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ISSUE 35 FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2009 610.872.8727
P.O. BOX 218 CHESTER, PA 19016 www.ChesterSpotlight.com
info@ChesterSpotlight.com Stefan Roots—Publisher 877.723.5464 fax
Born on Date: April 7, 2006
WDAS’ BUTTERBALL hosts C&C’s 2nd Annual
Sunday, May 10, 5-11pm - Tri States Sports Complex
Concord Road, Chester Township (the old Sun Center)
The Best Old School DJ ∙ Live Music ∙ Special Guest
Dance the Bop, Strand, ChaCha and all the Line Dances
Tickets Only $25 - More at the Door
Includes Buffet Dinner - Packages Permitted
Purchase Tickets at C&C Fashions, 913 Ave of the States 610.802.1478 and 610.872.0723 Contact Silk Gordy & Kevin Driggins
Fashionable Dress Code Strictly Enforced
April 3, 2009 The Chester Spotlight Page 2
April 3, 2009 The Chester Spotlight Page 3
The Chester Spotlight 3 Year Recap
3 Best Interviews
1. Paul Arizin. Issue 8. To have the opportunity to chat with an NBA Hall of
Fame player, College All American and the alleged inventor of the Jump Shot
was a great honor to this basketball junkie.
see how much he can get accomplished.
3. Dray Clark. Issue 34. To interview a professional interviewer is very chal-
interview itself. I was truly nervous and awkwardly got through our session.
Several people have told me that they were inspired by that interview which is
the ultimate compliment.
3 Best Photos
Issue 33. Strath Ha- Issue 11. Kim Pinder- Issue 2. This photo was
Garner performing at selected by Widener for
dunking on that help- North By Northwest in their Timeline of Chester
less defender. Germantown Philly. exhibit in Alumni Hall.
823 Kerlin St Chester, PA. 19013
3 Biggest Surprises
1. Chester finding $10,000 for a Wade Dump site Memorial dedicated to first
responders just weeks after I dedicated a full page in Issue 34 to the plight
of a group trying for 10 years to get City permission to but up a memorial.
2. The Chester Spirit paper coming to town.
3. I still do this paper by myself.
3 Biggest Mistakes
1. The Della Beaver interview in Issue 2. In the question and answer format
of the article, I listed her name when I asked questions and I listed
- totally backward and totally em-
barrassing.
2.
costly boo boo, but we had a great time.
3. The Dray Clark interview in Issue 34. I thought I heard him say that he
admired Pastor Rocky but I later learned that he said Pat Chiroci.
3 Most Popular Issues
1. Issue 33 with Melvin Wade on the front page as Person of the Year
2. Issue 10 featuring old school Chester musicians, singers and bands.
3. Issue 1 featuring Harry Woodhouse-Harris on the cover.
3 Biggest Supporters
1. All those busiensses who commit to advertising month after month. Some
have never missed an issue. Thanks So Much.
2. The subscribers, many of whom are from out of town, who get mad if I
3. All the people who actually read this paper.
3 Things to Change
1. Improve the web site. 810 Maryland Avenue
2. Write less and have others contribute more (Is there anybody out there?) Wilmington, Delaware
3. Get at least one corporate advertiser. 302.654.9505
April 3, 2009 The Chester Spotlight Page 4
Miss Chester Pageants Is Tongues Something We Should Seek For? What are Folks Watching on Cable?
T
Saturday, April 25 he Jews of the Old Testa- subject to the plagues, and the 'Sunday Best' still knocking on 'House
ment and the churches in plagues have to do with the second of Payne;' Top 25 viewing down 16%
CHESTER – CHOICES (Coalition of Hope our day were not satisfied death forevermore, which is hell, you
Offering Inner-City Empowerment Services, with just the word of see. So the “true believers” should (March 18, 2009) Spring is in the air, and the cable view-
Inc.) a 501 (c) (3), charitable non-profit organi- GOD. When the Jews were led out have nothing to do with tongues. We ing ratings of black households went South for the begin-
zation, will present its 6th Annual Miss Chester of Egypt, they went their own way are not to believe that GOD is still ning of spring break. Perennial favorite "House of Payne"
Sweetheart and Princess Pageants, at 2:00 pm and followed after other gods, with a bringing messages in dreams, vi- held its own at the No. 1 - 4 positions, but the comedy
and the Miss Chester Jr. Teen and Teen Pag- had less than its usual two million black viewers. BET's
language they didn’t understand, sions, a voice, an angel visitation, or new chartmaker, "Sunday Best," moved down one place,
eants at 6:00 pm on Saturday, April 25, 2009, Jeremiah 5:14-15, and GOD said any kind of way outside of the bible. but still finished in the top five.
Widener University Alumni Auditorium, Ches- they were a foolish people, read He did use these methods to bring
ter, PA. Jeremiah 5:20. GOD cursed them. his word, and had them recorded for TBS was the most watched cable network in black house-
Desiree Potts, Pageant Director, stated that she holds, claiming 9.2 million viewers. In second again was
He says, in Deuteronomy 28:49, for us, but once the bible was com- BET with 4.4 million, followed by Disney's 4.1 million.
developed the pageants for young ladies 3 to 17 wanting more than just the word of pleted, that was the end of further
years of age in order to promote the City of GOD that they had. revelation. So we are to simply trust Black Cable TV Ratings for Week of March 9 - 15
Chester in a positive manner and enable the And now today, the churches are in the word of GOD, the bible, and Viewers
young ladies to become leaders and positive doing the same thing. They want keep in mind Revelations 22:28. 1. House of Payne TBS 1,746,000
2. House of Payne TBS 1,781,000
roles models to their peers. CHOICES provides more than just the bible. They want Here are more verses to look at: 3. House of Payne TBS 1,591,000
the forum for young ladies to challenge them- to have some kind of an experience, Deuteronomy 13:1-10, Matthew 7:21 4. House of Payne TBS 1.470,000
selves to be their best, and we reward them for and they want to feel GOD, in some -22, Matthew 24:24, Revelation 13, 5. Sunday Best 2 BET 1,415,000
their efforts through the Miss Chester Pageants. way, form or fashion. But, a closer and Revelation 16:14. These verses 6. House of Payne BET 1,163,000
7. WWE Entertainment USA 1,238,000
The Miss Chester Pageants gives today's young look at other verses in the bible, to show that the church age has come 8. I Love Money 2 VH1 1,092,000
ladies an opportunity to express their view- about tongues and about a language to an end, just like the Old Testa- 9. NBA Basketball TNT 957,000
points, talents and accomplishments to the au- that they didn’t understand, shows ment Jews’ system. They were both 10. NBA Basketball TNT 887,000
diences and to the public-at-large during the the “true believer” that it is the caretakers of the bible, whose time 11. WWE Entertainment USA 1,031,000
12. Phineas and Ferb Disney 1,050,000
ensuing year. wrong path to be on, read I Corin- has past, showing us another shift in
13. House of Payne TBS 891,000
Contestants will be competing for a cash prize thians 14:22. Now we know that God GOD’s salvation plan. Remember in 14. Sunday Best 2 BET 956,000
up to $300, title, trophy, gift basket and the talks about tongues in the book of Revelation 7:9, where GOD says 15. Making the Band 4 MTV 668,000
opportunity to represent the City of Chester at Corinthians. But, if GOD says some- “after this there will be a number that 16. Baldwin Hills 3 BET 628,000
thing in the bible, shouldn’t we con- no man can number? Well the 17. BET Movie of the Week BET 710,000
various events, in addition to increasing their 18. Big Fat Liar Disney 874,000
awareness of community involvement and so- tinue searching the bible, to see if he churches are numbered, so this is 19. Wizards of Waverly Place Disney 728,000
cial change through volunteerism. Tickets are has anything else to say about the something going on after the church 20. For the Love of Ray J VH1 776,000
now on sale: $20.00 for adults and $5.00 for subject? Sure we are! We are in- age. Read Ezekiel 9:6, II Thessaloni- 21. Big East Bsketball Tourny ESPN 705,000
structed to compare scripture with ans 2:3-12 and Revelations 18:24. 22. Rip the Runway BET 731,000
youth. Vendors and volunteers are currently 23. TBS Prime Movie BET 681,000
needed. For additional information, contact scripture, as it says in I Corinthians Here Babylon is the churches and
24. Cars Disney 816,000
Pageant Director, Desiree Potts @ 2:13, here a little, there a little, and congregations, and the candle is the 25. Sonny with a Chance Disney 652,000
610.800.2453 in Isaiah 28:10-13. So a serious stu- Holy Spirit, not operating or saving
dent of the bible should check out in the churches anymore. Also read Source: Nielsen Media Research. Based on live and
same day viewing. Representing more than 13.45
the whole bible, before a conclusion Peter 4:17.
