NE2_Current Issue

By Tom Waring Northeast Times

The Quality of Life czar

Longtime city employee Bridget Collins-Greenwald is enjoying her new role – Licenses and Inspections Commissioner for Quality of Life.

“I love to be able to help people,” she said.

Collins-Greenwald is a Tacony native who attended St. Leo Elementary School and St. Hubert High School (class of 1988). She earned a business marketing degree from Drexel in 1993 (and later a master’s in human resources management from Holy Family University) and began working at SEPTA as a safety program data analyst, a job she enjoyed.

Next, she worked in marketing for a law firm, a position she hated.

Ultimately, she took the city’s management trainee exam and did well enough to land a job in the personnel department. Since then, she’s risen the ranks, transferring to L&I for 11 years, including a stint as deputy commissioner under Fran Burns, a St. Hubert graduate who is now a vice president for the Connelly Foundation.

Collins-Greenwald later became a deputy managing director and in 2012 was

named commissioner of the Department of Public Property.

In February, Mayor Cherelle Parker announced she was splitting the duties of L&I. While Collins-Greenwald would focus on quality-of-life issues, Basil Merenda would lead an inspections, safety

and compliance division.

“The splitting of L&I is great,” CollinsGreenwald said.

City Councilman Mike Driscoll chairs Council’s L& Committee and oversaw an 11-member task force that produced a report recommending splitting the department

Parker said she split duties due to the “mission creep” of L&I becoming the default department for nuisance and quality-of-life issues.

Collins-Greenwald, who lives in Pine Valley and is just shy of 27 years with the city, said the splitting of the understaffed L&I was a “long time coming.”

Driscoll, also in support of the L&I split, said Collins-Greenwald’s background is perfect for her new role of combating issues such as nuisance businesses, graffiti and dumping.

“She’s a local girl who gets what Northeast Philadelphia needs,” he said. “She has a lot on her plate, but is uniquely positioned as someone who gets it. She knows her mission, which is all 10 Council districts.”

Collins-Greenwald appreciates Parker’s faith and confidence in her, and that she understands she has a big responsibility in her new role, which mixes public education and enforcement.

Among the things that fall under her department are dumping on vacant properties, illegal auto repair businesses, popup street businesses, bedbug infestations and AirBnB regulations.

Please see QUALITY / Page 4

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

Bridget Collins-Greenwald.

Traffic violations

Dear Mayor Parker, would you please do something about the rampant stop sign and red light disregard in this city. I see it every day, and drivers’ disregard about stop signs and red lights is absolutely abhorrent.

May I suggest:

• Speed bumps at intersections with the highest number of accidents.

• A fine of $1,000 for running a stop sign or red light.

• Cameras at intersections with high rates of accidents.

• Loss of license after a second offense.

Mark S. Ritter Mayfair

Buy American

In response to Michael Blichasz’s opinion about how hard it is to shop for USA-made stores (Walmart is trying), I would like to recommend two websites to help: unionlabel.com and https://www.allamericanclothing. com/.

Jason Trenchard Holmesburg

Repeal idiotic law

Coming back on a recent Saturday night, we saw a car just plow through the intersection at Solly and the Boulevard at a high speed after the light had already turned red about 5 seconds ago. Luckily, the vehicles traveling north and south hadn’t started to move yet. There have been several crashes at this intersection over the last 12 months with some serious injuries and at least one being fatal. I can’t even count how many times over the last couple of weeks I’ve seen morons just fly past stop signs. I blame much of this on the so-called driving equity law or as I call it (The Dying Equity Law), where some people get into their pea brains that they don’t need to stop at red lights and stop signs.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

As if carjackings and shootings are not enough, Philadelphia residents now have to worry about serious injury or death even if they themselves are following all safety and traffic regulations. Some members in City Council don’t seem to think failing brakes, steering, windshield wipers, bad tires, etc. are not a safety hazard. This idiotic law, which is causing deaths and serious injury along with increasing insurance rates, has to be repealed and PA traffic laws enforced equally across the board regardless of race. Officers are apprehensive about pulling over vehicles with paper plates driven by persons of color for fear of being labeled racist. But some city officials are more concerned with protecting illegal immigrants and lawbreakers than they are law-abiding citizens.

