since 2010. The district includes parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties. She will be seeking her fourth term in the spring primary. She’s a 16-year inhabitant of the district. Living and working in the District for over 16 years, she communicates with her constituents at monthly town hall meetings. She considers herself to be an active member of the Government Reform Caucus. In 2005, she was named one of “Pennsylvania’s 2005 Best 50 Women in Business.” With all these going for her, why does she face a serious competitor each primary? We could only think it is because her district spills over into Montgomery County, and active political Roxborough natives (which encompasses the 21st Ward) believe a Democratic 21st Ward united behind their challenge could make theirs a successful effort. Challengers believed she
The Public Record • November 25, 2015
(Cont. From Prev. Page) their offices, will always be decided by the electorate. That is where these groups need to make their protests and appeals known.
tional games at Disney World. So he reached out to the Eagles and secured 50 tickets for them to attend last Sunday’s Eagles game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “These kids were brokenhearted. They are nine-year-olds with a 10-0 record who played their hearts out this season. They were sure if they won the regional games they would be selected to go to Disney World. Well they got skipped over and I didn’t think it was fair.” Brady did what good leaders do: He offered another gift, a picker-upper. He reached out to the Eagles and they offered the tickets to the team within minutes of his request. “I appreciate the Eagles for stepping up. These young people don’t (Cont. Page 6)
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Another Business In Germantown
other challengers. Like the unsuccessful challengers before him, Stevens believes there is more to communicating with constituents than through town-hall meetings. “When a voter comes to you with a City problem, you can’t send it off to a Councilman. You need to be not only the messenger, but you need to make sure the request is honored.” From this read, Pam looks to be the stronger.
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(Cont. From Page 5) deserve to be overlooked and I am so glad the Eagles are supporting these young boys,” he said. Brady also provided transportation for the team to the Eagles stadium. “It may not be Disney World, but we made sure that they are recognized as the hard-working champions they are.”
Lt. Gov. Stack A Homebody No matter his duties as Lieutenant Governor take him around the state, often confining him to legislative proceeds in Harrisburg, make no mistake in thinking Lt. Gov. Michael Stack has forsaken his Philadelphia base. The former Northeast Philadelphia Senator spent last Friday on a fact-finding daylong tour of the workings of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, followed by a 5:30
p.m. event attending The John Scott Award, Board of City Trusts, 427 Chestnut Street. An hour later he addressed the Asian American Federation annual banquet, which honored departing Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey at the Ocean City Restaurant. Running a tight schedule, he couldn’t sit to eat, because he followed that up at 7:30 p.m. by attending the influential Latino awards of Impacto at the Hilton on the Delaware. After that he met with some of his committee people in his 58th Ward.
Groen Relinquishes Montgomery Post Democratic State Democratic Chairman Marcel Groen has wisely decided one hat is enough to carry. He has stepped down as Montgomery County’s Democratic leader. Taking the hat Groen had worn is Joseph Foster, who was the 1st vice chairman. Foster was elected unanimously. Treasurer Jason Salus moved up to fill in as the 1st vice chairman while attorney
Michael Barbiero was chosen treasurer. Groen’s strong ally, Philadelphia Chairman Congressman Bob Brady says he sees a stronger State Party with the former Montco chairman at the helm full time.
Congratulations To Tracey On Her Son’s Marriage We didn’t think Tracey Gordon, a former City Commission staffer, had another life. But she does and we are pleased to report the “marriage of my oldest son, Adoniyah Harrison to his long time girlfriend, fiancée Ashley Williams. I am so happy for my son and my daughter-inlaw; they grew up right here in the Lower Southwest District and I always prayed for my children to find love amongst the people in our community.” Perhaps his mother’s pause in political activities gave Adoniyah time to catch up with Ashley.
PARTICIPATING in the ribbon-cutting ceremony were, from left, Sen. Bob Casey, Jr.; Dr. Patricia Gerrity, director of Sheller 11th Street Center; Lt. Gov. Mike Stack; Sandra Sheller; Laura Sheller Insana; Stephen Sheller; Council President Darrell Clarke; Dr. Mimi Sheller; Dean Gloria Donnelly, College Photo by Bonnie Squires of Nursing & Health Professions; and Drexel President John Fry. EXPANDED Stephen & Sandra Sheller 11th Street Family Health Services at 11th & Parrish Streets in N. Phila. is a national model for patient-centered, comprehensive and integrative health care. Touring greatly expanded facility after the dedication ceremony were, from left, Lt. Gov. Mike Stack; Joe Jacovini, former Board of Trustees chairman of Drexel University; alumna Sandra Sheller; and Sen. Bob Casey, Jr. Photo by Bonnie Squires
Drexel Dedicates Expansion Of 11th Street Health Services by Bonnie Squires Hundreds of people showed up for the dedication
of the expanded Stephen & Sandra Sheller 11th Street Family Health Services in
North Philadelphia. Set in the midst of a public housing project, the Sheller 11th Street facility offers comprehensive health services, for both physical and mental health, for anyone who walks through the doors. The Drexel University College of Nursing & Health Professions provides the personnel, in cooperation with dozens of community, religious, city and charitable agencies and institutions. The facility also provides nursing students with handson experience. Speakers included US Sen. Bob Casey, Jr.; Lt. Gov. Mike Stack; Council President Darrell Clarke; Drexel President John Fry; Dean Gloria Donnelly of the College of Nursing & Health Professions; Dr. Patricia Gerrity, director of the 11th Street Center; and Sandra and Stephen Sheller, Esq. Sheller is a Drexel alumna, and Sheller is on the Drexel Board of Trustees.
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Allan Domb … eager to clean up the books. changed his life. In two years he went from part-time real-estate waiter to Top Realtor Award 1982. He became President of the Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors in 1990, a position he has often held since. In 1999 he entered the development field. He converted the Warwick and the Barclay. He connected with Stephen Starr and started restaurants. In an industry with its share of shady characters and freeloaders, Domb is known as a workaholic and a straight arrow. Domb rolls into City Council with an eye-catching idea set. Most of his causes are stan-
dard urban Democrat. But his methods are fresh. Domb wants to balance the City and School District budgets without raising tax rates and without going to Harrisburg for an extra ask. We have the money already, he believes; we just don’t collect it. “My number-one focus is writing off bad debts and cleaning up the books,” he says. Philly doesn’t collect its taxes. That’s great if you owe taxes but not great if you want City services. A total of $1.6 billion is owed the City, much of it stretching back decades. Much of this is uncollectible, he concedes. But simple, aggressive measures are
Pink The Runway 2015
$60,000. The city is losing other governmental money through lax enforcement, said Domb. “Last year, the federal Earned Income Tax Credit left out 40,000 low-income people who didn’t apply, leaving almost $100 million on the table,” Domb said. “Every available City program should be reaching out to this population and ensuring they all sign up.” $100 million in fresh income for poor people; which, for a city rich in poor people, adds up to a lot of economic life. Poor people spend more of what they get than rich people; and more spending boosts the economy even for people who aren’t poor. Domb’s goal is to lift 100,000 Philadelphians out of poverty and create 100,000 new jobs. Currently around 400,000 residents are poor, the highest rate among all major American cities. “I’m not just a voice for real estate but a voice for the future of the city. A healthy business community needs a healthy city,” Domb said. “I hope more people like myself step up.” Domb wants a City Dept. of Technology Relocation similar to what his idol Bloomberg did in New York. “I would have our schools teach coding,” he said. Like most Old Souls, the incoming Councilman wants to bag the wage tax and the corporate net-income tax. It would be ironic if it takes a real-estate millionaire to shift Philadelphia’s tax burden to real estate, which most cities prefer. Domb is unabashedly progrowth. “We have a lot of costly social issues; we can’t keep taxing the same people to pay for them. We must bring more people to the city” – middle-class taxpayers who can fund social programs for those in need. He supports a minimumwage raise to $10.10. “It takes 40,000 people out of poverty in Philadelphia,” he contested. “So a burger goes up 25 cents….” Philadelphia should work at
thinking globally, he counseled. Businesses should target more than just selling hoagies to each other; they must offer their wares to the world. Education is the top issue for Philadelphia citizens in 2015. Council President Darrell Clarke asked Domb to tour 26 schools that were being shuttered. Domb called that dystopian ride “terrible, unacceptable.” Domb is a fan of School District Superintendent William Hite but he said we must push the high-school graduation rate even higher. “I come from a work ethic,” said Domb. A big piece of his life story that he would pass on to the young is working while you’re still in high school. Domb’s company works with Cristo Rey Philadelphia HS, a Catholic independent school in Logan most of whose students live in poverty. Every Cristo Rey student spends one day a week in a paid internship with a city company and Allan Domb Real Estate is one of them. Vocational orientation is a mantra for Domb. As he noted acidly, “48% of college grads are doing jobs that don’t require a college degree.” Domb should bring a business eye to every branch of City government. On the prison budget, for instance – at $240 million, about 1/8th of every tax dollar – he speculated: “I don’t have the answer but I can pose important questions. In Curran-Fromhold, 31% of prisoners are there because they can’t post bail. Is that the smartest way to spend public money/” “My goal is to make government as efficient as possible,” said Domb. “Every employee, whether private or public, must value every expenditure and receivable as if it’s their own. As a public servant, taxpayers are like our shareholders. “My goal is to accomplish things, not to get credit. And the right time to accomplish things is always today.”
