Volume 55 Issue 8

Volume 55, Issue 8

Keystone Press Award-Winning Student Newspaper

Community College of Philadelphia

CCPVanguard

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February 9, 2022

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Philadelphia Wellness

The Vanguard brings you stories for your health and prosperity The Vanguard’s Mission Statement is: News from a Scholar’s View, Sharing Stories, Research and Resources that Shape the Community College of Philadelphia and its Community. www.thestudentvanguard.com

Bucknell Scholarships P.2

Nutrition Tips

P.7

Bikers’ Rights P.10

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NEWS

So You Want to Be a Scholar?

CCP partners with Bucknell University to bridge the gap between community college and university life.

Leila Franklin

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n February 1, 2022, The Community College of Philadelphia’s counseling department partnered with the Associate Dean of Admissions and Director of Partnerships from Bucknell University for an info session on Bucknell’s sixweek Community College Scholars program. The program seeks to bridge the transfer gap from local community colleges to Bucknell.

The event coordinators, Counselor Todd Jones and Associate Dean Caro Mercado, opened the session with the history of the conception of the program. “This program was designed through the benefit of a grant in its

Click above for more information on BU current iteration. It did exist in a different format a few years prior to our 2007 time frame. This program is a partnership that Bucknell holds with six community college campuses to identify students that we feel would be great candidates to pursue their higher education at Bucknell,” said Mercado.

“We have some eligibility qualifications. We set an income threshold for students to fall under as we are seeking to provide a pathway for students who seemingly cannot afford to attend a school like Bucknell. We are looking for students who have demonstrated great academic acumen in the

form of a 3.5 grade point average or higher and have completed at least a full semester 12-credits at their community college as of Jan 15th, 2022. And lastly, have been engaged in some form of leadership at college,” said Mercado.

The income threshold has been defined as “$60,000 for families, $45,000 for married couples or below $30,000 for independent students.”

and involved. “We’re really seeking students who find themselves having to balance not only attending college but also working, supporting families, volunteering. They’re doing something that demonstrates that they want to be engaged. The reason is because that is our Bucknell culture,”said Mercado.”

The next portion of the session went over the application process. The application to the program “Some students think that means I need to be the is available on the Bucknell University website.The head of an organization or activity involved in program application is due March 4, 2022 and appliclubs or programs at my campus? Not necessarily, cants will need to submit CCP for the past two years a copy of their high school transcript (or GED certifihas been closed for many of their students to be on cate), previous campus, to be engaged college transcripts,

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admission to Bucknell, however accepted students from the program are awarded a $60,000 multi-semester tuition scholarship.

Continued from p.2 transcript request form from your community college, two letters of recommendation, and signed copy of a 2020 federal income tax return.

The session concluded with Mercado wishing prospective scholars good luck on their applications and to reach out for more information. Student Christoper Pridgen reported, “I would like to say that I definitely appreciated you all for giving this info session and for being given a chance to take part in the program.”

Once the application has been completed, students should send their application to their community college liaison, Todd Jones. Jones will review the application with the student and once the application has been verified, it will be submitted to Bucknell.

Selected Students are requested to interview with Bucknell in the spring.

Todd Jones is available to meet with students one on one to discuss possible candidates for the Bucknell’s Community College Scholars program.

Todd can be contacted at tjones@ccp.edu and Caro Mercado can be contacted at cm054@bucknell.edu for more information.

The selected students will complete two classes during their time at Bucknell and return to their community colleges in the fall to complete their degree. Students who completed the program are not guaranteed

Photo: Michaela Murphy via Unsplash

“We’re really seeking students who find themselves having to balance not only attending college but also working, supporting families, volunteering. They’re doing something that demonstrates that they want to be engaged.”

