Philadelphia Free Press -07-01- 2020 - Digital Edition

City Safari: Some Irish “Love” from the old sod Thom Nickels Contributing Editor

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rish novelist, playwright and children’s author Roddy Doyle made a virtual visit to Philadelphia recently to promote his new novel, LOVE. Doyle talked with novelist Liz Moore as part of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Author Events

series to an unseen audience of 300. The Cloud Cast virtual event was live streamed and showed the author in his home in Dublin.

Doyle’s house just outside of Dublin sits on a hill overlooking the sea. At the bottom of the hill there’s a bus that can take him into downtown Dublin in ten minutes. When he’s not bussing it, he sometimes

rides his bicycle, a 14-minute ride.

A Dubliner by birth, Doyle is celebrating the release of ‘Love,’ about the reunion of two male friends in a pub where they relive and recount old times. In the pub they ape, as best they can, the way they shared experiences as younger men, when drinking heavily and intensely harbored no

physical consequences. One of the men has a secret he will reveal during the course of the conversation.

Publishers Weekly praised the book. “This witty, satisfying novel about male friendship, aging, and guilt from Doyle dramatizes language’s inadequacies when it comes to affairs of the heart . . . The two men are nothing if not good

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July 1, 2020

Y P P A H H OF TPPY A H4 TH OF

!

Y L JU

4 Communities that Work Together, Win Together (An Independence Day Reminder)

But it’s not an accurate one.

America is a nation of small, reedom, independence, tight-knit communities and always has been. The more self-sufficiency: these are great and glorious we cooperate, share, defer to others, and work together, concepts. We celebrate them this time of year, whether we the more successful we are.

Today, as citizens, businesses, process it that way or not, and civic leaders seek to come because they’re so deeply back from a public health and engrained in our image of economic crisis, that spirit of America. We see ourselves community is more important as a nation of rugged individualists: seizing the bull by than ever. It holds the key to our survival. the horns, charting our own Quint Studer I’ve spent much of my cacourse, walking alone into the forest with an axe slung over reer traveling from one Amer- cities. Others are quiet small ican community to another. our shoulder. towns. What they all have in Some are bustling larger Yes, it’s a romantic notion. common is the burning desire

By Quint Studer

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to revitalize themselves: to become more vibrant, prosperous, livable, and loveable

Sudan conceived a project that would allow Sudanese farmers to cultivate a crop for export in exchange for mucht may seem far-fetched needed cash for development. to draw a connection British governing authorities between an agricultural project in Sudan and what we initially considered wheat for eat and drink (or don’t eat or cultivation in the region but later settled on cotton because drink) here in Philadelphia, it would provide the raw but indeed there is a connection. If events on planet earth material for the British textile occur as scientists predict they industry.

Thus, one of the world’s will, the likelihood that Sudan most significant agricultural and other countries on the irrigation projects became a African continent could become the world’s breadbasket reality. The Gezira (meaning island) Agricultural Scheme becomes more real. was born. Water from the Blue The Republic of Sudan is a Nile river channeled through country of about 42 million a series of canals and ditches people on the west coast of to farmers in an area now Africa. In 1905, the Anglocovering 2.5 million acres enEgyptian powers governing

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company. By closing time, Doyle has focused the novel’s rambling energy into an elegiac and sobering climax. This one is a winner.”

A Kirkus review of LOVE was somewhat less than favorable.

“Whatever clarity they are finding isn’t all that clear to the reader, who is beginning to find their company as exhausting and interminable as they do…. Eventually, they have to leave….By the time the novel belatedly reaches the big reveal, the reader has passed the point of caring. “ After graduation from the University College of Dublin, Doyle taught English and Geography in high school for 14 years. In 1987 he self published his first novel, ‘The Commitments,’ about a group of working class teenage boys who start a rock ’n roll band. The fate of many self published books is often containment in moldy boxes on X a basement shelf but Doyle’s ...vanity project went viral before there was a viral: the novel was made into a very successful film.

The same fate awaited his second novel, ‘The Snapper,” (1990) a novel about single

continued on page 6

Philadelphia Resident Tapped to Chair Project in Sudan

By Marc Holmes III Contributing Writer

Roddy Doyle

In the course of its history, the Gezira Agricultural Scheme was not without problems. Of note, two civil wars (1955-1972, 1983-2005), of long duration and much devastation mark the recent history of Sudan. The project also suffered from drought, bad macroeconomic policies, poor management, inadequate infrastructure, and massive foreign debt. There are many holding the belief that the scheme is in a state of Siddiq Abdelhadi (Elsidieg Abashera) almost total disorder.

Despite these failings, three intractable problems confrontsures the land is suitable for farming. Cotton was the chief ing the world’s population export until oil surpassed it in today compel serious consideration of projects such as the 1990s.

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2 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • JULY 01, 2020

SUDAN

today that the Gezira Agricultural Scheme continued from page 1 could impact.

If you live in Philadelphia, you may not the Gezira Agricultural have noticed that the Scheme for possible so- United States populalutions. tion is growing. After Mr. Siddiq Abdelfive decades of decline, hadi, a native of Sudan the city experienced a currently living in the modest increase in the Philadelphia area, has last two decades. The been selected by Prime population growth is not Minister Abdalla Hamlimited to the U.S.; it is dok to lead the Gezira happening worldwide.

Agricultural Scheme as At the beginning of the Chairman. His appoint- 21st century, the world’s ment to this post has the population stood at just widespread support of over six billion. Today the farming community it is 7.6 billion, and the affected by the scheme. upward trajectory projTrained in econometects it to reach 8.6 billion rics at the University of by 2030. The U.S. is on Khartoum, Mr. Abdela similar upward trend hadi rose to leadership as noted in the growth positions in the Sudaof 220 million persons nese union movement. from 1920 when 100 milHis activities as a union lion persons called the leader brought unfavor- U.S. home to the 328.2 able attention by the million who make that socialist and Pan-Arabist claim today. government of Jaafar According to Mr. AbMuhammad an-Nimeiry, delhadi, it is the subset who came to power in of problems emerging a military coup-d’etat from overpopulation in 1969. As a result of that is problematic his union activities, the and demanding our an-Nimeiry government attention. Specifically, jailed Mr. Abdelhadi for an overabundance of more than a year. His people increases the imprisonment occurred demand for resources, without notice or benefit particularly food and of a trial, not unlike the potable water. Starvatreatment accorded to tion and malnutrition other political prisoners. are consequences of food Human overpopulascarcity. Moreover, Mr. tion is one of the three Abdelhadi says the inurgent problems concreasing consumption of fronting planet earth

natural resources (fossil fuels) when there are too many people effectively bars the regeneration of these vital resources, which subsequently creates a decline in living conditions.

The Gezira Agricultural Scheme is uniquely poised to address the problem of food scarcity.

Mr. Abdelhadi believes its more than 2.5 million acres currently under irrigation with the potential to double that acreage provide a blueprint on how other countries on the African continent can increase food production to meet native populations’ needs while supplying excess output for export.

