Pr 882 p

Panepinto Jewelers

Ron Panepinto Karen Panepinto-Minarcik 702 Sansom St. • Phila., PA 19106 Tel: 215-923-1980 email: info@panepintojewelers.com www.PanepintoJewelers.com

Vol. XVII No. 52 (Issue 882)

Jim Stevenson 9371 ROOSEVELT BLVD. PHILA., PA 19114

215-698-7000 @phillyrecord

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December 22, 2016

The Spirit of Christmas

SANTA CLAUS found a ready helper, as always, in Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, who threw a massive party for homeless citizens at the Convention Center, with a feast and music for all, and top-quality gifts for young folks like Photo by Wendell Douglas these. More pics P. 19.

STATE SEN. Anthony Williams and Santa Claus made their annual trip to W. Phila. firehouses to reward DEPUTY Sheriffs Maliki Rahman and Dante firefighters for their year of service. L-R, Pat Burns Austin work with their teammates to give away of FreshGrocer, Williams, Isa Shahid of Muslims 4 toys at Spruance Elementary School in N.E. Humanity, State Rep. Joanna McClinton, Santa Claus Photo by Wendell Douglas & Mrs. Claus.

Phila.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

STATE REP. Angel Cruz, his staff and that of State Sen. Christine Tartaglione helped Santa Claus this week reach Latino children, who came to take a souvenir picture and get candy canes and presents at Maria De Los Santos Health Center. L-R, Santa (Taima DeJesus); Cruz; his staffers Veronica Morales, Jessica Crespo, and José Giral; and Tartaglione’s crew of Carmen Sousa, Angeles Hernández and Lydia Fonseca.

MARKING its 20th year, the Christmas Crèche Nativity Scene has moved again, this time next to the Cathedral of SS. Peter & Paul, 18th & Race Streets, where it was blessed by Father Dennis Gill, the cathedral’s pastor, with carols sung by students from St. Francis Xavier School. It seems there was no room for it at the Christmas Village.

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Your Public Servants At Work Tartaglione Legislation Funds Call Centers

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The Public Record • December 22, 2016

State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione (D-Kensington) plans to introduce legislation to

replenish the State Dept. of Labor & Industry’s infrastructure fund that pays for, among other things, unemployment call centers in Lancaster, Altoona and Jonestown that have

In The Court of Common Pleas Phila. County Civil Action – Law No. 131200836 Notice of Action in Mortgage Foreclosure Bank of America, N.A., Plaintiff vs. The Unknown Heirs of The Estate of Marion Freeman, Deceased, Brian Freeman, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Marion Freeman, Deceased, Jarett Freeman, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Marion Freeman, Deceased & Randy Freeman, Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Marion Freeman, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendants To: The Unknown Heirs of The Estate of Marion Freeman, Deceased, Mortgagor and Real Owner, Defendant(s), whose last known address is 7944 Fayette Street, Philadelphia, PA 19150. This firm is a debt collector and we are attempting to collect a debt owed to our client. Any information obtained from you will be used for the purpose of collecting the debt. You are hereby notified that Plaintiff, Bank of America, N.A., has filed a Mortgage Foreclosure Complaint endorsed with a notice to defend against you in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, docketed to No. 131200836, wherein Plaintiff seeks to foreclose on the mortgage secured on your property located, 7944 Fayette Street, Philadelphia, PA 19150, whereupon your property will be sold by the Sheriff of Phila. County. Notice: You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action within twenty (20) days after the Complaint and notice are served, by entering a written appearance personally or by attorney and filing in writing with the court your defenses or objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further notice for any money claimed in the Complaint for any other claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you. 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. This office can provide you with information about hiring a lawyer. If you cannot afford to hire a Lawyer, this office may be able to provide you with information about agencies that may offer legal services to eligible persons at a reduced fee or no fee. Community Legal Services, Inc., Law Center North Central, 1410 W. Erie Ave., Phila., PA 19140, 215-227-2400/215-981-3700. Phila.

Bar Assoc., One Reading Center, Phila., PA 19104, 215238-6333. Thomas Puleo, Atty. for Plaintiff, KML Law Group, P.C., Ste. 5000, Mellon Independence Center, 701 Market St., Phila., PA 19106-1532, 215.627.1322.

been closed due to a funding dispute.

“The Senate should have acted on this important legislation before call centers were closed,” Tartaglione said.

“The department’s infrastructure fund was established to reduce unemployment-claim backlogs and improve the system so benefits would not be delayed.”

Tartaglione’s legislation contains the same language as HB 2375 from last session that would have funded the Service and Infrastructure Improvement Fund for an additional year and imposed accountability requirements as well as developing an exit strategy from dependence on the funding.

The measure passed the State House of Representatives 17513. Senate Republicans refused to consider the measure.

“The fund was created to alleviate backlogs and make improvements in unemployment compensation claim management,” Tartaglione said.

“Workers who lost their jobs should be able to count on an efficient claims system so that there are no benefit delays.”

The fund was created in 2013 to address system backlogs and make improvements in claim processing and utilizes employee contributions to the UC System rather than General Fund dollars to support the system. Funds can also be used for staff and employee training, information technology and other improvements.

Last session, Tartaglione was the prime sponsor of legislation in the Senate that would have extended the funding deadline by four years.

Solomon Opens Office At 7012 Castor Avenue State Rep.-Elect Jared Solomon (D-Northeast) announced his constituent service office for residents of the 202nd Legislative District opened Dec. 1 and is ready to serve his constituents.

The hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and by appointment at 7012 Castor Avenue. The number is (215) 342-6340.

“My staff and I want to make government work for our constituents. We’ve set office hours that allow them to come visit us at their convenience,” Solomon said. “We were grateful to outgoing State Rep. Mark Cohen for his help in paving a smooth transition, allowing my staff and me to hit the ground running on Dec. 1.

Cephas Announces $300k for Carroll Park State Rep.-Elect Morgan Cephas (D-W. Phila.) announced a state Community Conservation Partnership Program grant has been secured for the revitalization of Carroll Park, which is part of the 192nd Legislative District’s Carroll Park community.

The $300,000 grant, awarded to Philadelphia’s Dept. of Parks & Recreation, will be used to restore the park’s historic water fountain and play area, upgrade the children’s playground equipment, create an interactive spray-ground system with matting and new benches, increase signage at the entrance of the park, and improve lighting and greening space to create a safe environment.

“Carroll Park serves as a central point and gathering place for families throughout the Carroll Park Neighborhood and I couldn’t be happier that this funding is going to help transform the park into a multigenerational space that will be able to hold events, allow for exercise opportunities and active play,” said Cephas. “Oftentimes, families aren’t able to afford vacations outside of the city, which forces us to transform our area parks and recreation centers into ‘staycations’ and destinations that offer a similar expe-

rience.”