SPRING ART SALE is drawn. Here are a few more verses
million television households in the U.S., the African-
American television audience is the largest minority
Thursday, April 16 that should be looked at: Deuteron- By: William from Chester segment in Nielsen's measurement samples.
omy 28:46-49, Jeremiah 5:15, I Co-
Freeman Cultural Arts presents an art sale fea-
turing President Barack Obama art on Thurs-
rinthians 14:20-21, I Corinthians
13:8, I Timothy 6:20, II Timothy
2:15-16, and Matthew 24:15. II
Mano’s Gulf Service
day, April 16, 2009, 10am – 2pm at the Com-
munity Hospital, 2600 West 9th Street, Chester, Thessalonians 2:4 talks about Sa-
PA. tan’s ministers in the churches, and Gas - Repairs - Mini Mart
II Corinthians 11:13-15, the same
thing!
Selections suitable for Home, Office or Class-
room - Most Already Framed!!! You see, if we believe in more than 9th & Kerlin Streets Chester · 610.876.7498
just the divine word of GOD in the
All sales benefit children’s art programs. bible, then we are in violation of $59.95 Enhanced Emission
For more information call 610-872-6716 Revelations 22:18. And then we are and State Inspection
info@freemanculturalarts.com Tune Ups
$10 Off
A/C Service
Transmissions
Front End Work
Brake Service
Tires All Repair
Mufflers
Expert Diagnostics Services $50
or More
Ask for Bruce for a FREE Repair Estimate !
Bill’s Tavern
Where Everyone is treated like Family
Delicious
Breakfast &
Lunch
Monday Thru Saturday
7:30 AM to 1:30 PM
www.WilkinsFlooring.com 2901 W. 3rd St. at Thurlow, Chester
610-494-1969
April 3, 2009 The Chester Spotlight Page 5
Social Security Column
Economic Recovery Payments Coming For People Who
Receive Social Security and SSI Benefits
By Eileen D. cooper
Social Security District Manager in Chester, Pa.
The American Recovery and Reinvest- the Northern Mariana Islands.
ment Act of 2009, which the President The payments will be made in the same
signed into law in February, provides for way that regular monthly payments are
a one-time payment of $250 to people made. People with direct deposit will
receiving Social Security and Supplemen- receive their payments electronically.
tal Security Income (SSI) benefits. Those who receive paper checks will re-
ceive their payments in the mail. People
The one-time recovery payments will go who receive regular payments through the
out in May 2009 and all payments should Direct Express debit card will receive
be received by the end of May. In April, their one-time payments through the card.
Social Security will send a letter with
additional information to each person If someone receives both Social Security
who is eligible for the one-time payment. and SSI, only one payment of $250 will
The payments will be sent automatically, be made. The economic recovery legisla-
meaning no action is required on the part tion also provides for a one-time payment
of the person receiving benefits. The to recipients of Department of Veterans
economic recovery payments will be Affairs (VA) and Railroad Retirement
made separately from a person’s regular Board (RRB) benefits. However, if you
monthly payments. receive Social Security or SSI benefits
and you also receive VA and/or RRB
All adults who receive Social Security benefits, you will only receive one $250
benefits, including disabled adult children payment. The Social Security Admini-
(but not minor children) are eligible for stration will send you this payment.
$250 payment. In addition, all persons
who receive SSI payments, including To assist in processing the payments as
minor children, are eligible for the pay-
ment. Anyone who receives benefits or
efficiently as possible, please do not con-
tact Social Security unless you do not
Chester’s Family Owned Pharmacy
who was eligible to receive benefits dur- receive a payment by June 4, 2009. In-
ing any of the three months prior to enact- formation is available at
Serving the City since 1965
ment (November and December of 2008 www.socialsecurity.gov and will be up- Still Providing Home Delivery Service
and January 2009) will receive the one- dated regularly.
time payment as long as the address of
record is in one of the 50 states, the Dis- To learn more about the American Recov- Full Service
trict of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, ery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, visit
U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or www.recovery.gov. Pharmacy
with all brand
Domestic Partner Abuse name and ge-
neric prescrip-
in the African American Community tions
Question &Answer with Tricia Bent-Goodley, PhD, LICSW-C of the Howard Complete
University School of Social Work Line of Medi-
Q. Dr. Bent-Goodley, should we be surprised Economics definitely plays a role with regards cations and
to domestic violence. We have already seen the
by the Chris Brown/Rihanna situation?
number of domestic violence incidents increase Over the
This is a really tough situation. So many say, we
don’t know all of the evidence and that’s true but a
in the past year since our current economic Allen and the rest of the staff Counter Drugs
downfall began reaching greater proportions of
picture really does speak a thousand words. Many the US population. We also recognize that do- know you by name All your Dia-
wonder with all that Rihanna has, why doesn’t she mestic violence takes place across all socioeco-
just walk away. Domestic violence is complicated. nomic groups. It is vital to understand that do- betic Sup-
It goes beyond what you have and speaks to many mestic violence is not limited to any one popu-
lation of people based on any sociodemo- 2101 Edgmont Ave. plies (Blood
other facets of who we are – our belief systems,
our personal life experiences, and the social and
graphic factor. However, those that are in from
Chester, PA Glucose Moni-
lower economic classes are known to experi-
cultural expectations that guide us. tors, strips,
610-872-5418
ence domestic violence at higher rates com-
Both Rihanna and Chris Brown work in an indus- pared to those in middle and upper class homes.
