Mifflin Park Gets A Makeover; Becomes Ritner Street ‘Oasis’
MANY HANDS make the load lighter. Representing various organizations that came together to clean up Mifflin Park are Haeng Om, Mark Squilla,Cory Miller, Matt Migliore, Brooke Allen, Saron Chan, Mia-Lia Kiernan and Vyreak Sovan. Photo by Maria Merlino
by Maria Merlino Cleanup at Mifflin Park began about 13 months ago, according to Brooke Allen and Matt Migliore; the facility is now one month away from a real makeover. Together, Migloire and Allen founded SustainADELPHIA, a program whose mission is to work with some of the city’s more-established parks groups and neighborhood associations to help lift the City’s mostneglected parks and neighborhoods. Last weekend, area youth and park patrons were out again in force
to help beautify the park, located at 6th & Ritner Streets. It was the second phase of three cleanups scheduled for the park. Over 50 volunteers showed up to gather a couple of dozen bags of trash and nine trash bags of recycling. Volunteers, including boys and girls, took cans of paint and paint brushes to the drab park benches and livened them up with bright colors. When the work was done, everyone was treated to a healthy lunch, a basketball tournament and hoola-hoop lessons. (Cont. Page 2)
Children from Cambodian Association do their part to keep Mifflin Photo by Cory Miller Park tidy.
U PRESSED N ...PRINTED I ...PUBLISHED O N Vol. IV No. 29 (Issue 146)
The Only Union Newspaper Reporting South Philadelphia The Way It Deserves
Value 50¢
July 22, 2010
Brotherly Love! Vet Center Plans To Be Discussed What is going on with the proposed Veterans Residential facility on Carlisle Street? Those seeking answers to that very question can get some incite and many other questions answered at a community next Wednesday, Jul. 28. A Community Meeting will be held from 6 p.m. at CATCH, Inc. located at 1400 Reed Street. to discuss the developments at the pro(Cont. Page 2)
Family, Friends Remember ‘Pittsy’
by Maria Merlino and Thomas James Emotions were certainly highly charged yesterday afternoon for family and friends of Tom “Pittsy” Pitts. The local pilot was laid to rest at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Roman Catholic Church in the Greenville, Del. area in front of mourners on Wednesday. It seemed like 1,000 family and friends attended a wake in his honor on Tuesday at Immaculate (Cont. Page 2)
Jim Stevenson
JStevenson@ChapmanAutoGroup.com
Troops Need Phone Cards To Call Home State Sen. Larry Farnese is seeking phone cards from you, so our troops can call loved ones back home. During a recent fundraising drive, Farnese joined The USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, The Philadelphia Union, Philadelphia Independence, AT&T and Blue Star Mothers as part of “Operation Touch of Home”, a collaboration to support our troops. “Sen. Farnese appreciates all who donated, and he has decided to continue the drive indefinitely,” said Farnese’s Communication Director Cathie Abookire. (Cont. Page 8)
Ron Panepinto Jewelers
9371 ROOSEVELT BLVD. PHILADELPHIA, PA 19114 215-698-7000
www.phillyrecord.com
THE LATE Tom “Pittsy” Pitts, Judge Jimmy Lynn, Jim “Jimmy the Pilot” Donahue and John Pitts enjoy good old times during Christmas celPhoto by Maria Merlino ebrations in 2009.
700 Sansom St. 215-923-1980
www.PanepintoJewelers.com We Buy Gold & Diamonds
Page 2
South Philadelphia Business Association Oldest Business Association in South Philadelphia – Chartered in 1897
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
To join as a member of the SPBA, please call: (215)-336-1108
1904 S. 30th Street • Philadelphia, PA 19145 (215)-336-1108 (215)-336-1149 (fax) Executive Board: PresidentDaniel Olivieri Secretary/Treasurer- Reggie Lozzi
Vice-President- Vince DeFino Esq. Past-President Louis Lozzi, Sr.
Board Members Denise D'Eletto Louis Galdo
Marge Mariziani John Savarese
Jackie Fitzpatrick
Extreme Makeover: South Philadelphia Edition (Cont. From Page 1) “If you haven’t been to Mifflin Square Park within the last year because you were fed up with the lack of care and cleaning, I recommend you take a stroll through this little gem of an oasis, “said Allen. The park’s amenities include a fullsized fenced basketball court, a horseshoe pit, a volleyball court, a spray-ground, a swing set with jungle gym and a number of benches to enjoy the northwest view of the Center City skyline. The green space is huge, with soaring American elm trees that provide shade. The new Buddhist temple that enriches the lives of the Cambodian population is lo-
cated right across the street and is a beautiful sight to behold. Supporting organizations of the Mifflin Park cleanup include the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia, Southeast Philadelphia Collaborative, Philadelphia Urban Food & Fitness Alliance, Lower Moyamensing Civic Association, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Philadelphia Dept. of Parks & Rec and Whitman Council. The third clean-up event is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. For more information, please visit the website www.sustainadelphia.org or email sustainadelphia@gmail.com.
DOING THEIR part to beautify benches in fun and festive colors with a fresh coat of paint are Nashaiyah Ross, Lakim Wilson, Najeran Ross, Nafisa Ross and Nakhi Mack. Photo by Maria Merlino
PRESIDENT of Whitman Council Mark Squilla is a grill master, serving up healthy turkey burgers, turkey hotdogs and fresh fruit salad to volunteers. Photo by Maria Merlino
H U L A HOOP instructor Gabrielle Revlock gives lessons to her students. Photo by Cory Miller
Hundreds Pay Tribute To Local Pilot At Wake, Funeral
www.phillyrecord.com
(Cont. From Page 1) Heart of Mary Church in Wilmington. A Marine color guard kept watch on either side of the flag-draped coffin, while Pitts’ wife Debbie Markwood and sons, Thomas Pitts Jr. and Patrick Pitts, along with Tom’s sister Nancy and brother John, were given hugs, kisses, handshakes and heartfelt sentiments by the multitude. Mother Pitts was accepting condolences from her wheelchair.
(Cont. From Page 1) posed facility. The Veterans Residential Facility is located at 1223-25 and 1229 S. 15th Street, and 1232-34 S. Carlisle Street. For more information, please call (215) 735-7434.
Pitts’ life was taken too soon, Jul. 12, 2010, aged 66, in a plane crash in North Carolina. Flying a mission of charity with his co-pilot, Jim Donahue, Pitts volunteered to take a passenger to Chapel Hill to join his parents for a memorial service. The passenger was Kyle Henn, brother of Nate Henn, a humanitarian who was killed in a terrorist bombing in Uganda. As the plane was coming in for landing at Horace Williams Airport, it bounced and was unable to regain lift. Pitts took the brunt as it swerved into pine trees. Donahue sustained severe leg wounds, and Henn miraculously escaped with minor injuries and immediately tried to get the two men out. Growing up on Sears Street in St. Gabriel’s Parish, the Pitts brothers, Tommy and Johnny, and sister Nancy,
couldn’t have had a better childhood. “We truly lived the American dream,” said John Pitts, a Merchant Marine captain with Polar Tanker, Inc. “We had a loving and happy household. Our dad was always helping friends and neighbors. He loved to drive the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters up to Immaculata College and help out with the church. He didn’t drink, but his sense of humor was so great that whenever the Church had a fundraiser, the priest would call my mother and ask her to take him home. “He had such a great time, they thought he was drunk! My brother Tom took after him. The apple fell not far from the tree, but right up against the tree. “When my father died in 1972, I was a senior in high school. Tom was 10 years
older than me. He became not only brotherly, but fatherly, too. When the word got out about this tragedy, people called from all over the country. There is a possibility of forming a scholarship with his name.” Standing by Pitts’ coffin on Tuesday was a uniformed veteran’s group, The Delaware Veterans Post No. 1 in Brandywine Hundred, where Pitts was president of the board. The Del-Vets said a prayer and played “Taps”. Poignant feelings and the enormity of loss tugged even harder on the strings, as they engaged in a solemn group salute. Philadelphia Judge James “Jimmy” Lynn shared a story about the first time he met Pitts. “The moment we became friends, was at Wag’s — Sgt. Jim ‘Daddy Wags’ Wagner’s
BOOTY, Tom Pitts, Medal of Honor Recipient Barney Barnum, brother-in-law Dave and Judge Jimmy Lynn celebrate Photo by Maria Merlino good old times. funeral. I knew him before, was outstanding. I have never but not well,” Judge Lynn met such a caring, giving, said. beautiful human being like “I had a Medal of Honor him.” His friend and co-pilot, coin from Medal of Honor recipient Jon Caviani. I Jim Donahue, is in UNC slapped the coin on Jimmy Hospitals in North Carolina. Wagner’s coffin. Tommy Daughter Annette and other must have seen that because family members collect their later, at the Springfield Coun- thoughts by keeping a blog try Club, he grabbed me and journal at, which can be read gave me a USMC coin. From on the website www.caringthen on, we were instant bridge.org/visit/jimdonfriends. His sense of humor ahue/createorsignin.
Page 3
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
www.phillyrecord.com
Page 4
The Public Record
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
Getting Ready To Run?
‘TEAM BASS’ VOLUNTEERS join their leader Cindy Bass as they celebrate successful fundraiser in Montgomery Co. Bass is rumored to be taking a run for City Council. “Team Bass” volunteers have been swimming in and out of Northwest Philadelphia recently, garnering support and raising funds for their leader, Cindy Bass. Bass, a key staffer for Congressman Chaka Fattah, is making waves with her fundraising efforts, that make it clear to many political insiders, she is about to make a run for a political office. Her team celebrated another successful fundraiser last weekend in Montgomery Co. Bass and her growing number of volunteers met to talk strategy, and raise some money at the same time, at a breakfast fundraiser in Jenkintown. “We might be out of Philadelphia, but I will go anywhere to raise money,” Bass told the Public Record to “watch this space” with regards her rumored City Council interest. Another person whose name has been bruited about as having an interest in a
Council run is Latrice Bryant, Councilman Wilson Goode, Jr.’s chief aide.
GOP Leads Dems The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in the state shows Pat Toomey with 45% support, while Joe Sestak earns 38% of the vote. Six percent prefer some other candidate in the race and 12% are undecided. With this latest result, the race seems to be shifting from “Toss-Up” to “Leans Republican” in the Rasmussen Reports Balance of Power rankings. Sixty-one percent of Pennsylvania voters favor repeal of the new national health-care bill which Sestak voted for as a member of the House, while 35% oppose repeal. This is a bit higher than support for repeal nationwide. In the Keystone State, this includes 46% who Strongly Favor repeal and 24% who (Cont. Page 6)
Sheriff Green’s Important Steps to Saving Your Home Step 1: www.phillyrecord.com
Assemble your current financial information, and call your lender.
