Short Tab

Germantown Chronicle September 29, 2011 • Volume 3, Number 11

Germantown Newspapers • 6661 Germantown Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19119 • 215-438-4000 • germantownnewspapers.com

Germantown Newspapers delivers to 35,500 Households and Businesses in Northwest Philadelphia





The Northwest’s Dirty Laundry —

The mayor’s office certainly broke with precedent last week when he had his Integrity Officer,

Joan Markman, announce she had been doing an investigation into the back-channel activities

of Dwight Evans and members of the School Reform Commission into alleged strong-arming to

make sure a contract to run the Martin Luther King school went to Foundations Inc, a well-con-

nected local New Jersey firm that gave regular campaign contributions to Appropriations Chair-

man Evans over the last four years.

See piece on page 5









Rep. Dwight Evans, left,

and Mayor Michael Nutter.



Philadelphia’s Political Mob Scene....................page 4 Mt. Airy Bid Meets .........................................................8

Germantown Community Connection Story.... page 4 Tiffany Barrett to Star in Two Plays...........................10

Philadelphia’s Gangster Government .........................6 From Musician to Producer/Impresario ....................20

Page 2 September 29, 2011 Germantown Newspapers



Roxborough Memorial Hospital enters Managing Partnership with

Alliance Imaging of Alliance HealthCare Services

Roxborough Memorial Hospi- on their imaging services,” says It is the intent of Alliance Im- space at Roxborough Memorial art” technology will be part of a

tal is partnering with Alliance Im- Paul Viviano, Chairman of the aging at Roxborough Memorial Hospital. We anticipate the addi- major renovation within the Ra-

aging to develop and manage Board & CEO of Alliance Hospital to continue to expand tion of risk assessment, dense diology department which cur-

their outpatient diagnostic imag- HealthCare Services. “We share our services in the Radiology de- breast evaluation, and patient ed- rently offers; MRI, CT, PET/CT,

ing services. Alliance Imaging, a the hospital’s commitment to partment which includes a new ucation for those who are a high Nuclear Medicine General and

division of Alliance HealthCare high-quality clinical care and ex- Women’s Breast Health Center. risk of developing breast cancer. Interventional Radiology, Ultra-

Services, is the nation’s largest ceptional service, and look for- The Breast Center is scheduled to We are dedicated to the fight sound and Bone Densitometry.

provider of advanced outpatient ward to working closely with open November, 2011, and will against breast cancer and improv- With this partnership comes the

diagnostic imaging services, fo- them to meet the needs of the pa- offer advanced digital mammog- ing the quality of health and care excitement of providing out-

cusing on MRI, PET/CT, and CT. tients that Roxborough Memorial raphy, breast MRI technology, provided in the communities we standing technology and service

“It is a great honor to partner with Hospital serves in the surround- stereotactic biopsy, and breast ul- serve. with a newly renovated Radiol-

Roxborough Memorial Hospital ing area.” trasound imaging in a dedicated In addition, new “state of the ogy Department. Our profes-

sional and skilled technologists

and physicians will continue to

provide the same quality of care

you have been accustomed to at

Roxborough Memorial Hospital.

Roxborough Memorial Hospi-

tal is extremely happy to an-

nounce this partnership with

Alliance Healthcare so that we

can continue to provide our com-

munity with up to date services

and prompt care,” said Leslie

Finnegan, IR Center Manager.

Roxborough Memorial Hospi-

tal, part of Solis Healthcare, is a

141 bed community hospital that

is committed to providing quality

care and the most advanced tech-

nology available to its patients.

We appreciate your continued

trust in our staff and services.

For additional information or to

schedule an appointment, please

call 215-487-4502.



The Politics of

Hue: Race,

Racism, and Social

Identity

Part of “Sisters, Can







COMING

We Talk?” Series

The 3rd annual ABWHE,

Philadelphia Chapter Fall Signature

Event, The Politics of Hue: Race,

Racism, and Social Identity Confer-









SOON

ence will be held at Arcadia Univer-

sity, Friday, October 7, 2011 from

8:00 AM to 4:30 PM... And you are

invited. This all day conference is in-

spired by the soon to be released

documentary, Dark Girls; which ex-

plores the deep-seated biases and at-

titudes about skin color outside of

and within the African-American

culture. Visit the official Dark Girls

Roxborough Memorial Hospital is proud Movie Channel and website

http://officialdarkgirlsmovie.com

and see what all the talk is about.



to announce the addition of their Speakers include: Tiffany Bacon,

Fatimah Ali, Jenavia Thompson-

Weaver, Eric Grimes and others.

The cost of the conference is $35

WOMEN'S HEALTH IMAGING CENTER for ABWHE members; $45 for

Non-members; and $30 for students.

It includes lunch, workshops and the

panel discussion.

For more information, email ab-

whephila@gmail.com, go to face-

book.com/ABWHE.Philadelphia or

call Dr. Doreen Loury, 215-572-

4087.

ROXBOROUGH MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. 5800 RIDGE AVENUE, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19128 To register and purchase tickets

visit our website at abwhe-philadel-

Roxborough Memorial Hospital now has Digital Mammography phia.org

Germantown Newspapers September 29, 2011 Page 3









Philly more money

Philly schools spent more money to get out of bad deals with

they

banks than they did on books and school supplies!



It’s time to

It’s back:

ght back:

Kickoff

Campaign Kickoff Community Meeting

Thursday, Sept. 29, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday

Thursday, Sept. p.m.

Nazarene Church

Nazarene Baptist Church

3975 Germantown Ave.

mantown

Germantown Ave.



For information,

For more infor mation,

Jasmine

contact Jasmine at 480-628-4032

Dave

or Dave at 973-220-3580.



www. ghtforphilly.org

215-232-3792 • www. ghtfor philly.org

13997 SC

Page 4 September 29, 2011 Germantown Newspapers

Godfather Tactics? Just

Philadelphia’s Political Mob Scene Public Affairs & Governance

It seems that behind-the-scenes bullying and political

interference are just a part of the core curriculum at the e Germantown Community Connection Story

School District of Philadelphia.  Last week, the shame

Germantown Community Con- people toured Germantown and developer to negotiate alterations to

of the city was once again laid bare by a scathing report issued by Mayor

nection was given birth in 2008 as a learned what a treasure we have here the original plans. ese negotiations

Michael Nutter’s Chief Integrity Officer Joan Markman.  The report detailed result of community gatherings in the northwest section of the city. have been ongoing. As a result, the de-

how a powerful state legislator and the chair of the School Reform Commis- hosted by the Philadelphia Planning GCC has been a founding member veloper reached out to Weaver’s Way,

sion participated in an effort to install a favored firm to manage Martin Luther Commission as a part of the Transit in the coalition of community stake- asking if a branch of the popular co-

King High School, even after a different outside manager had been selected Oriented study that was being con- holders spearheaded by the op could be opened in Germantown.

through a public process involving parents and community members.  This ducted. e meetings were well at- Tookany/Tacony Frankford Water- e developer offered to make a gen-

episode underscores how our system of public education is run for adults and tended by the community as there shed Partnership (TTF). As such, erous financial commitment to have

not for the children, and how the interconnected web of Philadelphia politics were representatives present from the GCC has been hosting meetings for this happen. Weaver’s Way considered

many neighborhood groups and or- the community to provide input into the offer but declined as their focus is

hampers efforts to move Philadelphia forward.

ganizations of Germantown. A wide the design and implementation of rain in continuing to grow their new store

As detailed in the report, State Representative Dwight Evans was unable to variety of viewpoints were shared rep- gardens, infrastructure, and program- in Chestnut Hill.

encourage the parents and community members of the School Advisory resenting our diverse community. ming in Vernon Park. Another result of the negotiations

Council to select his favored local non-profit to take over Martin Luther King ere was however not one voice or ere have been various partner- concerns the design plans of the proj-

High School.  Then, Evans and School Reform Commission Chairman organization that would represent the ships that GCC has had with had over ect. A sub group of GCC, made up of

Robert Archie, Jr. (the two have professional and political ties) engaged in a entire community. is is a fact that the last few years. ese have included local architects and landscapers

back-door lobbying effort that may have violated state Sunshine and Ethics has historically been true for German- WHYY Newsworks, Penn Project on formed what is the GCC Design Re-

town and a concern expressed by the Civic Engagement, Committee of view Committee. ey drew up sug-

laws.  When that failed, in a move likened to tactics from The Godfather,

city Planning Commission and subse- Seventy and with Gtown Radio with gestions for improving the initial plans

Evans and Archie confronted the head of the firm that won the contract with quently other city officials. ere the "Eyes on the Eighth" four voter fo- for the site to make it more visually ap-

an offer he couldnt refuse to pressure him to back out of the deal. question is, “Who do we speak with rums to identify key issues facing pealing and also environmentally

According to a witness to the conversations, in convincing the winning ven- when we want to talk to German- Northwest Philadelphia. friendly. e developer worked with

dor to walk away from the lucrative and fulfilling opportunity to turn around town?” In response to this question GCC’s meetings are usually held the suggestions and now many are

MLK High School, Evans suggested that the firm would have a hard time Germantown Community Connec- the second and fourth ursdays, 7:00 present in the current plan.

finding cooperation, and Archie cited the citys unique political climate and tion (GCC) was formed. p.m., at e First Presbyterian Church Negotiations also have been focus-

explained that this is Philadelphia and things are different here. GCC’s mission is to be both a voice in Germantown, 35 West Chelten Av- ing on a Community Cooperation

for the community and a bridge link- enue. ese GCC meetings have be- Commitment document from the de-

Oh, it is not just that politics are different here in Philadelphia.  You know

ing together its many groups. GCC come the primary venue for the whole veloper to the community. is doc-

what else is different?  Our poverty rate is higher and our crime rate is higher never sought to silence the various community to hear about civic initia- ument is still in dra form and is

than in other places and our childrens achievement and household income voices and viewpoints of Germantown tives ranging from changes in the zon- addressing things such as employment

are lower than in other places.  Do we think that those other cities that are but instead tries to best represent all ing code, energy-saving and greening opportunities, continued mainte-

doing better than we are cherish their peculiar institutions as we do? within our diverse community. Diver- programs, the city’s planning process, nance of the property, social enrich-

There can be no doubt that the disproportionate importance of petty power sity is something we celebrate in Ger- and the latest developments in pro- ment of Germantown, retail mix and

politics in Philadelphia holds us back. mantown, but it is also hard work to moting Historic Germantown. more. When this document is ap-

Godfather-like tactics?  The Godfather is a masterpiece of complex and respect diversity, without letting one In a matter of months, GCC is well proved the next step will be the devel-

particular group or another try to on its way to realizing its vision of be- opment of a legally binding

conflicted moral ideals.  What we see in Philadelphia is a caricature; strictly

speak for all. GCC is trying to repre- coming a both a voice and a bridge for community benefit agreement that is

Married to the Mob schtick.  Archies and Evans actions werent subtle sugges- sent all of the community but that will greater Germantown’s many neigh- a win-win-win for community, devel-

tions, they were the unbridled hooliganism of wise guys; the thuggery of good- probably rarely be possible as some borhood groups, institutions and res- oper and government.

fellas. will feel slighted on an issue and others idents. Negotiations take time and will not

Even so, despite some public head shaking and finger wagging from out- slighted on another issue. In recent months GCC has been in satisfy all. Compromise is needed to

siders like me, establishment-Philadelphia has had a decidedly ho-hum reac- In its short history GCC has accom- the news as the organization engaged be extended by both parties. Also,

tion to the report and its revelations.  And, our ethical-leader-in-chief ? plished various things, with a highlight in conversation with the developer of healthy negotiations require respect of

as being instrumental in garnering the the Chelten Plaza on the former Fresh the other side, understanding there

Hizzoner gets high marks for empowering his Chief Integrity Officer to issue

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Grocer site in order to bring about will not always be agreement.

this unblinking report, but, oh Michael, why can you not stand up for the Commission’s designation of German- positive design changes and commit- GCC has been under criticism

ideals you put forward? town as a “Classic Town.” rough this ments to the community. When from some in the community for not

Just days before his administration released the inflammatory reports of de- program Germantown is being pro- GCC first learned of the plans for the joining efforts in the appeal hearing

plorable conduct, the Mayor had this to say about Archies ostensibly unforced moted as a wonderful place to live, site, GCC representatives met with before the Zoning Board of Adjust-

resignation (followed hours later by the resignation of fellow Commission work, play and visit. Also German- the developers and expressed dismay ment that would prevent the devel-

member Johnny Irizarry): I very much appreciate the service of Bob Archie town’s profile has become heightened that the community was not involved oper from opening a Dollar Tree store

and Johnny Irizarry through very difficult and challenging times.  During their for development, tourism and other in decisions. e developers agreed on the site. Since the membership of

economic investment. Learn more by that this was an error on their part and GCC voted to have representatives

watch, students continued to show improved test scores and the graduation

visiting the website: http://www.clas- they then made a presentation to the from the organization be in negotia-

rate has improved. sictowns.org/germantown community at a meeting of GCC. tions with the developer, the GCC

As to creating any consequences from the scathing report, Mayoral An exciting project of the German- e initial plan presented received Board does not believe they should of-

spokesman Mark McDonald offered, This is a publicly issued report.  Any town Classic Town program of GCC much criticism from the community. ficially join in an action against the de-

agency that might want to take a look at it can and will. involves the arts community. In Feb- ose in attendance were not pleased veloper. However, GCC supports the

Dammit, we cannot sit idly by.  This conduct must be condemned and in- ruary the first of GCC’s Artists’ with the choices of a Save-A-Lot gro- right of those who are part of the ac-

vestigated and our Mayor should be leading this charge.  Archie should have Roundtable was held. is Round- cery store and a Dollar Tree store on tion.

been kicked out under a cloud of shame for his actions, not allowed to resign table has since caught the attention of that plot of land. ere was also the Is GCC perfect? No! However

several city agencies including the question of whether the Dollar Tree GCC is working to represent the ma-

on his own terms -- and the report should be officially referred to law-enforce-

Planning Commission and the store was in violation of a zoning ordi- jority of Germantown and wants to

ment officials to get to the bottom of this mess to see if Evans and Archie de- Mayor’s Office of Arts, Culture and nance restricting variety stores. In re- work as cooperatively as possible with

serve criminal punishment in addition to civil censure. the Creative Economy—both of sponse to this concern, GCC sent a those in our community and as well as

