Philadelphia Daily Record

Vol. III No. 84 (449)

Keeping You Posted With The Politics Of Philadelphia

May 11, 2012

Philadelphia Daily Record

Sail Away

RUSSSELL BYERS CHARTER SCHOOL pupils release hand-painted wooden boats on pond at new Sister Cities Park in Franklin Square, which celebrates Phila.’s ties with cities around the world. Story page below.

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May 17Spring Social for Chapel of Four Chaplains, 1201 Constitution Ave., Bldg.

649 in Navy Yard, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $20 Early Bird, by May 16. At door, $25. For info (215) 218-1943 or Events@Fourchaplains.org.

May 17Celebrity Bartender Night with former Sheriff Barbara Deeley, at La Casa Di Lucia, 14425 Bustleton Ave., 7-10 p.m.

May 18Republican Women’s Club meets at Vesper Club, 223 S. Sydenham St., 12 m. Guest speaker: Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley. For reservations Karen Brown (267) 246-6437.

May 19Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration at Franklin Sq. Park, 6th & Race, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

May 19State Rep. Louise Williams Bishop hosts annual Spring Fling Kids Health Fair at Shepard Rec Ctr., 57th & Haverford Ave., from noon to 4 p.m. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, call William Hanna

267-808-0287 2|

May 23-

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Jobs With Jus-

tice annual Solidarity Reception at District 1199C, 1319 Locust St., 5:30-7:30 p.m. To be honored are Henry Nicholas, Jody Dodd, Jim Savage, Amanda Geraci and Occupy Phila.

May 23Congressman Chaka Fattah hosts Veterans Conference for all veterans at Great Ha., Community College Winnet Student Life Bldg., 17th & Spring Garden Sts. No charge. Benefits assistance. To register (215) 871-4455.

Jun. 3Congregations of Shaare Shamayim marks 50th anniversary at 9768 Verree Rd. Event will honor David L. Cohen, Exec. VP, Comcast, with Highest Honor Award (Kol Hakavod) for his service, especially in the Jewish community. Honorary Co-chairs are Gov. Ed Rendell and Hon. Jonathan Saidel. Entertainment by “Broadway Sings”. Event starts at 2:30 p.m. For ticket info and to place ad in Souvenir Commemorative Journal (215-677-1600) or Dr. Ruth Horwitz, Tribute Committee (215) 913-1991.

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Casey Dubious About US Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) raised questions about the Federal Reserve’s recent decision to allow three Chinese, state-owned banks to begin to offer or expand retail banking services in the United States.

In a letter to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, Casey raised questions about the scrutiny given to these banks before approval and whether having the existence of stateowned, Chinese banks would undermine the private US banking system.

“China has a long and well documented record of undercutting US companies and workers,” Casey said. “China’s history of flouting international trade rules requires that any involvement in the U.S. banking system needs close scrutiny.”

The Fed board announced Wednesday it was approving the application of the Industrial and Commerce Bank of China Limited, China’s largest bank, and two other Chinese firms to purchase The Bank of East Asia U.S.A., which

operates in New York and California.

The Fed also approved an application by the Bank of China to set up a branch in Chicago and an application by the Agricultural Bank of China Limited to establish a branch in New York City.

In his letter, the Senator wrote: “I am concerned that unlike many foreign-owned banks that operate in the United States, these institutions are largely state-owned by the government of China, and the CIC is a state-owned investment fund. In all three banks, the government owns at least 70% and no investor other than the Government of China owns more than 5% of the shares. This state-run ownership raises a number of concerns regarding their operations in the United States.

In particular, I worry that these banks and their US subsidiaries will use their state-support as a way to underprice US banks that abide by US law and do not have the support of a sovereign country behind them.”

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Daily Waffles From Joe Sbaraglia (The Waffleman) BROOM MAN - had a supply

and were in constant demand.

always on his show, “Fright

of brooms and brushes on his

One of the broom vendors was

Theater”, which aired on Sat-

pushcart for almost every

blind. He did not want to be

urday nights. She got the

household cleaning need. A treated as a handicapped per-

name Bubbles from Dr. Shock,

standard corn broom cost 30

son and he wasn’t. Rather, he

because his show was spon-

cents. Other special brooms

was admired for his courage.

sored by a soda company.

and brushes varied in price.