Step 2:
Visit www.phillysheriff.com to learn more about borrowers’ rights, loss mitigation and abusive servicing practices. Contact the Sheriff’s Office at 215-686-3525 for more information
Step 3: If you feel uncomfortable handling mortgage negotiations, consult a professional housing Counselor
Step 4: Take time to carefully investigate the offers you receive to avoid becoming a fraud victim Sheriff John D. Green Philadelphia
(USPS PP 109) Weekly Publication Published by:
The Phila. Public Record The South Phila Public Record 1323 S. Broad Street Phila., PA 19147 ISSN 1938-8551 (Application to Mail At Periodicals Postage Rates Is Pending At Philadelphia PA and Bellmawr NJ) Postmaster: send address change to: The Public Record 1323 S. Broad Street Phila. PA 19147 215-755-2000 Fax: 215-689-4099 Editor@phillyrecord.com Subscription Rate: $ 30.00/Year EDITORIAL STAFF Editor & Publisher: James Tayoun Sr. Managing Editor: Anthony West Associate Editor: Rory G. McGlasson Medical Editor: Paul Tayoun M.D. CitiLife Editor: Ruth R. Russell Editorial Staff: Joe Sbaraglia Out & About Editor: Denise Clay Contributing Editor: Bonnie Squires Correspondent: Nathaniel Lee Creative Director & Editorial Cartoonist: Ron Taylor Photographers: Donald Terry Harry Leech Steven Philips Production Manager: William J. Hanna Bookkeeping: Haifa Hanna Webmaster: Sana Muaddi-Dows Advert. Director: John David Controller: John David Circulation: Steve Marsico The Public Record welcomes news and photographs about your accomplishments and achievements which should be shared with the rest of the community. Contact us by phone, fax, e-mail or by dropping us a note in the mail. If you mail a news item, please include your name, address and daytime telephone number so we can verify the information you provided us, if necessary. The Public Record reserves the right to edit all news items and letters for grammar, clarity and brevity. (C) 1999-2010 by the Philadelphia Public Record. No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without the permission of the publisher. The Philadelphia Public Record will assume no obligation (other than the cancellation of charges for the actual space occupied) for accidental errors in advertisements, but we will be glad to furnish a signed letter to the buying public.
www.disabledatwork.com Philadelphia
www.phillyrecord.com
"Representing injured workers in Pa. for over 30 years.�
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
If you have been injured on the DOCKS, PIERS, or SHIPS doing loading or repairing work. You need our free advice....We fight for your right to benefits and we never ask you to pay a fee.... We have successfully helped get money for thousands of injured workers over the last 30 years.
Page 5
Injured At Work!
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 6
For Lentz, Was Pelosi Good Or Bad? (Cont. From Page 4) ‘Strongly Oppose’ it. Toomey holds modest leads among both male and female voters. He captures 78% of the GOP vote and 19% of Democrats, while Sestak gets just 62% support in his own party. Voters not affiliated with either party prefer the Republican by a two-to-one margin. Forty-five percent approve of the job President Obama is doing in the White House, while 54% disapprove. Rasmussen has Republican Attorney General Tom Corbett holding a 10-point lead over Democrat Dan Onorato in Pennsylvania’s race for Governor as well. The latest poll of likely voters in Pennsylvania shows Corbett picking up 48% of the vote.
R EP. A NGEL C RUZ DISTRICT OFFICE 2749 N. 5th St. • 215-291-5643 Staffed by
Joe Evangelista • Debbie Toro Ready to Serve you
Councilman Wm.
Greenlee
Room 580 City Hall P. 215-686-3446/7 F. 215-686-1927
Onorato, the chief executive of Allegheny Co., earns 38%. Five percent prefer some other candidate in the race and 10% remain undecided. This new poll comes in the wake of a report from AP‘s Liz Sidoti, who notes crucial independent voters are flocking to Toomey in the swing state of Pennsylvania less than four months from Election Day. This trend benefits Corbett as well. Democrat Sestak, a product of Philadelphia suburbia, needs a heavy turnout from Southeastern Pennsylvania. But Independents have been turning away from President Barack Obama and the Democratic Party, frustrated with the economic downturn and administration initiatives. Councilman Bill
Green Room 599 City Hall P. 215.686.3420/21 F. 215.686.1930
State Rep.
ROBERT C. DONATUCCI 185th District 1809 Oregon Ave, Phila., PA 19145
215-468-1515
Even in Pennsylvania, where Obama won by double digits two years ago, Sestak, a twoterm Congressman, has his work cut out for him. Although Democrats outnumber Republicans by about 1.2 million in Pennsylvania, independent voters, especially those in the so-called collar counties around Philadelphia, have proved decisive in elections in this swing state. They are seen as key to victory in the competitive Senate race between Republican Toomey, a former Congressman who once headed the anti-tax Club for Growth, and Sestak. The same scenario favors Republican gubernatorial candidate Corbett. His campaign team reports their polls showing him with a 10% lead as well, and for basically the same reasons. A Quinnipiac University survey showed Obama’s approval under 50% in the state. The president has lost considerable ground among
Pennsylvania independents. Freed from a GOP primary this year, Toomey has amassed far more money. He raised $3.1 million in the most-recent fundraising quarter and ended with $4.65 million available. He has four offices open, is running TV ads and is getting help from deep-pocketed groups like the US Chamber of Commerce. Sestak emerged from his Democratic primary with Specter all but broke; he raised $1.95 million last quarter and had about $2 million on hand. He has yet to run TV ads but has 10 campaign offices. If independents side with Republicans this fall in Pennsylvania, Democrats could lose both a Senate seat and a governorship in an important presidential state, two years before Obama is expected to seek re-election. Underlining this trend is a new poll by Zogby Interactive poll, which shows President Obama’s approval rating
among likely voters slipped to 45% this week, his lowest rating ever. Obama’s positive ratings are even lower than his overall approval on a number of questions about handling of issues, including 32% on the economy and 27% on the War in Afghanistan. The Jul. 16-19, 2010 interactive survey of 8,487 voters has a margin of error +/- 1.1%. The poll also found that: Republicans lead Democrats, 43%-41%, on the question of which party’s Congressional candidate respondents intend to vote for this year, which is identical to a similar poll done Jun. 28. A total of 56% of voters say the US is headed in the wrong direction, with 35% choosing right direction and 9% not sure. This is an improvement from the Jun. 28 poll that showed 60% choosing wrong direction, and a return to the mid-50% levels found earlier in the year.
State Rep.
William Keller 184th District
Constituent Service Office
1610 S. Broad St. Phila., PA 19146 (215) 952-3378
1531 S. 2nd Street
215-271-9190
State Senator
Larry Farnese First Senate District Tel. 215-952-3121 1802 S. Broad St.• Phila. PA 19145
www.phillyrecord.com
www.SenatorFarnese.com
Senator Tina State Sen.
Shirley M. Kitchen 3rd Sen. District 1701 W. Lehigh Ave.Ste 104 • Philadelphia, PA 19132 215-227-6161 • www.senatorkitchen.com
Tartaglione 2nd Dist. 127 W. Susquehanna Ave. 1063 Bridge St. Philadelphia, PA 19122 Philadelphia, PA 19124
215-291-4653
215-533-0440
REP. BRENDAN F. BOYLE 7215 B. Rising Sun Ave. Phila. PA 19111 • P (215)-342-1700
14230 Bustleton Ave. Phila.PA 19116 • P (215) 676-0300
Big Guns Good Or Bad For Lentz?? It was good for Congressional Candidate Bryan Lenz when heavy guns VP Joe Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi came to a luncheon fundraiser last weekend spoke at his fundraiser lunch, bringing in big bucks. But the other side of the coin may prove to be a negative for the 7th Congressional Dist. candidate. These big names’ poll numbers are low. At this time, they have no coattails other than the ability to raise money.
Kevin Boyle Earns DC47 Endorsement Kevin J. Boyle, candidate for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, has received the endorsement of District Council 47, the union representing City “white-collar” workers. The endorsement decision was made at a People Committee meeting. Boyle commented on their support, “Organized labor can count on my support. Unions created so many of the working conditions that all workers enjoy, union and non-union alike. The eighthour work day, the five-day work week and so many worker-safety requirements are in place because of unions. I will never forget their importance to the betterment of society.” In November, he faces Republican incumbent John Perzel.
Evans Hosts Friday Nights State Rep. Dwight Evans will host six more Fridaynight neighborhood events through the end of summer as part of a broader effort to raise awareness about the importance of residents knowing their neighborhood end of August, will be held at businesses and on blocks throughout the West Oak Lane neighborhood located in the 203rd House Dist. which Evans has represented by for the last 30 years.
Partying In White
PHA staffers help ply homeless Philadelphians from heaping tables of grilled sandwiches with a delicious picnic lunch. Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell sits on Board of PHA. State Representative
]|ÅÅç W|Çà|ÇÉ GOP
(215) 468-2300
Paid for by Friends of Alan Kurtz
BY 12 NOON, line was already 100 people long, wrapping around City Hall. On Jannie’s b’day, presents are for others.
ANYONE for cake? Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. celebrated his birthday with party in Manayunk last week.
STATE SENATOR
DECKED out in their best white linen for Councilman Curtis Jones’ birthday are Mary Arthur, Sandra Dungee Glenn, Linda McGwire-Brock, Councilwoman Marian Tasco, Patricia Clifford and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown.
LEANNA M. WASHINGTON DISTRICT OFFICE
1555-D Wadsworth Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 (215) 242-0472 Fax: (215) 753-4538 WEB SITE www.senatorwashington.com
RONALD G. WATERS 191st Leg. District
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
PHILA. HOUSING AUTHORITY picked up costs of this year’s party, amounting to $7,000, and its employees volun- AS A D.J. played merry music, guests kicked out the jams teered in droves to prepare an outdoor feast for homeless in Dilworth Plaza at Councilwoman Blackwell’s party. Philadelphians.
Page 7
For Councilwoman Jannie’s Birthday, Party’s For Homeless
6027 Ludlow Street, Unit A
215-748-6712
State Rep. Cherelle
STATE REP. JOHN
SABATINA JR.
Parker
174th District 8100 Castor Ave Phila, PA 19152 T: 215-342-6204
200th Legislative District 1536 E. Wadsworth Ave. Phone: (215) 242-7300 Fax: (215) 242-7303 www.pahouse.com/Parker
State Rep.
Frank Oliver 195th District 2839 W. Girard Ave. Phila. PA 19130
215-684-3738 Check out all of the things to do and places to see in Pennsylvania at www.visitpa.com. This website contains a number of great trip ideas and tools to help you plan a vacation. Pennsylvania is home to numerous state parks, tourist attractions and other natural treasures and historic sites that are ideal for a day trip, weekend getaway or a one week vacation. You can also call 1-800-VISIT-PA for more information. Parkwood Shopping Center 12361 Academy Road, Phila., PA 19154, 215-281-2539
Open Mon. - Fri. 9:00 AM - 5 PM COUNCIL Colleagues Marian Tasco, Blondell Reynolds Brown and Bill Green join “Birthday Boy Jones” for this picture in Manayunk.
Sen.Mike Stack SERVING THE 5TH DISTRICT
www.phillyrecord.com
8016 Bustleton Avenue Philadelphia PA 19152 215-695-1020
PHILA.’S City Council Citation presented Universal Institute Charter School citation for its 11th annual Children’s Wellness Health Fair. Holding citation are AbdurRahim Islam, president & CEO, Universal Cos., and Fatimah Gamble, founder, Wellness of You, Inc. Over 500 students participated.
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 8
Council Honors Universal
Photo by Martin Regusters, Leaping Lion Photography leaping lion 292
Farnese Collects Balls, Cell Phones (Cont. From Page 1) She added, “more than 100 soccer balls were donated to the USO for our troops thanks to the Philadelphia Union and donations from Patty Armando, owner of 110-over-70 Fitness Club, whose clientele responded immediately when they heard about the drive to support
our troops. AT&T donated $1,000 in phone cards, which were sent to our soldiers, and Sen. Farnese encourages all to donate phone cards in any denomination so our troops can call their families.” Donations can be brought to Sen. Farnese’s district office at 1802 S. Broad Street.