Peter DiGiuseppe Rhawnhurst

Stop Trump before it’s too late

Recently, I saw a few Republicans

state the reason our prices are so high was because of Congress. Trump’s Congress. I was very surprised. Obviously they were not MAGA people. They were honest, old-time, good people who were around when GOP stood for the Grand Old Party when they were for the people. Today’s MAGA people hear him when he rarely tells the truth, like he will be a dictator, and laugh. They say he is just joking. Are you serious? We know how much he loves Putin even if you deny it. When Putin attacked a free Ukraine he called him a genius. What worries me is the only time these people will ever realize who he really is is if he actually wins then he will prove to them how serious he is while he is destroying our country as Putin’s dictator buddy. Then it will be too late.

Rus Slawter Bustleton

Tough love

Mayor Parker seems to have the right

attitude on crime. Yet we continue to see mass shootings all over the city.

Parker is correct on the need to change the “culture.” Yet I wonder if this is all just talk.

Our schools are a mess. Violent, dysfunctional behaviors are common, and absenteeism is rampant.

This breakdown started when we banished religion from public schools. It has accelerated greatly with the “defund” the police mentality, and the blame game of demonizing white people.

Schools need to teach morals and self-discipline. Study and respect for the major religions would be a good foundation. That goes along with dress and behavior codes.

Let’s get back to “tough love,” even if we need regular police sweeps in and around schools. Too bad if faint hearts are offended.

Then the issue,we dare not discuss: parenting. Fatherless homes create angry young men. Our leftist politics really don’t want strong families. They want dependency. That contributes to the problem.

We need schools, churches and community groups to both value men and also hold them accountable. We can do both.

Finally, we need to challenge families to keep trash culture out of the home. Limit iPhones, television, video games. You can’t do much about kids, if mom and dad lazily support the crude, violent entertainment being peddled by the media.

If Mayor Parker wants to solve the problem of violent youth, she better be ready and willing to offend a lot of people.

Richard Iaconelli Rhawnhurst

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QUALITY

➤ Continued from Page 1

Parker issued an executive order splitting L&I, and Collins-Greenwald and Merenda officially began work on March 4.

City Council is expected to pass legislation creating a Home Rule Charter change that voters will have to approve to make the L&I split permanent.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

April 24

Kelly Clarkson, Pop Singer (42)

Barbra Streisand, Pop Singer (82)

April 25

Al Pacino, Movie Actor (84)

Renee Zellweger, Movie Actress (55)

April 26

Carol Burnett, TV Show Host (91)

Pre-Registration: $15 | Day Of Registration: $20 Pre-Registration Ends May 16th at 11:59 PM MORE

Registrants will receive:

• Event T-Shirt & Dash Plaque

• Lunch Tickets

• Event Goodie Bag

• Chance to Win 1 of 75 Trophies

• Access to our 40-Vendor Craft Show, Raffles, & 50/50 Fundraiser

L&I does not oversee the Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP), which is now under the new city Office of Clean and Green Initiatives. L&I also doesn’t control 311, which is under the auspices of the managing director’s office.

But Collins-Greenwald will be teaming with CLIP, 311 and other agencies such as the commerce and health departments and the Philadelphia Parking Authority.

Collins-Greenwalk encourages people to make a 311 service request by phone, through an online form or on the mobile app.

Melania Trump, First Lady (54)

April 27

Lizzo, Rapper (36)

Si Robertson, Reality Star (76)

April 28

Ann Margret, Movie Actress (83)

Jessica Alba, Movie Actress (43)

April 29

Willie Nelson, Country Singer (91)

Candace Owens, Political Commentator (35)

April 30

Johnny Galecki, TV Actor (49)

The new commissioner plans meetings with each district councilperson to find out the quality-of-life needs of all communities.

“We’re going to meet with them and be proactive,” she said. “We want to blanket large areas. There will be a comprehensive approach to everything we do.”

Chris Kreider, Hockey Player (33) TO

Herta H. Kowalski, age 93, of the Morrell Park Section of Philadelphia, passed away, Friday, April 12, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Herta is survived by her sister-in-laws, Theresa Varacallo, and Eleanor Zach, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Herta was the devoted wife of the late Edward Kowalski for close to 60 years whom she met in Germany during the war. They married and returned to the United States where she worked as a hairdresser before becoming a long time employee of Whitman’s Candies. Upon retirement Herta enjoyed her summers at Fortescue along the Delaware Bay, crocheting and spending time with family and friends.

