Daily Record

Vol. II No. 81 (241)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

June 13, 2011

Philadelphia Daily Record

Pitching To Voters

PENNA. AUDITOR GENERAL JACK WAGNER threw out first ball at Phila.

Phillies’ home game this weekend.

Meat & Deli Prego Pizzelle Baker $29.99 $39.99 Uno Panini Grill

2024 S. 10th St Philadelphia PA 19148

215-468-5363

When You Want Your Roof To Be Done Right The First Time

215-464-6425

CANDIDATES • POLITICIANS News You Can Use! Boost Your Popularity, Win On Election Day! Tell Your Constituents To Read About All the Work You Do For Them On the

Philadelphiadailyrecord.com Email them a copy of this Publication!

The Philadelphia Public Record Calendar Jun. 17Annual Health Tech graduation at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, 3601 A St., 10 a.m.

Funded by Kal & Lucille Rudman Foundation. RSVP Barbara A. Liccio (215) 427-5398.

Jun. 18Judge Tom Gehret’s Municipal Court Party a the Shore, 3 to 7 p.m. 401 W. Pine Av. North Wildwood, NJ. RSVP 215-873-1`55 or email JudgeTGehret@aol.com Jun. 25Senator Anthony Williams will host a Family Fun and Food day at free cookout at Stinger Square, 32nd and Reed St., from 11am to 4pm. For information call 215492-2980.

Jun. 29PRO-ACT 2-hr. workshop on “How to Talk to Your Legislators

& Get Them to Hear You, ” at 6 p.m. at PRO-ACT Recovery Training Ctr., 444 N. 3rd St., Suite 307. Again on Sat., Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. at the same location. Free.

Call William Webb (215) 9231661.

Jun. 29Montgomery, McCracken, et al, invite all to portrait presentation of Honorable Judge Gene D. Cohen at 4 p.m. in Room 653 City Hall. Reception follows in Conversation Hall, 2nd Floor, City Hall. RSVP Stephanie Redding 215-772-7260.

Jul. 10Benefit for Women Veterans hosted by Cathy Santos at Mom’s Kitchen Table Garden Courtyard, 2317 Ridge Ave., 4-9 p. m. For info Cathy Santos (215) 8344228.

LIVE AUCTIONS EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 5PM (Preview 3PM) LIVE AUCTIONS EVERY SATURDAY AT 11AM (Preview 9AM) LIVE INTERNET AUCTION EVERY SATURDAY AT 4PM AT:

www.capitalautoauctions.com To Register & To Bid 3 BIG SALES WEEKLY

Translation/Interpretation Arabic, Hebrew, English, French For more information, call William Hanna

267-808-0287

2|

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

13 JUNE, 2011

Gov. Corbett Increased State Spending For Public Education Republican Party of Pennsylvania Executive Director Mike Barley released the following statement in support of Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget proposal.

“Pennsylvania finances were headed towards the same turmoil as our federal government’s, where President Obama’s massive spending has resulted in nearly double-digit unemployment and has threatened to bankrupt our future,” Barley said. “We elected fiscally responsible leaders, like Gov. Tom Corbett, who are willing to make the tough decisions to restore fiscal responsibility to our Commonwealth.

“Let’s not forget Gov. Corbett inherited a $4 billion budget deficit and was forced to make the tough, but necessary, decisions to get our state back on the right track. However, recognizing the importance of investing in Pennsylvania’s youth, Gov. Corbett actually redirected more Pennsylvania dollars towards basic education funding than his predecessor, restoring State government’s share of basic education funding to its pre-stimulus levels.

“In stark contrast to the past eight years, Gov. Cor-

bett’s budget is a breath of fresh air that confronts our spending problem without one-time gimmicks and puts Pennsylvania on the road towards prosperity.

The Republican Party of Pennsylvania wholeheartedly supports Gov. Tom Corbett and his mission to get our Commonwealth back on the path towards fiscal solvency.

“According to updated figures from the Commonwealth Foundation, public-school fund balances grew to just over $3 billion. School reserves increased 13% over last year and 157% since 1996-97.