SEN. LARRY Farnese is presented #10 Philadelphia Union soccer jerseys for his collaboration with Major League Soccer club to support the troops.
Happy 21st Birthday
We Invite You To Capitalize On The 20 Years Of Experience And Skill Of Attorney
Deborah M. Truscello UT O B A ASK ULL OUR F R A 30 YE TEE AN GUAR
LICE N INSU SED REGI RED STER FR ED ROO EE ESTIM FIN AT E RTIF S ICAT E
G CE
CITY WIDE SERVICE ALL TYPES OF
ROOFING U
www.phillyrecord.com
G
5 197
36thary s
iver
Ann
• New Roofs • Repairs • Hot Asphalt • Rubber & Modified Systems • Shingles • Slate & Tile • Skylights • Siding • Gutters & Downspouts
610-892-4940 Attorneys are both board certified by the American Bankruptcy Certification Board. Chapters 7/13 & Stop foreclosures, creditors harassments, lawsuits, garnishments, and sheriff sales.
215-735-1060
EMER GEN REPA CY I 24 HO RS UR A DAY S
12260 Townsend Road
215-464-6425
www.TruscelloLaw.com 206 West State Street Media PA 19063
1500 Walnut Street • Suite 900 Philadelphia, PA 19102
0
201
HERE’S A TIP of the hat to one of South Philadelphia’s most-charming young ladies, Frankie Marsico-Swavely, who celebrated her 21st birthday on Jul. 8. Warm wishes go out to you from all your family and friends.
Practice Areas: Workers Compensation Divorce and Family Law Personal Injury Social Security Disability
We are a debt-relief agency
• Residential • Commercial • Industrial ON ROOFIN NI
Call and schedule a free initial consultation.
ccpc@ccpclaw.com
WANTED SPORTS CARDS & MEMORABILIA
215-725-8815
FAX # 215-624-9263 www.unionroofing.net WE DO OUR OWN WORK • NO SUBCONTRACTORS
Huggins & Scott Auctions is looking to buy or consign your VINTAGE Sports Cards & Memorabilia + older Americana type collectibles incl Toys, Games, Trains, Comics, Coins, Political Items, etc. for our next World Wide Internet Auction WE TAKE IT ALL & WE SELL IT ALL. Call Steve at 215-530-4365 to discuss your collection or to get a free catalog Visit our web page at: www.hugginsandscott.com
Page 9
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS PHILADELPHIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA CIVIL ACTION – LAW TERM NO. 100302969
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
KONDAUR CAPITAL CORPORATION PLAINTIFF vs. JAMES W. PALMER, JR., Solely in His Capacity as Heir of Delores M Palmer, Deceased and UNKNOWN HEIRS OF DELORES M. PALMER, DECEASED, and DAVID J. PALMER, MORTGAGOR(S) AND RECORD OWNER(S), DEFENDANT(S) THIS LAW FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. THIS NOTICE IS SENT TO YOU IN AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM YOU WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF DELORES M. PALMER, DECEASED and DAVID J. PALMER, 2511 South Felton Street, Philadelphia, PA 19142. Your house at 2511 South Felton Street, Philadelphia, PA 19142 is scheduled to be sold at Sheriff’s Sale on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at 10:00 AM, in 3801 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA to enforce the court judgment of $57,511.41 obtained by KONDAUR CAPITAL CORPORATION against you. NOTICE OF OWNER’S RIGHTS YOU MAY BE ABLE TO PREVENT THIS SHERIFF’S SALE To prevent this Sheriff’s Sale you must take immediate action: 1. The sale will be cancelled if you pay to KONDAUR CAPITAL CORPORATION, the back payments, late charges, costs and reasonable attorney’s fees due. To find out how much you must pay call our office at 2158256329 or 1-866-413-2311. 2. You may be able to stop the sale by filing a petition asking the Court to strike or open judgment, if the judgment was improperly entered. You may also ask the Court to postpone the sale for good cause. 3. You may also be able to stop the sale through other legal proceedings. 4. You may need an attorney to assert your rights. The sooner you contact one, the more chance you will have of stopping the sale. (See notice below on how to obtain an attorney). YOU MAY STILL BE ABLE TO SAVE YOUR PROPERTY AND YOU HAVE OTHER RIGHTS EVEN IF THE SHERIFF’S SALE DOES NOT TAKE PLACE. 1. If the Sheriff’s Sale is not stopped, your property will be sold to the highest bidder. You may find out the price bid price by calling the Sheriff of Philadelphia County at 215-686-3534. 2. You may be able to petition the Court to set aside the sale if the bid price was grossly inadequate compared to the value of your property. 3. The sale will go through only if the buyer pays the Sheriff the full amount due in the sale. To find out if this has happened, you may call the Sheriff of Philadelphia County at 215-686-3534. 4. If the amount due from the Buyer is not paid to the Sheriff, you will remain the owner of the property as if the sale never happened. 5. You have a right to remain in the property until the full amount due is paid to the Sheriff and the Sheriff gives a deed to the buyer. At that time, the buyer may bring legal proceedings to evict you. 6. You may be entitled to a share of the money which was paid for your house. A schedule of distribution of the money bid for your house will be filed by the Sheriff within thirty (30) days from the date of the Sheriff’s Sale. This schedule will state who will be receiving that money. The money will be paid out in accordance with this schedule unless exceptions (reasons why the proposed distribution is wrong) are filed with the Sheriff within ten (10) days after the schedule of distribution is filed. 7. You may also have other rights and defenses, or ways of getting your house back, if you act immediately after the sale. 8. You may contact the Foreclosure Resource Center: http://www.philadelphiafed.org/foreclosure/ YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE LISTED BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
MICHAEL T. MC KEEVER Goldbeck McCafferty & McKeever Suite 5000, Mellon Independence Center • 701 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19106 • 215-825-6318
Phone: 302-475-4040 Email: SubtleEnergy@IntoIntuition.com
Nora Truscello is a psychic consultant, lecturing and teaching in the paranormal field. Integrity is Key to my reputation.
“How to Tap into Your Intuition” classes Upon completion of these 4 classes,you will be able to Tap Into Your own Intuition. You will: Sense, feel and read energy around a person’s body (scanning the aura). Read energy off an object (psychometry) Exploration at a distance (remote viewing) Trust your instincts and find ways to use these gifts in your daily life Given the intensity of these classes the size is limited to 8 people. Four Thursdays in June 7:00-8:30 PM join me, in my Wilmington DE home, for a basic down to earth training that will leave you understanding and being able to use your own psychic ability. Tuition: $95.00 My home is within 5 minutes of I-95 and Naamans Road To Register call 302-475-4040 or email SubtleEnergy@IntoIntuition.com Provide your name, contact number and a brief description of why you are interested in taking these classes. I meditate upon all applicants names before making a decision on who should participate. This helps to insure those most ready for this experience are chosen. All important decisions are best done with meditation.
www.phillyrecord.com
PHILADELPHIA BAR ASSOCIATION One Reading Center, Philadelphia, PA 19104 • 215-238-6333 COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICES, INC. Law Center North Central • 3638 North Broad Street. Philadelphia, PA 19140 215-227-2400 or 215-981-3700
www.IntoIntuition.com
Page 10 The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
Governor: Lack Of Federal Funds Will Lead To Layoffs It should be no surprise if Gov. Ed Rendell commands cuts across the board in order to make up for $850 million promised Pennsylvania in federal money for Medicaid. Rendell, now doubting the Federal money that should have balanced this year’s State budget will be coming, has announced layoffs at all levels of government, as well as teachers and emergency workers. The figures, still tentative, show cuts could
soar far above the 1,000 layoffs Rendell said would likely come under the State’s $28 billion budget. During budget negotiations last month, Rendell remained steadfast in saying he believed the Federal money for Medicaid would be approved. “As time has gone on, other concerns have surfaced in Washington,” said Gary Tuma, a spokesman for the Governor. “It appears that
some of the support for passing that has faded, and what he has heard recently does not make him as optimistic.” Tuma said the Governor has talked to Sens. Bob Casey Jr. and Arlen Specter, both Democrats, as well as other Federal lawmakers, almost daily, trying to persuade them that Pennsylvania and other states badly need the money. Congress is not expected to act on extending the Medicaid payments until early Oc-
tober, but Tuma said the administration is developing several scenarios it would take to legislative leaders by the end of the month if the money is still uncertain. “It’s likely further layoffs of State workers will be a part of the mix,” Tuma said. “There will be other things that have to be done as well. We don’t know the exact number.” Legislative leaders said Friday they have not begun
making contingency plans and have not been contacted by Rendell’s office. “We are operating under
the assumption that Congress will pull through,” said Brett Marcy, a spokesman for (Cont. Page 47)
Termination of Parental Rights in the Court of Common Pleas of PHILADELPHIA County, Pennsylvania Family Court Case May Term, 2010, No. 900090005 To: Jeffrey Coleman or unknown birthfathers of Jaison Jackson A petition has been filed asking the Court to put an end to all rights you have to your child Jaison Jackson, who was born on August 31, 2009 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. The Court has set a hearing to consider ending your rights to your child. That hearing will be held in Courtroom No. “O” before Hon. Judge Waloter Olszewski at PHILADELPHIA County Courthouse, 1801 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA, on August 18, 2010. You are warned that even if you fail to appear at the scheduled hearing, the hearing will go on without you and your rights to your child may be ended by the Court without your being present. You have a right to be represented at the hearing by a lawyer. You should take this paper to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, go to or telephone the office set forth below to find out where you can get legal help. You are also warned that if you fail to file either an acknowledgment of paternity or claim of paternity pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 5103, and fail to either appear at the hearing to object to the termination to your rights or file written objection to such termination with the Court prior to the hearing your rights may also be terminated under Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 2503(d) and Sec. 2504(c) or Sec. 2511 (a )(6) of the Adoption Act. Contact immediately the Law Offices of Jay H. Ginsburg, at 527 Swede St., Norristown, PA 19401 (610-277-1999), or: Philadelphia Lawyer Referral & Information Service 1101 Market Street, 11th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 Telephone: 215-238-6333
www.phillyrecord.com
We service Big & Small We’ve got it all! We offer rapid response to your request and to your construction needs. 1600-1630 Washington Ave. Phila., PA 19146-3019
2 1 5 - 4 62 - 05 05
SNOOPER’S “SPECIAL”: This is for all our CITY OFFICIALS and THE POLICE DEPT.! Beware – there will be more “FLASH MOBS” and they were not too happy with their last attempts. I met one who spoke to me, and she told me, “IT AIN’T OVER YET.” She stated, “We will ‘outsmart them’ next time”. This scumbag was still upset with THE POLICE’S breaking up their ‘social event’. She went on to say, “We’ll use the same tactics they use, only this time, ours will be in a SPECIAL CODE. We started out just to meet other kids, but like anything else, there’s always those who want to take it a step further, and that’s where the trouble begins.” She told me, under a promise not to reveal her name, there will definitely be more. Watch! SNOOPER’S “DEBATE”: The IMMIGRATION DEBATE is starting to ‘warm up’, and thanks to JOE VENTO (of Geno’s). I agreed 100% with him and all the people who came out to support ‘his ‘cause’. They want what we paid for, what we worked so hard to get; these “FREELOADERS” feel they’re entitled to all of it F-R-E-E! Let them come here ‘LEGALLY’. I don’t know about all of you, but I am sick and tired of paying for them. I agree with everything that has been said regarding these “ILLEGALS” and, yes, learn our language. It is ENGLISH! SNOOPER’S “HATS OFF” DEPT: Finally, I must admit, I’m so proud of our CITY CONTROLLER HON. ALAN BUTKOVITZ. He is going after that lucrative TRASH CONTRACT. This is one that was given without any other bids. ILLEGAL! He is 100% correct, and I sure hope he doesn’t back off, after all, it is OUR MONEY they are spending. I re(Cont. Page 45)
Many moons ago, there was quite a competitive race between then State Senator and now Congresswoman ALLYSON SCHWARTZ, and former Congresswoman MARJORIE MARGOLES MEZVINSKY (anyone remember the US Senate race of 2000?). Even now, Allyson holds the seat once held by Marjorie, who was known back in the day as ‘Triple M’. Word among Allyson’s supporters is she thought she had scored the final triumphant victory by being elected to Congress in this seat, in a District she didn’t live in. Not only was she on her way to a long career in the 13th District, but she was the biggggg winner, as MMM was mired down in personal issues that became fodder for public gossip. While Marjorie’s cross to bear was a heavy load, Allyson was all smiles, a victor in an unnamed and unknown war. But wait…. Up from the ashes…. Who could it be but Double M!!! Her son MARK MEZVINSKY’S marriage to CHELSEA CLINTON is the ultimate in one-ups! Marjorie, you won, hands down. Checkmate! This is a power move that can’t be beat. Your son’s upcoming nuptials are being called the wedding of the century, and will be forever compared to the likes of PRINCESS DIANA, PRINCESS GRACE of MONACO, etc. The guest list includes the likes of PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA and Hollywood royalty. Marjorie, did you add Lucky Glenwood to your guest list? my invitation must have been delayed by the mail. I thought there wasn’t supposed to be politics in the DA’s office? Has anyone bothered to tell the director of one of SETH WILLIAMS’ new departments? MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER’S recent cuts to the Po(Cont. Page 45)