She is predeceased by her parents Kurt and Louise (Baam) Hock, who both passed while Herta was a child. a Friends and family are invited to gather at Kirk and Nice Suburban Chapel, 333 W. County Line Rd. Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006, on Friday, April 26th, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m.before we escort Herta to her final resting place at Sunset Memorial Park.

To celebrate our anniversary, we want to celebrate with some of the NORTHEAST’S FINEST. Nominees must work or reside in one of the following zip codes: 19136, 19114,19152, 19111, 19115, 19116, 19135, 19149, or 19154. Voting will run April 1-May

St. Hubert headed to A.C.

St. Hubert will hold its ninth annual summer fun day trip on Monday, June 17. A bus will depart the school, 7320 Torresdale Ave., at 8:45 a.m. and arrive back about 9 p.m. There will be a one-hour ride on an Atlantic Citybased cruise ship and a four-hour stay at Resorts Casino, with $15 back in slot cash and a $15 food voucher. There will be a sit-down dinner and complimentary wine tasting at Tomasello Winery. The cost is $115, due by May 1. Contact Mary Clifford at 267-231-7367 or mclifford@ huberts.org. ••

Millbrook Civic to meet

Millbrook Civic Association will meet on April 30, at 7 p.m., at the Calvary Athletic Association clubhouse, 4330 Deerpath Lane. Future meetings will be on June 25, Sept. 24, Oct. 29 and Nov. 26. For more information, email millbrookcivic@verizon.net ••

Trip to Glencairn

The Sisterhood of Congregations of Shaare Shamayim will visit Glencairn Museum, in Bryn Athyn, on Wednesday, May 1, at 10:15 a.m. There will be a video and tour. The cost is $18, payable to CSS Sisterhood and mailed to 9768 Verree Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115. Include your name, email address and phone number. ••

Annual tea in Bristol

The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation will be hosting its annual tea on Sunday, April 28, from 2-4 p.m., at its headquarters at 321 Cedar St., Bristol Borough. Ticket price is $35. Tea fare will include assorted sandwiches, scones, pastries and brewed tea. Feature attractions will be an art exhibition by several members of the Artists of Bristol and musical selections by local keyboard virtuoso Francis X. Danis. Reservations will be accepted at 215-788-9408. ••

Liberian dinner at All Saints

All Saints Episcopal Church, 1811 Loney St., will host an authentic Liberian dinner on April 27, from 4 to 8 p.m. The cost is $10. All are welcome. ••

Book discussion at library

Bustleton Library, 10199 Bustleton Ave., will host Book Discussion: True Biz on Thursday, May 2, at 11 a.m. True Biz, this year’s One Book, One Philadelphia selection, is a novel following students of the fictional River Valley School for the Deaf. Free copies of the book to keep are available to pick up at the library. Call 215-685-0472 or stop by to claim your copy. ••

Clothing Drive at CTK

The Christ the King Men’s Association will hold a clothing drive on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April

28, from noon to 4 p.m. in the CTK parish hall, 3252 Chesterfield Road. Items that will be accepted are men’s, women’s and children’s clothing; belts, hats, scarves, handbags and gloves; towels, blankets, bedsheets, pillows, quilts, comforters and curtains; small toys; and footwear. For more information, call George Fallon at 215-519-5320. ••

2 programs at library

Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host Wacky Science on Tuesday, April 30, at 5:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The library will host Story Adventure on Thursday, May 2, at 10:30 a.m. There will be puppets, movement, instruments and costumes. It’s for preschoolers ages 2-5 accompanied by an adult.

Call 215-685-9383. ••

Free Christian bands performance

Christian bands will perform at a free event on Saturday, April 27, at Holmesburg United Methodist Church, 8118 Frankford Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7. There will be snacks and drinks. There is a parking lot and handicap-accessible access behind the church. All are welcome. Call 215-624-6900.