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TERESA M. LUNDY, principal, TML Communications; Joanna McClinton, 191st Dist. State Representative; Bianca Golden, host of show “America’s Next Top Model”, Cycle 9; Blondell ReynoldsBrown, Councilwoman at Large; and Andre Del Valle, legislative assistant to Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez, attended “Pink The Runway 2015” at Le Méridien Phila. with after party at 1925 Lounge with music headliner Chris Reeder. One-tenth of proceeds benefited Penna. Breast Cancer Coalition. Photo by Terree O’Neill Yeagle, The Moment Photography
proven to pump up tax receipts in other cities, Domb states. “New York City transfers all delinquent accounts to 3rdparty collectors,” he said. “It was a program Mayor Michael Bloomberg started. That City went from 87% collected to 99.8%. “If we don’t collect taxes, we can’t fund our schools properly. We need the Mayor to say: ‘Hire the same team Bloomberg had.’” Inside this theoretical $1.6 billion, Domb asserts, live hundreds of millions of dollars in hidden collectibles. All it takes is action. Pay 10 law firms to collect this money on a contingency basis and we may be surprised how much comes in. In a recent test of real-estate tax delinquencies, Domb observed, 55% of delinquents paid up on the spot after a threat to seize their properties. Two-fifths of them were outof-town owners, often in New York. “Real-estate taxes are a first lien on a mortgage,” Domb pointed out. “If the City gets aggressive, banks will pay up to protect their investment.” Tens of millions more can be reaped almost at once if we revisit the Actual Value Initiative assessments for commercial property. Center City office and retail space is woefully underpriced, said Domb. “Commercial real estate must be accurately assessed,” he said. “The skill set of assessing rowhouses is different from assessing commercials. The AVI team didn’t have it, so they blew it.” Domb estimates the average Center City commercial building is assessed at only one-third of its true value. “Our land values are wrong and need to be adjusted,” he insisted. “I am against any new taxes until we get current tax policy right.” He may not be elected GPAR president again if he pulls this off. But he says he can live with that. Liquor licenses are also underassessed, said Domb. Licenses that are worth $175,000 may be paying taxes on only
The Public Record • November 25, 2015
by Tony West The last thing Allan Domb needs is the new City job he just got. A successful Realtor, developer and entrepreneur who has remade much of Center City for the better over the past 35 years, Domb will become a City Councilman at Large in the New Year. He’ll be a different face on City Council, which hasn’t seen many volunteers from the upper echelons of the private sector for decades. What can he bring to the city as a whole in this role? “Give me the hardest and most-unpopular challenges. My career is to make Philadelphia great,” said Domb in a recent interview. And he can afford to try at least. Jersey City born, Domb attended American University in Washington, D.C. – night school all the way. After graduating, he came to Philadelphia at age 21 to sell door locks. He worked hard (“18 hours a day,” he avows) and tripled his business revenue. He waited tables at H.A. Winston’s while he hustled. Classes at Temple University’s Real Estate Institute
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Domb Wants Career To Reflect His Wish To Make City Great
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Women’s Community Revitalization Project Breaks Ground
The Women's Community Revitalization Project and partner Firm Hope Baptist Church broke ground on Grace Townhomes, a residential development that will bring 36 newly built townhomes to a blighted lot in Port Richmond and make them available to families as rental units with options for eventual ownership. Upon completion the two-, three- and four-bedroom homes will rent for between $450 and $650 per month; however final rents will depend on each individual applicant's financial situation. Each home will feature a variety of amenities including central air conditioning, washer/dryers and more. “It’s clear that working together we can change our communities,” said Nora Lichtash, executive director of WCRP. “We’ve taken an abandoned piece of land and
FROM LEFT, State Rep. Mike O’Brien, Mark Squilla, Nora Lichtash, Pastor Richard Harris and State Rep. John Taylor attended groundbreaking at Women’s Community Revitalization Project and partner Firm Hope BROTHER Nate Brooks is flanked by little girls, from left, Nyah Brooks and Baptist on Grace Townhomes, a residential development that will bring 36 Lamaya Carpenter and State Rep. John Taylor ends a group walk promoting newly built townhomes to blighted lot in Port Richmond and make them a news article where the factory once stood which now be 36 affordable town- available to families as rental units with options for eventual ownership. Photo by Bill Myers homes. Photo by Bill Myers permanently, we also believe will transform it. This time on the issue of equitable devel- campaign to expand and protect Affordable Communities. “We’ve seen a lot in this it will lead to spinoff developnext year, families will re- opment and is among the affordability in neighborhoods neighborhood over the years, ment and be a catalyst for Port place blight and have the op- founders of the Philadelphia undergoing gentrification. Firm Hope Baptist Church, both good times and bad,” said Richmond’s revival. It's humportunity to live in beautiful Coalition for Affordable Comhomes they can afford. We munities, a group of the city’s a strong neighborhood anchor Richard Harris, pastor at Firm bling to be a part of it.” Construction is projected to could not be more excited leading community, disability, in the Port Richmond commu- Hope Baptist Church. “This is about this development and faith, labor, and urban-agricul- nity for many years, is without a doubt a joyful mo- take approximately one year what it means to Port Rich- ture organizations. Together, WCRP’s partner on this proj- ment for everyone. Not only to complete and the homes are they have launched “Develop- ect and is also a member of will this new development en- expected to be move-in ready mond.” WCRP has been very active ment without Displacement”, a the Philadelphia Coalition for courage families to settle here by the fall of 2016.
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Urban Affairs Breakfast Awards
FROM LEFT, Josh Shapiro, Montgomery County Commissioner and presenter of Doer Award; Sharmain Matlock-Turner, president and CEO of Urban Affairs Coalition; Dr. Amy Gutmann, president of University of Penna. and Doer Award recipient; and Grant Rawdin, JD, CFP, founder and CEO of Wescott and Breakfast Co-Chair at Urban Affairs Coalition’s 6th-Anniversary Breakfast Nov. 20 at Penna. Convention Center. Photo by Wendell Douglas
LORINA Marshall-Blake and friend at Urban Affairs Coalition Breakfast held at Convention Center in Grand Ballroom and hosted by Sharmaine MatlockTurner. Photo by Leona Dixon
SEPTA Transit Police hosted members of K-9 Units from 20 police agencies in Greater Phila. region for annual Iron Dog Mud Run Challenge. Event provides venue for teams to show their skills, agility and abilities to respond to variety of challenges. It was launched to honor memory of fellow K-9 Officer Brad Fox, a Plymouth Township, Pa., officer killed in line of duty in 2012. This year, proceeds from event will be donated to family of Phila. Police Sgt. Robert Wilson, who was killed while on duty earlier this year.