The vacancy created recently with the resignation of STATE SEN. ROBERT MELLOW as minority chairman of the Appropriations Committee has renewed interest in that office in the eastern part of the state. STATE SEN. MIKE STACK is currently a member of the Committee and his duties there include any legislation having to do with Philadelphia Co. Stack is believed to be a natural to fill the vacancy. For next year, it looks like STATE SEN. TONY WILLIAMS may be casting his eye on running for Auditor General. Although JONATHAN SAIDEL has said he will not run for statewide office again, he would be a natural with his years of training as Controller in Philadelphia. Of course, if in fact Saidel did say he would not run statewide again, he is free to change his mind about any statements made in the immediate aftermath of an election defeat. Williams ran well in his campaign for Governor, but did not poll as many votes as Saidel did in running for Lieutenant Governor. Just to make things more interesting, Williams is already on record saying he will support MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER for reelection in the year 2011. CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY, the Chairman of the Democratic Party, is good friends with both Williams and Saidel. In light of his strong statements about Williams when he was running for Governor, it seems likely, if there is a primary fight for Auditor General, he would support Williams. A good candidate to run against BRIAN O’NEILL, the incumbent in the 10th Councilmanic Dist., would be Saidel, who lives in that District. As GOV. ED RENDELL reaches the end of his term in (Cont. Page 45)
www.phillyrecord.com
Now there’s a new way for columnists to come up with ideas. I went on my Facebook page and asked the 668 people I call my friends for story ideas. Some of them will appear in future columns, others I don’t know if I’d touch with a 90foot pole, and still others I’m not quite sure what to do with yet. Here is a sampling. Many of them concerned the economy. For example, my friend Karl thought I should write about the plight of young, articulate, educated people who find themselves both homeless and jobless. He got that idea from watching someone who fit that description panhandling near the Free Library. Ross, a friend who just graduated from Temple in May and is looking for a job that will allow him to pay for his Master’s degree in education, suggested I write a column about how tough it is to find a job during the worst economy in decades. My brother Jack, who is also my friend on Facebook, suggested I write about how tough it is to be an African American serviceman trying to raise his family and serve his country against a backdrop of racism and economic hardship. (In other words, he wanted me to write about my parents’ struggle to raise a family of five during the Vietnam War and his own struggle to raise his kids while having a career in the Air Force.) And another friend, who is also named Jack and has also had a career in the military, suggested I write about the resilience of the American people in light of our myriad of financial hardships these days. (Cont. Page 45)
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
Yo! Here we go again with some facts about the 1500s from the internet: They used to use urine to tan animal skins, so families used to all pee in a pot and then once a day it was taken and sold to the tannery. If you had to do this to survive, you were “piss poor”. But worse than that were the really poor folk who couldn’t even afford to buy a pot. They “didn’t have a pot to piss in.” Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May, and they still smelled pretty good by June. However, since they were starting to smell, brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor – hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married. Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children – last of all the babies. By then, the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater!” The floor was dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt; hence the saying, “Dirt poor.” The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until, when you opened the door, it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entryway. Hence: a thresh hold. Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or the upper crust. England is old and small and the local folks started running (Cont. Page 45)
Page 11
The biggest news this week revolves around a story we broke in this column. STATE REP. DENNY O’BRIEN announced he is seriously considering a run for Council at Large, barring intervening circumstances (like, say, being elected Speaker of the House again). Judging by conversations with many in the know, the likelihood of an O’Brien Speakership revolves around the possibility of an extremely fractured GOP caucus with a GOP majority. But Ole Trunker is betting, should the GOP regain the majority, a united front will emerge in support of a Party stalwart. That would lead us to an O’Brien Council run. Certainly, he would be the frontrunner. Look at the last candidate to win: JACK KELLY. Kelly won on loyalty from his Northeast Philadelphia neighbors. O’Brien would certainly do much better in the Northeast, considering his longtime service in the 169th Legislative Dist. One would be hard-pressed to deny his connections to the Democratic Party and organized labor, which would pay dividends in other parts of the city. The only other top-tier candidate is DAVID OH, who is not likely to be pleased by an O’Brien candidacy. If you remember, Oh won on Election Day in 2007 and to have another race pulled from his fingertips could not appeal to him. In other 2011 Council news, it looks like STATE REP. MIKE McGEEHAN is poised to take the seat of outgoing COUNCILWOMAN JOAN KRAJEWSKI. The buzz has long been local business leader MIKE DRISCOLL would take on McGeehan in a primary, but rumors of late have him running for McGeehan’s vacant State House seat. This leads to two openings among local Elephants who could hopefully get their act together. Former Congressional can(Cont. Page 45)
Page 12 The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com
Networking Philadelphia Around The World
ROBERT PALAIMA, left, president of Delaware River Stevedores, and Ricardo Maldonado of Chilean-American Chamber of Commerce, welcome Mayor Michael Nutter to NETWORKING away, Leonard Karp of Phila. InternaInternational Business Networking Reception at Pennsylva- tional Medicine may be passing on a tip to Robert Blackburn, a top executive at Phila. Regional Port Authority. nia Academy of Fine Arts. DIVERSE business interests mingled at International Business Networking Reception; for instance, from left, Roger & Sharon Youngren of Delaware River Stevedores; attorney Stephen Gould of Mattioni, Ltd.; Janet Warner of Wells Fargo; and Bob Palaima of DRS.
Page 13
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
www.phillyrecord.com
www.phillyrecord.com
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 14
Dedicated To Keeping Facilities Safe, Secure, Serviceable The Delaware River Port Authority has an approved five-year $1.2 billion capital program with the stated goal to keep its facilities safe, secure and
serviceable. The Authority performs in-depth inspections on all facilities in accordance with the National Bridge Inspection
Standards to ensure they remain safe and in good working order. This is a comprehensive, complex inspection effort as we have multiple facilities
serving various needs including highways, bridges, viaducts, transit stations, tunnels, parking facilities and port facilities.
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge is the oldest of its facilities. Construction began on Jan. 6, 1922 and was opened to traffic on Jul. 1, 1926. Currently, it provides three modes of transportation: vehicular lanes, the PATCO transit line and a pedestrian walkway. The de-leading and painting project was recently completed at a cost of $87 million over five phases, which began in 2000. The deck-truss rehabilitation project includes structural repairs, bearing replacement, drainage improvements, electrical improvements and under bridge lighting. The approximate cost is $16 million. Track rehabilitation, structural modifications and electrical improvements to the PATCO tracks across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge are currently being designed. Ancillary work will include trackdrainage improvements on the bridge approaches, electrical-enclosure improvements and PATCO stringer replacements as necessary. The approximate cost is $49 million. In addition to the redecking project that will take place on the Walt Whitman Bridge, which will involve lane closures beginning in June 2011, there will be a de-leading and painting project following the completion of the deck replacement which should take place in 2014 at an estimated cost of $46 million. The Walt Whitman Bridge is over 50 years old and the time has come for a
major overhaul on the span which connects South Philadelphia with Gloucester City, N. J. The Commodore Barry Bridge has a total length of 13,912 feet, making it the fourthlongest cantilever bridge in the world and the longest in the United States. Over the last few years, the DRPA and PennDOT have worked together to build two new exit ramps that will allow drivers to access the Chester waterfront. Also, there will be miscellaneous repairs and security improvements costing about $21 million beginning in 2011. Following those repairs, the Commodore Barry Bridge is scheduled to be de-leaded and repainted at an estimated cost of $45 million. There are major projects scheduled for the Betsy Ross Bridge, including miscellaneous structural repairs costing over $14 million, which also includes repaving of the surface deck. The Betsy Ross Bridge is also scheduled to be the first bridge in the region that will have Express EZPass available to drivers beginning in August 2011. PATCO’s fleet is one of the oldest in the industry. PATCO will have its existing train-car fleet overhauled at a cost of $200 million. Other major PATCO projects include the rehabilitation of the Collingswood viaduct and the replacement of Power Cable and Pole Lines between Lindenwold and Camden.
Page 15
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
www.phillyrecord.com
Page 16 The Public Record • July 22, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com
Our Opinion ... A Look At The DRPA Odds are, when asked what they know about the Delaware River Port Authority, few will be the dwellers in the Delaware Valley who can answer that question. The handful who do are likely to say something like, “It runs the bridges” – and that’s about all. The Philadelphia Public Record is pleased to present a special supplement in this issue which will give our readers a better understanding of DRPA, its role in the economic life of this city, and its contributions to rider convenience and safety. The Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey is a regional transportation agency serving the people of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges. All four bridges are part of the E-ZPass Electronic Toll Collection Network. The Port Authority Transit Corp., a subsidiary of DRPA, runs the High-Speed line. DRPA also owns the RiverLink Ferry and the Philadelphia Cruise Terminal. DRPA traces its roots to 1919, when leaders from Pennsylvania and New Jersey began planning for a bridge across the Delaware River between Philadelphia and Camden. When built, that bridge, now known as the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, was the longest suspension bridge in the world. More than 80 years after its opening, it remains a key transportation artery and a regional landmark. DRPA is self-sustaining, operating without tax support. It is administered by a 16-member Board of Commissioners, eight each from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They are appointed by their respective Governors, except the Auditor General and Treasurer of Pennsylvania who are ex-officio members. All Commissioners serve without compensation. All DRPA Commissioners also serve as PATCO’s Board of Directors. Since it is a creature of political parentage, DRPA periodically finds itself the subject of criticisms. Despite these, the dedication of all those associated with it remains marked by the dedication to serve the public interest. That commitment is underlined in a recent decision by DRPA to use a Federal grant to add eight officers specially trained to spot trouble for commuters on the platforms, at the parking lots and on the trains of the ever-busier PATCO High-Speed line. Congressman Rob Andrews, who announced the grant, said, “Transit is absolutely essential to our economy. It can’t function without transit and that transit cannot function without safety.” The DRPA security force is now up to 160 officers, working in uniform and plain clothes. Riders careening over the bridges or riding the rails or taking the ferry links should know their safety remains at the top of the priority list of this important agency. We hope you will enjoy this special supplement with as much pleasure as we had putting it together.
