Readers’ Choice Ballot, page 12
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Dually noted Two local high school concert choirs backed a music icon at the Academy of Music. By Joseph Myers r e v i e w s ta f f w r i t e r
T
hough most are more than four times his junior, more than 100 local students learned Saturday why millions of people adore singer-songwriter Paul Simon. Members of the Girard Academic Music Program, 2136 Ritner St., and the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, 901 S. Broad St., concert choirs joined the legend at The Academy of Music 154th Anniversary Concert, the Philadelphia Orchestra’s chief fundraiser, providing assistance on three songs. Regardless of their age differences, the See CONCERT page 8
Sports
At the height of his Powers A Hawthorne school’s basketball star surpassed the 1,000-point plateau last week. By Joseph Myers................Page 43
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No more counsel for Council A Packer Park politico announced her retirement days before the 60th anniversary of her becoming a City employee. By Joseph Myers r e v i e w s ta f f w r i t e r
“I
feel as if I am leaving home. This has truly been my life,” City Council President and 2nd District Councilwoman Anna C. Verna said Jan. 27. At a City Hall press conference three days prior, the 79-year-old leader announced her retirement, effective next January. Her departure will end a history-making career that began 60 years ago Tuesday. The lone female head in the Council’s history, Verna will leave with the distinction of having been the longest-serving City employee, Council member and president. Last week’s disclosure has generated immediate buzz surrounding her possible successors and discussions of her legacy. It also has left the resident of The Reserves in Packer Park contemplating her impending transition. “I wish I could tell you,” she said of her future purSee VERNA page 9