“The Carroll Park Neighbors Advisory Council with past president and the late Doris Gwaltney have helped to maintain the character of the park for close to 20 years. The plans to restore the park to its glory have been a top priority for the community,” Cephas said. “The commitment of area block captains and 4th Dist.

Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. have paved the way for this project to become a reality.”

Cephas has reopened the 192nd Legislative Dist. office in West Philadelphia. The district includes Wynnefield, Overbrook Farms, Morris Park, Overbrook Park, Overbrook, Haddington, Hestonville and Carroll Park.

The office is at 1991 N. 63rd Street and is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The phone number is (215) 879-6625.

Cephas is also providing information on her website – www.pahouse.com/Cephas – and can be reached at RepCephas@pahouse.com.

Rep. Cruz Applauds New Arts & Culture Latino Center State Rep. Angel Cruz (DKensington) said he is proud to have assisted in obtaining funding for the construction and opening of a new facility to further promote Latino culture in Philadelphia.

Taller Puertorriqueño, Inc. was founded in 1974 as a community-based cultural organization whose primary purpose is to preserve, develop and promote Puerto Rican arts and culture. The organization celebrated the grand opening of its new home on Dec. 7.

Cruz said he was honored to work with Dr. Carmen Febo, executor director and CEO of Taller Puertorriqueño, to acquire two separate grants of $2.5 million each to go toward the construction of the new building.

The Philadelphia Public Record (PR-01) (ISSN 1938-856X) (USPS 1450) Published Weekly Requested Publication ($20 per year Optional Subscription) The South Philadelphia Public Record 325 Chestnut St., Suite 1110 Phila. PA 19106 Periodical Postage Paid at Philadelphia, PA and additional mailing office POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: The Public Record 325 Chestnut St., Suite 1110 Phila. PA 19106 (215) 755-2000 Fax: (215) 689-4099 editor@phillyrecord.com EDITORIAL STAFF Editor: Greg Salisbury Executive Editor: James Tayoun, Sr. Managing Editor: Anthony West Editorial Staff: Joe Sbaraglia Everyday People Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor: Bonnie Squires Correspondent: Eldon Graham Photographers: Leona Dixon Wendell Douglas Harry Leech Bill Myers Office Manager: Allison Murphy Production Manager: Sana Muaddi-Dows Sales Director: Melissa Barrett Account Exec: Bill Myers Circulation: Steve Marsico Dawood Starling Yousef Maaddi James Henderson 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.

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The Stars Come Out

CITY & STATE PA commemorated 40 talented professionals in Penna. politics and government under 40 years of age at its “Rising Stars” luncheon in Old City.

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The Public Record • December 22, 2016

Photos by Wendell Douglas

CITY & STATE PA, a sister publication of the Phila. Public Record, organized the awards. L-R, honoree Jojy Varghese, Mary Varghese and Diboo Daniel.

L-R, honorees Matthew Stitt, State Rep. L e a n n e K r u e g e r Braneky and Joseph Corrigan.

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with City & State PA

The Public Record • December 22, 2016

L-R, Bill Royer, honoree State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, honoree C on gres s man Brendan Boyle and Alan Kessler.

L-R, Councilman Derek Green and keynote speaker Doug Oliver, honoree Teresa Lundy, honoree State Rep. Donna Bullock and Mustafa Rashed.

L-R, honoree Alex Egner, Cathrine Gannon, honoree B r i t t a n y Crampsie and Sean Crampsie.

Representative

Maria P. Donatucci

`xÜÜç V{Ü|áàÅtá Paid for by Friends of Maria P. Donatucci

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Wishing All

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The Public Record • December 22, 2016

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Our Opinion Finally, we got to see what an old fashioned roundup of drug dealers, small and big, from the “hot drug-market corners” in Kensington could produce. The bust this week netted illegal guns, thousands of dollars, enough heroin to fill a Christmas stocking of every junkie to overflowing, and caught, among those dealers, serious felons on the loose.

It didn’t happen overnight, that we understand. There were days of surveillance, tips to follow and the other drudgery necessary to lay the groundwork and identify the best times, suspects and drug houses. But it is a much appreciated, most welcome gift to the law-abiding citizens of this harassed area of our city.

It’s just the tip of the iceberg; we know it won’t stop the flood of drugs from the drug cartels that is laying siege to so many communities across this country.

The Drug Enforcement Administration estimates heroin-related overdose deaths increased 244 percent between 2007 and 2013. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimated nearly 1 million American heroin users in 2014.

The DEA’s 2015 threat assessment states that Mexican drug cartels “remain the greatest criminal drug threat to the United States; no other group can challenge them in the near term.”

There has been an exponential increase and simultaneous shift, from prescription opioids to heroin (sometimes mixed with the synthetic narcotic fentanyl).

The American heroin market begins in the poppy fields of Mexico. Controlled by the cartels, and more recently assisted

by Southwest Asians who provide agricultural production techniques increasing both quantity and quality.

Though we have to wait and see how President-elect Trump handles his promised war on the cartels, we ask Mayor Jim Kenney and the members of City Council to transfer some of the administration’s unspent funds over to the Police Department drug unit to expand overtime for those front-line soldiers and to enable

The Public Record • December 22, 2016

Thank You, Police Drug Unit!

Commissioner Ross to add supporting services.

After all, this should be a win-win situation. Those living in drug-besieged neighborhoods know when and where drugs can be purchased, how the stuff is delivered, and who the peddlers and their suppliers are. Every raid will bring in a bagful of goodies for the

police department, since they get to keep the money and profit from anything else legitimately sellable.

So, once again, our thanks to the Police Drug Unit for making Christmas merrier for Dec. 27- Councilwoman Jannie the non-addict population in this city, particuBlackwell and SWPDS host Kwlarly in Kensington. anzaa Celebration at Kingsessing Rec. Ctr., 50th & Kingsessing Ave., 6 to 8;30 p.m.