It isn’t clear if this statistic is because there is a
lancets and
try that is driven by disrespecting and devaluing
insulin)
women. This business, coached in record sales that
have no moral obligations, makes it acceptable to
greater law enforcement presence in this com-
munity or because neighbors are more aware of Fax 610-872-1969
the violence and call it in due to the proximal
treat women in derogatory fashions. So, I am not
nature of how close apartments and homes may Burman’s Pharmacy is a long time supporter of Chester Biddy
surprised but hopeful that we will use this awful be in these communities. We know that middle
situation to better understand the nature of vio- and upper middle class individuals tend to go to
Basketball, Drexel Neumann Academy, Miss Chester Pageant,
lence in our intimate relationships and how they their primary care physician or seek mental WorkReady Philadelphia Program
are not just about the two people but all of us who health assistance as opposed to using public
turn our heads, downplay the violence or justify mechanisms of service, which are usually
where research is conducted.
abuse.
Q. What help is available to these abusers?
Q. What are the statistics on the prevalence Should all abusers be sent to prison?
of partner abuse in the African American Batterer’s intervention programs are really criti-
community? cal for perpetrators of domestic violence. While
According to a study conducted by the US De- they need significant improvement, they are
partment of Justice (2000), African American important places to begin to provide services
women experience domestic violence at a rate for men to teach them why they are using vio-
35 percent higher than White women and 22 lence to control their partner and what they can
percent higher than women of other races. Afri- do alternatively to address their issues. There
can Americans are more likely to suffer more are two organizations that I would recommend
lethal forms of violence, including being more others consider modeling and they are Men Can
likely to be killed by an intimate partner com- Stop Rape in Washington, DC and Men Stop-
pared to other populations. Domestic violence ping Violence in Decatur, Georgia. These or-
is a serious problem in the African American ganizations not only address men’s perpetration
community that warrants grave attention. of domestic violence but they do it from a cul-
Q. As our economy has gotten worse over the turally competent standpoint and they engage
past few month, many women’s shelters have the community. I have to say, that while these
seen an increase in the number of women men often may also need substance abuse ser-
and their children trying to escape an abu- vices, it is not their substance abuse that causes
sive situation. Does this indicate that eco- their violent behavior. It is the choice they
nomics plays a role here? Are middle class make to use violence and abuse to control their
and upper middle class men less likely to intimate partner and that is what Batterers Inter-
abuse their partner and families? vention Programs target changing.
April 3, 2009 The Chester Spotlight Page 6
Cape May Jazz Pay Tribute to Eckstine & Vaughn LITTLE RASCALS
Children Clothing
The 31st Cape May Jazz Festi- at Lower Regional High School for an addi-
tional $25 per person . Complimentary Fes-
val “Legends….and more tival Transportation running every 10 min-
Blues” on April 17-19, 2009 utes is available between venues all week-
promises to be one of the best. end.
The Cape May Jazz Festival is presented
The weekend is a tribute to Billy by New Jersey Department of State, Divi-
Eckstine and Sarah Vaughan. sion of Travel and Tourism VisitNJ.Com
The schedule, musician’s information and and Bank of America and sponsored by the
sounds bytes are found on the web at Delaware River and Bay Authority, Bare-
www.capemayjazz.org. For more informa- foot Wines, Jazz Times, WRTI Temple Pub-
tion or to be put on the mailing list please lic Radio, WBGO Jazz 88, WMGM TV40,
call 609-884-7277. WCFA 101.5, WTTH the Touch, Cape May
An All Event Weekend Pass to attend 18 Star and Wave, Verizon Wireless with gen-
events beginning 8pm Friday through 4pm erous support from the New Jersey State
Sunday is $150 general admission. Individ- Council on the Arts/Department of State, a
ual Friday or Saturday Night All Event partner agency of the National Endowment
Wristbands are $55. Saturday Afternoon for the Arts, the New Jersey Cultural Trust, Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm ∙ Saturday 9am - 5:30pm
Jam Wristbands are $35, Sunday Jams $25. local businesses and donors.
Reserved Seating is available at the Theatre
More Barack Obama look-
alikes popping up in ads
By Corilyn Shropshire "Sweet Sasha" dolls that actually looked
The Houston Chronicle more like First Lady Michelle than her
daughters.
(March 18, 2009) Flip on the television
and you might spot big-eared, light- Obama-inspired rhetoric sells, too -- the
skinned, lanky-limbed actor Scott Law- blogosphere has been abuzz with com-
rence in a commercial for such family mentary on brands such as Pepsi and Ikea
brands as Subway or Choice Hotels look- incorporating the campaign's feel-good
ing like the new vision of the all-American buzzwords "Hope," "Change" and "Yes
dad. We Can" into their ads. Observers point
out that as long as the president's personal
Then, on the Web, you might stumble ratings stay up, even more look-alikes
across a LensCrafters ad with a guy bear- will show up in ads and movies and on
ing a similar look, only he's clad in specta- television.
cles.
The phenomenon also calls attention to
So when billboards popped up showcasing the politics of skin tone. It's leaded some
a grinning dad with the same physical fea- to publicly wonder -- if only partially in
tures in a tight embrace with his equally jest -- whether Obama-fever will spark
effusive young son and daughter promot- the "comeback of the light-skinned
ing Tropicana juices, it appeared as if ad- brother," who for years has been eclipsed
vertisers might be onto something. Cash- by the likes of their more cocoa-
ing in on what blogger and advertising complected counterparts with shaved
executive Scott Lackey termed "Obama heads, such as Taye Diggs, Morris Chest-
family values." nut and Mekhi Phifer.
Whether it's calculated or coincidence, Skin tone has long been
actors bearing one or more of President divisive in the African- Mohegan Sun & Foxwood MGM Grand Casino
Barack Obama's physical attributes -- com- American community.
plexion, wavy hair, chiseled features, or Weekend in Connecticut
trademark big ears -- are turning up in ads
The perception that June 26-28, 2009
on television, print and the Web. Given blacks are treated differ-
Obama's approval ratings as buoyant as hisently -- not only by
Friday - Breakfast on the way up and Dinner at Mohegan Sun
rhetoric, his picture-perfect family and whites, but by one an-
rock-star coolness, there are signs that ad-
other -- based on the Saturday - Breakfast at Best Western Hotel and Dinner at Foxwood
vertisers and Hollywood are beginning to shade of their skin has Sunday - Breakfast at Best Western, Shopping at Clinton Crossing Outlets
capitalize on the person Americans have been the source of fierce
come to trust. debate and hurt feelings
dating back to the days Single $336.40 Double $240 Triple $220
"The Obama factor has played a major role of slavery. Back then, a
in promoting positive images of African- slave's status and treat- Payment Plan
Americans in popular culture," said ment by his owner were
$34.50 Due Now - $65 Due April - $65 May - $75.50 June 5th Final Payment
Marilyn Kern-Foxworth, who writes and often contingent upon
speaks extensively on African-American the shade of his or her
images in advertising. "You have Barack complexion. For decades Sponsored by the B&B Club
Obama who comes along, he's smart and that schism has been For More information contact
he's intelligent, he typifies the all- apparent in Hollywood
American family," said Kern-Foxworth. and on Madison Ave- Rebecca Roots 610.876.2693 and Brinda Brister 610.874.2237
"That's something people will grasp." nue.
began appearing in upper-crusty ads for "When something is hot and doing very
The Obama magic extends to his wife and In the 1980s, the fair skin and soft curls of Ralph Lauren, throngs of African- well, people identify with that and will
kids. such R&B crooners as El DeBarge, Al B. American men in media and on the street begin to mimic that look," said Potts.