Kudos Go To Jannie… Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell who each year uses her birthday to celebrate with the hundreds, and often thousands, who live in the city’s shelters and on the streets. Over the many years she has done this, she has become the spokeswoman for a class of Philadelphians often ignored by the bulk of citizens who are busy tending to themselves. She has literally become a saint to these unfortunates. Her
keeping their plight in front of the public keeps our consciences irritated, to the point we may eventually see government fully address their needs.
…And To Butkovitz We pleased to note the major media in this town are beginning to acknowledge the excellent work City Controller Alan Butkovitz has been doing through his tenure. They are beginning to understand his audits of various departments and are no longer disregarding his efforts to save every penny possible. Several of his audits have uncovered irregularities in departments that should, by now, be corrected. These corrections will save additional needed monies yearly. We are also proud of the fact we make it a point to ensure his messages get across to the general public. He is truly a working City Controller, keeping an eye on and helping eliminate waste in government.
Jul. 24- Tribute to Samuel Staten, Sr. at Convention Ctr., 12th & Arch Sts., reception 5:30 p.m., dinner 7 p.m. For info DanabradyPR@AOL.com. Jul. 24- Brady Bunch at Keenan’s Irish Pub in Angelsea, N. Wildwood, N.J., 5 p.m.???. Tickets available at door or Democratic City Committee. Aug. 2- Vaird Foundation, a Police Dept. initiative, hosts fundraising golf outing and banquet at Spring Mill C.C. For info DanaBradyPR@aol. com or call (267) 757-0726.
Aug. 7- Sister Clara Muhammad School’s 1st annual Community Festival at Muhammad Park, 46th & Wyalusing Ave., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. For info Wayne Rahman (267) 252-5547. Aug. 14- State Rep. Ronald G. Waters hosts 2010 Village Family Reunion and Festival at Frances Myers Rec Ctr., 58th & Kingsessing Ave., 12-8 p.m. Enjoy and enter “So You Think You Got Talent” contest. Entry forms at www.pahouse.com/Waters. For info (215) 745-6712. Aug. 29- Billy Meehan Clambake at Cannstatter VolksfestVerein, 9130 Academy Rd. Great food, top entertainment. Tickets $100. For info Republican City Committee (215) 561-0690.
Letters • Letters • Letters Blazing Idiots Isn’t it ironic? On the same day the Mayor announces the police and fireman cuts, three idiots are pulled over for being suspected of having guns. They come out of their car and start firing on the police. Thank God no police officer was killed. This just shows you what could happen if these cuts are implemented. Do you think if he announces cuts in any other department, for example, they would be bombarded with requests for services? Not! We’re going through a trial
right now for the murder of one police officer, and these scumbags try to reenact the same scenario. Its a shame they weren’t killed, but then again, you would have friends and neighbors telling the media they were such great men and there would be protests saying the police were wrong. As these positions with the Police and Fire Depts. are eliminated through retirements and attrition, and the services are reduced, will the citizens of this city protest? No. But if something happens and the police or
firefighters don’t respond quickly enough, then they’ll complain it took too long. These will be the same people who sit on their steps and see the crime being committed, but when the police arrive, they I didn’t see anything. If it doesn’t involve you or your family, you stay quiet. So don’t bitch if you won’t snitch. Mr. Mayor, the sad part of this that the citizens of this city will probably reelect you like they did Goode after he firebombed Osage Avenue. It won’t matter that you raised taxes or
cut services. And the same goes for Council, I guarantee you you’ll see and hear all the promises over and over again, as we do every time they’re up for reelection. Stop spending money on remodeling and giving out ridiculous raises. I have an idea how to raise money for the police and firefighters, the same way they did for the pools: Sell the same 7 o’clock specials that people sold for the rec centers. Do that once a month and you’ll raise money. Mario Marchetti South Philadelphia
Page 17
We Can Protect Your Company We Will Be The Last Man Standing
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
The World Is At War In Cyberspace
FREE 30-Day Trial Computer Anti-Virus Software For your free trial of the best Anti-Virus Software, (that will not overload or slow down your machine). Download your free copy right now.... We will be the last man standing.
Team Work CyberSoft Operating Corporation has teamed up with AhnLab Inc., to offer you the customer the best in Windows software security. That will keep your achine running at the speed you need.
Free “30 day trial” Free Please provide us with your email address and we will send you all the information you need to download AhnLab’s V3 Internet Security. So enjoy your 30-day free trial!
AhnLab V3 Internet Security 8.0 by CyberSoft AhnLab V3 Internet Security 8.0 is an integrated security solution that protects against the latest security threats. It offers anti-virus and anti-spyware engines as well as network, web, and e-mail security, and PC management. The product has significantly reduced resource usage without sacrificing its integrated security features.
Exclusively imported and supported in the United States and Canada by CyberSoft Operating Corporation 1958 Butler Pike Suite 100 • Conshohocken, PA. 19428 • USA www.cybersoft.com • P: 1 610-825-4748 F: 1 610-825-6785 E: sales@cyber.com
www.phillyrecord.com
Go to www.cyber.com to download the FREE demo
www.phillyrecord.com
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 18
Page 19
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
www.phillyrecord.com
www.phillyrecord.com
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 20
Chairman of Delaware River Port Authority
BOARD CHAIRMAN John H. Estey
an area now seeing significant development. The other is the plan to implement light-rail service to better connect Center City with the waterfront. Riders who use any of our four Center City subway stations, 8th & Market and 9th/10th, 12th/13th, and 15th/16th & Locust,
will notice significant improvements to the concourse areas. Eighth & Market is a prime example of what our riders can expect to see at our other three stations. The improvements include stateof-the-art upgrades designed to improve the appeal of the stations. In keeping with the Authority’s Green Initiative, the improved lighting will use low-energy and very minimal LED light fixtures. What you will see and read about in this supplement is really a snapshot of what takes place on a daily basis at the Authority as “We Keep The Region Moving.”
The Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey is a regional transportation agency serving the people of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross bridges. All four bridges are part of the E-ZPass Electronic Toll Collection Network. The Port Authority Transit Corp., a subsidiary of DRPA, runs the HiSpeed line. DRPA also
owns the RiverL i n k Ferry and t h e Philadelp h i a Cruise Terminal. DRPA traces its roots to 1919, when leaders from Pennsylvania and New Jersey began planning for a bridge across the Delaware River between Philadelphia and Camden. That bridge, now known as the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, was once the longest susp e n s i o n bridge in the world. More than 80 years after its opening, it remains a key transportation
artery and a Delaware Valley Landmark. The DRPA is self-sustaining, operating without tax support. It is administered by a 16-member Board of Commissioners, eight each from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They are appointed by their respective Governors, except the Auditor General and Treasurer of Pennsylvania who are ex-officio members. All Commissioners serve without compensation. All DRPA Commissioners also serve as PATCO’s Board of Directors.
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
As Chairman of the Delaware River Port Authority, I believe the regional transportation needs served by the Authority are a major force in the local economy. Whether it’s using one of our bridges or PATCO to get to work, watch a local sports team, or enjoy one of the many cultural attractions our region has to offer, those who live and work in the Delaware Valley have come to rely on the services we provide. I am also very enthused about several projects that will improve transportation in Philadelphia. One is the planned reopening of PATCO’s Franklin Square Station, which will serve
What Is DRPA?
Page 21
Message From: John H. Estey,
Celebrating and Commending The Work and Achievement of The Men and Women Who Manage, Run and Work At The
Delaware River Port Authority Your Efforts Help Improve Our Region
Congressman 1st District Paid for by Committee to Elect Bob Brady
www.phillyrecord.com
Robert Brady
www.phillyrecord.com
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 22
Page 23
INJURED AT WORK! CALL FOR YOUR FREE HANDBOOK
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
Are you being forced to treat with a doctor you don’t know? You have the right to pick your own doctor to treat your work injury. If you’re not seeing your own doctor you need our advice.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA WORKERS COMPENSATION BENEFITS
The Law Firm of
.
Steiner, Segal, Muller & Donan
1-800-804-0770
ALSO OFFICES IN PHILADLPHIA, MEDIA, READING, LANCASTER
Do you want your claim settled for Maximum Value? Are you being bullied by your employer and need the real facts about your rights?
REPRESENTING INJURED WORKERS IN PA FOR OVER 30 YEARS!
www.phillyrecord.com
www.disabledatwork.com
www.phillyrecord.com
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 24
Jeff Nash, DRPA Vice Chair for special events, as was the case in 2008 when over 110,000 people rode PATCO to help the Phillies celebrate their World Series victory. As part of our 40th anniversary celebration last year, we instituted Rider Appreciation Thursdays at all our PATCO stations. Our riders appreciated receiving a token of our appreciation.
PATCO is also the first in the region to implement smart-card technology for fare collections with our state of the art FREEDOM Card. Not only does the FREEDOM Card make it easy to ride PATCO, but also an affiliated program, FREEDOM To Save, allows FREEDOM Card holders to enjoy exclusive discounts and special offers with over 100 participating businesses in our region. Visit www.ridepatco,org to learn more. This has proven to be a very successful program for merchants in Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. Jeff Nash, DRPA Vice Chair
I know I speak on behalf of our Board of Commissioners and staff in saying we take our responsibility to the region and its residents to very seriously, including the stewardship of our bridges, PATCO line, cruise and ferry operations. We know our assets serve an important role in our region’s transportation infrastructure with over 110 million vehicles crossing our bridges annually, over 10.5 million annual PATCO customers and an estimated 200,000 RiverLink Ferry and cruise passengers in 2009. In following our motto, “We Keep the Region Moving”, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of fiscal responsibility and customer service for the people of Southeastern Pennsylvania and South-
John J. Matheussen ern New Jersey and beyond. Our philosophy is that we are committed to maintaining our core facilities to serve the region indefinitely. The approved Capital Plan, many projects about which you will read more in this supplement, includes both ongoing and new projects planned for 2009 through 2013 and calls for an investment of $1.2 billion into our assets, ensuring they will remain safe, secure and serviceable for decades to come.