Mr. Abdelhdi says although the effects of climate change are not fully known or understood, what is apparent from changes already occurring in some areas on the planet devastating changes to the current environment is likely.

Ocean levels are rising, resulting in shrinking landmass. Temperature change affects farmers’ ability to cultivate traditional crops and, in some instances, prevents the cultivation of the land entirely. The depletion of fish species or worse total extinction of certain species is already evident. These issues arise

from the big industry footprint of pollution of land, water, and air.

Mr. Abdelhadi is enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead the Gezira Agricultural Scheme from its troubled past into a future capable of meeting new challenges. The Sudanese farmers involved in the Gezira project themselves are the ones who insisted that Mr. Abdelhadi return to the Sudan to lead the revitalization of the Gezira Agricultural Scheme. He is well known to them and they are confident that he will be successful in helping the country’s economy as a result.

Mr. Abdelhadi said organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and governments such as Great Britain, and the United States could assist in the effort to make the Gezira Agricultural Scheme a viable entity. He said he would work to bring about such collaboration as soon as possible because it is vital to the scheme’s success.

Although he has not yet moved from Philadelphia to Sudan, Mr. Abdelhadi’s work as chair has already begun.

He expects to relocate in mid-July.

Pennsylvania extends unemployment compensation benefits for 13 more weeks

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ennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jerry Oleksiak today announced that people who exhaust their regular unemployment compensation (UC) and federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) may now qualify for 13 additional weeks of payments through the state’s Unemployment Compensation Extended Benefits program.

Extended Benefits (EB) are additional UC benefits payable to qualified workers whenever the state’s unemployment rate reaches a certain level determined by law. The last time the EB program was triggered in Pennsylvania was 2009.

The current EB period began May 3, 2020, but benefits are not payable until an individual has exhausted PEUC benefits. EB payments will begin with the week ending July 4, 2020 and are payable only for

weeks of unemployment during an EB period.

Important information about the EB program follows and will be sent by mail to all individuals who potentially qualify for the additional benefits.

Eligibility You may be eligible for EB if: • You are totally or partially unemployed; • You have exhausted your regular state benefits on your most recent UC claim, or your most recent UC benefit year has ended; and • You have received the maximum amount of PEUC that you were eligible to receive. • Additional eligibility information is available here.

How to Receive EB If you collect the maximum amount of PEUC that you are eligible to receive, an EB Notice of Financial Determination will be mailed to you. • You must complete continued on page 8

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JULY 01, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 3

Tough Time for Incumbents

By Nathaniel Lee University City Review Correspondent

gan returning and the mail-in ballots were counted after a long month’s wait, along with those taken at the polls, With change being the one thing remained zeitgeist of the day, the clear, at the end of the old, traditional things of day, incumbents didn’t the past are quickly befare so well. ing swept away in a tsuG. Roni Green, who nami of change as social won her seat in the 190th reformers effectively legislative district in organize to remove old a special election held monuments of a past, to replace former state they would rather like representative Movita to see left out of history. Johnson-Harrell, was Gone are the old conconsidered a favorite to federate flags, the Frank win. As a community Rizzo Statue, and even organizer, native of West old laws and policies Philadelphia and with a which shaped the way history in labor, Green law enforcement operwas considered a shoeated. in.

As things rapidly Green had a progreschanged, Philadelphians sive agenda which she continued the forward said she looked forward momentum in the realm to continuing after elecof local politics as well. tions once she was voted This isn’t a good season in by the people to fill for incumbents where, a full term. No one rein our area, several have ally expected her to lose lost their seats to chalhaving had the parties lengers, some of whom backing. were new to politics But she did. but not new to the comGreen faced challengmunities they will now ers Van Stone and Amen represent.

Brown, an entrepreneur As results slowly beand community organiz-

er, and when the smoke cleared, Brown emerged victorious. It was perhaps a signal that residents didn’t want their candidates handpicked by the Party but preferred to make their own decisions at the polls as to who would represent them. If so, this does not bode well for the old vanguard at the helm of the democratic machine.

In the 188th legislative district covering parts of West Philadelphia, James Roebuck has held his office as a state representative for 33 years. His name became a staple in the community and for over three decades, he was the party’s favorite to win all challenges for the seat. This election was no different.

What was different was the fact that the Party isn’t what it used to be. Roebuck had several contenders for his seat, each of whom credited him for his years of service to the community but expressing their beliefs that change was needed.

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On Election Day, that change was announced when Rick Krajewski emerged victorious in what could only be considered a victory tantamount to that of David and Goliath. Krajewski had stiff competition from Gregory R. Benjamin of Southwest Philadelphia who launched a very energetic campaign for the office and Karen Dunn who also vied for the seat. During the final count, Krajewski would sail ahead with some 46 percent of the votes. It wasn’t even close. When the votes were counted,

Krajewski came out ahead and Roebucks 33-year reign came to an end.

But the sweeping changes did not end there. Oh, no. There was more.

Marie Donatucci has been in office for a decade. In fact, although some people on the street grumbled about what they considered to be the lackluster way in which she held the seat of state representative for the 185th legislative district, she was still a highly recognized name with decade of public service under her belt.

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White Calls on Attorney General to Halt Mayor’s Unlawful Plan for Columbus Statue

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Rep. Martina White

ep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) yesterday asked Attorney General Josh Shapiro to prevent the city from removing the statue of Christopher Columbus at Marconi Plaza in South Philadelphia until the city reconstitutes the Fairmount Park Commission.

In a letter to Shapiro, White said that only the Fairmount Park Commission has the authority, given to it by the state, to remove statuary from its parks. Mayor Jim Kenney’s decision to allow the Philadelphia Art Commission to make that decision is lawless.

“Setting aside, for a moment, the First Amendment implications and other issues associated with destroying and removing artwork, I believe it is imperative that the Fairmount Park Commission be reconsti-

CITY

tuted in order to exercise its statutory responsibilities, and to defend those statutory responsibilities from any other entity which seeks to usurp them.”

The city disbanded the Fairmount Park Commission, making it impossible for them to serve their statutory role.

“I would ask that you inform Philadelphia that it must reconstitute the Fairmount Park Commission as required

by Pennsylvania law,” White wrote.

Commonwealth statutes from the mid-1800s established the Fairmount Park Commission and set the bounds of its authority.

“Those who wish the destruction or removal of the Christopher Columbus statue in Fairmount Park seem willing to ignore Commonwealth law, protections afforded national origin in statutory law and the donative intent

of those who paid for the statue,” White said.

“It is important to know whether some are motivated to ‘erase’ American history.”

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and I was very lucky in that regard. My fourth continued from page 1 novel, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha, won the Booker mothers or, as Doyle Prize, so the early days likes to say, “Had I written were heady days.” this book twenty years earDoyle is one of those lier when Ireland was a dif- Irishmen with the gift of ferent country, the [out of gab. Not only does he wedlock] baby in this story speak fast but his words would have to be hidden pack a lot of information away in a convent.” in a short number of senHis third novel, The tences.