DeLissio Talks Money Acosta Thanks Seniors
PERSONAL finance workshop was given by State Rep. Pam DeLissio at Roxborough Me- STATE REP. Leslie Acosta held Thanksgiving Senior Community Service Award at Lenfest morial Hospital. Photo by Wendell Douglas Center, treating constituents to fine meal.
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OUR OPINION
Meet The New City Leadership
The Public Record • November 25, 2015
rector of the Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority and also served as Chief Financial Officer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He knows the City’s books inside out. Rebecca Rhynhart, who had been the City’s Budget Officer, was named Chief Administrative Officer. Sheila Hess was
Nov. 28- Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Bridesburg Pk., 4625 Richmond St., 6-8 p.m., tree lighting 7 pm. Rain Date Dec. 5. Nov. 29- Marisa Piccarreto hosts Fundraiser for State Rep at Cherry St. Tavern, 129 N. 22nd St., 2-4 p.m. Family-friendly, kids welcome. Donation levels $35, $100, $250 & $500. For info www.marisaforpa.com. Nov. 30- State Rep. Leslie Acosta offers free breast-cancer, diabetes and kidney screening at her office, 511 W. Courtland St., Su. 197, registration begins 9 a.m., app’ts begin 9:40 a.m. To make app’t or for info (215) 457-5281. Nov. 30- State Sen. Shirley Kitchen offers free Flu-Shot
Clinics at district office, 1701 W. Lehigh Ave., Suite 104., 10-11 a.m. No appointment necessary. For info (215) 2276161. Dec. 1- Sean Sullivan launches State Rep campaign at Plough & Stars, 123 Chestnut St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. Complimentary drink. Contributions $35, supporting levels available. For info Karen Sugarman (215) 370-1423 or Ksugarman1@gmail.com. Dec. 1- President Pat Eiding and Phila. Council AFL-CIO host by invitation only Christmas Holiday party at Sheraton Center City from 12 noon to 3 pm Dec. 2- State Rep. Donna Bullocks hosts Job Fair at Berean Inst., 1901 W. Girard Ave., 14 p.m. Full- & part-time positions. Bring résumés and wear proper attire. Dec. 3- State Rep. Stephen Kinsey hosts Town Hall meeting.
picked from Independence Blue Cross to become City Representative. Harold Epps of PRWT Services, Inc. has been appointed Commerce Director. We look forward with anticipation to more of Mayor Kenney’s appointees, trusting more will come from within the city’s talent pool. In attendance will be 35th Police Dist., and L&I, Streets, Gas and Water Depts., at Holy Trinity Bethlehem Presbyterian Ch., 1100 W. Rockland St., 68 p.m. 215-849-6592. Dec. 3- Kenneth & Faatimah Gamble present Style & Grace Designs by Frank Agostino, at Univ. of Arts, 320 S. Broad St. 6-8:30 p.m. General admission $150.Checks payable to Universal Cos., 800 S. 15th St., Phila., PA 19146. Dec. 3- FIGHT marks 25th anniversary with Banquet honoring Greg Louganis at Loews Hotel, 7 p.m. Tickets $175. For info (215) 985-4448. Dec. 4- State Rep. Cherelle Parkers hosts Tree Lighting party on 1500 bl. Wadsworth Ave., starting 4:45 p.m. Free food, gifts, face-painting and entertainment for all. First 100 children in line to see Santa at 5 p.m. will receive picture. Dec. 4- Patrick B. Gillespie,
business manager of Phila. Building Trades & Construction Trades Council AFL-CIO, is hosted Retirement Dinner at Sheraton Downtown Hotel, 201 N. 17th St., cocktails 6 p.m., dinner 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4- Councilwoman Cindy Bass hosts Party with a Purpose Toy Drive at October Gallery, 6353 Greene St., 6-8 p.m. Donation $20 without a toy, $10 with a toy. Checks payable to “Mt. Airy USA”. For info (215) 685-9182. Dec. 8- Councilwoman Marian Tasco is hosted at Celebration of Service at Penna. Convention Ctr., 5 p.m. For info (215) 8511876. Dec. 8- 194th Legislative Dist. challenger Sean Stevens kicks off campaign at Pagano’s Market & Bar, 20th & Market Sts., 5 p.m. General Admission $25. Friends $50, Supporters $100, Hosts $250. For info (267) 7026781.
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Mayor Jim Kenney is to be congratulated on picking his key administrative staff from within the tremendous talent pool available to him in this city, especially those who have long served within the departments to which they now will lead when he takes office. It could be seen as a radical departure from the practices of recent Mayors who have recently preceded him. They went outside, at great expense, to search for the best, when the best was under their noses. So much time was wasted in bringing them up to the time when they were able to acquaint themselves with the nuances found on every level of Philadelphia society. In house appointees include Michael DiBerardinis as Managing Director; South Philly HS Principal Otis Hackney, who will now be Kenney’s Education Chief; and Deborah (“Debbie”) Mahler, who knows every face and name of those involved in the machinations of every phase of politics and government, as Deputy Mayor of Intergovernmental Affairs. Mahler will be the Mayor’s chief liaison to City Council as well as state and federal governments. She’ll do as well as David Cohen did for former Mayor Ed Rendell. Hackney took his lumps as a teacher, learned the ropes of being a principal. He understood the principal makes the difference between a good school and a runaway school. Lauding that choice were school advocates Councilwoman Helen Gym and PFT President Jerry Jordan. Jane Slusser will serve as Chief of Staff in the Kenney administration. Not a local, she is obviously a quick study and knows well what it is her boss will require since she did extremely well as his campaign manager. We have seen DiBerardinis ascend from being a fiery people’s advocate in Kensington to gain a sophisticated appreciation of the role of government serving under the staff of former Congressman and Ambassador Tom Foglietta. His roles with the City have earned him the plaudits of his fellow administrators during his tenure in city government, where he currently serves as Deputy Mayor of Environmental & Community Resources. Kenney’s appointment of Richard Ross as Police Commissioner was lauded in many quarters. We second the statement of DA Seth Williams, who said, “I can think of no better officer to take the reins of the Police Dept. than 1st Deputy Commissioners Richard Ross. Mayor-Elect Jim Kenney, you made the right choice.” We look for Commissioner Ross to put his own mark on the department, formed by years of exemplary service. To Ross we say: Shape the force in your image. Your rank and file will appreciate going back to doing police work. Nolan Atkinson is now the Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer in Kenney’s administration, drawing plaudits from many quarters. He can be considered the father of diversity and inclusion in this city, having worked in that capacity for law firms and with one of Mayor Nutter’s Advisory Task Forces in that field. He will set the tone for that office. We like Ellen Mattleman Kaplan who will serve as Kenney’s Chief Integrity Officer, but we can’t figure out the value of that office. Amy Kurland will serve as Inspector General. Currently, Kurland is the Inspector General for the City of Philadelphia, having been appointed to that position by Mayor Michael Nutter. Rob Dubow is another strong pick as Chief Financial Officer. Dubow was appointed as Finance Director by Mayor Michael Nutter in 2008, guiding the City through the Great Recession. Prior to his appointment, Dubow was the executive di-
Thanksgiving
The Public Record • November 25, 2015
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Meals From Men of DC 33 MEN OF Rome Emmanuel Baptist Church, led by Pastor Rev. Darrian Brown, load up bounty of Thanksgiving meals at DC 33 HQ, where they had been donated by AFSCME Local 1637.