Until we have some real consequences for malfeasance and some real inde- which have recognized this grass-roots letter to City Licenses and Inspections those who are interested in develop-

pendence from those who would serve as our leaders, we will continue to allow organization of artists as a vital re- asking about this ordinance and per- ment and physical and social improve-

the focus on political power to undermine voices for positive change. source in improving the quality of life mits for this site. A GCC representa- ments in Germantown. Our efforts

Until we can throw out the notion that things are different here in Philadel- in Germantown. Another Artist’s tive addressed the Zoning Code will continue. We invite you to learn

Roundtable is to be announced soon. Commission about community con- more about GCC by visiting the web-

phia and that our different way of doing things is working for the public good,

Delaware Valley Regional Planning cerns related to zoning codes, the spe- site (www.germantowncc.org), at-

public policy will be determined by B-Rate mob-parody antics where a few Commission's Classic Towns of cial district overlay and land use. tending a meeting and becoming a

enjoy the spoils while the rest of us endure the consequences and clean up the Greater Philadelphia partnered with Unfortunately a ruling was not re- member. We are stronger together

mess.  It is time we settle all this family business and make it part of Philadel- GCCC to host the workshop ceived. than we are apart!

phia history so we can get on with the effort to make this City work. "e Role of Historic Preservation in Also as a result of the community

Downtowns and Neighborhoods" fol- meeting with the developer GCC Rev. Dr. Nancy E. Muth

lowed a by a tour of Germantown his- membership voted to have representa- (GCC co-founder

Brett Mandel toric sites.  What a great success as tives of the organization meet with the with Betty Turner)

Germantown Newspapers September 29, 2011 Page 5



Opinion: The Northwest’s Dirty Laundry Jazz

e mayor’s office certainly broke the Northwest may actually lead the of its type in the nation?  If no ad- Kids: 7 - 10 yrs & 10 - 14 yrs. 10 classes $90 Wed. 5:15 & 6:15 pm

with precedent last week when he way with some of the worst exam- ditional investigative work follows MaMa: Moving Arts Studio 215.842.1040

had his Integrity Officer, Joan ples in our own back yard. ere is we will know this was an intended

Markman announce she had been little happening to make a resident distraction to deflect from the Ack-

doing an investigation into the think anything will change despite erman payoff.

back-channel activities of Dwight incumbent new leadership aer the Frankly, I think some folks are

Evans and members of the School November election. getting nervous, and they should be.

Reform Commission into alleged Dwight Evans’s history of fund- No one knows how far the federal

strong-arming to make sure a con- ing failure is a long list that includes investigation into the Carl Greene

tract to run the Martin Luther King the North by Northwest nightclub, PHA matter is going, but we do

school went to Foundations Inc, a Ogontz Grille, Weaver’s Way know that, despite their push-back,

well-connected local New Jersey Ogontz, New Media School fraud, records of the most connected law

firm that gave regular campaign the million dollar Jazz Festival fund- firms in this city have been subpoe-

contributions to Appropriations ing and a long list of underperform- naed, and those law firms have been

Chairman Evans over the last four ing charter schools with some of the involved in more than one question-

years.  worst records in the state.  Despite able activity and have the done

Of course, Foundations has been many of these situations being re- handiwork of city and state officials

the recipient of nearly $9 million in ported as they failed, only the New in and out of trouble for years. It

contracts and apparently Dwight Media fraud saw legal challenges should  be mentioned that members

wanted that to continue despite fail- and that was because the FBI got in- of his own party jettisoned Dwight

ing performance at the school and a volved.  No local or state action was Evans from the Chair of the Appro-

decision from parents and school taken as those entities have long priations Committee when he

administrators who had selected a been told to “lay off ” when the con- would have termed out in month

qualified replacement.  is news- nections lead to our elected leader- anyway.  Someone was sending a

paper reported these sordid details ship.  For 25 years and even today, message.

and the amount of campaign con- the longest running, highest dollar Right this minute more of the

tributions in April while the shake- one-person fraud in the city has same is taking place in our beloved

down was taking place, but any been exempt from prosecution, al- Northwest, home of 30 years of mu-

outcry was quickly covered up and though two investigations lay dor- nicipal development, corruption

coverage elsewhere was minimal. mant at the U.S. Attorney’s and fraud, in the form of the Chel-

(See the March 31 editorial we have Office.  Of course that is the Ger- ten Plaza project, done in the dark,

reprinted on page 7, outlining mantown Settlement, a 30-corpora- by the same folks using $4 million

school and other failures in the use tion conglomerate that began as a of your money for an insider-

of public money affiliated with social service organization and arranged fast profit no-future proj-

Evans and others) wound up being the largest real es- ect on a key site.  You can still be

What is most amazing about this tate monopoly in Germantown, as part of stopping and redirecting this

information that just made aggres- well as the distributor of  public one.  Call everyone from the Gov-

sive headlines in the Philadelphia money without even basic compli- ernor and U.S. Congressman on

Inquirer and Daily News is that it ance with the law.  Our City Con- down and tell them that the North-

reflects a 180 degree change in pol- troller knows all about it (actually west wants no more of the same.

icy from the top. Did someone have helped it along for a period) and our en ask the Attorney General of

pangs of conscience all of sudden? City Inspector General did an ex- the United States to come here and

For it has been the policy of this po- tensive investigation that was ended clean up your town.  e dirty laun-

litical machine-driven administra- through the efforts of Mayor Nut- dry has been piling up for too long.  Classes Starting

tion to help cover up fraud and ter’s newly-appointed Inspector "Great is truth, but from a practi- Oct. 31, 2011

misuse of public money, not expose General Amy Kurland    who  took cal point of view, is silence about the

it. When was the last time a depart- office at the beginning of his term of truth"

ment or agency of the city govern- office. e fact that the largest in- Aldous Huxley -

ment exposed or prosecuted vestigation run by Seth Williams as foreward to Brave New World,

anything that was related to how IG was terminated and buried 1946 

our elected officials have spent should outrage the public as the

money, made crony-based appoint- total misuse of public money and Jim Foster

ments, or misused authority?  If any city assets in that case may approach Editor/Publisher

of that was done, (and little was) it or exceed half a billion dollars.  But

had to come from outside of the city you see, the practice prior to this re-

or state government as the internal cent “epiphany” was to bury, not

watchdogs don’t hunt and don’t disclose, wrongdoing at every level.

bite.  At one time the Inquirer did Once one starts peeling back the

serious investigative reporting, but onion, it leads to the very obvious

that is no longer the case. Now, they question of “Who approved all

only report municipal failure once those federal, state and city dol-

they get the go-ahead from the ma- lars?” that were spent illegally, trans-

chine; as happened here.

Were it not for the release of this

ferred to private dealings, or just

went away with no required records

All You Can Eat Buffet

information through the mayor’s of- filed for years on end.  e answer Cheltenham Plaza

fice, there would have been no to those questions are the names of $5.00 Off 8162 Ogontz Ave. 10% Off

clamor or outrage about this clear every elected senior official in the Total Check

example of pay-to-play and power Northwest with appropriations au-

for 4 or More

Wyncote Dinner

triumphing over the public will. thority and responsibility. 215-886-6696

City Council confirmed that Are we about to be the recipients Adult Lunch Buffet

Only

within 24 hours of  Ms. Markman’s of a “download” of the years of dirty

Dinners

expose with members going on the

record with statements of “So

laundry pent up in the Northwest?

Or was this just the unintended re- Coupon Expires

$6

49 One Coupon per Person

Coupon Expires

What” and “at is how we do sult of an internal struggle between 10/23/11 Mon thru Sat 10/23/11

things here all the time” - - and of the mayor and Arlene Ackerman as Cannot Be Combined with Mon - Sat: L 11:30 - 3:30

Cannot Be Combined with

course they are correct. And when she leaves the School Board with a Any Other Offer or D 3:30 - 9:30 M-Thur

Any Other Offer or

it comes to where it takes place and million dollar skim from the public Coupon D 3:30 -10:30 Fri-Sat Coupon

the degree of fraud and cover up, treasury on top of the largest salary Sun All Day - Dinner

Page 6 September 29, 2011 Germantown Newspapers





In Our Opinion Opinions & Letters to the Editor …

Philadelphia's Gangster Government

e latest political scandal in Philadelphia was described in front page headlines

Help Make a Difference for a Child

of the Philadelphia Inquirer as a “Godfather Drama,” inferring gangster type ma- Editor: through local partner agencies. Your donations will go di-

nipulation of how power, public money, and contracts converge.  So far up the You can change the life of a child by simply cleaning out rectly to local kids through organizations such as CHOP,

ladder do they converge that even members of the city’s law firms use language to your closet, toy box or book shelf and donating the items Lutheran Children and Family Services, Maternity Care

imply that if you want to do business here “get used to it,” as this is a no-option you no longer need. And for many children in Philadelphia Coalition, People’s Emergency Center and the School Dis-

town. County, that can mean the difference between feeling safe, trict of Philadelphia.

warm, valued and ready to learn – or not. So clean out your closets. Or better yet, start a drive at

If John Grisham would write a factual account of how the government of the City In suburban communities, homelessness has risen 57 per- your elementary or middle school, sports league, or commu-

of Philadelphia has run this city in concert with powerful developers, law firms cent in the past decade and in Pennsylvania, one in 10 kids nity organization. en join others with big hearts at Shire’s

on the payroll, corrupt judges and a one party political machine who bought out is affected by poverty. ese children desperately need new Big Give on October 7 and 8 at Wilson Farm Park in the

the other, it would never get published.  No reviewer would think it could come socks and underwear, pants and other essentials—the things Chesterbrook Corporate Center in Wayne, Pa.

even close to being credible.  Yet, in a few months a small percentage of voters will that many of us take for granted. at’s where we’ll collect the region’s generosity and fill a

do as they have been told and give this exact cabal a fresh bite at their city, its prop- My colleagues and I at Shire Pharmaceuticals encourage tractor trailer full of hope for 5,000 needy children. For more

erties and their tax dollars. everyone in Philadelphia County to join us in helping Cra- information, visit www.shirebiggive.com.

dles to Crayons, an incredible local non-profit that distrib- Caroline West

It begins in 1968 when the Democratic Party which had done great things 20 utes the basics to individual children from birth to 12 Mt. Airy

years before in exposing and prosecuting 70 years of Republican corruption, de-

cided that they “had enough” of reform, and decided to do the Republicans one

better.  ey have been quite successful, and the access to public money the Re-

publicans never had gives them vote-buying power that a Boss Vare or Bernie

Opinion: Does Bob Casey Deserve Re-Election?

Samuels could only dream of. by Victoria A. Brownworth v. Wade overturned and has pledged to do so. He opposes

any tax-funded abortions or public funding of abortion,  op-

Forty-five years later they have it down to a science, and so dependent have citizens Sometimes I feel like one of the few remaining leist pro- poses embryonic stem-cell research and has voted against ex-

of this city become on the machine that no one dare speak publically against it, gressives in Philadelphia. e consensus for Democrats in panding stem-cell research. Casey also opposes laws that

and this extends way beyond the patronage government jobs, quasi-government the city regarding political candidates, be they local, state or would “force pharmacists to fill a prescription contrary to

jobs at SEPTA, but to those professionals in all law firms, (not just the Ballard federal, is to just accept whatever political candidate is prof- their moral beliefs.”

Spahr and others with steady city work) professional services that might need city fered, regardless of how anti-progressive they might be. While in the Senate, Casey has voted yes on restricting

contracts (architects, etc), educators and those in medicine and the teaching hos- Each time I have criticized President Obama for his right- UN funding for population control policies, voted yes on

pitals.  For you see, we have thrown most of the diverse industries out of our city wing policies, I’ve gotten angry phone calls and letters. But prohibiting minors from crossing state lines for abortions,

and what remains are law, education and health care.  All of them survive on pubic facts are facts: True progressives cannot be allowed to pre- voted yes on defining the unborn child as eligible for the

money and they know who controls it. It is just that simple. tend the things we abhorred when a Republican president SCHIP health care program. He supports teaching absti-

did them (more wars, indefinite detention, torture, extraor- nence in the schools.

Voting for the Democratic machine is just an insurance policy, not unlike the in- dinary rendition, gutting the poor, ignoring the EPA, etc.) Many voters say focusing on Casey’s abortion stance is sin-

surance policies that Al Capone sold store owners against window breakage or ac- are okay when a Democratic president does them. gle-issue. But Casey’s stance on choice is far from his only

cidental fires. Powerful elected and appointed officials can make or break any firm e same thing should hold true for members of Congress. conservative view. Despite claiming to be pro-life, Casey is a

or business and nothing gets built that is not done by an inside developer; all Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) is up for re-election in 2012. He strong supporter of the death penalty (unlike his father, who

arranged in the dark and that is true down to tree trimming.  Actually tree trim- was elected with an eight percent majority of the vote over did not perform any executions during his years as governor)

ming is a very big contract and we all know whose orange trucks get all of it. then-incumbent and current Republican presidential candi- and opposes any gun control laws.

date Rick Santorum who most progressives, myself included Casey voted yes on carrying guns in baggage on Amtrak

I could almost substitute characters from Ballard Spahr as I watched Grisham’s believed was a political extremist who was damaging to the and also voted yes on prohibiting foreign and UN aid that

“e Firm” not too long ago, and the Machiavellian way the law is twisted by city state and to the country. restricts U.S. gun ownership. On the issues where President

officials and departments to guarantee outcomes and hide massive wrongdoing Casey is indeed less dangerous than Santorum. But less Obama has maintained the Bush Administration’s assault on

in the hundreds of millions. e neglect that has created a criminal sub-culture dangerous shouldn’t be the litmus test. Effective for the state civil liberties, Casey is in lock-step. He voted to keep former

that is kept alive and pays very well for all those who run what may be a “replace- and in the federal government should be the criteria for re- President Bush from being censured for domestic spying,

ment industry” since manufacturing le.  at would be the criminal/judicial/in- election. On the basis of that criteria, Pennsylvanians of all voted to expand warrantless wiretaps on U.S. citizens, voted

carceration complex.  Crime is good business for many and there is really no major party affiliations deserve alternative choices to Casey in 2012. for the renewal of the Patriot Act, saying it is vital in the war

effort to make a change from the top.  We do have a new District Attorney, but ose of us who grew up with clear distinctions between against terror. He voted to approve both John Roberts and

the one who ran it for years proudly stated on live TV: “My office does not inves- the Democratic and Republican parties have become increas- Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court–two of the

tigate municipal corruption” — it was a campaign promise. ingly disturbed in our middle age as the line between the two youngest and most conservative justices.

parties hasn’t just blurred but merged. His Catholic faith drives his “private and public life,”

Despite all the violent crime that just recently shot Philadelphia to national no- I and other progressives dislike the current Democratic Casey says. Which is why in addition to his stance on abor-

toriety, it is that internal government/developer/legal system crime and that which Party because it has become virtually interchangeable with tion and related issues, he also supports the teaching of In-

has metastasized itself to much of the professional and working class as well that the Republican Party–that is, a party of corporations over telligent Design in the schools, teacher-led prayer in the

needs sunlight.  Bottom line, it’s pervasive.  Even when investigations are begun people, rich over poor, wars over peace, torture over trial, re- schools and posting the Ten Commandments in/on public

in city, state and the local U.S. Attorney’s office, there is little likelihood they will stricting civil liberties versus supporting traditional American buildings. He does not support legalization of any drugs, in-

ever make it to prosecution if elected officials, or even second tier bureaucrats are freedoms. cluding medical marijuana.