“According to the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education, since 2000, public-school staffing has increased while enrollment has decreased. Enrollment has decreased by 26,960 while schools have hired 32,937 more staff members.

“Additionally, K-12 spending has continued to grow at an out-of-control rate. Pennsylvania’s education spending increased from $4 billion in 1980 to more than $25 billion in 2009 – a 133% increase in per-student spending, after adjusting for inflation.

3,848 Area Nonprofits Lose Tax-Exempt Status The Internal Revenue Service has revoked the tax-exempt status of 275,000 nonprofit organizations that failed to file legally required Form 990s, which report on revenue and expenses, for three consecutive years.

Of these, 3,848 are based in southeastern Pennsylvania, reports the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. About 39% (1,254) have addresses in Philadelphia.

The number of organizations whose status was revoked represents roughly 14% of the total number of registered charities, the Chronicle of Philanthropy reports.

13 JUNE, 2011

Many of the groups that lost their exemptions are charities, and donors to those organizations cannot claim a charitable deduction for gifts to the groups after the IRS makes the list official.

On its website, the IRS said it believes “the vast majority of these organizations are defunct.” The agency is offering guidance for groups that are still operating and wish to apply for reinstatement, as well as transition relief for small organizations — those with annual revenues of $50,000 or less for 2010 — to allow them to regain their tax-exempt status retroactive to the date of revocation.

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Several well-established groups have expressed concern about the publication of the list, claiming that they have filed their paperwork. Others have complained that they are national networks with local affiliates and chapters, some of which may not have filed the paperwork, but that their national fundraising will be compromised because of confusion among donors.

In Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Housing Authority Development Corp. lost its exemption. PHADC has been at the center of a controversy over federal funding diverted to the nonprofit by ousted PHA Director Carl Greene. |

3

The Southeastern Pennsylvania list shows a high number of fraternities and sororities, groups affiliated with labor unions, and membership social organizations such as the American Legion, the Hibernians, and Knights of Columbus.

The IRS acted under the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which for the first time

imposed a filing requirement on small organizations. The legislation also automatically revokes the tax-exempt status of any organization that does not file an annual information return or notice for three consecutive years. Gifts or donations made to any organization on the revocation list prior to the publication of the list remain tax-deductible.

Since the legislation was enacted, the IRS has taken a number of steps to inform organizations of the changes, including mailing more than a million notices, publishing a list of at-risk groups, and offering smaller organizations an additional five months to comply.

Mayor, City’s Partners Launch Computer Program At Rec Ctr. Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the City’s partners launched the “Freedom Rings Partnership” at today’s opening of the Happy Hollow Recreation Center Computing Center. The opening of this location is one of 77 public computer centers opening across the City and providing digital literacy and workforce training opportunities.

The “Freedom Rings Partnership” will create 177 full-time and part-time jobs. The 77 locations will be at new computer centers and expanded, existing computer centers, including 19 recreation centers, 29 community-based organization sites working with high-risk populations, 10 homeless shelters,15 other affordable housing sites and four mobile labs that will reach communities lacking space or the capacity to house a computer center.

The following organizations will also participate in the “Freedom Rings Partnership”: Youth Outreach Adolescent Community Awareness Project, Philadelphia Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc., One Day At A Time, Drexel University, Free Library of Philadelphia, Dept. of Parks & Recreation, People’s Emergency Center, Media Mobilizing Project, National Comprehensive Center for Fathers, Rutgers University, New America Foundation and Tenant Support Services, Inc. “Computer literacy is absolutely essential to participate in the 21st-century economy. The Freedom Rings Partnership is an innovative and timely coalition that will serve Philadelphians in the years to come,” said the Mayor Nutter.

4|

A breakdown of the $25 million initiative, which is funded through the Federal American Recovery Reinvestment Act’s Broadband Technology Opportunity Program, is as follows: A $6.4 million Public Computing Centers Award provided to the City.

