The Chester City Blog

Win a Samsung Galaxy Tablet

2012-02-14T15:51:00.001-05:00

Tyreke Evans is the VSP Vision pitch man

VSP Vision is challenging contestants to create their own video to help their friends and family remember the "20/20/20 Rule".

The winner will get to choose between floor seats to a Sacramento Kings home game to see Tyreke Evans, or a Samsung Galaxy Tablet! (Since airfare isn’t included with the prize, let’s try to win the awesome tablet).

If you’re like me, you’re spending too much time in front a computer, tablet or smartphone. It can cause even the toughest athletes to suffer from blurry vision, dry and irritated eyes, headaches, and even neck and back pain.

These are symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome or CVS.

One of the easiest ways to avoid CVS is the “20/20/20 Rule” - every 20 minutes, stop and look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

In a recent video Sacramento Kings broadcast personalities, Jerry Reynolds and Grant Napear, come up with a fun way to remember the 20/20/20 Rule.

The contest is being held on VSP’s Facebook Page and is running from Monday, February 13 through Wednesday, February 22.

Widener to Host Business Workshops for High School Girls

2012-02-14T15:39:00.004-05:00

Widener University’s School of Business Administration will host a free academic workshop for high school girls.

The daylong workshop is designed to simulate life as a business student and give participants an idea of career opportunities in the field. Interested participants may choose to attend the workshop on either Thursday, March 1 or Friday, March 2.

The workshop will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. and end with lunch and an optional campus tour at 12:30 p.m. on both days. Most activities will take place in Widener’s Lathem Hall, East 13^th and Potter streets, Chester, Pa.

Workshop participants will have opportunities to interact with School of Business Administration faculty, students and successful alumnae. They’ll participate in collegiate-style lectures that address different concentrations within the field and take part in interactive activities focused on networking, overcoming adversity in the workplace and honing leadership skills.

An optional parent program will run simultaneously to address topics of admissions, curriculum and financial aid.

Interested participants – parents and high school students – should contact Jessica Hoopes, assistant dean for relationship development, at jfhoopes@widener.edu or 610-499-4304 to register.

Nominations Sought for Historic Preservation Award

2012-02-13T04:06:00.004-05:00

“We in Delaware County can trace our rich heritage to 1643 when the first settlement was established by Swedes in Tinicum, nearly four decades before the arrival of William Penn in 1682 in Chester. It is important to foster the preservation of historic buildings and sites in Delaware County. Although it was not established until 1789 as a separate county, Delaware County is where Pennsylvania began.”

Click HERE for more

Eerie Calendar Photo

2012-02-13T04:01:00.002-05:00

One of the calendars I received over the holidays used this image for February. Hurry up March.

Will commitment become $?

2012-02-13T03:50:00.000-05:00

Either Corbett is going to come up with the money or not. Why all the drama?

Click HERE for more

Thanks Whitney

2012-02-12T04:36:00.000-05:00

I learned guitar by playing the songs I enjoy. I never liked taking lessons so I started purchasing sheet music and song books in the 90s to learn.

Back then it was all about Boyz to Men, Babyface, and Whitney Houston songs, many written by Diane Warren. Now it’s Alicia Keys and John Legend that keep me current.

When I do take the time to play, I usually pick one of those artist to focus on and play their songs until I get tired.

Whitney gave me many hours of pleasure strumming to her magnificent voice singing along with me on a CD.

We all have our favorite Whitney moments and visions of what we wanted her to become.

For me, I was looking for her to age gracefully out of the pop culture and emerge into a mature songstress. ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ soundtrack was the start of what I thought would be her heading in that direction.

When the ‘so called’ comeback CD came out a couple years ago, I wasn’t too happy. Her voice was a shell of its old self but the songs were so beautiful. I had wished they gave those songs to Jennifer Hudson, who, in my opinion, is the one to carry the Whitney torch from here.

We all have our favorite Whitney songs. Mine is ‘You Were Loved’ from The Preacher’s Wife.

What is yours?

Blogs for the DIVA in You

2012-02-11T09:19:00.001-05:00

My lil Diva, Veta Roots, on the green screen

Always in search of hot blogs, here are 7 black blogs to read during Fashion Week

Source: TheRoot.com

SURVEY: What do Blacks want to see on TV?

2012-02-11T08:39:00.003-05:00

African-Americans watch 40% more hours of television per month than the general population. Despite being one of TV's most important audiences, programming that addresses their varied interests are not being offered.

A review of TV programs currently being aired that feature African-Americans in starring roles reveals that most are so-called reality-based shows or re-runs of comedies were once featured on the major four networks.

Conducting a first-time national survey asking African-Americans what they want to see on TV will clearly demonstrate there is demand for a broader range of programs beyond entertainment. WhatIWantToSee.com, which is being supported by various African-American groups and media outlets, plans to get as many participants to "vote" for more TV options as possible during the next two months.

The survey will be available online at www.WhatIWantToSee.com beginning January 30th until February 29th -- the end of Black History Month. Some of the nation's leading newspapers, radio programs, magazines and Web sites will be encouraging their audiences to participate. The results will be made through these same outlets and will also be delivered to key leaders in media, civil rights and academia.

For further information, visit www.WhatIWantToSee.com or email tviwanttosee@gmail.com.

Chester PA Boys Basketball 21-0 & 47 in-a-row

2012-02-10T08:18:00.001-05:00

M E R C Y !

Does anyone keep a record of how many times in a season a team invokes the Mercy Rule?

In Pennsylvania, if one team is leading the other by 40 points, the Mercy Rule comes into play which keeps the clock running while the teams are on the floor.

I’m sure some opponents wish the Mercy Rule would just get them off the floor since there’s no way to come back from a 40 point deficit.

But, the fans demand their $5 worth of entertainment and they get it at the expense of the lesser DelVal opponents who have to face Chester High’s basketball team.

Sometimes the score is deceiving. I went to the game at Interboro and I thought Interboro had a very good team...until I looked at the score.

So, I stopped looking at the score and they actually did have a very good team. They just were overmatched by Chester’s size and tenacious defense. After seeing that Chester outrebounded them 48-17, that explained a lot.

But, if Interboro had made a few more of their shots, they may have come within 20.

I must admit that the home crowds this year came out more than in years past. Although I think the gym should be full for every game when one of the top 10 teams in the country are playing in your back yard, we just don’t do that around here.

But, folks are gearing up to travel to the playoff games to show their C-Pride. ‘Nutin wrong with that.

Can our team go through the entire season undefeated?

Proposal by CUSD and CCCS

2012-02-09T13:59:00.001-05:00

Chester, PA – February 9, 2012 – Officials of Chester Upland School District and Chester Community Charter School, today announced, prior to their meeting with Ronald J. Tomalis, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education (PDE), that they have developed a joint proposal they intend to present to the PDE, which, in their opinion, would address the need to generate $21.5 million in funds for the continued operation of all Chester’s public and charter schools, through the current school year.

Essentially, the proposal entails:

A commitment by the district and each of the participating charter schools to an aggregate $8.3 million in budgetary expense reductions, pro-rata, based on their respective student populations. Such a plan would necessitate a $4,063,648 budget reduction from CUSD, a $3,324,802 budget reduction from CCCS, a $502,500 reduction from the Widener Partnership Charter, and a collective $409,050 in reductions, from other charters in the district, including cyber charters.

PDE, under the proposal would be urged to forgive or restructure an $8.7 million loan that it had previously extended to CUSD, but had recouped earlier this year.

Finally, the PDE would be asked to infuse CUSD, as it has for the past several years, with $4.5 million in cash, either from the agency’s empowerment funds, or from other sources.

Since Judge Michael Baylson, of the U.S. District Court, ordered the PDE to meet with school officials to reach an agreement last month, CUSD, CCCS leaders and their attorneys have been working together to craft a proposal, which would be feasible for all of the publicly funded Chester schools, and which would allow the schools to remain open through the full academic year.

School officials are hopeful that the Secretary of Education will see the merit in their joint proposal, which would remove the threat of Chester’s schools being closed.

An Angry Obama

2012-02-09T12:39:00.001-05:00

I know it's wrong, but Key and Pelle are my new guilty pleasure. (WARNING: Don't watch if bad words offend you)

What Do You Know About Black History Month?

2012-02-09T12:35:00.002-05:00

This video is so stupid, I had to share.

City Government is a Family Affair

2012-02-09T08:27:00.004-05:00

Nepotism: The practice among those with power or influence of favoring relatives or friends, esp. by giving them jobs.

When Mayor Linder said he was going to find the best qualified people to fill city jobs, he should have said, the best qualified family members to fill city jobs.

I don’t know all the family connections, but I sure get a lot of email telling me that “he’s a nephew, she’s a daughter-in-law, he’s a son-in-law, he’s her son,” etc.

I’m no political expert or historian, but I’m sure someone will tell me that nepotism has occurred in city politics forever.

Since it’s too much for a poll, please answer these questions:

Tell me how do you feel about the practice of nepotism?
How does nepotism help city government?
Why should this practice be allowed to continue?

What is Blogging?

2012-02-08T13:45:00.001-05:00

I shared from Scott Fox's 'e-Riches 2.0' what type of blog post generate the most traffic

If you’re not publishing blogs, you certainly should be reading them. There are millions of blogs covering every topic imaginable. There’s at least one (besides The Chester City Blog) that will appeal to you.

That was my basic message at the How to Blog seminar at Crozer Library last night.

The most frequent question I get is ‘What is Blogging’ and ‘Can you make money Blogging’. There are bloggers earning a nice income, but the seminar focused on the ‘What is’ question.

My simple answer is that a blog ‘Is a format for updating information & delivering it to an interactive Internet audience.'

A blog is a web page that hooks its readers on coming back often. A lot of companies have switched their home pages from traditional web pages to blog pages because of how dynamic and engaging a well designed blog page can be.

