Ron Panepinto Jewelers 700 Sansom St. 215-923-1980
www.PanepintoJewelers.com We Buy Gold & Diamonds
Vol. IV No. 52 (Issue 169)
The Only Union Newspaper Reporting South Philadelphia The Way It Deserves
Value 50¢
December 30, 2010
Your Mummers Are Back...
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2011 Parade Info: All You Need To Know
One of the hottest and oldest events in town is scheduled to step off on Saturday when South Philadelphia’s beloved sequined Sultans of Strut, the Philadelphia Mummers, dust off their fancy golden slippers to take center stage in the spectacular 111th annual Mummers Parade. The extravagant showcase of talent and feathery finery kicks off with the Comics Division at 10 a.m. at Broad Street & Washington Avenue, followed by the Fancy Division (at 10:30 a.m. at Broad & Moore Streets); the String Bands (at 11 a.m. at Broad Street & Oregon Avenue) and the Fancy Brigades (at 1:30 p.m. at Broad Street & Oregon Avenue). The Fancy Brigades are scheduled to march in the parade on Broad Street, from Oregon to Washington Avenues, and will be judged at one of their indoor shows (rain or shine), while the remaining three Mummers’ divisions will end their competitive performances at the City Hall judging area in Center City. Leo Dignam, Mummers Parade director: “It promises to be a banner year in light of the overwhelming fan response to the 2010 Mummers Parade, and with a shorter, more streamlined parade, the event continues to grow into a bigger and better tradition and attraction. It is a day of celebration when the (Cont Page 2) (Cont. from page 1)
Good Citizens! Bank Teams Up to Save Local Family for The Holidays (see page 3)
Page 2
South Philadelphia Business Association Oldest Business Association in South Philadelphia – Chartered in 1897
The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 30, 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 Dr. James Moylan
Marge Mariziani John Savarese Mark Rago
Jackie Fitzpatrick Vince Guisini Esq.
Mummers 2011: Alive And Strutting From Broad To 2 Street (Cont. from page 1) City of Neighborhoods comes together. The City of Philadelphia is excited to partner with the Mummers for another spectacular year of fantasy, fancy and fun.” Dignam noted some of the changes for the 2011 parade include the addition of the Pennsport String Band and the departure of the Irish American String Band and the Oregon fancy club, which will be marching this year as a Wench Brigade. There are now three comic clubs, two fancy division units, 17 string bands, 10 fancy brigades and 8 Wench Brigades in the The parade also promises to be more fan-friendly, with the return of the Pine Street performance area and bleachers and other amenities at the six performance areas. With bleachers, DJs, food and bathroom facilities, the performance areas or “zones,” are some of the best
perches to view the Mummers Parade. They are free and located at the following cross streets along Broad at Shunk, Wolf, Washington, Spruce and Sansom. Families can warm up and enjoy additional entertainment at the HS for Creative and Performing Arts at Broad Street & Washington Avenue and at the Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce streets. Perhaps the ultimate view will be from the Grand Stand entertainment zone near City Hall at 15th & Market Streets. Tickets for the City Hall bleachers are $19 for all ages to assist with the cost of the performance zones. The main judging stand for the String Bands, Comics and Fancies will be located at 15th & Market Streets. Additional judging will take place along the parade route for Comics and Fancies. Twelve judges will score the String Bands, while six judges will
rate the Fancy units and nine will score the Comic units. The Fancy Brigades will be judged by six judges at the 14th annual Fancy Brigade Finale in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1001 Arch Street, beginning at 5 p.m. Comics start at 10 a.m., Broad Street & Washington Avenue, Fancy Division Starts at 10:30 a.m. at Broad & Moore Streets. String Bands step off from Broad Street & Oregon Avenue at 11 a.m., followed by the Fancy Brigades Division, which will march from Broad Street & Oregon Avenue, north to Washington Avenue at 1:30 p.m. Information Headquarters will be at the Dept. of Recreation, One Parkway, 1515 Arch Street, 10th Floor, (215) 683-3691 or 683-3595. In case of inclement weather, a marching decision will be made by 4:30 a.m.
Jan. 1 at the Municipal Services Building. Representatives from the City and Mummers will make the decision and parade-information headquarters will be notified. KYW 1060 AM Newsradio also will broadcast whether the parade has been postponed or delayed, as soon as the decision is made. If the parade is postponed on the rescheduled date of Jan. 2, then the parade will be held on Saturday, Jan. 8,weather permitting. SEPTA will reroute all public transit on the parade route and around City Hall for the parade. SEPTA bus routes 2, 7, 17, 23,27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 44, 48,57, 64, 68, 79, 124/125, C and G will operate on local detours in and around Center City during the parade. On New Year’s Eve, all service will run on a Saturday schedule and the SEPTA Customer
Service office at (215) 5807800 will be open, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., for riders seeking information about scheduled services. On New Year’s Day, all service will run on a Sunday schedule and the Customer Service office will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. About 10,000 Mummers who make up three parent clubs in the Comic Division, two parent organizations in the Fancy Division, 17 groups in the String Band Division and 10 units in the Fancy Brigade Division. The Murray Comic Club (Comics), Golden Sunrise Fancy Club (Fancy Division), Pennsport (String Bands) and 2nd Satin Slippers (Fancy Brigades) officially will kickoff their respective divisions in the marching order. Scheduled designated performance areas are Broad & Shunk Streets, Broad & Ritner Streets,Broad Street &
Washington Avenue, Broad & Pine Streets, Broad & Sansom Streets (near Union League) and the judging area (near City Hall). Scheduled food vending areas are Broad & Moravian Streets (near Walnut), Broad & Bach Streets (near Locust), Broad & Pine Streets, Broad Street & Washington Avenue, City Hall (west side) and various selected performance areas on S. Broad Street in South Philadelphia. Grandstand seating tickets at 15th & Market Streets are available at the Independence Visitor Center, 6th & Market Streets, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and at the Fairmount Park Welcome Center in JFK Plaza (LOVE Park), 16th Street & JFK Boulevard, Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $19 each. Please call (215) 965-7676, for ticket availability.
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Your Mummers Parade Lineup Snow Day Was A Fun Day, For Some COMIC (DIVISION) 1. Murray 2. Goodtimers 3. Landi FANCY 1. Golden Sunrise 2. Hog Island STRING BAND 1. Pennsport 2. Fralinger 3. Woodland 4. Broomall Irish American 5. South Philadelphia 6. Durning 7. Greater Kensington 8. Aqua 9. Polish American 10. Trilby
11. Uptown 12.Hegeman 13.Duffy 14 Quaker City 15.Avalon 16.Greater Overbrook 17.Ferko FANCY BRIGADE 1. Satin Slipper 2. Avenuers 3. Bill McIntyre’s Shooting Stars 4. South Philly Vikings 5. Golden Crown 6. Downtowners 7. Clevemore 8. 2nd Street Shooters 9. Jokers 10.Saturnalians
SNOW DAY! Colin and Meghan Brown and other kids as they enjoy the snow on 9th & Mifflin Streets Tuesday, after 12 inches landed on South Philadelphia the day before.
ALL AROUND South Philadelphia, everyone who could stay home did so on Monday. It was, however, a great day for boys looking to make some extra cash. These boys patrolled 10th Street’s sidewalks, offering to remove 12 inches of wet, heavy snow.
in need,” said Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, Citizens Bank’s president and CEO for Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. “We hope these gifts will help the Jones family enjoy the holidays while they work to get their house back.” On Nov. 25, Christina Jones, her boyfriend Dominicke Monroe and their three children, ages 11, eight, and 15 months, were away visiting a relative when an electrical fire gutted their South Philadelphia home. No one was injured, but the family lost all possessions. Since the fire,
the family has been living with Christina’s mother across the street while waiting to find out if the home can be restored. “These last few weeks have been extremely difficult for my family,” said Christina Jones. “But I am so grateful for the generosity of everyone who has helped my family get through an especially difficult time of year.” As part of the Adopt-aFamily program, State Rep. Kenyatta Johnson joined executives from Citizens Bank and the Salvation Army to deliver gifts purchased by Citi-
zens Bank for Jones family members, including clothing, bicycles, a TV and other gifts just in time for the Christmas holiday. “It is through the continued support of our volunteer partners that we are able to assist families like the Joneses when they need it most,” said Rev. Bonnie Camarda, director of partnerships for the Salvation Army. “I want to thank the Salvation Army for helping Citizens Bank to identify families in need this holiday season,” said Fitzpatrick.
Pole Dancing; Not Stripping! exist. By chance, I met a college dance major and together we learned all the moves. It took us 18 months to perfect but it was worth it, as I’m now certified.” Working at different dance studios in the area, Borba, who also holds a Master’s degree in business and languages, began saving her money for a dream studio with hardwood floors, floor
to ceiling mirrors and brass poles. Passionate about sharing her talent, Bora has classes every day, and includes special classes for Cougars (you know who you are!), sign language, bachelorette and birthday parties, traveling demonstrations and individual lessons. “Women may not realize it, but they have a lot of
power,” she explains.” Many lose that power because of poor body image or post-partum depression. By just learning how to do a sexy walk and truly looking at yourself in the mirror and making friends with that reflection, you begin to appreciate who you are. You change internally and will see the change in your body.”
Carolyn H. Nichols, Esq. Candidate for Judge of Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, 2011
Extends Best Wishes for a Prosperous New Year
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The top three New Year’s resolutions are to lose weight, get fit and reduce stress. I don’t know how the men are doing it, but in 2011, I’m taking pole-dance classes! On one of my impulse buys, I just had to have a pair of clear platform shoes. But really, where was I going to wear them? I needed help just going down the steps. Then I discovered Pole by Patricia. The preeminent pole-dance instructor in Philadelphia is Patricia Borba, owner of Pole By Patricia. A 44-year-old Brazilian beauty with waist length hair, Borba’s background is in ballet. “I’m not a stripper!” she emphasizes. “My students come from all walks of life and are all shapes, ages and sizes. Their common ground is to get in touch with themselves, to feel good and get in shape.” She was a normal, happy Jersey housewife, raising a child, doing the cooking and cleaning, but something was missing in her life. “I was always a dancer, ever since I was four years old. I studied under the world-renowned German ballerina Ruth Nhan and had many professional recitals. But as a stay-at-home mom, I took the role seriously, even watching Oprah in the afternoon. One day she had a pole-dance demonstration and I became obsessed! I wanted to spice up my marriage. I looked on the internet, but the classes didn’t
Citizens Bank and its volunteer “elves” drop off bicycles, clothes, a TV and other household items for the Jones family that was displaced by fire.