While we are maintaining our core facilities to the highest standards, our capital program is also contributing to the quality of life of our residents and the regional economy through job creation. According to the Chief Economist at the US Dept. of Transportation, every $1 billion in capital spending on infrastructure supports 27,800 direct, indirect and induced jobs. We are proud to be an organization on which the public can rely for efficient and convenient service and pledge to continue to do all we can to support the vitality of our region which is a great place to work, enjoy leisure activities and raise a family. John J. Matheussen CEO of DRPA, President, PATCO
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
As Vice-Chair of the Delaware River Port Authority, it is both my pleasure and honor to work with people on both sides of the river as “We Keep The Region Moving.” The daily tasks performed by Authority employees, along with our $1 billion, five-year capital-improvement program, provide a catalyst for the region’s economy. Our job is to link the region with a seamless approach that benefits those on both sides of the Delaware River. I am always proud to point out the reliability of PATCO as it gets people to and from their jobs in Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia while it also brings the region together
Page 25
Message From DRPA Message From John J. Matheussen, Vice Chair, Jeff Nash DRPA CEO And President of PATCO
www.phillyrecord.com
Page 26 The Public Record • July 22, 2010
PATCO Subway Stations Getting Improvements Two PATCO stations in Camden and all four in Philadelphia are getting a new look. It’s all part of a $9.6 million program to improve the concourses in Camden’s City Hall Station and the Walter Rand Transportation Center as well as in the stations at 8th & Market and 9th/10th, 12th/13th, and 15th/16th & Locust in Philadelphia. The concourse improvements at City Hall and 8th & Market are nearly complete. According to DRPA Chairman John H. Estey, “The concourse improvements are designed to keep PATCO as one of the premier transit systems in the country.” DRPA Vice Chair Jeff Nash says, “PATCO service has always been superior and reliable. Now the esthetics of our stations will also be of the highest quality.” Nash adds, “In addition to the esthetics, the new lighting will be energy-efficient and provide a pleasanter environment
for our customers.” PATCO President John J. Matheussen says, “The goal is to enhance the PATCO experience for our customers. This project will make the subway stations even more secure and serviceable through the installation of special flooring, lighting and wall material. The stations will also be easier to navigate with new signage.” PATCO General Mgr. Bob Box points out, “The improvements include state-of-the-art design and upgrades designed to minimize installation, maintenance and operational costs while also improving the appeal of the stations. In keeping with the Authority’s Green Initiative, the improved lighting will use low energy and very minimal-maintenance LED light fixtures.” The remaining four subway stations, one in Camden and three in Philadelphia, should be upgraded by late spring.
SIX PATCO stations will soon experience renovations designed to increase rider satisfaction. These pics show what riders can soon expect.
Walt Whitman Bridge Modifies When Rail Comes To Waterfront ‘Overweight’ Requirements The Delaware River Port Authority continues to enforce a change to its Overweight and Wide Load Permit process for the Walt Whitman Bridge. Due to construction activities, vehicles are no longer being permitted to wait for a DRPA police escort in the area between westbound I76 and northbound I-676. All Overweight and
Wide Load permit vehicles need to travel northbound on I-676 to Exit 3/Morgan Boulevard, in Camden. The vehicles should then take Morgan Boulevard to southbound I-676. The next step is taking Exit 2 (left-handed exit) to the Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76 westbound) and wait in the THIS IS what the Pier 70 Station will look like, enpull over area on that ramp hancing waterfront line in City when new project is for a DRPA police escort. completed.
www.phillyrecord.com
PATCO Train Fleet To Get Overhauled PATCO’s transit-car fleet is in line for a makeover that will give the train cars a modern and cleaner look and replace and/or upgrade many of the systems that are integral to the performance and reliability of the cars. There are 120 cars in the PATCO fleet, 75 of which date back to the opening of PATCO in 1969. The remaining cars were put into service in 1980. Many of the car components and systems are no longer supported in the industry and, for years, PATCO has had to either
produce parts in house or obtain them from agencies retiring similar technology in order to keep the fleet operational. About six years ago, PATCO began a program to upgrade its transit-car fleet by retaining a consultant to evaluate the condition of the existing fleet and determine if rehabilitation was an option. Also evaluated was the cost of replacing the fleet with new vehicles. The study revealed the existing car bodies were in good condition and the truck assemblies could be
reused, given the program PATCO has in place for rebuilding them. It also concluded many of the systems on the cars need to be replaced or upgraded in order to achieve an acceptable level of service and reliability. The study determined the fleet could be rehabilitated for about half the cost of procuring a new fleet. Specifications for rehabilitating the transit cars have been developed and PATCO is now in the vendor selection process. The goal is to have a company under contract to do the
PATCO Cars will look newer, more modern when upgrades are finished on all rolling stock. work by the end of this ment providing about $70 customers will be greatly year. million.” He also points out enhanced. The cars will PATCO General Mgr. all the work will be done in have all-new interiors and Bob Box says, “it will take the United States. that includes seats, lightabout five years to rehabiliPATCO President John ing, passenger-messaging tate the entire fleet. The es- J. Matheussen says, “Once systems and upgraded airtimated cost is $220 million, the work is completed, the conditioning and heating with the Federal govern- riding experience for our systems.”
Page 27
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
www.phillyrecord.com
Page 28
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission honored DRPA/PATCO with its 9th annual “Regional Transportation Program of the Year” award at DVRPC’s Annual Celebration of Regional Excellence. The award recognizes the efforts by the DRPA and PATCO to develop two regional light rail services in Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. One system
would enhance the connection between Center City Philadelphia with the Delaware River waterfront while the other would provide service between Glassboro and Camden in Southern New Jersey. Board Chairman John Estey says, “the DRPA and PATCO are honored by our selection and recognition by DVRPC.” Estey adds, “I would like to thank our part-
ners, including the City of Philadelphia, SEPTA, Delaware River Waterfront Corp. and others, for assisting us.” DRPA/PATCO anticipates the Philadelphia Waterfront Transit Expansion Project will begin operating in 2016. According to Estey, “The ultimate goal is to implement a world-class transit asset Philadelphians and visitors will be proud to use.”
The New Jersey Project involves an 18-mile corridor from Glassboro to Camden, primarily along existing Conrail right of way. Board Vice Chair Jeff Nash says, “Recent public hearings have shown the people of South Jersey stand behind this project. It is gratifying to see DVRPC believes the Glassboro-Camden Line will provide significant benefits to the region.”
Scheduled To Reopen The PATCO Franklin Square Station in Philadelphia is set to reopen again. The Delaware River Port Authority has hired a professional design consultant which is the first step that needs to be taken to reopen the station. The design process includes a pedestrian traffic study and concepts for surrounding residential areas adjacent to the square which would include the ease of walking access to the Franklin Square Station entrances. First opened in 1936 as one of two Philadelphia stations on the Camden Bridge line, the station has opened and closed several times over the years. A refurbished Franklin Square Station opened to cater to Bicentennial traffic on May 14, 1976 and on Jul. 4, 1976, 23,000 people exited the Franklin Square Station en route to Bicentennial events. The Franklin Square Station was closed in 1979 because of low patronage and has remained closed since then. DRPA Chairman John H. Estey says, “Substantial economic and demographic changes near Franklin Square have increased the viability of the station.” Estey adds, “PATCO riders could use Franklin Square to visit the National Constitution Center and the African American Museum as well as the planned Pres-
ident’s House and National Museum of Jewish American History. In addition, further enhancements and amenities are being added within the park to make Franklin Square a destination in itself.” According to DRPA Vice- Chair Jeff Nash, “Reopening Franklin Square Station should increase ridership among intra-city and reverse-commuting customers. The station is also expected to result in increased weekend ridership.” Franklin Square itself now attracts 750,000 visitors a year. An online survey on PATCO’s website, www.ridepatco.org, asked riders their thoughts about reopening the Franklin Square Station. Of those responding, 77.3% believe reopening Franklin Square is a good idea. In addition, 50.5% of those responding said if Franklin Square were to reopen, they would use PATCO more frequently for recreational travel. PATCO President John J. Matheussen says, “A refurbished Franklin Square Station will keep with the Authority’s Green Initiative by incorporating lowenergy and very minimal-maintenance LED decorative light fixtures.” Franklin Square could be ready for passengers in early 2012.
www.phillyrecord.com
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
DRPA/PATCO Rail Projects Earn Award Franklin Square Station
A FERRY BOAT ride, an ideal place to cool down this Summer
Page 29 The Public Record • July 22, 2010
Fax (215) 785-0873
1500 River Road Croydon, PA 19021
An Equal Opportunity Employer
www.phillyrecord.com
Paul Tsourous
(215)785-6920
Page 30 The Public Record • July 22, 2010
PROUDLY MANAGING PENNSYLVANIAʼS INTERNATIONAL SEAPORT SINCE 1990
Philadelphia Regional Port Authority The DELAWARE RIVER PORT AUTHORITY Does In The Region
The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority Acknowledges The Important Work
John H. Estey, Esq. Chairman
James T. McDermott, Jr. Executive Director
Robert C. Blackburn
Senior Deputy Executive Director
www.phillyrecord.com
John F. Dempsey
Deputy Executive Director Administrative Offices: 3460 N. Delaware Ave. 2nd Fl., Phila., PA 19134 (215) 426-2600 • Fax (215) 426-6800 www.philaport.com
DRPA’s four bridge facilities and its headquarters One Port Center in Camden in implementing single-stream municipal waste recycling.
DRPA Deputy CEO Robert Gross says, “The Authority is making daily choices to minimize potential environmental impacts.
Our plan is to integrate environmental considerations in all aspects of our operations at all of our facilities.” DRPA CEO and PATCO
President John J. Matheussen says, “The New Jersey Dept. of Transportation recently began a coordinated and continuing cleanup campaign
called Beautiful New Jersey. We are pleased to be part of this quality-of-life issue and will move forward with other activities in the future.”
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
PATCO is now helping its riders to go green. It is enabling users of its facilities to recycle newspapers, glass and plastic with the placement of special trash receptacles at the Lindenwold, Ashland and Woodcrest Stations. The special green receptacles with a recycling decal will be located mostly on the station platforms, although they will be available in other locations. The program will be expanded to include all other PATCO stations including the four subway stations in Philadelphia. According to PATCO General Mgr. Bob Box, “Public transportation provides a very friendly environmental way to travel and this recycling program represents yet another way that PATCO and its customers can take part in our go green initiative.” PATCO now joins the
Page 31
PATCO Goes Green Urging Riders To Recycle
www.phillyrecord.com
Page 32 The Public Record • July 22, 2010
PATCO’S 'Freedom Card' Proves Popular
Paper Supplies • Food Service • Janitorial • Maintenance • Chemicals Safety Supplies & Equipment • Commercial, Industrial Abatement Regulatory Signs & Labels • Traffic Control Supply
MICHAEL GUARINI General Manager, COO
www.phillyrecord.com
Phone: (215) 535-3100 Cell: (609) 209-7660 5019 Mullberry Street Fax: (215) 535-3106 Philadelphia PA 19124 E-mail: mguarini@503corp.com www.503corp.com
The region’s first and only smart-card fare-collection system continues to gain in popularity with PATCO riders. The FREEDOM card is a convenient way for PATCO riders to pay their fares, buy SEPTA transfers or gain access to PATCO parking lots without using cash. The FREEDOM card is used by over 65,000 PATCO riders. Nearly 70% of PATCO fares are paid for with a FREEDOM card. The FREEDOM card can be purchased at the automated machines located at each of the 13 PATCO stations along the 14.2mile line through South Jersey and Philadelphia. Special Reduced Fare Program FREEDOM cards are available through PATCO’s FREEDOM Card Service Center. Medicare card holders, seniors, and disabled passengers who enroll in the program enjoy significant discounts on offpeak travel.
The FREEDOM card will soon be even more convenient. PATCO President John J. Matheussen says, “web-based ticketing is coming, which will allow FREEDOM card holders to check account transactions, add value to their cards, register cards, enroll in autoload/automatic replenishment and edit account information online.”
There is another benefit to having a FREEDOM card. Card holders, at no additional cost, are automatically members of the FREEDOM to save program. Simply by showing the FREEDOM card at a participating location, PATCO riders are eligible for discounts or other benefits says PATCO Assistant General Mgr. Cheryl Spicer.
