Chester vs Chichester - Rondae goes to Chicago

Chester 92 - Chichester 40

National League of Cities Highlights Chester

The National League of Cities Institute for Youth, Education, and Families recently highlighted the City of Chester and its Bureau of Health for their efforts to better serve community health concerns.

Following the adoption of First Lady Michelle Obama’s ‘Let’s Move!’ campaign by Hon. Mayor John Linder and Chester City Council, Chester Bureau of Health Commissioner Ieasa Nichols and Community Health Education Director, Rosetta Carter, set about creating programs designed to meet the goals of the ‘Let’s Move!’ initiative.

Through program implementation and community participation and support, including Widener University, White House Strong Cities Strong Communities (SC2), Crozer-Keystone, and others, Chester earned bronze and silver awards in two goals of the initiative.

Public Safety Director, Councilman William ‘Al’ Jacobs stated, “We could not be prouder of our residents, especially our children, for taking their healthy futures into their own hands and creating change through commitment. The success of our city depends on the health of our citizens and the bureau is passionate about both.”  

Chester gets new fire fighters

Hon. Mayor John A. Linder, Chester City Council, and Chester City Fire Commissioner James Johnson will swear in nine new apprentice Firefighters to the Chester City Bureau of Fire during their regular public council meeting this evening at 7PM inside Chester City Hall.

  

These apprentices graduated today from the Philadelphia Fire Academy along with one hundred sixty five new firefighters of the 186^th and 187^th Fire Cadet classes and the 31^st fire service paramedic class during commencement ceremonies held at the University of Pennsylvania Irvin Auditorium. Mayor John Linder and Council accompanied Chester City Fire Personnel and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter to address the graduates. 

Mayor Linder and Council will be available for comment following proceedings this evening.

Lomax Family to Acquire 9% PHL Local Gaming

Joseph Procacci (second from left), CEO, PHL Local Gaming, LLC., one of six bidders for the available casino management license in Philadelphia, poses with Bennett Lomax (far left), CEO, Lomax Companies, Walter Lomax Jr., M.D. (center), and Joseph Canfora (far right), president, PHL Local Gaming, LLC., at a recent press conference, where the company announced that the Lomax family committed to acquire 9 percent of PHL’s equity

PHL Local Gaming, LLC, one of six bidders for the available casino management license in Philadelphia, today announced that prominent, African-American business leader Walter Lomax Jr., MD, together with his family members, has committed to make a significant investment in the South Philadelphia-based gaming company at a level that, as presently constituted, would equal about 9 percent of the total equity in the venture.

It was also disclosed that the Lomax family will, along with other investors, have the opportunity to make additional equity investments in PHL Local Gaming LLC, up to a total of $40 million, over time.   As part of the Lomax investment, Dr. Lomax will become a member of PHL Local Gaming’s Board of Managers.

Black History Month at Crozer Library

The J. Lewis Crozer Library in Chester invites you to join us in celebrating African American history, culture, and achievement during Black History Month this February. Please register for all programs by calling Kim at (610) 494-3454, x204 or emailing crozerlibrary@gmail.com.

During the month of February, the Crozer Library Coin Drive aims to raise $500 for the Crozer Library Afterschool Program, which provides homework help, tutoring, and mentoring to Chester elementary-school students. Donations are accepted during normal library hours. Thank you for your generous support!

Sally Starr dies

The announcement of Sally Star’s death is a reminder of how TV has changed for children since we were kids.

Just like adults now wake to their favorite celebrity morning shows - Kelly and Michael, GMA, CBS This Morning - us kids woke to Sally Star, Captain Kangaroo, and Gene London. 

Now, children have their own 24 hour cartoon networks while us over grown kids enjoy Adult Swim, the Simpsons, Boondocks, South Park, Cleveland Brown, and other ratchet  nonsense. 

I have an aunt who lived near Sally Star’s home in south Jersey and I can confirm that she was a true cowgirl as she always had a few horses on her property. 

Thanks to Sally Star, I enjoy spinach and hamburgers from watching all those Popeye cartoons. 

Click HERE for more

The Flip Side of "Fake Online Girlfriend" -- Real Danger

The "fake online girlfriend" hoax involving Notre Dame football star Manti Te'o has made headlines for a couple of weeks now. But such sensationalism aside, a new report highlights very real dangers online relationships can present. It shows the Internet can be an especially dangerous place for teenage girls.

The lead author of the study, Dr. Jennie Noll, a psychologist, says 30 percent of teen girls report meeting face-to-face with people they met on the Internet, and the research shows those meetings are more likely to happen for girls who engage in high-risk behaviors.

Noll says those who troll the web for vulnerable teens are looking for a specific type of online profile.

"A girl who maybe has maybe put herself in a bikini, or describes herself as a sexual person, or describes herself as someone who is willing to engage in some sexual conversation," Noll says, might attract the attention of such a searcher. "Then that might be the person that you stop and talk to."

Threston C. Roots Scholarship Fund Launched

An Educational Prayer Breakfast kicked off an annual Charles E. Gordon Consistory #65 scholarship fund in the name of Threston C. Roots, which will be awarded to a deserving student from the area.

This morning at Franklin Lodge on West 3rd Street, many of the consistory members were on hand to participate in the launch. After a scrumptious meal, introductions, prayers, songs, and salutations, S.G.I.C. Roots gave his remarks.