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NEWS

South Philadelphia Park Introduces a New Master Plan

FDR Park’s new plan for the next decade Angie Bacha

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of 2021, the new Master Plan includes a new welcome center, habitat restoration, infrastructure renewal, playgrounds, and sports FDR Park--or “The Lakes,” as some long- fields on higher ground than where time Philadelphia they currently sit. residents refer to it-has released a new Built upon acres of plan to change its design. The plan will wetlands and be executed over the marshes, FDR Park is well known for its next ten years, with propensity for the intention of flooding. On an increasing natural early February 5th preservation, morning “Walk and improving access, Talk” tour led by and welcoming further community Fairmount Park Conservancy Execuengagement. tive Director Maura Unveiled in October McCarthy and FDR hiladelphia’s largest park is getting some remodeling for the first time in 100 years.

Park Director Justin DiBerardinis, frozen grassy puddles dot the ground.

DeBerardinis and McCarthy explain that the current design of the park works against the natural land. Much of the park’s new design is meant to help mitigate this.

For instance, DeBardinis pointed out, “The soccer fields are some of the worst in the city.” Their location is in one of the lowest points in the park, leading to wet, muddy playing

fields. McCarthy and DeBerardinis agreed that the fields need to be moved to higher land, closer to Pattison Avenue.

In addition being a gathering space for the South Philadelphia Latin American community, FDR Park has been the home of a bustling Said McCarthy: “This East Asian Market will provide people for almost 40 years. with an actual access According to both point to the fields, directors, the market and will, hopefulhas endured years of ly, direct some real police breaking up investment into the the vending due to large Latin permit violations.

American community DeBerardinis has who has met here for taken a hard stand, decades.” The plan however, to support will not only relocate the growth of the fields, but will market in this public additionally add space. As mentioned basic ammenties like in a January 20th restrooms on site.

FDR Park Virtual Open House, The

A rendering of FDR Park’s new Master Plan, via fdrparkphilly.org

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Continued from p.5 Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia has been a part of the new park plan conversations.

DeBerardinis wants to keep the connection growing, saying, “The market can move and thrive in a place of their choosing in the new park,” said DeBerardinis.

The boathouse on Edgewood Lake. The lawn will be renewed to be a more functional area that can be used by visitors of the park for various events Photo: Korey Williams

As for the space that currently houses the soccer and little league baseball fields, it will be transformed into “The Picnic Woods” with boardwalk trails and trees that support the natural marshland.

Moving westward through the park,

visitors will find that the current area named “The Meadows” will be undergoing a huge transformation into golf practice greens, wetland habitat space, playgrounds, and the aforementioned sports fields.

Playground throughout the park will

be constructed to increase interaction with the natural land. This means less fences, which DeBerardinis said that he hopes “as a culture, we continue to move away from.”

Instead, the preference is to use natural barriers like trees to help parents

and children feel safe while playing.

Further communication with and guidance from the public is wanted to help with the design of this project.

The next upcoming “Walk and Talk” with McCarthy and DeBernardinis is February 26.

The guardhouse at FDR Park, which will be renovated into a welcome center.

The stables will also be upgraded to a café and event space. This will take place in the gateway phase of the park’s enhancements.

Photo: Korey Williams

OP-ED

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Food for Thought: The Importance of Nutrition for Students Robert McLaughlin

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Tips from a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and personal trainer

ears ago prior to Covid, there were fitness trends like celebrity workout plans, magic pills for weight loss, special diets, and weird workout belts that shock your stomach. If you fell victim to one of them, you’re not alone. Just start with, “Hi, my name is…and I got GOT by an energy pill that didn’t work.” Then end it with a group hug and a big cry because none of us wanted to take the actual (long) road to success.

myself), who want to find healthier alternatives, ways to get fit, unleash that inner beast, and shine. It’s not your fault (which may be the only time you’ve heard this outside of your inner dialogue). You’ve been beaten down, in a barrage of misinformation, sales pitches, marketing, and advertising. Now, you think you can be yourself or love yourself because it’s not “the standard.” If that is how you feel, you’ll want to keep reading.

Just because the road to nutrition is long, does not mean it has to be boring, painful, or miserable. Luckily, this week’s article is for students (including

IntroducingAnna Saracino-Fox, Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer, and Philly native.