Sure and Christopher Williams and Miami were sporting a similar look.
Clothing retailer J.Crew started hawking Vice TV star Philip Michael Thomas were "Now we have another hero. It's the presi-
the all-American mom/spouse Michelle all the rage. Like most things in popular culture, cast- dent."
Obama's outfits on its Web site even be- ing directors say, what sizzles for advertis-
fore election day. She appeared on the To- In the 1990s, as the star wattage of ebony- ers, Hollywood and consumers goes up Now, observers say, the Obama era may be
night Show with Jay Leno wearing the skinned actor Wesley Snipes rose, so did and down like a roller coaster. ushering in a time when talent reigns over
brand's $338 skirt, shirt and sweater en- the popularity of his physical features. At ethnicity and skin color.
semble. the same time, basketball great Michael Casting director LaTanya Potts recalled
Jordan bore the trend that reigns today -- that after Will Smith starred in the block- Said Kern-Foxworth, the advertising ex-
Perhaps most famously, the Obamas re- bald and clean-shaven with chocolate- buster Men in Black, young black actors pert, "Obama has made people look at us
cently put the kibosh on toy maker Ty brown skin. began arriving at auditions mimicking the (African-Americans) for who were are and
Inc.'s efforts to capitalize on Obama-mania actor's clean-cut, wholesome look. not lump us all together."
by marketing "Marvelous Malia" and By the time supermodel Tyson Beckford
April 3, 2009 The Chester Spotlight Page 7
Pastor Louis Freeman looks over the indoor garden with Mike This cut out of Mike Gray working the gar-
Gray den looks so much like him that folks of-
ten blow their horn while driving by in I-95
(Most Valuable Planter) were just two of the youth receiv-
ing certificates from Mike Gray
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Joe Daniels, a retired Chester Upland
A gift in any amount will help with
school teacher, earned a degree in horti-
Providing gardening materials
Master Gardeners. He gets evangelical
The construction of a green- when talking gardens to the youth.
house
Expansion in other ventures
with the youth
The restoration of our meeting
facility
Please make your check payable to
1513 Concord Avenue
Chester, PA 19013
Penn State Master Gardener Ellen Cordes read aloud to the youth using a Mike Gray II, Mike Gray, Ellen Cordes,
Or donate securely on-line at
special curriculum designed to teach youth all the elements of gardening. Linda Barry and Joe Daniels discuss gar-
www.ican-iwill.com
dening in the garden
I CAN I WILL Teams with PENN STATE UNIVERSITY
L
ong before President Obama won the election, and other small business ventures within their community.
the sign on the top of the page was erected on The goal is to reinforce classroom learning as a require- There are some big plans for I Can I Will this season.
Concord Avenue. It is seen by thousands of ment for success by teaching valuable lessons in team- They have already started indoor planting which is about
people every day who drive north on I-95 work, responsibility and accountability as they design and ready to be planted outside. The Penn State Master Gar-
through Chester and is fast becoming the Chester Statue implement their projects. deners have agreed to join the youth regularly to help
of Liberty. them learn more about the science of gardening. And
To help facilitate the curriculum the youth will be en- there is one more real big surprise that I vowed not to
The sign that sits right behind the graduates is a larger gaged with Master Gardeners from the Penn State Univer- share, just yet, but it is truly an accomplishment that guar-
than life cutout made in the image of Mike Gray, founder sity College of Agricultural Sciences that work with their antees huge growth potential for I Can I Will and will
of I Can I Will, a non-profit organization established pri- Community Gardening initiative. Three of the Penn State truly astound the community when it is announced.
marily to give a group of Bennett Homes children some- Master Gardeners came to a recent Saturday morning I
thing constructive to do in their spare time. Can I Will session and gave valuable advice to the board In this recessed economy, many people are going back to
members on their wide variety of support services. They
I Can I Will started last year with children ranging in age took a tour of the indoor and outdoor gardens and made a fordable and relatively easy since God does most of the
from 2 to 17 years old who all participated in growing lot of suggestions on how to plant a successful garden that work. Without a doubt, before long, there will be a couple
fruits and vegetables in a community garden. Not only did the youth would enjoy being a part of. dozen young Chester residents who will master the sci-
they learn the basics of planting, weeding and cultivating, ence of horticulture and take delight not just in gardens
for some, it was the first time they experienced the proc- The Penn State team also spent time with the children but in garden-making.
ess of seeing success in any work that they were involved sharing their passion for gardening and answered all of
in. Some may say that they do not like working in the dirt.
vorite fruits and vegetable.
This year will be even bigger and better for I Can I Will. you find under your fingernails. Gardens use soil. Learn
Riding on the success of last year, the board members All of the youth that were committed participants last year to work in the soil and you can feed many people for the
have established a strong focus for the organizations and received certificates to recognize and appreciate their in-
what it is to accomplish. Namely, the youth will enhance volvement. The smiles on those kids faces were so genu-
their understanding of math, basic finance, and science ine when their names were called that it let me know that Support the youth, support the community garden, support
through practical applications in the gardening program the I Can I Will programs means a lot to them. recreation, support education. Support I Can I Will.
April 3, 2009 The Chester Spotlight Page 8
Sporting News' 2008-09 Secret Devastation
Freshman of the Year: Tyreke Evans Chester Talent Leaves Chester
T
The Tigers were expected to feel the de-
partures of Chris Douglas-Roberts (18.1 hanks to my dad, I have saved a to show off their skills to the scouts. The
ppg), Derrick Rose (14.9 ppg) and Joey 1975 article written by Bob fact that 11 year olds are nationally ranked
Dorsey (6.9 ppg, 9.5 rpg) much more than Franklin of the Daily Times com- within their age group seems like overkill
this. plaining about Chester basketball but it should not bother anyone too much.
talent leaving Chester. In this case, it was
But Tyreke Evans made sure that would- CYO players who didn’t go to St. James When students transfer to prep school to
n't happen. High School. Presently, the same situation play sports, you sort of assume that a qual-
is going on with Chester ity education comes along with
In his first year on campus, the 6-6 point talent bypassing Chester the ride. Believe me, Archmere
guard from Chester, Pennsylvania is aver- High School for schools cut me no slack. Now, we’re
aging a team-best 16.9 points per game. out of town. finding an amazing number of
He also chips in 5.5 rebounds and 3.7 incidences where prep school
assists in leading Memphis to a 28-3 In the mid 70’s, the article athletes do not have the grades
regular-season record and 16-0 Confer- described that Stefan Roots or have not completed enough
ence USA mark. was at Archmere Academy, hours to attend college. Even
Donnie Dodds at St. Jo- Chester’s Ray Carroll was al-
For those efforts, Evans has been named seph’s Prep, Jody Squire, legedly fired as coach of
Sporting News' Freshman of the Year. Pat Van Horn and Donny American Christian because he
Jones at Malvern Prep complained of the special
SPORTING NEWS March 13, 2009. "Based on what Tyreke has done from which left a void that could treatment certain athletes were
Memphis lost three starters averaging a November when they played their first very likely have made St. getting in the class room.