An $11.8 million Sustainable Broadband Adoption Award to the Urban Affairs Coalition, the lead partnering organization. $3.3 million in matching funds provided by the City and other grant sub-recipients. $3.6 million in matching funds provided by the Urban Affairs Coalition and grant sub-recipients.

“This collaborative partnership expands our programmatic offerings at facilities, it helps to connects communities and neighborhoods, and increases opportunities for people of all ages to take advantage of technology,” said Michael DiBerardinis, Deputy Mayor for Environmental & Community Resources.

In addition to the services that will be provided at citywide computer centers, the “Freedom Rings Partnership” will encourage Philadelphians to “get connected” to technology in their homes. The participating partners expect to serve approximately 15,000 people per year and through a citywide awareness campaign, more than 100,000 households are expected to receive information about the importance of broadband technology. According to John S. & James L. Knight Foundation and Census data, approximately 41% of Philadelphians do not have access to internet service.

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

10 JUNE, 2011

Citywide computing centers are scheduled to open from Spring through Summer of 2011. To learn about upcoming openings, the public is invited to call the

Freedom Rings Partnership Hotline at (215) 8511990, call 3-1-1 or visit http://www.freedomringspartnership.com/.

‘Let’s Read! Let’s Move!’ Starts Summer Service For Youths Mayor Michael A. Nutter addressed community members, health advocates and volunteers on Saturday afternoon at the launch of the City’s 2nd annual “Let’s Read!

Let’s Move! Philadelphia” Summer Service Challenge.

“In Philadelphia, we share the passion that First Lady Michelle Obama has for encouraging young people to exercising their bodies and their minds all year long,” said Nutter. “This message is especially important during the summer months when the support of adult mentors can make all the difference for young people as they read and exercise while away from school.”

Mayor Nutter emphasized the opportunities for children and families to stay physically and mentally fit through summer programs offered at all 54 branches of the Free Library of Philadelphia and across the City’s vast network of parks and recreation facilities. Immediately following the Mayor’s remarks, the community participated in a family friendly fitness session led by Takiyah Gettys of True Life Solutions, LLC.

bat childhood obesity and summer reading loss by engaging youth in summer reading and physical activity, as well as by providing access to healthy, affordable food.

The initiative, now in its second summer, is a nationwide effort led by the Corp. for National & Community Service in collaboration with First Lady Michelle Obama and five federal agencies – US Dept. of Education, Dept. of Interior, Dept. of Health & Human Services, Dept. of Agriculture, and Institute of Museums & Libraries.

The Let’s Read! Let’s Move!

Philadelphia steering committee is led by the Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement & Volunteer Service and includes representatives from the following organizations: Students Run Philly Style, the Corporation for National and Community Service, Dollar Boyz, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Philadelphia Free Library, Playworks, uGO: A Community Wellness Venture, and Urban Blazers.

For more information, visit www.SERVEPhiladelphia.com and

look for the “Let’s Read! Let’s Move!

Philadelphia” logo.

Let’s Read! Let’s Move! is a national initiative that seeks to com-

10 JUNE, 2011

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

|

5

Alex’s Lemonade Stand To Hold Funder termination to make a difference in the lives of others that inspired such success. Alex was battling her own cancer, but I think it was seeing her friends go through similar trials that sprung her into action.”

Reprinted from Montgomery Media

Scott told me, “She inspired many to take up her cause, and as word spread of what one sick child was doing to help others, the public outpouring of support was nothing short of miraculous. It was Alex’s determination and knowledge that she could make a difference that inspired the public and still does to this day.” Scott said, “We are honored to be able to continue what she started, and we hope to be able to achieve her dream — a cure for all kids with cancer.”

AT LAST YEAR’S Great Chefs Event fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Liz Scott is joined by Chef Jose Garces, one of the participants. This year’s Great Chefs Event will again take place at the Urban Outfitters at the Navy Yard, on Tuesday, Jun. 14. Photo courtesy of Philip Gabriel Photography

by Nathan Lerner Even the most hard-hearted curmudgeon would be touched by the inspirational story of Alex Scott. In 2000, Alex, then flour years old and suffering from cancer, conjured up the idea of setting up a lemonade stand to raise money to fund research into pediatric cancer. Despite her deteriorating condition, Alex continued her efforts until her death four years later.