Dec. 29- Kwanzaa 50th AnOver the next five years, the schools and across the niversary Program at W. Phila. the partners will focus on a communities, addressing some HS, 4901 Chestnut St., 6-8 Adbroad “cradle to career” ap- of the critical challenges fac- ults $10, Seniors and Children $8. Featuring creator of Kwanproach, with initiatives that ing families in poverty. expand early literacy and As the lead agency, Drexel zaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga. For early science efforts in local will help coordinate the initia- info: (215) 385-0214. child care and pre-K pro- tive and share its expertise Jan. 1- Local 1199C President grams; enhance K-12 instruc- across all aspects of the pro- Henry Nicholas hosts New tion in these seven schools; gram. The School of Education, Year Welcome at his home at empower parents to advocate the Dornsife School of Public 15th & Jefferson Sts., 1 p.m. for their children’s learning; Health, and the Dornsife Center Jan. 1- New Year Parade #2 and improve access to educa- for Neighborhood Partnerships on “2 Street,” Charles Bernard tion and job training for young will collaborate with commu- on Reviewing Stand at Happy Tappers Cl., 5 p.m. adults and all residents in the nity and school partners.

Promise Neighborhood.

The Promise Neighbor- Jan. 14- Phila. Republican ParIn addition to helping im- hood mirrors the boundaries ty hosts S. Phila. Trump Inauprove the quality of teaching of the West Philadelphia guration Gala at Toll Man Joe’s, and learning in the schools, Promise Zone, and stretches 26 E. Oregon Ave., 7 p.m. Bethe project will provide from the Schuylkill River to ef, pork, pasta sides; draft beer needed behavioral and 48th Street, and from Girard and wine. Auction raffles, door prizes. Tickets $35. For info: trauma-informed supports to Avenue to Sansom Street.

Promise Neighborhood Grant a Big Win for Philly delphia is only one of six awardees of the US Dept. of Education grant, which provides up to $30 million over five years per locality. The $6 million award that was announced for Philadelphia provides the first year of funding for an effort projected to last five years.

Matching funds totaling $76 million have also been secured from the city and area nonprofits over the next five years, which include the William Penn and Lenfest Foundations.

In a press release announcing the winners on Tuesday afternoon, the US Dept. of Education described the Promise Neighborhoods program as federal support for “innovative

strategies that bring together public and private partners to help break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Promise Neighborhoods grantees provide comprehensive education, health, safety, and family-support services to children and families in high-poverty neighborhoods.”

The grant will provide enrichment for families living in the Promise Neighborhood and for: Belmont Charter (K-4); Locke Elementary (K-8); Morton McMichael Elementary (K8); Martha Washington Elementary (K-8); Samuel Powel Elementary (K-4); SLA Middle School (5-8) and West Philadelphia High School (9-12).

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Yesterday at Morton McMichael Elementary School, Drexel University President John Fry, Mayor Jim Kenney, Superintendent Dr. William Hite, community members and area elected officials officially announced the community surrounding Drexel University in West Philadelphia has won the 2016 Promise Neighborhoods Program Implementation Grant Competition. Drexel University was the lead applicant of the grant, on which the City of Philadelphia, The School District of Philadelphia and several other area groups and nonprofits also partnered.

Out of 72 applicants, Phila-

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The Public Record • December 22, 2016

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Philadelphia Regional Port Authority

The Public Record • December 22, 2016

SINCE 1990

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PROUDLY MANAGING PENNSYLVANIA’S INTERNATIONAL SEAPORT The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority wishes the hard-working men and women in the port industry, and all of our loyal friends and supporters, a happy and healthy holiday season!

Gerard H. Sweeney Chairman

Jeff Theobald

Executive Director and CEO Deputy Executive Director Administrative Offices: 3460 N. Delaware Ave. 2nd Fl., Phila., PA 19134 (215) 426-2600 • Fax (215) 426-6800 www.philaport.com

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John F. Dempsey

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Celebrities were pleading with the members of the Electoral College to do the “right thing” to vote for HILLARY CLINTON. But there were a number of problems with their pleas.

Yes, technically electors are not bound to vote for the presidential candidate that won their respective states or, in some locations, to vote for the winner in their congressional district.

I realize that Clinton won the national popular vote.

While she won a plurality, she did not win 50% according to the Cook Report. Trump won a clear majority of the Electoral College with 304 to 227. Is it fair to the residents of Pennsylvania or other states for the electors who should be representing them instead to honor the wishes of people in New York or California? Clinton, like Trump, ran a race to win the Electoral College – not the popular vote. She had roughly 600 district offices primarily in swing or potentially swing states. She lost the race she ran.

The state Electoral College did not work out as the left hoped.

Clinton lost more ground in the Electoral College than Trump.

Trump lost two electors in Texas who voted for other Republicans, but not Clinton. One elector in Ohio attempted to vote for GOV. JOHN KASICH, but was replaced by an alternate Trump voter.

Leading up to Monday’s vote, the Pennsylvania electors were deluged with calls to vote for Clinton. BUNNY WELCH, the sheriff of Chester County, shut down her work email account owing to the number of emails. Demonstrators gained access to the House of Representatives cham(Cont. Page 25)

by Denise Clay Since Election Day, or as some would put it, the Day That America Showed Us That It Was What We Thought It Was, people around the country have been hoping the Electoral College would do what the American people were too preoccupied with whatever we’re preoccupied with to do themselves in the voting booth.

That something? Stop Donald Trump from becoming President of the United States.

From petitions to marches to calling and writing electors themselves, people tried to sway the folks who make up this body of partisans to do what’s best for the country and not hand the nuclear-launch codes to a dude who obviously has more important things to do with his time than tweet nastygrams about Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter over a restaurant review, but sadly, does it anyway.

But alas, that’s exactly what this group of partisans did on Monday. So on Jan. 20, 2017, we will all have to call the former host of “Celebrity Apprentice” Mr. President.

I call the Electoral College a “group of partisans” because that’s exactly what they are. The folks who elect the president are partisans chosen by their parties to vote for exactly who they’re told to vote for. In some places, it’s a felony for them to do otherwise.

But you had folks who were hoping that a combination of Trump losing the popular vote to Hillary Clinton by a whole lot, Trump’s obvious (and impeachable) business conflicts of (Cont. Page 26)

Yo! Here we go again. I want to share with my readers some of my memories of Christmas from my Waffleman books.

Almost everyone had a real Christmas tree that cost about two dollars. We decorated it with glass balls, popcorn strung on strong thread, other ornaments and, of course, tinsel; lead-foil tinsel. Dad hated the stuff, for it always fell on the Lionel train tracks he had set up under the tree. It caused the trains to stop running when it landed on the tracks. I had the job of crawling under the tree to clear the tinsel from the tracks – way in the back, of course.

We were constantly reminded to save our appetites for the seven fish. Why seven fish?

The traditional and religious reasons are explained elsewhere in my books. The fish dishes had to number at least seven and any odd number above that, but never an even number. Superstition – who knows? But according to Grandpop Achille, “That was the way it has always been done and that was the way it was going to be done on that day. Period.”