The Chester City Blog isn’t one of those magnificently custom designed blog sites, but I shared how most individual bloggers use free services to start their blogs and design their sites using free templates, as I did.

To get some idea where to find really good blogs, I directed them to:

delcotimes.com/blogs (over 80 blogs from locals)

BlackWeblogAwards.com (a great source of professionally designed blogs by black publishers)

Essence.com (an excellent example of a company homepage being a blog)

TheRoot.com (another homepage as a blog)

Huffingtonpost.com (the queen of aggregate information)

Most blogs make it easy for you to subscribe. Once you find a blog you like, buy subscribing (or RSS-ing), the blog will come to you by way of email or posts that can be read through a ‘reader’. You can conveniently keep up with your favorite information on your computer or phone.

The seminar was well received and I’ll probably do another real soon. I’m putting together a Part 2 which will discuss how to make money blogging.

Chester 2012 budgets finally surface

2012-02-08T12:57:00.003-05:00

Looks like the City of Chester finally made copies of their amended 2012 budget and salary ordinance that was passed a couple weeks ago and got them over to the Daily Times.

As the Delcotimes.com reports, some new positions were created, some were eliminated. Some people got raises, some got pay reductions. Despite the shuffle in people and salaries, the total revenue and expenditures remain the same from the original budget approved for 2012.

Linder said positions in which new employees brought additional experience and took on added responsibilities received increases. With departures, some positions were eliminated or allocated less wages.

The few items that raised my brow were:

The elimination of $190,000 in overtime for positions other than police and firefighters. There were a lot of salaried workers doing overtime...where some employees were equaling their salaries in overtime compensation. Thank you Mayor Linder for addressing that little issue. It’s rare to see salaried employees earning overtime.
Clarence Pearsall will be responsible for promoting the city through new media and technology. Not to take money out of his pocket, but if you have your director of communications send me some press releases, I’ll be happy to post them for free on the very popular and well read Chester City Blog. I'll give you your own tab. No need to reinvent the wheel. Hopefully the city web site and Comast channel becomes his area of focus.
What additional experience does Darrel Jones bring to Parks and Recreation to justify a $9,000 increase in salary over that past director?
If you haven’t noticed, the appointment of Joseph Bail as police commissioner was not a popular decision. So why exacerbated that move by cutting the salary of the popular guy by 20%? You’ve got a lot of people shaking their heads on that one.

Is Kirkland being ignored again?

2012-02-08T12:23:00.003-05:00

Last month, I asked if State Rep Thaddeus Kirkland had any friends in Harrisburg as many of his colleagues had joined together to send a letter calling on Gov. Corbett to take action in the Chester school funding matter but had left Kirkland out.

To his credit, Kirkland did attend the meeting that was set up as a result of that letter.

Now today I read that the mayor of Marcus Hook has plans to meet with State Rep. Steven Barrar of Upper Chichester and other local officials to discuss ongoing safety controls the borough will have to ensure that the plant remains secure after Sunoco leaves.

However, the refineries are in the 159th district which Kirkland rules.

Why isn’t the mayor meeting with Kirkland and other local officials?

Just asking?

Will Chester Community Charter be forced to close?

2012-02-08T12:09:00.003-05:00

The Chester Community Charter School has not received over $9 million in subsidy payments this year from the Chester Upland School District, or the state, depending on who is responsible for paying.

Tomorrow, Ronald Tomalis, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Education, will be meeting in Harrisburg to discuss whether (and how) the Chester Upland School District, the Chester Community Charter, School, and the Widener Charter School will be funded through the end of the current school year.

Back on Feb 2, the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s legal counsel implied that any funding to be approved by the Commonwealth would specifically exclude the Chester Community Charter School.

So, I ask again, if they stick to their guns and don’t pay Chester Charter, will they stay open until the end of the year, or will over 3000 charter school students be walking the streets?

Chester Fund Charter School marching on Harrisburg

2012-02-07T09:38:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, January 26th, the Chester Upland School Board voted unanimously against The Chester Fund’s charter school application.

We are going to Harrisburg to appeal our case.

We need to collect 1,000 signatures on a petition.

If you are a resident of the Chester Upland School District and would like to help collect signatures, please contact Wendy Emrich at 610 328-1339.

If you are a resident of the Chester Upland School District and you would like to sign the petition, please e-mail your name, address and phone number to Wendy Emrich at wemrich@thechesterfund.org

Thank you for your continued support. Stay tuned for further developments.

Plight of African Americans in the Educational System

2012-02-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

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Certify for Government Contracts

2012-02-06T18:38:00.003-05:00

Presented by the Widener University Procurement Technical Assistance Center

This FREE seminar will present specific information on the steps necessary for businesses to apply for federal and state certifications as a minority, woman or service disabled veteran owned business for the purpose of qualifying for government contracting opportunities.

The seminar topics will include:

Qualifications for government contracts
The advantages of certification
Certification process for federal opportunities
Certification process for state opportunities
Supplier Diversity programs with large corporations
Support services available to business owners

Date:

Thursday Feb 9, 2012

9-11AM (registration begins at 8:30)

Location

Widener SBDC

University Technology Park II Suite 1300
1350 Edgmont Avenue

Chester, PA 19013

610-619-8490

Link here to register online

HOW To BLOG at Crozer Library Tuesday

2012-02-06T14:41:00.001-05:00

Blogs are for everyone.

If you’re not reading them, you are publishing them, or both.

This short seminar will not only show you how to start your own blog, but also show you how to find interesting blogs to read that you never knew existed.

Stefan Roots, publisher of the Chester City Blog, will share what he's done to gain a growing following in the 2 years it has been in existence.

For people interested in starting their own blog, Stefan will share from his experience, and those of expert bloggers, how to get started the right way.

Whether you want to start a blog as a hobby or a money maker, a promotional tool or to create a company web presence, you’ll learn the dos & don’t in a short 1 hour session.

With our live connection to the Internet, we will view some of the most popular blogs, and build one from scratch.

Hope to see you there.

Start a Business

2012-02-06T11:10:00.003-05:00

Ivey Ibrahim has been conducting the Chester Entrepreneur Works classes for as long as I can remember. A life long business owner himself, you won't find a better instructor anywhere

Once again, Entrepreneur Works (formally Chester Micro-Enterprise), is conducting their 7 week course teaching the fundamentals of running a small business.

Come to the orientation tomorrow, Tuesday, February 7 at 6pm to learn how the program can benefit you. (14th & Edgmont Ave - Technology Center Building)

Classes start on Thursday, February 9.

Who should attend?

Owners of existing small businesses who need a micro-loan, networking opportunities, or any assistance with any aspect of sustaining or growing your business
People with a good idea who are considering turning that idea into a small business but don’t know all the right steps to get it started correctly.
People who don’t have any idea what type of business they’d like to start but realize that it’s a good idea to create an alternate income stream for savings and tax advantages.

No one is turned away from these classes and you don’t have to live in Chester to attend.

The course fee of $225 can be paid in a variety of ways that is comfortable for you. Scholarships may be available for some Chester residents depending on your situation.

Chester City government has proudly supported this program through its CEDA funding. They recognize that there is only a handful of such programs in the country helping regular people learn how to own their business with such an extensive program and curriculum.

Click to Enlarge

Chester Entrepreneur connects with Japan

2012-02-06T10:19:00.000-05:00

Takahi Koseki, a U-Penn visiting scholar from Meiji University in Tokyo, Japan, is researching how the United States does micro-finance. He is creating case studies with members of Entrepreneur Works (formally Chester MicroEnterprise) to learn how their loan and technical assistance have helped small business owners succeed.

Mr. Koseki recognizes that Entrepreneur Works is one of the rare programs in America that facilitates a micro-finance program. He is looking at the potential for bringing a similar model to Japan.

I’m honored to be one of the individuals that will meet one-on-one with Mr. Koseki later this week to share my fantastic 7 year ongoing relationship with Entrepreneur Works.

I also intend to share with him how important Entrepreneur Works is to the City of Chester, as it continues to support the program with annual funding from the Chester Economic Development Authority.

It’s wonderful to know that in this climate of unprecedented unemployment and underemployment, Chester City government supports the entrepreneur spirit by helping to keep Entrepreneur Works in the city.

Pennsylvanians Lack “Rainy Day” Savings

2012-02-06T09:43:00.003-05:00

Tom Joseph

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania ranks 14th when it comes to financial security, according to the 2012 "Assets and Opportunities Scorecard."

The nonprofit Corporation for Enterprise Development gives the state a "B." Its residents' average net worth is $100,000, and their average credit card debt is slightly more than $10,000.

Board member Don Baylor, senior policy analyst with the Center for Public Policy Priorities, says there are too few opportunities to increase earnings and savings, and many Pennsylvanians lack a rainy-day fund to handle unexpected medical or employment setbacks.

"They're essentially a job loss away from having zero assets."

Medical debt, he says, is one of the most common triggers of personal bankruptcy - and about 12 percent of Pennsylvanians don't have insurance. The report notes that half of Pennsylvanians have subprime credit.

Baylor says policymakers could do more to help consumers improve their credit scores, which would contribute to greater economic development and job growth in the state.

Baylor says improving educational attainment would go a long way toward expanding earnings and savings.

"Finishing high school and completing college. That's really kind of where the state needs to focus a lot of its attention, and link household finances with increased educational attainment and access."

The Pennsylvania scorecard is online at scorecard.assetsandopportunity.org.

Chester rally on Harrisburg Feb 14

2012-02-06T09:18:00.003-05:00

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Valentine's Friday at Andre Cafe

2012-02-03T14:30:00.000-05:00

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I need to workout

2012-02-03T13:05:00.000-05:00

I’ve got a feeling I’m going to have a lot of time on my hand starting next month, so I picked today as the day to ease back into a workout routine.

There’s nothing more fun to me than finding an empty gym and working up a sweat shooting jump shots and running ‘suicide drills’ for 90 minutes.