combined 40 points per game off last game, it's obvious he is more confident," James a big Catholic
year's NCAA runner-up team, yet it could former Memphis coach Gene Bartow League contender. With When students want to transfer
earn a No. 1 seed in this year's tourna- said. "He's just an improved player -- Hasson ‘Fat Daddy’ Miah running the point out of prep schools, many are finding it dif-
ment. defensively, handling the ball, getting for the Bulldogs, I sometimes imagine what ficult to participate in sports in their new
assists, taking the ball to the basket with could have been had we all stayed. Donnie school because either their transcripts show
That wasn't supposed to happen. strength and confidence." Dodds did come back to St. James and beat poor grades or they are not receiving their
up on Chester High every time they played. transcripts at all. The majority of the time,
the students are not getting their transcripts
Nova No-Shows
These days, we have the more recognized because the school requests payment of
basketball players like Tyreke Evans play- unpaid tuition. This situation develops be-
ing for American Christian the last few cause there is no documentation of the so-
V
years and this year with DJ Irving and An- called scholarship received when they came
illanova can never seem to land student and fan support is incredible. Every- dre Wilburn winning a State Championship to the school. Parents are allowing their
a Chester basketball player. I thing they do is done in top notch fashion. with Archbishop Carroll High and Calvin children to attend these schools without
know for a fact that in the past 5 The Philadelphia Daily News recently ran a Newell going deep in the State Torny with reviewing the terms of the scholarship ar-
years they have recruited heavily story showing that Villanova far outspends Strath Haven. Not too long ago we had high rangements.
here and have offered two scholarships that I the other Philadelphia schools on their bas-
school football great Kevin Jones playing at
know of. Villanova even practiced in the ketball program while still realizing over a
Cardinal O'Hara High. They all bypassed As a parent of an athletically gifted child,
Chester High gym a few nights when they million dollars in profit. They have consis-
were kicked out of their own gym for a tently been a top 25 team who gets plenty of Chester High School to play for other here are four things to consider:
women’s tennis tournament. I would say national TV exposure. The campus is gor- schools.
that they were very interested in attracting geous, quiet, safe and only minutes from the 1. Is your child mature enough to endure
Chester talent. ‘Blue Route’ and I-76 which can take you Obviously, leaving the city to play for an- attending a school with complete
You can not blame anywhere. other school is not a new phenomenon, but strangers outside of the environment
Tyreke Evans for Of course, there is a there have been some dramatic changes they are familiar with.
heading to Memphis lot of demands on the since we did it in the 70’s. 2. Will there be a long commute to and
over his second players. The commit- from school? Even Donnie Dodds said
choice Villanova. I ment to basketball is First, there are a lot more schools aggres- that he became very tired of catching
don’t think he would virtually year round. sively seeking Chester talent at a very two buses and a trolley to get from
have had the opportu- Almost every aspect young age. Parents are being contacted Chester to St. Joe Prep in Philly every
nity at point guard of their life is dictated when their children are in 6th grade in some day.
that he got at Mem- by the basketball pro- instances. 3. Is your child equipped to compete in
phis which has really gram. They are ex- the classroom with the prep school stu-
propelled his stock pected to be in class –
Second, there are a lot of instances where dents, and if not, will the school pro-
with their 25 straight I know the professors
students are attending these prep schools vide special instruction and tutoring to
wins while he played where quick to call
at that position. He coach if a player did- and not receiving a quality education. help him catch up?
even scored 33 in the n’t show up. But if 4. Does the scholarship contain an ‘out’
tournament game that they choose to make Third, there are a lot of instances where clause just in case your child wants to
finally ended that winning streak. His talents all those sacrifices to play big time basket- students try to leave the schools only to be return home? Is there a contract at all?
are tailor made for the NBA but I’d like to ball, they should want to do it in the most prohibited because of outstanding tuition
see him do at least one more year of college comfortable setting available. balances. If done right, going away to school for aca-
ball which is unlikely. Even bench players get treated like every- demic or athletic purposes can be a very
The other Chester prospects that Villanova one else. Everybody is practically guaran- Most of my information comes from rewarding experience. Unfortunately, too
was interested in were either not interested teed a job when they graduate. What more sources very close to youth sports here in many inner city student athletes around the
in Villanova or they responded too late to should you want? Chester and they are concerned about the country are being used by schools to im-
their scholarship offer and had to scramble Yeah, Villanova does have an air of elitism troubling trends they see every day. prove their sports programs while leaving
to find another place to play. about itself. A lot of people are turned off by the student behind academically.
I have been rather close to the Villanova the Main Line aristocracy and prefer to asso- The scouting of younger players is to be
basketball program since 1978 as a freshman ciate with a less haughty institution. expected. With so much exposure on the Don’t let this happen to your kid. Seek ad-
student there. I would run pick-up games But, knowing what I know about the gruel-
AAU playing circuit where teams play doz- vice before sending your 14 year old to that
with guys like Rory Sparrow, Alex Bradley, ing occupation called college basketball, if I
ens of games in several cities during the great school in the suburbs. The results can
Howie Long, Dwayne McClain, and Ed were a prospect, I’d want to do it in the most
Pinckney which convinced me rather comfortable setting with the greatest na- summer, the program is designed for them be devastating.
quickly that I did not have division one tal- tional exposure and the best prospect of
ent. But as a Black student living on cam- gaining a good education and personal asso-
pus, the only other Blacks to socialize with ciation with a lot of influential alumni.
were the athletes since most Black students Now that Villanova is a final four team
commuted in from Philly. again, I am certain there will be more great
The basketball team is like a very close players coming to the Main Line. But, for
knit fraternity. They do everything together next year, I have got to tip my hat to Malik
almost year round and are very protective of Wayans, Philadelphia’s player of the year,
their space. Through my relationships with for choosing Villanova. There are a few of
those guys, I was fortunate to have access us who know that there was a Chester guard
that let me see that being a part of Villanova who outplayed Malik Wayans a couple years
basketball is a luxurious privilege. ago on the Villanova court. That player was
Of course, I will not ‘give up the tapes’ but in Nova’s recruiting sights early on but lost
those guys have a very comfortable exis- favor for some reason or another. I can’t
tence as a player in that program. They wait to see them two go at again for the next
travel first class and even take charter fights. few years in Big Five matchups.
The hotel accommodations are 5-star. They Come on Chester ballers. Give Nova a
eat at the very best restaurants. The alumni, look.