Continued on page 18 Casey symbolizes much of what is wrong with the Dem- Casey also wants churches to be allowed to register as

ocratic Party in 2011. His politics are staunchly opposed to childcare providers covered by federal welfare payments. He

traditional Democratic Party platform issues. But because opposes same-sex marriage and supports keeping DOMA in

Germantown Newspapers the entire Democratic Party has moved so far to the right, place, but voted to repeal DADT, which was dissolved last

Casey is not perceived to be the extremist Santorum was, but week.

only because we have now embraced extremism as politically Casey gets a rating of “moderate” by many political watch

6661 Germantown Avenue • Philadelphia, PA 19119 expedient. groups, but there’s nothing moderate about any of the views

e most recent polls indicate that 35 percent of Pennsyl- listed above. ese are conservative views, not Democratic

215-438-4000 • fax: 215-754-4245 vanians think Casey deserves re-election and 35 percent do Party platform views.

www.germantownnewspapers.com not. e remaining 30 percent are undecided. Replace Casey’s name with that of say, Rep. Michele Bach-

Progressives should want–and demand–a primary chal- mann and progressives would be up in arms, railing about

Jim Foster, publisher@germantownnewspapers.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Editor & Publisher lenge to Casey’s candidacy. Casey is the kind of Democrat, the inconsistencies of being pro-gun, pro-death penalty and

Scott Alloway, production@germantownnewspapers.com . .Associate Editor, Production along with Obama and many others in the Administration pro-war with the adamant position on abortion. e Intel-

Bob O’Brien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Staff Writer and Congress, dragging the entire Democratic Party to the ligent Design issue would have progressives rolling their eyes

Paula Moore, advertising@germantownnewspapers.com . . . . . . . . .Sales Representative right under the guise of “bipartisanship.” and talking about “crazy ideas,” while the anti-stem cell re-

Chris Warfield, cwarfield@germantownnewspapers.com . . . . . . . . .Sales Representative Bipartisanship is a canard; it doesn’t exist in Washington. search stance would garner “anti-science” comments and the

Francine Fellows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Administrator For nearly two decades bipartisanship has meant Democrats same-sex marriage question receive grumbles of homopho-

capitulating to Republicans on their core values. bia.

The Northwest Independent is owned and operated by Germantown Newspapers, Inc., and Casey doesn’t need to capitulate as much as some, like So which is it? Are these stands anti-progressive or they

has offices at 6661 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119. The Northwest Independ- Obama, Harry Reid or Nancy Pelosi. He doesn’t need to be- are all acceptable when the candidate is a Democrat, not a

ent, has a press run of 17,000 copies and is circulated door-to-door throughout Mt. Airy and cause he came to Washington with a set of core conservative Republican?

Chestnut Hill. The Germantown Chronicle is owned and operated by Germantown Newspa-

values. And it’s not just Casey’s conservatism that is at issue. Other

pers, Inc., and has offices at 6661 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119. The Ger-

Casey is known for his strong anti-choice stance. He has questions about Casey go to presence. Where has he been

mantown Chronicle has a press run of 18,500 copies and is circulated door-to-door

throughout Germantown. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising. All con-

said repeatedly that he opposes a woman’s right to abortion the past five years? During the health care reform debates

tent ©2010 Germantown Newspapers, Inc. All rights reserved. and supports legal protection of human life from conception. Pennsylvanians witnessed then-Sen. Arlen Specter traveling

He opposes abortion in all circumstances except rape, in- statewide to defend President Obama’s health care plan.

cest and to save the life of the mother. He wants to see Roe Continued on page 18

Germantown Newspapers September 29, 2011 Page 7



Evans-Funded Schools Among the Worst in Collapsing System

Germantown Newspapers noted the only short while ago School Superin- Moving along we learn from Haines Street on that same list of 10 nearby New Media Charter School on

problems in the March 31, 2011, edi- tendent Arlene Ackerman was cited for www.SchoolDigger.com , a Pennsylva- worst performing high schools state- Ogontz Avenue, and another organiza-

tions of the Independent and Chronicle. using her authority to do an end run nia High School rating service basing wide.  A separate nationwide school tion under the Dwight Evans um-

is is a reprint of the piece presented by around administrative regulations to its findings on 11th grade PSSA math rating organization, Neighborhood brella.  Multiple problems running the

the publisher and posted online at direct a multi-million dollar contract to and reading scores that Germantown Scout, lists Hope Charter on the list of gamut from being listed among

http://germantownnewspapers.com/Phil a little-known Mt. Airy entity that did High is among the worst 10 perform- 100 worst schools in the nation at Philadelphia Charters with what was

adelphia_School_Crisis.html. not meet basic criterion to even be in ing High Schools in the state, and has number 22 from the bottom.  Hope considered “excessive executive com-

the bidding process. e politics that actually lost ground since last year. Charter is another of Dwight Evans pensation,” to an effort to have its state

It’s difficult to know where to start ensued as that issue went from bureau- at same rating service also lists Ger- and OARC’s affiliated organizations. charter revoked, led to more politick-

when discussing the failed and frag- crat to official to staffer were far from mantown’s Hope Charter School on No stranger to controversy is the Continued on page 18

mented Philadelphia public school sys- reassuring to the parent or taxpayer.

tem. Each day new information piles Most recently a School Board deci-









Doors.

©2011 Marvin Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. ®Registered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors.

on top of  long-standing and unre- sion to take remedial action for failing

solved issues within a system rife with schools brought Martin Luther King









reserved. ®Registered trademark Marvin Windows

major financial deficits in a budget High into the arena of  power politics;

shortfall that could further cripple any again making schools and students

chance that money could be a remedy. pawns. When an amicable agreement

But money has been tried before, and between parents, teachers, and the

results have not been forthcoming. School Advisory Council to use the

Taken over by the state a few years School Board’s first choice,

ago in a desperate attempt at corrective Mosaica  Education Inc.of Atlanta

action, the School Reform Commis- Georgia to replace present operator

sion has made little progress, and restat- Foundations Inc, State Representative

ing statistics and burying some of the Dwight Evans quickly strong-armed

worst problems and school incidents the situation and forced Mosaica to

Doors.

does nothing to renew any confidence walk away and allow Foundations, an

in current leadership. As if recent racial organization he supports, to remain as

©2011 Marvin Windows





issues in South Philadelphia High were the operator.   Reports in the local

not enough, last week the Philadelphia media became intense and went in dif-

Inquirer began a multi-part well-re- ferent directions as Evans modified the

searched series into just how serious in- story of his intervention.  Parents,

school violence has become in the teachers and others went on the record

system, and even worse, how much ef- as to their objections to Foundations

fort has been expended to keep mouths and Evan’s tactics.  Foundations Inc, of True enjoyment of your new space begins with exceptional windows and

doors. Choose style, colors, hardware and more with limitless design

shut and records purged within the in- Moorestown N J. contributed $57,660

possibilities. And find an energy efficiency solution that’s right for your

dividual schools and the system itself in to Evan’s election campaign from Jan 1, home. Discover the perfect windows for your space. See the experts at

order to avoid even lower ratings.  is 2006 though December 31, 2010. is Matus Windows.

series is a must read for any parent with was accomplished through 116 of the

students in the system, or about to company’s Executives, Directors, Con-

367 N.. Easton Rd

367 N Easton Rd 52 E Lancaster Ave

52 E.. Lancaster Ave

make a decision that includes that op- sultants and Staffers. During that same Glenside,, PA

Glenside PA Ardmore PA

Ardmore,, PA

tion. period Evans authorized $8.7 million 2 1 5 . 5 76 . 6 555

215.576.6555 6 1 0 . 6 4 2 . 0 90 0

610.642.0900

Problems at the leadership level have in grants to Foundations Inc, according

Our family ser ving your family for over 60 years

family serving your fa

Our fa fo

family for over 60 years w w w.matuswindows .com

www.matuswindows.com

not been confined to the classrooms, as to state records. Windows

Replacement Windows PA019628

PA019628









Don’t get grounded for excess weight.

One third of kids face a life full of serious health

problems due to obesity. We can help your kids

avoid this with:

• Fitness center memberships

• Our Weight Watchers® benefit (for children 10+)

• Nutrition counseling

CHIP, brought to you by KidzPartners, offers FREE

or low-cost health insurance for uninsured kids and

teens. Plus benefits that can lead to a lifetime of

better health.

Apply today!

1-888-888-1211

TTY 1-877-454-8477









www.chipcoverspakids.com www.kidzpartners.com

Page 8 September 29, 2011 Germantown Newspapers



Mt. Airy BID Holds Annual Meeting

III DIMENSIONS HAIR SPA By Bob O’Brien budget will be used for maintenance longer exist.

Staff Reporter of existing improvements, as well as Weinstein said he hoped for a re-

a holiday greens program and the in- peat of the first vote five years ago



BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIALS More than thirty audience mem-

bers attended the Mt. Airy Business

stallation of solar-powered trees

lights on certain areas along Ger-

in which the BID received unani-

mous support.









PHILADELPHIA, PA. 19119

6620 GERMANTOWN AVE.

Improvement District’s (BID) fifth mantown Avenue. Although most information pre-

WBC $25.00 annual meeting in the Hagan Am-

phitheater at the Lutheran Theolog-

“We take the use of your dollars

very, very seriously,” Malamud-

sented by the BID was favorable,

some business owners present for the

ical Seminary on Thursday Sept. 22. Price said. “The idea is to make the meeting still had gripes about seem-

FULL WEAVES $60.00 The organization, which is responsi-

ble for beautification activities

avenue more decorative and fes-

tive.”

ingly unfair treatment of their busi-

nesses compared to others. The



RELAXER & STYLE $45.00 through the Mt. Airy commercial

corridor along Germantown Avenue,

Chair of the BID’s board Ken We-

instein echoed the sentiment, and

owners of several businesses along

the 6300 block of Germantown Av-

heard about projects completed over also said that the BID was proving enue complained that improvement

the previous year, made plans for the itself to business owners. “I’m really efforts such as hanging baskets hadn’t

BRING THIS COUPON years to come and voted for new

board members.

proud to announce the BID has

never been in better shape,” he said.

extended to their part of the Avenue.

Weinstein said that the improve-

The BID’s mission since its in- “The board steps it up on projects ments can’t go in until the light poles



215-951-7072 ception has been to create a more at-

tractive physical space for

businesses to operate in. As part of

and makes it happen.”

Weinstein said that for the future,

besides more improvement projects,

on that block are replaced with the

new style, a function that is up to the

city. He acknowledged that numer-

this, two full-time street cleaners the BID would also like to host ous efforts to speed up the process,

were hired to complete a majority of twice-annual property owner meet- including contacting Councilperson

the work. Hollie Malamud-Price, the ings, in which property owners can Donna Reed Miller, were met with

executive director of the organiza- voice concerns and ideas to the BID. empty promises.

tion, who was also hired just last A better website and improved com- Executive director of Mt. Airy

year, is responsible for overseeing munication with property owners USA, Anuj Gupta, offered to involve

the work done. was another plan. his organization in the effort, and

The BID has also been responsi- “I think it’s something we haven’t suggested that the 6300 Block Busi-

ble for installing benches, flower done a good enough job of in the last ness Alliance, the BID and his own

planters, and hanging flower pots four years,” Weinstein said of devel- organization band together to get the

throughout its territory on the av- oping the website and communica- job done. He was met with agree-

enue. These ventures and more are tion in general. ment by all present.

funded by a levy on business own- The future of the BID isn’t certain, The meeting closed with the elec-

ers’ real estate taxes. According to however. Spring 2012 will see the tion of voting members to the BID

Malamud-Price, more than 99 per- organization applying to renew its board, comprised of nine voting

cent of expected funding was col- charter with City Council. Accord- members and five non-voting mem-

lected over the past year. ing to Weinstein, the first time bers. New members included

Saturday, October 2nd 4:30 - 7:30 pm

1st For the 2011-2012 year, $60,000 around the BID received a five-year Yvonne Haskins, Gerard McCabe,

will come from a grant provided by charter, but because of its success and Carolene Woods. New officers





M u sic, Great ood

Beer, Music, & Gr ea t Fo d o

the city’s Commerce Department. the organization would be request- included Peter Commons, vice chair,

$5,000 will come from the North- ing a ten-year charter. Elise Rivers, secretary, and Gerard





in Old Germantown Style

Ol tyl

Ol d Ge r ma nto wn S tyl e

west Fund for security lighting in City Council surveys business McCabe, treasurer.

places it is needed. owners who participate in the BID The BID will meet next on Tues-

The BID’s total annual budget by paying the 18 percent levy. If 51 day, October 11, at 12:15 p.m. at the

will be $185,000. $153,000 of that percent of those business owners BID office at Upsala, 6430 German-

will be used for operational ex- vote for the BID’s renewal, it will re- town Avenue. Monthly meetings are

penses and to cover the services pro- main operational. If 51 percent vote held the second Tuesday of every

vided by the BID. The rest of the against it, the organization will no month.