I really wanted Jay Wright to know I’m available if he needs someone to make a shot this weekend.

Wade Dump tragedy still taking its toll

2012-02-03T09:40:00.000-05:00

Today’s Daily Times states...

The Wade Dump fire needs to be remembered for several reasons. It’s a reminder of the importance of the dangers of toxic waste and the importance of environmental laws that protect us from them. Some of those laws sprung directly from this tragedy.

I find it personally flattering that until 2008 when I did an article on Melvin Wade in the Chester Spotlight and subsequently wrote the book, 'Black Industrialist, The Melvin Wade Story', the mainstream press had completely buried the Wade Dump Site story.

As a result of my work, the group who has been trying to get a memorial placed at the site for over 12 years finally got the attention of Chester government officials and received $10,000 of CEDA funds towards the memorial.

This week, the Daily Times wrote a 34th Anniversary article and followed it up a day later with the editorial. However, when I searched their archives while researching material for the book, there was no 1-2-5-8-11-16-22 or 28th anniversary mention. Nothing. Nill. Naught.

Even my dear ole dad said that I ‘raised from the dead’ a story that no one wanted to hear again. I had no idea.

The book isn’t popular around here (neither am I for writing it), although there are academics outside of the area very excited about ‘Black Industrialist’.

Hopefully, the anniversary will be remembered every year and a memorial will finally be placed on the site.

'Soul 2' by Seal

2012-02-02T17:40:00.003-05:00

I never thought I’d be anxious for a Seal CD to come out. Before ‘Kiss from a Rose’, I didn’t know who he was.

But in 2008, Seal came out with ‘Soul’ and he covered great songs from the 60s. I thought it was brilliant.

When I heard he was doing it again with ‘Soul 2’, I actually got excited.

After giving it a listen yesterday, he killed it again with a more contemporary collection of soul classics from the 70s.

Spinners, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, Major Harris, O’Jays. All of them, and more, got the special Seal treatment with creative arrangements and lush orchestration (it’s so nice to hear real instruments).

I had heard ‘Wishing on a Star’ on the radio a few times but didn’t know it was Seal until yesterday.

If you like the old school soul crooners, you can’t help but to like the songs Seal choose to redo. Obviously, his voice isn’t as good as some of the originals, but the entertainment value of this CD ranks extremely high on my list.

Give it a listen and tell me what you think.

'Brothers of Concern' featured in Phila Tribune

2012-02-02T17:24:00.003-05:00

“A lot of young men think it’s cool to be bad, but we want to show them it’s cool to read and prepare for your future,” said Jonathan Abdur-Rahim King, executive director of BOC.

“This program is a vehicle that can be used as part as one of the entities to change the condition of our people in the neighborhood. We want to send the message that young Black men with a past can be very significant in changing the future for our children.”

Click HERE for more

Bleak future for Sunoco

2012-02-02T17:19:00.001-05:00

Sunoco plans to restructure to focus on pipelines and its energy retail businesses (gas stations with product made from somewhere else).

It does not have a buyer and does not see anyone coming forward to operate the facility as a refinery.

Click HERE for more

Those 2 sentences say it all.

QUOTE of the Day

2012-02-02T17:13:00.003-05:00

“I couldn't wait for success, so I went ahead without it.”

Jonathan Winters

'Ellen DeGeneres Show' promises $100,000 gift to Chester Upland

2012-02-02T17:10:00.002-05:00

Sara Ferguson, a teacher in the Chester Upland School District, appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” this afternoon alongside First Lady Michelle Obama.

As part of the show, DeGeneres donated $100,000 by way of JC Penney to Columbus Elementary School, where Ferguson teaches literacy and math. Ferguson received a $5,000 personal gift card.

Click HERE for more

Minority, Veteran and Woman-Owned Biz Certification

2012-02-02T17:08:00.002-05:00

The Widener University Small Business Development Center will host a FREE seminar onThursday, Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. to help businesses gain certification as minority, service-disabled veteran or woman-owned.

The seminar will also explain the advantages of earning such a certification, which include access to exclusive support services and opportunities for both state and federal contracts. The seminar will examine the qualifications for obtaining government contracts.

The Widener SBDC is located at 1350 Edgmont Ave., Suite 1300, Chester, Pa. Call 610-619-8490to reserve a space or visit www.widenersbdc.org.

Valentine's Concert for Chester NAACP scholarship

2012-02-02T17:04:00.000-05:00

How does an evening of seven wonderful singers and lots of chocolate desserts sound? Now add that this event will benefit a great college scholarship fund. Can’t miss, right?

We’re talking about “Such Big Hearts”, a Concert for the Community at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County, Media.

This Valentine’s-themed concert by candlelight will feature live entertainment by a lineup of fine vocalists -- Josh Graves, Wayne G. Harvey, Jean Lenke, Art Miron, Denise Montana, Ann Seidman and Heidi Starr. They’ll present their favorite love songs from the classics, the great American songbook, country, jazz, pop, folk, rock and more in cabaret-style performances.

The BYOB evening will benefit the church’s NAACP Scholarship Fund, which every year awards $1,000 to a graduating Chester High School senior chosen by the Chester Branch of the NAACP.

Advance tickets are $25 for couples, $15 adults and $8 students and seniors. They’re available Sundays at church, and online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/222800.

At the door, tickets are $35 for couples, $20 adults, $10 students and seniors.

The church is located at 145 W. Rose Tree Road, two blocks west of Route 252.

For more information, contact Jean Lenke at lenke@gmail.com or 484-431-3524.

More Details & History: In 2002, UUCC held the first "Concert for the Community". The idea was to produce a musical and give the proceeds from the performances to a charity. Approximately $4,000 was given to The Support Center for Child Advocates. This program has continued with funds raised yearly, mostly through musical events, to benefit the Chester NAACP for college scholarships.

Thank you very much.

Jean Lenke

Longtime Sunoco employee suffers deadly heart attack

2012-02-01T03:36:00.002-05:00

I was expecting a obituary, but never a full article on the shocking death of my talented co-worker, Mark Bennett.

Of course, there’s always more to any story but I couldn’t help but to shake my head at this line...He had hypertension and, according to court records, was facing financial difficulties.

Hummm. That’s not a good combination to have when February 29 is fast approaching.

I’ll always remember Mark as the guy who couldn’t stop laughing at me one morning. He pointed at me and said, “You’re the C-Cityblogger.”

After he confessed that he discovered my alias at home the night before, I couldn’t stop laughing.

We’re ready to name a couple pieces of equipment after Mark because when no one else could fix them, we’d beg that Mark get assigned to the task.

He’ll be missed by a lot of people.

Click HERE for more

Chester Basketball Hats

2012-02-01T03:21:00.001-05:00

Support the highschool basketball team by buying one of these attractive hats for $20.

Purchase them at any home game (Thursday nite) or contact Zakiyyah Pickett-Spence 610-999-5658.

Jimmie Moore on Fox 29

2012-01-31T22:12:00.003-05:00

Watch Judge Moore LIVE with ‘Mike and Sheinelle’ on Good Day FOX 29.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012.

Tune in between 7:15AM - 7:30AM

Widener Offers Free Workshop for High School Students on Entrepreneurship

2012-01-31T18:44:00.000-05:00

Widener University’s School of Business Administration will host a free academic workshop for area high school students on Friday, Feb. 17, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The workshop is designed to introduce students to the skills needed to one day own and operate a business. Participants will work with Widener faculty to develop business plans for clients from the Widener Small Business Development Center. A program for parents will run simultaneously.

For more information, contact Jessica Hoopes at jfhoopes@widener.edu or 610-499-4304. Register online at www.widener.edu/sbaentrepreneurworkshop.

Jimmie Moore says 'Call in the National Guard'

2012-01-31T18:39:00.004-05:00

Philadelphia has averaged greater than a murder per day since the beginning of the year. Congressional candidate Jimmie Moore is not happy. Are you?

Enough is Enough: Call in the Guard

The murder rate in this city has reached epidemic proportions. Our local law enforcement agencies are stretched to the limit, and that is why I am calling for the support of the National Guard to support the brave men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department in their efforts to not only respond to but also prevent the record levels of violent crime spreading across the city and leading to a state of emergency. We are only one month into 2012 and there are already 32 murders on the books, that’s more than a murder a day.

The National Guard is frequently called on to aide cities in crisis, including post-Katrina New Orleans, Camden, and Chicago. The presence of this arm of the military can have a proactive effect on communities through the prevention of violent crime. Philadelphia has seen a rise in unprovoked acts of violence that requires the most drastic of measures, including the fatal beating of a recent Temple graduate in Old City, and the Vietnam veteran assaulted by teens in Olney. That is why the presence of the National Guard is urgently needed in the city; we must not be a silent party to this culture of crime.

A particularly senseless act of violence this past weekend involving a cab driver and passenger brought to light the paralysis of a community that sits and watches in terror as these brazen assaults were perpetrated before their eyes. Our residents are gripped with fear; this is not a time to put sunglasses over the black eye that is this violent scourge upon our city: it is time to move forward and go to the doctor. Yes, we should be ashamed that a small number of criminal s have taken over our neighborhoods, but we must not be so ashamed and proud that we turn our backs on the most vulnerable to save face in front of the nation, and if that means drawing national attention to the danger in our midst, then so be it. It is time to take the bold action of asking for the federal government to step in and help us take back the city.

I applaud the law enforcement officers and public officials who work tirelessly to make this city a safer place to live. The federal government should be providing all available resources to help these public servants protect the citizens of Philadelphia, and that includes the deployment of the National Guard to patrol and provide surveillance in our most at-risk neighborhoods and populations. Just like the community leaders in the movie “Jaws” didn’t want to close the beach down because it would be bad for tourism and a black eye on their town, there will be those that don’t want to stigma of having what they might call martial law in Killadelphia. Meanwhile, we cannot stand idly by while the jaws of violence are terrorizing, maiming, and killing our neighbors. In 2011 Philadelphia had the highest murder rate of large cities in this country. Building a coalition between local and national law enforcement bodies is the solution we need to defeat the violence that has swept across our city, and overcome the fear that has taken hold in our communities.