The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 30, 2010
Citizens Bank donated Christmas gifts to a South Philadelphia family that was displaced from its home by a fire that took place on Thanksgiving. As part of the Salvation Army’s annual Adopt-a-Family program, Citizens Bank adopted the Jones family, whose members were burned out of their home on Thanksgiving Day while they were visiting a relative during the holiday. “Citizens Bank is committed to helping our communities and in the spirit of the season, bank colleagues wanted to assist a local family
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Citizens Bank Proves Real Good Neighbor
Page 4 The Public Record • December 30, 2010
Penna. Losing Another Congressional Seat Sad news for Pennsylvania: We are going to lose another seat in Congress. Now the good news: it will probably affect the Western congressional Districts. The Census has counted
and the other States losing seats are Illinois (1), Iowa (1), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (1), New Jersey (1), New York (2) and Ohio (2). Texas will gain four House
State Senator
Larry Farnese
REP. BRENDAN F. BOYLE
First Senate District
7215 B. Rising Sun Ave.
Tel. 215-952-3121
Phila. PA 19111 • P (215)-342-1700
1802 S. Broad St.• Phila. PA 19145
www.SenatorFarnese.com
14230 Bustleton Ave. Phila.PA 19116 • P (215) 676-0300
seats, due to a burgeoning Hispanic population and a diversified economy that held up relatively well during the recession. Other winners are GOP-leaning Arizona (1) and Florida (2), as well as Georgia (1), South Carolina (1), Utah (1) and Washington (1). The Ohio and New York losses typify many of the Democratic strongholds carried by Barack Obama in 2008 that saw declines in political influence. And, for the first time in its history, Democratic-leaning California did not gain a House seat after a census, after losing many of its residents in the last decade to neighboring states. The projections do not account for overseas US military personnel and their families, who are typically (Cont. Page 6)
Young Dems Meet For Holiday Event
PHILA. Young Democrats Annual Holiday Mixer at Zesty’s Restaurant in Manayunk brought out these. From left are Ve Estus Beamon of phillygogreen.com; Billy Miller, political consultant; Ken Washington, 197th State Rep. candidate; Fran Fattah, lawyer; Daine A. Grey, judicial candidate; Michele Lawrence, community bank president for Wachovia Bank; Malik Boyd, president of Phila. YDs; and Tracy Hardy, aide to Councilman Bill Green.
R EPRESENTATIVE
A NGEL C RUZ DISTRICT OFFICE 2749 N. 5th St. • 215-291-5643
Tartaglione 2nd Dist. 127 W. Susquehanna Ave. 1063 Bridge St. Philadelphia, PA 19122 Philadelphia, PA 19124
215-291-4653
215-533-0440
Staffed by :
Joe Evangelista Debbie Toro
Ready to Serve you Councilman Bill
Green
AMONG movers and shakers were, from left, Daine A. Grey, judicial candidate; Ken Washington, 197th State Rep. candidate; Billy Miller, political consultant; and Ve Estus Beamon, phillygogreen.com.
STATE SENATOR
Room 599 City Hall P. 215.686.3420/21 F. 215.686.1930
LEANNA M. WASHINGTON DISTRICT OFFICE
Constituent Service Office
1610 S. Broad St. Phila., PA 19146 (215) 952-3378
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Councilman Wm.
Greenlee
1555-D Wadsworth Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19150 (215) 242-0472 Fax: (215) 753-4538 WEB SITE www.senatorwashington.com
State Senator
Anthony Hardy Williams
Room 580 City Hall P. 215-686-3446/7 F. 215-686-1927
8th Senatorial District
State Rep.
William Keller 184th District 1531 S. 2nd Street
215-271-9190
(USPS PP 109) Weekly Publication Published by:
The Phila. Public Record The South Phila Public Record
ENJOYING event were Young Democrats Cecil Tojino, Talia Stinson, Judi Ryee Alloman, Hugh Giordano, Blossom Kaleo and Stephen Rudman. Photo by Doug Bennett
Senator Tina
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2901 Island Ave. Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19153 (215) 492-2980 Fax: (215) 492-2990 Always Hard Working .. . for You!
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 Dan Sickman: Veteran Affairs 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.
Page 5
INJURED AT WORK! CALL FOR YOUR FREE HANDBOOK WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA WORKERS COMPENSATION BENEFITS
The Law Firm of
The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 30, 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.
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Do you want your claim settled for Maximum Value? Are you being bullied by your employer and need the real facts about your rights?
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Page 6 The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 30, 2010
Grace Parties, Another Enters Sheriff’s Race (Cont. From Page 4) counted at military bases in the US. The Census Bureau obtains Pentagon records on overseas military and adds them to the resident count before allocating the House seats. In 2000, North Carolina beat out Utah for the last House seat because of its strong Army presence. The stakes are high. States on the losing end Tuesday may have little recourse to challenge the numbers. Still, census officials were bracing for the possibility of lawsuits seeking to reverse the 2010 findings, according to internal documents. More on how our three congressional Reps will fare in redistricting in story on Page 15.
Joe Grace Kicks Off Council Campaign
Gun-violence prevention advocate Joe Grace kicked off his campaign for Philadelphia City Council’s 1st Dist. this week with a holiday party and reception at a restaurant in Northern Liberties. More than 100 people, attended including Managing Directors Phil Goldsmith, Pedro Ramos, and Loree Jones; and State Rep.-Elect Kevin Boyle (D-Northeast). Grace until recently served as executive director of CeaseFirePA. He is an experienced public servant. Devon Cade Adds To Sheriff Field
With three candidates already in the mix for the office of Sheriff in the Democrat
Sheriff Green’s Important Steps to Saving Your Home Step 1:
primary, a fourth believes he as much of a chance as the others. He’s Devon Cade and his platform includes having Sheriff’s deputies patrolling the streets. He has other ideas as well, including upgrading equipment. He ran in 2006 against State Rep. Jim Roebuck (D-W. Phila.). He currently is an advisor for the School District and works for Philadelphia Teen Court, Inc. We Are Short On Civic Health
The Commonwealth’s firstever Civic Health Index reveals Pennsylvania’s civic health is suffering. This comprehensive assessment is the result of a State Rep.
Frank Oliver 195th District 2839 W. Girard Ave. Phila. PA 19130
215-684-3738
partnership between the National Conference on Citizenship and the National Constitution Center. The report provides an annual measure of civic habits, much as the government measures economic behavior. These habits, including voting, volunteering and connectedness, are thought to predict and explain levels of participation in our democracy. “Our societies are only as healthy as the social fabrics on which they rely,” said David B. Smith, executive director of NCoC. “By examining social interaction, we see the more citizens are informed and engaged, the more they work together to address local problems.” Results show Pennsylvanians have fallen behind in voter registration and turnout, ranking 35th among all states in
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:
GOP STATE REP. JOHN
Step 4:
SABATINA JR.
Take time to carefully investigate the offers you receive to avoid becoming a fraud victim Sheriff John D. Green Philadelphia
174th District 8100 Castor Ave Phila, PA 19152 T: 215-342-6204
Parkwood Shopping Center 12361 Academy Road, Phila., PA 19154, 215-281-2539 8016 Bustleton Avenue Philadelphia PA 19152 215-695-1020 Open Mon. - Fri. 9:00 AM - 5 PM
Sen.Mike Stack SERVING THE 5TH DISTRICT
May, 2011
(215) 468-2300
If you feel uncomfortable handling mortgage negotiations, consult a professional housing Counselor
The deadline to apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebates is Dec. 31. The rebate program benefits Pennsylvanians who are 65 and older, people with disabilities 18 and older, and widows and widowers 50 and older you meet income requirements. To obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000), information, and to check the status of already filed claims go online to www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com, call 1-888-222-9190, or call my office.
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Traffic Court Candidate
Democrat Marnie Aument-Loughrey Paid for by Candidate
voter registration rate and 39th in voter turnout. During the historic presidential election of 2008, when record numbers of voters went to the polls, Pennsylvania actually saw a drop in voter registration, voter turnout, and voter fulfillment, falling slightly behind the national average. A bright spot for Pennsylvania came in the area of social cohesiveness. The index shows
Pennsylvanians who are connected to families, friends, and neighbors are more likely to vote, volunteer, and participate in other civic actions. Pennsylvania ranks 20th in the nation – one of the state’s highest rankings of all civic indicators – in the following categories: talking to neighbors several times each week (46.9%) and eating dinner with family several times each week (90.4%).
Fighting Sexual Abuse
COUNCILMAN at Large Frank L. Rizzo, Jr. presents resolution to Phila. Children’s Alliance congratulating nonprofit for the work it does with city’s child sexual-abuse victims. Accepting resolution is Chris Kirchner, Children’s Alliance executive director; Betsy Scarcelli, Board president of Children’s Alliance, far right; and Christine Jones, office manager of Children’s Alliance, far left.
Eagles, Comcast Sportsnet Host At Arc And PDDC Benefit
State Representative
RONALD G. WATERS 191st Leg. District 6027 Ludlow Street, Unit A
215-748-6712
State Sen.
Shirley M.