Cruz Fights Cancer
PROMOTING breast-cancer awareness was State Rep. Angel Cruz at Concilio in Feltonville. He was a one-man band, dishing out free lunch while counseling constituents. Photos by Wendell Douglas
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60 Senior Apartments By NewCourtland VICE PRESIDENT of Health Services Mary Austin, right, gives keys to new resident Cynthia Henderson at NewCourtland Senior Services’ new Apartments at Allegheny. Building has 60 one-bedroom apartments specifically designed for seniors 62 and older.
Thanksgiving Buffet For 1,000 COUNCILMAN Cindy Bass and State Rep. Stephen Kinsey fed over 1,000 Germantown residents Thanksgiving buffet Saturday. Residents young and old alike, flocked to event during five-hour period. Councilwoman also gave away several hundred turkeys to the needy from her office. Photo by Joe Stivala
tional games at Disney World. So he reached out to the Eagles and secured 50 tickets for them to attend last Sunday’s Eagles game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “These kids were broken hearted. They are nine year
DRPA Honored For Diversity Delaware River Port Authority officials announced the agency has been selected as a 2015 recipient of the WTS – Philadelphia Chapter Diversity Award. The WTS is an international organization dedicated to building the future of transportation through the global advancement of women. Boasting more than 5,000 members — both women and men — WTS is helping women find opportunity and recognition in the transportation industry. The award acknowledges the efforts of the DRPA to expand its contracting and vendor pool to reflect and embrace diversity. Under the direction of the Authority’s Office of Business Development & Equal Opportunity, the DRPA has paid more than $300 million to certified M/W/DBE and veteranowned businesses, since 1994.
“This is a tremendous honor which truly validates the hard work of the DRPA staff and the OBD&EO department, under the direction of our Chief Administrative Officer Toni Proffitt Brown,” said DRPA Chairman Ryan N. Boyer. “Ensuring that the DRPA embraces diversity in every element of our operation – including but not limited to our contracting and procurement, hiring, retention and outreach – is a priority that is wholeheartedly supported by our Board of Commissioners and DRPA leadership, under the direction of our CEO John Hanson. I could not be more proud of our team.” As a regional award winner, the DRPA’s winning nomination will now be entered into consideration for the WTS 2016 International Diversity Award.
olds with a 10-0 record who played their hearts out this season. They were sure if they won the regional games they would be selected to go to Disney World. Well they got skipped over and I didn’t think it was fair.” The Congressman said he reached out to the Eagles and they offered the tickets to the team within minutes of his request. “I appreciate the Eagles
for stepping up. These young people don’t deserve to be overlooked and I am so glad that the Eagles are supporting these young boys.” Brady provided transportation for the team to the Eagles stadium. “It may not be Disney World but we wanted to make sure they are recognized as the hard working champions that they are. Maybe the Eagles should check into their game book.”
WHOLESALE & RETAIL TIRES ONLY 2400 E. Somerset Street Phone: 215-423-2223 Philadelphia, PA 19134 Fax: 215-423-5937
The Public Record • November 25, 2015
Congressman Bob Brady (D-Phila.) says he was as disappointed as the West Philadelphia Tarheels Football Team members when he discovered they will not be allowed to take part in the Pop Warner Mitey Mite invita-
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Brady Takes W. Philly Tarheels To Eagles Game
Santander Launches Holiday Book Drive Through Dec. 11, Santander invites consumers to bring a new book appropriate for three to 12 year-olds to one of the 60 participating branches to help give the gift of literacy during the 2015 holiday season and further enrich children’s lives. All customers who donate one or more books will receive a signature Eagles-branded bookmark and promotional items. For more information about Santander’s Holiday Book Drive Campaign, including a full list of participating branches, please visit www.santanderbank.com/holidaybookdrive.
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Santander Bank has announced the launch of its inaugural Holiday Book Drive, a book collection campaign designed to give the gift of reading to at-risk youth in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Holiday Book Drive will benefit the Eagles Youth Partnership – a nonprofit organization that serves more than 50,000 low income children in Greater Philadelphia every year with a focus on health and education programming. EYP will join Santander, the Official Bank of the Philadelphia Eagles, in donating the books collected to high-need Philadelphia public schools.
FAX: 215-624-9263
www.unionroofing.net
WE DO OUR OWN WORK • NO SUBCONTRACTORS
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Last Friday Presidential candidate CARLY FIORINA was in Philadelphia. As a former CEO, she was an excellent choice to start a day-and-a-half symposium when she gave the keynote address at the Keystone Conference on Business & Policy. Fiorina said the “highest calling of leadership is to unlock the potential in others.” She believes conservative principals “applied in 21st-century context are the most-effective ways to unleash this potential for positive change in communities, organizations and all kinds and our nation.” Following Fiorina’s speech was a series of panel discussions, including an energy panel. The discussion focused on the ability and challenges of making Philadelphia an energy hub. The proximity of the city to the Marcellus Shale, along with its location on the Delaware River, makes Philadelphia attractive for this purpose. Making Philadelphia a major exporting location for liquefied natural gas was mentioned as the Philadelphia Gas Works already has had a moderately sized facility used for storage. PHIL RINALDI of Philadelphia Energy Solutions suggested that transforming natural gas into other products such as petrochemical, fertilizers and other hydrocarbonbased products might be better ideas, as they can be more easily transported on the river given current limitations on tanker sizes. (The Commodore Barry Bridge is too low for some large tankers). Paul Hartman of American Natural Gas Association (Cont. Page 17)
While most of the columns I come up with for “Out & About” come from things I’ve been asked to cover or stories I’ve read in the newspaper, some of them come from things I just happen upon. Like for example, I was walking through SEPTA’s Jefferson Station on Sunday when I came across a bunch of tables and chairs set up like a luncheon or something was about to go on. Buffet tables were being set up, people were putting out baskets of bread and steam trays for food, and a DJ was spinning old-school “Sound of Philadelphia” tunes and people preparing warming dishes and steam trays. As it turned out, later on that day about 300 low-income senior citizens from the Philadelphia Corp. on Aging were going to come to this section of Jefferson Station for PCA’s annual Thanksgiving dinner. The folks coming to the dinner were identified through the social workers that help them out at our city’s various senior centers. You know, the things allegedly helped by the Lottery? SEPTA, which was a co-sponsor of the dinner, made sure the seniors got to Jefferson Station. They then ate a meal that included turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, green beans, apple pies, pumpkin pies, stuffing and other Thanksgiving foods from the merchants of the Reading Terminal Market, which was also a co-sponsor, said Amanda Buonomo, PCA’s special-events planner. Members of the Girl Scouts, the Penn-Jersey Roller Derby (no, I’m not kidding), and volunteers from Our Mother of Consolation church served the meal to the seniors. (Cont. Page 15)