April 3, 2009 The Chester Spotlight Page 9
The 8 Tools to Become a Master at Networking
It Stinks Around Here By Joe Takash because now you’ve planted the most
A
important seed for all relationships – a
m I the only person who thinks it vice representative or access a form electroni- If you want to be successful in busi- common shared interest. From this
stinks around here. I’m getting cally. The complaint service representative for ness, then you need to develop your foundation, you can build a relation-
sick of the air smelling like sour the Southeast Region is JoAnn Ache and she ability to network. Below are eight ship of respect or even friendship. This
milk. I work in a refinery so I’m can be reached at (484) 250-5991, or call simple tools anyone can use in order to can increase your business, because
used to bad air but I would prefer to leave DEP's toll-free citizen complaint line at develop the necessary skills and be- people like to do business with people
those odors at the gate. However, (866) 255-5158. come a more effective networker. they like. To find common ground,
too often in the last several apply the “ask and listen” technique.
months, I’ve been getting a whiff The service representative is 1. Make a great first impression: Use open-ended questions, like those
of real bad air throughout all of your single point of contact to Every time you meet someone new, in point three, to bring you closer to
Chester. report a concern and acts as a think, “SHE is the key.” S.H.E. stands standing on common ground with any-
liaison for citizens who no for Smile/Handshake/Eye Contact. By one you meet.
Obviously, the stench is coming longer have to attempt to fig- greeting people with a genuine smile, a
from our trash incinerator lo- ure out what program would firm and friendly handshake, and direct 6. Learn to help others before your-
cated on the river front. As a handle a particular issue. The eye contact, you set a positive tone and self: Many people fail at networking
responsible business, they are representative will listen to make the best first impression possible. because it’s obvious they are only out
regulated to control the emission your concerns and possibly And first impressions are what people to help themselves. This is an absolute
and odors that they emit. Emis- ask some additional ques- remember. turn-off in a networking situation (and
sions are monitored electronically but only the tions. This information will most other situations). The most suc-
nose can detect an odor. then be entered onto a statewide database. 2. Be a name-learning machine: cessful networkers take the opposite
Please be assured that your name, address and Knowing someone’s name demon- approach. They think of the many dif-
If you are as disgusted with our smelly city as phone number will be kept strictly confidential strates that you value the person and ferent ways they can help other people
I am, call the Department of Environmental (or if you prefer, you may remain anonymous). that you have differentiated him or her before helping themselves. For exam-
Protection (DEP) and tell them that something Your complaint will then be assigned to one or from the crowd. It says, “I remember ple, if you meet a freelance photogra-
stinks around here. They’ll come out and as- more of our programs for investigation. Within you; you made a good impression on pher who is starting her own business,
sess the situation if enough of you call during a few days, you will receive a letter acknowl- me.” There is no better way to make you might be able to refer her to a
the time of the funky releases. edging our receipt of the complaint. After the others feel good about themselves, and graphic artist you do business with so
complaint is investigated, you will receive a
also to have a positive impression of that she can get her business cards
second letter advising you of the investigation
Make an Environmental Complaint? you. One way to remember names done. This is how the web of network-
results and what corrective action (if any) is
You can file a complaint easily and confiden- more easily is to repeat the name after ing creates success for all involved. To
being requested, along with DEP's proposed
tially in one of two ways-contacting your ser- you are introduced, followed by, “It’s put yourself in this mindset, think of
follow-up.
nice to meet you,” or a similar appro- yourself as the networking coordinator.
priate statement. In your mind, associ- In this role you will make sure that
Carter’s ate the name with someone else you
know with that name, with a physical
everyone benefits from each other as
much as possible, whenever you meet
feature of the person you are meeting, and talk with others. When you are
Stop n’ Go or anything that will jog your memory always on the lookout for ways to help
540 Ave of the States at a later time. other people, they will trust you and by
Across from Chester Transportation Center extension, your business.
Breakfast Sandwiches ∙ Coffee ∙ Cold Sandwiches 3. Ask open-ended questions: The
following are questions that will get 7. Describe how what you do helps
Beef Hot Dogs &Sausages ∙ Water Ice people to open up, tell you about them- others: When you tell others about
selves and, professionally speaking, your job, think of them first and ex-
Call in Your Orders for Fast Pick Up 610.876.2699 fall in love with you. plain how what you do helps others. If
Tell me about your job. you’re an insurance salesperson, tell
What are your most important anyone who asks that you help others
responsibilities? find the lowest rates possible, or that
What do you like most about what you provide the highest level of cover-
Clinton L. Johnson Sr. you do?
Where are you from originally?
Do you have children?
age for those in high-risk categories.
Regardless of your profession, people
want to know how what you do bene-
Attorney at Law What are you passionate about?
What do you like to do in your
fits others. It gives them something of
interest to tell others about you.
free time?
8. Follow up and work your net-
Asking people questions about them- work: After a networking event, estab-
selves and showing a genuine interest lish a system to record the data of the
in their answers is the best way to contacts you’ve acquired and use it to
show appreciation, and it’s a potent refresh your memory about the details
networking tool. Offer information you gathered. Many skilled networkers
about yourself as well so that others recommend that you use a PDA to
who may not know how to be effective write down specific information about
networkers can still learn about you people, as these devices are terrific for
and become potential clients or refer- tracking contacts. Also, you can mark
ences. your calendar to remind you to touch
base with people in your network. This
4. Master the art of listening: Great follow-up activity will keep you in the
leaders have mastered the art of being front of people’s minds when it comes
great listeners. But for most of us, the time to do business.
daily distractions of cell phones, dead-
lines, and a multitude of obligations Joe Takash is the author of the newly
often prevent us from being fully en- released Results Through Relation-
gaged listeners. A simple question to ships: Building Trust, Performance
ask yourself with anyone you network and Profit Through People, as well as
with is, “Am I fully engaged when a sought-after media resource and key-
listening?” Fully engaged means being note speaker. As the founder of per-
entirely consumed in the other person formance management firm Victory
and what he or she is saying. So elimi- Consulting, Joe has spoken to clients
nate distractions such as cell phones, like American Express, Prudential,
and close your office door. Show atten- Century 21 and General Motors. Ta-
tive body language by facing the other kash has also been featured in Inves-
person and looking him or her in the tors Business Daily, Entrepreneur,
eyes. Practice silence so you don’t Selling Power, Crain's New York The
Serving Chester for 28 years violate the “don’ts” of listening, which Chicago Tribune, Career Builder,
include rehearsing what you want to Businessweek.com and MSNBC.com.
say next, finishing people’s sentences,
610-874-1977 610-874-5837Fax and interrupting. Results Through Relationships can be
purchased at www.amazon.com,
5. Establish common ground: When www.barnesandnoble.com and or-
1010 7th Street - Chester , PA 19013 you find common ground with some- dered through any major bookseller.
one, you raise the level of the network-
ing relationship from average to great, Website: www.JoeTakash.com
April 3, 2009 The Chester Spotlight Page 10
Journal Register Gil Spencer’s Chimp-Stimulus
The other AIG Cartoon Column Offends Many
T T
he loyalty Chester folks have with the here was some outrage on it. In my opinion, President Bush was outcry coming. If not, it will take
Daily Times is legendary. A couple Gil Spencer‟s Feb. 22 edito- called many worse thinks than a mon- more than an afternoon of in house
folks thought I may have been too rial about the cartoon with key during his eight years in office. diversity training to crack that mind-
hard on their favorite paper in my police officers shooting the set.