Kitchen 3rd Sen. District 1701 W. Lehigh Ave.Ste 104 Philadelphia, PA 19132 215-227-6161 www.senatorkitchen.com
LEAD SPONSORS of The Arc and PDDC fundraiser included Joe Pekala, of J. Pekala & Assoc. insurance company, left, who is seen here with Comcast Sportsnet host Michal Barkann and COO of PDDC Laura Princiotta. Photos by Bonnie Squires
Roots of 9/11 Part 6 of 25
PRESIDENT REAGAN TO AMBASSADOR ANNENBERG (re: Energy Changing Form): "With Nicholas Nickleby's being canceled out of the Forrest Theater's season, the search is on for other attractions to fill in the time. One has been found: Tango Argentino, a surprise hit of last season on Broadway." --William B. Collins, Theater Critic, The Philadelphia Inquirer, September 15,1986
GOP'S TRICKLE-DOWN PRINCIPLE: "In 1977, Dr. Leon Sullivan initiated the SULLIVAN PRINCIPLES...for companies in South Philadelphia,South America,and other parts of the world." --Hon. John Street, President, Philadelphia City Council, Liberty Medal Ceremony, July 4, 1993 --The Philadelphia Oboe Sound System
Page 7
Our Opinion ... Forget The Tough Year...
The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 30, 2010
Letters • Letters Unions Need Party I have been involved in the labor movement now for about 10 years, from nonunion worker/union activist, to member, and officially becoming a union representative for UFCW Local 152. Why do we support the Democrats and Republicans when all they do is take our money, use our manpower, and then leave us out to dry? Why do we support CEOs, corporate consultants, and corporate attorneys, when 365 days of the year, if not running for office, they are fighting unions, breaking labor laws, and spreading their greed? But all of a sudden, when they run for office as a “Democrat”, they have changed their ways? This just proves that the Democrats are as corporate as the Republicans. Labor has the power to change this, and we must! Many labor unions still believe the Democrats are “labor’s friend”. Really? Democrats took 53% of the total
“corporate” contributions. Why are we, the strong men and women of the labor movement, bowing down to the corporate bosses and politicians, when we could run for office, win, and do what we need to do – enact laws that benefit working people and poor people? We have the manpower, money and knowledge to run our union representatives and win! But here is the catch: We cannot run as a Democrat or Republican. We can as a Third Party! Yes, we must do what our past labor leaders tried to do and that is build a party that is about us. Some of you might say, “That will never work, and it can’t happen.” Well, I would say you are dead wrong! The corporate Democrats only win because we fuel them, but then they turn their backs on us. If we run with a clean and fresh party such as the Green Party, we can call the shots and be as progressive as we choose. Hugh Giordano
Dec. 30- Breakfast fundraiser for Cindy Bass hosted by Congressman Chaka Fattah, Shulick Law Offices at 8:30 a.m., 100 N. 18th St., Suite 1900. For info (215) 8445443. Dec. 30- Friends of Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., host year-end fundraiser “Curt Ain’t Crying the Blues” at Le Cochon Noir, 5070 Parkside Ave., Suite 5100E 7 p.m.-12 a.m. Dec. 30- Friends of Damon K. Roberts fundraiser at 1700 Reed St., 7-10 p.m. Host Dan Oliveri. Tickets vary in price. For info Lisa Robinson (267) 334-0244. Jan. 7- Lunch with Judge
Jimmy Lynn at Vesper Club, 216 S. Sydenham St., 12:30 p.m. Jan. 14- Fundraiser Reception for Council candidate Lawrence Clark at Chart House, 555 S. Columbus Blvd., 6-9 p.m. Tickets $15. Jan. 19- Reception for GOP 1st Council Dist. candidate Lou Lanni at home of 5th Ward Leader Michael A. Cibik, Esq., 334 S. Front Street, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jan. 27- Edward J. Lowry, founder of Phila. Veterans MultiService & Education Ctr., will be honored on retirement at Waterfall Rm. in Plumbers Local 690 Union Hall, 2791 Southampton Rd., Cocktails 6-8 p.m., followed by Tribute Program. Tickets $65. Order by phone (215) 238-8050. Event Chair Ed Keenan, Board Chair Jim McNesby and Exec. Dir. Marsha Four.
Editorial Warning!! Letters from an unidentified informant without any contact information cannot be considered for publication, no matter how valid their contents.
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All of us shared one thing in common ... we closed out a tough 2010. But beaten up as we all were, it is our belief this New Year’s Day will be the beginning of a brighter, more healthy and successful new year. With that, we send our greetings for a Happy New Year to our advertisers and readers, without whom we could not exist. To Mayor Michael Nutter and his administration, doing their best to cope with the recession and now making moves to bring us a better-run city. To our row-office officials and their dedicated staffs, including Commission Chair Margaret Tartaglione, and Commissioners Joe Duda and Anthony Clark, who have made voting an easy effort for citizens of this city. To Sheriff John Green, Undersheriff Connie Little and Chief Deputy Sheriff Barbara Deeley, for withstanding the abuse hurled at them by an errant media and keeping all on the home front abreast with Sheriff’s Sales while helping distressed Philadelphians save their homes from foreclosure. To Register of Wills Ron Donatucci, for making the probating of wills and the obtaining of marriage licenses easy. To City Council President Anna Verna, who has set a record with her years of yeoman service, and the members of City Council, who despite the negative press, have passed legislation benefiting all of us. To our State Senators and Representatives, who do their best to bring home Philadelphia’s share of tax revenue, often after much battling and with a great deal of hustle. They’ll have a tougher time with the switch of control in the legislature. We single out State Rep. Frank Oliver, who retired after 37 years of service. To our three Congress Members, for what they do for us in Washington, D.C., making sure we get the federal revenue we deserve: Bob Brady (the peacemaker and strike mediator), Chaka Fattah (the educator) and Allyson Schwartz (the scrapper for her District). To our two US Senators, Bob Casey and Pat Toomey, working in tandem to bring us what they can. To the ward leaders of both the Democratic and Republican political parties in this city and their respective leaders, Chairmen Bob Brady and Vito Canuso, Esq. To the unions in this city, both big and small, and to their great leaders who work hard to make sure their members earn decent, family-sustaining wages. To Pat Eiding, president of the AFL-CIO, and Pat Gillespie, president of the Building Trades, for their businesslike pragmatism. To Laborers District Council, for its daily concern for the rank and file and the communities which make up this city. The same to the Carpenters, the Electricians, the Ironworkers and Masons unions for contributing to the many community projects in this city. To Philadelphia Regional Port Authority’s James T. McDermott and his super staff, for moving the Port forward as it strives to provide more jobs and income to the city, while it fights to bring in funding for dredging and other infrastructure projects. To the new Philadelphia Housing Authority director Mike Kelly, hoping the new year will bring more opportunities to continue developing more homes for the needy as did his predecessor. To Vince Fenerty, chief of Philadelphia Parking Authority, for getting us cleaner cabs and for keeping traffic moving through the city and for supporting various charities. To the leaders of communities of faith, who collectively labor to bind our citizens together, to tackle the problems and the sufferings of the less-fortunate, and to remind us all to find spiritual meaning and purpose in all our holidays. To those tycoons of the private sector who apply their fortunes to philanthropy, boldly meeting urgent social needs and thereby making our city a better place to live. And last but not least, to those we should have mentioned, but fail to mention because of our fleeting memory.
Page 8 The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 30, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com
Laborers Play Santa In Norristown
LABORERS’ International Union Local 135 members brought smiles to faces of some lessfortunate children in Norristown when Santa surprised over 100 kids at its district headquarters on Christmas Eve. The toy drive is an annual led by Business Mgr. Daniel “Tiger” Woodall, Jr. Woodall and his executive staff joins Santa and children for this picture. LOCAL 135 Business Manager Daniel “ T i g e r ” Woodall and Secretary Janet Suber join Jiles Griffin, 5, Malayah Robinson, 4 and Santa at Toy Drive on Christmas Eve.
namide, folate, and B12. Treatment consists in giving high doses of each — usually 100 mg of the B vitamins and 5,000 mcg of methylcobalamin (B12). Alcoholics are also deficient in magnesium and require about 500 mg twice a
Helping Warm Children
HEALTH PARTNERS’ employees took part in Councilwoman at Large Blondell Reynolds Brown’s annual Warmth in Winter Holiday Drive, an initiative to provide winter clothing to over 2,000 children. Led by Health Partners’ Employee Activities Committee, employees donated hefty supply of warm winter goods, including many handmade knit hats and gloves. In photo, William S. George, president and CEO, Health Partners, joins Candy Martinez-Negron, executive assistant and chair, EAC, Health Partners, in donating employee-made and -donated hats, gloves and scarves to Reynolds Brown. Photo by Bernard Thorn
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lipids. Several flavonoids, such as curcumin, quercetin, ellagic acid, and luteolin, will also help.
