Philadelphia Daily Record

Vol. II No. 39 (199)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

April 7, 2011

Philadelphia Daily Record

Pa. Not In Good Health

STATE SEN. MIKE STACK urges resumption of adultBasic health coverage for 40,000 low-income working Pennsylvanians, since research by Penna. Auditor Gen. Jack Wagner, right, has proven funding exists for it. Stack’s colleague Larry Farnese joins in support.

Sens. Stack, Farnese And AG Wagner Warn Of Fallout From AdultBasic’s Demise State Sens. Mike Stack (D-Northeast) and Larry Farnese (D-S. Phila.) warned Philadelphia the end of the State-run adultBasic health plan will have a direct impact on City health services.

“I’m deeply concerned,” Stack said, speaking in City Hall yesterday. “As the State and City budget deadlines near, we will have to account for a new group of uninsured Philadelphians who will need access to City health services and hospitals.”

Pennsylvania’s adultBasic program, which provided low-cost health care to working Pennsylvanians who made too much to qualify for Medical Assistance, ended on Feb. 28 due to a lack of funding.

More than 6,700 Philadelphians lost their adultBasic coverage, including more than 1,400 from Stack’s Northeast Philadelphia Dist., which had the secondhighest number of recipients in the state.

Until the health exchange is implemented under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2014, former adultBasic recipients have few options.

“It’s a disgrace good hard-working people right here in this city, and across the state, are worried because they can’t afford to be sick,” said State Sen. Larry Farnese. “AdultBasic is a vital program that we absolutely must bring back.”

“If adultBasic truly disappears, we will all feel the burden,” Stack said. “Many of these men and women cannot afford the Blues’ Special Care program, so they’re going to turn to city health centers.”

In fact, so far only 7,900 former AdultBasic customers — just 21% — have signed up for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Special Care programs.

“The waiting list for a new patient appointment at a City health center averages 60 days,” Stack said. “I 2|

understand that the longest waits are for folks from Northeast Philadelphia.”

These individuals may simply turn to the emergency room for medical care. Locally, Aria Health said it anticipates seeing more bad debt from patients for services, or these patients will simply wait until an ailment requires emergency care.

“We already know our ERs are crowded, in part, because of uninsured patients,” Stack said. “This probable influx of patients will place further burden on doctors, nurses, and the taxpayers who must make up the cost of treating the uninsured.”

Aria supports an opportunity to redesignate a portion of the tobacco-settlement funds, which were the original source for adultBasic.

Auditor Gen. Jack Wagner stated these funds, which average $450 million a year and will last until 2025, were originally mandated solely for health services for Pennsylvanians, among them adultBasic insurance. However, starting in 2005, a legislative maneuver began to divert these funds to the General Fund for non-health programs. Gov. Tom Corbett, said Wagner, is proposing to take $200 million of tobaccosettlement funds to give loans to businesses instead.

In the meantime, Wagner noted, 700 Pennsylvanians a day die from lack of health insurance. Half of all personal bankruptcies are caused by health-care costs.

To remedy this situation, Stack has authored legislation (SB 420) would allocate the General Assembly’s $189 million surplus to fund operating expenses for AdultBasic through April 2012, assuming expenses remain at $14 million a month.

“It’s a dangerous risk to be without health insurance.

And it’s a risk no person should have to take,” Stack said. “I will not let adultBasic fade away.”

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Keystone Destines Teddy Bears For Hospice TRADITION of giving out teddy bears to cancer youngsters by George Fund at Keystone Hospice continues with delivery of 100 teddy bears to Hospice by American Cancer Society from its Daffodil Days Campaign funds. In photo are Rosemary Twomey, Keystone Hospice in Wyndmoor; vounteer Laura Maxell; Jamie Gold; Julia Maxwell, founder of Keystone Hospice and CEO; Gail Inderwies; and Samantha Maxwell. Photo by Bonnie Squires

Environmentalists Slam Casey’s Vote As ‘Polluting’ Hours after a protest outside his office telling Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) not to vote for an industry-backed bill that would increase pollution and make vulnerable Pennsylvanians sick, he did just that. Casey voted yesterday for legislation which sought to limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to enforce the Clean Air Act – our strongest air-quality safeguard.