••

Program on American short stories

American short stories will be the subject of a new six-part program for active adults to be held at KleinLife, 10100 Jamison Ave., beginning on Thursday, May 2. The public is invited to join with members. In addition to May 2, programs will be conducted on May 9, 16, 23 and 30 and June 6. Starting times will be 10:30 a.m. for all six programs. For this program, students should have a copy of 100 Years Of The Best American Short Stories edited by Lorrie Moore and Heidi Pitlor published in 2015. Participants should read the stories before attending the programs. Cost of the program is $36 per person for all six sessions. Money is due at the KleinLife front desk prior to beginning the program. Call 215-698-7300, Ext. 193.

••

Wedding fashion show

Crescentville United Methodist Church, 400 Sentner St. (at Hasbrook Avenue), will present Down the Aisle, Now & Then, a wedding fashion show fundraiser, on Sunday, April 28, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $10. Refreshments will be served after the show. For tickets, call Sue Snyder at 215-771-4442. ••

Learn about fake art scams

Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., will present When Rich People Spend Good Money on Bad Art by author and lecturer

Thomas Keels, who will examine how wealthy people use art to signify their status, on Saturday, April 27, from 11

a.m. to noon. The cost is $15. Buy tickets at www.glenfoerd.org/events.

Explore journey of immigrant

Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will present Spring Book Circle Solito: A Memoir by Javier Zamora on Thursday, April 25, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $20. The book is the journey of a young Salvadoran boy making his way to the United States. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••

Concert at Ryerss

Ryerss Museum & Library, 7370 Central Ave., in Burholme Park, will host a jazz concert on Saturday, April 27, at 1 p.m. Call 215-685-0599 or visit ryerssmuseum.org. ••

Preschool storytime

Katharine Drexel Library, 11099 Knights Road, will host preschool storytime on Thursday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m. There will be stories, songs and fingerplays. Storytime is for children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Call 215-685-9383. ••

Yard sale Saturday

The Villages at Pine Valley will host a yard sale on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 900 Pine Valley Blvd. (between Verree and Pine roads). The yard sale is throughout the development (Easy Street, Penny Lane, Ernest Way and Tyler Court). Use the Verree Road main entrance located near CORA Services or the Pine Road entrance. Street parking is limited, but parking is available at the clubhouse. Rain date is Sunday, April 28. ••

Saturday synagogue service

Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, 4301 Tyson Ave., continues to hold religious services every Friday night on Zoom. Services will be held in the synagogue on Saturday, April 27, at 9:30 a.m. Meanwhile, the Classroom Thrift Shop, sponsored by the synagogue, is accepting donations of clothing and household items. No TVs or computers. The synagogue will be celebrating its 99th anniversary at Randi’s Restaurant on Sunday, May 5, at noon. All present and past members are welcome for a sit-down luncheon. The cost is $54 per person. Call 215-624-9130. ••

Administrative professionals workshop

Cranaleith Spiritual Center, 13475 Proctor Road, will host Hopeful Living (Fill Your Bucket) – Administrative Professionals’ Day on Friday, April 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. All administrative professionals are invited to a reflective workshop on reclaiming hope. The cost is $85, which includes lunch. Call 215-934-6206 or visit cranaleith.org. ••

A reason to celebrate during Donate Life Month

By Tom Waring Northeast Times

Somerton’s Joe DeMayo described it as “surreal” that he was standing on the Citizens Bank Park field on April 11 ready to catch the ceremonial first pitch from the Maryland woman who 10 weeks earlier donated a kidney to him.

While the Phillies were getting ready to host the Pittsburgh Pirates, DeMayo and MaryBeth Foster were meeting for the first time, appropriately, during National Donate Life Month.

DeMayo, now 44, first suffered kidney failure in 2012 and received a transplant a year later from his wife Jess. However, last year, DeMayo learned he needed another transplant after an illness and dehydration left him with acute kidney injury. He was put on the transplant waiting list while undergoing dialysis that left him drained and tired.

Meanwhile, Foster was diagnosed with nutcracker syndrome, a serious condition in which the left renal (kidney) vein is compressed, interfering with blood flow. As a way to treat her condition and simultaneously help someone else, she became an altruistic donor and volunteered to donate her kidney to someone in need.

DeMayo was a match, and the surgeries took place the same day at Temple University Hospital.

“I’m feeling great,” Foster said. “It’s been a long, long journey. I suffered for so long.”

“My numbers are really, really good,” DeMayo said.