DRPA Significantly Cuts Its Carbon Imprint, Saves $ Delaware River Port Authority CEO John J. Matheussen has announced a significant reduction of the Authority’s carbon footprint as well as financial, thanks to a fleet management program that continues to move forward. According to Matheussen, “This is one of the Authority’s ‘Go Green’ programs which, in addition to the ‘Green Ports’ initiative, is designed to make our operations more environmentally friendly.”
Matheussen says the fleet management program has resulted in fewer vehicles, smaller vehicles and the use of hybrids which has significantly reduced Authority fuel consumption resulting in a reduction of harmful vehicle emissions. It is expected fuel usage will be lowered by over 4,000 gallons this year and by at least 6,000 gallons in 2011. The fleet management program is under the direction of DRPA COO Tim Pulte. Pulte says, “The program is proving to be a win-win operation.”
Page 33 The Public Record • July 22, 2010
The Philadelphia Public Record Salutes The An Agency That Never Sleeps!
www.phillyrecord.com
Delaware River Port Authority
www.phillyrecord.com
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 34
Express E-Z Pass Soon For Betsy Ross
PATCO effectively brings surburban workers to Philadelphia speedily and with ease and comfort.
Express E-ZPass, sometimes referred to as “open road tolling”, is coming to the Betsy Ross Bridge connecting Pennsauken, N. J., with Philadelphia and it could be ready for drivers in July 2011. The DRPA Commissioners approved a contract with Stantec Consulting Services of Mount Laurel, N. J., to provide Design Services for Express EZPass at the Betsy Ross Bridge. The final design is nearly complete and it is expected construction would begin early next year. Express E-ZPass allows E-ZPass customers to pay the toll without having to slow
down through the toll plaza. The express lane is equipped with a tag reader mounted on an overhead gantry and is usually located on the left side of the toll plaza. DRPA CEO John J. Matheussen says, “Express EZPass will reduce vehicle emissions, which means less air pollution, lower travel times and provide an added convenience for our customers.” The Authority also plans to implement Express E-ZPass on the Commodore Barry Bridge which connects Bridgeport, N. J. with Chester, Pa. A final design consultant could
be selected as early as October, with Express E-ZPass operational on the Commodore Barry Bridge in the summer of 2012. In addition, the possibility of utilizing Express E-ZPass on the Walt Whitman Bridge is currently in the concept phase. Many factors need to be taken into consideration before it can be determined if Express EZPass, or a modified version, would be feasible on the Walt Whitman Bridge. Express E-ZPass lanes are now in operation throughout major arteries. They can be seen on toll roads throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
tion is everything. The ferry business is not much
Walt Whitman Bridge Re-Decking To Begin term lane closures for 35 months, starting in the spring of 2011.” According to Matheussen, “We will be working hard to minimize inconvenience to our customers during the entire project, with specific emphasis placed on the long-term lane closures.” Matheussen continues, “To keep the public informed, the Authority is developing a website, www.deckthewalt.com. It will also provide notices in E-ZPass bills and handouts to drivers using the bridge.”
different. This winter, the Delaware River Port Authority will break ground to begin construction on a new ferry terminal to be more centrally located to venues on the Camden waterfront. This prime location will provide RiverLink Ferry passengers with easy access to the entrances of both the Adventure Aquarium and the Camden Riversharks Stadium. The new terminal, presently referred to as the North Ferry Terminal, will be located along the Camden Waterfront near the entrance to the Adventure Aquarium. The existing terminal will still be used for express concert service and other major events on the waterfront.
FERRY SCHEDULE will increase with refurbished Terminals. Designed by New York architectural firm, William Nicholas Bodouva & Associates, the North Ferry Terminal will be ADA compliant and consist of two new ferry slips, a covered loading area and walkway, and a ticket/attendant booth. “The new ferry terminal provides the RiverLink Ferry System with a modern terminal putting us in a
better position to meet the demands of the evolving Philadelphia and Camden Waterfront,” says Acting Chief Engineer Michael Venuto. Construction cost for the project is estimated to
be $5 million, 80% of which will be funded by the Federal Transit Administration. The project duration is one year. DRPA engineering staff is currently finalizing contract specifications.
PROUDLY MANAGING PENNSYLVANIAʼS INTERNATIONAL SEAPORT SINCE 1990
Philadelphia Regional Port Authority A Promising Future By Championing the Channel-Deepening Project And Substantial Port Expansion
Once Again, We Thank Gov. Ed Rendell For Giving Our Port A Great Opportunity And
John H. Estey, Esq. Chairman
James T. McDermott, Jr. Executive Director
Robert C. Blackburn
Senior Deputy Executive Director
John F. Dempsey
Deputy Executive Director Administrative Offices: 3460 N. Delaware Ave. 2nd Fl., Phila., PA 19134 (215) 426-2600 • Fax (215) 426-6800 www.philaport.com
www.phillyrecord.com
The Walt Whitman Bridge, connecting South Philadelphia with Gloucester City, N. J., is in line for a major facelift as the largest capital-improvement project ever undertaken by the Delaware River Port Authority is on the horizon. The DRPA Commissioners have approved two contracts totaling nearly $140 million to both re-deck the Walt Whitman Bridge and monitor the project’s progress. A $128.1 million construction contract has been awarded to the American Bridge Co. of Coraopolis, Pa., while an $11.7 million construction monitoring contract has been awarded to the joint venture of Urban Engineers Inc, URS Corp. of Philadelphia. According to DRPA CEO John J. Matheussen, “Re-decking the Walt Whitman Bridge is one of the cornerstones of our fiveyear, $1 billion capital budget. This project will result in an entirely new deck over the Delaware River, using state-of-the-art technology.” The bridge is 53 years old, first opening to traffic on May 16, 1957. The typical lifespan of a suspension bridge deck is 50 years, which is the reason it is now being re-decked. DRPA Acting Chief Engineer Michael Venuto says, “Preliminary work will begin in August and the entire project should be completed by the end of the summer of 2014.” Venuto adds, “There will be long-
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
Location. Location. Location. In real estate, loca-
Page 35
RiverLink Ferry System To Get New Terminal
www.phillyrecord.com
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 36
Page 37
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
www.phillyrecord.com
www.phillyrecord.com
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 38
Page 39
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
www.phillyrecord.com
www.phillyrecord.com
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 40
Page 41
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
www.phillyrecord.com
www.phillyrecord.com
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 42
Page 43
Bargains Galore Available Through Sheriff Sale!
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
www.phillyrecord.com
www.phillyrecord.com
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 44
Get ‘cued’ in to rib-tickling bargain prices by Len Lear One of the best bargains in Center City these days is on Wednesday nights at Pub & Kitchen, 1946 Lombard Street. For just $17 per person, guests are served a ribsand-grits dinner, featuring a half-rack of ribs that have been braised for more than seven hours and then slathered with Pub & Kitchen’s own ‘Blue Label’ BBQ sauce. The dinner is accompanied by a side of South Carolina’s Anson Mills sweet corn grits and house-made coleslaw. An optional pint of Tröegs Sunshine Pils, a beer that complements the meal, is also included. “How can you beat $17 for a half-rack of ribs, grits, coleslaw and a cold one? It doesn’t get more affordable than that,” said man-
aging partner Ed Hackett last week. Owner Dan Clark and H a c k e t t opened Pub & Kitchen in 2008, and you might say it has been the soup of the day since then. It was ranked among Philadelphia Magazine’s “50 Best Restaurants,” and Craig LaBan, the Philadelphia Inquirer’s attimes brutal food critic, wrote, “[Chef Jonathan Adams] is the real deal, from his mastery of the beer batter to the house-cured bacon that gives his burger luster, to what might be the best gnocchi in town.…” For more information, visit www.thepubandkitchen.com or http://thepubandkitchen.blogspot.com; call (215) 545-0350, or you can follow chef Adams on Twitter @ChefJonnyMac. Trolley Car Café in gear The Trolley Car Café, a BYOB sister to the 10-yearold Trolley Car Diner in Mt.
Airy, opened in June at 3269 S. Ferry Road in East Falls, a few pancakes’ distance from Kelly Drive. According to owner Ken Weinstein, “My pride and joy is our kitchen garden. We are using fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden in many of our menu items … and we are going to have movie nights every Saturday, 9 p.m., for the remainder of this month on our giant outdoor movie screen. This Saturday we are screening Up.” For more information, call (267) 385-6703 or visit www.trolleycarcafe.com. Burger-delphia So many places have opened in and near Center City in recent years specializing in burgers that Philly could easily be renamed Burger-delphia. Here are just a few of the hottest choices: •Bobby’s Burger Palace, a newcomer in University City, has burgers slathered with geographically themed toppings (Philly: Cheese Whiz, onions and hot peppers; Miami: ham, Swiss,
pickles). The sweet-potato fries, beer-battered onion rings and vanilla caramel bourbon shakes are also nothing to shake a credit card at. 3925 Walnut Street, (215) 387-0378, bobbysburgerpalace.com. •Fishtown’s art-themed Sketch has the burger bases covered with sirloin, Kobe, turkey and vegan options, plus the signature smashedonion beef burger. Inventive toppings like horseradish cheddar and salsa verde might make you sign up for Weight Watchers. 413 E. Girard Avenue, (215) 634-3466, sketchburgers.com/menu. •Though barbecue is its namesake specialty, Smokin’ Betty’s also happens to have an impressive lineup of burgers, including the Betty (pickled jalapeño and grilled corn relish, smoked mozzarella and smoked tomato jam topped with crispy leeks) and the Tur-duck-en (duck rillette surrounded by chicken and turkey, with cranberry orange relish topped with crispy
Len Lear sweet-potato ribbons). 116 S. 11th Street, (215) 922-6500, smokinbettys.com. •Diners can wash down that Fat Boy Monster (two patties, cheddar, bacon, onion rings and special sauce on a potato roll) or Shroom Burger (two deep-fried, beer-battered portabellos) with a milkshake cocktail or Yuengling lager at the quirky PYT at the Piazza in Northern Liberties. 1050 N. Hancock Street, (215)
964-9009, pytphilly.com. •It set the bar high for local burgers when it opened more than 10 years ago, and Standard Tap continues to wow the gastropub, beerswilling crowd with its sevenounce, all-natural grilled patty topped with lettuce, tomato, sautéed mushrooms, grilled onions and the guest’s choice of cheese. 901 N. 2nd Street, (215) 238-0630, standardtap.com. •The Roquefort-stuffed, onion-fringed burgers at Center City’s Good Dog tavern, which even inspired a song by Inquirer critic Craig LaBan, could get you arrested by the Cholesterol Police. 224 S. 15th Street, (215) 985-9600, gooddogbar.com. •A sandwich with a swagger is the Royal Tavern burger, which is eight ounces of Angus dressed up in caramelized onion, pickled long hots, bacon, smoked Gouda and chile mayo on a brioche bun. 937 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 389-6694, royaltavern.com.
(Cont. From Page 11) the Governor’s Mansion, speculation is beginning as to where the very popular Governor can best use his talents. He seems well equipped for a position in the Obama Administration. His experience in education will stand him in good stead as secretary of Health, Education & Welfare or in one of its top administrative spots. As a former DA, he would qualify for a high policymaking position in the Justice Dept. Is it too soon for him to accept an appointment as Ambassador to a US ally?