BUBBLES - is what Dr. Shock

They were practical products

called his daughter. She was BULLETIN - was a great evening newspaper. It had the comics on the last three pages, the last two inside pages and always on the left-

3 BIG SALES WEEKLY

hand side of the back page.

There was a Bulletin route distribution location at the corner of 10th & Cross Streets. The local carriers obtained their quota of papers for their route, folded them and put them in their wagons or their big canvas shoulder bags. They then delivered the Evening Bulletin to the customers on their paper route.

To buy a copy of this book E-Mail Dwaffleman@aol.com

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD

Toomey Receives Taxpayers’ Award

US SEN. PAT TOOMEY (R-Pa.) received the National Taxpayers Union’s 2011 Taxpayers’ Friend Award. It is given to Representatives and Senators who achieve an A grade in NTU’s annual rating of Congress. Rating assigns a taxpayer score to each member indicating his or her support for reducing or controlling federal spending, taxes, debt and regulation.

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HISTORY MAKER Freddie Brittany “BAM” Rogers

Fridays With

by Fred Druding, Jr. Last year, at the age of 22, Brittany Rogers made history when she became the youngest female boxing promoter in the United States. Now, the ambitious Frankford native is back for another round.

Billed as the “Showdown in Newtown”, Rogers will bring her BAM Boxing Promotional company to the Newtown Athletic Club located at 120 Pheasant Run, Newtown, PA, on Saturday, May 12 for a 7-bout card that is filled with local talent.

The Main Event will pit Philly’s “The New” Ray Robinson verse former 1996 Olympian Ter6|

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rance Cauthen.

Virtually every major boxing gym in Philly will be represented as Joe Hand Gym’s Kareem Cooley, Harrowgate Boxing Club’s Jimmy Lowry, Jr., James Shuler Memorial Gym’s Amir Shabazz, and Marion Anderson Rec Center’s Maurice Amaro are all on the card.

Also, amateur standout Hasan Young will make his professional debut. To purchase tickets or for sponsorship opportunities, go to www.bamonboxing.com.

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State LGBT Leaders Hail Obama’s Support The co-chairmen of the LGBT Equality Caucus in the Pennsylvania legislature today praised President Obama’s announcement he supports civil marriage equality for same-sex couples.

State Rep. Babette Josephs (D-S. Phila.) said, “Many places that already permit samesex marriage – New York, Maryland, D.C. and others – are geographically close to Pennsylvania. We will be losing valuable citizens to these other states because of our backward ways; the image of Pennsylvania will continue to be tarnished. The President is a religious and conservative man, as are the people of

Pennsylvania. In increasing numbers, they think that same-sex marriage is only fair. I agree with Mr. Obama and the growing numbers of Pennsylvanians.”

State Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery) said, “I commend President Obama for publicly supporting the marriage equality movement – a movement that is gaining traction every day. He is the first sitting president to endorse same-sex marriage, and will go down in history as a champion in the ongoing movement for true equality. I am hopeful that by standing up for what is right, the President will encourage others to do the same.”

Family-Friendly Park Opens In Logan Square HAPPY WITH THEIR WORK at new Sister Cities Park are ribboncutters, from left, Deputy Secretary of Conservation & Natural Resources John Giordano, Center City District CEO Paul Levy, Mayor Michael Nutter, Deputy Mayor Michael DiBerardinis and Secretary of Transportation Barry Schoch.

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD Yesterday, exactly one year after groundbreaking for a newly designed Sister Cities Park, the Center City District cut the ribbon and officially opened the multi-purpose park on Logan Square at 18th Street and Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The $4.9 million renovation of Sister Cities Park has transformed the 1.3-acre park into a richly planted, well-illuminated and welcoming public space that offers a variety of amenities for people of all ages to enjoy 365 days a year, and is part of the $20.9 million makeover of public spaces on the Parkway. The new park offers a children’s discovery garden with winding pathways, meandering stream and boat pond, a Milk & Honey Café, a satellite of the Independence Visitor Center, and a plaza that features a one-of-a-kind fountain embedded in bluestone and commemorating Philadelphia’s Sister Cities program that connects Philadelphia with 10 cities throughout the world.