Dr. Kenneth Chavin, who performed Foster’s surgery and assisted in DeMayo’s, also threw out a first pitch to Julian Harmon, a Temple Hospital employee and kidney recipient.

DeMayo called the transplant a “blessing.” He’s now able to walk the dog and play with his energetic 5-year-old son Kingston in the backyard without getting as tired.

“Thank you,” he told Foster. “I don’t think I could ever say it enough.”

DeMayo acknowledged it is a “huge sacrifice” to donate.

“But it’s very doable and worth it,” he said. “There’s really no reason not to. Everybody who donates is a hero.” ••

TOM WARING/TIMES PHOTOS Joe DeMayo, MaryBeth Foster. Joe, Jess and Kingston DeMayo

MaryBeth Foster, Joe DeMayo

The Phillie Phanatic high fives Joe DeMayo and MaryBeth Foster.

MaryBeth Foster, Dr. Kenneth Chavin, Joe DeMayo and Julian Harmon

PPH Is Bringing Back the Garden Party (And You’re

You’re invited to a Garden Party and Design Tour at The Philadelphia Protestant Home (PPH) on Wednesday, May 22, at 10:00 am. Enjoy spring-inspired refreshments. Then, tour the gardens, feed the koi fish and check out what is blooming in the greenhouse. From there, take a fun “insider’s tour” of stylish apartment homes at PPH. But first, join us the week before on Tuesday, May 14 at 12:00 pm for a special Lunch & Learn event called “Ted Talks Security” with former Philadelphia police officer and 20-year veteran of the PPH security team, Officer Ted! Avoid the latest scams and learn

how to safeguard yourself and your money. RSVP for one or both events. Space is limited.

A garden oasis in the Lawndale section of Northeast Philadelphia.

PPH is a non-profit Life Plan Community with one of the most affordable entrance fees in Philadelphia, with its own swimming pool and wellness center on par with a commercial health club. Plus, it hosts four dining venues and an array of amenities. It’s all securely tucked away on an expansive 13-acre campus, offering a full range

of options, including independent living, personal care, memory care, short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Our inclusive and diverse resident population is welcoming to those who identify as LGBTQ.

You’ll love this: As a non-profit, once you’re in, you’re IN. We love our residents, and it shows in all we do. We make moving to another facility unnecessary – even if you outlive your money. As a non-profit, PPH helps residents stay in the community.

What makes PPH so special?

• State-of-the-art fitness club, indoor heated pool, exercise classes

• Studio, one- or two-bedroom apartments at an excellent value

• On-site banking, gift shop, pharmacy, primary care medical practice and convenience store

• On-site dining with four different venues and menus

Join us at the Lunch & Learn or Garden Party. Are you age 62+ and considering a move? These events are for you! RSVP required. Space is limited.

Design a Bigger Life.

JOIN PPH FOR A FREE TOUR OF OUR HOMES & LUNCH EVENTS

A unique 62+ Philadelphia community where you can live as young as you feel.

Our 13-acre campus offers peace of mind and lifestyle amenities for the 62+ crowd. Enjoy a full continuum of services, dining and activities in a village-like setting with 24/7 security.

INSPIRING CLASSES AND EVENTS!

Lunch & Learn: Officer Ted Talks Security & Safety

Tuesday, May 14 || 12:00 pm || RSVP Required

Officer Ted, a former 17-year veteran of the PPD and head of security at PPH, will deliver the latest updates. In a wideranging presentation, he’ll discuss the latest scams targeting local seniors, online security and tips to stay safe that may be relevant to you. Lunch will be served.

Open House Garden & Tour of Homes

Wednesday, May 22 || 10:00 am || RSVP required

Nestled in the Lawndale neighborhood, springtime is the perfect season to tour PPH. Check out our showcase of model apartments, our design studio and our blossoming gardens.