When all the various dishes were ready, they were served on the dining room table. There were antipasto, olives, condiments, cheeses, rolls, Italian bread, fried sweet peppers, hot and really hot fried peppers for the brave or foolhardy. Fish dish after fish dish, cold and hot, and, of course, dessert: mountains of cakes, cookies, sweets and ambrosia, all homemade.

Some were brought by the visiting neighbors or relatives. The food was available throughout the evening and into the night. No one worried about a diet, for it was the holiday season.

Later, the men usually started a penny ante poker game on the kitchen table.

Around 11:00 p.m., the perishables were put in the icebox and we all went to church for midnight mass, which was always crowded – too many people into too small a space.

After mass, we returned home. Some continued to eat. The men started the card game again. The kids were put to bed, where they wondered what Santa would bring them. They knew Santa would bring presents for all good girls and boys. Of course they had been good, hadn’t they? Just ask them.

When he knew we were asleep, Dad helped Santa with his toy chores. After all this, the (Cont. Page 26)

GOV. TOM WOLF and LT. GOV. MIKE STACK played the role of Santa Claus and announced an early Christmas present to the folks of Southeastern Pennsylvania. And what did they leave under the tree for the good people of SEPA? A $300-million capital investment in the Port of Philadelphia.

This investment will improve several port facilities, including container import facilities, break-bulk warehouses in Tioga Marine Terminal, and the automobile import facilities in South Philadelphia. These import many Hyundai and Kia products.

This capital investment will create over 6,500 new jobs an increase of 65% – to 17,020. The capital investment will also increase state and local tax receipts by 56% to $108.4 million per year. Those numbers will make everyone jolly!

Wolf and Stack were joined by a number of VIPs, including US SEN. BOB CASEY, CONGRESSMEN BOB BRADY and DWIGHT EVANS, STATE REP. BILL KELLER and MAYOR JIM KENNEY. Their hard work created thousands of middle-class jobs – jobs that will fuel additional spending and economic growth. This will ensure that everyone has happy holidays, and a happy new year!

Fast away the old year passes…. We have seen closure to the distinguished legislative career of STATE SEN. SHIRLEY KITCHEN, who for two decades has brought her steadfastness, her compassion, her integrity and her intelligence to that body. A dogged champion of citizens in trouble, she was also known for her skill in bipartisan negotiation and her ability to listen to her colleagues.

MY HEART was warmed when I read a line in the daily press on City Controller Alan BUTKOVITZ’S Petty Cash Audit of City departments. The KENNEY Administration THANKED the Controller for his recommendations! This would not have happened in the last administration! The City and Controller working in harmony helps us.... State Rep. Jerry KNOWLES (Schuylkill County) has a bill to zap Sanctuary Campuses. It has happened in the past that some immigrants became American heroes serving the USA military – and some will make other contributions to keep America strong. A while back, I spent six months in in the Schuylkill city hall-courthouse – on a coal-lands study. The best place for the Knowles Bill is in an exposed coal vein on the Hava tract. The success of America is in its heterogeneity.

A motion was made in the building collapse trial for the trial judge to dismiss herself from the case, and a mistrial declared. Maybe it is best to clear the air and start AFRESH?... I read on Big Trial of the dismissed juror in the FATTAH JURY. He was dismissed after 4-5 hours of deliberations. The trial judge said there was no way that he could have considered all the evidence in the brief time (?). The juror said he had ingested ALL the EVIDENCE in over one month of the trial. The article noted that there had been some eight votes of 11-1 by the jury in that time. SO THE OTHER JURORS HAD ENOUGH TIME TO CONSIDER THE EVIDENCE, YES? CITY&STATE magazine has written about the Philly TV Bail hearings. It wonders why the 1st Judicial District has not ended it. It notes TV bail hearings seem to yield higher bail amounts.

It is long past the time to END the TV hearings. It is time for the top jurists of the 1st District to end this HORROR. In this celebration of the BILL OF RIGHTS – here in the birthplace of liberty – DO SOMETHING!! The courts should not be a money-SUCTION machine.

YEAR-END HAPPY BIRTHDAYS include: Councilman Derek GREEN – thanks for your fight for an autism cure; Retired Frank CONAWAY in the Northeast; State Rep. Stephen KINSEY, helping the needy always; State Rep. Rosita YOUNGBLOOD, a fighter empowered by the ALMIGHTY; Dr. Andy Waskie – what is past is prologue; Dr. Mark WATKINS, world leader for an HIV cure; Civic Leader Kevin PRICE in S. Philly; Drew ALDINGER, (Cont. Page 26)

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the unique beauty of the northerly stretches of the street, held its kickoff fundraiser at the Pennsylvania Convention Center this past week.

Led by the efforts of Executive Director Shalimar Thomas, the organization gave North Philadelphians a peek at what they can expect from it, including a five-year plan to ensure North Broad Street will be a destination for years to come.

Thomas gave some specifics about NBR’s focus. “We are focused strictly on North Broad,” she emphasized. “We don’t ex-

tend east and west; we go from City Hall up to Germantown Avenue, just above Erie Avenue – it’s about a four-mile stretch.”

The organization wants to raise $1.75 million by the year 2020, which falls squarely within its five-year strategic plan.

Thomas is hoping a collaboration between NBS and Temple University, the area’s largest stakeholder, can be a mutually beneficial partnership.

“We know that if you’re on North Broad, it makes sense for you to invest in what we’re doing,” she explained. “You

CITY COUNCIL

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290 2017 NOTICE OF STATED MEETINGS THIS IS TO INFORM THE PUBLIC THAT THE PHILADELPHIA GAS COMMISSION WILL HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS DURING FISCAL YEAR 2016-2017 ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: Thursday, January 26, 2017 Thursday, May 25, 2017 Thursday, February 2, 2017 Thursday, June 8, 2017 Thursday, February 9, 2017 Thursday, June 15, 2017 Thursday, February 16, 2017 Thursday, June 22, 2017 Thursday, February 23, 2017 Thursday, September 14, 2017 Thursday, March 2, 2017 Thursday, September 21, 2017 Thursday, March 9, 2017 Thursday, September 28, 2017 Thursday, March 16, 2017 Thursday, October 5, 2017 Thursday, March 23, 2017 Thursday, October 12, 2017 Thursday, March 30, 2017 Thursday, October 19, 2017 Thursday, April 6, 2017 Thursday, October 26, 2017 Thursday, April 20, 2017 Thursday, November 2, 2017 Thursday, April 27, 2017 Thursday, November 16, 2017 Thursday, May 4, 2017 Thursday, November 30, 2017 Thursday, May 11, 2017 Thursday, December 7, 2017 Thursday, May 18, 2017 Thursday, December 14, 2017

keynote speaker, let it be known that NBR had his full support. “As a council memer and former member of the (Cont. Page 27)

CITY COUNCIL Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290 2017 NOTICE OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETINGS The Economic Opportunity Review Committee, established and constituted pursuant to Phila. Code § 17-1607 and Resolution No. 120184, will meet in City Council Chambers (Room 400, City Hall) on the following dates and times: Monday, March 6th, 2017, at 10:00 A.M. Monday, June 19th, 2017, at 10:00 A.M. Monday, September 11th, 2017, at 10:00 A.M. Monday, December 11th, 2017, at 10:00 A.M.