Among those joining CCD President and CEO Paul R. Levy for the ribbon-cutting were Mayor Michael A. Nutter; City Council President Darrell L. Clarke; Deputy Mayor Michael DiBerardinis; Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Barry Schoch; Pennsylvania Dept. of Conservation & Natural Resources Deputy Secretary John Giordano; The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Don Kimelman, and others who helped make possible the improved park.

Adding to the festivities, the Friends Select School Choir offered a musical presentation and students from the Russell Byers Charter School christened the wooden boats for their maiden voyages in the children’s discovery garden’s boat pond.

“Sister Cities Park is a special addition to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and yet another reason for families with children to visit and live in Center City Philadelphia,” Levy said.

“The Center City District is grateful for the generous support we received from many 8|

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stakeholders to transform this park into an inviting and attractive outdoor space with an array of programs that will entertain and educate.”

“As a resident of Philadelphia, I am delighted and proud to see a series of environmental projects like this come to fruition throughout this great city,” said Giordano. “I am honored to offer DCNR’s support to guide vision and foresight into reality.

“In addition to greening Logan Circle, Sister Cities Park now enhances the new Philadelphia experience for tourists and visitors to the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Franklin Institute and many other area attractions – an experience ushered in by strong partnerships,” Giordano said.

“We are excited to be a part of this wonderful project, which will enable us to offer to Parkway visitors the full array of visitor services that we provide at our main location at 6th & Market Streets,” said James J. Cuorato, president and CEO of the Independence Visitor Center Corp.

Sister Cities Park will be managed and maintained by CCD through a lease from the Philadelphia Dept. of Parks & Recreation, and renovations were made possible by generous funding from The Pew Charitable Trusts, the William Penn Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the State Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, and the Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation.

The design team included DIGSAU architects, Studio|Bryan Hanes, landscape architect, and Pennoni Engineers, Inc. Two bronze figurative sculptures in Sister Cities Park were restored by the City’s Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy.

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD The sculpture of Don Diego de Gardoqui was a gift from the Spanish government to the City of Philadelphia in 1977. The sculpture of Thomas Fitzsimons, the Irish-American merchant, statesman and signer of the Constitution, was a gift to the City in 1946 from the Society of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and was repaired with the aid of a generous contribution from the Philadelphia Chapter.

In the coming months, Sister Cities Park will offer a variety of programs presented in partnership with the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, the Philadelphia Dept. of Parks & Recreation and others, including yoga, theater, fitness classes, nature studies, and much more. The park will continue to cel-

ebrate its grand opening on Saturday, May 12, with exciting and fun activities as part of Love Your Park Week, which runs through May 19.

Sister Cities Park was originally dedicated in 1976 to recognize Philadelphia’s participation in the global Sister Cities Program, which builds peace, mutual understanding and economic ties through official city-to-city relationships. Philadelphia’s first two sister cities were Florence, and Tel Aviv, named in 1964 and 1966, respectively, and followed by Torun, Poland; Tianjin, China; Incheon, South Korea; Douala, Cameroon; Nizhny Novgorod, Russia; Kobe, Japan; Aix-en-Provence, France; and Abruzzo, Italy.

DCNR Touts School’s Greenway Plan, New Park In early morning ceremonies yesterday, DCNR Deputy Secretary John Giordano joined Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and other city officials in launching an innovative Green 2015 Site Conversions Project at North Philadelphia’s William Dick Elementary School. The effort will see school play areas and recreation centers enhanced with plantings and porous surfaces and connected by a “green city street.”

seek to improve access to recreational spaces and healthy outdoor opportunities.

