Farnese, Keller Honor Flower Girl, Anna (DeRose) Buccuto by Thomas James You wouldn’t believe Anna Buccuto is just five years short of reaching a century. Still as mentally sharp and as beautiful as ever, the long-time community leader and owner of legendary flower shop De Rose (also her maiden name), Anna will regale you with stories about the old times along East Passyunk Avenue, as if they occurred yesterday. The 95-year-old South Philadelphia NINETY-FIVE years young, Anna Buccuto, née DeRose, receives citations from was honored by the State for her lifeHouse of Representatives and Senate from South Philadelphia lawmakers State time of service to the community. State Sen. Larry Farnese and State Sen. Larry Farnese and State Rep. Bill Keller. Mrs. Buccuto will be 96 on Jul. 7, Rep. Bill Keller visited the home of 2010.
Vol. IV No. 17 (Issue 134)
The Only Union Newspaper Reporting South Philadelphia The Way It Deserves
grandson James and his wife Connie Mazzola Sunday, to present citations to Anna. The honor celebrates her upcoming 96th birthday on Jul. 7. Farnese brought his parents to the affair, which was a nice surprise for Anna, as she remembers the day she “baptized” Larry Farnese, Sr. “She’s still very active in the community,” says long-time Democratic executive committeeperson, Louis DiRenzo. DiRenzo has been a committeeperson for 54 years. DiRenzo’s son-in-law is the (Cont. Page 2)
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Vice President Joe Biden may or may not attend A State Troopers Memorial to be dedicated in Wilmington May 3, even though he is supposed to. It’s home turf. (Cont. Page 2)
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East Passyunk Avenue Passes Taste Test
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Childs School To Close? Why Is ‘Liberal’ Washington Ignoring Geno’s?
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In Pictures see pages 13,15.
Concerned Parents Fear For Kids’ Safety If District Transfers Students To Barratt
Community Group Honors Joey Vento
by Rory McGlasson It’s been over 116 years since Philadelphia legend George W. Childs passed away. The former publisher, philanthropist and educator might be turning in his grave, if reports the school bearing his name will close this summer. Rumors have been circulating among parents and teachers, that the school at 17th & Tasker Streets will be closed by the School District on Jun. 30. In 2007, a group of concerned parents of Childs School held a meeting with School District officials. They were told the District wanted to close Childs School and move them to the Barratt MS, which is located at 16th & Wharton Streets. The parents disagreed. They met with the School Reform Commission and were able to put a stop to it at IS GEORGE W. CHILDS School set to be closed by School District? Ru- that time. mors are rife School District is recommending closing 17th & Tasker Streets Now, three years later, and school this June. (Cont. Page 2)
by Maria Merlino Tom “Bones” De Fino’s Chiarella’s Restaurant was the site of community leader Karen Brown’s tribute to local good guy Joey Vento of Geno’s Steaks. As the crowd enjoyed the mouth-watering five-course meal, we were treated to a patriotic speech. Always telling it like it is, Vento was given the floor to articulate what was on his mind. The crowd of family and friends was enthralled. “I can’t be a politician,” he said, “I don’t speak out of both sides of my mouth. We have a crisis in the United States. We are set for life, but our children and their children will pay the price for what is happening now in this country. “I debated Arlen Specter. He tried to correct me. I called people in this country that were not here legitimately, illegal aliens. (Cont. Page 15)