Yo! Here we go again with this to all those born prior to 1940. Consider the changes that we have witnessed. We were before television; penicillin; polio shots; frozen food; Xerox; contact lenses; Frisbees and the “pill”. We were before radar; credit cards; split atoms; laser beams; ballpoint pens – before panty hose; dishwashers; clothes dryers; electric blankets; air conditioners; drip dry clothes; and before man flew in spaceships and walked on the moonClosets were for clothes, not for “coming out of”. Bunnies were small rabbits, not centerfold girls, and rabbits were not Volkswagens. Designer jeans were conniving girls named Jean or Jeanne. A meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins. We thought fast food was what you ate during Lent and outer space was the upper balcony at the movies. We were before house husbands; gay rights; computers; computer dating; dual careers – before day-care centers; group therapy; and nursing homes. We never heard of FM radio; tape decks; electric typewriters; artificial hearts; organ transplants; word processors; yogurt; or guys wearing earrings who were not pirates in the movies. For us, time-sharing meant togetherness and didn’t relate to computers or condominiums; a chip meant a piece of wood; hardware meant HARDWARE; and software was not even a word. In the late 1940’s “MADE IN JAPAN” meant junk and the term “making out” referred to how you did on an exam. Pizza, Egg McMuffins, Quarter Pounders and instant coffee were unheard of. We made do with what we had. We shopped at the 5 & 10-cent stores where you could buy things for 5 & 10 cents. For a nickel you could ride a street car, make a phone call, buy a Pepsi, buy a newspaper and get 2 cents change or buy enough stamps to mail a letter AND two postcards. We could buy an ice-cream cone for a nickel; a double-dip cone cost a dime. You could buy a new Chevy coupe for $600, but who could afford one? A real pity, for (Cont. Page 17)
Kudos to Mayor-Elect Jim Kenney and Congressman Bob Brady for their active support of a Broad Street subway extension into the NAVY YARD Business Center. This extension has been an issue since the early days when I used to harangue Councilman Manny WEINBERG about it. It is true that the water table is high, and pumps will be required inside the tunnel. But there are pumps already in the tube from Oregon Avenue to the stadiums. There should be a stop at Constitution Avenue, with tracks turning east past the Chapel for Four Chaplains, to the new Southport extension, and office-hotel complex VETERANS will again be treated to a HOLIDAY PHILLY POPS Concert on Dec. 4 in the Kimmel Center... Vets, don’t forget to get your new VETERANS I.D. CARD – if you have less than 20 years’ service. It saves you the trouble of obtaining a copy of, and carrying, your DD214 around when you seek a job, or apply for benefits.... ALEX ARCHESKI is hosting a SHARK TANK in the Union League where VETS can present business proposals to investors. Our post Commander, Jon PETERSON of the Union League, BEN FRANKLIN, American Legion, will be hosting a dinner for the Legion national commander.... Thanks to State Rep. Louise BISHOP for voting against privatizing liquor stores. Over decades, she has put the working man first! I got a post which stated ALI, of ALI-GATE fame, was finally ordered by the Feds to pay income tax on the $400,000 of taxpayer money for which he was not charged, (Cont. Page 15)
Sanity appears to have returned to Philadelphia City Council. The women members gathered recently to express they are outrage at DISTRICT ATTORNEY SETH WILLIAMS. Williams has supported a number of his deputies even though they are connected with the Porngate scandal that has tormented ATTORNEY GENERAL KATHLEEN KANE. The deputies who were part of a misogynistic porn-email chain were PAT BLESSINGTON, FRANK FINA and MARK COSTANZO. The District Attorney has stated they’ve been sent to sensitivity training but the City reportedly has no such training available. SO COUNCILWOMEN JANNIE BLACKWELL, MARIA QUIÑONES SÁNCHEZ, CINDY BASS and BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN have condemned those deputies through a resolution. The twists and turns of this case continue to amaze. Cabinet SECRETARIES PEDRO CORTES and PEDRO RIVERA as well as a special assistant to LT. GOV. MIKE STACK, JUVENCIO GONZÁLEZ, were singled out by Impacto magazine as among the 50 most influential Latinos in Pennsylvania. The Impacto gala party was held at the Hilton Penns Landing. Lt. Gov. Stack showed up to sing the praises of his staffer. Among the other VIPs were the HON. JUDGE NELSON DÍAZ, former Councilman ANGEL ORTIZ and the great REV. BONNIE CAMARDA. Police COMMISSIONER CHARLES RAMSEY was honored at the Asian American Federation of the United States party in Chinatown. Also honored was CITY CONTROLLER ALAN BUTKOVITZ. Lt. Gov. Stack gave speeches and presentations to all of the honorees. REGISTER OF WILLS RON DONATUCCI, who also serves as chairman of the Board of City Trust, was on hand along with Republican stalwart MICHAEL MEEHAN and COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN TASCO to present the John Scott Award for useful scientific achievement. The award falls under the Board of City Trust’s purview and is based on the criteria for useful scientific achievement established in the tradition of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. Franklin was, of course, the world’s most-beloved statesmen and scientist. His scientific achievements were so well admired because they were so practical.
NOW BA CK
cess,” said Butkovitz. “Our city needs to bridge the digital divide and continue to work with community partners like Comcast, who share the same goals. “We should incorporate all assets that can support these efforts and reduce the technology gap, rather than let the equipment collect dust in a warehouse.” To view the letter sent to the Mayor’s administration along with video of the equipment revealed at the warehouse, visit the City Controller’s website at www.philadelphiacontroller.org.
Labors Union…Building it right
The Public Record • November 25, 2015
mediately conduct an assessment of the wireless equipment to determine its value and compatibility with current technology. It’s also an opening to discuss the wireless equipment with Comcast as the city continues its negotiations on the latest franchise agreement, according to Controller Butkovitz. “Now is the ideal opportunity to communicate with Comcast about the wireless assets and if the equipment can be utilized to meet the objectives of the latest agreement,” said Butkovitz. “Almost 30% of Philadelphians do not have internet ac-
NORTH BRO N O A
TRAINED SKILLS
TREET DS
for a better and stronger community And promoting renaissance of North Broad St. Laborers’ District Council of the Metropolitan Area of Philadelphia and vicinity is comprised of four unions: Local 332, Samuel Staten, Jr., Vincent Primavera, Jr. Business Manager/Co-Chairman L.E.C.E.T. Co-Chairman Local 135, Daniel L. Woodall, Jr., Damian Lavelle Business Manager L.E.C.E.T. Management Trustee Local 413, James Harper, Jr., Fred Chiarlanza Business Manager L.E.C.E.T. Management Trustee Local 57, Walt Higgins Harry Hopkins Business Manager L.E.C.E.T. Management Trustee Laborers District Council, Ryan N. Boyer, Business Manager.