Representatives of environmental groups including Energy Action Coalition, Greenpeace, Sierra Club, and Clean Air Council brought signs and bullhorns to Casey’s Philadelphia office earlier in the day. Despite that, Casey was one of only seven Senators to vote in favor of the amendment, which ultimately was not passed.

“Today, Bob Casey sided with big business, opening the floodgates for corporations to increase the amount of pollution they unleash upon Pennsylvanians. More people would die each year directly as a result of the amendment Casey voted for had it passed,” announced Greenpeace organizer Myriam Fallon.

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Pennsylvania has more than 30 power plants. About 1,350 Pennsylvanians die each year from pollution according to the Clean Air Task Force. Nationwide, power-plant pollution causes more than 550,000 asthma attacks annually. Children, pregnant women, seniors and poor people suffer disproportionately from air pollution.

“His vote would literally make us ill. When politicians are in bed with big polluters, our democracy is sick, and so are we. It’s time to hold politicians accountable and strengthen environmental safeguards that keep us healthy,” said William Kramer of the Sierra Club.

“It’s clear the Senator is ready to hurt Pennsylvanians, especially those most vulnerable, to appease big business. We need to build environmental and social movements strong enough to make our politicians listen to us over the corporate polluters who have millions to give in campaign contributions,” said Jeff Rousset of the Energy Action Coalition.

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Josephs’ New Bill Would Ban Gifts State Rep. Babette Josephs (D-S. Phila.) has introduced legislation that would impose a gift ban for public officials.

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The measure (HB 1299) would ban any gift for a public official or a candidate for public office valued more than $25. It also would prohibit any form of hospitality, including transportation and lodging, whose fair market value or combined value exceeds $500 a year.

“Under current law, special interests have few limitations on the

type and amount of gifts they can lavish on elected officials in Pennsylvania,” Josephs said.

Josephs’ legislation also would require public officials and candidates to file a statement of financial interest that includes the source of any gift of goods or hospitality valued at more than $250 a year.

The bill has been referred to the House State Government Committee, on which Josephs serves as Democratic chairwoman.

Mayor Quits RDA Board, Names New Members Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced the appointment of Wendell Pritchett as chair of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority board. The Mayor will resign from the board effective immediately and has appointed Denise Joy Smyler to fill the remainder of his two-year term, which expires on Mar. 28, 2013.

He has also appointed Anuj Gupta to complete a five-year term on the board, which will expire on Mar. 28, 2016. He will fill the seat formerly held by board member Asia Coney.

development. Under the leadership of Terry Gillen, we received the fourth-largest NSP grant in the nation providing community development opportunities across the city, we vastly improved the RDA’s transparency and accountability, and during a recession, we provided planning and development support. Now, with Ed Covington leading this high-performing agency, the RDA will continue to grow and support our efforts to create jobs and affordable housing throughout the city,” said Nutter.

“Over the past three years, the RDA has made tremendous strides to make Philadelphia’s housing more equitable by driving innovative planning decisions and playing a critical role in economic

Pritchett added, “It has been an honor to serve on the RDA Board under the leadership of Mayor Nutter over the past three years. I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Philadelphia

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The Philadelphia Public Record Calendar Apr. 7-

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Oak Lane Team introduces primary Democrat candidates to residents of York House, 5325 Old York Rd., 6-8 p.m.

State Rep. Rosita Youngblood sponsors Career Fair at 1st Presbyterian Ch., 35 W. Chelten Ave., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For info Dayne Cofer (215) 849-6426.

Fundraiser for Jewell Williams for Sheriff at Dockside Condos Community Rm., 717 S. Columbus Blvd., 6-9 p.m. Catered by Kozy Kitchen. Contributions $50-$1,000. For info and to RSVP (267) 351-0709.

Join Jerry Blavat “Geater with the Heater” at Beef & Beer for Common Pleas judicial candidate Fran Shields at Emerald Rm. of Sprinkler Fitters Union Ha., 14002 McNulty Rd., 7 p.m.-12.a.m. $45 per person, $80 per couple. For info Wayne Miller (215) 671-1692 or Tony Yanni (610) 8251121. Send contributions to Committee to Elect Fran Shields, Constitution Place, Suite #515, 325 Chestnut St., Phila., PA 19106-2614.