Please RSVP to join us for an event or a private tour. Call (215) 647-0849 or visit PPHNortheastTimes.org. 6401 Martins Mill Road || Philadelphia, PA 19111

Help shelter kittens

Women’s Animal Center, 3839 Richlieu Road in Bensalem, needs dedicated kitten foster volunteers to help with bottle-feeding shelter kittens – newborn to less than 6 weeks old – and caring for them in their homes until they are ready to be adopted. Women’s Animal Center will provide a training session to help volunteers be successful foster parents as well as a foster starter kit with kitten care supplies. Foster program details and signup/application can be found at https://womensanimalcenter.org/ our-animal-shelter/foster-shelter-animal

Women’s Animal Center is also hosting a kitten shower on Thursday, April 25, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Donations of kitten supplies will be accepted, and there will be light refreshments. The kitten shower wish list is at https:// www.chewy.com/g/womens-animal-center_

b82722196 Monetary donations to help the center purchase kitten foster kits for volunteers to care for the kittens are being accepted at https://form-renderer-app. donorperfect.io/give/womens-animal-center/ foster-kitten-supplies ••

Upcoming opera performances

Amici Opera Company has several upcoming performances, starting with two performances of Debussy’s Pelleas & Melisande at United Methodist Church of the

Redeemer, 1128 Cottman Ave., on Sundays, April 28 and May 5, at 3 p.m.

Rossini’s Barber of Seville will be featured in a dinner opera on Tuesday, April 30, at 6 p.m. at La Piovra, 7901 High School Road, Elkins Park. The cost is $54.95 (tips and tax not included). BYOB. For reservations, call 215606-3800.

Call 215-224-0257 or visit the Amici Opera Company page on Facebook. ••

St. Jerome Seniors to meet

Upcoming St. Jerome Seniors meetings are on Thursdays, April 25, and May 9 and 23 in the school hall, 3031 Stamford St. Arrive by 10 a.m. Meeting begins promptly at 11. ••

Passover barbecue

Congregations of Shaare Shamayim, 9768 Verree Road, will hold its annual Passover barbecue on Thursday, April 25, at 6 p.m. Cost for adults is $28 per person. The menu is chicken, hot dogs, chips, salad, gefilte fish, fruit, cake and more. Call the CSS office, 215-677-1600, for further details or to make your reservations. ••

Free jazz concert

Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., will celebrate Jazz

Appreciation Month with a free concert on Friday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. Donations are welcome. Registration is required. Visit www.glenfoerd.org/events or call 215632-5501, Ext. 17. ••

House GOP addresses illegals

State House Republicans have introduced legislation to combat illegal immigration in Pennsylvania in response to the Biden administration’s continued failure to secure the southern border. The legislation includes bills urging Congress and the federal government to ban flights carrying illegals into the country; requiring local cooperation with ICE when an illegal squatter is identified; and banning sanctuary municipalities. Rep. Martina White has introduced legislation to require $1 million minimum bail for assaulting a law enforcement officer, which was proposed in response to the attack on New York Police Department officers by a gang of illegal immigrants earlier this year.

“My legislation to set a minimum $1 million bail for assaulting a police officer sends a clear message: Pennsylvania stands firmly against violence toward those who protect and serve our communities,” she said. “We are committed to making sure those who would harm our officers, including illegal immigrants, will face serious consequences for their actions.” ••

Clinton living up to family legacy at Franklin Towne

By Joe Mason Northeast Times

Braedyn Clinton doesn’t have to look for a hero.

He has one just about everywhere he looks.

Clinton is a senior at Franklin Towne Charter High School, and for the past two years, he’s been an All-Public selection for his play in the outfield on the Warriors baseball team.

While he seemingly came out of nowhere two years ago when he was a sophomore, he came into high school with quite the legacy.

His great-grandfather on his mom’s side played for the Philadelphia A’s.

His grandfather followed in his dad’s footsteps as a baseball player and ended up making it to Double A.

His mom was a star softball player and track star growing up.

That’s not bad for one side.

Then you have his dad, who Clinton said is still a great athlete, and helps him every day. But growing up, his dad was a football and basketball player, and according to Clinton, he was very good at both sports.

That meant when Clinton was growing up, he had no shortage of role models.

Instead of picking one to emulate, he did his best to use all of his family members as inspiration.

“Growing up, I played everything, baseball, football, basketball, everything,” said Clinton, who lives in Holmesburg. “I try to play the right way, I learned so much from watching players in the majors. But my dad always taught me to play the way I play, my great-grandfather was drafted by the Philadelphia Athletics, and my grandfather was a great player, he made the minors. If you want to get something done, take charge and be the lead.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

he’s been one of the stars of the Public League.

He might be enjoying his best season ever.