(Cont. From Page 11) It’s this last one I’ll focus on right now. For the last few months, my Significant Other and I have been hosting some friends of ours who are about to move to Europe. Over the
Lucky Glenwood (Cont. From Page 11) lice Dept. are unacceptable. We will lose even more of our tax base if crime continues to frighten away citizens. Let’s start by cutting your staff, Mr. Mayor! Your payroll and staff seem to grow exponentially with offices and experts that
Waffleman (Cont. From Page 11) out of places to bury people. So they would dig up coffins and would take the bones to a bone-house, and reuse the grave. When reopening these coffins, 1 out of 25 coffins were found to have scratch marks on the inside and they realized they had been bury-
Captain Jesse G. For the Finest In Seafood
(Cont. From Page 11) didate BRIAN HAUGHTON lives in both the Council and House districts. His resume includes local business owner (a popular one at that) and a fireman. Who betwe don’t need, as you listen to people who tell you how to ‘right-size’ the City with little or no forethought to the uniqueness that is Philadelphia. Is anyone else running for Mayor next year? Maybe if he thought we had options, he’d think twice about giving less to us while adding more for himself. ing people alive. So they would tie a string on the wrist of the corpse, lead it through the coffin and up through the ground and tie it to a bell. Someone would have to sit out in the graveyard all night (the graveyard shift) to listen for the bell; thus, someone could be “saved by the bell” – or was considered a “dead ringer”. GENERAL AUTO REPAIRS STATE INSPECTION LUBRICATION
Snooper (Cont. From Page 11) ally wonder whose friend it is, and how something like this happened. The Controller is diligently going after them and, hopefully, will ‘stick to his guns’. SNOOPER’S SPECIAL
nasty for large chunks, or even small chunks of people, we find it within ourselves to at least try and help. Sometimes we’re even successful at it. So while I occasionally look at this country with a jaundiced eye, it’s because I know that we can do better by ourselves, and each other. JOE DeFELICE is going to take on City Committee loyalist and incumbent City COMMISSIONER JOE DUDA for his spot as the minority Commissioner. Given Duda’s close election results in previous years, could a DeFelice challenge be successful? CHIEF, whom I had spoken to earlier, I learned was killed trying to get all his people out. I thank all those men and women who did what they could, it was horrible, and I’m also proud of all our NEW YORKERS; they too were great.”
Carl Jeff & Barbara
CARL’S FARM
POULTRY & EGGS
Chicken - Chicken parts - Turkey - Turkey parts Ribs - Bacon - Eggs - Hamburgers - Hot Dogs - Sausage Roasters - Box Lots Available In the Heart of Philadelphia’s Italian Market • 1031 South 9th Street (215) 925-9059 • 1037 South 9th Street (215) 629-1796
BODY AND FENDER REPAIR TIRE SERVICE SIMONIZING
24 HOUR TOWING & ROAD SERVICE PHONE 215-634-9517 BODY SHOP 215-427-0550 FAX 215-427-9296
Walk In’s Welcomed A.J. Sbaraglia & Toni
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA Sealed proposals will be received by the School Reform Commission at the School Administration Building located at 440 North Broad St., 3rd Floor, Office of Capital Programs, Philadelphia, PA 19130-4015, until 2:00 P.M., on Tuesday, August 17, 2010. A non-refundable fee for each set of bid documents is as scheduled. The School District will only accept bids from companies that have been placed on its current Pre Qualified Contractors List as shown at psit.org. All School District Project require MBE/WBE participation as shown in the specifications. FEE BUDGET B-041 (C) of 2009/10Electrical Contract Pastorius ES $1,500,000.00 $ 200.00 Relight 5650 Sprague Street *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on July 30, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. Specifications and/or plans and contract documents may be examined and copies thereof obtained from the School Reform Commission, 440 North Broad Street, 3rd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19130.
8th & Washington. Ave. (SE Corner) Philadelphia, PA 19147 215-336-8333 • 215-463-1813
You Can Park Easier In Front of Our Store!
Nation Under God, but we don’t show it nearly as much as we should. We have no problem bombing other countries that haven’t done a darned thing to us. We let our businesses run amok at the expense of the people who will be directly impacted by the pollutants they dump. But when things get really cent developments in both men’s careers, the possibility is not remote. Finally, there are rumors 2011 will setup a rematch between the State Committee and City Committee. Trunk Man has been hearing some trumpeting, far off in the jungle, that State Committeeman THE 911 incident that saw THE TOWERS hit by two terrorist planes. He stated, “I really wasn’t sure what was happening, but I knew, because it was a clear day, it was no accident. We, at this time, had no plans as to what we should do. The FIRE
We Gladly Accept Food Coupons
A.C. AUTO REPAIRS 2300 FRANKFORD AVENUE PHILA., PA 19125
doctor or my orthodontist for months due to an extreme lack of funds. But in the end, one of the good things that America has brought to the world is its tradition of helping others when we can … and even sometimes when we can’t. We talk a good game in this country about being One dents need to do is look to neighboring districts represented by O’Brien and JOHN PERZEL, to see neighborhoods not free of extreme urban blight. Speaking of which, what happens to the O’Brien and Perzel seats should the incumbents leave? Given reSIGHTING: Hey Chief, here’s one even I didn’t believe. I actually spotted HON. RUDY GIULIANI, former great MAYOR OF NEW YORK, heading for Drexel University’s TV studios to be interviewed by PAULA COHEN. He told all about
Information as to contract documents, etc., may be obtained at the above address, or telephone 215-400-5225. Make checks payable to the School District of Philadelphia.
2400 E. Somerset Street Philadelphia, PA 19134
Phone: 215-423-2223 Fax: 215-423-5937
The School Reform Commission reserves the right to reject any and all bids and make the awards to the best interests of the School District of Philadelphia.
www.phillyrecord.com
Live & Cooked Crabs. Live Lobsters. Fish Shrimp Scallops Clams Mussels
Elephant Corner
last few years, we’ve taken in a lot of people who need a place to stay for a night here and there and given them somewhere to sleep, a home cooked meal, and a place to plan their next move. And we’ve done this while being partially employed as freelance writers ourselves. I haven’t been able to visit my ter to make the case for the GOP in a Council race where the issues involve cutting firehouses and the enormous tax burden local businesses face? As for the State House race, there are currently no rumored candidates on the horizon. This is a shame, considering all District resi-
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
Out & About
Page 45
City Hall Sam
www.phillyrecord.com
er m m Su s g n i Sav
The Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 46
heard nothing new. If the Federal money does not materialize, Rendell has said virtually every budget line would be affected. That could mean slashing the $250 million increase in basic education he fought for this year. School boards statewide would have to find ways to balance their budgets if State spending winds up being less than expected, said David
Salter, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association. School boards “know if that money doesn’t come through, they’ll have to go back to the drawing board,” Salter said. Larry Smar, Casey’s spokesman, said it is unclear whether Casey’s office can overcome the opposition to the added Medicaid money.
Public Record Classifieds: small ADS BIG Deals AUTOS WANTED AAAA** Donation. Donate Your Car, Boat, or Real Estate. IRS Tax Deductible. Free PickUp/Tow. Any Model/Condition. Help Under Privileged Children. Outreachcenter.com 1-800-5978311 FINANCIAL CASH NOW! Get cash for your structured settlement or annuity payments. High payouts. Call J.G. Wentworth. 1-866SETTLEMENT (1-866-7388536). Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau. HELP WANTED Heat & Air JOBS - Ready to work? 3 week accelerated program. Hands on environment. Nationwide certifications and Local Job Placment Assistance! 1-877-994-9904 TRAVEL WORK PLAY! Now Hiring 18-24 guys/gals to travel w/fun young biz group. NY-LAMIAMI. 2wk PAID training. Hotel and transportation provided. Return guaranteed. Call today/start today. 1-877-259-6983 HELP WANTED DRIVER TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED! MORE HOMETIME! TOP PAY! EXCELLENT BENEFITS! NEWER EQUIPMENT! Up to $.48/mile company drivers! HEARTLAND EXPRESS 1-800441-4953 www.heartlandexpress.com SLT NEEDS CDL-A team drivers with Hazmat. $2,000 Bonus. Teams split $.68 for all miles: O/O teams paid $1.50-$2.00 for all miles. 1-800-835-9471 DriverAverage 2,400 miles/week! Local orientation. Up to $.03 performance pay in 1st year. Daily or weekly pay. CDL-A; 6 months recent experience. 800-832-8356. www.driveknight.com
$.42/mile to Start in Milton, PA! Professional OTR Class-A CDL Drivers Needed! Practical Mile Pay. Guaranteed Home-Time. Strong, Stable & Safe. Short Positions also available. 1 Year OTR experience required www.veriha.com 800-333-9291 Driver-COMPANY Experienced OTR drivers and Teams. Consistent Miles, Excellent Health Benefits. 6 mo. OTR exp. & current CDL 888-463-3962 www.usatruck.jobs EOE M/F/H/V CDL-A Drivers: Work Hard, Earn Big! Van & Flatbed Divisions. New Equipment Coming! $500 Sign-on for Flatbed Drivers. CDL-A, 6 mo. OTR, Good driving record required. Western Express 888-801-5295 LAND FOR SALE Can’t Wait Until Fall! New York Land for Sale! Our Best Deer Tract: 97 acres Surrounded by Stateland- $119,995. Our #1 Camp Deal: 40 acres w/ Camp & Stream- $59,995. Our Best All-time Deal: 5 acres w/ Wilderness Cabin- $19,995! Call TODAY and receive FREE CLOSING COSTS! Private fi-
nancing offered. 800-229-7843 www.LandandCamps.com MISCELLANEOUS AIRLINES ARE HIRING: Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888)834-9715 Is Limescale Clogging your Appliances, spotting dishes, leaving residue? HYDROCARE Solves ALL of this and MORE! No Salts. No Magnets. Easily Clips to Main Water Pipe. Maintenance Free. Guaranteed! The Hard Water Solution 1-888-7210129 www.goodwater411.com VACATION RENTALS OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-6382102 Online reservations www.holidayoc.com HELP WANTED DRIVER **EAST REGION ONLY: Drivers - Hiring Regional Van Drivers. 41.5 cpm with 2 years experience. Great Benefits. Home EVERY Week. 1 year
tractor-trailer experience required. Call 888-967-5487, or apply online at www.averittcareers.com. Equal Opportunity Employer. HELP WANTED DRIVER **EAST REGION ONLY: Professional Drivers! Class-A CDL Drivers Needed! Practical Mile Pay. $2,400 Bonus. Guaranteed Home-Time. Strong, Stable, & Safe. 1 Year OTR experience required. www.veriha.com 800-333-9291
DRIVERS: LOCAL Excellent Salary/Benefits Physically fit. Operators License w/clean driving record R+L Carriers
800-397-2639
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
(Cont. From Page 10) House Democrats. “If Congress fails to act, the Governor has said he’ll meet with legislative leaders to discuss options for addressing that shortfall.” State agencies are going through their new budgets to determine how to carry out
services while making cuts, Tuma said, and it will likely be weeks before the State has a firm number of how many employees will be laid off. On Monday, Rendell sent union leaders the required 30day notices that an unspecified number of layoffs would come. Kathy Jellison, the president of Service Employees International Union Local 668, said since then she had
Page 47
Layoffs
New Beds --- $100 --TWIN, FULL OR QUEEN Delivery Available Call: (215) 307-1950 lekieshaallenfurniture.net
BARRY FISHER
LICENSED ELECTRICIAN Over 42yrs experience low prices, fast service 100-amp Circuit breakers $65+ ceiling fans $25+ • Outlets $6+ AC/WD Lines $10+ lic/ins* FHA/VA Cert
215-927-0234
www.phillyrecord.com
www.phillyrecord.com
The South Philadelphia Public Record • July 22, 2010
Page 48