Mark Squilla for 1st Dist. Council Fundraiser at Shooting Stars Club, 1931 S. 3rd St., 7 p.m. Tickets $30. For info Josh Cohen (267) 290-8836.

State Rep. Cherelle Parker hosts College Fair at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Ch., Family Life Ctr., 2800 W. Cheltenham Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration not required. For info (215)

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8th Council Dist. candidate Suzanne Carns holds office grand opening at 2015 N. 29th St., 2-5 p.m. For info (267) 334-3916.

Democrat 42nd Ward Candidates Night at Local 6 Bakery Hall, 5416 Rising Sun Ave. (enter on Lima St. through parking lot), 7-11 p.m. Music, food, dancing. Tickets $20, $25 at door. For info Elaine Tomlin (215) 457-4024.

7th Ward Democrats host Candidates

Apr. 14-

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Night at Palladium Night Club, 229 W. Allegheny Ave., 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Tickets $25. Includes buffet, beer, soda. For info Carol (215) 360-1524.

Fundraiser for 2nd Council Dist. candidate Barbara Capozzi at La Stanza, 2001 Oregon Ave., 5-7 p.m. Portion goes to Pa. Breast Cancer Coalition.

Sponsor $200, Guest $75. For info Stacey Goldman (267) 888-6045.

Fundraiser for City Commissioner Joseph Duda at Phila. Quartet C. C., 1075 Southampton Rd., 6-8 p.m.

Ticket $250. For info Republican City Committee (215) 561-0650.

S. Phila. Business Ass’n hosts candidates at Waterfall Rm., 2015 Water St., 6:30-9:30 p.m. Open bar, buffet. Ticket $35. For reservations Reggie Lozzi (215) 336-1108.

Grand opening of new 180th Dist. Office of State Rep. Angel Cruz, 3501 B St. in Mall.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Awards Ceremony at Finnigan’s Wake, 3rd & Spring Garden Sts., 6-9 p.m. Tickets $25. For info Mike Callahan (215) 983-7224.

World Trade Ass’n of Phila. fundraiser for Autism Speaks, honoring 2011 Company of Year, at Cescaphé Ballroom, 923 N. 2nd St., Reception 6 p.m., dinner 7 p.m. Ticket $100. Call Deborah Ingravallo for information at 1 (856) 642-3957.

Fundraiser for Derrick Coker, candidate for MC Judge, at Café Santa Domingo, 3547 N. 5th St., 5:30-8:30 p.m. For info call Iliana Renoso, 215740-5273.

Fundraiser for Jeff Hornstein, candidate for 1st Council Dist., at AFSCME/Dist. 1199C Hall, 1319 Locust St. Hosted by Marty Tuzman, DC 47’s Cathy Scott and Rita Urwitz, and Wayne MacManiman, Jr., SEIU Local 32BJ. RSVP Dave O’Hara (257) 6031480 or Dave@jeffhornstein.org. |

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and to lead a board that has such a vital impact on the city’s ongoing economic development.”

Since the beginning of Nutter’s term, the RDA has helped lead the City’s ongoing efforts to stabilize neighborhoods following the economic recession. The RDA manages the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which, through a $44 grant from the US Dept. of Housing & Urban Development, reduced blight, provided construction jobs, improved access to housing and helped small businesses. The RDA also created a website that publishes a list of all RDA properties available for sale and began to enforce development agreements on land previously owned by the agency.

Pritchett will resign as president of the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp. board. Nutter will appoint Ed Covington, current executive director of the RDA, as his designee on the board, a move that makes Covington the president of this board. PHDC serves

low- and moderate-income Philadelphians by collaborating with Community Development Corporations to develop new housing and rehabilitate existing homes.

of staff for Nutter.

Using American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds, PHDC will weatherize and provide energy-efficiency improvements to 2,000 occupied, existing homes.