Van (1991), about two His book, Paddy Clarke friends who go into busi- Ha Ha Ha is the world ness together when they as seen through the eyes purchase a ‘chipper’ or a of a ten-year old Dublin Fish and Chips van, was boy in the year 1968. also made into a movie.

Paddy Clarke’s words of Three homeruns and wisdom, include: you’re out, because “They didn’t underDoyle said the bookstand. They didn’t unto-film scenario hasn’t derstand that robbing revisited him since The had nothing to do with Van. what we wanted; it was “It hasn’t happened the dare, the terror, the since,” he told me by getting away with it.” phone from his Dublin Doyle says that this study, “Although I wrote highly productive sixscripts for two movies… year span in his life, from they were original sto1987 to 1993, “seems like ries. There were plans a long time when you’re to make my novel “A a young man and when Star Called Henry” into a you’re living them but movie but it never hapwhen you look at them pened. My first three now it’s just a blink, novels were adapted to really.” He tells me it the screen and I can see surprises him that he not why. The stories were only wrote four novels kind of in a straight line in quick succession but

a 4-part TV series, two plays, co-authored a screenplay and two original screenplays while teaching high school and being the father of two children.

Listen to any online interview with, the always humorous, Doyle and you’re likely to hear more than a few noteworthy quotes.

Some Roddy Doyle gems include: “When you say you know Irish literature, you know some because it’s going to take you a lifetime to read.”

“While we are laughing, life is worth living.”

“Men my age don’t read fiction, generally. They just want to read about Hitler and Stalin.”

“There was always a dog in the house when I was a kid.”

An interviewer asked him if he was happy. Doyle said, “No. Occasionally there are things that make me happy but how would you sustain happiness without the use of drink and drugs?”

Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha has been called the greatest depiction of childhood in English language literature. Sometimes a

reader will ask Doyle about the book and mention two Ha’s Ha’s instead of the [obligatory] three. I fell into that trap during my own transatlantic chat with the author. “You forgot a ‘Ha,’” Doyle said. I told him that saying Ha three times in a row does have a certain sort of magic.

How did he come up with such a title? Doyle says he was on a pay phone with his publisher to tell him that he had completed the novel. “He said ‘that’s great news, what’s the title?’ I said I don’t have one; he said ‘I think we need one quick, I want to get it into the spring catalog.’ This was a different book. I saw this sort of crude nursery rhyme, something the boys in the school would chant at Paddy Clarke… the Ha, Ha, Ha. Paddy’s schoolmates just keep chanting it. I suggested the title to my publisher and he liked it.”

Doyle has written one non-fiction book, a memoir of his parents. “Rory and Ita,” (2002). “They’re dead now,” Doyle says.

“I co-wrote a book with an Irish soccer player called “The Second Half— memories of Roy Keane,” which came out in 2014.

I don’t write newspaper columns as such, and I’ve never written a column or an article about religion.”

I had intended to ask Doyle about religion but held back. After the interview I checked his Wikipedia bio and discovered that he’s an atheist.

Vanity Fair’s feature on Doyle in 2017 noted that, “Much of the change sweeping Ireland is, of course, tied to the waning influence of Catholicism. When Doyle was 17, he realized he was an atheist, a slow-burning epiphany that didn’t just vex his parents, but hampered his day-to-day decisions for decades: ‘I constantly had to explain, no, I can’t do that.

I’m an atheist.’ Today, atheism is unremarkable (‘Nobody gives a toss what my religion is any more’), a reality punctuated by last year’s same-sex marriage referendum, which saw thousands upon thousands of Ireland’s diaspora fly home to vote for gay

rights.”

The change in Ireland was noted in 2012 when Psychology Today noted that religious attendance rates and belief in God in Ireland had dropped significantly, making Ireland “indistinguishable from the other affluent secular countries of Europe.”

In 2013, Irish Central reported that, “The latest figures confirm a 2011 a poll by Gallup International, which showed that Ireland now ranks among the top ten atheist nations worldwide, in a huge shift from the last poll in 2005. In the six years between polls, according to the results, one in five Irish people set aside religion. “ The Irish 2017 Census reported that 78 percent of the country identifies as Catholic, down from 84 percent in 2012.

Roddy Doyle’s work doesn’t generally stir up any controversy but that was not the case when his 4-part series about a working class Dublin family, The Spencers, aired on RTE and BBC1 in 1994. At that time, he received both praise and condemnation. Condemnation came in the form of death threats. His accusers thought he was attacking working class families and Catholicism.

Doyle says he read the compliments and threats as Facebook messages late in bed late one night and then went off to sleep. He adds he wouldn’t be so cavalier about getting death threats today but would go straight to the authorities.

Doyle, who grew up in Kabarik, lives on a hill on the north side of Dublin, a 3 minute walk from the sea. “I’m not worried about climate change,” he told me. “I think there’s a good 50 years before the sea starts lapping up the front step.”

We wind up talking about the covid lockdown, which was especially intense in Ireland.

“The messages at the beginning of the covid crisis were very clear.

For instance, the direct contact numbers went down drastically because people just obeyed. It’s more complicated now, now that everything is

voluntary. By degrees things are loosening up.

Hopefully this has been a once in a lifetime experience. ‘ He says the lockdown didn’t change his life that drastically because, as a writer, he’s used to spending hours alone in his study. His oncea-day walks to the sea helped him get through most days. He says he is glad that his children are adults. “I didn’t have to worry about a teenage boy climbing out the bedroom window to go and find his friends.

Essentially what you’re asking young people to do is behave like middle aged people for three months.”

He adds that he is grateful that both his parents are no longer alive so he didn’t have to worry about them during the crisis.

Still, the 3-month lockdown experience has wrought unexpected changes to what Doyle imagined he would be working on. “I’m now writing short stories. I had several plays lined up for this and they are all postponed or cancelled. I don’t know when theaters will be able to be able to open again. Theater for me for many years has been a great source of joy. “ “We’ve experienced quite a lot in the last three months,” he tells me before signing off.

“There might be a rush of really not very good novels [about covid and the lockdown experience].”

I tell him I’m beginning to see these trends in Philadelphia, with theater companies offering memberships in a PANdemic Reading club.

Doyle says he’s looking forward to seeing live theater again, although if he has to he will be content with virtual theater because “it’s better than nothing.”

Oscar Wilde’s quote, “Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess,” doesn’t necessarily work in the case of theater.

“You know, if I see a really, really brilliant theater monologue, I don’t necessarily want to see another one a week later.”

JULY 01, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 5

Op-Ed: The French pay tribute to America July 4, 1917

By William Haupt III The Center Square “This Treaty between America and France brings us lasting friendship and shows our support for each nation’s independence against attempts by the British to challenge our library.”