Saracino-Fox earned her

Saracino-Fox has spent just under eight years on her journey to Healthcare Professional and social media sensation with her dog, Sable. When asked what is best for students to know when it comes to Saracino-Fox is one of the nutrition, Anna says, “balmost dedicated healthcare ancing meals- which means professionals introduced to having protein, complex carbs, healthy fats, fruits CCP students. As a and/or veggies every few successful college hours for blood sugar graduate herself, stability can go a long way Saracino-Fox aims to increase motivation to not for students. Making sure that healthy options are only help others recreate available to you is also key themselves, but to capitalize one’s strengths in long-term diet sustainability, and remember and needs, and to there is no “one-size-fits-all” analyze the necessity of in terms of diets.” one’s wants (ie. Perhaps you don’t need a third Venti latte today? I know; Healthy options include drinks. Late night cram I’m guilty, too).

BA in Communication from LaSalle University, and her Master’s Degree in Nutrition from Drexel University. She is also a Competitive Natural Bodybuilder.

Anna Saracino-Fox: Registered Dietitian, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Personal Trainer, and Philly native.

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CLICK FOR MORE INFO Continued from p.5

study sessions fueled by energy drinks may sound like no big deal. Energy drinks, however, cause spikes of sugars in the bloodstream, and what goes up must come down, leaving you studying all night and crashing right before you needed to leave or log on for that test. Instead, what Saracino-Fox suggests is to keep your sugar levels at a constant by eating when you should. Another note from Saracino-Fox was, “Make sure you hydrate, usually ½ of your body weight in ounces. A hydrated brain is a healthy brain.”

A fruit stand outside of a market on Arch Street in Chinatown. Photo: Korey Williams

Soda, carbonated drinks, and juices all contain high fructose corn syrup and sugar and are not an alternative for water. Be sure you are getting in some kind of daily exercise, even if it’s a ten minute walk to get get your heart moving.

Activate your energy and

eat foods that make you feel good physically and mentally.on’t forget to get some tested for any food allergies or intolerances on your health journey.

Don’t forget that formulating a list of the right foods, setting an eating schedule, and finding time for physical activity are part of your duties to yourself– just like brushing your teeth morning and night, AND FLOSSING (but who does that?). It’s these tiny steps that will help your productivity in the long run because each tiny self care muscle you flex will build you into a healthy fit LION! GO LIONS! If you want more information on Anna Saracino-Fox, MS, RD, LDN and her services be sure to check her website out at www.asfnutritionandwellness.com or follow her on Instagram @anna.bolic.

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WE'RE HIRING!

g n i n n i w d r a w a r u o ! n d i r Jo a u g n a v e h t t a m a e t S Continued from p.6

enator Sharif Street, along with Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, hosted a town hall addressing crime and violence in the state of Pennsylvania at Esperanza Academy Charter School on Friday, November 5.

The summit, which took place from 10:00AM to 12:00PM, would be the first of several more to come “throughout different neighborhoods in the commonwealth,” said Street.

Scavello and Representative Austin Davis, attended virtually.

According to Street, Scavello initiated the concept of the caucus as it has become clear that crime prevention must be treated as a bipartisan issue. Davis added that we are “bound in a human experience” that is larger

to curb gun violence. The pandemic made clear, than district lines or said Krasner, that “when parties. you shut down afterschool Up first to the microphone programming, there are consequences.” Krasner was Philadelphia District cited similar programs in Attorney Larry Krasner.

Los Angeles and Chicago Although his time was brief, Krasner made known which have had positive his desire to increase social results. programming for children Next up to speak were and young adults as one of the most effective ways Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and Mike Vereb, who was representing Attorney General Josh Shapiro.

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At the table with Street and Bilal were Kendra Van Dewater, director of YEAH Philly; State Representative Danilo Burgos; State Senator Anthony Williams; Philadelphia Council President Curtis Jones; and Philadelphia Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson.