Gupta is currently executive director of Mt. Airy, USA, a community-development corporation in Northwest Philadelphia focused on commercial and residential real-estate development and rehabilitation, commercial-corridor revitalization and housing counseling. Prior to assuming this position in November, he served in Nutter’s Administration as chief of staff/deputy commissioner in the Dept. of Licenses & Inspections and as a deputy to the managing director. Gupta has a juris doctorate and masters of governmental administration from Penn.

Pritchett is currently the Chancellor of Rutgers University-Camden, one of the three campuses of Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. He serves as CEO of the campus, which has approximately 6,300 students and a budget of about $60 million. He previously served as professor of law at the University of Pennsylvania and as director of policy and deputy chief

Smyler is a founding partner of The Smyler Firm, a Philadelphiabased law firm that concentrates in municipal-finance matters and civil-defense litigation. She formerly served as deputy city solicitor and chief legal counsel to the Philadelphia Police Commissioner during the Rendell Administration.

Smyler has a juris doctorate from Georgetown University.

“PHDC is a tremendous organization which works toward the same goals and objectives as the RDA and has a strong relationship with our city’s communities,” said Covington.

City Launches Campaign To Cut Youth STDs Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced the winning design for the City of Philadelphia’s custom-labeled condom wrapper, which is making its debut across the city to promote safer sex and address the rise in sexually transmitted diseases among Philadelphia’s youth.

Over 100 designs were submitted in response to the Dept. of Public Health’s condom-wrapper design contest. From among five finalists chosen by an expert panel, Michael Bodenberger’s design, The Freedom Condom, was selected as the winner by an online vote held on www.philly.com.

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Philadelphia has one of the highest rates of STDs among comparable cities, with African Americans and adolescents being disproportionately affected.

The rate for gonorrhea and chlamydia among Black adolescents is 33 times that for white adolescents.

Over 19,000 cases of chlamydia were reported in 2010, with approximately 45% of those cases occurring in youths between the ages of 10 and 19 years and 33% occurring in young adults aged 20-24 years.

“Philadelphia has the highest number of youth who have been sexually active. Yet we have one of the lowest numbers of youth who report using a con-

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dom,” said Commissioner Dr. Donald Schwarz. “This growing problem poses a clear danger to the future health and welfare of our City. We must do all we can to provide Philadelphians with the information and resources to protect themselves and their families.”

According to the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 37% of sexually active Philadelphia high-school students did not use a condom during their last sexual encounter. In response to this pressing issue, DPH’s

STD Control Program sponsored a custom-labeled condom-art contest to spark interest and encourage use among youth. The new condom will be distributed at more than 100 sites across the city in order to increase the availability and accessibility of free condoms. These sites include community-based organizations, churches, corner stores, beauty salons, bookstores, health centers and fifteen new teenfriendly locations.

Waters, Brown To Hold Info Meeting On Rate-Cap End State Reps. Ronald Waters and Vanessa Lowery Brown (both D-W. Phila.) will hold an informational meeting for district residents on the expiration of electricity rate caps, electric choice and how to shop for an electricity supplier.

4700 Wyalusing Avenue.

The event will have free, light refreshments. Free energy-saving kits will be available for constituents.

The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. tonight, Apr. 7 at Sister Clara Muhammad School,

Paulmier Snags 2 Endorsements In The 8th The Greg Paulmier campaign for the 8th Dist. City Council seat received two major endorsements

this week. Chestnut Hill Residents Association chose Greg as their candidate and the Americans for

Democratic Action Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter have decided to endorse him as well.

Firefighters Mobilize For Savage Danny Savage, a candidate for the 7th Councilmanic Dist., has won the endorsement of Philadelphia’s Firefighter’s Union, Local 22, in his campaign to recapture the seat he held in 2006 and 2007. Today’s endorsement is yet another sign of his growing momentum with just under six weeks remaining before the primary.

In a recent op-ed, Savage spoke out against the rolling closures of fire stations that save few funds,

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but risk lives.“I understand our City is facing unprecedented budget burdens, but we cannot afford to cut the life-saving services our citizens depend upon.

When the policy began, the goal was to shave $3.8 million in overtime from our budget. However, Mayor Nutter’s recent budget restored $2.6 million in overtime funding. If we have restored 70% of our overtime budget, why can’t we at least restore the funds cut for our fire stations?”