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The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals, not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their habit. It is very harmful to have a cold drink of water during a meal. The cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this “sludge” reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal. French fries and burgers are the biggest enemy of heart health. A coke after that gives more power to this demon. Avoid them for your heart’s health.
day. Time-released forms are best. Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine supplements also replace lost brain
The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 30, 2010
Alcohol is a potent brain toxin, but much of the damage it can cause can be reversed by a good diet, using the right supplements, and avoiding toxins such as aspartame. Alcoholics are deficient in a number of critical vitamins, such as thiamine, B6, niaci-
Page 9
What Alcohol Does To Your Brain
Page 10 The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 30, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com
Just when you thought Lucky was having too much fun with holiday festivities, I’m back! Lucky has been making all the rounds, picking up all the gossip, including the skinny on the race that looks like is getting ready to happen between COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL and novice campaigner ALICIA BURBAGE. Although Burbage has considerable experience as a former constituent-service aide to STATE SEN. ANTHONY HARDY WILLIAMS, her campaigning style is not up to par. Furthermore, it is rumored the good Senator is actively distancing himself from her efforts. Although she’s a really nice lady, we don’t see this as anything close to a win for her. In fact, we’ll be the first to predict a blowout by Blackwell. Here is an idea: Burbage, Work with the Councilwoman to make your area stronger! Whatever happened to all the challengers lining up to face off against MAYOR MICHAEL NUTTER? Change of heart? Scared? Can’t raise any money? Running for one of the most important seats in the country (That’s right! I said it! In the entire US of A!) is not as easy as some might think. Nutter’s got a huge fundraising head start, unless you’ve got a few million lying around. The 1st Council Dist. race is shaping up to be a crowded field of good candidates, and we expect this rumble to be fun, fun, fun – South Philly style! JEFF HORNSTEIN from SEIU is fantastic! Lucky’s been a fan for quite a while and although he’s not a household name, he is quite smart and will have SEIU’s tremendous backing for sure! Not to mention the always-affable JOE GRACE, formerly of Ceasefire, PA, who (Cont. Page 28)
I’m not going to try and sugar-coat this at all. I’m going to come right out and say it. In my humble opinion, 2010 sucked. It was awful. It was terrible. If I never see another year like this, it will be too soon, it was so gawd-awful. If you were a progressive hoping for a progressive Congress for the next two years, it sucked. If you were President Barack Obama and you hoped you’d get to work with reasonable people, it sucked. If you were a Phillies fan hoping for another World Series title, it sucked. If you were the New York Yankees fan and were hoping Cliff Lee would join your rotation, 2010 wasn’t a good year for you either. (But that said, Lee came to Philly, which made many of us happy indeed. My guess is somewhere Scott Boras is getting chewed out by Jayson Werth. Granted, it’s probably happening at a private island or some swanky resort.) Even the people we lost in 2010 were people it sucked to lose. Lena Horne? I get the fact that she was in her 90s, but it sucks that she’s gone. Why is Leslie Nielsen gone? What’s up with Teena Marie being dead? While I’d rather forget 2010 ever happened, I have to give you a year-end rundown about it. So here goes. It Sucks to Be: A City Council Member with a DROP Account: The idea behind the Deferred Retirement Option Program was to keep City employees with institutional knowledge from leaving the City’s employ with said knowledge. For civil servants, this was a good idea because it kept people who knew how things worked where they could be of the (Cont. Page 29)
Yo! Here we go again with some cosmic queries that need no answer – the question itself is thought-provoking. Like this: Who needs rhetorical questions? Furthermore, if dolphins are so smart, why did Flipper work for television? If you were to choke a smurf, what color would it turn? Why do they sterilize the needles used for lethal injections? If 7-11 is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, why are there locks on the door? How can there be self-help groups? What is another word for “thesaurus”? If it’s the tourist season, why can’t we shoot them? Is it true cannibals don’t eat clowns because they taste funny? When you’re sending someone Styrofoam, what do you pack it in? Speed is relative, right? The top speed attained in the first American auto race in Chicago in 1895 was a blazing 7.5 miles per hour. Why do kamikaze pilots wear helmets? Isn’t it amazing how they get the deer to cross the road at the yellow deer-crossing signs? If women wear a pair of pants and a pair of glasses, why don’t they were a pair of bras? What would you do if you saw an endangered animal eating an endangered plant? Why do they put Braille dots on the keypad at the ATM drive-up window? Do witches run spell-checks? Twenty-four hours in a day, 24 beers in a case – coincidence? If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself — is it considered a hostage situation? Did you know it takes about 30 minutes for aspirin to find a headache? What would happen if a man took a menopause medication? How many words do you need to write a book? The book Green Eggs and Ham contains only 50 different words – check it out for yourself. The world’s most popular car color is red – of course. Speaking of color, did you know that according to sleep researchers, only about 5% of people dream in color. Do you? Did you know it takes about 21 pounds of milk to make one pound of butter? Does this sound like someone you know – an ostrich’s eyes are bigger than its brains? Here is a teaser: What US state has only one-syllable in its name? Maine. And a final teaser; where is the second most-popular place to eat breakfast in the United States? Answer: the car.
SNOOPER’S “YEAR-END MEMORIES”: (Success Stories.) PHILLIES get a superstar pitcher in CLIFF LEE; however, they had to get rid of another great player, JAYSON WERTH. EAGLES pull off another big “MIRACLE” against The Giants. Who will ever forget SHAWN JACKSON’S 63yard kickoff return for the greatest comeback ever? How about those FRANKFORD FOOTBALL CHARGERS and what they did in Florida. Yes they beat the best and they came home THE CHAMPS. This team really put it all together. We now call them “CHAMPIONS”! Then we have HON.TOM CORBETT, who won a very decisive election to become our NEW GOVERNOR. He promises CHANGE and I can tell you, like Governor Christie of New Jersey HE WILL DO IT – watch! SNOOPER’S PREDICTIONS FOR 2011: I firmly believe HON.MICHAEL NUTTER, our Mayor, will win reelection for another FOUR YEARS. THE 1st JUDICIAL DIST., both Common Pleas and Municipal Court, will see quite a “SHAKEUP” and it will definitely be for the better. I see a few JUDGESleaving the Court System for various reasons. The District Attorney, HON. SETH WILLIAMS, will pull off some real surprises affecting his offices. The Sheriff will be exonerated once the City Controller is satisfied with his AUDITS, especially those submitted by his own “private” auditors. We will see the ‘phonies’ they call “The Committee of 70” finally put in their place: watching THE ELECTIONS only. The Public Record will really get bigger and bigger, thanks to all of you and particularly all our wonderful ADVERTISERS. Yes, 2011 will be the greatest year for ALL! Hey BOSS, also the CHIEF, thank you for everything you do for me. (Cont. Page 28)
Was ED RENDELL the best Mayor Philadelphia has had since the passage of the new “City Charter?” The closest competition would be the first Mayor to take office under the new City Charter; that was JOE CLARK. Clark went on to become the US Senator from Pennsylvania. Rendell went on to become the Governor of Pennsylvania. The Primary Election for Mayor to be held in 2011 is just around the corner. So far, the only visible candidate is MIKE NUTTER, the incumbent Democrat. The Republicans have not announced support for any particular candidate as of yet. TOM KNOX, the self-made millionaire, ran unsuccessfully against Nutter in 2007. The Knox campaign group has taken some tentative steps but has not announced the appointment of a campaign committee. What kind of Mayor has Mike Nutter been? He announced plans to cut the funding usually allotted to support the arts. He announced plans to close several of the City’s libraries and, in the face of opposition, withdrew his plan. In the area of recreation, he announced plans to close several playgrounds and again, in the face of vigorous opposition, withdrew them. After initially being against the reopening of the skating rinks, he secured funds, with significant help from the private sector (ED SNYDER of the Flyers), to man the skating rinks, allowing them to open. Taxes were raised significantly. The new tax increase encompassed a 10% real-estate tax increase, a fee for trash removal, and an increase of taxes for tobacco sales. Mayor Nutter also cut the Police Dept. by $4.5 million and the Fire Dept. by $3.6 million. In addition, the Police have been reduced by two police classes, eliminating 130 new recruits. He also deactivated two fire station companies, which eliminated 40 positions. Three of the great parades in Philadelphia, namely the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, The Pulaski Day Parade, and New Year’s Parade, were not initially part of the budget. It was only through the efforts of CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY that the New Year’s Parade and St. Patrick’s Day Parade took place. Brady was able to persuade members of the private sector to put up the money for the parades. It is (Cont. Page 29)
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REGINA, left, and one of her aides gave Santa an opportunity to do a lot of squeezing as other elves set up tables for arriving youngsters in what normally would be a car- and truck crowded showroom at Pacifico Ford at Automall in South Phila. Photos from Kurt Shadduck
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African American United Fund — with the aid of TL Gilliams’ Joy to the World Fest, RL Little Consulting, Fraternal Order of Housing Police, Uptown Entertainment and Development Corp., Greys Lounge and others — delivered toys to almost 5,000 needy children and their
families. Cherron Perry-Thomas, Board chair, African American United Fund, said “This is our 13th year providing toys to low-income families, either by hosting our own toy drive or collaborating with other agencies. It’s been one of our more successful.”
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The South Philadelphia Public Record • December 30, 2010
State Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Northeast) is reminding residents the deadline to apply for a Property Tax/Rent Rebate is Dec. 31. The program offers eligible seniors, the disabled and widows and widowers a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2009. “My offices can help residents find out if they qualify for the program, provide applications and assist with filling out the application,” Boyle said. “Those who received a Property Tax/Rent Rebate for 2008 already should have received an application for 2009.” Boyle said applications for the program can be obtained by contacting one of his constituent service offices at (215) 3421700 for his Rising Sun Avenue office or (215) 676-0300 for his Bustleton Avenue office. Applications are also available through the Philadelphia Corp. on Aging, which can be reached at (215) 765-9040.
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Property Tax Christmas At Pacifico Ford Deadline Is Dec. 31
We are your direct line to a day, weekend vacation fun filled trip! “How to Tap into Your Intuition” classes Back by Popular Demand 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) Learn Psychic and Spiritual Healing techniques
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You can find romance, financial security, and confidence in your decision making. Learn to guide yourself, look within and find the answers that have been evasive to you. Several fun, hands on classes teach you to find your way around the psychic realm in a safe friendly environment.