The Public Record • December 22, 2016

by Eldon Graham If you’ve spent even a few moments on Broad Street heading north from City Hall in the past few years, you know that the city’s central north-south artery is beating afresh with new blood: the Divine Lorraine, new restaurants and high-rises – it’s the renaissance long discussed, long awaited.

Fittingly, there is a new nonprofit planning to advocate for this rebirth. North Broad Renaissance, the organization setting its sights on showcasing

As Thomas puts it, cleaning crews are already working on the most derelict areas.

City Council President Darrell Clarke, the evening’s

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Rejuvenation Headed for North Broad

get to connect with the community, hear what the community needs and act accordingly.”

Some preliminary work is already being done on the streets.

IOLA HARPER, CHAIRPERSON Economic Opportunity Review Committee

CITY COUNCIL Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290 2017 NOTICE OF LIVING WAGE AND BENEFITS REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETINGS The Living Wage and Benefits Review Committee, established and constituted pursuant to Phila. Code § 17-1311 and Resolution No. 110807, will meet in City Council Council Chambers (Room 400, City Hall) on the following dates and times: Tuesday, March 7th, 2017, at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 20th, 2017, at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 12th, 2017, at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 12th, 2017, at 10:00 A.M. RICHARD LAZER, CHAIRPERSON Living Wage and Benefits Review Committee

CITY COUNCIL

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107-3290

2017 NOTICE OF VACANT PROPERTY REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETINGS

2017 NOTICE OF VETERANS ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETINGS

The Vacant Property Review Committee will meet in the Caucus Room, (Room 401, City Hall) from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on the following dates: Tuesday, January 10, 2017 Tuesday, July 11, 2017 Tuesday, February 14, 2017 Tuesday, August 8, 2017 Tuesday, March 14, 2017 Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Tuesday, April 11, 2017 Tuesday, October 10, 2017 Tuesday, May 9, 2017 Tuesday, November 14, 2017 Tuesday, June 13, 2017 Tuesday, December 12, 2017 SUSIE D. JARMON, CHAIRWOMAN Vacant Property Review Committee

The Veterans Advisory Commission, established pursuant to Resolution No. 060059 (Adopted February 2, 2006), will meet in City Council Chambers (Room 400, City Hall) on the following dates and times.

Wednesday, March 8th, 2017, at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 21st, 2017, at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 13th, 2017, at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, December 13th, 2017, at 2:00 P.M. GEORGE GINDER, CHAIRMAN Veterans Advisory Commission

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CITY COUNCIL

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The Public Record • December 22, 2016

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Page 15 The Public Record • December 22, 2016

Entrepreneur, Sid Booker, along with Philadelphia Sheriff Jewell Williams at 2016 Christmas Party coupled with State Senator Shirley Kitchen's retirement celebration.

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The Public Record • December 22, 2016

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The Public Record • December 22, 2016

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The Public Record • December 22, 2016

Page 18

A DESERVING citizen received a present from Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and Councilman Bobby Henon.

Photo by Joe Stivala

L-R, Councilwoman Blackwell was assisted by hundreds of volunteers and supporters to mount this huge event, including Simon “One-Punch” Carr, State Rep. Joanna McClinton Photo by Wendell Douglas and elf Jocelyn Mimms.

JANNIE’S elves were brimming with cheer as they staffed Photo by Wendell Douglas tables laden with presents.

IBEW LOCAL 98 Political Dir. Marita Crawford took her turn at the serving line to dish out the feast.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

The Public Record • December 22, 2016

MORE THAN 5,000 city residents without permanent housing – men, women and children – were treated to Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell’s lavish holiday fling at the Penna.

Convention Center.

Photo by Wendell Douglas

Page 19

Blackwell Brings Holidays to the Homeless

L-R, Mayor Jim Kenney and Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell were grateful for the services of W. Phila. barber Darryl Thomas, whose crew turned out to offer free haircuts – a Photo by Wendell Douglas welcome gift to homeless citizens.

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Green Gives Toys Alston-Beech Foundation Awards

Casey Tackles Gun Safety

ALSTON-BEECH foundation awarded more than $20,000 to local nonprofits at a luncheon meeting of the Consortium of Cecil B. Moore organizations. In photo are, L-R, Denise Jefferson-Bailey, Bernard Savage, Kenneth Scott, Larry Griffin and Christine Brown.

The Public Record • December 22, 2016

Page 20

CONTRIBUTING to a toy drive for Women Against Abuse was Councilman Derek Green, joined here by WAA Dir. of Public Policy Elise Scioscia, C, and VP of Advancement Katie Young Wildes.

SHERIFF Jewell Williams makes a point as US Sen. Bob Casey and Council President Darrell Clarke listen at a symposium on the medical aspects of gun safety in homes with children hosted by Temple University Hospital. Photo by Bill Myers

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NOBODY knows better than Temple University Hospital what damage gun violence can do. US Sen. Bob Casey, C, was welcomed to TUH to learn about the problem by Lewis Katz School of Medicine Surgery Chair Dr. Amy Goldberg and TU government-affairs specialist Dennis Lynch. Photo by Bill Myers

AFL-CIO Board Sworn

THE LATEST term of the Phila. Council AFL-CIO Board of Directors was sworn in Dec. 14 by Councilman Bobby Henon.

President Pat Eiding’s team was re-elected unanimously.

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Northeast Ward Leaders Celebrate Christmas

N.E. WARD leaders Chairman Mike McAleer and State Sen. John Sabatina commemorate the anniversary of the death of former Roofers’ leader John McCullough at the Christmas Party held in McCullough Hall. Roofers International VP Tom AMONG attendees were DemoNE Ward leaders gather around their chairman, Mike McAleer, 4th from L, for this seasonal memento. With cratic Party Chair Congressman Pedrick and Local 30 Business Mgr. Shawn McCullough apthem is Judge Maria McLaughlin, who is running for Bob Brady and Teamsters Local preciated the State Senate resolution presented by Sabatina.