For more information about the

BID, contact Hollie Malamud-Price

WISSAHICKON DANCE ACADEMY at 215-844-6490, or e-mail hol-

lie@MtAiryBID.com. Her office

Dance for fun or train to be professional hours are Monday-Thursday, 9:30

a.m. to 5 p.m.

Calling All Dancers...“Best of the Northwest”









Ages 3 to Adult

• Ballet

• Jazz

• Tap

• Hip Hop

The Nutcracker • Modern

with the Donetsk Ballet • Yoga

of Ukraine

• Adult Classes

Sponsored by

International Ballet Exchange

Nutcracker Performances:

Register Now!

December 17 and 18, 2011 FREE TRIAL CLASS

Plymouth/Whitemarsh High School FOR NEW STUDENTS

Call 215-849-7950 for

Audition information





Photo: Deborah Boardman



38 E. Schoolhouse Lane • Philadelphia, PA 19144 • 215-849-7950

www.wissahickondance.com www.internationalballet.org

Germantown Newspapers September 29, 2011 Page 9





Opinion: Round Up the Usual Suspects

Pat Burns and a ises to further obscure. month. GCC is the community group might not be quite so independent.

that was founded to do the exact oppo-

Small Circle of Friends It sure looks like these folks are on the site from what its management is cur- LeRoi Simmons of the Central Ger-

same page and possibly "chatting up" rently supporting. at would be to mantown Council can always be

If that outraged majority of residents in the strategy as to how they plan to ram- bring sunshine and transparency to de- counted on to carry the water of local

Gemantown and Mt. Airy had any rod through the zoning appeal and veloper and city misdeeds aer 25 politicians, particulary those who want

doubt about the insider dealing and continue to dupe the community years of a cabal between Germantown outcomes pre-determined and opposi-

collaboration between Pat Burns of about what they are doing, like the Settlement and elected officials. tion stifled.

Fresh Grocer and individuals with city politicians and developers have always

connections, just click on the photos done with Germantown's assets, of Mr.Malik Boyd gets an "emergency ap- e photos sort of have a "Casablanca"

above and imagine the course with the state and federal gov- pointment" as Board Secretary (no feel to them, don't they.  Can't you al-

conversation.  Here we have Pat him- ernment paying them to do it. vote) and Marshall Freeman of the City most hear a high level city official look-

self, Malik Boyd, Secretary of German- Human Relations Commission is ap- ing the other way and shouting "Round

town Community Connection, Ironic isn't it that both Marshall Free- pointed to a new position by Board up the usual suspects"?

Marshall Freeman of the Human Rela- man and Malik Boyd were brought on Chairperson Betty Turner, one that

tions Commission and "Human Rela- to the leadership of the GCC only aer never existed before, as "Consultant for Jim Foster

tions Consultant to he GCC Board", Burns decided to use them as a remedy Human Relations issues." He is called Germantown Newspapers

and LeRoi Simmons of the city-fi- for his failure to do even basic compli- upon from time to time to intervene in

nanced Central Germantown Council

7511 North 21st Street

ance with the community; a prerequi- difficult discussions at board meetings

at the site of Chelten Plaza next to the site to qualifying for millions in state as an "independent mediator".  Looks

SEPTA station that the project prom- grant money that he expects to get next like he might have a second agenda that

Open House

Saturday, Ocotober 1st, 1:00 - 4:00 PM



Lovely 3 bedroom town/ row

with hardwood floors; Large

LR, formal DR, Eat-in kitchen,





Smoke Signals rear yard and garage. Semi

finished basement, upgraded

electric; great location!



Contact:

WHYY and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health invite Roxiann J. Thomas, Realtor

Common Ground Realtors, LLC

you to a forum on what the city should do about tobacco. 215-222-2300, X 264

610.299.5728

roxi@oncommonground.com





Hear The Facts.

Weigh The Options.

Make Your Voice Heard.

When and Where

(All forums begin at 6:30 pm)

Sept 20 @ Perzel Community Center

2990 Saint Vincent Street

Sept 26 @ WHYY

150 N. 6th Street

Oct 6 @ The First Presbyterian Church of Germantown

35 West Chelten Avenue

Oct 12 @ Fels South Philly Community Center

2407 South Broad Street



What

Hear the facts about tobacco use in the city, and

the policy options. Then join with other citizens

to decide which options you can support.



Why

Your input is vital.

!

THE FORUMS WILL BE COVERED BY WHYY-FM and WHYY’s NewsWorks.org



To register, call Linda Breitstein at 215-898-1112 Philadelphia PA 19103

or e-mail: lindabre@gse.upenn.edu 215-546-0550 Office

215-820-3674 Cell

Forums facilitated by Penn Project for Civic Engagement.

Page 10 September 29, 2011 Germantown Newspapers



Tiffany Barrett to Star in Two P.U.T.F. Plays

By Nathan Lerner Andre  Jones.”  She  enthused, a Secret WIfe.” Barrett described

Correspondent “The festival was a wonderful op- her character in the play,

portunity  to  see  new  work,  be “My  character  is  the  quintes-

In  its  second  year,  the  Philly seen,  meet  new  talent  and  net- sential older sister. Sharon is sta-

Urban Theatre Festival has under- work with others in the Industry. ble,  protective  and  definitely  a

taken  an  ambitious  schedule. I am definitely looking forward to mother bear. She protects all her

Over the course of a 20-day span, returning.” loved ones, at all costs.” 

14  different  plays  with  50  total Adapted  from  a  controversial She cautioned, “Do not let her

showings will be mounted under novel by T. Nicole and helmed by soccer  mom  look  fool  you.  She

the rubric of the new festival. The Walter  DeShields,  The Diary of hasn’t forgotten where she came

plays focus on the contemporary, the Secret Wife focuses on a black from.” Barrett cited a challenge of

African-American  experience. woman,  who  is  surreptitiously the role, “There is very little ex-

The festival is the brainchild of its married to a career-driven white position  on  my  character  in  the

founder,  writer, man.  To  avoid  jeopardizing  her script, so I really had to do a great

producer/writer/director,  Kash husband’s  professional  aspira- deal  of  background  character

Goins. It is mounted by his com- tions,  she  and  their  biracial  son work.”

pany GoKash Productions. must remain carefully concealed Barrett clarified this point. “All

Actress Tiffany Barrett will un- as a deep, dark secret. you have to go on as an actor is

dertake major roles in a pair of the Barrett described how she be- the  script.  What  you  say  about

plays,  The Diary of the Secret came  involved  with  the  play, yourself  and  what  others  say

Wife and The Other Side of Love. “The director, who is a very good about  you  and  if  you  are  lucky,

Last  year,  during  the  inaugural friend asked me to come out and there are a few hints In the stage

festival,  Barrett  performed  the audition.  I  auditioned  for  the directions.  But  the  upside  to  is

lead  role  in  four  shows;  Goins’ panel and won the role of Sharon, that it gives the actor the freedom rell, The Other Side of Love is an Is  a  true  inner  city  girl.  She  all

VII Deadly Sins, COLD by Race the protagonist’s older sister. The to build much of the character on ensemble  piece  set  in  a  belly about the bling and doesn’t mind

Brown, Intimate Chaos by Cheril festival  will  be  the  second  time her own and have fun with it. I dancing  studio.  There,  a  close- compromising to get it.”

Clarke,  and  Verbalized Ink by that we are running The Diary of certainly do that in this case.”  knit  group  of  friends  reveal  se- Barrett added, “Lala is written

“Sharon is one of the very few crets,  then  deal  with  the with a very comedic tone to her.

Intercultural Communication consistent voices of reason In her consequences  of  these  disclo- However,  she  is  dealing  with

CERTIFIED DOCUMENT TRANSLATION sister’s crazy world,” Barrett con- sures. some  serious  issues.  The  chal-

INS Documents, Patents, Contracts, Academic Transcripts, etc. tinued.  “There  is  nothing  like Barrett recounted, “The writer, lenge  comes  in  highlighting  the

Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Haitian Creole, etc. being  the  moral  compass  of  a Ina  Farrell,  contacted  me  after seriousness of those issues within

All Languages story, you always have the audi- speaking  to  another  playwright the  extremely  well-written

24 Hour Fax 215-438-1958 ence on your side, which is nour- that I had previously worked with, comedic moments. She also is a

Interpretation ishing during your performance. I Kareem  Rogers,  who  suggested bit of a glamour doll. Playing that

Arbitrations, Workers Comp Hearings, Conventions, Business Meetings, etc. usually do not play the calm even that she reach out to me.”  Barrett up too much can become one di-

SI Wireless Systems and Booths • Audience Response Service

headed person in most shows so auditioned  at  her  open  call  and mensional and the message would

Text Translation & Interpreting Services • 215-520-0031 this is a refreshing break.” was offered the role of Lala. Bar- get lost, which we don’t want to

Mailing Address: PO Box 12349, Philadelphia, PA 19119

Written and directed by Ina Far- rett described her character, “Lala Continued on page 11

Director@textransL8.com









If traditional treatment hasn’t healed your wound after 30 days,

there’s a good chance we can.

Whether age, health or diabetes keeps a persistent open wound from healing, the Comprehensive Center for

Wound Healing at Chestnut Hill Hospital is here. Offering the latest advances in wound treatment, our skilled

specialists help get you back to doing what you love. If you have a wound that won’t heal after 30 days, call the

Comprehensive Center for Wound Healing at Chestnut Hill Hospital, 215-248-8601, for an appointment.









chestnuthillhealth.com/woundhealing

Germantown Newspapers September 29, 2011 Page 11

Tiffany Barrett to Star in The Diary of the Secret Wife and The Other Side of Love

Continued from page 10 need to grab them now! or The Other Side of Love.”  side-of-love. visit www.putf.org.

do.”  Barrett  clearly  enjoyed  the ”Today, I am less worried about For  more  on  Tiffany  Barrett, The Philly Urban Theatre Fes-

role. what people think and more wor- visit www.tiffanybarrett.com. tival runs through October 9 at the Nathan Lerner is the Director

“Lala is beautiful and hilarious. ried about telling a good story,” The Diary of a Secret Wife will Adrienne Theatre (2030 Sansom of Davenport Communications.

So I get to wear all the cutest out- she said. “The festival is another be performed on Friday, Septem- Street). He welcomes feedback at lern-

fits and deliver funny lines at the affirmation that anything is possi- ber  30  (7:30  PM)and  Saturday, For information on the festival, erprose@gmail.com.

same time. I have a lot of fun with ble and there Is good non-union October 1 (7:30 PM). For more

her,” she said. work out there for willing actors.” information on The Diary of a Se-

She  acknowledged,  “Lala  is For anyone wavering about at- cret  Wife,  visit  www.thediary-

closer to what I am used to play- tending  the  festival,  Barrett ofthesecretwife-stageplay.com. learning with a PURPOSE

ing, a troubled woman trying to pointed out, “This year, the festi- For tickets, visit www.gokash-

overcome some huge and horrible val’s theme is diversity. There re- productions.ticketleap.com/the-

circumstances.” ally  is  something  there  for diary-of-the-secret-wife.

Barrett offered her opinion on everyone.” She cited the fact that The Other Side of Love will be

getting a break. Norristown’s Iron Age Theater is performed on Sunday, October 2

“As  actors  of  color,  we  often even participating in the festival (3 PM and 8 PM). For more infor-

have to create our own opportuni- this year. Barrett issued this to the mation  of  The  Other  Side  of

ties. Kash and all of the writers public,  “I  would  challenge  the Love,  visit

that participated and will partici- skeptic  to  come  out  and  enjoy www.myheavensong.com  For

pate in the festival did that. The some plain old good theater, espe- tickets, visit www.gokashproduc-

festival was sort of a wake up call cially The Diary of a Secret WIfe tions.ticketleap.com/the-other-

for me. It reminded me to never

forget  where  I  came  from  as  a

person and an artist. The African

American experience is rich with

beautiful and compelling stories.”

She posed the rhetorical ques-

tion, “Who will tell those stories % & '

if not us ourselves?” Barrett re- (

counted, ) *

DE +

DE + A : ?GB : G: : H

DE + A : ?GB : G: : H









“I  spent  four  years  in  college + EF

EF+

EF+

E

!

working diligently in a major that

GB



, ,, , ,,

a lot of people looked at as a joke.

EF+









- .

EF









Why? So that I could tell stories / 0

and these are some of the stores I ! " # 1 2 34 Open House Dates: October 15 & November 15

$ 5 6 #

would like to tell. The festival re-

minded me that what we do is as A co-ed Friends school, 3 years to grade 12.

important as how we do it. There 215.886.4350 | www.abingtonfriends.net

is always a whole new generation

7 89 : ; & 5 : : >= ?: @ A ?8?A B : : 9= 5 5 5 A & 5 A C

of theatergoers emerging and we









Care.

*

NOW FREE FOR ONE YEAR.

Regular dental care for you and your family is an important part of staying

healthy. Affording this care without insurance can often be difficult.

DentRite is not dental insurance, but a discount dental plan that provides









Free.

significant savings on dental procedures you and the family need.

DentRite gives you the quality dental care and benefits usually found only

in high priced insurance plans but with some welcome bonuses:









Quality dental care is now more affordable

with the DentRite discount dental plan.







* Sign up for the DentRite dental discount plan by 9/30/2011, and we will waive all enrollment fees for a one-year individual or family membership. DentRite is not dental insurance but a dental discount program offered at

all participating locations throughout PA. May not be used in conjunction with any insurance plan or other discount program. Valid for new patients only.

Page 12 September 29, 2011 Germantown Newspapers



Meeting Airs PAC Complaints, Comments

By Bob O’Brien Jeff  Hackett,  a  neighborhood ceived notice of the meeting that day

Staff Reporter watch  member,  said  that  he  was as well. Jackson also said that he had

only informed of the meeting that been out of work the previous Fri-

Audience  members  at  a  Police day by Councilwoman Marianne B. day and the notice may have come

Advisory Commission (PAC) meet- Tasco, who asked him to get in her across his desk that day.

ing were less than satisfied with the stead.  Eric Brice, head of the 35th Dis-

ways in which they were informed “There’s a lot more people I know trict Town Watch said that he had re-

the meeting was taking place. The would be here (if notice of the meet- ceived no word of the meeting, but

meeting,  which  took  place  at  the ing  had  been  received),”  Hackett learned of it from everyblock.com.