Page 12 The Public Record • December 30, 2010
All You Need To Know To Watch The Mummers Parade
One of the hottest and oldest events in town is scheduled to step off this Saturday at 10 a.m. when the city’s beloved sequined Sultans of Strut, the Philadelphia Mummers, dust off their fancy golden slippers to take center stage in the spectacular 111th annual Mummers Parade. The extravagant showcase of talent and feathery finery kicks off with the Comics Division at 10 a.m. at Broad Street & Washington Avenue,
followed by the Fancy Division (at 10:30 a.m. at Broad & Moore Streets); the String Bands (at 11 a.m. at Broad Street & Oregon Avenue) and the Fancy Brigades (at 1:30 p.m. at Broad Street & Oregon Avenue). The Fancy Brigades are scheduled to march in the parade on Broad Street, from Oregon to Washington Avenues, and will be judged at one of their indoor shows (rain or shine), while the re-
maining three Mummers’ divisions will end their competitive performances at the City Hall judging area in Center City. Said Leo Dignam, Mummers Parade director: “It promises to be a banner year in light of the overwhelming fan response to the 2010 Mummers Parade, and with a shorter, more streamlined parade, the event continues to grow into a bigger and better tradition and attraction. It is a
day of celebration when the City of Neighborhoods comes together. The City of Philadelphia is excited to partner with the Mummers for another spectacular year of fantasy, fancy and fun.” Dignam noted some of the changes for the 2011 parade include the addition of the Pennsport String Band and the departure of the Irish American String Band and the Oregon fancy club, which will be marching this
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year as a Wench Brigade. There are now three comic clubs, two fancy division units, 17 string bands, 10 fancy brigades and 8 Wench Brigades in the Mummers Parade lineup. Mummery dates back to ancient Roman laborers who ushered in the festival of Saturnalia by marching in masks while exchanging gifts and satirizing the issues of the day. Locally, during the 1600s, Swedish settlers to Philadelphia dressed up, chanted and fired weapons in the air to honor Christmas; they entertained their amused neighbors in exchange for desserts and beverages. The tradition eventually moved to New Year’s Day and evolved into a series of neighborhood parades. As immigrants moved to the area from Ireland and Italy, each group added their own cultural flavor to the local customs. In 1901, the tradition began in earnest with the first recognized and judged Mummers Parade organized by the City of Philadelphia on Broad Street. The famous term “Mummer” is German and means “to costume or masquerade.” Established with just a few hundred revelers, today more than 10,000 participate in the parade. The parade also promises to will be more fan-friendly with the return of the Pine Street performance area and bleachers and other ameni-
ties at the six performance areas. With bleachers, DJs, food and bathroom facilities, the performance areas or “zones,” are some of the best perches to view the Mummers Parade. They are free and located at the following cross streets along Broad at Shunk, Wolf, Washington, Spruce and Sansom. Families can warm up and enjoy additional entertainment at the HS for Creative and Performing Arts at Broad Street & Washington Avenue and at the Kimmel Center, Broad & Spruce streets. Perhaps the ultimate view will be from the Grand Stand entertainment zone near City Hall at 15th & Market Streets. Tickets for the City Hall bleachers are $19 for all ages to assist with the cost of the performance zones. Comics start at 10 a.m., Broad Street & Washington Avenue, Fancy Division Starts at 10:30 a.m. at Broad & Moore Streets. String Bands step off from Broad Street & Oregon Avenue at 11 a.m., followed by the Fancy Brigades Division, which will march from Broad Street & Oregon Avenue, north to Washington Avenue at 1:30 p.m. Information Headquarters will be at the Dept. of Recreation, One Parkway, 1515 Arch Street, 10th floor, (215) 683-3691 or 683-3595.
revenues would amount to a $53 million reduction in funds for the Office of Behavioral Health & Mental Retardation Services. A 30% cut would reduce the funding by $319 million for these services. “The possibility of cuts in State funding for essential services would require the City to find alternative revenue sources or be forced to reduce current service levels or eliminate some programs altogether,” said Butkovitz. “The City has already reduced services and raised taxes under the last two budgets to maintain current levels of service and programs for its citizens.” The City currently receives $595 million from the State for general-fund revenues that includes money for City departments to cover basic operating costs. The Dept. of Human Services receives $390 million of these State funds and a 30% cut would reduce its budget by $117 million, almost equal to the cost of Juvenile Justice Programs that provide adjudication, placement and support for youth offenders. While most of the City’s revenues are for State-mandated programs such as health and human services, State legislators could amend the law to change eligibility requirements and funding formulas as a means to reduce overall costs. “Discretionary funding will be the first to go, because there is less resistance when eliminating it as a budget line item,” noted Butkovitz. Discretionary funding cuts for Philadelphia’s Police Dept. could result in reductions ranging from $118,000 to $705,000, which is the cost of putting 12 to 15 police officers on the street. Along with cuts to special and general revenues, the State
could also reduce its current $1.5 billion funding to the School District of Philadelphia. Almost $1 billion of this is provided through the Basic Education Subsidy, which could be reduced if lawmakers changed the funding formula and reduced the allocation from the State’s budget. “If comments that are being made in Harrisburg ring true, the School District should brace itself and prepare contingency plans to operate with less funding from the State,” said
Butkovitz. “School districts throughout New Jersey are being forced to deal with this new funding reality, and Philadelphia should expect to deal with a similar financial reality in the next year.” The Controller’s economic report is compiled on a monthly basis and includes an Economic Snapshot and Forecast, as well as real-estate information and other local statistics. These reports are circulated every month to assist key decision-makers.
COUSINS Market and State Rep. Angel Cruz teamed up at Nina’s Kitchen Restaurant along with volunteers to feed many with turkeys and free lunches. In photo are Cousins owner Ibrahim Adeeb and, at right, Cruz, both handing out gifts.
The Public Record • December 30, 2010
The City’s economic picture appears to be stabilizing and in some areas picking up – for the moment. Next year’s outlook is gloomier, though, Controller Alan Butkovitz reports, as deep State budget cuts bite in. First, the good news. The Controller’s monthly economic report includes the monthly City and PICA revenues, which totaled $168.7 million, an 8% increase from the previous month, and $12.9 million more than collections in September 2009. Butkovitz also reported on the City’s foreclosure filings. Of the 330,000 homeowners across the United States who received a foreclosure filing in October, 1,512 of these filings came from Philadelphia – a figure much lower than the nation’s most populous cities. All cities and their homeowners are hurt by any number of foreclosures, but in Philadelphia the impact has been less severe than the national rate. One in every 389 US homes received a foreclosure notice in October, whereas in Philadelphia only one in every 438 got this bad news. Overall, 9,926 homes in Philadelphia filed in foreclosure. This relative fiscal stability won’t survive drastic slashes in State aid to City functions in Fiscal Year 2011-12. Under the current FY2011 budget, the State provides the City with $1.8 billion to fund services and programs provided by City departments. Of this total amount, $1.2 billion is provided in special revenues, mostly consisting of grant monies, with the majority of the funding for health and human services. According to City Controller Alan Butkovitz, a potential 5% State cut in special
Page 13
State Spending Cuts Spell Trouble For City A Lunch And A Turkey
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Page 14 The Public Record • December 30, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com
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The 1st includes patches of Delaware Co. while the 2nd takes in Cheltenham Township in Montgomery Co. Schwartz’s District, the 13th, is now about half Philadelphian, the other half falling into eastern Montgomery Co. It is theoretically possible to throw most of Philadelphia into just two Districts now. But try as they may, it will be hard for Republicans to design away a third Democrat District somewhere in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Speculation has it Republicans will try instead to shore up the swing Districts now claimed by incumbent Jim Gerlach (R-Montgomery) in the 6th, incoming Pat Meehan (R-Delaware) in the 7th and returning Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) in the 8th. Each contains strong Democratic areas, as a rule those closer to Philadelphia; in good Democratic years, they cause Republican congressional losses in the suburbs. The GOP may peel off some of these areas and deal them to city-based Districts. In Delaware Co., Meehan would be glad to lose areas like Upper Darby and MacDade Boulevard, which Brady in the 1st would be happy to have. Once a staunch GOP bastion, the Main Line has become a pain to Gerlach; he may throw Fattah in the 2nd a slice. If Fitzpatrick can push troublesome portions of Lower Bucks onto Schwartz’s lap in the 13th, that should enable him to stroll back into office for the next five elections. Each of these Districts can compensate for these population losses by picking up safe Republican territory further away from Philadelphia. Right now, computers are whirring to calculate how Republicans can best redraw congressional District lines. And while redistricters love to make political mischief for their foes, Job One is to protect incumbents.
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from the State Senate and State House respectively, plus a fifth member chosen by the other four. In the end, though, the plan they produce will be voted in by a Republican majority. However, on both sides of the aisle, Western Pennsylvanians hold almost all leadership positions. Look, then, for them to struggle most fiercely over their home turf. Philadelphia’s entrenched Democrat Members of Congress – Bob Brady, Chaka Fattah and Allyson Schwartz – may escape their gunsights. That doesn’t mean Republicans won’t work Southeastern Pennsylvania to their advantage. Leaks from the GOP’s southeastern wing suggest a strategy: Cede the city and the inner suburbs to the Dems, while stripping them of the power to control the outer edges of Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks Cos., where they have been increasingly successful in swiping congressional seats from Republicans. Republicans want to stop this movement cold. Final population figures for Philadelphia and other areas have not been released yet, but the Census Bureau estimated last year it had gained 30,000 inhabitants – not a bad growth rate, compared to the rest of the state, but not enough to allow its three Congressional Districts to enlarge inside the city. In theory, all three could be mashed together and the redistricting panel could start from scratch. However, two of its Districts, the 1st and 2nd, are hard to treat in that way. There is a constitutional mandate that Pennsylvania have at least two Districts with a majority of racial minorities, and these are the 1st and 2nd. If either takes population from the other in 2012, it would be like robbing Peter to pay Paul. So it may prove easier for the two Districts to grow out and away from each other instead.