Black History Month at Crozer Library

2012-01-31T18:32:00.003-05:00

Click to Enlarge

Chester Community Charter Response to the court

2012-01-31T18:29:00.004-05:00

David Clark, CEO, CCCS

We are, of course, disappointed by today's ruling by the Commonwealth Court. Although it does not reach the merits of the case, the Court’s decision not to order immediate payment to Chester Community Charter School (CCCS) of approximately $7 million that is overdue, a deficit that will soon be $10 million on February 5 and over $13 million on March 5 without Court intervention, imperils CCCS and its students.

The implication of the ruling is that the charter school – and its three thousand Chester students – should suffer the negative effects of program reductions and layoffs in order to establish credibility for our reasonable efforts to obtain the funding required to continue to provide high quality education to the children of the City of Chester.

CCCS is the entity in Chester that built nine de novo school facilities on two campuses, managed its own budgets professionally and effectively, and whose students achieved AYP for three consecutive years. No doubt that is why parents in the city of Chester have gained such confidence in the school’s quality that CCCS now educates 60 percent of all K-8 grade students, in the city.

Unfortunately the ruling seems to imply that CCCS should discontinue all that has been done to provide these, and other, very favorable outcomes, and that our students are no longer deserving of a fully functioning educational experience, simply because the Chester Upland School District has not been able to handle its own fiscal affairs.

As an example, despite submitting a budget in June of $96 million for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, the District made no material changes to its operations and thus knew that it would be over-budget by tens of millions of dollars. Incredibly, according to the Inquirer, the District is on pace to overspend its budget by $27 million, a 28% increase from the budget it passed just seven months ago. Last year, CUSD’s budget was $113 million, so the District has outspent even last year’s budget when it knew full well that there would be a decrease in funding. Put simply, the District’s 2011-12 budget was a sham. All of this is occurring with charter schools like CCCS (and Widener) receiving less funding per student than the District.

In the midst of all this, the Secretary of Education has been acting as the Receiver for the District for approximately the last six years and has had representatives working in the District on an ongoing basis. Nevertheless, the State and the District have continued to run the District into the ground, and unfortunately CCCS is now endangered by the Secretary’s and the District’s fiscal irresponsibility.

In summary, CCCS takes significant issue with a ruling that suggests that the only way that CCCS can be entitled to receive funding for its students is to substantially reduce the overall effectiveness and quality of our school. Our attorneys will certainly contest this ruling.

Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson Honors Mom

2012-01-29T16:26:00.002-05:00

He became recognized as Temple's undersized do-everything power forward, he confused some people by changing his name from "Jefferson" to "Hollis-Jefferson" on the back on his jersey.

It wasn't confusing to him. It made perfect sense because it was an appropriate tribute to his mother, Rylanda Hollis.

Click HERE for more

Brothers of Concern Basketball Night

2012-01-29T16:22:00.001-05:00

Click to Enlarge

Biddy Basketball 2012

2012-01-29T16:15:00.000-05:00

It's not your grandfather's Biddy League Basketball, but it's still Biddy League Basketball.

Rob Knox joins ESPN

2012-01-27T08:45:00.000-05:00

I first met Rob Knox when we both worked at the Daily Times - he as a sports writer, me as an advertising manager.

He left DT to work at his alma-mater Lincoln University where he became their Sports Information Director. From there, he moved on to Kutztown University as their Sports Information Director.

A few months ago, I caught a very small mention on Delcotimes.com congratulating Rob for joining ESPN. As much as I thought that was a big deal, that was the last I heard of it.

Somewhere around Christmas, a co-worker and I made the run to pick up dinner for the crew at Famous Dave’s. To my surprise, that’s where I ran into Rob Knox having dinner with his family. Of course, I had to put in my request for an interview.

Rob and I finally connected this week on a phone call where he shared his ESPN story with me.

Rob works out of their Bristol, Connecticut facility and is responsible for obtaining the information from games that is used on the many ESPN platforms: TV, radio, print, web, and whatever else they have.

While watching the games, his staff compiles the stuff that is passed on to the on-air personalities who report the sport news to us on TV like they were watching all those games themselves.

Rob’s group is also responsible for that banner on the bottom of the screen that gives scores and stats while the ESPN program is in progress.

With only 5 months under his belt, Rob says he’s still learning everyday. He’s excited about the opportunity to work with ESPN because of the variety of career paths he could pursue with them.

Before we hung up, Rob said that he feels very blessed to be where he is today having been raised in the Chester housing projects on welfare.

And he is following the Chester Clippers basketball team very closely.

Click HERE for more or Rob Knox

Corbett's Food Stamp changes attacked by feds

2012-01-27T08:07:00.005-05:00

The federal official in charge of the U.S. food stamp program said Thursday that Pennsylvania’s plan to tie food-stamp benefits to people’s assets will save the state nothing and create more problems than it solves.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, in Philadelphia to discuss President Obama’s State of the Union message, said the asset test “is not going to save the commonwealth a single dime,” and would, in fact, cost the state money to implement.

Here’s some other comments

Mayor Nutter, at a City Hall news conference with Vilsack, was more pointed.

“This is one of the most mean-spirited, asinine proposals to come out of Harrisburg in decades,” he said. “I literally cannot understand what problem they are trying to solve.”

And to complete the triumvirate of Democrats denouncing the plan, U.S. Rep. Bob Brady (D., Phila.) called it “the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard of.”

Click HERE for more

SURVEY RESULTS: Should school taxes be raised in Chester?

2012-01-26T23:03:00.002-05:00

91 votes

NO: 68%

YES: 31%

The Chester public schools need money but it seems Chester people don’t want the money to come from them.

Nuf said.

SURVEY RESULTS: Which CUSD meeting will you attend?

2012-01-26T23:01:00.000-05:00

67 votes

Neither 44%

Both 22%

Pileggi’s 16%

Kirkland’s 16%

Probably one of my more stupidest polls.

Most readers of this blog are from outside of Chester, so I’m sure they stuffed the Neither ballot box.

Chester employees get no benefits?

2012-01-26T22:36:00.000-05:00

I’ll admit that I’m not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but I know what I hear.

At the last two council meetings, when they announced new appointments, they disclosed the appointee's start date, title, name, address, salary, the length of their probation period, and for some, the fact that they will not receive benefits.

Can anyone help me with this one?

In all my years of work, the benefit package includes vacation, sick time, insurance, 401k, health, vision, dental, etc.

If you’re hired as an independent contractor, the city doesn’t have to provide benefits, but can they do this for full time employees?

It’s probably just the way it’s being read in council. They’re making it sound like some new appointments are not going to receive benefits as full time employees.

I really think they mean that they’re not receiving benefits during their probation period...I hope.

Who’s Running CEDA?

2012-01-26T22:34:00.000-05:00

I wish y’all would stop calling me with these rumors. If I share them, people say I’m picking, but...

I hear that the recent Chester Economic Development Authority board meeting was quite interesting.

I won’t share names since all this is rumor, but the reigning director of CEDA handed in his resignation to the mayor days earlier. At the most recent board meeting, a number of people from a particular family showed up to the meeting being led to believe that their relative was going to be sworn in as director.

But it didn’t happen.

Therefore, CEDA is leaderless.

Who’s watching the money?

Linder’s Tinted Transparency

2012-01-26T10:52:00.000-05:00

I heard somewhere where Chester’s mayor John Linder campaigned on a platform of transparency.

That’s a tricky word and is too often used loosely by most politicians. What ends up happening is they tell you what they want you to know, not everything that’s going on.

Since all politicians do that anyway, it makes you wonder why they even use the word, transparency.

It gives the wrong impression to people who think they’re entitled to know everything. Ultimately, people are led to believe that politicians are hiding something when information is withheld and then they're accussed of not being transparent.

I find it curious that on each of the last two city council meetings, the Daily Times had to file a right-to-know request (thanks Senator Pileggi) to obtain a copy of the budget and salary ordinance.

Why would the city make budget changes, approve them, and withhold the final details from their constituents, by way of the press?

If the Daily Times doesn’t ask, the budget and salary amendments would remain a mystery to most of the city residents.

That’s what I call Tinted Transparency.

Chester Mayor forgets Ralph Moses House

2012-01-25T14:10:00.000-05:00

Today in city council, the mayor presented his first proclamation, and a very important one.

February 7th is proclaimed as Chester’s Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

The proclamation was beautifully written and presented by Mayor Linder to representatives from Crozer and ChesPenn.

But, how did Ms. Ruby Benson, manager of the Ralph Moses House get left out?

Located right behind Community Hospital, the beautiful ranch style home comprises homeless adult men living with HIV and AIDS whose medical condition allows them to live independently, but lack the necessary life skills to attain optimal levels of self-sufficiency.

The men generally remain in the facility for 9-12 months during which time they receive intensive medical case management and other services specifically designed to help them address their individual needs.

The Ralph Moses House allows men with HIV/AIDS to transition back into the general population in the most dignified setting you’ll find anywhere in the country.

Shame on you mayor for leaving them out of today’s presentation. I hope you correct this oversight.

Tyler Perry on Red Tails

2012-01-25T05:10:00.000-05:00

I thought I was finished with 'Red Tails' posts, but this Tyler Perry statement is interesting.

Unfortunately, movies starring an all African American cast are on the verge of becoming extinct. THAT’S RIGHT, EXTINCT! Ask any executive at a Hollywood Studio why, and most of them will tell you one of two things. The first thing they’ll say is that DVD sales have become very soft, so it’s hard for a movie with an all black cast to break-even. Secondly they’ll say, most movies are now dependent on foreign sales to be successful and most “black” movies don’t sell well in foreign markets. So what that means is you will begin to see less and less films that star an all black cast. Isn’t that sad in a 2012 America? Somewhere along the way we still haven’t realized that we are more alike then not.