Open Letter last month and others still don‟t get stimulus package chimpanzee and I Somehow, a White monkey and a
it when I say that their owner, Journal Register, was asked to offer my comments. Black monkey do not convey the same I get amused when I hear reporters
is the bigger problem. Spencer‟s Protesters Missed the Point message. For example, as a child, I state that NY Post readers were of-
of Cartoon editorial was emailed to loved reading Curious George books. fended by this story when it is abun-
Of course, there will be those who wouldn‟t be-
me, I read it, and for the most part, I Despite his brown hair, there was no dantly clear that most of the anger
lieve me if I told you that Daily Times employ-
ees recently had to go a few weeks without a agreed with his opinion. doubt in my mind that George was a came from folks who never held a NY
paycheck while Journal Register figures out how White monkey when I considered how Post in their hands. That cartoon was
to stay in business with their bankruptcy filing. The first I heard of the cartoon was he lived and who he hung out with. plucked from the Post and plastered
from a friend‟s phone call who was This proves that just because there is a everywhere for everyone to see and
You‟ve got to tip your hat to the Daily Times upset that the New York Post would monkey on the scene, it doesn‟t al- react to.
staff for even caring about getting your paper out print and image of police officers ways conjure up the image of a Black
every day when they didn‟t know when their shooting President Obama. Since I person. There is a big difference between a
next paycheck was coming. I‟m not so sure had not seen the image, my first reac- newspaper reader and a newspaper
many of you would be such dedicated employ- tion was that I did not think the chimp However, I just happened to be lover. No one expects you to be able
ees. represented President Obama because watching a Monday Night Football to name the publisher, the sports edi-
he did not write the stimulus package. game years ago when a player was tor, or any of the writers of the paper
To give you an example of why I think the Daily Spencer makes the same point in his sprinting down the sideline and Jimmy you buy everyday. However, newspa-
Times has a bad owner, here is a story that article. The Greek said, “Look at the monkey per lovers value their favorite papers
should help you understand. After reading it, run.” Curious George was not the first for their writers and columnist.
you can come to your own conclusions. I hurried to my computer to get a image that came to my mind after
glimpse of the cartoon and I was hearing that reference. Sadly, Jimmy Daily Times lovers love Gil Spencer.
INCENTIVES FOR LAYOFFS happy to see that the chimp didn‟t The Greek was never heard from He is one of the best at what he does
look like President Obama. But the again after ABC gave in to the outrage and he has been doing it for over 25
problem I saw with the cartoon was from the Black community over him years at the Daily Times. Unlike a
State Fights Journal Register's that it was very derogatory toward the calling a Black athlete a monkey and reporter who writes about the current
Plan For Bonuses police. No one wants to be reminded fired him almost immediately. event of the moment, a columnist‟s
that police sometimes shoot unarmed Yet, as I watch March Madness, job is to find things to write about that
Associated Press citizens, not even the police. New hardly a game goes by where a com- are interesting, educational, controver-
York is the last place that a newspaper mentator doesn‟t make one of these sial, funny, sad, annoying, etc., which
March 5, 2009 The Connecticut attorney should present that image…Amadou statements…“He‟s a beast or He‟s an may or may not have anything to do
general's office objected Wednesday to a
Diallo anyone? animal.” They say this about any with a current event. Since he is often
plan by Journal Register Co. to pay its top
executives up to $1.7 million in bonuses
player, Black or White, who demon- looked upon for his opinion on such
even as the newspaper publisher seeks If cartoons are meant to be funny, I strates an aggressive style of play. matters, you will agree, disagree, or
Chapter 11 protection from creditors. can‟t find any humor in this one at all. Should America be outraged by these dismiss his rhetoric.
If the chimp was meant to be Presi- references?
"We say that it illegally detracts from money dent Obama, you would have to be a In the case of his stimulus/chimp col-
owed to creditors like the state of Connecti- real Obama hater to find the cartoon The NY Post apologized in typical umn, I agree with much of what
cut," Attorney General Richard Blumenthal funny. If shooting unarmed people is newspaper fashion about the cartoon; Spencer writes but I take exception to
said. funny, I hope I never have occasion to half apology, half justification. They his very last line where he writes, „In
run into that cartoonist. wrote, “(The cartoon) was meant to the end, it turned out the cartoon isn‟t
Journal Register owes $21.5 million in cor- mock an ineptly written federal stimu- the joke that stupid people laugh at.
porate income tax as well as other unpaid Discussing monkeys can be an inter- lus bill. Period. But it has been taken It‟s the joke stupid people are of-
taxes, including sales taxes, he said. esting topic. The old school Blacks as something else - as a depiction of fended by.‟
picked right up on the fact that Blacks President Obama, as a thinly veiled
Giving out bonuses partly for helping the have long been characterized as mon- expression of racism. This most cer- First, I don‟t care how smart or stupid
company lay off hundreds of employees and keys and immediately assumed that tainly was not its intent; to those who you are, I find it very hard to believe
close publications would violate federal President Obama was the monkey in were offended by the image, we that anyone saw this cartoon as funny.
bankruptcy law and "add insult to injury" in
the cartoon. You would think the New apologize.” They conclude by saying, Second, many smart people were of-
the midst of the current economic crisis,
Assistant Attorney General Denise Mondell
York Post would have recognized that “Sometimes a cartoon is just a cartoon fended by the joke, too.
wrote in a motion filed in U.S. Bankruptcy a lot of Blacks would feel that way – even as the opportunists seek to
Court in New York. and put a stop to the cartoon for that make it something else.” In the end, whether you liked it or not,
reason alone. Gil Spencer did what he always does.
The bonus plan would apply to 31 "key em- It is hard to believe that all those He got folks to read and discuss his
ployees" who could receive an average of Gil Spencer makes the point that smart people who work for the NY column. That is the ultimate goal of
$15,700 each if 450 positions are cut by President George Bush was often re- Post were too stupid to see the „thinly all great columnist and the papers they
March 31, according to the company's mo- ferred to as a monkey by his critics. veiled expression of racism‟ was far work for.
tion for "incentive pay" filed with the court. Entire websites have been dedicated to more than that. That had to see the
Further bonuses totaling about $1.2 million
would be available if the employees met
other goals including eliminating publica- Relax
...he’s in co
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April 3, 2009 The Chester Spotlight Page 11
diminished vision.