Laborers’ District Council promotes a safe work environment, jobs completed on time and on budget, and represents union members, who are well trained, productive, professional, and take pride in their work. Union labor…building better and safer communities in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. This ad is presented by LECET The Laborers Employers Cooperation and Education Trust 665 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 Telephone: 215-922-6139 Fax: 215-922-6109 Web: www.ldc-phila-vic.org Juan F. Ramos Administrator
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City Controller Alan Butkovitz is urging the Mayor’s administration to utilize the unused wireless network equipment that has been stored in a City-owned warehouse for more than five years. The equipment was part of a $2 million purchase agreement made by the city in 2010. Hundreds of boxes stacked from the floor to ceiling, mostly unopened, were revealed by the Controller’s Office during a routine review of equipment and inventory. The boxes contained parts to the defunct city-wide wireless network initially deployed by Earthlink, which was supposed to deploy the largest municipal Wi-Fi network in the United States. “Our visual observations and communication with warehouse personnel indicate that it has not been utilized or removed from the boxes since it was purchased by the city five years ago,” said Butkovitz. The Controller’s Office determined the equipment was purchased in 2010 as part of a $2 million agreement with Network Acquisition Co. LLC, which took over after Earthlink. According to the Mayor’s administration at that time, the assets were purchased to enhance public safety through improved video surveillance, improve government efficiency by enabling field workers to file reports and access information quicker and reduce overall operating expenses. “With millions of dollars invested in unused equipment that could potentially benefit Philadelphians, it would be a resourceful strategy and a fiscally-responsible measure to take all necessary actions to gain the most from these assets,” said Butkovitz. The Controller recommends the administration im-
LABORERS UNION
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Controller Butkovitz Urges Mayor To Use Wireless Equipment Found In Warehouse
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Boyle Offers Assistance In Health Care Enrollment
State Rep. Kevin Boyle’s (D-Northeast) constituent service office at 7801-A Hasbrook Avenue is offering onsite enrollment help for health care insurance coverage. Constituents can sign up for appointments or walk in between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from now to Jan. 31. “All residents, regardless of age, income and employment status, should have access to quality health care – and the Affordable Care Act has been working to make this a reality,” Boyle said. “A random accident or unex-
pected illness not only jeopardizes your health, but also your financial future. Having health insurance is not only a smart health decision, but also makes economic sense.” Those enrolling for the first time should bring the following: All documents (i.e., pay stubs, pension awards, unemployment compensation, etc.) that will help determine expected annual income for 2015; The names, birth dates, Social Security numbers and immigration/naturalization
COMMONWEALTH Of PA BOARD OF PARDONS The following application(s) of the person(s) convicted in Philadelphia County will be heard by the Board of Pardons at its regular session in the Supreme Court Courtroom, Room 437, Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA. Thursday, December 3, 2015 – Convening at 9:00 A.M. Justin M. O’Malley: Driving Under the Influence Alexander J. Rubio: Criminal Conspiracy, Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault Patrick M. Sharkey, Jr.: Unlawful Use of a Computer, Theft By Unlawful Taking, Driving Under the Influence Shawn Styles Receiving Stolen Property
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Thursday, December 3, 2015 – Convening at 1:00 P.M. Zellette Burdine Possessing Instruments of Crime, Firearm Carried Without A License, Carrying Firearms in Philadelphia Katrina Cheeks Recklessly Endangering Another Person (2 cts), Endangering Welfare of Children (2 cts), Driving Without a License Vannah Johnson Burglary Friday, December 4, 2015 – Convening at 9:00 A.M. Charles M. Hudgins Aggravated Assault, Possessing Instruments of Crime Burglary, Defiant Trespass, Criminal AtThomas Knox tempt, Criminal Conspiracy, Criminal Trespass, Simple Assault Burglary, Theft By Unlawful Taking, ReRuth Porter ceiving Stolen Property, Driving Under the Influence, Criminal Conspiracy Simple Assault, Aggravated LaTanya L. Williams Assault, Recklessly Endangering Another Person Friday, December 4, 2015 – Convening at 1:00 P.M. Firearm Carried Without a License (2 David Clark cts), Simple Assault, Possessing Instruments of Crime, Carrying Firearms in Philadelphia (2 cts) Murder II Daniel Peters Michael A. Stern Possession of an Instrument of Crime (2 cts), Criminal Mischief (2 cts), Criminal Conspiracy (2 cts)
documents for all household members; and your email address and email password, if applicable. Constituents who are reenrolling should bring all the documents mentioned above, as well as the following: Any renewal letters received from the Marketplace or their insurance provider; Sign-in information from their Marketplace account, if they have one; and immigrants should bring their im-
migration documents (green card, visa, etc.). Those interested in receiving assistance with health care enrollment should contact Boyle’s constituent-service office at (215) 695-1016 or visit http://connector.enrollhealthplan.com/ to schedule an appointment. Boyle urged interested residents to contact his office as soon as possible because the ACA open enrollment period will end Jan. 31.
Center For Art In Wood Offers Seven Fellowships
The Center for Art in Wood invites applications for seven prestigious fellowships for the annual Windgate ITE International Residency Program. Each year the program selects from an international pool of applicants one photojournalist, one scholar/educator, and five artists who work either solely in wood or who work with wood in combination with other materials. The postmark deadline for applications to the 2017 or 2018 residency is Dec. 29, 2015. For further information on the Windgate ITE International Residency Program or the application process, please LEGAL AD THE BIG SANDBOX (TBS). Sealed proposals will be received at 1315 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Philadelphia, PA 19107 until 5 pm on Monday, Dec. 14th for a gateway project at the schoolyard of the Hackett School. A pre-bid site meeting will be held on December 2nd at 1 pm in the schoolyard at York and Sepivia Streets. RFP and schedule can be accessed and drawings and specifications can be downloaded from the TBS website at http://thebigsandbox.org/horatio-b-hackett-gateway-request-for-proposal/
email Karen Schoenewaldt, Registrar, at karen@centerforartinwood.org. Center for Art in Wood is a nonprofit arts and educational institution whose mission is to continue to be the preeminent arts and education organization advancing the growth, awareness, appreciation and promotion of artists and the creation and design of art in wood and wood in combination with other materials. The Center participates in First Friday Openings in conjunction with the Old City Arts Association. At its Old City Philadelphia location, the Center features international contemporary art in wood through changing exhibits in the Gerry Lenfest Gallery, a museum collection documenting the breadth of art in wood, a research library, and the Len Sherock Museum Store. The Center is open Tues - Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. Donations support the Center’s educational programming. For more information, please call (215) 923-8000, email info@centerforartinwood.org or visit www.centerforartinwood.org. The Center for Art in Wood 141 N. 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 215.923.8000
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(Cont. From Page 12) Now sure, this sounds like it was a really nice event where 300 people had a nice hot meal, hung out, and enjoyed themselves, but that’s not why I’m writing about it. I’m writing about this because one, you have to give props to organizations that care enough about our seniors to take time out on a Sunday to show them a good time. The folks from SEPTA, Reading Terminal Market and PCA took time out of their day to make the day brighter for someone else and that’s a good thing. And two, I’m writing about this because the one thing that these 300 seniors had in common is that, well, they may not have one of those big, family Thanksgivings that we
from Meals on Wheels alone. When you’re elderly, and your family is either far away or gone, the concept of a Happy Thanksgiving can be a foreign one. So after you hit the 6ABC Thanksgiving Day parade this morning, go check on that senior neighbor that lives nearby. They could probably use the company. Happy Thanksgiving! Attorneys are both board certified by the American Bankruptcy Certification Board. Chapters 7/13 & Stop foreclosures, creditors harassments, lawsuits, garnishments, and sheriff sales.
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CITY OF PHILADELPHIA Public Hearing Notice City of Philadelphia The Committee on Appropriations of the Council of the City of Philadelphia will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 9:00 AM, in Room 400, City Hall, to hear testimony on the following items: 150851 An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 within the General Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions. 150852
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015 within the Water Fund from certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions to certain or all City offices, departments, boards and commissions.
150853
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 from the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Mayor - Office of Innovation and Technology, the Managing Director, the Managing Director - Office of Fleet Management, the Police Department, the Department of Streets, the Fire Department, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Department of Public Property, and the Department of Human Services - Office of Supportive Housing.
150854
An Ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 from the General Fund, the Department of Revenue, the Board of Trustees of the Free Library of Philadelphia, the Commission on Human Relations and the Grants Revenue Fund, the Director of Finance - Provision for Other Grants to the General Fund, the Mayor - Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity, the Managing Director - Legal Services, the Department of Revenue, the Director of Commerce, the Law Department, the Board of Trustees of the Free Library of Philadelphia and the Commission on Human Relations.
Copies of the foregoing items are available in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Council, Room 402, City Hall. Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Committee on Appropriations, open to the public, will be held to consider the action to be taken on the above listed items. Michael Decker Chief Clerk
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by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: How are some ways bankruptcy can affect your children? Answer: 1) STRESS: Being deep in debt, receiving harassing calls from creditors, being threatened with garnishment, repossessions and foreclosure will often cause you and your spouse to experience overwhelming stress and anxiety. Your children, even young ones, also feel the stress. It affects their school work and their emotional and physical health. Uncontrolled debt often leads to marital conflict and divorce. The kids become the biggest losers. Filing for bankruptcy will usually relieve the debt burdens and the stress. This will often save a marriage and restore emotional as well as financial security for the entire family. 2) PROVIDING FOR
justed adults. 3) EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES: When you are having financial difficulty, it is often difficult to properly afford your children’s educational expenses. In the 2005 changes to the bankruptcy law, Congress specifically allowed parents to include in their allowable expenses some educational costs for their children under 18 years old. For older children, however, Congress felt that paying college tuition at the expense of unsecured creditors should not be allowed. Next Week’s Question: How are more ways bankruptcy can affect your children?