– Ben Franklin

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he British-American colonies experienced tremendous growth during the eighteenth century as European immigrants flocked to the shores of America. The British looked down upon the colonies as a refuge for misfits and castoffs, whose only purpose was to provide raw materials and pay taxes to the homeland. The fly in the ointment for the British was that they expected this motley crew of rejects to kick back and accept their socio-political and economic exploitation without fighting back.

But each time they burdened the colonies with new mandates and taxes, they met opposition. The British never thought this melting pot, which included many enlightenment thinkers, would soon tell them to leave – or else! Due to this political and cultural gap between England and the colonies, it wasn’t if the colonies would revolt, it was when.

The colonies were better prepared for insurrection than the British anticipated. They had plans in place for independence long before the revolution.

Our founders had prepared for the revolution years before the first muskets or cannons were fired. Thomas Paine stirred up the colonies with his pamphlets and speeches. Patrick Henry encouraged them to revolt. Samuel Adams planned our first attack.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence.

James Madison, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and a host of others played strategic roles. But the wisest founder, Ben Franklin, assured them victory.

Franklin’s role in our founding has been eclipsed by his numer-

ous talents, tremendous wisdom and his countless attainments. He was a doctor, a writer, printer, a philosopher, politician, inventor, postmaster, humorist, scientist, civic activist, a teacher, a statesman, diplomat and more.

He was also our wisest founder who helped mediate the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Above all he formed strategic foreign alliances the colonies needed to start and win the Revolution.

Our founders knew they could not fight the British on their own. Ben Franklin volunteered to seek out nations willing to form alliances against the Crown.

He knew the Dutch and British fleets were battling for trading turf so he negotiated a treaty with the Dutch to remain neutral. So this enabled them to sell us arms and gunpowder they could ship to neutral St. Eustatius Island. This benefited both the Dutch and the colonies.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

– Ben Franklin On April 19, 1775, when the British were defeated at Lexington and Concord, the British rearmed and seized New York. As the Revolution moved forward, the strength of the British army became obvious.

The colonies knew they needed help. Knowing the British and the French were at odds, Franklin and John Adams drafted a treaty between the two nations and Franklin set sail for France.

The Treaty of Alliance was for mutual security.

If Britain attacked France, America would ally with them. And the French would ally with America against the British. It was signed on Feb. 6, 1778.

The Treaty of Alliance required that neither France nor America agree to separate treaties with Great Britain. And an independent America would be a condition of any future treaties. The Treaty of Alliance included trade protections for both nations.

When the British were defeated at Saratoga, the French eagerly entered the war to help their American friends gain independence. Fourteen decades later, America was about to return the favor. By 1917 dur-

ing World War I, every French family had been touched by the injury and loss of loved ones.

The war was entering its fourth year with no end in sight. On July 3, 1917, members of the U.S. 2nd Battalion arrived in Paris.

These Americans were an instant symbol of deliverance for the people who had waited for hours to greet them at the Gare d’Austerlitz.

French nurses fed them lunch and tended to the ill. They were then escorted to their barracks for a much-needed rest and dinner, which included their best champagne.

Members of the U.S. battalion knew the next day was the 4th of July but didn’t give it much thought. The French were in the middle of a war fighting to keep their freedom and that was more important. But the next morning, the French Republican Guard marching band arrived in front of Gen. John J. Pershing’s residence in Paris with a cheering crowd.

Pershing came to a window when he heard the Star Spangled Banner as the crowd removed their hats and held their hearts in respect for him.

“They had such faith we came to rescue them. How could we let them down? ” – General Pershing Pershing and the 16th Infantry joined the French battalion and marched to central Paris.

President Raymond Poincaré, other dignitaries, along with decedents of American Revolution French officers honored Pershing. This symbol of Franco-American friendship occurred at the very location where Napoleon declared a day of mourning for the passing of George Washington.

Pershing said, “I do not recall any occasion as significant as this that ever showed the French’s affection for America.”

The American and French battalions along with the military bands marched to Picpus Cemetery to visit the grave of the Marquis de Lafayette.

During the American Revolution, French aristocrat and military officer Lafayette fought in our Revolution. He commanded American troops in the battle of the Siege of Yorktown. He was one

of the many great French heroes of the American Revolution.

Thousands of Parisians had lined the parade route to cheer as the American soldiers marched by.

They waved American flags in honor of the American’s Independence. Others joined their march as they crossed the Seine. As they approached, the Bastille women pushed into the ranks walking arm in arm with the U.S. soldiers. They gave flowers to our soldiers and sang our national anthem.

Pershing said, “That was a very special day, we brought a sense of hope to the fatigued Parisians.”Ben Franklin said, “A man cannot defend his own liberty if he fails to defend his neighbor’s also.”

The French came to our aide during the Revolutionary War, and now we had entered WWI to aide them. They in turn showed their gratitude to us by celebrating the greatest day in American history. In recognition

General John J. Pershing (right foreground), commander of the American Expeditionary Force in Europe, at Lafayette’s grave in Picpus Cemetery on July 4, 1917. Colonel Charles E. Stanton, who said “Lafayette, We Are Here” on this occasion, is third from left

of his role in aiding the American cause, an American flag has flown over Lafayette’s grave since the end of WWI. The flag is changed every July 4 in a highly orchestrated ceremony attended by French and American dignitaries, including representatives of the U.S. Embassy, the French Senate, the Mayor’s Office of the 12th Arrondissement, the Society of American Friends of Lafayette, the Sons of the American Revolution in France, and the Society of Cincinnati in France.

The French showed the love and respect they had for America that day. We can only hope our own

citizens do the same this July 4th for the blessings she has given us. Franklin convinced the French that the American Dream was the same as their Dream and they helped obtain that Dream for America. How can anyone disrespect America or her love for us?

“God grant that not only the love of liberty but a thorough knowledge of the rights of man may pervade all the nations of the earth, so that a philosopher may set his foot anywhere on its surface and say: This is my country.”

– Ben Franklin

Celebrate our 32nd Year with us!

A FUNDRAISING APPEAL Name: Address:

Method of contribution:  Check (Please make checks out to either Philadelphia Free Press or University City Review, and mail to 218 South 45th Street, Phila., PA 19104. Phone 215.222.2374)  Credit Card Name on credit card: Address:

Credit Card Number: Expiration date: Security Code: Billing Address: If it is different from your address

You can also go to GoFundMe.com and search for “Keeping Community Papers Alive in Philadelphia”.

6 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • JULY 01, 2020

INCUMBENTS

counted, Young unseated Donatucci by 12 continued from page 3 points.