Her example spawned thousands of lemonade stands across the country. To date, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation has raised a mind-boggling – $40 million to battle childhood cancer research. This has helped fund more than 200 research projects at leading hospitals and institutions across the country.

Alex’s mother, Liz Scott, serves as VP of outreach & communications for the Wynnewood-based foundation. She recounted, “When I think back to the early days of the lemonade stand, I think it was Alex’s de6|

Augmenting the familiar lemonade stands, the upcoming Great Chefs event provides another way of raising funds for the foundation. According to Scott, the event is the brainchild of Jeff Benjamin and Marc Vetri, who co-own three of Philadelphia’s most acclaimed restaurants — Vetri, Osteria and Amis. For three years, N. Broad Street in front of Osteria was closed down. The restaurant itself, augmented by the appropriated space outside, served as the event venue.

As the turnout had progressively burgeoned, the Great Chefs event needed a more commodious space.

Last year, Urban Outfitters volunteered its venue at the Navy Yard.

Scott noted, “We loved the space and atmosphere of Osteria, but thanks to the amazing work of Jeff Benjamin and Marc Vetri, we simply outgrew the space.”

She continued, “The new venue allows for more people to support the cause and experience the wonderful food served by culinary greats.”

Scott claimed, “The amazing thing about the Urban headquarters is that the atmosphere has remained very much the same as Osteria.”

Once again, the event will include top-tier restaurants familiar to food aficionados in the Delaware Valley.

Among the local chefs scheduled to be in attendance are host chefs Marc Vetri and his cohort Jeff Michaud; Jose Garces (Garces Restaurant Goup); Jennifer Carroll (10 Arts); Kiong Bahn (Twenty Man-

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

10 JUNE, 2011

ning), Daniel Stern (Midatlantic/R2L); Michael Solomonov (Zahav/Percy Street) and Robert Aikens (Dandelion).

Without leaving Philadelphia, attendees will also be able to sample the signature dishes of chefs from New York; New Orleans; Boston; Washington, D.C.; San Francisco; Los Angeles; Boston; Napa Valley, Cal.; and even Bergamo, Italy.

foundation. Scott was lavish in her praise: “I attribute the success to the hard work and dedication of Jeff Benjamin, Marc Vetri and their team as well as the generosity and talents of the chefs who travel from all corners of the country and the world to do their part in the battle against childhood cancer.”

Scott confidently predicted, “I have no doubt that the 2011 event will be the biggest and best to date!”

Last year, more than 1,000 people attended the Great Chefs event, which raised nearly $500,000 for the

Kids With Cameras Can Win $1,000 Kids, during your summer vacation, get your cameras and take photos of litter in your neighborhood. Use your camera to identify the worst examples of litter.

To focus attention on the litter problem, the Pennsylvania Resources Council is conducting its annual Lens On Litter Photo Contest, with a deadline of Oct. 31, 2011.

In the School Age Category, four prizes will be awarded with the first place winner receiving $1,000 in cash, second place $500, third place $250 and The People’s Choice Award of a digital camera.

10 JUNE, 2011

Examples of previous winners can be seen at www.prc.org.

The contest identifies sites, which PRC then targets for clean up through local action – be it the governing body or civic-minded organizations. In the past five years, litter has been removed from well over 300 sites. PRC provides literature to the groups describing cleanup methods.

Send entries (limit three per person) to the Pennsylvania Resources Council, 3606 Providence Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073. All entries must contain the

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

following information on the back of the photo: entrant’s name, address, telephone number, title given to photo, location of litter site, entrant’s age, the school grade and school name. Photos will not be returned and will become the property of PRC.

Program sponsors include: AAA Mid-Atlantic, Inc., BPG Development Company, L.P., Pennoni Associates, Sheetz, Inc. and Wawa Inc. For further information, call the Pennsylvania Resources Council at (610) 353-1555.

|

7