I must tell you that I have been very fortunate to work with a studio that sees the value in my type of storytelling and filmmaking. As well as having you, an audience of all races of people, who have stood by me arm and arm. It has helped me navigate through some pretty rough waters.

I thought that as black people in Hollywood, this is just our reality, but I quickly realized that this is not racism. What made me realize this is I had a conversation with Mr. Star Wars himself, George Lucas, and he was telling me that he was having the same problem with Red Tails. I was blown away!

Red Tails is an important story about, not just black history, but American history about the Tuskegee Airmen. It has an all-star African American cast, including Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrence Howard, which opens this Friday.

He went on to say that he brought the movie idea of Red Tails to several studios and no one wanted to make this film…. AND THIS IS GEORGE LUCAS! Not to be deterred, he put up his own money, shot the movie then took it back to those same studios, and they wanted nothing to do with it. One of them even refused to see the film, citing the above mentioned problems. So George decided to take a huge risk by entirely funding the movie and releasing it himself. What a guy!

For him to believe so strongly in this story is amazing. I think we should pull together and get behind this movie. I really do! Not just African Americans, but all of us. I have seen the movie and screened it here in Atlanta. I loved it and I think you will too.

The Tuskegee Airmen, who were at the screening, were so happy that somebody is telling a small part of their story. (my highlight, not Perry's)

It opens this Friday. Please take your kids, you will enjoy it and so will they. There is a lot of action and adventure and also a great history lesson to be learned.

George, I just want to say, thank you for having the courage to do this.

Tyler

Quote of the Day

2012-01-25T04:24:00.003-05:00

Be yourself, everyone else is taken. ~Recyclops

Who was Sara Furguson sitting with in Michelle Obama's box

2012-01-25T04:23:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Sara Furguson for being invited to the State of the Union address last night.

Here's a cool web page to learn who Ms. Furguson was joined with in the First Lady's box.

When you find Ms. Furguson's seat, you read where the White House made a slight boo-boo. See if you can find it.

Click HERE to view

Disaster Recovery seminar in Chester Feb 8

2012-01-24T15:12:00.001-05:00

"Beyond the Walls, a Community Development Corporation of Word Walking Empowerment Ministries, invites the public to attend a disaster awareness and response seminar. The seminar will take place on February 8, 2012, at 7:00 p.m., at 1032 Townsend Street, Chester, PA.

A representative of the Delaware County Emergency Management team will provide attendees with information on how to prepare for and prevent emergencies and how we can aid others with disaster recovery.

The seminar is free and open to the public; however, space is limited.

Please preregister today to reserve you seat by emailing btwcdc@gmail.com.

Chester's PPL Park to host MLS All-Star Game

2012-01-24T11:43:00.001-05:00

The Philadelphia Union will host the 2012 MLS All-Star game at PPL Park.

A news conference has been scheduled for today at Philadelphia City Hall featuring MLS commissioner Don Garber, Union CEO Nick Sakiewicz, Philadelphia mayor Michael Nutter and Chester, Pa., mayor John Linder.

Check out www.PhiladelphiaUnion.com for more

Or Click HERE

Jimmy Castor - Funk Legend

2012-01-24T10:42:00.000-05:00

I know I’m late, but I just learned Jimmy Castor passed away over the weekend.

Man, did we have a lot of fun with his songs growing up. You still hear his samples on a lot of songs today.

“What we gonna do right here is go back, way back, back into time...”

Y’all know the rest.

Click HERE for more

How Funding Charter Schools works in PA

2012-01-24T07:30:00.001-05:00

Contrary to popular belief, the existence of charter schools within a school district does not contribute to budgetary shortfalls. In fact, when a student chooses a charter school education, not only does the student change schools but also the cost of educating the student changes schools.

In other words, while the school district “loses” funding when a student makes the choice to receive a charter school education, the school district also loses the cost of educating that student. And significantly, the funding that follows the student is not 100% of the cost of educating that student because of how funding is calculated under the Pennsylvania Charter School Law.

Historically, as an example, Pennsylvania charter schools have received about 75% of the per-student funding levels that have been available to their school districts. That being the case, the school district actually enjoys a financial windfall when a student leaves.

The Charter School Law guarantees payments to charter schools. This is necessary because, unlike school districts, charter schools cannot levy taxes to support their school. Also, unlike private schools, charters cannot charge tuition. Thus, charter schools rely almost entirely on statutory funding under the Charter School Law to fund their operations.

CCCS, for example, receives 83% of its entire operating budget from CUSD. The remaining 17% comes from payments by other school districts and federal funding.

CCCS is currently owed at least $6,881,849.32 by the Chester-Upland School District.

That amount is only the sum that both PDE and Chester-Upland agree is owed. CCCS also has taken the position, in litigation, that additional sums are owed beyond the agreed-upon amount.

In addition to the $6,881,849.32, CCCS is also by law entitled to at least an additional $15,094,329.60 in funding from CUSD through June of 2012. This totals $21,976,178.92.

Chester-Upland’s latest request for an advance is at least the second request in the last year for an advance. These multiple requests indicate that Chester-Upland is unable to stay within its budget and to control spending.

The funds owed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to CCCS, according to the Pennsylvania Charter School Law, first flow through the school district, which is then required by law to make 12 equal payments to CCCS, according to a fixed, statutory formula, no later than the fifth day of each month.

Through January 2012, CCCS has experienced 11 consecutive defaults by CUSD, and the lack of timely payments has placed the charter school, and the continuing education of more than 3000 students, at risk.

On December 29, 2011, Chester Community Charter School announced that it had filed suit, in the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and Chester-Upland School District. (http://ujsportal.pacourts.us/docketsheets/CommonwealthCourtReport.aspx?docketNumber=632%20MD%202011)

On January 19, 2012, Chester Community Charter School announced that it had filed an emergency motion in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to reconsider its January 17, 2012 temporary restraining order regarding school funding in Chester Upland. Community Parents of Students at Chester Community Charter School also moved for reconsideration of the court’s order.

About Chester Community Charter School

Chester Community Charter School (“CCCS”) started with 97 students and has steadily increased to more than 3,000 in nine state-of-the-art buildings, in only 13 years. This school is a true community success story that has transformed the lives of thousands of students and their families.

Chester, Pennsylvania is a formerly vibrant manufacturing center in a Philadelphia suburb, with 37,000 residents, a black population of 75.7 percent, and a median household income of $25,703, about $14,000 below the statewide figure. Over 25 percent of Chester residents fall below the poverty line, nearly two-and-a-half times the Pennsylvania rate. Yet, despite drawing from the same pool of students as other schools in the Chester-Upland School District (the “District”), CCCS has been able to produce consistently superior student test results on statewide standardized tests.

For example, CCCS has achieved its Adequate Yearly Progress (“AYP”) figures, established and measured by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (“PDE”), for three consecutive years and counting. The District, on the other hand, has been ranked, perennially, as the worst school district in the Commonwealth (501st among 501 Pennsylvania School Districts) and only two of its nine schools reached their AYP targets in 2011.

Despite CCCS’ clear fiscal and academic advantages, the District, in coordination with the PDE, has unsuccessfully attempted to illegally cap CCCS’ student enrollment and continues to deliberately miscalculate the School’s monthly disbursements.

Moreover, the District continues to evade its funding obligation to CCCS, altogether. Since March, the District has refused to convey to CCCS the statutorily allocated payments the school depends on for its daily operation and instead, has retained these funds for its own use. Such payments account for approximately 83 percent of CCCS’ entire budget.

Chester Community Charter march on Harrisburg today

2012-01-24T07:26:00.002-05:00

On January 24, 2012, Chester Community Charter School (CCCS), the largest K-8 charter school in Pennsylvania, accompanied by Dave Clark, CEO, Chester Community Charter School, more than 100 Chester residents, concerned CCCS parents of its students, and community members, will demonstrate and deliver signed petitions to ensure that seriously delinquent funding required to continue their children’s education at the school is not curtailed or further delayed, as it has been over the past year.

One group of parents will convene at Senate Education Hearing, Room One, North Office Building. A second group of parents will proceed to the Governor’s office, Capitol, 2^nd Floor, to deliver signed petitions. Parents then reconvene on front steps of Capitol to issue a statement.

(On December 29, 2011, the school filed a lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in that regard, in the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court).

Red Tails vs HBO's The Tuskegee Airmen

2012-01-23T14:15:00.001-05:00

I’ll never be able to convince the Red Tails fans that my opinion of that movie is not very favorable. Unfortunately, some are confusing my critique of the movie as a critique of the airmen.

I’m normally not one to believe movie critics when they rate movies, but I agree with most of them who rate Red Tails no better than 2.5 stars.

On a cold and rainy Tuesday afternoon, I visited my local library, and at the request of a reader’s comment, I took the HBO Tuskegee Airmen DVD home to view.

There is absolutely no comparison. Save your money. Pop your own popcorn.

Borrow the HBO version, stream it from Netflix, or buy one off Amazon for $7.

Besides giving a far more comprehensive storyline, the acting by Laurence Fishburne, Courtney Vance, Andre Braugher, and John Lithgow was first rate.

Tuskegee Airmen material at Crozer Library

2012-01-23T11:34:00.002-05:00

Click to Enlarge

Already, several of the books have been checked out, but the HBO movie and four documentaries are on the shelves.

The documentaries are FREE (with a library card) and can be borrowed for 7 days.

Resurrecting Moton Field - 2009

A Celebration of Moton Field - 2009

PBS - Tuskegee Airmen - 2003

Flying for Freedom - 2007

HBO - The Tuskegee Airman - 1995

Crozer Library is on 7th and Engle Streets in Memorial Park.

What is a Hero?

2012-01-23T11:19:00.003-05:00

The Tuskegee airmen were heros.

The 9-11 first responders were heros.

The policeman that died in the line of duty was a hero.