Clinton is hitting .714 with three home runs and 18 stolen bases. He also leads the team in runs (21), hits (15) and RBI (18).

“I work on everything,” Clinton said. “The competition is always getting better, so I have to do the same. I try to accept any adversity that comes and then always try to add to my skill set.

“I always try to be better. I think my strengths are that I’m one of the fastest players in the state. I’m not the biggest power hitter but I can hit one here and there. I’m more of a double, triple kind of hitter. I have a good bunt package. If I get on, I can be at third on two pitches. I have a pretty good arm, either hitting the cutoff or throwing to a base. I’ve tried to work on all aspects of my game.”

The Warriors are following his lead.

Franklin Towne is 8-1 overall, 6-1 in Public League play. The Warriors have played some of the best teams in the Public League play and are poised to make a run at the Public League championship.

“We’re putting up double-digit runs a lot, winning some games by mercy rule, and we have a great group of guys,” Clinton said. “Last year we went to the championship, we lost to Central, but a lot of the guys graduated. So we had to start over in a lot of spots. But we have some good seniors, and we have some really good younger players.

“I try to help any way I can. The biggest thing you can do is lift teammates up, make sure they stay playing as a team so we can take home that win. That’s always been what I do, ever since I was younger. Whatever team I played for, I made sure

I jelled with teammates and I always worked to become a leader. I always like keeping everyone together.”

That’s what he’s been doing at Franklin Towne, and since he stepped into the starting lineup as a sophomore,

“It’s good because we have such a good, young team. Our goal is to win the championship, when you lose, you want to get right back there. But I know this team is really good and they’re going to be great next year. We’re leaving the program in good hands.”

Braedyn Clinton is hitting over .700 for Franklin Towne Charter.

➤ Cont. from Page 14

While Clinton is focused on winning this year’s championship, his future is just as bright as the Warriors.

Next year he’ll continue his baseball career at Widener, a choice that was a no-brainer for him.

“I went there, it was a lot like Franklin Towne, everyone was a big family, everyone knew each other, there was big support from everyone,” Clinton said. “High-spirited school, great academics and great resources when you graduate for getting a job. The baseball team is great, the coach is amazing, he’ll be your coach but also an outlet. He’ll be there for you, just like at Franklin Towne.

“Business management marketing or finance minor. I’ve always been into it, making money or learning new things. No matter how far I take baseball, business is a great backup route.”

He’s ready for college, but he really hopes to go there with a plaque.

And while it would mean a lot to him, that’s not why he wants it.

“Last time they won was 10 years ago, last year we made the finals and it was great,” Clinton said. “It was huge, there was a dryspell for a while. This year I think we have a great chance and bring it back to the school. Put it in the trophy case and be proud of it.

“I want to win for Franklin Towne. I’ve made so many friends, so many I played with. I have such a good group of guys, we’re like brothers from another mother. It’s a great experience. I’ll be sad when I leave them behind but they’ll carry on the legacy.” ••

New Foundations star Cash-es in with 100 goals

Emily Cash scored her 100th goal recently for New Foundation Charter.

By Joe Mason Northeast Times

Emily Cash never has to look far to find a teammate.

Usually, she’s always right there.

Cash is a junior on the New Foundations Charter High School lacrosse team, and she has a great bond with all of her teammates.

But whenever she truly needs to rely on someone, she can just look for Ava Reis, who isn’t just a longtime friend and teammate, she’s also Cash’s stepsister.

“Everyone calls us Parent Trap sisters because we were friends and we got our parents together,” Cash, a Fox Chase native, said with a laugh. “We do everything together. We go to school together, we work together, we’re always together at home. We’re best friends. And we’re always there for each other.

“I’m lucky that I have a connection with a lot of girls on the team. Charlie Gurten, she’s on my team, too, she’s one of my connections through the whole thing, she gave me my biggest confidence boost. And with (Reis), it’s never us going by ourselves, we’re always looking for each other. I’m really lucky to be part of this team.”

They’re lucky to have her.

A soccer player her entire life, Cash began playing lacrosse when she was at LaBrum Middle School.

All it took was a few people to encourage her and she decided to give it a chance.

“All of my friends were playing, so I

thought about playing,” Cash said. “And my favorite teacher, my history teacher, was coaching. She told me I should give it a try, so I tried out and I really liked it.