830’s Dan Grace. Photo by Harry Leech Superior Court.

Photo by Harry Leech around Philadelphia to proclaim her virtues. BradfordGrey has yet to make her decision, but if it is true she is being pushed to enter by Councilwomen Cindy Bass, Cherelle Parker and Helen Gym, she could find raising dollars for the challenge could be easy. She is the wife of Daine Grey, past judicial candidate.

To her disadvantage is the fact much of her career has been spent in Montgomery County, where she became the first African American to head its Public Defender’s office.

She is noted for making posi-

State Senator

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Kensington’s Fiery Voice Silenced We went to a funeral parlor in Kensington on a bitter, windy night last week to pay homage to a ward leader.

Why this one and not the many others who have passed on over the 16 years this paper has been in existence?

(Cont. Page 23) State Rep.

William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street

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WARD Leader Janice Sulman, Dan Sulman and Judge Teresa Carr Deni share a moment with Teamsters chief Dan Grace.

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Cherelle L. Parker 9th District City Hall, Room 577, Philadelphia, PA 19107

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Always Hard At Work for You!

tive changes in her office as well as collaborating with Villanova Law School to provide a weekly criminal Record Expungement Clinic.

Her entry, however, could even the primary odds for all the other announced candidates.

On the Republican side, a credible candidate in the form of Beth Grossman may be emerging. This seasoned attorney boasts 21 years as an assistant district attorney an in-house counsel for the DA’s Office.

More recently, she served as chief of staff for the Dept. of Licenses & Inspections.

The Public Record • December 22, 2016

by Joe Shaheeli District Attorney Seth Williams, based on his past primaries, has a lock on about 42% of the Democrats who normally vote in that municipal election. Those are the African American voters, who tend to support candidates from their own community, given a choice. Since all of his announced challengers to date are Caucasian, this should be an easy primary for him, despite some adverse publicity he has received. Add to that the fact he has the experienced Dan Fee as his campaign manager and all seems secure.

However, we’ve learned that base may not be there. If the rumor becomes real, another well-credentialed African American may enter the Democratic primary. That possible contender is Keir Bradford-Grey, chief of this county’s Defender Association since 2015, who succeeded the long-serving Ellen Greenlee.

Bradford-Grey could capture much of the women’s vote, if public defenders and other supporters get involved as surrogates, marching

Page 21

DA’s Primary May See More Challengers

Page 22

Sky Community Partners Honors Native Son Trotter

The Public Record • December 22, 2016

by Eldon Graham Sky Community Partners honored some of Philadelphia’s best and brightest, giving them recognition at its 2nd annual “Stars in the Sky Awards” reception.

During the reception, Sky honored Point Breeze native Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter – Lead Emcee of the legendary Roots Band – was honored as its Person of the Year for his continued work in underserved communities across the country, including in Philadelphia.

The event was hosted at New Independence LIVE at 1919 Market Street by Independence Blue Cross Foundation’s Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake. Money raised funds low-income student scholarships. Since 2012, Sky has awarded over $1.2 million in scholarships to nearly 600 students across Philadelphia.

Dawn Chavous, president of SCP, gave insight into how the recipients were chosen.

“The organizations or individuals correlated their work with the mission and values of our organization. So Sky Community Partners with our focus specifically being on trying to eradicate poverty in Philadelphia through educa-

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665 N. Broad St.

SKY COMMUNITY PARTNERS’ Person of the Year recipient, The Roots’ Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, feeling flattered by the people who award him the honor. L-R, Christian Dunbar, board member; Dawn Chavous, president; Trotter; Sara Osi Scott, secretary; Eric Schreiner, treasurer; and Jason Green, VP. Photo by Eldon Graham tion, health and wellness,” guests. she said.

Upon accepting his award, The honorees’ focus is try- Trotter addressed the crowd ing to help those in need, of people before him, saying, Chavous continued, citing “It’s been said, it’s not where “the amazing work these you’re from, it’s where schools do. They specially you’re at; but to me it’s where focus on and recruit students you’re from. It’s about giving who are low-income.” back and reaching back so For Person of the Year, that what I continue to do for Chavous could not find fonder the community, for culture words for a person she truly and this is a huge honor to considers “my friend,” whom me. has known for over 13 years “You know, Grammy from their days of recording awards, that’s one thing and music at Larry Gold’s “The to some people they get off on Studio,” currently owned and it and that’s what they do it operated as “MilkBoy the Stu- for. I do it for this. To be recdio” in downtown Philadel- ognized in this way by young phia. She spoke about those people and from my city, this memories proudly to the is the dopest honor of all, so packed room of over 100 thank you.”

City Can Sponsor Retirement Plans

In response to the US Dept. of Labor’s final rule that would allow cities to establish retirement plans for workers who do not have access to workplace savings,

City Controller Alan Butkovitz said: “The Dept. of Labor’s ruling provides a strong foundation that will help solve the looming crisis of retirement security for

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Philadelphians. It allows Philadelphia the ability to establish a payroll-deduction plan under federal law and it protects workers’ rights by giving them the option to opt out of auto-enrollment.”

He added, “I commend the hard work by officials in New York City and Seattle, as our combined efforts so far have achieved positive results as displayed in this announcement by the Department of Labor. Our goal is to provide all families with access to programs that they can use to build a healthy and dignified retirement.”

Former social worker and State Rep. Leslie Acosta (DKensington) has officially resigned from her 197th Legislative Dist. seat effective Jan. 3, when lawmakers are to be sworn in to start the House’s next two-year session.

This sets into motion a special election which will be announced for a March date.

Mentioned as potential candidates, for what is considered a Latino seat, are Noelia Díaz and Freddie Ramírez, with Díaz having support of State Rep. Angel Cruz. Ward Leader Emilio Vázquez, 43rd Ward leader, has not announced his possible candidacy. He should be a shoo-in if he does.

Orlando Acosta (no relation), who got three write-in votes in the general election for the state representative seat of the 197th Dist., has challenged that decision, saying

Green Party Draws Crowd at Meeting More than 30 people attended the membership meeting of the Green Party of Philadelphia at A Space, 4722 Baltimore Avenue in West Philadelphia. Their press release considered it “a crowd.”