The dictionary defines HERO as a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievement, or noble qualities.

Thus, the airmen, first responders, and policeman fit that definition.

Yet, these individuals were simply doing their job.

A lot of people just do their job and never are labeled as a hero, no matter how routine or dangerous their tasks may be.

Before I read the above definition, I always saw heros as people who go over and above the call of duty, usually in an area they are not expert in.

For example, the ordinary citizen who rushes into a burning house and rescues a dog from the second floor window is a hero.

The 8th grade girl who submits a science project that forever standardizes what a measured teaspoon or tablespoon of medicine is, as opposed to the random spoon out the drawer, is a hero.

By the above definition, most of you are heros on your jobs. You balance the books, make the coffee, sell the products, paint the walls, coach the kids, drive the cabs, write the legislation, sing the songs, as good as the best of them. Just because there’s no measure of danger in your tasks shouldn’t disqualify you from being labeled a hero, should it?

Even when danger is involved, like on my job, when we risk our lives to solve a problem, we’re not labeled as a hero. That’s what we are trained to do. But if YOU walked into a refinery and there was a vessel about to explode and spew dangerous chemicals in the air from high temperatures and pressures, you would be a hero if you could remedy the situation, because no one would expect you to know what to do.

A couple weeks ago, the surgeon that operated on my father came out to tell me how his progress was far greater than expected. I told the doctor that he was a hero.

He gave me a funny look and went about his business.

I guess he just thought he was doing his job.

More Pennsylvanians Could Find Themselves on Brink of Being Homeless

2012-01-23T08:04:00.003-05:00

Tom Joseph

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Fewer Pennsylvania families and veterans found themselves homeless in the past two years - a positive sign during rough economic times. But a new report from the National Alliance to End Homelessness says that scenario is bittersweet.

Steve Berg, Alliance vice president for programs and policy, says at least some credit for those improving numbers goes to $1.5 billion in stimulus money for homelessness prevention and re-housing during the recession.

"All those underlying economic problems are still very bad, and the money that was part of the stimulus bill is running out in many communities, so we're still very concerned that the good news is not going to last."

Berg says one area where Pennsylvania saw a sizable increase was in the number of people "doubled up" - generally, low-income individuals living with someone else because they can't afford a place of their own.

"It went up 17 percent to over 200,000 people, just in this state. It doesn't take much for conflict to arise and the people are asked to leave, and the next thing you know, they're at a shelter or living in their cars."

Berg says maintaining some of the improvements Pennsylvania has seen on homelessness comes down to making a financial commitment to the programs that stimulus money kick-started.

"These programs actually save money by keeping people out of shelters, by keeping people out of emergency rooms of hospitals, by keeping people out of jail. It's a good investment - people just have to think to do it."

The Alliance report estimates that the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg metros alone have approximately 15,000 people with no place to call home.

The full report is available at www.endhomelessness.org.

Wal-Mart names black woman to head Sam's Club

2012-01-23T07:56:00.002-05:00

Wal-Mart Stores, the world's biggest retailer, said Friday that it has named Rosalind Brewer CEO of Sam's Club— the first woman and the first African-American to hold a CEO position at one of the company's business units.

Click HERE for more

FYI, my former IBM boss, Nancy Stewart, although not newly appointed, is Wal-Mart’s Senior Vice President and CTO of Information Systems Division.

The top tech woman at the world’s top retailer, Stewart is in charge of Wal-Mart’s internal infrastructure and technology, as well as the technology for the company’s worldwide operations, facilities, and systems. Wal-Mart is widely lauded for its cutting-edge ways with tech. And just as the retailer’s buying decisions can make or break the suppliers of its 6,700-plus stores, its IT shopping list is of critical interest to Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft, and other major vendors. Before joining Wal-Mart in 2004, Stewart was at GM and IBM.

Nancy was no joke...whew!

Daily Times hypes Brothers of Concern

2012-01-23T07:34:00.000-05:00

I regrettably had to work and couldn't be in the Real Men Read photo, or take the group photo myself. Both actions would have been an honor.

When you hear the name Brothers of Concern, there’s no doubt what the organization represents. But what makes BoC special is that they really execute exactly what their name says.

That point should not be taken for granted.

Chester has so many organizations, some over 100 years old, and many of them have lost their mojo - if they ever had any at all.

Brothers of Concern is comprised of a group of focused individuals (men and women) whose only problem is prioritizing the many ideas and activities they have come up with to assist men of all ages realize their great potential.

As I read Daily Times editor Phil Heron’s piece in today’s paper, I had to chuckle at his response when asked if the paper would be interested at promoting BoC’s ‘Real Men Read' program. “Yeah, you could say I was interested. Actually, I have a vested interest.”

Those of us who enjoy writing and sharing information often wonder - Is anyone reading this stuff!

Phil is measured on newspaper sales and I’m measured on page views. Yet, neither of us can determine with any certainty, who exactly is reading our stuff.

For too long, the running joke has been - If you don’t want a black man to learn about something, put it in a book.

I am overjoyed at the Real Men Read program. The only thing that has come close is the NBA’s ‘Reading is FUN-damental’ campaign. The play on words is catchy, and seeing NBA stars reading to classrooms is cute. But when you have guys from your own community promoting reading, it really hits home and connects with the neighborhood kids in a manner that a TV campaign of superstars can’t.

I'm looking forward to sharing the Brothers of Concern Book of the Month Club list. I do know that the first book on the list is Carter G. Woodson's, The Mis-Education of the Negro. I've already dusted off my copy and started re-reading it.

You will soon see space reserved on this blog for Brothers of Concern and be sure to follow them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/brothers.concern).

School District Quotes of the Day

2012-01-21T17:54:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I get it, sometimes I don't.

It would send the wrong message to other districts if the state was to bail out Chester Upland, says Gov Corbett

That’s pretty clear.

The district is the most heavily taxed in Delaware County based on its ability to pay and is annually one of the highest-taxed school districts in the state, according to the lawsuit.

Confusing.

More than 50 percent of the assessed properties in the school district's area are exempt from real estate taxes, the lawsuit said.

So, are the remaining 50% the ones that are heavily taxed?

Also, delinquent taxes in the district are regularly 29 percent off of taxes assessed. Many of the properties in the school district that accumulate delinquent taxes do not sell at delinquent tax sales, and raising tax levies in the predominately poor district merely increases the delinquency rate, the lawsuit said.

One-third of the people who should be paying school taxes don’t.
Selling delinquent tax properties don’t recover back taxes.
Raising taxes will increase tax delinquencies.

Tax revenue makes up about 18 percent of the school district's budget, but because of delinquencies, funds may not always be realized, Mann said in her letter.

Taxes make up 18% of the budget, but they never get all 18% of the money.

Red Tails - where's the beef?

2012-01-21T09:42:00.001-05:00

'Red Tails' reminded me of an After School Special.

It's obvious, the purpose of the movie was to only introduce the Tuskegee airman's story. Besides the great fighter plane action scenes, there wasn't much else I'd consider engaging.

It was nice to see so many black actors and singers getting some work but no one was Oscar worthy.

And why did they keep walking and driving in the mud at their camp but it never rained?

As far as WWII movies that depict the plight of the black soldier, Miracle at St. Anna is the movie to be measured by. At least with that movie I not only felt the horrors of war but became emotionally engaged in the story and didn't feel like the story was 'dumbed down' for my enjoyment.

Red Tails wasn't a complete disappointment but it was far from an epic tale that the Tuskegee airman deserve.

Terrence Stamps show CANCELLED

2012-01-20T14:58:00.001-05:00

Just got word that the show promoters pulled the plug on tomorrow's show at Harrahs.

Delaware and Chester county families receive $85,000 in scholarships

2012-01-19T20:14:00.003-05:00

Students from the Widener University Child Development Center accept a check for scholarships through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.

The funding for the scholarships was provided through a donation by AETNA to the Bravo Foundation. Pictured in back, State Rep. Nick Micozzie (R-Delaware) and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) celebrate the scholarship funds at a Jan. 19 event held at the Widener Child Development Center.

AETNA and the Bravo Foundation awarded funds totaling $85,000 to families in Chester and Delaware counties to use for education at both the Widener Child Development Center in Chester, Pa., and the Nicholas School in Clifton Heights, Pa.

Today's Rumors

2012-01-19T12:56:00.001-05:00

Kimberly Clark is about to have a big layoff.

Dru Hill is coming to Harrah's Chester Februray 18th. Tickets on sale now.

Brian McKnight is coming to Harrah's Chester March 9th. Tickets on sale tomorrow.

Judge Jimmie Moore Embarks on Listening Tour of Chester

2012-01-19T12:25:00.001-05:00

Click to Enlarge

January 18, 2012 Kicking off a week long listening tour of Chester on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Judge Moore has had the pleasure of meeting with and hearing from folks from all walks of life in the City. Speaking with seniors, parents, activists, nurses, and clergy, Judge Moore has been impressed by the hardworking, dedicated community members who have been empowered to take control of their city and are fighting for their children, families, and jobs. "The energy, commitment, and drive that this group of individuals has shown in refusing to be a throw-away, third-class city is overwhelming, and you have inspired me to work harder to listen to the needs of Chester and the ideas emerging from new discussions among its community leaders.”

Presently, the most urgent issue facing the city of Chester is the bankruptcy of its school system. Students have been sent home from school for lack of funding. The incredible teachers, staff, and parents of the district have been working without pay because they refuse to give in to the apathy that the state has shown with regard to these children’s futures.

None of Chester-Upland's problems arose overnight. It is unconscionable that the situation has come to such a dramatic head. Chester-Upland received 70% of its funding from the commonwealth, making it particularly vulnerable after the governor's budget cuts last summer. The district is also unique in that 45% of its students attend charter schools, 45% of the district's budget goes to fund them. The high school graduation rate of the district is 51%, among the lowest in the state. Additionally, 72% of Chester-Upland's students qualify for free or reduced price lunch. A major reason why shutting down the district, even temporarily, is not an option is that for many kids school is the only place where they get a healthy meal.