“One of the major ways to encourage young people to get outdoors and enjoy the natural world around them is to offer parks, greenery and connecting trails close to where they live,” Giordano said, speaking at the elementary school at 2498 W. Diamond Street. “Having committed $800,000 toward this project, DCNR is excited to participate in launching this ‘green partnership,’ which I’m sure will be a model for cities across the country, as they

The funds will support extensive green redevelopment of 10 children’s play spaces in elementary school yards and public recreation center sites connected by a “green city street” in neighborhoods where residents lack access to natural spaces and recreational amenities.

“Today, a wide-reaching vision to link Philadelphia’s young people to an outdoors environment is unveiled,” Giordano said at the school event. “And this vision hits the triple bottom line: improving environmental quality, neighborhood economic value, and the community’s social fabric.”

“I can’t emphasize enough the importance of the partnership that led to the launch of this project,” Giordano said. “Like many of our projects across Philadelphia, the teaming to• PHILADELPHIADAILYRECORD.COM

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD gether of the City’s Parks & Recreation Dept., the School District of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Water Dept., the Trust for Public

Land, the Mayor’s Sustainability Office, state government and community organizations are what made this project possible.”

W. Nile Virus Makes An Early Appearance Pennsylvania reported the earliest detection of a West Nile virus-carrying mosquito since testing began in 2000. The infected mosquito was found May 3 in Exeter Township, Berks Co., the Departments of Environmental Protection and Health announced yesterday.

“The unseasonably warm weather in March caused the virus cycle to begin early this year,” DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. “Our staff will continue to monitor mosquito populations and conduct spraying to reduce the threat to public health.”

In 2004, Pennsylvania began its integrated pest management program, which has improved identification and control of mosquito populations. Certain mosquito species carry the virus, which may cause humans to contract West Nile fever or West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in inflammation of the brain.

Typically, the state’s first West Nile virus-carrying mosquito is found in mid-June. The previous earliest find came on May 17, 2011. Last year, West Nile virus was detected in 59 Counties, resulting in six human cases reported statewide.

“Since there is no human vaccine for West Nile virus, the best way to prevent infection is to take precautions to avoid getting mosquito bites,” DOH Secretary Dr. Eli Avila said.

Although most people do not become ill when infected with West Nile virus, all are at risk.

Older adults and those with compromised im10 |

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mune systems have the highest risk of becoming ill and developing severe complications.

The best defense against West Nile virus is to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water around homes, weeds, tall grass, shrubbery and discarded tires.

8 City Schools Make US News & World Report released its “Best High Schools” state lists this week, ranking eight School District of Philadelphia high schools among the honorees in Pennsylvania, and awarding Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration school as the #1 high school in Pennsylvania overall.

To determine the Best High Schools in Pennsylvania, schools were analyzed at the state level based on how students performed on state assessments. Masterman students proved to be 98% proficient in reading, and 100% proficient in math. US News also recognized Masterman students boast a 94% participation rate in Advanced Placement coursework and exams, and score an 83.8 on the college readiness index.

Other District schools making the list were Central HS at #10, HS of Creative and Performing Arts at #19, Academy at Palumbo at #21, Bodine William W HS at #33, Girard Academic Music Program at #40, Carver HS Engineering & Science at #50, and Girls HS at #51.

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Boyle Brothers Open Klein JCC Greenhouse

(Z-greenhouse-642) STATE REPS. BRENDAN AND KEVIN BOYLE attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for opening of a greenhouse located at the Klein JCC. Center’s JCC Catered meals program currently delivers frozen, microwavable dinners for seniors and others in need. New greenhouse will now allow for fresh fruits and vegetables to be incorporated into those meals.

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Brown To Attend Voter-ID Event State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown (DW. Phila.) will participate in a community voter ID event from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, May 12, at the Progress Haddington Plaza, 56th & Vine Streets.

Brown will speak on the new Voter ID law and how Pennsylvanians can protect their right to vote in this November’s election and all future elections.

Groups will be available to help anyone who needs a legal ID apply for birth certificates and Social Security cards, two items essential

for anyone who needs to apply for a photo ID. “We need to make sure that anyone who is eligible to vote does not lose that right over this new, unnecessary law,” Brown said. “If the goal was to make it harder for seniors and the poor to vote, it won’t work. It will only bring the community together to protect voting rights for all.”