“It’s been great in high school, too. I really like being on this team. Everyone works as a team and I made a lot of friends right away.”

She did have to make some changes, though.

Cash played soccer growing up, and for the Lions, she has settled into the defense for New Foundation in the fall.

She plays a completely different role on the lacrosse team, where she’s not only one of the top scorers on her team, she’s one of the top scorers in the area.

Cash recently netted her 100th career goal, which proves she’s not only a capable scorer this year, she has consistently been helping the Lions.

Not bad for a player who still has a year and a half to go in her high school career.

“Freshman year, I scored a little, but didn’t score too many goals,” said Cash, who is a captain on the team this year. “Sophomore year I started playing better and that gave me a lot more confidence.

“Everyone helped me out, my teammates, my coaches. To score, basically I gained more confidence in myself and I knew my teammates had confidence in me when they would get me the ball. Confidence is one of the biggest reasons (for my success). I stepped up as a leader and a captain, and helping other people helped me gain confidence. It might look

like I’m helping them, but the more I work with them, the more I can help someone, I have more confidence in myself.”

Though she considers herself a lacrosse player now, she knows the work she put in when playing soccer helped her a lot.

Both sports require a lot of running, so you have to be fit and have endurance. That’s never been a problem.

“It’s the same in some ways, but completely different in others,” she said. “In soccer, I’m middle defense. We have some very good scorers and offensive players who work really well together. I like being in the back, helping the defense.”

Cash is always willing to help.

Whether it’s her parents, whom she credits with helping her on and off the field, her teammates or her coworkers at her job at Steve Stein’s Famous Deli, Cash is always willing to help.

Even if it means waking up early.

We’re talking really early.

“Sometimes I’ll bake in the back, but usually it’s pricing, cutting bread and giving out bagels,” Cash said. “It’s a great job, working there for about 2½ years. They’re very lenient with my schedule since I always have games. I work weekends, usually at 5 a.m. or 6 a.m.

“It’s both about 10 minutes from my parents’ house, they both live close. Usually I wake up for school at 5:30 anyway, so I wake up every day at 5:30. I knew the schedule was lenient and my stepmom worked there when she was my age. It’s a great job, I love it.”

Almost as much as she loves what she’s doing for New Foundations.

Now that she reached the milestone, she can turn her attention to keeping the team in contention.

She is optimistic it could be a very good season.

“We’re pretty good, we won five or six games, we lost two against Perkiomen and Ryan, but we’ve looked good,” Cash said. “It’s fun, I love scrimmages and nonleague games because it’s great competition and fun working to get better, and we’re doing well in our league.

“I’m really proud of the team. We work hard and we are all together. As a leader, I try to make sure everyone is comfortable and everyone is having fun. I think it’s going great for everyone.” ••

General Employment

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City of Philadelphia Public Hearing Notice

The Joint Committees on the Environment and Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy of the Council of the City of Philadelphia will hold a Public Hearing on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 3:00 PM, in Room 400, City Hall, to hear testimony on the following item:

240172 Resolution authorizing the Committees on the Environment and Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy to hold joint hearings regarding the reliability and servicing of publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations in the City of Philadelphia.

Immediately following the public hearing, a meeting of the Joint Committees on the Environment and Global Opportunities and the Creative/Innovative Economy, open to the public, will be held to consider the action to be taken on the above listed item.

Copies of the foregoing item are available in the Office of the Chief Clerk of the Council, Room 402, City Hall.

NM-00026560

LEGAL NOTICE

Extra Space

For failure to pay rent, The following property will be auctioned ONLINE AT WWW.STORAGETREASURES.COM by competitive bidding to satisfy the owner’s lien.

Bidding shall end on Monday April 29, 2024 @ 11am

The winning bidder shall consummate the sale and the property will be sold at Snapbox Self Storage (1 Franklin Mills Blvd Philadelphia Pa 19154)

CASH ONLY, UNIT/ITEMS SOLD AS IS:

Abraham Sirleaf- 3033

Jennifer Pimpinella- 8105

Joyce Larbiah- 6041

April Paige- 8014

Brian McDonnell-3036

Nikki Caldwell-4062

Stephan Mercado-2039

Ivan ortiz- 1234

Jose Torres- 2047