Olney Recreation Center in the 35h said about the lack of residents. Other  audience  members  com-

Police District on Monday, Septem- Community  Relations  Officer plained that they had seen no signs,

ber 19, had about a dozen residents Ron Jackson of the 35th district was even outside of the building where

in attendance. also  present  and  said  he  had  re- the meeting was taking place, and

that they had heard about the meet-

Grace Community Christian Center ing through word of mouth.

29 West Johnson Street The PAC acknowledged that the

Philadelphia, PA 19144 turnout was far from what they had

hoped, but said that they had tried to

Grace After School Program (GAP) get the word out. 

Register NOW!! “We regularly go onto public sites

We Serve Grades K-6, Ages 5 - 12 (to  inform  residents),”  said  Bill

Homework Assistance • Technology Enrichment (Computer Lab) Johnson, executive director of the

Music Enrichment • Physical Development • Arts & Crafts PAC. “Town watch did receive no-

Spiritual Growth • Nutrition Education • Math Help • Creative Play tice.”

Nonetheless,  members  of  the

Fee Schedule $50 Weekly PAC  acknowledged  that  more

(Transportation Provided at Extra Cost) would  need  to  be  done  to  inform

Discounts for Families • Co-payments, CCIS & DPW Payments Accepted people of the monthly meetings that

Open 3 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Monday – Friday • Open Half Days

occur on the third Monday of each

We do more than prepare our students for the world.

Certified and Trained Staff month. Islam said the difficulty was

We teach them the skills and values to make a difference in it. For More Information, Call 215-848-2700 that the monthly meetings were held

all  around  the  city  and  that  more

often than not the next destination

was  unknown  at  the  time  of  each

A Quaker Independent Day School for Grades K-12

meeting. He said that deciding on

where  the  next  monthly  meeting

would be held was the first step in

informing residents.

31 We s t Coulter Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144

1603 Wadsworth Ave. Islam also said that all suggestions

for how to improve the meetings’

215-242-3814 turnout would be taken seriously.



What can we do We Accept All Insurance Plans

Free Rx Pickup • Free Delivery

The PAC’s primary responsibility

is  overseeing  civilian  complaints

about police officers and drawing at-

for you today? Mon-Fri 9 am - 7 pm• Sat 9 am - 3 pm • Closed Sunday

www.mtairypharmacy.com

tention to matters that civilians in-

form  them  of.  Its  members  are

appointed  by  the  mayor  and  city

FREE $10 Gift Card for New or Transferred Prescription

One Per Customer council.

If a complaint is made about po-

lice misconduct, the PAC will in-

form  the  police  and  conduct  a

parallel investigation along with the

Police Internal Affairs. If findings

differ from internal affairs, the PAC

reports  it  to  the  police.  “We  offi-

affordable errands, cially  let  them  know  what  we

handyman services, though happened if it differs from

housekeeping internal affairs,” said Mu’min Islam,

board chair of the PAC.  “Our role

and more for folks 55+

is providing access to the police de-

in the Germantown partment.”

and Mt. Airy areas “If there’s a complaint about any

of us (Captain McClusky) wants to

know,” Jackson said about the head

Membership is FREE of the 35th district. He said that Mc-

215-525-5470 Clusky takes complaints about his

www.mywayonline.org officers very seriously.

7104 Germantown Avenue Saturday, First United

Methodist

Methoodist

In this case, almost all residents

attended meaning to complain about

Philadelphia, PA 19119

October 1

October Church of

Church of squatters  living  at  1720  Church

Lane since May. Betty Bryant, a res-

“My Way made my life easier. 10 am to 4 pm

10 am to pm Germantown

to

Germantown

6001 Germantown Ave.

Germantown Ave. ident in attendance, lives next door

They do things I can no longer do.” Philadelphia,PA 19144

elphia,PA

Philadelphia,PA to the squatters. 

(corner of Germantown Ave.& High St.)

(corner of Germantown Ave.& High St.)

- Dorothy D., My Way member She claimed that the squatters are

living in a house that was left vacant

admission!

Free admission! after  the  owners  died  some  years

My Way, a not-for-profit joint venture of Ralston Center and ago.  She  said  the  squatters  have

Neighborhood Interfaith Movement (NIM), is a Licensed Home Care Agency.

Featuring local artists and craftspeople

Featuring local artists and craftspeople Continued on page 14

Germantown Newspapers September 29, 2011 Page 13



MAUSA Holds Public Forum on Lovett Park

By Bob O’Brien with the CDC, explained that plan- rector, for MAUSA, both said that would be addressed in the future. lion living here,” he said. The budget

Staff Reporter ners use a “five-minute walk” con- their summer Moonlight Movies se- Gupta said that the changes to the debate is not going away. A stronger

cept to decide if an area is worth ries, which ran on Friday nights in park should also help to make the li- library will be better able to with-

Mt. Airy USA (MAUSA) held an developing. The concept stems from the park was successful in bringing brary more popular as well to protect stand pressures to close."

open-to-the-public meeting at the the idea that most people aren’t will- many people to the space. the investment from potentially clos- If a new plan for the park is

Free Library of Philadelphia Lovett ing to walk more than five minutes to Audience members raised con- ing down in the face of future city adopted in the future, it would re-

Branch to discuss the future of a destination, which usually translates cerns about security for the area. budget woes. quire the approval of the Free Li-

Lovett Library Park on Thursday, to about 1,500 feet in any direction. Stephen Clark, a security guard who “This city was built for 2.5 million brary, and money would have to be

September 15. The meeting was the “The task here is to turn this into has worked at the library for about people. We currently have 1.5 mil- raised to enact any of the changes.

second in a series in which planners a location that would be worth the six months, said he already seen

from the Community Design Col- walk,” Jones said. According to his things that make him wary. “What Chelten Plaza Foes Step Up at ZBA

laborative (CDC), a volunteer group research, the park is about 1,000 feet about the negatives that increased by Bob O’Brien

that provides pro bono design work, from the middle of the Mt. Airy participation will bring," he said. Staff Reporter

presented the audience with a list of Business district. "I've already found several 'instru-

potential uses for what is largely re- Miller presented a graphic of the ments of crime' while patrolling the The battle of the proposed Chelten Plaza development reached a boiling

garded as underutilized space. land with potential changes to im- grounds," he said. point Sept. 28 before the Zoning Board of Adjustment at noon at 1515 Arch

“I have to be honest…I never re- prove utility. Included were more, David Moore, a past president of Street. In an extended two-hour session following last week’s postponement

ally recognized the land outside this most likely moveable seating on the the Friends of Lovett Library said of the hearing, Yvonne Haskins, representative for several Germantown

building,” said Anuj Gupta, execu- main lawn, a small amphitheater that limited visibility through the Community groups, including the likes of West Central Germantown Neigh-

tive director of MAUSA. “We have next to the library, a nature play area, park from Germantown Avenue was

bors and the Germantown Historical Society, went toe to toe against Paul

a wonderful asset but underutilized a rain garden to minimize storm a problem that the library had dealt

community space.” water runoff and a plaza with with in previous years. To the pro- Primavera, attorney for Chelten Plaza’s owner, Pat Burns.

Representatives of MAUSA and benches and chairs at the rear of the posal that the park could become a Throughout, Haskins maintained that the Department of License and In-

the CDC emphasized that changes grounds that could be used for destination for people working spections gave a permit to Burns that allowed for a grocery story in the space,

would be made to the park only if events. nearby to eat their lunch, he said: and not a dollar store, which Burns had previously announced would be built

there was support from residents. Alexa Bosse of the CDC ac- “Those activities were the kinds of in the space. Primavera maintained that under the wording of the zoning

“This is intended to be a community knowledged that programming things we had to remove. Gradually code, the dollar store can be construed as a grocery store.

process,” Gupta said. would most likely be necessary to go the problem of who was sitting in the “I think this board relies on people telling the truth,” Haskins said. “We’re

“You are in charge,” Ari Miller, a along with the changes to the park. park and what they were doing in the asking you to stop the sham, stop the masquerade.”

landscape architectural designer “Too much versatility and not park grew. The room used for the hearing was packed with people in support of Hask-

with CDC, said to the audience. enough programming can some- “From the street you didn’t see the

ins, most wearing yellow shirts announced their support.

“Nothing goes on behind closed times be the downfall of a park,” she wino relieving himself,” Moore said.

doors.” said. The CDC representatives agreed As of the end of the meeting, no decision was rendered, and it is unknown

Ashton Jones, another volunteer Gupta and Elizabeth Moselle, di- that visibility was an issue that how long it will take for a decision to be made.





Police Advisory Commission Meeting Addresses Communications and More

Continued from page 13 While no solution was found at Despite early disapproval, mem- the key players in the communica- Johnson agreed. “I think overall

been stealing electricity from her the time, PAC members promised to bers of the audience thought the tion are here,” said Hackett. we’re moving forward,” he said.

house, have stolen drain pipes and help Bryant resolve her issue. meeting was a success. “Some of

have children living in filthy condi-

tions. “It’s a health hazard living

next to these people,” she said.

Bryant said that the squatters have

no water in their house, and have

even left excrement filled paper to

drift down the street. “That’s no ex-

aggeration either,” she said.

Jackson was familiar with the sit- GREENE STREET

uation, but said that squatters in FRIENDS SCHOOL

Philadelphia have rights that com- OPEN HOUSE DATES-RSVP NEEDED

plicate the matter.

October 6, 8:45 to 10:30 AM

“There’s a limit to what the police September 30, 8:45 to 10:30 AM

can do,” Islam said. He recom- October 16, 1:00 to 3:00 PM

October 15, 1:00 to 3:00 PM

mended calling DHS, DLI and a November 3, 8:45 to 10:30 AM

November 4, 8:45 to 10:30AM

councillor. December 1, 8:45 to 10:30 AM

December 2, 8:45 to 10:30 AM

Bryant said she had already fol- 5511 GREENE STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19144 • 215-438-7545

lowed all of those suggestions, but GREENESTREETFRIENDS.ORG

to no avail. “Everyone gives me an-

arners Start H

other number to call,” she said. Con

dent, Life-Long Le ere









Progressive

education for

children ages 3-12



Fall Open Houses

Thursday, October 13 • 7-8:30 p.m. Sunday, October 23 • 2-4 p.m.

Thursday, November 17 • 9-11 a.m. Thursday, December 8 • 9-11a.m.

Registration preferred





2025 Harts Lane, Conshohocken, PA 19428 • (610) 828-1231

www.miquon.org

Page 14 September 29, 2011 Germantown Newspapers



Talking Philly Baseball

Wr it e a Le t t e r t o t he Edit or !

e dit or @ ge r m a nt ownne ws pa pe r s .c om

or Ge r m a nt own N e ws pa pe r s What’s the Left-Handed Option?

6 6 6 1 Ge r m a nt own Av e . Phila de lphia , PA 1 9 11 9

By Bill McFarland Sunday and retired just one of else will be in the bullpen? Your

them. If he didn’t pitch any better guess is as good as mine. I’m not

By the time you read this, the in Atlanta this week, then the comfortable with Brad Lidge or

Big Blue Marble Bookstore Phillies will have completed the Phillies will have serious prob- David Herndon, and Michael

A neighborhood bookstore for Mt. Airy and beyond. regular season, and an opponent lems in the ’pen heading into the Schwimer is too inexperienced.

will be determined for the first Na- playoffs. Michael Stutes will probably go,

Summer Sidewalk Sales! Check the tional League Divisional Series The two Triple-A lefties that I and veteran starter Joe Blanton

game on Saturday at Citizens mentioned before — Juan Perez has suddenly come back into the

Big Blue Marble website for details Bank Park. and Mike Zagurski — are no picture as a reliever.

Having submitted this column longer available. Both were desig- The Phillies’ best bet might be

on our monthly sidewalk sales with before this week’s three-game set nated for assignment on Sept. 17 to have all of the starters pitch

in Atlanta, there’s no way of when the team needed to clear eight innings in every game, and

books as low as $3.00! Fiction, knowing what may have occurred space on the 40-man roster to Madson, Worley and Kendrick

against the Braves. I do know that bring up other players, and Za- can takes turns in the ninth in-

memoir, poetry, kid chapter and Sunday afternoon’s 9-4 win over gurski has since been dealt to the nings.

the Mets in New York was some- Arizona Diamondbacks. Besides pitching and timely hit-

picture books and more! thing of a microcosm of what the The only left-handed option at ting, there are two other factors

team will face in the playoffs. this point is rookie Joe Savery, that come into play in short series

Big Blue Marble Bookstore • 551 Carpenter Lane • Phila, PA 19119 Roy Halladay was his usual self, who has appeared in just a few — injuries and strategy. Manager

215-844-1870 • info@bigbluemarblebooks.com and he will continue to be so for games at this level since his Sept. Charlie Manuel took the 2009

as long as the team remains alive. 17 call-up. Phillies with a decimated pitching

He threw only five innings Sun- The Phillies could send Bas- staff into Game 6 of the World Se-

day to help the Phils break the tardo to Clearwater to work on his ries against the New York Yan-

eight-game losing streak, but it delivery during the NLDS and kees. Let’s see what Charlie pulls

turned out that the 9-0 lead that he bring him back for the National out of his sleeve with a battered

left with only magnified the prob- League Championship Series. bullpen this time.

lems of the bullpen in general and Other than using the untested Sav- That’s my opinion. What do you

Antonio Bastardo in particular. ery in the first round, the team will think?

Just when pitching coach Rich have to go without a lefty in the

Dubee thought he had discovered NLDS, which brings us to the next Bill McFarland has covered the

the hitch in the left-hander’s deliv- question. Phillies since 1991. Contact him

ery, everybody learned that he did- Beyond Ryan Madson, Vance at 267-984-7641 or mcfarland-

n’t. Bastardo faced six batters on Worley and Kyle Kendrick, who william@hotmail.com





Annual Grace Baptist Fall Revival

Grace Baptist Church of Ger- well as Monday –Thursday other churches including: Provi-

mantown, located at 25 West evening service. Dr. Alyn E. dence ,Mt. Zion, James Memorial

Johnson, Street, Philadelphia, is Waller, Senior Pastor of Enon and Canaan Baptist Churches.

hosting the annual revival, featur- Tabernacle Baptist Church will All are welcomed to come.

ing Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. bring the message Sunday Business hours are 9 a.m. until

for the week. evening for Youth Night. 5 p.m. daily. Telephone 215-432-

Dr. Wright will speak on Octo- The service starts at 7: 00 p.m. 3215. Web address: www.grace-

ber 2nd for morning service as nightly with leadership from baptistgtn.org.