The “hearty discussion,” moderated by GOP Chair (Cont. Page 24)

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The Public Record • December 22, 2016

(Cont. Frpm Page 3) The reason? We will miss 7th Ward GOP Leader Ellen Maenner’s calls. As skinny as one can be at 5’2”, Ellen was the lone voice urging help for the scores of addicts who squatted in her ward, in the area which came to be called “the badlands,” just north of Lehigh and around A and B Streets. She would insist we accompany her as she slid down the rail bank under the bridges supporting the rail lines that traverse her neighborhood. She would wear gloves and spend time with us picking up the hundreds of contaminated needles left by junkies shooting up. It was almost a daily routine, propelled by the fact she was afraid children would pick up the needles and possibly prick their skins and develop hepatitis C. She was the lone voice crying in the wilderness and we

March Special Election Seen for 197th District

Acosta had pled guilty before the primary election and should have been sentenced within 90 days according to state law. That would have invalidated her primary election, according to post-trial procedures (234, rule 704). Since he got write-in votes, he contends he would automatically have become the legitimate Democratic candidate – and, seeing there was no other opposition in the general election, the state rep-elect as of November.

He has filed his contention in Commonwealth Court and was told a decision as to hearing his case will come down by next week.

Page 23

tried to help her clean up the area through the stories she generated. Kensington and this newspaper will miss her.

This report is courtesy of Larry Levin, Coldwell Banker Preferred. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2014

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Page 24 The Public Record • December 22, 2016

(Cont. From Page 23) Galen Tyler, lasted more than two hours, with many new voices sharing their ideas and opinions on the state of our world, our country and our city. Out of this discussion grew the founding of two new committees, Communications and Organizing, which will operate under the umbrella of the existing GPOP Outreach Working Group.

Three of the Green Party members in attendance are considering a run for local of-

fice in Philadelphia during 2017. The next Membership Meeting will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, at a location to be announced.

Now what is needed is to approve a motion to get Jill Stein to hand down some of the money donated to her by Clinton supporters.

When Will We Stop Bickering?

Now that President-Elect Donald Trump and his running mate won the Electoral College vote, as expected, when will the extreme elements of the Democratic Party end their protests and concentrate on reconnecting to the

Soda-Tax Victory Gives Kenney Clout

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public they lost?

Maybe they should pay a visit to our 1st Dist. Congressman Bob Brady and ask him to add the leadership of the Democratic National Committee to his chores. Look at what the Philadelphia party turned in under his leadership: the highest vote ever garnered by a Democratic presidential candidate, well over half a million in the last four elections. It should have carried Pennsylvania easily over to Clinton, but there are not enough Bradys to manage the Democratic Party’s interests in the other counties of this Commonwealth.

It’s sad to see how many millions of dollars were spent in trying to get Electoral College voters to switch their votes. The final score was 304 to 227. Trump had two defectors, Hillary had five.

Common Pleas Court Judge Gary Glazer’s ruling that Mayor Jim Kenney’s signature soda tax is legal will give a green light to the Rebuild initiative: hundreds of millions of dollars over the next five years in infrastructure spending.

Look for the city’s construction and civil-service labor unions to flourish, for voters to see results in their neighborhoods, and for the city’s economy to brighten.

The beverage industry has vowed to appeal Glazer’s decision. Prospects for success are dubious, though, given the current composition of the

TEEWOMAN CAMILLE McCOLGAN are supporting Val (Camille’s daughter-in-law is Val’s sister). A group of State Committee members INCLUDING RCC CHAIRMAN JOE DeFELICE, VICE CHAIRMAN MIKE CIBIK and WARD LEADERS ANNIE HAVEY (40th), CALVIN TUCKER (22th) and DENISE FUREY (46th) signed a letter issued on Tuesday supporting Tabas.

Saturday night, Furey and her husband WARD

LEADER MATT WOLFE (27th) held their annual Christmas Party. The event as usual was packed. All political stripes were invited. GOP attendees included WARD LEADERS BARBARA COXE (8th), ANDREW GENTSCH (51st) and Cibik (5th) as well as numerous GOP activists and committee people including MIKE ASSAD, GARY FELDMAN, ROSS WOLFE, ERIC TOMLINSON, FRAN BYERS and Toomey staffer PHIL INNAMORATO.

preted differently depending on the district.

The rule here is obvious: if you’re going to file bankruptcy, hire someone in your area who knows the local customs. It’s far easier to walk into a bankruptcy hearing (even the first meeting of creditors) with someone who knows the bankruptcy trustee and is familiar with him, than to go into the hearing with a representative who, like you, has never been there before.

Next Week’s Question: Can a debtor have two bankruptcy cases pending at the same time?

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by Michael A. Cibik, Esq. American Bankruptcy Board Certified Question: Bankruptcy: Don’t get home-towned.

Answer: The US Constitution grants Congress the power to establish uniform laws on bankruptcy. Our bankruptcy law is a federal law administered by the US courts.

But does that make it the same from state to state? It certainly does not. Although the main framework of the law applies across the country, the specifics of many provisions vary greatly from state to state, and even from federal district to federal district within a state. Some states are more pro-Chapter 13 than others.

Each court seems to have its share of local customs.

These can include the following: 1. Specifics for how the general bankruptcy law is interpreted; 2. What is the role of the trustee in the bankruptcy process; and 3. How the US Bankruptcy Rules are actually administered.

Many districts have their own form of Chapter 13 plan.

There is a move to use a standard form for all Chapter 13 plans in the country. My guess is that it will still be inter-

DiGiorgio. It is believed that Delaware County is mostly supporting Val. Rumors have it that Montgomery Countybased RNC representative Asher is supporting Val, but I understand that all in the county do not agree. Poprik is rumored to be pushing a Bucks State Committee member to support Val. Philadelphia is a mixed bag.

Philadelphia Republican City Committee GENERAL COUNSEL MIKE MEEHAN and STATE COMMIT-

The Public Record • December 22, 2016

(Cont. From Page 10) ber where the election took place.

Obviously those who thought they could persuade, intimidate or “shame” the Pennsylvania electors into not voting for Trump did not do their homework. All 20 Pennsylvania electors were longtime Republican activists and/or party functionaries.

The group included our two elected representatives to the Republican National Commit-

Pennsylvania campaign, was elected secretary. The only Philadelphian among the electors, LAWRENCE TABAS, was elected parliamentarian.

Speaking of Tabas, he wants to replace retiring PAGOP Chairman Gleason.

Chester County GOP CHAIRMAN VAL DiGIORGIO is also interested in the job. On Monday, it was announced that US SEN. PAT TOOMEY is supporting DiGiorgio. Chester County State Committee members are behind (no surprise)

Page 25

ELEPHANT

tee, CHRISTINE TORETTI and BOB ASHER. Ten were officers or employees of the Republican Party of Pennsylvania. Others included the President of the Pennsylvania Federation of Republican Women MARY BARKETT and the Chairwomen of the Bucks County GOP PAT POPRIK. PAGOP CHAIRMAN ROB GLEASON and VICE CHAIRWOMAN JOYCE HAAS were selected to be the Pennsylvania Electoral College president and VP respectively. TED CHRISTIAN, who ran Trump’s

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(Cont. From Page 10) ladies finally got to relax and talk quietly. It had been a very long day for them, but their quiet time didn’t last too long, for they had to get some rest; they had a lot more to do on Christmas day.