The Public Record • December 30, 2010
by Tony West “WWRD” is the question: What Will Republicans Do? That’s what the fate of Philadelphia’s and Pennsylvania’s Congress Members rests on, as the state commences the redistricting that follows each decennial US Census. Given the results of the 2010 election, which delivered all three decision-making branches – the State House, State Senate and Governorship – into Republican hands, it is certain all electoral Districts will be drawn to favor Republicans for the next 10 years. Chances are Philadelphia’s three Democrat-controlled Districts will remain intact. But as the price for their survival, three suburban Districts that have been tipping toward Democrats for the last decade will be stripped from their grasp for the next 10 years. In this state, it’s a game of musical chairs. The 2010 Census has decreed Pennsylvania will lose a congressional seat. Next year, 19 Districts must be recarved into 18. Districts now have close to 646,000 residents on average. By 2012, new Districts must have a population of 706,000 on average. Therefore, all surviving Districts must grow. That means somewhere in Pennsylvania, at least one incumbent Democrat Congressman will soon be toast – maybe more. Nobody knows what the Republicans will do at this point. But it is likely their wrath will fall first on a pair of junior Western Congressmen, Jason Altmire (D-Allegheny) and Mark Critz (D-Blair). Even though he inherited the throne of mighty Jack Murtha, Critz’s District is particularly vulnerable. It’s a Chinese squiggle that squirms over nine counties. The Legislative Reapportionment Commission is bipartisan, consisting of one Republican and one Democrat
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Redistricting: GOP Will Take Back The Suburbs
Page 16 The Public Record • December 30, 2010 www.phillyrecord.com
Inside Your Computer
Clear Channel Helps Domestic Violence Fight
Contact IC3 If You Were Robbed On Internet by Peter Radatti, Pres and CEO of CyberSoft, Inc. If there’s something strange in the Internet? Feel you are a victim of some crime! Who are you going to call? Not GhostBusters! It’s not a ghost! If there’s something weird in your computer and it don’t look good? Who you gonna call? The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). On Nov. 9, 2010 at 8:11 p.m., the IC3 logged its 2 millionth consumer complaint alleging online criminal activity. The IC3 is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center and went into operation in May of 2000. It reached its 1 millionth complaint on Jun. 11, 2007. Less than half that
time brought it to the 2 million mark. What do these numbers mean? It means that people don’t know the IC3 exists. The activity should be way above 2 million. Many of the consumer complaints involved a loss of money, with a median value of $500 per complaint. These complaints involve identity theft, unauthorized credit card or bank account use. The total dollar loss from the referrals so far is approximately $1.7 billion. Here is a short list from the IC3 of Internet crimes that are peaking right now: fraudulent online classified ads and auction sales; giftcard scams purchased online; phishing and smishing schemes, which are all forms of fraud.
STATE SEN. LeAnna Washington would like to thank Clear Channel radio for its on-air Public Service Announcements on disaster preparation, domestic violence, literacy and local events. Clear Channel has also generously donated billboard space in the following locations: Washington Avenue, east of Cleveland; Girard Avenue, east of Belmont; Wayne Avenue, south of Windrim; Cottman Avenue, east of State Road; and Ogontz Avenue, north of 75th Street.
If you are having an internet crime problem and your local law enforcement does
not appear to be appropriate, then try the IC3 at their website www.IC3.gov.
To protect yourself and help prevent you from becoming an internet crime
victim, visit the IC3’s education website www.LooksTooGoodToBeTrue.com.
Photo by Martin Regusters, Leaping Lion Photography
KELLY LEECH, a senior at Franklin Towne Charter HS, posted a win in high-school wrestling -- only girl on her team. She’s the daughter of Public Record photographer Harry Leech.
French Community Bids Ambassador Adieu Reading Market Helps Kids
ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE called together all French organizations in region for luncheon to honor outgoing French Ambassador, His Excellency Pierre Vimont. From left are Michael Scullin, Honorary French Consul for Phila. and Wilmington; Georges Perrier; Mrs. Pierre Lefebvre and medal recipient Pierre Lefebvre; Diana Regan, president of Alliance Française; Photo by Bonnie Squires and Ambassador Vimont.
AS PART of Reading Terminal Market’s celebration of Terra Madre Day, Slow Food Philadelphia presented $1,200 donation to Farm to Families, a program of St. Christopher’s Foundation for Children. From left are Joseph Brandolo, president of Slow Food Phila.; Paul Steinke, general manager of Reading Terminal Market; and Jan Schaeffer, Photo by Bonnie Squires executive director of Foundation.
Ringside With The Shadowboxer Ward’s Fights Weren’t Just In The Ring SHADOWBOXER wouldn’t have been anywhere last Friday other than the opening of The Fighter. David O. Russell’s pugilist saga on the reallife story of “Irish” Micky Ward is an absolute must-see for any boxing fan. Overcoming tremendous diversity to achieve greatness, Ward has often been compared to the real-life Rocky Balboa. The film looks at Ward’s family struggles, especially with his trainer and half-brother Dicky Eklund, who in the ring was best known for going the distance with the great “Sugar” Ray Leonard. But outside the ring, sadly, Eklund was probably best known for being featured on a HBO documentary on crack addiction. Eklund was able to beat a lot of fighters in his career, but had a problem beating crack addition, which eventually landed him in prison. Only one disappointment
was that the film ends with Ward’s 2000 dramatic 8thround TKO over WBU junior welterweight champion Shea Neary in London and didn’t go into Ward’s epic trilogy with Arturo “Thunder” Gatti. But the cast of Mark Wahlberg (Micky Ward), Christian Bale (Dicky Eklund), Melissa Leo (Alice Ward) and Amy Adams (Ward’s girlfriend Charlene) all put in Oscar-worthy performances. On a personnel note, SHADAWBOXER had the opportunity to meet Micky Ward back in 1997 in Boston, and I can say he truly is as humble a man as he is portrayed in the movie. Although he eventually got a seven-figure payday in the Gatti fight, for the vast part of his boxing career, he had to keep his day job paving streets in Lowell, Mass. Ward’s story will be an inspiration to all those who see this incredibly determined boxer who beat the odds in and out of the ring.
The Public Record • December 30, 2010
BRIGHT HOPE Baptist Church, friends and family gathered to celebrate retirement of 35-year Executive Administrator Shirley D. Sharpe at Hilton Hotel. Pictured here are Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, Shirley D. Sharpe, Councilwoman Marian Tasco and Rev. William H. Gray III.
Don't Wrestle With Kelly
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Honoring A Dedicated Woman
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Page 18 The Public Record • December 30, 2010
Student Aid Tax Credit Extended Congressman Chaka Fattah’s legislation to provide up to $2,500 in higher education tax credits for students — a benefit worth $18 billion — will be extended through 2012 under the President’s tax cuts and unemployment-insurance plan approved by the House of Representatives. The American Opportunity Tax Credit, which covers tuition, textbooks, fees and other higher education expenses for working families, low- and middle-income students, was included in the Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2010. “The AOTC has helped put college education within the reach of millions of students who would otherwise face significant financial hardship,” said Fattah, a leading advocate in Congress for educational opportunity. “I am pleased the strides we have made toward increasing college affordability will continue.” Fattah was architect of the original AOTC in the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009, which is set to expire Dec. 31. He intro-
Learning How to Give Back
ATTENDEES at Non-Profit Boot Camp learn how to start a nonprofit organization and receive important information about keeping an existing nonprofit compliant with new IRS regulations. Nearly 100 people attended free one-day seminar at University of the Sciences in Phila., presented by State Sen. Anthony Hardy Williams. duced legislation two months ago making the AOTC permanent. The AOTC has already assisted some 335,000 Pennsylvania families with college expenses. Those families have seen a reduction in their taxes by an average of more than $2,000, according to a recent report from the Treasury Dept. Nationwide, the Treasury report states 12.5 million students and their families have received a tax credit for their higher-education expenses, and 4.5 million low-income students and their families received the full benefit of this higher-education tax credit, that was previously unavailable.
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Mayor Aids Bike Giveaway
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter joins CH2M HILL at the 2nd Baptist Church to present 50 brand new bicycles to children for Christmas. Pictured here with Elf's, Santa who was State Rep.Tony Payton, 179th Dist. and CH2M HILL Philadelphia employees. As a community partner with over 24,000 employees worldwide and the Philadelphia center city office staffing 50 employees, CH2M HILL is an employee-owned consulting, design, design-buil, operations and program management firm. CH2M HILL has done this successful Holiday Bike program in various areas of Philadelphia for the last 8 years. Photo by Martin Regusters, Leaping Lion Photography.
Pols Seek Liddonfield Public Input Honoring their pledge to keep the public informed of the status of the former Liddonfield Homes site, State Sen. Mike Stack and State Rep. Mike McGeehan met at the property along with representatives of the Philadelphia Housing Authority and a construction manager. Both were glad to report the near-completion of the demolition of the deteriorated housing project. In 2006, the two sought the help of Gov. Ed Rendell and obtained $3.5 million from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Fund to level the buildings. The next challenge is what to do with the vacant tract. Original plans had been for construction of a mix of housing units, including homes for older residents and regular market-rate housing. However, the current economic downturn and the state of the real estate market have not favored those outcomes. “We have met with potential developers and the Housing Authority to stay on top of those prospects, but the current timetable for an issuance of a developer Request for Proposal invitation by the authority is not in place,” McGeehan said. “Rep. McGeehan and I recently met with potential developers to get some idea of what they believe might be viable for the future use of the property,” Stack said. “We’re looking to stir things up and get people thinking about it.” The two noted the Housing Authority requires public input during the design process if PHA funds are involved.
Legislators May Give Back Perks Republicans who will control the State House in January appear in agreement on a plan to give up State fleet cars, have legislators pay toward their health-care benefits, and curb per diem abuses. It’s a sign they’re ready to work with Gov.-Elect Tom Corbett, who campaigned to rein in lawmakers’ perks. Corbett pushed to cut the car fleet, sought to require contributions for health care and establishing more accountability for per diems, the flat undocumented payments for lawmakers’ overnight stays. Stephen Miskin, speaking for House Republican leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny), said, “The daily rate for Harrisburg trips is $157. We want to end what is perceived as abuse.” The House members are expected to vote early in new session on these changes when they vote on
rules governing the chamber. House Democrats are reportedly in tune with the new changes. House members, who get free health insurance, would contribute 1% of their salaries toward coverage. It would put the House on par with the Senate, which requires Senators to contribute that amount, Miskin said. Some Republican legislators voluntarily contribute to health-care plans. State lawmakers are paid $79,646 annually. Floor leaders make $115,397. Lawmakers would be reimbursed for mileage when they drive personal vehicles for State business. Some do that now, instead of taking State-paid cars. Leaders were debating details for per diem allowances. They discussed requiring lawmakers to sign affidavits that they incurred overnight expenses and requiring receipts for trips
when the House is not in session. One proposal would bar per diems for Republican and Democratic policy committees, which hold hearings across the state to tout lawmakers’ bills. That stems from Internal Revenue Service changes, members said. Essentially, the idea is to limit per diems to voting sessions of the full House or standing committees, Miskin said. In the past, some lawmakers collected “non-session per diems” for working in Harrisburg offices and House sessions in which no votes were called. Another proposal would roll House resolutions into a single vote. Resolutions typically honor groups and individuals or call attention to issues. Bundling the votes would make the flow of legislation more efficient.