In recognition of her up-close understanding of Philadelphia crime and violence, Outlaw was given ample time to speak on the floor. Outlaw pressed for “more boots on the ground,” officers to play a bigger part of being in the community they serve, and more financial support to create special task forces. “Yes, we should

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Two other chairs of the caucus, Senator Mario

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OPINION

Biking and Pedestrian Rights

The world is moving towards less car-centric urban models, and Philadelphia needs to get with the program.

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ver the last decade, conversations on the future of city transit have turned from electric cars to bikes and public transportation. In a city whose public transit investments have been few and far between, Philadelphia’s construction of bike lanes stemming out from Center City were a welcome improvement to the city’s transportation infrastructure. This is especially true as “more than 14,000 workers commute by bicycle at least 3 times per week” in Philly, according to

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

common sense that a decrease in traffic speed leads to less traffic crashes, which Proper bike lane con- Philadelphia clearly struction and manneeds to address. agement is “156 people were important to any killed in traffic-relatcity’s public health ed crashes in Philly for three keys last year,” according reasons. to Philadelphia’s annual Vision Zero First, bike lanes report. “Aggressive decrease the speed driving and speeding of motor vehicles in accounted for 42% areas that are heavy of fatal and serious with pedestrian injury crashes,” said traffic. Initial Axios Philadelphia, research from the referring to the re2014 stages of bike port. lane planning on Spruce and Pine Second, supporting Streets showed a bicycle infrastructure decrease in is beneficial to a traffic speed overall. decrease in CO2 Perhaps it is emissions. Personal

A biker riding down a protected bike lane on 10th Street in the Washington Square West neighborhood Photo: Korey Williams

Angie Bacha automobiles are some of the largest contributors to air pollution, accounting for 41% of global transportation emissions in 2020.

Philadelphia already has an air pollution problem: “Philadelphia ranks as one of the nation’s 25 worst metro areas for ozone and yearround particle pollution,” according to Villanova Media Room. It is a public health disgrace.

Finally, there are numerous personal health benefits of

traveling by bicycle. Biking increases heart rate, improves oxygen levels, and gets people out in the sunlight.

But what good does this do if you’re in danger every time you get on that steel horse on the street?

Cyclists–and pedestrians–deserve protection in Philadelphia. Truly protected bike lanes are few and far between here. For all intents and purposes, the bike lanes on

11 | The Vanguard Spruce and Pine are just temporary loading zones for cars. And why shouldn’t they be? Drivers rarely face consequences from the city for parking in them. Throw your hazards on, and PPA will overlook your transgression.

As Eve Andrews from Grist wrote: “Many of the cities and neighborhoods we ostensibly built for ourselves were actually built for our cars.”

Furthermore, aggression towards bike commuters cannot be helped in the current layout. Angry that a biker has gone around a parked car in the bike lane, motorists seemingly feel personally attacked that someone has slowed them down. Which makes sense; there’s so little in this city that shows any respect to biking being a legitimate form of transportation to and from work, given the lack of infrastructure. Why should motorists respect them either?

Cyclists deserve protected lanes. But beyond that, Philadelphia needs to get with the program. If both Manhattan and Brooklyn-two burroughs in one of the most crowded cities in the country--can reach a Top-10 spot of the United States’ most bikeable cities, there’s very little reason that Philadelphia should trail behind. A city with less cars is a city that moves faster AND safer overall.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Change can be made.

Nick, a Philadelphia resident, standing with his bike at Dilworth Park. Photo: Korey Williams

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The Vanguard Staff Faculty Advisor

Editor-in-Chief

Eva Blackwell emblackwell@ccp.edu

Angie Bacha abacha1@student.ccp.edu

Managing Editor of Multimedia Korey Williams kwill370@student.ccp.edu

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Leila Franklin lfrankl7@student.ccp.edu

Associate Editor

Najah Thompson nthomp37@student.ccp.edu

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CONTRIBUTORS OF VOLUME 55, ISSUE 8 Angie Bacha, Leila Franklin, Robert McLaughlin Staff Photographer: Korey Williams