The event is free, although filing for a certified birth certificate will have a fee.

Blondell Gives A Boost To Philly-Owned Firms Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown introduced a bill changing how the City awards contracts by increasing the bidding preference for Philadelphia owned firms from 5% to 10%.

In cases where outside companies closely outbid those based in Philadelphia, this measure will help tilt the scale to the local firm, assuring that Philadelphia taxpayer dollars are helping support Philadelphia companies, creating jobs and growing the local economy.

The Councilwoman has noticed a consistent pattern during city budget hearings where 12 |

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large scale contracts are being awarded to companies outside of Philadelphia. “We need to ensure that when we spend the money of Philadelphia taxpayers on goods and services that our priority is to create more new jobs for Philadelphians. We purchase millions of dollars worth of goods and services from companies outside of Philadelphia when we have local citizens who stand ready, equipped and willing to do the work,” said Reynolds Brown.

“The ideal model for generating more revenue for the City is not raising taxes, it is creating

THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD more taxpayers through local job creation. I hope that this measure will keep more of Philadelphia’s money in Philadelphia.”

The bill was co-sponsored by Councilman W.

Wilson Goode, Jr., Chair of Council’s Committee on Commerce & Economic Development, and longtime advocate for fairness in local contracting.

PHA Unveils LEED Development In N. Phila.

PHA CHIEF Michael P. Kelly, center, cuts ribbon on new Norris Apartments in N. Phila.

He is joined by, from left, VP of Operations for Temple University William Bergman, PHA Resident Liaison Nellie Reynolds, HUD Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Jane Vincent, new Norris resident Verline Eliassaint, Mel Smith from City Council President Darrell Clarke’s office, Norris Apartments Resident Council President Diane Gass, and State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas.

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THE PHILADELPHIA DAILY RECORD The Philadelphia Housing Authority has taken another step into the future with the grand opening of its first high-performance, LEEDcertified green development, the new Norris Apartments. This dedication ceremony is little more than a year after the wrecking ball demolished the outdated high rise.

project with the Philadelphia Water Dept. to reduce stormwater runoff from adjacent streets. The project is in line with the City’s stormwater management plan that was recently approved by the EPA, making Philadelphia one of the greenest and most innovative places to live.

The new development, located adjacent to Temple University in North Philadelphia, meets the requirements of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building certification program. The program focuses on five key areas of environmental and human health: energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, sustainable site development, and water savings. LEED standards are nationally accepted for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings.

The new homes at Norris also have solar hot water panels on the roof, Energy Star windows, equipment and appliances, low flow plumbing fixtures, compact fluorescent light (CFL) fixtures, and native landscaping. The design of the new development also features cross ventilation. All the topsoil at the site is recycled post-consumer compost, made from recycled food scraps and yard waste which helps reduce landfill waste that creates harmful greenhouse gases.

“I am happy to announce the completion of this cutting-edge development which represents PHA’s progressive and environmentally conscious approach to affordable housing,” said PHA Administrative Receiver/Executive Director Michael P. Kelly. “The new Norris is a win-win for the residents, the city and the environment because these houses are modern, sustainable, and affordable.”

Kelly, an architect with a LEED Green Associate Certification, noted the new development will save in energy costs compared to most conventional developments.

The new Norris contains 51 units in a mix of walkups and townhomes on the same block where a 1950s high-rise once stood. It features a small pocket park in the center courtyard that provides green space to residents while limiting rainwater runoff into the city sewer system. The site is also hosting a pilot

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To meet LEED standards, the agency also used locally made materials for the new Norris as much as possible. This reduced PHA’s “carbon footprint” by reducing the amount of energy it took to transport building materials to the site.

The new, transit-oriented development is located near a variety of educational and retail services. The location is well served by the Broad Street subway, several SEPTA bus routes, and Regional Rail lines. Temple University’s main campus and the well-established commercial corridor of Broad Street are also close by.

The new Norris Apartments complement ongoing private housing and commercial development in the neighborhood. There is room at the site to build more homes and Kelly said PHA will evaluate whether to add to the original 51 units at a later point.