Moore says “As I learn how deeply they care about, and how hard its citizens work to improve their city, I believe even more strongly that Chester deserves a representative who listens, cares, and is willing and able to think outside the box in order to find bold solutions for the revitalization of an already great community.” Judge Moore looks forward to teaming up with parents, teachers, and local educational institutions to create partnerships that will uplift both the school district and the city.

Kirkland makes a case for Audit of CUSD

2012-01-19T09:59:00.002-05:00

Here is St. Rep. Kirkland’s case in a nutshell...

The governor and Pennsylvania Department of Education have said that there’s been a mismanagement of funds
The state cannot continue to send more money to Chester Upland if the funds are going to be mismanaged
Former Secretary of Education declared in 2007 that a sound financial structure had been re-established in the district
The empowerment board replaced the board of control shortly thereafter
If the district has mismanaged its funds, it came under the watch of the empowerment board or elected board
Someone has to be held responsible, which some call pointing the finger or finding fault, but it must be done because the kids have been robbed financially and academically

How far will an audit go to resolve the problem of getting money in the district next month?

Who do you think messed up the ‘sound financial structure’ of 2007?

SURVEY RESULTS: Did you have MLK day off?

2012-01-19T09:40:00.001-05:00

71 votes

YES-Holiday 54%

NO-Had to work 39%

YES-Took vacation/sick day 5%

Martin Luther King Day has thrown the holiday schedule upside down.

Some companies give employees the day off, others don’t. Some use it as an optional floating holiday.

Some companies stopped giving workers President’s Day off when MLK Day came around so they can use the excuse that they don’t give any holidays that honor people. But they still give Christmas off which is supposed to honor a person.

MLK Day is the only holiday that people expect you to work, even if you have the day off. The slogan is, “It’s a day on, not a day off.”

It’s the only national holiday that the retailers haven’t figured out what to put on sale in their stores. Of course, you wouldn’t expect Sears to have a White Sale, but Home Depot should consider a Paint and Broom Sale since volunteers are charged to paint murals and clean up public buildings on Martin Luther King Day.

I wonder how Martin would like to see his day honored.

C-City TV 002

2012-01-18T15:51:00.001-05:00

My review of the Chester City budget

2012-01-18T10:50:00.001-05:00

I got my paws on the two 2012 City of Chester budgets: the one approved in November 2011, and the one amended in January 2012.

Without boring you with exact numbers, here’s the general changes in some of the areas. Come to your own conclusions by section.

Mayor

The salary for the Mayor’s staff was increased by about $40,000 and all overtime was eliminated ($9000).

Professional services increased by $200,000.

Car allowance was eliminated.

Crozer Library was reduced by $107,000 (an alleged mistake).

Solicitor

Staff salary increased $55,000

All council car allowances increased $1,800

Other than that, there were some minor budget changes in the police department and there was a lot of reduced or eliminated overtime across the board.

I believe they’re going to work that $107,000 library money back into the budget so we’ll see how that affects the next version of the budget.

The real 'Red Tails' was in Chester

2012-01-18T10:17:00.001-05:00

Airman Eugene Robinson at Crozer library - Nov 2007

Red Tails, the hot new movie hitting the big screen this week, tells the story of the black pilots in the Tuskegee training program facing segregation while kept mostly on the ground during World War II.

Who remembers that the Red Tails story was told first hand at the Crozer Library in November 2007 by an actual Tuskegee airman?

Sadly, only a few folks came out to hear airman Eugene Robinson tell the many stories facing the Tuskegee airmen.

Maybe if we can get him back we’d have a room full of people.

Here’s the Chester Spotlight account below.

Click to Enlarge

The Juicy Clips of Korri Brown discussing Chester Upland

2012-01-18T10:04:00.000-05:00

Click HERE for the full broadcast

$2 Family Line Dance at Stetser Jan 27

2012-01-17T17:13:00.003-05:00

Click to Enlarge

Real Men Really Read

2012-01-17T16:34:00.000-05:00

Brothers of Concern and the men of Chester pose for the Real Men Really Read campaign poster. Note: Each man is holding a book.

Will PA "Fix" Broke School District?

2012-01-17T16:26:00.002-05:00

Although the situation has temporarily been averted, there are a few choice lines in this release.

Tom Joseph

HARRISBURG, Pa. - After today, a Pennsylvania school district officially runs out of money, and the state's largest public employees union is concerned that the state is turning its back on the situation. The Chester-Upland School District says it cannot pay its bills beyond Tuesday, and the state has refused to advance the district money for teacher and staff salaries.

Linda Cook, who heads the Southeast Region of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), says the teacher's union members are stepping up.

"As long as they are individually able, they will continue to work for the district, even if they are not paid."

PSEA President Michael Crossey calls the situation "unprecedented and unfortunate," adding that any number of lower income districts in the state could find themselves in the same boat. As a whole, he says Pennsylvania's educational system still has a lot going for it.

However, Crossey says, "It needs to have resources, and if you starve it of resources, then you're going to have things like this happen. We're the adults in the room; we need to figure out how to take care of the kids in the room."

Chester-Upland elementary teacher Bonita Walker says arguing over whether schools should stay open misses the point.

"It shouldn't be these political games; it shouldn't be pointing fingers at anyone or who's at fault. But we really should put children first."

State education officials claim that between 2006 and 2010, budgets and staff size went up in the district, even as enrollment dropped by almost 1,000 students. District leaders claim the deficits began to pile up years earlier than that, when the district was under state control. The district has filed a lawsuit asking that the state be ordered to increase financial support, so that it can continue to educate students.

Chester vs Pennwood on CN8 tonight at 7:30

2012-01-17T16:21:00.000-05:00

If you have Comcast, and I don't, you can check out the Chester vs Pennwood game on CN8.

How they're going to fit a couple TV cameras in that little gym is a mystery to me.

If you were lucky enough to win the lottery for tickets to the game, they will be locking the doors at 6:15, forcing you to watch the JV game.

Widener names assistant dean to build partnerships with Chester

2012-01-17T16:15:00.002-05:00

Elizabeth Housholder Named Assistant Dean of Civic Engagement at Widener University

Chester, Pa. – Elizabeth Housholder joined the Widener University staff in November 2011 taking on the brand new roll as assistant dean of civic engagement. Before taking on this role, Housholder was the program director for leadership development at Temple University, founding the university’s Office of Leadership Development in 2009.

Though her career started in communications, interning for a press secretary on Capitol Hill and working as the associate editor of a regional magazine, Housholder’s real passion is working with young adults and fostering their leadership development. She is excited for the opportunity this new position offers, as she has a great passion for civic engagement and leadership development and is eager to support and further the civic mission of the university.

At Widener, Housholder will work to build partnerships within the Widener and Chester community, supporting existing and developing new civic engagement programs, overseeing the Presidential Service Corps/Bonner Leaders and Community Fellows, organizing the new leadership and civic engagement living learning community, and supporting service-learning classes.

“I want to build bridges,” she said. “I am hopeful that by enhancing the curriculum and opportunities in the community we can identify authentic ways to build mutually beneficial relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the Chester community.”

Though she grew up in Kendallville, IN, Housholder now calls Philadelphia home. She remains an adjunct faculty member at Temple University, where she teaches leadership courses in the Department of Strategic Communication. Housholder earned her master’s degree from Miami University in college student personnel and her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Hanover College. A doctorate is next on her list of pursuits.

Chester and Delaware County Students to receive $85,000 scholarships

2012-01-17T12:31:00.000-05:00

Qualified students from Widener University Child Development Center and the Nicholas School will receive scholarships totaling $85,000 through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.

The funding for the scholarships was provided through a donation by Aetna to the Bravo Foundation.

Bravo Foundation is an educational scholarship organization and is recognized as an approved 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. The foundation’s mission is to aggressively seek scholarship opportunities for families throughout Pennsylvania.

Since its inception, the foundation has been instrumental in distributing nearly $6 million in scholarships to families in need.

Senator Dominic Pileggi and State Rep Nicholas Micozzie will assist in the check presentation on Thursday, January 19 at the Widener Child Development Center.

Also present will be Dennis Walsh, President of Bravo Foundation; Greg Martinio, President of AETNA; Dr. Noren Yoder, Director of the Widener Child Development Center; and Bobby Yodder, Nicholas School Representative.

Chester-Upland receives $3 mill

2012-01-17T09:00:00.001-05:00

Rumor has it, the state has released $3 million for the schools to stay open for a few weeks.
Who can confirm?

UPDATE: The Delcotimes.com confirms. Click HERE

Could we see Chester’s run to a 2nd consecutive championship be short-circuited

2012-01-17T05:05:00.001-05:00

Since a series of reports from southeastern Pennsylvania indicate the long-distressed Chester Upland School District is nearly out of money and could close within weeks, the answer is a resounding yes.

Although basketball would be a significant casualty — particularly since junior stud Rondae Jefferson and several other Clippers will have a legitimate opportunity to play on scholarship at the next level — the educational pursuits of the 3,600 children who attend Chester schools will be halted prematurely if doors are shuttered.

No wonder the folks in Chester sued the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Department of Education, Gov. Tom Corbett and several other lawmakers in an effort to prod Harrisburg into forwarding nearly $19 million in needed subsidies.

Plus, should the schools close and the community responds negatively, all hell could break loose in a cash-strapped city prone to chaos and violent crime

“It’s in God’s hands now,” former Chester basketball coach Fred Pickett told the Delco Times. “Sometimes God works in mysterious ways, but one thing is for certain — He’s always on time.”

Click HERE for source

Chester residents ready to press fight for schools

2012-01-17T04:49:00.002-05:00

Regardless of your political affiliation, here’s something we all can fight for.

Dozens of Chester residents gathered Monday afternoon at Chester Eastside Ministries to discuss ways they can pressure Gov. Tom Corbett to ensure the Chester Upland School District will remain open.