Oct. 1 is Flea-zaar at CH Presbyterian Church

The Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill kicks tiques, books, DVDs, CDs, and a raffle for gift bas-

off the fall with its second annual Flea-zaar, a com- kets filled with goodies based on a variety of

bination outdoor flea market and indoor church themes. Entrance to the Flea-zaar is free and open

bazaar. The market grounds will be open on Satur- to public.

day, October 1, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., at 8855 All proceeds go to local and national missions,

Germantown Avenue. through the mission outreach work of The Presby-

The outdoor flea market includes the PCCH- terian Church of Chestnut Hill. In case of rain,

sponsored Food Court with BBQ and delicious event will be held indoors at the Presbyterian

sides and desserts; a Children’s Corner featuring Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave.

toys and games for kids of all ages; Elegant Ele- For more information, please call the church office

phants with eccentric and unusual gift ideas; Fall at 215-247-8855, or visit the church web site at

Home Décor with mums and pumpkins for sale; and www.chestnuthillpres.org. The Presbyterian Church

a Home and Garden Tool Shed with every tool you of Chestnut Hill is an inclusive congregation of the

can imagine. Other outdoor spaces will be rented to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), committed to excel-

private vendors. The indoor market will showcase lence in worship, music and the arts, education and

jewelry, a gallery of original artwork for sale, an- outreach. All are welcome.





Medical Day Care Center Opens for Service

Almost Like Home, Inc. is opening its doors to medically and technologically dependent children in

Philadelphia. Providing a much- needed medical day care program for children ages birth through 8 years,

the Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Center (PPECC) is licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of

Health. Almost Like Home is conveniently located at 129 East Gorgas Lane, in the Mt. Airy section of the

city. The center, which provides a state-of-the-art, home-like setting, operates out of a beautifully renovated,

early-century carriage house. Almost Like Home is dedicated to providing medically fragile children with

quality, nurturing medical care, so they can successfully accomplish appropriate developmental milestones.

The program is supervised by highly qualified healthcare professionals including a Medical Director, Reg-

istered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Certified Nurse Assistants.

For additional information on the center, or for enrollment information, please call 267-385-5551.

Germantown Newspapers September 29, 2011 Page 15



Homelink Offers Meal

Assistance to Disabled

Homelink, the Mt. Airy-based non-profit agency offering support and

meal-delivery to older adults and persons with disabilities throughout

Philadelphia County, will sponsor an exclusive performance featuring

The Nocturnes, on Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. The event aims to raise funds and

awareness for Meals on Wheels agencies in Philadelphia and Mont-

gomery counties, to combat senior hunger.

The Nocturnes will perform at the Ambler Theater, bringing back the

swinging jazz sound of the Big Band Era, with original scores and clas-

sics from Duke Ellington, the Gershwin Brothers and many more.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

Homelink's Meals on Wheels program is a private non-profit agency,

providing home-delivered meals to adults with difficulty managing meal

preparation.

If you have any questions, or if you would like more information about

this event for a possible feature, please contact me at 267-446-6685 or

sarah.cocchimiglio@gmail.com.

The Germantown Jewish Centre Women’s Club, 400 W. Ellet

Dedication for New Mural in Northwest Philadelphia Street, Philadelphia, is looking for local artists and crafters for their 4th

Community members and leaders from Maternity Care Coalition, East Mount Airy Neighbors, Trolley Car Diner

and Philadelphia Mural Arts Program gathered for the official dedication of a new mural in Germantown.  The

Annual Craft Show, Sunday, November 13, 2011. All work must be

colorful work of art graces the side of the Maternity Care Coalition building at 6609 Chew Avenue.  The mural original. For more info, contact kauffmanp@comcast .net or the

was designed by Mural Arts Program artist, Parris Stanchel who titled the work "The Universal Principle of a Women’s Club at 215.844.1507.

Mother's Love" and includes themes of motherhood and community support.  

The event began with a welcome from Jane Golden, founder of the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, who also

shared comments about the mural and the importance of art and artists within the community.  More comments

were shared by Naima Black, MCC staff member and Ken Weinstein, Mural Arts Program advisory committee

Business Services Directory

member and property owner of MCC.  Neighbors in the community took pictures of the mural and enjoyed re-

freshments provided by Trolley Car Diner.  MCC distributed parent planning information and offered free rapid

HIV testing. 

This mural adds to the approximately eight (8) existing murals in Northwest Philadelphia.  At least two more mu-

rals are planned with hopes of expanding mural tours to the area. For more information about Mural Arts Pro-

gram, go to www.muralarts.org. For more information about Maternity Care Coalition, go to www.momobile.org







Forum Discusses Zoning Code Changes

By Bob O’Brien However, the application of the allow for the code to go into effect

Staff Reporter code was a point of contention, all across the city six months after

with DiCicco in favor of changing the code is adopted.

PennPraxis, the Philadelphia the code as soon as possible and Instead, he supports a gradual

Daily News and PlanPhilly hosted the other councilmen in favor of adoption of the code throughout

a public forum on Sept. 20 to dis- waiting for a remapping of the remapping process, which will

cuss changes to be made to the Philadelphia, so that the code more occur as the Philadlephia City

zoning code. The meeting was held closely reflects the needs of each Planning Commission completes

at at the Inquirer and Daily News neighborhood. the district planning process. In this

Building at 400 N. Broad Street.

The panel, made up of Deputy

DiCicco believes that the code

would best be taken care of as soon

manner, he said, land that needs to

be rezoned can be done without

Sean’s Home Remodeling

Mayor for Economic Development as possible, with amendments to be causing the friction that could re- More Than 25 Years Experience

Alan Greenberger and Councilmen made to it at a later date if issues sult in a drastic change in zoning

Frank DiCicco, Bill Green and arise. “We need this code and we codes. Services: Kitchens, Bathrooms, Doors & Windows,

Darrell Clark, was moderated by need to get it passed this session or “It will never be perfect so that

PennPraxis director Harris Stein- it may not happen for another everyone will accept it without

Carpentry, Dry Wall, Floors, Drop Ceiling

berg. decade,” he said. He said that to criticism,” DiCicco said. “We FREE  ESTIMATES / LICENSED & INSURED

All three councilmen concurred leave the issue on the table for should do the heavy lifting as in-

that the project, which was spear-

headed by DiCicco, was an impor-

newly-elected council members to

take care of was irresponsible and

cumbents and move forward.”

While both Clark and Green said

267-323-0571

tant one because of the outdated unfair. that they hoped to finalize the code

nature of the zoning code, which Green expressed concern at what during this council session, Clark

was developed around the 1940s,

according to Greenberger.

he referred to as the “majority re-

port” intentions, which would

said, “It is more important to get it

right than in a timely fashion.” Two Guys

What’s New at the Berg Gallery Light Moving, Hauling,

Pickup & Deliveries

Abstract Painter, Howard Brot- $150.00 (materials fee: $25.00) blages. Available 7 Days a Week

man; Emergence.

Madelyn Bradley; New Photo-

This introduction to monoprint-

ing is a 2-day workshop that is

Paper/Photo Lithography

Workshop School’s Open! Reasonable Rates



215-850-4559

graphs.

Friday, Sept. 30, 6-9 pm.

geared for beginners as well as in-

termediate print makers.

Oct. 30

1:00pm - 4:00pm Watch for Kids! 215-668-8660

Show runs until October 29. Assemblage Workshop $50.00 (materials fee: $10.00)

Comic Book Boot Camp (Free Oct. 29 Paper/Photo lithography is an

Workshop for ages 8-100

Saturday, Oct. 15

9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

$125.00 (materials fee: $15.00)

interesting process where you can

transfer images; photographs, text, Experienced Landscape Service

12:00pm - 4:00pm Well known local artist and illustrations into lithographs using

Over 40 Years Experience

Christian "Patch" Patchell, well "dumpster diver" Ellen Benson toner-copied images, gum Arabic, Â Fall Cleanup

known artist, illustrator, cartoonist has been creating art for many water and ink.

Est Free

 Sodding, Seeding

will be conducting a 101 Comic years with her specialty being art

Book Boot Camp for people of all made from things cast off. She's Nichols Berg Gallery  Grass Cutting im

ate

ages. also very entertaining. This work- 8611 Germantown Avenue  Hedge Trimming s

Introduction to Monoprinting shop's focus is in conjunction with Philadelphia, PA 19118 Â Fertilizing/Planting

Oct. 22 & 23 Day of the Dead and creating me- 206-380-4070

9:00am - 5 p.m. morial altars/memory assem- www.nicholsbergart.com 610-202-2325

Page 16 September 29, 2011 Germantown Newspapers



Business Services Directory



Ongoing Print Show Preview Presented by Arader

Galleries

http://www.pnaior-phila.org/  

FREE TRAINING Preview sale and exhibition  Rare Prints, October

G’Town Restoration CDC is offering a Maps, Drawings and Memorabilia pertain- rough Oct. 15

FREE 12 week Food Service Training pro- ing to Philadelphia and the Revolutionary Allens Lane eater Presents:

• Forced Air Furnaces Starting at $1695 gram for low income residents. e Coarse War Spooky Dog & the

• Boilers starting at $2850 consists of ServSafe training and testing, Cliveden Carriage House Teenage Gang Mysteries

• Oil to gas conversion - $500 PGW rebates Nutrition, Food Production,  Internships, 6401 Germantown Avenue  Sept. 30 - Oct. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15

• Tax credits available -• PECO / PGW rebates and Job Placement Assistance. For more in- Reservations strongly suggested. Call Two additional 11:00pm performances on

• Financing Available formation, call 215-991-4744. All Partici- 215.848.1777 Saturday, Oct 1 and 8

• Complete central air & furnace $4450 (up to 2 tons, tax included) pants must live in 19144, 19119, 19126, Sale Open to the Public Fri Sept 30 - Sat by Eric Pliner and Amy Rhodes

19138, 19141, and 19140 zip codes. Oct 1  10 am - 5 pm Directed by Travis Whitaker

Free “Harvest Health” Workshop Series for Tickets: $18 with reservations or $20 at the

Older Adults with Chronic Health Condi- urs. Sept. 29 @ 7 door

tions Germantown Community Connection Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm and Sunday

Tuesdays, August 30 through October 4 at First Presb Church 35 W Chelten Ave at 2:00pm

Topic: Rain Garden Vernon Park Off-street parking available.

BECK LANDSCAPING Queen Lane Apartments in Germantown

A free “Harvest Health” workshop series Every one is welcome. Be a part of your Patrons are encouraged to bring a picnic

for adults 60 and older with chronic health community! dinner and BYOB.

NO JOB TOO SMALL conditions will take place on Tuesdays, Au- Learn about and have a say in what goes on Tickets and reservations available at al-

gust 30 to October 4, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. in Germantown lenslane.org

at the Queen Lane Apartments, 301 West www.germantowncc.org

Weed & Mulch Garden Beds Queen Lane in Philadelphia’s Germantown Oct. 1 - 22

Calendar Listings for the Jewish Holy Financial Boot Camp

Poison Ivy Removal neighborhood.  is six-week series is de-

Days 5772 (2011) at P'nai Or Jewish

signed to help individuals with arthritis, di- A 4-Saturday series from Oct 1 - Oct 22

Grass Cutting Renewal Congregation of Philadelphia from 12:30-3pm.

abetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart

Aeration & Premium Seeding disease, and other chronic health condi- urs. September 29 and Location:  Meeting Room @ Joseph E.

Yard Clean-ups, Planting tions. is series will be facilitated by spe- Fri. September 30 Coleman Library, 68 West Chelten Av-

cially trained volunteer leaders from Center 10:00 am-2:15 pm enue, Philadelphia 19144

Shrubs Hand Pruned Rosh Hashanah morning services

in the Park senior community center.  e Every class will use accountability and in-

Hedges & Ivy Trimmed program covers a new topic each week and A vegetarian dairy potluck lunch follows spiration to help establish better money

Fall Leaf Clean-up & Removal each day - do bring food to share if you management skills.  Furthermore, each ses-

ELECTRICIAN provides opportunities for group interac-

tion and problem-solving. Each session is can. sion will include special topics such as

Logs, Sheds, Debris Disposal

SMALL AD aimed at helping participants set goals and urs. aernoon Tashlich - at a local Credit Identity, Wills, Insurance and types

SMALL PRICES ORGANIC Lawn, Shrub & freshwater stream - location and time of financial accounts.  Provided with assis-

take action to improve their health.

Flower Fertilization TBA

We Do It All! To register for the Harvest Health chronic tance from HOPE worldwide & PFCU.



215-925-0606

disease self-management program or for

more information, call Jeanelle Lawson at Fri. October 7, 6:00-9:00 pm Oct. 1

Reliable & Courteous Yom Kippur Evening Service.  Kol Nidre

Senior Citizen 215-545-6010.

- 6:15 pm sharp

Grumblethorpe

4:30 – 7:30 pm Oktoberfest at Grum-

DiSCountS Free ESL (English-as-a Second Language) Sat. October 8, 10:00 AM-9:00 pm blethorpe, 5267 Germantown Ave. (at

Please Call Andy: classes for children and adults, each Mon- Yom Kippur Day Queen Lane). Beer, great food (including

MARIO BROS. Service begins with morning blessings and home-made ice cream), music from G’-

LiCenSeD & inSureD #G00848 215-233-9401  day and Wednesday, 6:45-9:15 p.m. Also a

separate daytime free advanced ESL class ends with N'eila and Havdalah, when Town Radio, kid’s activities, tours of mu-

for adults each ursday from 12:30 p.m. three stars appear in the night sky. seum. Free admission to garden. Fee for

to 5:30 p.m. A light vegetarian/dairy break-fast fol- tours & food.

