Don’t forget to vote Nov. 8
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Losing a PAL A Point Breeze school is hoping a nonprofit returns to enhance its students’ social progression. By Joseph Myers R e v i e w s ta f f w r i t e r
“I
’m not saying we make the decisions for them, but if we give the children something more constructive, they are more likely to stay out of trouble,” Kim Smith said Monday from George W. Childs School, 1599 Wharton St. The site enjoyed a 15-year run as the host for the Point Breeze Police Athletic League (PAL) until June. Logistical issues ended the nonprofit’s slate of programs for 200 children and young adults, including more than 100 Childs students, leaving Smith and second-year principal Daniel Peou eager to counter frustration
than has given more Timothy Luko Jr. to defending global life one-third of his om. ed notions of fre ko Jr. by Timothy Lu
See PAL page 8
ed Photo Provid
Sports
At ease, soldier
Following a deployment to Afghanistan, a Pennsport native and Air National Guardsman received a hero’s welcome. By Joseph Myers r e v i e w s ta f f w r i t e r
Bok to the future
An East Passyunk Crossing football team gave its new coach a playoff shutout. By Joseph Myers.............Page 38
T
imothy Luko Jr. does not consider himself a hero, but the Pennsport community disagrees. It greeted the 35-year-old with music and merrymaking to mark his return from a sixmonth stint in Afghanistan at the Satin Slipper New Years Brigade, 1444 S. Second St., Oct. 22. Well-versed in patrolling areas through his role as an International Secu-
rity Assistance Force member, the technical sergeant inspected his family’s and friends’ faces and felt instant gratitude. “Everyone went above and beyond to welcome me back,” the Wenonah, N.J. resident said Sunday from the fancy brigade’s headquarters. In his military career, the native of the 100 block of Mercy Street has proven equally resolute, as he has devoted more than 13 years to defending his country. His tenure earned success from the apprecia-
tive crowd; melodic tributes from Fralinger String Band, 1903 S. Third St.; Quaker City String Band, 1943 S. Third St.; and the Second Street Irish Society Pipes and Drums, 1937 S. Third St.; and hugs and kisses from wife Rosemarie, 9-year-old daughter Dylan Rose, 7-year-old son Michael and 5-year-old son Timmy. Four years removed from calling South Philly home, he credits the area for his patriotism See LUKO page 11