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Craig White customer-oriented culture for the benefit of ratepayers and taxpayers, and positioning the company on a sustainable course.” He made it plain he wants more of the same. “We conducted a major business transformation,” White related. “We went into most departments and re-engineered them, putting in best practices. We’ve designed rates that meet our customers’ needs more specifically – whether they are small or large commercial, municipal or residential – so we can be most cost-effective.” To push this process along, Knudsen and White lobbied the Public Utility Commission to make changes in its Code.
They developed a smooth working relationship with Utility Workers Union of America 686 and its leader Keith Holmes. ”Our labormanagement agreements have been a keystone to our success,” stated White. Rising concerns about environmental costs are bringing White’s industry to the forefront. Since natural gas burns more cleanly than either petroleum or coal, it is an attractive alternative fuel. Supply is a key factor, though. And we are entering an age of new supply. “The implications of the Marcellus shale have been widereaching,” White explained. “It’s the richest shale supply in the country. The large volume of supply that has entered the marketplace is having a downward impact on the price.” Less than a year ago, White noted, the Marcellus deposit was producing 8,000 dekatherms per day; now it’s doing twice that. (A dekatherm is a measure of energy, worth roughly $10 in
the current market.) Not long ago, the USA was estimated to have a 50-year supply of natural gas; now that figure is well over 100 years. “Natural gas is not only a bridge fuel to a cleaner, greener future, but an ever-larger part of the solution,” White maintained. “We are looking for leastcost procurement,” said White. “But we fully support that the extraction of natural gas be done in a way that protects all natural resources, particular our water.” White did his undergraduate work at Kutztown State University and got an MBA in financial management from Drexel. He started out at PGW in accounting. There is scarcely an industry group whose Board White doesn’t serve on. He is the incoming chairman of the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, which represents the state’s major gas and electric utilities. He has just been appointed to the National Petroleum Council by Energy Secretary Stephen Chu.
10 Years Of Serving Fine Indian Cuisine
The Public Record • December 30, 2010
MOHAN PARMER, in white jacket, is seen with his staff checking over buffet offered to customers of his Lovash Restaurant at 236 South Street marking his 10th anniversary. Lovash, renowned for its excellent Indian cuisine, has grown from a tiny restaurant in one building, growing into a larger facility occupying two buildings.
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
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by Tony West Philadelphia Gas Works began a smooth shift of executive gears this month with the announcement its President and CEO Tom Knudsen would step down at the end of his term on Mar. 1, to be replaced by his Executive Vice President and COO Craig E. White. The move, announced by the Board of PGW’s City-appointed parent, Philadelphia Facilities Management Corp., is as close to no change at all as change can get. Knudsen and White have been a team since 2001. White’s selection was a strong vote of confidence in the operations of the nation’s largest municipally owned gas utility. However, White takes on his new job at a dramatic moment for his industry. As the Marcellus shale deposit begins to ramp up development, PGW will have an enormous new source of fuel right at its doorstep. It’s an opportunity White looks forward to seizing, and he may be the right choice for the task. “I came up in the company through the gas supply side,” White noted recently. While Mayor Michael Nutter has often reached out of town to recruit top management, in this case he chose as much continuity as he could. White is a Philadelphia-area native, a 31-year veteran of PGW – and a second-generation employee; his father worked there for 41 years. Stability at PGW was hard won. During the 1980s and ’90s, the utility used to burn through CEOs the way George Steinbrenner flipped managers. The KnudsenWhite era represented dramatic change. “The company has made a 180-degree turnaround, operationally and financially,” White stated calmly. “It’s my strong belief we have the right people in critical positions. We have been able to focus on essentials, not externalities.” That’s Mayor Michael Nutter’s take as well. When White’s appointment was announced, the Mayor pointedly cited PGW’s management team for “working to strengthen the company’s fiscal and operational functions, establishing a
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A Steady Hand Is Picked To Lead PGW Into A New Era
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11:47 p.m. With the extended New Year’s Eve late-night schedule, the last train will leave Market East at 1:40 a.m., giving riders ample time to enjoy the aerial spectacular and make their way to the train station. Riders travelling to New York to see the ball drop in Times Square can also connect with SEPTA at the Trenton Transportation Center. SEPTA trains will depart Trenton at 4 a.m., 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. for passengers taking early-morning New Jersey Transit trains from New York’s Penn Station. For SEPTA’s complete New Year’s Eve late-night Rail schedules, visit www.septa.org/eve-
Meet the Artist Thomas Blackshear, known for his limited edition prints and collector’s plates and sculpture d-emonstrates released his First Lady Michelle Obama First Lady signed Edition at Kenny’s Hallmark and Dr. Joi event. Pictured here are Dr. Joi Spraggins, Thomas Blackshear and Martin Regusters with his signed sculpture of Blackshear’s “The King”. Photo by Martin Regusters, Leaping Lion Photography
nts/holiday.html. In addition to the late-night Regional Rail service additions, SEPTA announces the following New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day service adjustments: New Year’s Eve, Friday, Dec. 31: All services will run on a Saturday schedule. Nite Owl Service will be in effect on the Market Frankford and Broad Street Lines. New Year’s Day, Saturday, Jan. 1: All services will run on a Sunday schedule. The following bus routes will be detoured from 8 a.m. until the conclusion of the Mummers Parade: Routes 2, 7, 9, 12, 17, 21, 23, 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 37, 38, 42, 44, 48, 64, 68, 79, 124/125, C and G. For additional information, such as fare details and tripplanning tools, visit SEPTA’s website at www.septa.org.
Sen. Michael O’Pake died Tuesday morning in the Reading Hospital and Medical Center from complications resulting from heart surgery. He was the longest-serving member of the General Assembly and served the State Senate Democrats as Minority Whip. He was elected to the State Senate in 1972 after two terms in the State House of Representatives. Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said “Sen. O’Pake was the first chair of the Senate Aging & Youth Committee. He wrote the protective services law for children and fought tirelessly for juvenile-justice reform. He also was a leader in trying to make college more affordable for Pennsylvania students. “Mike was a friend and colleague who could be counted on for kind words and sage advice in the most trying circumstances. He worked across the aisle and built bridges, trying to find solutions that help all Pennsylvanians.”
Refuse Pay Increase State Sen. Shirley M. Kitchen (D-N. Phila.) announced the members of the Philadelphia delegation will not accept the automatic 1.7% cost-of-living increase that went into effect this month. Speaking as the leader of the delegation, Kitchen pointed to the tough economy and large number of struggling families across Pennsylvania as the main reason for not accepting the salary adjustment. “We are constantly hearing from people who are doing everything they can to find work, pay the bills and feed their families. Many of those who are lucky enough to have jobs have not received a boost in pay,” said Kitchen. “Furthermore, retirees, the disabled, and veterans receiving Social Security benefits will not see a cost-of-living increase in their checks for the
second year in a row.” “Pennsylvania faces a budget deficit, which could climb upwards of $5 billion,” added Kitchen. “We are going to have a tough road ahead and be forced to make some difficult choices. Returning this money was something we all agreed we should do.” For the first time in more than three decades, Social Security recipients did not receive an increase in 2010, and they will not see an increase in 2011. Although President Obama and Democrats in Congress pushed to give an additional $250 to Social Security recipients as part of the tax-cut package, that plan was rejected. COLA is determined by a formula set by federal law, and it roughly parallels the consumer price index, though the two formulas are not identical.
The Public Record • December 30, 2010
Revelers heading to Philadelphia’s Penn’s Landing or New York City’s Times Square to ring in 2011 can take advantage of extended SEPTA late-night Regional Rail service to get home from the celebrations. SEPTA has added additional late-night trains to Trenton, Elwyn, Marcus Hook, Malvern, Chestnut Hill West, Warminster, West Trenton, Lansdale, Norristown, Fox Chase and Chestnut Hill East, scheduled to leave Center City after the midnight fireworks at Penn’s Landing. For example, the last train to Chestnut Hill West on a Friday evening normally leaves Market East at
Obituary Philadelphia Senators Sen. Michael O’Pake
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SEPTA Extended-Service Rings In The New Year
Dec. 23 to Jan. 6 Store Hours: Mon-Sat: 9-5, Closed: Sunday
2024 S. 10th St. 215-468-5363 We Accept Food Stamps - Free Delivery! Within Our Area: River to River - Washington Ave to Pattison Ave.