“The hardest thing to adjust to was giv-
What the Blind Wants You to See
ing up driving. I sold my BMW and took If you are holding this paper in you hands as we age, we
a trip to Egypt knowing that it would be reading this article, there is a very good experience dimin-
the last chance I’d have to see that mag- chance that you are not blind. You may ished sight, some
nificent history with the limited vision I wish that you did not have to find your more than others.
had left. It wasn’t easy but I’m so glad I glasses to read the paper but that is a small And with diabetes
did it,” says Ms. LeVere. price to pay when you compare it to the being the major cause of blindness in
Her girlfriends used to enjoy reading her many folks who have lost their sight to- America and the huge incidences of it in
erotic short stories and encouraged her to tally. the Black community, blindness is more
put them into a book. With the help of the Imagine my surprise when I would get common than many of us are prepare to
technology she learned to use at the Cen- telephone calls from the Center for the accept.
ter for the Blind and Visually Impaired Blind and Visually Impaired on 15th Street Rod Powell shares the 7 Steps in Losing
(see above), she was able to compile the in Chester who insist that I drop off papers your Sight
book and get it published. every month. 1. Denial
The 55 page book contains eight erotic One of my oldest friends that I met went 2. Depression
stories and one nonfiction article that tan- we were attending Wilson Nursery School 3. Blame
talizes and teases readers into exploring on Reaney Street went blind at the age of 4. Anger
what excites them sexually and probing eight. He attended the School for the Blind 5. Bargaining with God
new areas of discovery and carnal desires. in Philadelphia and has been a computer 6. Acceptance
Through LeVere’s unique spin on the programmer at Temple University for over 7. Integration or evangelizing to
ever-fascinating topics of identity, class, 25 years in addition to playing keyboards others how to go through.
intimacy, sexuality, and various friend- in a popular jazz band that performs regu-
ships, it’s easy to discover within these larly in the area. Tommy Smith and I talk I promised Rosemary Keefe, Communica-
stories your own Wildest Dreams. In one at least once a month and he is usually the tions Coordinator of the Center of the
story, she even included a blind character person I contact when I want to find a new Blind and Visually Impaired that I would
I
that gives the playboy bus driver an ex- night spot to eat or hear music in Philly. not do a story on the center without going
f Stevie Wonder can write love songs perience that he’ll never forget. The way he describes places is amazing. (I through her first, but it should be known
than Beverly LeVere can write erotic Although erotic, all the stories are taste- really think he keeps a portable set of eyes that the center exists for you or someone
short stories. fully presented with familiar character in his pocket.) you know that may have issues with low
types found in situations we’ve all found Many people in Chester know Rod Pow- vision, blindness or vision impairment.
Imagine my surprise when I got a call ourselves in…or would hope we were in… ell as the ambassador for the blind. He I've learned that in only extreme cases do
from a visually impaired author requesting or maybe not. joined Beverly LeVere during my inter- people become instantly blind. The vast
an opportunity to promote her sexy new Wildest Dreams is a fun read that will view on her new book (see left) and shed majority of people lose their sight gradu-
book with Chester Spotlight readers. When entertain and surprise you in many ways. some insight on some of the myths and ally. In those cases, it is recommended that
I consider that most of my readers are Unfortunately, a few of these short stories misconceptions of the blind. you prepare yourself for a life with dimin-
women over 40, what better place is there seem to end far too soon but I guess that’s Rod has been blind since the age of 9. ished sight by taking advantage of the ser-
to introduce a book of your Wildest where you’re supposed to fill in the blanks Now that he is a spunky 60 year old, he vices offered at the Center for the Blind
Dreams. with your imagination. Pick up your copy says, “If Jesus came down and gave me and Visually Impaired early. The goal of
Ms. LeVere has recently had to adjust to and enjoy for yourself. sight, I would give it back to him.” Rod the center is to help those with blindness or
a lifestyle without sight as her vision has The book is only $8.95 (before tax) and has been blind so long that he honestly vision loss to lead well adjusted, independ-
diminished over the last few years because can be purchased directly from Beverly doesn't miss sight. He's totally adjusted to ent, productive, and rewarding lives.
of a rare eye disease which limits her pe- LeVere by calling 610.394.9491 being blind. He would have to readjust to The Center is a treasure that has been in
ripheral vision (top, bottom and sides) and (BLevere@comcast.net). having sight and he is not sure he would Chester since 1941. When you consider all
will ultimately result in complete loss of Online, you can purchase from IUni- want to do that after 50 years. the businesses that have left the city since
vision. Her previous lifestyle of working at verse.com, or Borders, Barns and Noble Surveys have reveled that many people that time, we truly appreciate and should
the Philadelphia Federal Reserve bank and and Amazon websites. perceive blindness as the worse thing that celebrate the fact that they are still here.
sidelines in fashion, event planning, acting, I highly recommend you buy direct from could ever happen to them even over can-
and world traveling has had to come to a Ms. LeVere. She would love to meet you cer and death itself. But the reality is that
halt as she adjusts to a new lifestyle with and sign your books.
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April 3, 2009 The Chester Spotlight Page 12
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National Urban League: 'Best of times, worst of times' for Black America
(March 26, 2009) As the entire country observed the was largely because the gap narrowed for those black America," said Forest Harper, vice president
historic election of President Barack Obama amid without health insurance. of Capability Development at Pfizer. This year's re-
one of the worst economic crises this nation has ever port also looks at trends from another perspective --
seen, these are the 'best of times and the worst of The report this year takes a look back at the past five economic expansion periods. What the numbers
times' for black America. years of the Equality Index to view trends of pro- show is that trends between blacks and whites were
gress and decline. Between 2003 and 2007 the pov- more similar than different in key areas like median
The National Urban League, today, released the erty rate and home ownership rate declined for household income, poverty, unemployment and
State of Black America (SOBA) 2009 report which blacks but increased for whites. Even as both groups home ownership.
shows that while the entire country is hurting during made progress in educational attainment, the pro-
these tough economic times, African-Americans are gress was slower for blacks. During the economic expansion period from 2001 -
disproportionately hurting worse. 2007 (known as the jobless recovery period) there
During the same period while white children saw was a decline in real median household income for
The annual State of Black America report is a ba- increases in "preprimary" enrollment of about 3 per- blacks and whites and an increase in the rate of pov-
rometer of conditions for African-Americans in the cent, black children saw a decline of about 1 percent, erty. Real median household income from 2001 -
United States. It includes the National Urban causing the education gap to grow, not shrink. The 2007 declined 1.7 percent for blacks and 3.9 percent
League's Equality Index, a statistical measurement report this year shows the trend continues. This for whites and poverty rates increased 7.9 percent
of the disparities between blacks and whites across year's National Urban League report reminds the for blacks and 5.1 percent for whites.
five categories: economics, education, health, civic country that the election of President Obama does
engagement and social justice. not mean the work of civil rights is done. By contrast, during the 1990s while trends were still
similar, African-Americans saw tremendous pro-
This year's report shows an overall slight decline in For the fifth consecutive year, Pfizer has sponsored gress. For the duration of the '90s expansion, real
the status of blacks as compared to whites, moving The State of Black America report. "We applaud the median household income grew by 23.6 percent for
from 71.5 percent in 2008 to 71.1 percent in 2009. National Urban League on its continued effort to African- Americans and 13 percent for whites while
The only sub index that increased over the past year spark important national dialogue around crucial poverty rates declined by 30.6 percent and 17 per-
was in health at about 1.1 percentage points. This issues, such as the health status gap endured by cent, respectively.
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