And then there’s Senator Larry Farnese in the Until a community 1st Senatorial district organizer named Rethat covers Center City, gina Young, decided she wanted more for the South Philadelphia and parts of Fairmount, who district than what she was seeing and decided has held office since to do something about it. 2008. He had become She didn’t have decades a highly recognized in office, in fact, she had political figure in the city. Then came writer never held a political and community orgaoffice before. Nor did she have name recogni- nizer Nikil Saval. Saval tion or a big budget. Al- entered the race with though Young was much promises of change and loved in the community, to get the district movit was said that she only ing again. Don’t they all. had $10,000 in her cam- Saval was outspent and couldn’t match Farnese’s paign chest. It was the ability to throw money people who supported into the campaign but her which perhaps pulled her ahead. It was what he lacked in funds he made up for in vision, the people who joined a team that believed her as she knocked on doors, stuffed envelopes in Saval’s vision and a desire to see forward filled with her message movement in what some for the people calling them to support change. people said was a stagnant democratic system.

When the votes were

That message resonated with the voters and it was the voters who, in the end, said goodbye to Farnese and welcomed in Saval as his replacement.

Add to this the startling defeat of councilwoman Jannie L. Blackwell by Jamie Gauthier, last year and the ouster of long-term Register of Wills, Ron Donatucci, by community organizer Tracie Gordon in previous elections, and you have a series of sweeping change which may indicate a new era in local politics. Name recognition, party support and big money might no longer determine election outcomes as they often have in the past.

In short, incumbents may no longer be able to get too comfortable. And maybe newcomers can’t either.

W W W. W I S D U M B P O D C A S T. C O M MUSIC | TECHNOLOGY | PARENTHOOD | CULTURE | TRAVEL | GAMING | BUSINESS | LIFESTYLE | LOS ANGELES | NEW YORK | PHILADELPHIA | SAN ANTONIO | MEN’S HEALTH | PHOTOGRAPHY | VIDEOGRAPHY | LITERATURE | KNOWLEDGE

STUDER continued from page 1

than they are right now.

And as I’ve worked with these diverse groups of Americans, I’ve seen a theme emerge: Those communities that work together, win together.

When citizens and leaders come together, put their self-interest on the back burner and work as a team, things get done. When they don’t, nothing gets done.

The more you think about the myth of the self-reliant early American, the less likely it seems. Our ancestors must have huddled together in small groups and worked to protect each other from a harsh and unforgiving environment.

They must have joined forces, shared what they had, and leaned on each other when times were tough.

And on the larger stage, our nation’s founders had to work together in a similar fashion to bring America into being. They were working toward independence as a new nation, but they had to rely on interdependence to get there.

And as leaders of communities of all shapes and sizes and demographics and political persuasions, we can all learn a lot from them.

Here are four big “history lessons” we should all heed as we seek to reopen, recover, rebuild, and continue making our way on journey toward vibrancy: Set aside your selfinterest and create something that works for

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everyone. Lots of different professions, industries, and interests were present at the birth of America. Cabinet makers weren’t fixated only on the wood industry, nor silver smiths on the silver trade. Everyone was fired up to contribute to something bigger than themselves. They bought into the overarching mission, and weren’t bogged down by endless debate over the short-term costs of their plan.

In other words, don’t be overly concerned with your own wellbeing. Setting aside your own short-term best interests may accomplish far more for everyone in the long run. Because a rising tide lifts all boats, this includes you.

Don’t let ideological differences stop you from achieving something tangible. Despite bitter disputes and differences of opinion, a group of people with little in common other than their shared determination that change was needed were able to get mobilized and get something done. While there was much to be decided about the way things would function in the new nation, they all recognized that there wouldn’t even BE a new nation if they didn’t set aside their disagreements and move the ball down the court.

It’s important to know what matters. Don’t let petty disputes about how things should get done sabotage the greater task at hand.

Don’t be constantly trying to steal the spotlight from each other.

It’s okay to let someone else be “the one in charge.” No one complained that John Hancock’s signature was bigger than theirs, or that so-and-so got to sign the Declaration before they did. (Okay, it’s possible, but we can see by the document that resides in the National Archives that it got done anyway!) The founders kept their focus on the ambitious mission/vision of standing up to one of the most powerful authori-

ties in the world: the King of England.

When we try to make it about ourselves, we can get off track and let our self-absorption derail the project or initiative. Keep the greater goal in mind and stay focused on that. Don’t wait on the government to “fix it.” Instead, join together and take bold action at the local level.

The changes desired

by American colonists weren’t coming from Great Britain. And so, in the summer of 1776 delegates from each of the Thirteen Colonies took it upon themselves to challenge British authorities and make change happen—their way.

Citizen-powered change is the most powerful change. If it’s to be, it’s up to you and me, not government agencies. (Local governments tend not to have the budget to drive fundamental change, and due to election cycles, officials come and go.

Many won’t be around to see long term projects through.)

Yes, early communities needed each other and that drove a lot of their interactions. We went through a period of time where we started to believe we didn’t need each other and that clearly isn’t true. We now realize that working together is the only way we can make our cities and towns thrive.

No one is saying America’s founders were perfect. They were far from it, as we are. But one thing they got right was the knowledge that they needed to work together for a common cause.

Teamwork is a powerful force. We couldn’t have built a nation without it, and we can’t build a better community without it either.

Quint Studer is the author of Building a Vibrant Community: How Citizen-Powered Change Is Reshaping America and founder of Pensacola’s Studer Community Institute. For more information, visit www. vibrantcommunityblueprint.com and www. studeri.org.

JULY 01, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 7

B

allet lovers here and around the world are saddened by the news that Pennsylvania Ballet has cancelled its entire “Nutcracker” performances which packs the Academy of Music for three weeks in December and represents at least 40% of the company’s annual earnings. We look forward to their happy return in early 2021 and in the meantime they are providing plenty of online performances including full productions in their Front Row Festival of the classic “Giselle”.

“Don Quixote”, “Episode 31” and “Glass Pieces”, as well as videos of Artistic Director Angel Corella at work in rehearsals and in Q & A sessions. paballet.org  The Philadelphia Film Society continues its popular Virtual Theatre with a variety of new works, among them the very stirring 90 minute documentary “Just One Of Those Things”, a tribute to legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald and her triumphant six decades reign as the Queen of Jazz. Details on the full PFS schedule at infofilmadelphia.org  Desperate for ideas for home entertainment?

Turn to nytimes.com/. athome for tips and advice on what to watch, read and listen to as well as how to cook, cope and pass the time.  Zoology might be a fine change of pace and anyone interested in lemurs, one of the planet’s most endangered species, can turn to experts from Duke U’s Lemur Center every Thursday through July, 10 a.m. on Facebook.  An even more topical opportunity comes from the North Carolina Musum of Art on July 2, a live lecture by activist/musician Eric Dozier, “A Musical Journey Through American Race Relations”, discussing themes and key historical figures from the abolition, civil rights, labor and antiwar movements.