OUT & ABOUT
all take for granted. When I talked to Buonomo about the dinner on Sunday, she told me that many of these seniors were looking at a Thanksgiving where the only company they’d have was a television set and instead of having dinner at a table filled with food and surrounded by family, they would probably be sitting behind a TV tray eating a frozen dinner or something
The Public Record • November 25, 2015
(Cont. From Page 12) by prosecutors now in the DA’s office. The post said the Feds only got the $53,000 remainder (?)... The DA has announced that the staff named in PORNGATE underwent successful sensitivity training, and he is satisfied with the “remedy.” If so, WHY did we have to lose Justice McCAFFERY?? The IRISH SOCIETY honored John McNESBY, FOP Lodge 5 President, at a gala in
Pennsylvania, including JUSTICE-ELECT DONOHUE and local State Rep. Leslie ACOSTA.... Yvonne SAWYER, President of the Philadelphia Democrat Women, had a busy weekend honoring Education officials… State Rep. Vanessa BROWN, lovely leader of the Black Legislative Caucus, congratulated State Rep. Thaddeus KIRKLAND on his election as Mayor of Chester.... State Sen. Shirley KITCHEN will increase the free flu shot locations for the needy. Thank you (Cont. Page 16)
Page 15
WALKING
the FOP Hall of Heroes.... John KANE, PLUMBERS LOCAL 690 leader, and union Training Officer, John QUIRK, were recently honored by the NAACP. WOMEN STUFF: Ancient Order of HIBERNIANS 87 honored Kathy McGee BURNS for her lifelong achievement – the list of accomplishments being so long that she received a thunderous standing ovation. Gwen COLLINS, State Prexy of the Federation of Democrat Women, honored several legislators at an event in Central
The Public Record • November 25, 2015
Page 16
WALKING (Cont. From Page 15) ladies!... Happy Anniversary to Bob & Betsy MULGREW – their 39th. Go figure – more like their ages. Rev. Paul “Earthquake” MOORE will feed many on Thanksgiving. “ONCE MORE INTO THE BREECH, dear friends, once more.” So said Shakespeare’s HENRY V, in a line that is appropriate to the KANE SAGA. Saw an identical Kane zap paragraph in two articles by two different reporters, without sharing the byline (??) Is this consensual plagiarism or REWRITE GOOF-UP?? What BURNS me is the seeming LACK of respect for a court order or ruling in the KANE matter. The high court ordered that Kane STAY ON THE JOB. Four aides testified before the Senate Com-
mittee that Kane cannot do a job with a suspended license. STOP countermanding A HIGH COURT DECISION! It is TIME NOW to rebuild faith and RESPECT that court, as new, top justices come on board. The news report on the four aides never mentioned their PARTY affiliation?? Hmm. If the four aides offered to sell me a USED CAR – guess if I would buy it…. A decision to remove Kane by the SCARNATI Committee is ALMOST CERTAINLY to be appealed, due to the court order for Kane to STAY on the job. (Is Scarnati of Jefferson County more popular than fellow resident Punxsutawney Phil? Phil brings in tourism
revenue, I know.) Kane is DOING the JOB – and no ICE AGE has occurred as a result. Kane came to office, fresh and vibrant, and has now gone through a LIVING HELL by some media and alleged PORN-PERSONS. The MESSAGE – WHY run for office? – is clear…. I think that the voters also SENT A MESSAGE by electing DEMOCRATS to the Supreme Court and ALL row offices in Montgomery County!! Justice EAKIN now seems to be indicating HOW he will be investigated. Sacre Bleu! Former US Attorney Peter VAIRA called for an INDEPENDENT Counsel to do the job in the daily press weeks
W. Philly Booms
THE WEST IS BEST, said Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell at grand opening soirée at 3737 Chestnut luxury apartments on Nov. 19 with Radnor Property Group and Buzzuto Management.
ago. That is how to do it. On this Thanksgiving Day, I am thankful for my critics and Good Samaritan-readers. Some have birthdays. These lads and lasses are Walt “Einstein” HORNBACH (N.E. Philly); Harry “Bruz” ENGGASSER (Frankford); Phil “Himself” BONNER, Jr. (S.W. Philly); Phil “Unsinkable” PRESS (Montco); Ed “Handsome” McBRIDE (S. Philly); Garnett “Security” LITTLEPAGE (N. Philly); Mark ENDRES – who still seeks real justice (W. Philly); Monica “Animal Rescue” SANTORO (S. Jersey); Jerry DAVIS (seashore); and Col. Tom “Teacher” ANGLIM (Oreland). GOD BLESS each and every one out there! R A D N O R PROPERTY GROUP’S David Yeager and Buzzuto Management held a grand-opening soirée at 3737 Chestnut luxury apartments on Thursday, which Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell helped make happen.
www.phillyrecord.com • 215-755-2000
THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA Sealed proposals will be received by the Office of Capital Programs at the School Administration Building located at 440 North Broad St., 3rd Floor, Suite 371, Office of Capital Programs, Philadelphia, PA 19130-4015, until 2:00 P.M., on Tuesday, December 1, 2015. A non-refundable fee for each set of bid documents is as scheduled. The School District will only accept bids from companies that have been placed on its current Pre Qualified Contractors List as shown at philasd.org/capitalbids. All School District Project require MBE/WBE participation as shown in the specifications. FEE B-070 C [R] of 2014/15 BUDGET General Contract Martha Washington ES $2,331,186.00 $25.00 Roof Replacement and 728-64 N. 44th St. Façade Restoration *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. Specifications and/or plans and contract documents may be examined and copies thereof obtained from the School Reform Commission, 440 North Broad Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19130. Information as to contract documents, etc., may be obtained at the above address, or telephone 215-400-4730. Make checks payable to the School District of Philadelphia. The Office of Capital Programs reserves the right to reject any and all bids and make the awards to the best interests of the School District of Philadelphia.
ELEPHANT
(Cont. From Page 12) gas was only 11 cents a gallon. In our day smoking was fashionable, GRASS was mowed, COKE was a cool drink and POT was something to cook in. Rock music was a grandma’s lullaby and AIDS were helpers in the principal’s office.
sponse to his announcement that Pennsylvania will accept Syrian refugees. Our letter asks the Governor to reverse his decision. While I am sympathetic to the many innocent Syrians, I believe the security of Pennsylvanians must be our priority. If you agree, please contact Gov. Wolf by calling (717) 787-2500 and share your concerns.”
I agree the Syrian conflict has resulted in countless tragedies for innocent bystanders. Something must be done for these people. However, the shoddy enforcement of our immigration laws by the Obama administration is problematic and leads me to believe it does not have the ability or desire to deal properly with these refugees.
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Give A Vet Socks This Season Thank-A-Vet Sock ’Em 2015 is collecting brand new socks to help veterans get back on their feet from November 27th to December 19th. Drop off location is the Seaport Museum, 211 Christopher Columbus Blvd.Philadelphia PA or www.ThankOurVeterans.org or ThankOurVeterans@gmail.com
Walk In’s Welcomed Appointments Preferred
Philadelphia's own premier, Star Trek, Sci-Fi, Multimedia, Rock, Cabaret has an exciting show coming up on December 10th at the Underground Arts where we plan to have an amazing night celebrating all things Star Wars in light of the New STAR WARS - "The Force Awakens" movie opening on Dec 17th.
Live Long & Prosper! May the Force be with you! Join the band on Thursday Dec. 10th At Underground ARTS, 12th and Callowhill St. 8pm doors. 21 and Over. Tickets available for $10 in advance - $12 at the door.