Enroll throughout the year. Won Commu- lows. Please bring food to share if you can. Oct. 1-10 – through Oktoberfest. Last farm

nity Service Center, 423 Abington Ave., stand of the year for Grumblethorpe! 5267

Financing Available • Free Estimates • Fully Insured Glenside. 215-884-8443. Email: Sun. October 9, Time TBA  Germantown Ave. (at Queen Lane). Fresh

info@woncommunity.org. Website: Join us in building our Sukkah organically grown local fruits and veggies

Weds. October 12, Time TBA



Roofing Sale

www.woncommunity.org. Supported in for sale as well as home-made ice cream.

part by the Dollar General Foundation. First night of Sukkot

With Coupon urs. October 13, 10:30 am   Oct. 1

Wyck’s Farmers Market Sukkot services in the P'nai Or Sukkah. Revolutionary Germantown Festival 

Every Friday through November Please bring your lulav and etrog. Reenactment of the Battle of Germantown

All Types of Roofing P'nai Or services are held at:



New Roof

2 pm- 6 pm stories told by local griot storyteller Denise

Summit Presbyterian Church Valentine from 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Siding • Windows Greens, salad mix, berries, eggs, carrots, po-

6757 Greene Street

tatoes, summer squash, peas, beans, peppers and 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Emergency Repairs (corner of Greene and Westview Streets)

Up to 400 Sq. Ft. and more! Don’t miss out on the freshest

West Mt. Airy neighborhood Oct. 1

$490

farmers market in Northwest Philadelphia.

Ask About Our as low as Philadelphia, PA 19119 10 AM - 3PM

15 Year Guarantee September 29th @ 6pm For more information: Youth Town Hall



Hot Coats

Family Owned and Oper- (State Rep. Cherelle Parker)

ated Ages 13-18. Parents are also encouraged to

for Over 46 Years The Charles E. Ellis Trust attend

Dorothy Emanuel Rec

215.332.6600 as low as $57 is currently accepting  applications from public and 8501 Provident St

State Rep. Cherelle Parker Tonyelle Cook-

charter high school girls who reside in Philadelphia in Artis Chief of Staff

single-parent households and who meet academic and 215.242.7300 - Phone215.242.7303 -

Fax215-500-1679 -

financial eligibility requirements. Celltartis@pahouse.net

Girls may be eligible to receive funding for basic edu- Oct. 3

Freshstart Roofing cational needs, such as school supplies and uniforms. 12:30 PM-2PM

(first Mon. monthly delayed re holiday)

“ We S p e c i a l i z e I n A l l Ty p e s O f R o o f s ” Rated The Trust can also provide funding for academic and Wayne Avenue Merchant Association

#1

OVER 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

summer enrichment programs, music lessons, tutoring, Street Cleaning

If you have a business on Wayne Ave please

and test prep classes. join them or let someone who does know.

Applications may be found at: www.wwscholars.org Wayne Ave. Berkley/Schoolhouse

info: Allison Weiss 215 843 5555

Rafaela Torres,Director

Charles E Ellis Trust for Girls Mon.  Oct. 3

215-370-0651 215 South Broad Street, 10th Floor

6:00 PM (first Mon. monthly)

Happy Hollow Playground Advisory

Philadelphia,PA 19107 Council Meeting



15%

e favor of your presence is requested.

$ 215-735-4480 ext 205 Your participation is needed!

All welcome to attend.

215-735-4485(fax)

$ 1,00000 $99 Continued on page 17

Germantown Newspapers September 29, 2011 Page 17









Continued from page 16 Oct. 7 8511 Cell: (215) 435-4627  www.greaterg-

Wayne Ave and Logan St

info: Tyrone Gross,  Rec Leader, and new

1 PM (first Fri every month)

Wayne Ave Merchant Association (WAM)

ermantownba.com

Business Services Directory

2nd Rec Leader Erika 215 685 2195 Clean, Green, Safe! Oct. 11

If you have a business on Wayne Ave please 6 PM

Oct. 5 come join them. Neighborhood Network Free Estimates Fully Insured

Community Blood Drive

8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Info:  A. Weiss 215-843-5555 Y @ 5722 Green St

Pot Luck 6 PM Meeting @ 7PM

Senior

Discount

JOseph’s AffOrdAble

Chestnut Hill Hospital, Main Level Con- Oct. 10 Discussion  re up coming election plumbing & heAting

ference Room, 8835 Germantown Avenue, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. (Continental Breakfast) Info/Confirm date 215-991-8689. • 24 Hour Service / 7 Days a Week

Philadelphia Greater Germantown Business Assoc • City Violations Corrected

Give the Gi of Life. Call 215-248-8459 (GGBA) Oct. 11 • Hot Water heaters Replaced

for information. R.S.V.P. John Churchville Look Good…Feel Better

jchurchville8@gmail.com or  (215) 848- 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

• Drain Cleaning Specialist

Chestnut Hill Hospital, Cancer Resource • New Gas & Oil Heaters Installed

Center, 8835 Germantown Avenue • Certifications

is program, sponsored by the American Registered 3rd Generation #3922

Cancer Society, is for women actively re- Office: 215-673-7700 • 215-6041728

ceiving treatment for cancer. Trained cos- cell: 267-984-3088

metologists teach participants about

makeup, skin care and ways to deal with

hair loss. To register for this program, call City of Philadelphia Electircal License #000868

215-248-8047. For information on other

workshop locations and dates, call the ACS

AFFORDABLE ELECTRICAL SERVICES

at 1-800-ACS-2345. Same Day Repairs • Installations • Service Upgrades

Heating & Air Conditioning Re- FLAT RATE Prices Given

Oct. 12 pairs BEFORE Work Begins.

e Weight is Over – Outlets • switches • Lights Voted NO Hidden Charges

Weight Loss Information Session 100-200 Amp Circuit Breakers #1 Best NO Per Hour Charges

6 – 7 p.m. Air Conditioner Outlets

Chestnut Hill Hospital, Board Room, Appliance Lines

Electrician

AAA & AARP

8835 Germantown Avenue Ceiling Fans

Chestnut Hill Hospital’s Metabolic and Doorbell Repairs CiTy & UNiON DisCOUNTs

Weight Loss Surgery program is helping Dryer Lines Best of the CHURCH MEMBERs

men and women who are more than 100 Real Estate Certification Northwest sENiOR CiTizEN

lbs. over their ideal weight gain health. Ex- FULLy iNsURED 2004 2006, 2007 DisCOUNT

perienced bariatric surgeon, Aley Tohamy,

M.D., uses various surgical weight loss pro- No Coupon Needed to Get the Lowest Price!

cedures to help with permanent weight loss.

Patient results include fewer medications, 215-927-1100

lower blood pressure, increased energy level Affordable

Prices Quoted Over the Phone We accept

all credit &

and more positive mood. Meet Dr.Tohamy Electric, Inc. www.affordableelectric.com debit cards

and members of the multidisciplinary

weight loss team who can guide you toward

achieving your weight loss goals. Registra-

tion required. Call 215-753-2000. Professional Handyman Services

Oct. 13

7 PM “We do all remodeling & repairs

Germantown Community Connection and all work is done 1st class.”

First Presb Church 35 W Chelten Ave

Every one is welcome. Be a part of your

community!

Learn about and have a say in what goes on • Neat Workmanship

in Germantown • Quality Materials

www.germantowncc.org

• Insured with Local References

Answer on page 18

• • • Call Carl: 267-751-5658



STATEPOINT CROSSWORD 47. ____ school 11. Put it to paper?

THEME: WORLD WARS 48. *Infamous war camp 12. ___ and the Family Stone Beautiful Concrete

50. A person, place or thing 15. Bad blood

ACROSS 52. She played Laurie Partridge 20. Highway departures Finishes

1. Peter in Russian 53. *____ Germany, formed by Soviets 22. Energy or work unit

6. Actress ___ Thompson after WWII 24. Heavy downpour We Do All Types of Concrete Work

9. UPS competitor 55. Uno ___ or one more 25. Stabs of pain •Repairing or replacing concrete steps,

13. Light-weight hat for protection from 57. *FDR/Churchill/Stalin conference 26. *Lusitania’s destroyer patios, walkways, etc.

sun site 27. “Twilight” protagonist

14. Will Ferrell’s 2003 Christmas char- 59. *Big ______, howitzer used by 29. ____ tape

•Restoring stucco, stone & brick pointing.

acter Germans in WWI 31. Editor’s mark for “let it stand” •Resurfacing concrete & restoring stone.

15. Aka Little Mermaid

16. In the least bit

62. Undersized

64. *Japan’s target, 12/7/41

32. As opposed to written

33. Lewis Carroll’s character

“If you can’t replace it, Patch It!

17. One of a pair for biathlon competi- 66. *Rolls _____ armored car 34. *Capital of unoccupied France

tor 68. Blood vessel 36. Saw or awl, e.g.

18. Nincompoop 69. Often hailed 38. 1,000 grams

19. *Axis opposition 70. Like days gone by 42. D’Artagnan’s hat decoration





WESTSIDE ELECTRIC

21. *Third _____ 71. Famously extinct bird 45. Saffron-flavored rice dish

23. Male or female, e.g. 72. Ostrich-like bird 49. Gangster’s pistol

24. *FDR’s third ____ was dominated 73. Summertime pests 51. Limited in scope

by WWII 54. Pasta complement

25. Popular locale in Ireland DOWN 56. Fur shawl

FREE TROUBLE SHOOTING

28. Generic dog name 1. Parent organization 57. Equal to 4th and 1 LOWEST PRICES GUARANTEED

30. Male name of old Swedish origin 2. Smidgen 58. Lowest female singing voice

35. “Aid and ____” 3. October birthstone 59. Hindu Mr. • 100/200 AMP SERVICE • 220 LINES

37. Syrian neighbor 4. One who “_____ it like it is” 60. Robert Louis Stevenson’s evil • AC/DRYER LINES • CEILING FANS

39. PDA pens 5. Type of baseball pitcher character

40. ____ contendere 6. More is ____? 61. Passed with flying colors • FUSE BOX REPAIRS • SECURITY LIGHTS

41. Substitute for currency

43. Homer’s “Iliad,” e.g.

7. Mountain animal

8. Aflame

62. Melancholy

63. Bovine sound FREE ESTIMATES

44. Dance named after horse’s gallop

46. “Wilhelm ____”

9. Relating to urine

10. Hyperbolic sine

65. *He always seems to be pointing

67. Half the width of an em, pl. 215-432-8365

Page 18 September 29, 2011 Germantown Newspapers



Business Services Directory Editorial: Philadelphia's Gangster Government

Continued from page 6 neutered or are full-fledged propaganda organs for the ma-

involved - - and they are almost always involved.  Too many chine; as they are today.  Sure, some of the smaller entities

people know too much and their guarantee is what they (like ours) will print an expose from time to time, but through

know.  Investigations stop cold as some questionable judicial political contributions to the public media (WHYY) and

decision is made. ey are shelved and no one ever asks to “arrangements” by the influential, little of that is ever ex-

restart them, or they are transferred to another level of law panded into major investigative journalistic efforts.

enforcement where they are intentionally killed off, and that

was the “order” in the first place.  You should be aware that Recently I asked two individuals I respect and who are very

the few investigations into misuse of public money and out- close to high level members of the political and judicial sys-

rageous behavior of officials has begun outside this state and tems if they knew any judge, from either political party, who

only got here through congressional mandate. would listen to credible information that was serious enough

to convene an investigating Grand Jury into wrongdoing at

Why, you ask does this go unreported?  Well, that is another the city level.  I wanted to know if they believed they would

leg of the gangster government.  First they have eliminated do that without first calling the head of a political party for

the usual first line of public information and challenge to cor- “permission.”  e answer in both cases:  “I know of no one.”

rupt government - - the opposition party (or parties).  For all

purposes there are none in this city.  e Republicans sold Clear enough.

out and have been an appendage of the Democrats for at least

the last 20 years.  ey are 12-14% of the voter registration Don’t forget to vote for the Politburo in November!

and they get 12-14% of the patronage, kickbacks, skimmed

money and slush funds through patronage, non-profits and Jim Foster, Editor

the like.  en we have the mainstream press. With a few ex- Germantown Newspapers Inc

ceptions, when credible editors were in charge, they have been editor@germantownnewspapers.com



Opinion: Does Bob Casey Deserve Re-Election?

Continued from page 6 licans or Democrats. But that needs to change. Over his time

Where was Casey? Absent because it wasn’t an election year in the Senate, Casey has failed to represent the state with any

for him? strength of voice or principle. What’s more, his conservative

And where has Casey been during the brutal debates over views on core Democratic issues are a cause for concern in

the Marcellus Shale and fracking? Again–absent, despite a an increasingly right-wing political environment. With over

BERNIE consistent pro-environment stand–his one liberal stance.

e first time Casey talked publicly about anything in re-

13 months till the election, there’s time for other candidates

to emerge. Pennsylvanians must ask what Casey has done for

The Small Job cent months was when he spoke out against Obama’s latest them, the state and the country.

jobs stimulus package, saying it needed to be paired down. When the answer is “not much,” it’s definitely time for a

Specialist It’s just over a year until the next election. No one has change.  

• Painting • Roofing come forward as a challenger to Casey–either among Repub-

• Cement • Plastering

• Electric • Wallpaper Eveans Funded Schools Among the Worst

Reasonable Prices Continued from page 7 process of running the system under the radar.

(215) 748-6497 ing, a new CEO and a list of 23 remedial conditions it had While reviewing schools in the nearby area, Roxborough

Lic. #G-68410 to implement in order to stay operational through 2014.  Ac- High cannot be overlooked.  is seriously underperforming

cording to Inquirer updates as of July 2010, the renewed school has a student body who mostly do not live in the im-

charter did not halt a federal criminal investigation.  e mediate area of the school itself and reportedly 97% live

under the poverty level. Two students were recently mur-

ELECTRICIAN

school had to sever all ties with former Board Chair and its

CEO in the process. Widely published negative ratings of dered, including one of their top basketball stars. Clearly

this school from parents and students paint a desperate pic- local residents send their children to private and parochial

LOWEST PRICES IN THE CITY

ture of a school still far short of professional standards. schools, but what we have here is a self-fulfilling prophecy,

• 100 A Horsepower $75 & up No comment on local schools is complete without men- for the school’s low ratings and violence issues are likely to

• Exhaust Fans $25 & up tion of the now-closed Germantown Settlement Charter make that approach a permanent condition. Students living

• Outlets $8 & up School, which until recently was another blatant example of in the community with parent and teacher participation

• Washer & Dryer Lines $12 & up all three broad category problems plaguing this city’s make the best schools. Remedial action has to be in that di-

schools.  Its educational aspects were severely lacking and it rection.