Christmas morning always started early, but with a different atmosphere. After we all awoke, we gathered around the tree. We were told to open one gift at a time – yeah, right, one at a time.

Eventually, all the gifts were open and the paper wrappings discarded. The ribbons and bows were saved for use next year.

We then ate breakfast if we were hungry. After breakfast, the kids visited their friends in the neighborhood. We compared gifts and exaggerated about all the gifts we had gotten. One special trip was to the Cannataro family home where, every year, Sue, Nick, John and Frank set up a huge train layout. They enjoyed doing it every year and it was

Everyday (Cont. From Page 10) interest, and the whole “don’t give the launch codes to someone with the emotional maturity of cotton candy” might make 47 people risk felony charges and fines to get off the Trump Train.

They didn’t. Personally, I wasn’t surprised.

Originally, some of the Founding Fathers – you know, those slave owners that some of you tend to throw in

WALKING (Cont. From Page 10) McGonigle Gaudini. Lastly – on Christmas Day – it is Judge James DeLEON’S birthday.

The jurist brings LIGHT to our courts.... A special 50th wedding-anniversary wish to Mr. & Mrs. Jack LIEBERMAN in Abington; the Navy Captain and his FIRST MATE are a wonderful couple.

At this holy time, I learned that 67,000 are in Solitary Confinement!! INCREDIBLE.

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The Public Record • December 22, 2016

Page 26

WAFFLEMAN

really a sight to see. Having the kids visit their home to see the trains was, for them, a Christmas present.

The kids spent time playing with their new toys. Dad was taking a nap. Mom was busy preparing the Christmas dinner, and what a dinner it was!

We had escarole soup, antipasto left over from the day before, ravioli or spaghetti in homemade gravy with meat balls, bracciole, sausage, beef, pork and veal gravy meats, and then a tomato-and-lettuce salad. After that, we had a small turkey or capon, with the cranberry sauce, stuffing, vegetables and potatoes.

Roasted chestnuts were then brought out along with the nuts, figs, fruit and fennel.

Then it was time to clean up and rest, unless the relatives and neighbors were visiting or we had to go on a visit.

It seemed like this was one of the longest days of the year; and it was. But eventually it ended, and all that remained were the memories of what a great day it had been.

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the faces of marginalized groups when they demand to be treated like human beings – didn’t want the people involved in picking a president at all. They wanted Congress to make the pick.

But some folks felt the popular vote would be the way to go, despite the fact some feared this would lead to someone totally unsuited for the job would get the office based on cult of personality.

Alexander Hamilton, the subject of that musical that

everyone likes except, maybe, Vice President Mike Pence, came up with the Electoral College as a failsafe of sorts.

Sure, let the people make a choice, but have this group of folks in place in case that choice doesn’t have what it takes.

So while the people who practically begged the Electoral College to save the country from itself were on the right track, much has changed since Hamilton’s time. Thus, there was no way to keep 300-

plus electors from doing what they did on Monday.

Besides, the best time to have brought this whole thing to an end was on Nov. 8. You don’t have to clean up a mess like this if you vote and keep it from happening in the first place. Sure, that sounds harsh. But it’s the truth.

So now we as a nation have been officially notified that we have to deal with the former host of “Celebrity Apprentice” as our president for the next four years.

A national commission needs to look into this!... How about that editorial which noted the Fattah conviction is an indictment of the local Democratic Party! Yet that page endorses local DEMS (?). BLOGS have suggested it is being TWOFACED. A BLANKET VALUE JUDGMENT such as this extends down to the lowly, unpaid, committee person on duty 24/7 (while the writers are cutting Zzz’s asleep), who loves their family, church and community.

Editorials are anachronisms

and should DISAPPEAR, saving the publication big dollars, with more ad space and community-comment room.

I have attended sentencing of POLS and jurists in federal court. Friends submit letters of the defendant’s GOOD DEEDS over a lifetime. The judge notes the letters, and then you feel a “BUT” or “HOWEVER” coming.

Maybe the jurists have already MADE UP THEIR MINDS? Maybe the COUNTLESS HOURS preparing the letters are a WASTE OF TIME?

And HOW MANY local pols and union leaders were found NOT GUILTY? IS IT POSSIBLE IN FEDERAL COURT TO BE FOUND NOT GUILTY?? Judge Michael SULLIVAN was an exception; but the feds went after him again and got him in a BS case. So does DANTE apply to the federal court house: “ABANDON HOPE ALL YE WHO ENTER HERE”?

Ponder, buy, enjoy the holidays with family and friends.

Reach out and help others.

Thank You for your time!

North Philly

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he added, “we didn’t feel it was getting enough attention, enough vision or enough focus, so representatives from the north side decided to secede from the Av-

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The kickoff had a unique way of offering people in the room the option to donate to the

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organization. It involved a live thermometer image projected up on two screens allowing people to donate through texting SONorthBroad to 91999. Any amount could be donated but the donator’s name would be displayed on the screen along with the amount they pledged.

The audience was impressed with the in-

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genuity as the funds started rolling in immediately to the organization’s delight.

In addition to the funds NBR was seeking for the night, the group was presented with an additional $10,000 from Verizon, presented by Verizon Vice Presi-

dent of External Affairs Douglas Smith.

“Verizon invests in the community where our employees live and work, Smith said.

“The opportunities we’re bringing here to North Broad is an investment so we can help Shalimar achieve her goals: security,

safety and commerce.

“It’s investing in the organization that is going to end up investing in the people” Smith added. “It’s going to bring the business and when you bring the businesses, it’s going to bring customers, the residents, everything.”

Domb Splits Pay Among Schools COUNCILMAN Allan Domb distributed his councilmanic salary this week among nine public schools: Gen. George G. Meade, Kenderton Elementary, Phila.

High School for Girls, Overbrook High, A. Philip Randolph Career & Technical High, Samuel S. Fels High, Abraham Lincoln High, Austin Meehan Middle and George Washington High. It’s a regular gesture for him, and appreciated by the Photo by Joe Stivala principals.\

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The Public Record • December 22, 2016

(Cont. From Page 13) Avenue of the Arts, it is time for the North Broad portion to iden-

tify itself as a different commercial quarter,” he said.

“During the course of the entire Avenue of the Arts” rebuild,

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