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You are also warned that if you fail to file either an acknowledgment of paternity pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. Section 2503 (d) relating to acknowledgement and claim of paternity, and fail to either appear at a hearing to object to the termination of your rights or file a written objection to such termination with the court prior to the hearing, your rights may be terminated under Pa.C.S.A. 2503(d) or 2504(c) of the adoption act. LAWYER REFERRAL AND INFORMATION SERVICE 100 West Airy Street, P.O. Box 268 Norristown, PA 19404 (800) 560-LAW1
WAFFLEMAN
dent Obama’s position. Republican state legislators disagree with Wolf and cosigned a letter written by STATE REP. DARYL METCALFE (R-Butler). Philadelphia STATE REP. and Chairman of Republican City Committee JOHN TAYLOR said, “I’ve joined my House colleagues in sending a letter to Gov. Tom Wolf in reWe were not before the difference between the sexes was discovered, but we were certainly before the sex change. We got married FIRST and then lived together. We were the last generation that was so DUMB as to think you needed a husband to have a baby. How quaint can you be? No wonder we are so confused and there is such a generation gap today, but somehow we survived and that is a great reason to celebrate.
The Public Record • November 25, 2015
An important option may be available to you under Act 101 of PA Law that allows for an enforceable voluntary agreement for continuing contact following an adoption between an adoptive parent, a child, a birth parent and/or a birth relative of the child, if all parties agree and the voluntary agreement is approved by the court. The agreement must be signed and approved by the court to be legally binding.
this time. N.J. GOV. CHRIS CHRISTIE was particularly pointed when he said, “I don’t trust this administration to effectively vet the people that they’re asking us to take in.” And Republicans are not alone, GOV. MAGGIE HASSAN (D-N.H.) is calling for more diligent vetting of refugees. Our GOV. TOM WOLF is supporting Presi-
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hand went up. The crowd appeared to be evenly split between those who expected the (Cont. From Page 12) status quo and those who saw pointed out that the problem our schools getting worse. with making the city an enAl Qaeda decided not to be ergy hub is getting the gas out done by ISIS, their former here – namely, we need protégé. On Nov. 19 they atpipelines. Anti-pipeline envi- tacked a Radisson hotel in ronmental groups have re- Mali, killing 21, including an placed fears of fracking with American. On Nov. 13 ISIS hysteria over pipelines. I killed 132 people in Paris. question whether our politiPRESIDENT BARACK cians, namely City Council, OBAMA could not give up will have the political will to the opportunity to turn the fight liberal special-interest tragedy in Paris into a partisan groups which are more inter- event. He aggressively critiested either banning develop- cized Republican members of ment or taxing to death. Congress who asked that he There were a number of rethink allowing 10,000 Syriother interesting panels. One ans refugees to enter the US. on school funding become in- Subsequently Congress passed teresting and perhaps sad when a bill calling for a more-strinpanelist Rob Wonderling, gent vetting process for these president of the Greater immigrants. Of course, we Philadelphia Chamber of Com- expect the President to veto merce, asked the audience if any such legislation. they believed our schools Two dozen Republican would improve over the next Governors have said they will five to seven years. Only one not accept Syrian refugees at LEGAL NOTICE TO: Marcelius Rodgers A Petition has been filed asking the court to put an end to all rights you have to your child Baby Girl Thrower who was born on 6/18/15 at Pennsylvania Hospital Philadelphia, PA, as well as any rights N.T. has to Baby Girl Thrower. The court has set a hearing to consider ending your rights to your child. That hearing will be held on December 17, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. at Court Room 14, One Montgomery Plaza, Orphan’s Court Division, Swede Street, Norristown, PA 19404 before Judge Ott. You are warned that even if you fail to appear at the scheduled hearing, the hearing will go on without you and your rights to your child as well as the rights of N.T. to that child may be ended by the court without your being present. You have a right to be represented at the hearing by a lawyer. You should take this paper to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, go to or telephone the office set forth below to find out where you can get legal help.
The Public Record • November 25, 2015
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Connelly Foundation Awards $200,000 To Eastern Tower
6700 Essington Avenue • Philadelphia, PA 19153 ______________________ 215.492.1700 www.pacificocars.com 3320 South 20th Street - Philadelphia, PA 19145
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The Connelly Foundation has awarded a $200,000 grant to Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corp. for the construction of the Eastern Tower Community Center project. The grant advances the ETCC project towards construction, and will help PCDC realize a long-term dream of building a community center for the Chinatown community. The center will house community programs for youth and seniors, civic engagement, and community events and meetings. It includes two floors of classroom and meeting spaces, an outdoor green terrace, and an 8,700 SF multipurpose room for community recreation and events. PCDC and JNA Capital, its development partner, have raised capital and investments to bring the project to this point.
The Connelly Foundation specifically cited the project’s potential to eliminate blight and redevelop the Chinatown North area, the immediate neighborhood of Holy Redeemer Church & School, which is adjacent to the project site. Connelly has been a long-term financial supporter of Holy Redeemer and provides scholarship aid to its students. Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic Church & School opened in 1941, the first Catholic Church in the western hemisphere built for Chinese. For nearly 75 years, Holy Redeemer has served the immigrant Asian community of Philadelphia and has earned a reputation for excellent education and community s e r v i c e . GreatPhillySchools.org ranked Holy Redeemer School 7th out of 300 Philadelphia elementary and
Asian Community Honors Ramsey
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ASIAN American Federation of United States held its Police Night Banquet at Ocean City Restaurant in Chinatown. From left are AAFUS Chairman Jack Xiao, AAFUS founder Mahn Suh Park, Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, Vernon Price and Lan Nguyen.
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CITATION went to Commissioner Charles Ramsey, delivered by Lt. Gov. Mike Stack. Joining them in this photo are Hanna & Mahn Suh Park, Jack Xiao and Andrew Yan.
middle schools and 3rd out of Philadelphia Catholic schools. Holy Redeemer enrolls 290 children in grades K-8. Father Thomas Betz of Holy Redeemer says, “Holy Redeemer has worked for many years with PCDC to bring the Chinatown neighborhood north across Vine Street. The creation of the Chinatown north neighborhood is an essential factor in Holy Redeemer’s survival and success. The Chinatown community center will provide stability to the neighborhood while it offers essential services to the community, especially the youth. One by one, we have seen every dream for our neighborhood come true. Now we are about to witness the crowning achievement come to pass.” ETCC is a flagship mixeduse project in Philadelphia Chinatown which will include a community center with space for recreation and other programming for youth and seniors, community events and meetings, as well as residential units and retail/office space. PCDC, a non-profit, community-based organization, and JNA Capital, Inc, a real estate consulting company, are the project developers. Eastern Tower is an EB-5 qualified project. PCDC is a grassroots, nonprofit, community-based organization with a mission to preserve, protect and promote Chinatown as a viable ethnic, residential and business community. Since 1966, PCDC has been Chinatown’s lead voice in neighborhood planning and development issues, and provides community programs for economic development, family services, youth, and housing counseling. For additional information, one may contact John Chin, executive director, Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corp., at (215) 922-2156.
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11-YEAR-OLD Tysania Goodwin, Universal Institute student, gives her great grandmother Magdalena Goodwin helping hand with hefty turkey this senior LUCKY recipient of free turkey from Universal Schools was was given by Universal Cos., which disValerie Burgess. Distributing turkeys at Universal Institute tributed 1,200 turkeys at its four Uniwere Lisa Whitney, Jinaki Ahmed and Tyrone Highsmith. versal schools in S. Phila.
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Public Record Classifieds: small ADS BIG Deals Universal Schools Gifted 1,500 Turkeys
HEALTH Partners Plans and Health Partners Foundation delivered 250 Thanksgiving baskets to families in need at Abbotsford Homes in Phila. along with corporate partners Interphase Medical Equipment and Burman’s Medical Supplies. HPP employee Patricia Ackerman hands off baskets filled with all the trimmings, including $20 FreshGrocer gift card.
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The Public Record • November 25, 2015
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