• Air Cond. Lines $6 & up e arrogance of power rumbles through this city at every

was chronically understaffed, the facility and security was

abysmal, and the financial condition le it without even basic level; just read the headlines of what has unfolded in depart-

Prices for Repairs Only





MILT

student needs.  Again, public funds went without full ac- ment aer department in the last few years.  e School

counting, and finally the state did not renew its license, de- Board is no exception; and maybe the worst example for one

spite massive attempts at political intervention and appeals. assumes that educators and the professionals who run aca-

KOP’s Repair, LLC Its operator, Emanuel Freeman, well known in Germantown demic institutions recognize the high standards they should

For all your Heating, AC & Political circles, has filed bankruptcy for three of his 30 cor- have to live up to as examples to those who they educate.  e

Electrical needs. porations including the charter school. Philadelphia School System once was faced with educating

(License #001804) Residential & commercial–from as many as 550,000 students in the 1960s and 1970s but the

e residents of this city owe a debt of gratitude to the

complex to routine services. Philadelphia Inquirer and their education editor Martha most extensive Catholic Parochial System in he country re-

IMMEDIATE SERVICE No job to big or small! Woodall, for their diligence in pushing back against the lieved them of that expense for as many as 225,000 during

FHA & VA CERTIFIED We guarantee all our work! those years.  Now the school population is about 160,000

Serving all of Philadelphia for and despite massive spending and expensive contracts with

over 30 years. experts from all over this country, the system seems to be in

215-519-9008 www.kopsrepair.net

Financing avaliable.

free-fall.

Too many folks are in denial, and that runs the gamut from

SPECIALIzINg IN EMERgENCy SERVICE!

top leadership, through principals, teachers, parents and

Owner Visits Every Job

215-639-8114 communities.  Children in this country have a right to a good

public education and some giants in business, education and

government started in those schools. We have to take the

Philadelphia Gas Heating Heater

blinders off and that is the fundamental issue that must be

dealt with. Political appointments for administrators, union

& Air Conditioning Sale contracts, insider deals with contractors, phony charter

Air Conditioning $1195 schools, and phantom related social services all drain the sys-



SALES

tem first and leave the bones for those who can least afford

heater to pay for an alternate system. It does not matter how good

Masterman or Mastery is for the few who get that chance, if

Starting at checkup

$1695

there is a large segment who are dialed out by design.

$80.00 If this city is to every rebound from its present pattern of

circling the drain, it starts here.

Call Now 215.456.1300 Jim Foster

Publisher

FAST EMERGENCY SERVICE

Germantown Newspapers September 29, 2011 Page 19

Germantown Newspapers Classified Advertising

Help Wanted Education Services Legal Notice Rooms

Environmental Janitorial Opportunity

Company is looking Tired of roaches, mice, Boy's Latin of Philadelphia Charter Germantown/East Falls

to hire The Charles E. Ellis Trust is cur- bedbugs and ants? School board meeting will be held Rooms for Rent

Sales Reps. rently accepting applications from Let us get rid of them for you. at the school, 5501 Cedar Avenue, W/W carpet. Transportation @

Work on commission. Professional products an low Philadelphia, PA 19143 door, W/D, 1.5 baths, 3 super

public and charter high school girls prices.

Call 215- 424-1034 who reside in Philadelphia in sin- on the following dates: markets nearby.

Call Vinny 267-672-9259

gle-parent households and who October 4,2011-December $325-$350 mo. + utilities.

Position for Care Givers 7,2011-February 7,2011 Call 215-715-7999

2 years experience

meet academic and financial eligi-

bility requirements. Girls may be el-

Mt. Airy Art April 17,2011-June 5,2011

Must have

proper clearances updated.

igible to receive funding for basic Garage to Host All meeting will begin at 4:00 pm, Nice Clean Room

educational needs, such as school for further information please call Private Entrance. NO DRUGS

Call 215-381-9496

supplies and uniforms. The Trust Philadelphia Open 215-387-5149. CALL: 267-988-5890

III DIMENSIONS HAIR SPA

NEEDS HAIR STYLIST

can also provide funding for aca-

demic and summer enrichment

Studio Tours

CALL 215-951-7072 programs, music lessons, tutoring, By Melissa Hamilton Grace Epiphany Church to Host

Group Child Care Facility now

and test prep classes.

Applications may be found at:

Winter Coat Giveaway

accepting applications for open Following on the heels of their Grace Epiphany Episcopal Church in Mount Airy will host a win-

www.wwscholars.org

enrollment. Licensed, Keystone Rafaela Torres,Director

successful Grand Opening, the ter coat give-away on Saturday, October 15.

Stars facility. High Quality Care for Mt. Airy Art Garage (MAAG)

low rate. Subsidy accepted. Charles E Ellis Trust for Girls Coats and jackets for men, women and children will be available

215-844-2552 215 South Broad Street, 10th Floor will host POST (Philadelphia

Philadelphia,PA 19107

in the church hall between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Open Studio Tours) on Oct.1 and

215-735-4480 ext 205 Grace Epiphany Church is located at the corner of Gowen Avenue

WANTED: 2 from noon to 6 p.m.

A Few Good Men and Women!! 215-735-4485(fax)

With large audiences hitting the and Ardleigh Street in Mount Airy.

PERSONAL TOUCH HOSPICE

streets of Philadelphia to learn For information, call coat drive coordinator Barbara Lightfoot at

is currently seeking Hospice Vol- Yard Sale / Flea Market 215-549-5682.

unteers. There are many volunteer about the life and and work of

opportunities available, including Mega Yard Sale studio artists, the Northwest will

many levels of Patient Care – Com- Multiple Families host a variety of artisans and their

panionship, Emotional Support, or Sat Oct 1st @ 7:30-3:00 creative workspaces. Audiences

even Gardening, Shopping, Read- 395 W. 67th Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19126

will find POST locations in

ing, or just Lending an Ear to some-

one who needs it. What a beautiful (1 Block off 4th Street homes, restaurants, art galleries,

way to touch the life of another by & Cheltenham Avenue) and local businesses all along the

being a Hospice Volunteer. Housewares,small appliances Germantown Avenue corridor.

So, open your heart and make a furniture,dishes, There will be a Northwest Trolley

difference by joining our team! Free jewelry, shoes, clothes,

toys,books & much, much more

Shuttle (for just $5) that will

Orientation and training provided.

To learn more about Personal Hot dogs & cold drinks guide patrons up and down the

Touch Hospice Volunteer Avenue to the various studios and

Opportunities, contact Kim at: Real Estate sites. Better yet, MAAG will be a

215-992-5420. destination point to catch this

Newly Renovated Duplexes

trolley in Mt. Airy.

Education New modern kitchen & bath w/

For information, call 215-242-

carpeting, ceiling fans.

Opportunity New frost-free refrigerator, 5074 or visit www.mtairyart-

Home Health Aide A.C, window treatments, garage.org.

Certificate Training off street parking,

2 week course taught by an experi- nicely landscaped,

enced RN. close to train & bus

All included price $550.00 1 bedroom from $760

SILVER LINING VOCATIONAL 215-848-2760

SCHOOL

Call 215-886-3815 for more info HOUSE FOR SALE

for October class.

W. Sharpnack St.

4 BR, 1 Bath, yard, front porch,

Kids Choice DayCare

freshly painted, new carpet

531 E. High Street

$95,000, 10% down, owner fi- The Politics of Hue:

Philadelphia, PA 19144-1141

nancing

(215)844-0844 (215)621-6656

215-740-4629

Race, Racism, and Social Identity

NEWS FLASH NEWS FLASH

Attention! Perspective parents of

Garden Style

Kids Choice DayCare. We have

Apartment Complex

available slots for your little loved

in Mt.Airy

ones.( ages: 9mos. thur 5 yrs)

Nice 1 & 2 Bedrooms

We offer up to ten hours of service

Utilities included except

daily. Our hours of operation are

for electric.

7:00am til 6:00pm. We serve

Leave message for Sprague Court

breakfast,mid-morning snack,

Rentals.

lunch and an afternoon snack.

215-842-2500

Pre-school starts at age 2-1/2.

They learn: Furnished Rooms

Spanish in Germantown

Sign Language Immediate occupancy

Science Exploration Starting at $100 weekly

Shapes (including utilities) $300 security.

Colors Nr. all transportation routes.

Five Senses Call: 215-520-7752

Numbers

Alphabets Wanted

Reading

I BUY HOUSES; I PAY CASH

Computers Dark

Any Condition

Mother Goose Time Curriculum Girls

Private, Professional,

Mommy and Me Homework time Dark

Personal Services.

and much more. Girls

Call Brennan Properties

We are offing the first ten(10) new

215-990-4137

enrollments a fifty ($50.00) gift card

to Wal-Mart after six (6) weeks of OLD FURNITURE & ANTIQUES

enrollment. And as a added bonus (Also: paintings, crafts, coins,

we have waived the enrollment fee. gold, oriental rugs, dolls, pottery,

So now is a good time to come and clocks & jewelry)

check out our kid friendly facility. We Buy The Unusual!

We are having open house the Call Tyler’s at

week of September 19-23,2011. 215-920-7310 (cell) or

Lite refreshments will be served. 215-844-9272 (store)

Page 20 September 29, 2011 Germantown Newspapers



Jim Dragoni: From Musician to Musician/Producer/Impresario

by Scott Alloway the producer at Odette’s, a well- Pratt’s version was produced by fusion pioneer Larry Coryell and Kennedy, the virtuoso guitarist half

known off-Broadway Cabaret in Arif Mardin for Columbia, taking Jimmy Bruno. of the The Kennedys, accompanied

“I didn’t mean for this to happen, New Hope and boasted hecould 500 hours to record. Dragoni said In addition to Andy Pratt in late by Dragoni.

it was by necessity and then it started bring an audience in if they gave him the song “stunned the music world October, Mose Allison returns to Tickets for all shows are available

to take on a life of its own,” German- a chance. when it was released in 1973.” The Roller’s Flying Fish in early Novem- at http://emusictime.com. Roller’s

town resident Jim Dragoni said in “The chance they gave me was to modern twist is that it’s sung from ber followed a few days later by Pete website is rollersrestaurants.com.

discussing his role as musical direc- put on shows in January and Febru- Annie’s point of view, that of a mod-

tor and producer of shows in the ary on Sunday nights with no guar- ern day hippie in California, juggling

Philadelphia music scene. “Years antee,” Dragoni recounted. “In both the conflicts made from love and her

ago I took a seminar that some indus- instances, despite driving rains and, relationship with “City Boy Floyd

try people were giving to us Philadel- in the second case, icy roads, the the Outlaw.”

phia jazz musicians about how to place filled up on those Sunday Pratt has recorded more than 20 ti-

survive in the music world.” nights.” tles since then, one of them Dragoni

“We were told all those years ago With the credibility he earned from calls a masterpiece — “Resolution.”

that it’s not enough to be a great producing that show, the next time he “Resolution was released in 1976

player, but you had to nurture an proposed a major artist coming in and in my mind, it’s as good as any-

image, an artistic concept and philos- they said yes. thing by any of the top shelf artists of

ophy, define an audience and con- “Although they had never heard of that time and since. It’s filled with

stantly grow and reach out to that Mose Allison, whose music I’ve al- sophisticated and catchy accessible

audience,” he recalled. “The ques- ways been really fond of, because of melodies that have a positive mes-

tion is ‘who is your audience,’ they my earlier track record, they agreed sage and I’ve never gotten tired of

asked over and over again. I realized to a weekend performance,” Dragoni it. It occured to me that Andy was

with all the truly great players in said. “Allison is an iconic figure in one of those American treasures like

Philadelphia and the surrounding American jazz and blues whose wry Mose Allison that I had to try to work

counties that if I wanted to work, I wit has earned him the moniker, the something with.”

had to build something and hopefully ‘Sage of Tippo’ and ‘The William This will be the first time that

they will come.” Faulkner of Jazz,’ a reference to his Andy Pratt has played Philadelphia

According to Dragoni, there is beginnings in Tippo, Mississippi, as in many years and the intimate venue

work to be had, but the financial as- well as his literary bent that coincides at Roller’s Flying Fish will offer a

pect hardly makes it possible to not with his virtuoso musicianship.” unique opportunity to see a musical

have a day job. In order to make it vi- These days, Dragoni is the pro- genius up close. Dragoni will assem-

able, the musician must have a plan, ducer and performer at the upcoming ble a group of the region’s top play-

a concept and a vision. fall series at Roller’s Flying Fish. ers to support him.

“My vision is to bring American Dragoni’s latest project involves Roy Book Binder recently played

treasures to the area and present them another iconic figure, (this time from Roller’s after his notable perform-

AND work with them,” he said. “I the rock world) Andy Pratt. Pratt had ance at the 50th Philadelphia Folk

only produced one show where I was a major hit with the song ‘Avenging Festival. It was the night Hurricane

not one of the performers – maybe Annie,’ a modern-day take on the Irene was heading Philly’s way, but

two – and in each instance I opened Woody Guthrie song about outlaw the show nearly sold out. Other sig-

for the artist. Pretty Boy Floyd blended with the nificant figures in music have visited

Back around 2000,he approached legend of Annie Oakley. the venue as well including the jazz







A Family Tradition of Excellence

Since 1937 BRICK &

AL JEFFERSON StONE

215-849-4343 pOINtINg

Alfred Jefferson is the number one contractor for the tri-state area. If you need

complete construction services for your home or business, then he is your go-to guy!

Jefferson is the owner of Al Jefferson Brick & Stone Pointing, a family trade since

1937. His late father, Al Jefferson, Sr., initially taught him the business and the art of

brick and stone pointing and also wood graining, which is a unique technique of

transforming any door (wood or metal) into a beautiful work of art with the appear-

ance of a wood-grained effect that is all done by hand. You have to see it to believe

it!

Neighbors in Mt. Airy thank him for giving their neighborhood a beautiful face lift

and great curb appeal! If you ride through the streets of Mt. Airy, Germantown or

West Oak Lane, you are sure to see his famous brick and stone pointing. His signs

are seen all over Mt. Airy, Germantown, West Oak Lane and South Philadelphia.

For more information, call 215-849-4343 and get a free estimate. You will be so glad

you made the call.





• Steps • Ext. & Int. Painting • Rough Cast Cellar Walls

• Patios • Concrete Walks • Glass Block Windows



Also Custom Door Graining