7 p.m., ncartmuseum. org/calendar  Our city’s notorious and admirable Pig Iron Theatre offers a paywhat-you-wish Zoom performance of Toshiki Okada’s “Zero Cost House” on July 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m., directed by Dan Rothenberg with a large cast including cofounder Dito van Reigersberg and Mary McCool. zerocosthouse.bpt.me  Off to NYC’s Lower East Side on July 3 to the Nuyorican Poets Cafe for a digital evening called “Herstory”, an annual show directed as always by playwright/ producer Kraal Charles combining elements of merengue, hip hop and jazz to chronicle the lives of female poets. 8 p.m. nuyorican.org  Our city’s Lantern Theater, always innovative and admired for its brilliant casting choices from our amazing theatrical community, is offering “Lantern Anywhere”, a chance to enjoy submersion in the pleasures of theatre.

A recent hit was Shakespeare’s “King Henry IV, part 2” with an all-star cast. Check out their series of readings via Zoom. Free. Advance registration is required at lanterntheater.org/ lantern-anywhere  The Wilma Theater’s 13-minute presentation of “Code Blue”, directed

by Blanka Zizka and starring Wilma regulars Ross Beschler and Anthony Martinez-Briggs, the latter a co-writer with Zizka, is an overlapping tale of a frontline hospital worker and a ranting Trump supporter protesting the “unfair way” the president’s response to the pandemic has been treated. All shot entirely from each actor’s home. Register to watch, donations are requested, at wilmatheater.org/ code-blue  Marlboro Music, the wonderful cousin of our city’s remarkable Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, has postponed its annual delightful

retreat for concerts and lessons in the Vermont woods, but their triumphant music can still be seen and heard on marlboromusic.org, a collection of videos and recordings by some of the world greatest musicians of today and the longago past. In the latter category, enjoy the piano greats Rudolf Serkin and Mieczyslaw Horszowski, both equally famed for their Curtis connections, and new Marlboro leaders and two more of the world’s great contemporary pianists, Mitsuko Uchida and Curtis alumnus Jonathan Biss, among many, many others covering the full scope of musical offerings.  An unexpected treat from Des Moines Metro Opera arrives on July 5 at 2 p.m. CDT, Dvorak’s fairy tale “Rusalka” with soprano Sarah Gartland in the title role. On Facebook, YouTube, iowapbs. org  As always, much more opera from the Met Opera HD Archives, every evening at 7:30 p.m. and on view until 6:30 p.m. the next day: July 1, Shostakovich’s “The Nose” with Paulo Szot; July 2, Bizet’s ‘Carmen”; July 3, Mozart’s “Don Giovanni”; July 4, a lovely golden-oldie from 1979, Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale” with the magical paring of Beverly Sills and Alfredo Kraus; July 5, Bellini’s rarely seen “La Donna del Lago” starring AVA alumna mezzo soprano Joyce DiDonato and Curtis tenor alumnus Juan Diego Florez. metopera.org  Let’s wind up with some July 4 festivities, virtual but as heartfelt as can be. The Philly POPS At Home opens the momentous occasion on July 3 at 7 p.m., part of the WAWA Welcome America experience, featuring Maestro David Charles Abell leading the 38-piece POPS Orchestra and large chorus, vocalists Michael Cavanagh and Allison Blackwell and trumpeter Terrell Stafford in patriotic anthems, beloved favorites and pop hits. Free, phillypops.org. The week-long Welcome America programs also include cultural events, fun lessons for children,

family-friendly workout sessions and culminates in a mammoth concert by Cynthia Erivo and Jason Derulo. 215- 599-0776.

Other cities too will be doing their best to make virtual fun as tempting as possible.  NYC’s Macy fireworks displays are early July nightly events in various parts of the city but locations are unannounced to prevent hordes from

crushing together. A special presentation featuring a recap of the fireworks will be televised nationally on July 4 at 8 p.m. on NBC. Fireworks will also highlight Washngton’s “A Capital Fourth” with pre-recorded performances by a bevy of stars including Patti LaBelle and Renee Fleming among others, hosted by actors Vanessa Williams and

John Stamos. In Los Angeles, the familiar July 4 Block Party will now be on screen featuring musical performances, a poetry reading, comedy sketches and surprises.

The first hour will be streamed at 10 p.m. Eastern on ABC 7. The rest of the program continues on Grand Park’s website and Facebook page and MusicCenter.org 

8 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • JULY 01, 2020

UNEMPLOYMENT

efit payments are the same as regular UC. continued from page 2 • The total amount of EB that you may your weekly EB online receive is 50 percent certification in order of the amount of to claim EB for weeks regular UC you were that you are totally or financially eligible to partially unemployed. receive on your most • Each EB online certirecent claim. Example: fication corresponds • If you were financially to one specific week, eligible for 26 weeks as indicated on the of regular UC, you web form. Individuals may receive up to 13 who opt to use paper weeks of EB. claim forms should only use the form that • There is an additional wage test for EB is specifically dated eligibility, so not all for the week of unindividuals will finanemployment you are cially qualify. claiming.

• EB may only be paid • If you do not receive for weeks ending duryour Financial Detering an EB period. mination within two • If you are entitled to weeks after you reTrade Readjustment ceive your final PEUC Allowances, you may payment, call the receive fewer weeks UC Service Center at of EB. 1-888-313-7284.

EB is currently EB Weekly Benefit fully federally-funded Amount through the Families • EB weekly ben-

First Coronavirus Response Act, Public Law (Pub. L.) 116-127, specifically Division D, the Emergency Unemployment Insurance Stabilization and Access Act of 2020 (EUISAA).

Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefits Payment Information Since March 15, more than $21.5 billion in benefits has been paid: • $9.6 billion from regular UC • $9.6 billion from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program (extra $600 per week) • $2.2 billion issued so far to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claimants (self-employed, gig workers, independent contractors) • $129 million through Pandemic Emergency

Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program (extended benefits) Of the eligible claimants that applied for benefits between March 15 and May 30, and who filed for continued claims, 90.2 percent received payment as of June 29.

Important Resources and Links • What’s Wrong with my Unemployment Claim – Troubleshooting Guide • L&I Press Releases • L&I COVID-19 Guidance and Resources • L&I COVID-19 Media Center Additional unemployment benefits information is available on L&I’s website, Facebook or Twitter.

Letter: Parks & Rec continues to use toxic herbicides Dear Mayor Kenney and City Council:

I

ToxicFreeParks.htm & http://www.wildfoodies.org/Vinegar.docx Despite widespread support on City Council, no legislation outlawing the use of toxic herbicides or pesticides has been passed. So, PPR continues to poison people, pets, and wildlife.

Please pass legislation that will, once and for all, ban the use of toxic herbicides and pesticides.

We will be more than happy to assist in this effort.

t is totally irresponsible for anyone to continue to use toxic herbicides and pesticides in this day and age – see article below.

Yet, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation continues the practice in Fairmount Park – see the attached photographs in West Fairmount Park.

This email is the latest in a serious of emails over the years that have been sent to you on this subject, which also All Life Matters, includes the safest soluLynn Landes, tions to toxic herbicides – Founder The Wild manual removal and 5% Food household vinegar!

LynnLandes@gmail. http://www. com healthalertphilly.org/

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Applications for CARES financial assistance now available

H A P P Y

renters and homeowners. The portion for rent assistance is at least $150 million, and $25 million was set aside for mortgage assistance.