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Great Principals Get Their Just Rewards MS. YOLANDA ARMSTRONG of Pepper MS in S.W. Phila. was one of seven School District principles to receive Lindback Foundation’s new Distinguished Principle Leadership Award at Prince Music Theater yesterday evening.

Congratulating recipients were School Reform Commission Chairman Robert Archie, Superintendent Dr. Arlene Ackerman, Lindback Foundation Trustee Sheldon Bonovitz, State Rep. Dwight Evans, among others.

EACH PRINCIPAL received $10,000 award from Lindback Foundation. Dr. Sheldon Pavel of Central HS, another recipient, now in his 27th year of service, vowed to plow his grant into his school’s resources.

Other recipients were Mr. Charles Connor of Decatur ES, Ms. Patricia Epps of Forrest ES, Mr. David Kipphut of Swenson Arts & Technology HS, Dr. Charles Staniskis of Franklin Learning Center and Ms. Darlene Vaughn of Stearne ES. 8|

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Filmmakers Will Honor Bonnie Squires seven years of the Young/New Filmmakers Festival, Bonnie chaired the event, often selecting the films, creating an Honorary Committee and lining up elected officials and CEOs, etc. Several of the films she selected, like Barak Goldman’s The Scottsboro Boys, went on to be nominated for an Academy Award. A few times she also arranged for the New Filmmakers premieres to be held at the Prince Theater.

Bonnie Squires, contributing editor of the Public Record, will be honored Saturday night, Apr. 9, at the Gershman Y in Center City at the New Filmmakers Festival.

She served for 25 years as vice chair of the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival and, for the first

Bonnie chaired the 80th anniversary committee for the Gershman Y for that entire year, making the film festival opening the kickoff event for the year-long series of happenings, including selecting the opening-night film; having Peter Coyote, the star, appear; having the French ambassador to the US

speak; arranging a donated dinner for 60 patrons at the Doubletree Hotel; and raising $30,000 in order to hold the year-long series of events, which included the appearance of a Pulitzer-prize-winning poet, C.K. Williams, her former teacher at the Y. She also enlisted the artist Sam Maitin to create the logo for the year-long celebration Around the Y in 80 Years.

Most recently, Bonnie co-chaired the 30th anniversary of the film festival, arranging for State Rep. Jim Roebuck (D-W. Phila.) to present a citation from the legislature.

And she has always donated her formidable public-relations expertise to promoting films and programs at the Gershman Y, also serving for several years on its board.

Perrier Gets Franco-American Award For Vision

by Nathan Lerner The inaugural Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts will be inspired by Paris during the seminal years of 1910 to 1920. A panoply of events, driven by food and fashion, will import the tastes and styles of the City of Lights to our own City of Brotherly Love.

Given its Francophilic panache, who would be the obvious choice for the festival’s first annual Culinary Visionary Award? During his four decades in Philadelphia, Georges Perrier has achieved international acclaim as the chef and proprietor of Le Bec-Fin. The opening night gala at the Kimmel Center will honor the Lyon native 6 APRIL, 2011

for his contributions, both to the local culinary culture as well as his accomplishments as a regional member of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France (Master Chefs of France).

Perrier said, “I am overwhelmed by receiving this award from PIFA because it is recognizing my involvement with our city and its exciting culinary scene.”

Perrier recounted his initiation into the local restaurant scene, “I was 23 when I first came to America and started my work in Philadelphia. Peter Van Stork was preparing to open La Panetière and hired me to be the opening chef. I just THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

continued to stay because I fell in love with Philadelphia.”Perrier indicated, “I do consider myself to be an ambassador for French cuisine as I was the one, who first brought this type of cooking to Philadelphia. I feel my continued |

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work expresses that.”

According to Perrier, he also performs a reciprocal role in promoting Philadelphia.

“When I have the chance to visit France, I am always talking about the treasures we have here — the Kimmel Center, the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Academy of Music.” He noted, “I brag about the great culinary talent — our ethnic restaurants, and the bright cooking stars we have here as well.”