Whole Tavern Hams Avg. Weight 4 to 7 Lbs. $2.49 Lb www.phillyrecord.com
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Snooper (Cont. From Page 10) SNOOPER’S ENTERTAINMENT BUREAU: We have been informed by one of our great ‘sources’ THE MUMMER’S PARADE will be THE BEST one yet. Philadelphians will come out in droves to witness one of
Philadelphia’s great ICONS. We at The Philadelphia Public Record salute every one of their members, especially all The String Bands! SNOOPER’S SPECIAL MESSAGE (Seniors Only): The Social Security has now decided they will no longer issue your Social Security Checks as you have been accustomed to receiving every
month. They are now going PAPERLESS. What a joke this is on all our SENIOR CITIZENS! The Government wants to save monies by doing this. Excuse me, what about all the monies used to print all the nonsense we receive from our Senators and Congressman? The Government claims it is worried about IDENTITY THEFT, yet they’re telling you
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, January 18, 2011. A nonrefundable 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. BUDGET FEE B-830 (C) of 2005/06 General Contract General P. Kearny $4,000,000.00 $ 500.00 Multi Purpose building 601 Faimount Ave. *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on January 7, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. BUDGET FEE B-831 (C) of 2005/06 HVAC Contract General P. Kearny $1,000,000.00 $ 500.00 Multi Purpose building 601 Faimount Ave. *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on January 7, 2011 at 9:00 a.m FEE BUDGET B-832 (C) of 2005/06 Plumbing Contract General P. Kearny $500,000.00 $ 500.00 Multi Purpose building 601 Faimount Ave. *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on January 7, 2011 at 9:00 a.m BUDGET FEE B-833 (C) of 2005/06 Electrical Contract General P. Kearny $600,000.00 $ 500.00 Multi Purpose building601 Faimount Ave. *A pre-bid conference and site tour will be held at the project location, on January 7, 2011 at 9:00 a.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. 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.
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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.
SENIOR CITIZENS you must have a DIRECT DEPOSIT with your bank. If not, you will then receive A DEBIT CARD. If you’re 90 or over, YOU ARE SAFE! SNOOPER UPDATE: I have been informed by JOSEPH McDERMOTT of Municipal Court’s RESOLUTIONS UNITS I neglected to mention the following Judges who did show up for their Employees’ Christmas Party. I apologize for this little indiscretion. They were HON. JACQUELINE FRAZIER LYDE, HON. BRAD MOSS, HON. JOE WATERS, HON. DAVE SHUTER, HON. WILLIAM MEEHAN, HON. PAT DUGAN, HON. TERI DENI; HON. JOEL JOHNSON (wait a minute, he’s from CP Court) and a lot of their friends and associates. I was told by “Big Joe” a few former employees, Frank Talent for one, showed up LATE. SNOOPER’S “QUICKEE QUIZ”: Do you remember these people, and more importantly, what they did? Bob Crawford, Carmen Delisei, John D’Ortona, Shelly Albert, Tom Gola, Anthony Zecca, Hillel Levinson, Mort Solomon, Tom Leonard, Gene Sullivan, Greg Sambor, William Cibotti, Joseph Sullivan, Harry Jannotti, Peg McCook, David Glancey, Bill Green, Peter Camiel, Ed Bradley, Vincent Carroll, Herbert McGlinchey, Charles McMenamin, Paul
Lucky Glen.
(Cont. From Page 10) has already thrown his hat into the ring. Grace, who has run for office in the past, is an easy-going, yet intelligent, candidate who had an admirable announcement recently. Having former City Managing Director PHIL GOLDSMITH at your side
D’Ortona, James Lloyd, Joseph Glancey, Harry Hairston, Nate Carrabello, Beatrice Chernoff, James H.J. Tate, Bill Barrett, Jack Dempsey, Paul Chalfin, Jim Crumlish, Edgar Grim and Dave Cohen! Hold it Judge, I forgot to mention BILL KLENK and MARVIN HALBERT too. SNOOPER’S MESSAGE: The Public Record Newspaper. namely, Jim Tayoun, Sr., the Publisher; Tony West, Editor; John David, Advertising Director; Sir Rory McGlasson, Associate Editor (South Philly Record); Mr. Joe Sbaraglia, the Waffleman; Dr. Paul Tayoun, Medical Editor; Bill Hanna, Production Manager; Ruth Russell, CitiLife Editor; Denise Clay, Out & About; Ron Taylor, Award-Winning Cartoonist; The Snooper
(what can you say about him?); Steve Marsico, Circulation Dept. -- WE wish you all A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! SNOOPER’S EMAIL S E R V I C E S : (snooper2@live net.com): – this one comes from RITA SHETZ, 11th Ward. She wanted me to say hello to a good friend of hers and to let her know she is always thinking of her – HON. MARSHA NEIFIELD, the President Judge of Municipal Court. She writes, “MAYOR NUTTER is really doing a great job and is a cinch to be REELECTED. One of these days, I’m going to find out who you really are, SNOOPER, because a lot of my friends tell me you’re a FEMALE – am I right?” She reads this newspaper faithfully.
Eagles With ARC-PDDC
THE ARC OF Phila. and Phila. Developmental Disabilities Corp. held fundraiser at Chickie’s & Pete’s Play 2 in S. Phila. Supporters Brent Celek, Michael Barkann and several other Eagles players, including Branden Graham, Tra Thomas, and alumnus Bill Bergey, were there to mingle with about 200 guests. Seen here are Brian Laurinaitis, of Johnson Kendall Insurance Co., a sponsor; Laura Princiotta, COO of PDDC; Brent Celek; and Nofre Vaquer, director of The Arc of Phila. Photo by Bonnie Squire makes a heck of a statement. And with these three in, we Also, one of our favorite peo- predict the winner will be … ple, VERN ANASTASIO, incumbent COUNCILMAN who has run for the seat twice FRANK DICICCO. Don’t before, is toying with the idea have to be a rocket scientist to of going at it again. Vern is, see the outcome of this setup! like the others, brilliant, like- Also, just as an aside, no able and super-nice. He’ll women running down there? have his base of support from Where is the feminist commulast time; but the question is, nity on this? ‘She’ might have has he expanded that base since an actual shot! the last run? We shall soon see. Happy New Year to all!
City Hall Sam
one of the few politicians I covered in Berks Co. who didn’t make me cringe -O’Pake was one of the good guys; Dorothy Height, a woman who made her mark on the civil-rights movement; Teddy Pendergrass, a singer Usher wishes he could be when he grows up; Teena Marie, a singer who proved soul music wasn’t just for Black girls; Lena Horne, a woman with talent who kept it classy; George Steinbrenner, who made the New York Yankees the team you want to hate; Leslie Nielsen, who was serious (and don’t call him Shirley); Benjamin Hooks, a man who helped turn the NAACP into a powerhouse; John Wooden, the Wizard of Westwood. And on a more personal level, I say goodbye to my aunt Helen and my nephew Phelan.
the title to the second license. Because of that and other reasons, they have now lost their license and there is a move afoot to allow open bidding so that the license can go anywhere in the Commonwealth. This would allow the escape of significant tax revenues if it ever occurred. To be fair, the expansion of the Convention Center to meet the needs of large conventions has brought jobs and the potential of more tourists to the City. Now let’s compare Nutter with his predecessor Rendell. During Rendell’s tenure, Delaware Avenue (Christopher Columbus Boulevard) was improved in appearance, particularly in the spring when the flowers planted by the City are blooming. The Wednesdaynight bands which played in Center City proved to be a great inducement for people
to come to Center City or those who live in Center City to come out at night time. The instillation of the mercury-vapor lights in Center City made the streets much safer. Center City District, which was established during the Rendell Administration, provides for additional clean-up and additional security with uniformed sanitation workers and security personnel. The development of many new and diverse restaurants appealed not only to visitors but Philadelphians. Also Rendell reduced the business tax, which was an inducement for business to return to Philadelphia. Another Mayor, JOHN STREET, will be best remembered for his cleanup of the vacant houses of Philadelphia. An aside: Did you know the Irish name Sorcha – meaning “bright” or “radi-
ance” – is now being used more frequently, having been anglicized to “Sarah”? So if Sarah Palin were Irish, her name might match her personality. Have a happy and healthy New Year!
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(Cont. From Page 10) understood the Mayor has been facing a serious economic downfall. What has Mayor Nutter done positively? He is reputed to have assembled one of the largest staffs in the country. One observer claims he has over 100 people whose duties include advancing the Mayor and carrying out some of his plans. He also appointed a commission to study the waterfront and how it should develop. So far, the commission has come forward with plans which include the use of hundreds of acres of privately owned real estate. Some observers consider this hypocritical in light of the fact there has been no parallel committee to explain what the cost of these acquisitions would be and how they would be acquired. A perfect source of new tax money would have been to use the revenue realized by a second gambling casino in Philadelphia. Mayor Nutter has never really expressed an opinion as to whether he is for or against the casinos. As a consequence, developers are reluctant to financially support the group that holds
come up with. Meanwhile, Democrats who played ball with the President won reelection by and large. Coincidence? I think not. A Mainstream Republican: There are times when you decide gaining power is more important than the means you use to do it when you’re a politician. Occasionally, though, the means you use comes back and bites you in the butt. The Republicans are slowly finding out what happens when a bunch of reactionaries like the Tea Party take over your party. Mainstream Republicans are about to be bounced around … a lot. And I don’t feel sorry for them at all. Be careful what you wish for, folks. You’re about to get it. There are some people I’ll miss: State Sen. Mike O’Pake,
The Public Record • December 30, 2010
(Cont. From Page 10) most use. But for politicians, who were inadvertently able to be DROP-ers as well, it has become a bit of a time bomb. And it’s gonna explode in 2011 as several City Council Members with DROP accounts face reelection. Everyone has pledged to come after these Council Members should they decide to take their DROP money and run (for reelection). Arlen Specter: You’re a senior citizen. You’ve had the same job for 30-plus years. And you’ve been outsized. Add to this the fact you’re a Senator of long standing who hasn’t had a real job in a long, long time, and you get the life Arlen Specter is about to enter into now his career as a Senator has wrapped. Now
he’s gotta look for a job that pays him close to what he made as a Senator in this down economy. Wow. That sucks. A Blue Dog Democrat: For a certain section of the Democratic Congress, it was thought the best way to win reelection was the run against President Obama. These Democrats ran away from health-care reform, financialservices reform, and just about everything else Obama accomplished in his first two years as Commander-inChief. What did they get for their trouble? Kicked to the curb. While the Democrats took it on the chin in the 2010 midterm elections, the ones who got hit the hardest were the so-called “Blue Dogs”, the conservative Dems who made it their business to oppose anything progressive that the White House could have
Page 29
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