During June, in a period of about four weeks, PHFA is developing detailed programs for distributing this financial assistance quickly to people in need while following legislative requirements. The agency will begin accepting completed applications for rent and mortgage assistance on July 6.

“Our goal is to make this financial assistance available as quickly and easily as possible while ensuring applicants meet the eligibility requirements established by the state legislature,” said Robin Wiessmann,

PHFA executive director and CEO. “Keeping people in their homes is essential for our economic recovery, and we are grateful that the General Assembly and Governor Wolf recognize that stable housing provides the foundation on which to build that recovery.”

For renters to be eligible for financial assistance under the CARES Rent Relief Program (RRP), they will need to document at least a 30% reduction in annual income since March 1 related to COVID-19, or they must have become unemployed after March 1. If unemployed, they must have filed for unemployment compensation with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

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at least a 30% reduction in annual income due to reduced work hours and wages related to COVID-19 may be eligible for financial assistance to help with missed mortgage payments. To qualify for the Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program (PMAP), they must be an owner-occupant of their residence, the dwelling must consist of one or two separate units, the mortgage must be at least 30 days delinquent, and the homeowner’s annual household income must not exceed the Area Median Income for their county of residence, adjusted for the number of people in their home.

The assistance available for homeowners

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Their household income cannot exceed the Area Median Income for their county of residence, adjusted for the number of people in their home.

Renters who qualify may receive assistance equal to 100% of their monthly rent up to $750 a month for a maximum of six months of assistance for the time period between March 1 and November 30, 2020.

Payments will be made to their landlord on their behalf. Renters or landlords can apply for rent relief for apartment tenants, but renters are responsible for submitting all the documents needed to ensure their eligibility.

Homeowners who became unemployed after March 1 or who suffered

es

site at www.PHFA.org.

PHFA is administering both programs.

PHFA is currently identifying organizations in all 67 counties to help it process the large number of rent relief applications anticipated.

People will submit their applications and supporting paperwork to these county organizations for review.

The Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed in March, provided $3.9 billion for Pennsylvania and is intended to help people hurt economically during the pandemic. In late May, the General Assembly directed $175 million of these CARES dollars to PHFA to provide assistance for struggling

ag

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pplications for CARES financial assistance for renters and homeowners is available now; application submissions can begin July 6 People who lost income due to the pandemic-related economic slowdown may be eligible for rent or mortgage assistance to help them stay in their homes Renters and homeowners who were financially impacted by the economic slowdown related to the coronavirus pandemic will be able to access applications for rent and mortgage relief started two days ago. At that time, applications will be easily accessible from a red banner on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s web-

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10 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • JULY 01, 2020

CARES

already live on the site advising people of the continued from page 9 date applications will be available. can be up to $1,000 a The agency’s call cenmonth for a maximum ter is available weekdays period of six months. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The time period elito assist the public and gible for assistance is help with questions for mortgage payments about the programs. owed from March 2020 through December 2020, The toll-free number is 1-855-U-Are-Home (827however any CARES 3466). Callers should assistance provided listen for the prompt must be disbursed by Nov. 30, 2020. Financial mentioning CARES assistance for renters assistance payments and homeowners. The through this program will be made directly to county organizations to which CARES applicathe mortgagee. Hometions are submitted will owners or their lenders can apply for mortgage also have webpages offering useful informarelief, but homeowners tion. are responsible for proThe CARES funding viding all the documents for renters and homeneeded to determine owners must be comtheir eligibility. pletely distributed by Applications for both Nov. 30, 2020, although rent and mortgage asit is expected the assissistance will be easily tance will be exhausted accessible from PHFA’s homepage starting June before the deadline because of the tremendous 29. At that time, people will be able to click in a need by people hurt financially by the panred banner on the website to access the applica- demic.

About PHFA tions and other helpful The Pennsylvania background informaHousing Finance Agention. The red banner is

cy works to provide affordable homeownership and rental housing options for older adults, low- and moderateincome families, and people with special housing needs. Through its carefully managed mortgage programs and investments in multifamily housing developments, PHFA also promotes economic development across the state.

Since its creation by the legislature in 1972, it has generated nearly $14.6 billion of funding for more than 178,325 single-family home mortgage loans, helped fund the construction of 136,215 rental units, distributed more than $109.2 million to support local housing initiatives, and saved the homes of more than 50,300 families from foreclosure.

PHFA programs and operations are funded primarily by the sale of securities and from fees paid by program users, not by public tax dollars.

The agency is governed by a 14-member board.

You’re at higher risk.

If you’re 65 or older, you are at higher risk of getting very sick from the coronavirus. You must take extra care of yourself.

Stay home if you can.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Avoid touching your face.

Disinfect frequently touched objects.

Wash up after being in public spaces.

Stay about six feet away from others.

If you’re sick, stay home and away from others.

If you have symptoms of fever, dry cough and shortness of breath, call your health care provider before going to their office.

We are all at risk, and some more than others. In challenging times, the choices you make are critical. And their impact is significant. Help slow the spread of coronavirus.

Visit coronavirus.gov for the latest tips and information from the CDC.

TOGETHER,

WE

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THE

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All In Or Out? How Business Owners Can Deal With COVID’S Cloudy Future

A

s the coronavirus pandemic continues, small businesses have reopened across the nation but certainty and optimism are a long way from being restored.

Spikes in infections in many states, doubledigit unemployment, consumer and lender concerns, and steep economic challenges in the wake of a long shutdown make it difficult to forecast if and when many companies will fully recover. Small business owners – many of them baby boomers and in the retirement age range – are in a difficult position trying to decide whether to risk staying in business or sell and cut their losses, says Michael Sipe, author of The AVADA Principle and founder of the consulting firm 10x Catalyst Groups (www.10xgroups.com).

“We are in the early stages of a depression that’s going to go on quite a while,” Sipe says.

“Many small business owners are in their 60s and 70s, and they’re tired and beat up. Some recovered from the financial collapse of 2008, but now they’re getting hammered again.

“Customers and employees are scared or nervous. The supply chain is a big problem, and there’s this crazy situation where prices are going up because of the shortages, but mean-

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while we have a depression because there aren’t enough transactions.”

Sipe offers the following suggestions to small business owners as they try to sort out their future amidst so much uncertainty:

• Quit. “A lot of people are going to do that,” Sipe says. “And if that’s the decision, they should quit fast.

Don’t drag this out.

One of the things that happened in the recession of 2008 was people refused to face reality, and it cost them everything, their savings and retirement. If you’re 60 to 70 years old right now and don’t know if you can gut this out another 10 or 15 years, then cut your losses.

You’ll have a little nest egg now as opposed to spending all of it trying to bail the business out.”

• Reinvent. “If you’re not going to quit,” Sipe says, “then you’ve got to change.

Just slugging it out and hoping it’s going to get better or that it will get back to normal – that kind of thinking is ridiculous. We have huge structural problems as a country.