The residents agreed to demonstrate outside of the Chester Upland administration building and the federal court building in Philadelphia at 7 a.m. today (Tuesday). The latter is where a suit the district filed against the state will play out.

If you can’t join the demonstration, check out the Delcotimes.com special Tuesday night edition of Live from the Newsroom at 7pm, where they’ll be talking about the crisis in the Chester Upland School District.

Hosts Gil Spencer and Phil Heron will be joined by community activists Desire Grover, Tina Johnson and Rev. Bernice Warren who are leading today’s demonstration.

They are three community activists fighting for the state to adequately fund the district without opting to declare the district financially-distressed and bring in a state board of control.

Click HERE for more

Widener Gospel Choir performs at 6pm

2012-01-16T10:58:00.000-05:00

After dinner, head up to celebrate Martin Luther King at 6:30 p.m., at the Alumni Auditorium, Widener University, 14th and Walnut streets: Widener’s annual commemoration of King’s life, sponsored by the Black Student Union, will include performances by the Widener Gospel Choir and reflections from members of the Widener community about the significance of King’s life and work.

Judge Jimmie Moore, Democratic Candidate for Congress (PA-01) Slams Corbett on Food Stamps

2012-01-16T04:46:00.004-05:00

January 11, 2012 Each year the federal government allocates money for food stamps to aid Americans who need help feeding their families. The families who benefit from this money are people who face enormous hurdles every day, searching for jobs, coordinating child-care, and making tough decisions about where their hard earned money should be spent.

Governor Corbett is fortunate enough not to have to make those hard decisions; if his car breaks down, the state provides another. If he ends up in the ER, he gets first class treatment and the bill is taken care of.

Apparently he cannot even comprehend what it might mean for a family to have to choose between preparing for an emergency, and preventing one’s children from going hungry.

This week he announced that beginning in May people under the age of 60 who have over $2,000 in savings and other assets, and people over 60 with more than $3,250, would no longer be eligible for food stamps.

This deplorable action not only punishes Pennsylvanians for being poor, it also punishes them for being responsible.

Truly, it is a blessed person who can put away money in the bank, whether to help pay for their kid’s college, prepare for unforeseen medical or auto repair bills, or the distant hope of someday retiring. These families on the edge of poverty are exactly people that federal programs like food stamps are intended to help.

But Governor Corbett’s imposition of this asset test is counterproductive to the federal government’s goal of lifting families out of poverty and into the middle class.

That is why I call on all the elected officials in Pennsylvania, particularly those elected to federal office, and especially those whose districts encompass the hungriest residents of our state, to urge Governor Corbett to reconsider his decision.

When I am elected to serve Pennsylvania’s First District in Congress (which includes Chester), I will not hesitate to stand up for my constituents, even when that means confronting the most powerful man in the state.

I refuse to stand idly by certain officials abuse their power to use federal dollars to help those in need.

I am committed to helping every eligible resident obtain the help they deserve.

That is why my staff and I will be available, now in our campaign office, and later in my Congressional District office, to personally help anyone who is eligible to apply for food stamps.

With these steps we can help transform the First District from the second hungriest in the nation to a healthy, safe community free from want.

Chester High School Boys Basketball League Schedule

2012-01-16T04:35:00.004-05:00

17 JAN TUE 6:00 Away Penn Wood

19 JAN THUR 6:00 Home Chichester

24 JAN TUE 3:30 Away Glen Mills

26 JAN THUR 6:00 Home Academy Park

31 JAN TUE 6:00 Away Interboro

02 FEB THUR 6:00 Home Penn Wood

07 FEB TUE 3:30 Away Chichester

09 FEB THUR 6:00 Home Glen Mills

Start times are for the JV game

Andre Cafe Acoustique Upcoming Shows

2012-01-16T04:25:00.000-05:00

We have some great music coming as a "Pre-Spring-Fling"!

Friday February 17 at 8pm:
WoJamm, featuiring Jazz and R&B Trumpeter Anthony Womack
See and Hear his work HERE

Friday March 2 at 8pm
Classical and Jazz Singer IVA (Emily Samson Tepe)See and Hear her work HERE

Friday March 16 at 8pm
Saxophonist William Thorpe with Paul Fejko (Piano), Tony "Stickman" Wyatt (Drums) and others!See a videoclip of a past performance at André Café Acoustique HERE

You have never heard a piano played like Paul Fejko plays

Save April 13 and 27 as there will be more to come!

Individual Tickets will be $25 at the door or $20 in AdVance online by credit card at www.andre-cafe.com

Please Note that AdVance sales on the web site will close at 3pm the day of the concert.Should you wish to purchase tickets in AdVance but are uncomfortable using a credit card on the web site, please make a check out to "André Café Acoustique" and mail it to André Café Acoustique, PO Box 408, Chester, PA. 19016. Please make certain you send it early enough to arrive the Wednesday before the chosen concert.

As I have no ticket office, AdVance payments in cash would have to be made by appointment only. For this, call: 610/742-1422

The André Café Acoustique is located on the NE corner of 5th Street and Edgmont Avenue in Chester, PA - Diagonally across from the Chester Post Office. There are directions and a map at www.andre-cafe.com. The Phone Number is: 610/742-1422

Remember, the ticket price includes the usual fine food and some liquid refreshment!!

Why don’t we attend Chester High basketball games?

2012-01-15T10:43:00.000-05:00

In 1994, I moved to Denver and Chauncey Billups (LA Clippers) was a senior at George Washington High.

One Saturday morning, GW was playing their cross town rival East High, and the gym was packed.

In an all black gym, the only white guys were sitting behind me. It was a family visiting Denver who heard about the big game and found their way to the gym.

Near the end of the game, the 10 year old boy from the visiting family said that they were from Indiana and if this game was being played there, it would have to be held in Conseco Fieldhouse.

I wonder what that kid would say if he came to the Clip Joint for a Chester home game against a league opponent and see how few people come out to see the best team in the state and 9th best team in the country?

The most common excuse I hear for not going to games is because you know Chester is going to whip up on all but Penn Wood and Glen Mills, who they are likely to whip up on too.

But if you won’t come out to support a winning team, what do you support?

Chester High home basketball games should be considered an affordable community event that the entire family can enjoy. CHS students should be working the event and showcasing their talents by showing their school spirit before and after the games for the fan’s enjoyment.

At only $5 a ticket, you get to see two games and hang out with all your friends and neighbors at least once a week for an enjoyable evening in the city.

We can get 500 people to rent a tux and pay $100 to party at Harrah’s, but we can’t get 200 people to slip on some jeans and pay $5 to watch the best basketball team in Pennsylvania.

C-Pride got it twisted.

Blogger Thanks Chester Teachers

2012-01-15T04:47:00.003-05:00

It’s a story about the brave men and women of the Chester Upland School District who are doing what many of us would not be willing to do: go into work every day without the promise of a paycheck, for the simple reason that the students need them. More than anything, it’s a reminder to thank a teacher.

Click HERE to read

Does Kirkland have any friends in Harrisburg?

2012-01-15T04:23:00.003-05:00

You’d think with 18 years experience as a State Rep, Thaddeus Kirkland would be wielding a lot of power as a legislator.

Yet, the Daily Times reports that folks don’t even return his calls.

State Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland, D-159, of Chester, sent a letter Wednesday to Secretary of Education Ronald Tomalis, asking for a meeting. In his letter, Kirkland said his staff has tried repeatedly to secure a meeting with the secretary, but to no avail.

I’d be the first to admit that there are people who don’t return my calls either, but in Kirkland’s case I wonder why he hasn’t joined his colleagues who are very likely to have their calls returned.

State Reps. Stephen Barrar, R-160, of Upper Chichester, Joseph Hackett R-161, of Ridley Township, Maria Donatucci, D-185, of Philadelphia, Thomas Killion, R-168, of Middletown, Greg Vitali, D-166, of Haverford, William Adolph Jr., R-165, of Springfield, along with state Sens. Dominic Pileggi, R-9, of Chester, Daylin Leach, D-17, of Upper Merion and Ted Erickson, R-26, of Newtown signed off on a letter Friday calling on Gov. Tom Corbett for immediate and decisive action.

It’s disturbing that all of our neighboring State Reps from both parties have joined forces to address the Chester-Upland school district issue, but Kirkland appears to operate alone.

Why?

Click HERE and HERE for more

$100 Refund from the Mayor?

2012-01-14T13:13:00.000-05:00

Should fired employees be refunded their $100 for the Mayor's Inauguration Ball tickets tonight?

Mayor Linder - Slow your Roll

2012-01-14T12:34:00.000-05:00

When Mayor Linder was elected, we all expected that there would be changes.

We looked forward to learning who he’d name to top spots in his administration, police force, and the various boards the city has a say in like the Chester Water Authority, Redevelopment Board, and CEDA. And we figured a number of non-union positions would change hands.

But not all in the first 10 days.

Does he realize that he’s been elected to a four year term? What’s the hurry?

I was wrong in thinking that he’d simply ease his way into office and ride the euphoria so many have for him.

Instead, he’s given himself a raise; hired a chief of staff related to the State Rep who allegedly will earn over $100K; brought folks into key positions from outside of town; gave his city council partners nearly $550 a month to drive around Chester; fired a dozen folks with no notice on Friday the 13th; named a police chief (oops, Commissioner) that doesn’t seem to be a fan favorite while demoting the fan favorite.

With every opportunity to make changes to the budget before it was approved, he choose to approve the 2012 budget, then totally amend it weeks later.

One amendment took $107,000 from the Crozer Library which he quickly says was a mistake.

Mayor, if you’re making $107,000 mistakes in your first couple weeks, please slow down. We really want you to be successful for the sake of our city.

Don’t let your haste ruin you from the start.

(If there is anything to do fast, get the boarded up windows fixed at city hall. It's an eyesore)