Perrier reflected on how public tastes in food have evolved over the years. “I think people are more aware of what they are eating today and want to be educated about what is on the plate. My executive chef, Nicolas Elmi, uses

lighter sauces with less butter and less cream than I used to do. I still make all the sauces, but I listen to him when he tells me ‘not so much butter.’ We try to be sure that on the plate if one thing has some butter, then we make sure to use just pure ingredients for the rest of the preparation.”

As part of the festival, acclaimed chefs from Paris and Lyon will be matched with chefs from some of our own local restaurants as they undertake collaborative ventures.

Perrier elected to be paired with renowned chef Mathieu Viennay.

“I chose him as I know his style and have eaten at his two-star Michelin restaurant, La Mere Brazier, in my hometown of Lyon. It will be fun to have two chefs from Lyon in the same kitchen working on a fabulous meal.”

Perrier is scheduled to open a new bakery, The Art of Bread, in Narberth. Perrier explained, “We will be serving breakfast pastries, light fare — salads, sandwiches, coffee, cakes, and of course bread.”He clarified, “My Le Bec-Fin executive pastry chef, Cedric Barberet, will be making all the pastries in our pastry kitchen at the restaurant.

The bread will be made on site so that it is always fresh.” Perrier predicted, “This will be a place where you can pick up things to go — birthday cakes or order your wedding or special occasion cake.”

PIFA begins today and will run until May 1. For further information, call (215) 790-5800 or visit www.pifa.org.

Help Japan This Weekend If you’re like most of us, you’ve watched the recent events in Japan with a mixture of shock, sympathy and admiration.

This weekend, you can turn those emotions into tangible support by attending Sakura Sunday at Fairmount Park (by the Horticultural Center). This event is the capstone of the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival, and donations will be collected for the Philadelphia Japan Disaster Relief Fund.

Come out and enjoy a full-scale festival day this Sunday, Apr. 10, from 10:30 a.m. till 4 p.m.

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Speaking In Tongues Offers Suspenseful Fugue at Walnut St. Theatre

by Adam Taxin Speaking in Tongues, a psychological thriller written by Andrew Bovell, will be appealing to theatergoers who appreciate edge-ofseat suspense wrapped in a complicatedly unraveling plot. The play opened last Thursday in Walnut Street Theatre’s Independence Studio on 3 and runs through Sunday, Apr. 17.

Like The 39 Steps, the WST’s current Mainstage production, Speaking in Tongues features actors playing multiple roles. (In this case, two men and two women play seven characters … a far cry

from the approximately 150 characters portrayed by the four performers in The 39 Steps.)

The play reveals its fugue-like nature immediately in an engaging opening, involving two simultaneous bar scenes in which two different couples are spontaneously contemplating adulterous affairs.

As the story develops, three stories are revealed which touch on issues such as deteriorating connection within marriage, irrational fear of strange men and the negative consequences of decisions, including the decision to try to be a Good Samaritan.

Beyond the mystery, the play provides insight into relationships and love. I found the portion of the dialogue which alluded to the psychological effect of childlessness particularly touching. (Interestingly, this theme is also a part of the two plays I saw yesterday: The Master Builder at People’s Light & Theatre Co. in Malvern and The Pride of Parnell Street in Ambler.)

The cast consists of Ian Merrill Peakes (Pete/Neil Toohey/John Knox), Karen Peakes (Jane/Sarah Perkins), Susan Riley Stevens (Sonja Zat/Valerie Somers) and William Zielinski (Leon Zat/Nick Robson). In recent months, Zielinski has been featured in The Lieutenant of Inishmore and Shining City, both at Theatre Exile.

The play is directed by John Peakes, a veteran of WST as both a director (Travels With My Aunt) and actor (Oliver, 42nd Street, State Fair). Here, Peakes is directing both his son and daughter-inlaw.

Audiences should be aware the way the characters ultimately connect, which involves a few flashbacks, can be a bit confusing. Pay close attention throughout, therefore.

Adam Taxin can best be reached at adamtaxin@gmail.com and via Facebook.

IAN MERRILL PEAKES, Karen Peakes, Susan Riley Stevens and William Zielinski in Speaking In Tongues.

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SHERRI XANTHOPOULOS RUSSO will be representing Collegeville, Pa. in pageant.