So if you’re going to reinvent, you have to come back to the fundamentals of business.

The owner has to back up and say, ‘What are the fundamental concerns of customers we are actually trying to address here?’ And focus energy on those prime areas that are going to move people to pay a good margin for your product.

Don’t ask why it’s not easier; ask how you can get better.”

• Be flexible. Given the fluid state of our world, Sipe says changing some of your business model and

processes may have to become a habit. “The next thing business owners have to do is realize what they changed today may need to change tomorrow,” he says. “The innovation has to happen every day. That has a lot to do with listening to customers and anticipating what they would respond to. Engagement with customers and engagement in the innovation process for owners is absolutely critical. If an owner is not willing to try and get that figured out with and for their customers, they’re going to fail.”

“The business has to be infused with a fresh energy and a fresh passion,” Sipe says. “If you’re not going to quit during these extremely difficult times, that means you’ve got to get back in the game. And you’ve got to play hard, because this is going to be tough.”

About Michael Sipe Michael Sipe, author of The AVADA Principle, is the founder of 10x Catalyst Groups (www.10xgroups.com), which helps entrepreneurs grow profitable and thriving businesses organized on a foundation of Biblical principles. Sipe has also enjoyed a successful 30-plus year career in mergers, acquisitions, and business development as the founder of CrossPointe Capital, a middle market investment-banking firm. In that capacity, he consulted with and evaluated over 5,000 companies and has provided advisory services for approximately a half-billion dollars in business sales involving hundreds of companies. He remains active in transactional work and has been a key advisor in mergers and acquisitions projects covering a multitude of industry sectors.

JULY 01, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 11 403-LEGAL

606-MEDICAL SUPPLIES

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TO ADVERTISE IN THE CLASSIFIEDS CALL 215.222.2846 104-HELP WANTED

LOOKING FOR COMMUNITY ORIENTED FREELANCE WRITERS

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HELP WANTED Sales Associate

We are looking forward to the days when we will all be able to come out of quarantine and are back to work!

We are looking for an exceptional sales person to sell ad space for both our print and digital publications.

You’ll work, primarily in Center City 3 to 5 days a week visiting shops, restaurants and businesses helping them regain customers by advertising in-print and online, and promoting them on websites. You’ll work for the Philadelphia Free Press and the University City Review, two door-to-door and online community newspapers.

We pay the best commission in the City. We are looking for special people, honest. Friendly, hard working. If you have an interest, please email at rchristian@pressreview.net.

READER ADVISORY: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the above classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication.

In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also, beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it is illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars.

Toll free numbers may or may not reach Canada.

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Social Distancing and During the COVID-19 Pandemic, is prison ‘A Death Sentence’ for correctional staff and our comDying Alone

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has led to drastic changes in how hospitals provide end-of-life care to patients and their families. With strict novisiting limitations in place in an effort to stem contagion, patients have been dying alone.

Extraordinary circumstances require extraordinary problem solving. The pandemic is an opportunity for clinicians to think differently and consider a decisionmaking framework that minimizes infection risk, honors patient/family relationships, upholds culturally important rituals of dying, and mitigates potential psychological harm precipitated by the trauma of family separation.

In an editorial in the journal Intensive Care Medicine, researchers suggest an alternative pathway to patients dying alone in a hospital.

They advocate that infection control, public health concerns, and family-centered care

can coexist and urge reconsideration of adult family member presence at the bedside of patients during COVID-19.

“With careful screening, education, pragmatic psychosocially oriented facilitation, and teamwork, we can accommodate the very real needs of patients to not be alone, for families to fulfill their sense of responsibility and duty, and for staff to uphold the tenets of family-centered care,” writes Martha A. Q. Curley, PhD, RN, FAAN, Professor of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing (Penn Nursing), one of the editorial’s authors. “Dying alone, despite adhering to social distancing, should not be part of dying at all.”

The editorial, “Alone, the Hardest Part,” is available online. Coauthors of the editorial include Elizabeth Broden, Penn Nursing PhD Student, and Elaine Meyer from the Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School.

munities?

By Dr. Valda Crowder, M.D.

W

hat happens in prison does not stay in prison. The cell blocks and bars give us a false sense of containment. Nothing could be further from the truth.

According to the Justice Department, “The average time served by state prisoners released in 2016, from initial admission to initial release, was 2.6 years, and the median time served was 1.3 years.”

As a former medical director in a jail, I know that a constant flow exists between a correctional facility and a community. This back and forth includes cultural trends like saggy pants which became fashionable in the 1990’s. It can also include diseases, such as COVID-19 and before that HIV, carried by people in prison and correctional staff.

What happens in the correctional setting during a pandemic?

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Dr. Valda Crowder, M.D., MBA

ed. Too many people at high risk for COVID-19, due to age or underlying medical conditions, and with only months remaining on their sentence remain under lock and key. For almost half of Americans, or 133 million people with a chronic disease, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, obesity or oral disease, the coronavirus may be deadly.

It is hard to understand why any taxpayer would want to be responsible for expensive COVID-19 medical care of a person who has not been found guilty of a crime and just could not pay 10 percent of bail money. If not for people behind bars, consider the safety of correctional staff, doctors, nurses, guards and their families.

On Facebook, head of the sheriff’s deputy union Randall Crawford posted that “Working in Wayne County Jail has now become a death sentence.” His comments followed the deaths due to COVID-19 of the medical director, emergency specialist and jail commander. Among

New York City’s 9,680 mostly black and brown officers, 1259 tested positive. These high rates of COVID-19 are reflected in their neighborhoods.

The guards have a higher rate of infection than the population at Rikers.

And that’s saying something.

New York City’s jail is a hotspot within a hotspot. Although the Empire State has the largest number of cases, this should not distract from the dizzying number of infections among people in correctional facilities. As the number of COVID-19 deaths exceeded 100,000, “at least 43,967 people in prison” have the virus. This infected population is larger than the population of Selma, Alabama or Key West, Florida. Five states - Ohio, Tennessee, Michigan, California and New Jersey -- account for most of the infections in correctional settings.

Estimates of COVID-19 cases and deaths are undercounts. Some states do not test regularly in prisons. Most have not tested people who do not show symptoms of the disease.

If nothing changes,

prisons may become an unwitting ally and engine of community spread of the virus. To avoid this outcome, correctional administrators and the courts should strictly follow the CDC’s new guidelines.

“Ramping up cleaning and hygiene reminders” are a good start.

Limit transfers between prisons. Screen everyone coming into a facility.

Practicing social distance in prisons means managing distance in lines and staggering meals among other steps. Know the non-respiratory symptoms of the virus. And the last prevention step is to implement no-contact prison visits.

We need to demand full compliance with this guidance and personnel protective equipment for people in prison and correctional staff. We are all in this global pandemic together.

Valda Crowder, MD, MBA, is a Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician who serves as Chair of the Health Committee for Black Women for Positive Change.