Roots praised the work of the organization’s members but expressed concern that many in the community are not aware of their gracious and charitable works. He shared that when you’re constantly seen in your community as a giver and provider, people take notice and give you the respect you deserve. 

In that spirit, he announced the purpose of forming the scholarship was an effort to not only help a deserving student, but to provide an example of the type of activity all members should be striving for.

Roots also expressed that he would not be satisfied if less than $500 was collected from the room to go toward the scholarship. Reports imply that the room easily met that challenge, so he finally did take a seat.

The breakfast sermon was delivered by Minister Paul A. Adams, Sr. who used Roots’ community outreach message as a segue for his sermon on Can I get a Witness. 

If any of you would like to contribute to the Threston C. Roots scholarship fund, see any member of the Education Committee: Tobin Adams, Matthew Powell, Thomas Twine, Spencer Seaton, Robert Crawford, and Threston Roots. 

Veta Roots designs for Nene Leakes

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Veta Roots designed the dress Nene Leakes of Real Housewife’s of Atlanta is wearing on the cover of Today’s Black Woman Style Report - Feb/Mar 2013. Nene is also wearing another Roots design on the inside.

If you need a custom outfit, holla at my daughter.

CHAIdesigns 404-749-0527

American Cancer Society: Cancer Screenings Decline

The message has been preached for years: early cancer detection can improve outcomes. 

But cancer screenings have declined over the past 10 years, according to the American Cancer Society. 

ACA spokesman Chuck Reed says expense may be one reason - a mammogram can cost up to $300 if a person doesn't have health insurance in Pennsylvania, although low-cost and free screenings are available to those with low incomes. 

Another reason? Reed believes there's confusion about timing.

"People aren't sure exactly when to go in to get that first screening," he says. "And I strongly suggest to everybody to visit the American Cancer Society website and get our recommendations for screenings."

CUSD Community Partnership Team?

I question anyone even wanting to be a part of such a committee when he openly said to the press that they will not have any bearing on the decisions being made. I see this as some form of rubber- stamping his program to the community.

Click HERE for more

I was going to let this story go until I read Bill Riley’s editorial this morning. As much as I agree with Mr. Riley that this Community Partnership Team is nothing but window dressing, I’m intrigued how it’s politically decorated. 

Michelle’s bangs are contagious

Eight of eleven of you find the Michelle Obama bangs Modern & Stylish. Two of you say they’re Egyptian inspired and one of you think they resemble The Beatles.

I love the Obama family, but the Michelle bangs and parade outfit didn’t work for me. Watching her walk down Pennsylvania Avenue in that outfit seem like something a Wesley Snipes co-star would wear in a Blade movie. She was definitely striking but I’m attracted to glam. 

Now, the ball gown was on point, although the hair still distracted me. 

I checked with my good friend and Chester hairstylist Leroy Wood of Hair World and asked him about the Michelle bangs. He described them as classic. He laughed at my survey saying that he’s already received four appointments from women who want that same style. He also believes that those four will inspire several more. 

Where’s my Kerry Washington Doll?

I had every intention to buy a couple Django dolls. I knew they’d become collector items. More importantly, other than the Obamas, there aren’t any dolls of black celebrity being made. 

I guess they were only on sale for a few days before they shut them down. Unless you preordered, you didn't get them. 

I bet Scandal won’t come out with a K-Wash doll.

Click HERE for more 

Free Tutoring at The Better Life Center

After School ONE-ON-ONE TUTORING Free Tutoring Sessions for Students @ The Better Living Center Every Wednesday 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM.

The BLC and Holcomb Behavioral Health Presents "LIVING WITH PURPOSE" Workshops to help students Create Goals, Move Past Fear, and Take Action with Passion Workshops will be part of the Afterschool Tutoring Program. Refreshments Will be Served.

The Better Living Center is dedicated to providing resources and information that empowers the residents of Chester and DELCO to improve their lives.

Mayor John Linder attends CeaseFirePA

Chester's Police and Neighborhood Engagement Forum Part 2

City of Chester Community Liaisons & U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Division presents Chester's Police and Neighborhood Engagement Forum Part 2.

Our first forum was very informative and a success. We thank those of you who attended and final forum will take place on Monday January 28, 2013 at 6:00pm.

We have arranged a partnership with the Cops and Community group who are training both residents and officers on engaging and understanding one another here in the city of Chester.

We hope to see you at there and furthermore working with those of us who are committed to making Chester a better place!

Monday January 28, 2013. 6:00-8:00pm.Open to the Public!!! Light refreshments will be served. Murphy A.M.E Church, 700 Yarnall St. Chester PA 19013. 610-447-7700.

A Community Initiative in partnership with City of Chester. The Community Liaison Team.    

Chester City Hall Community Room Rates

The Community Room Rental Fee for Chester Residents is now $400.00. Non- Residents is now $650.00. A $100.00 deposit is required to secure your date.

For booking, please contact Duane Lee (610) 447-7725. Money Order Only. All Money Orders should be made out to: City of Chester.

Application Fee. There is a $50.00 license fee for any Parade, Mass Gathering or Special Event you would like to hold in the City of Chester. Special Events are defined as any gathering for any reason where it is reasonably expected to have One Thousand or more people attending the gathering at any one time.

Mass Gatherings are defined as any gathering of persons at a parade, carnival, circus, traveling show, music festival, flea market, or any other similar gathering of a group of persons. Parades are defined as a march or procession of any kind.

When considering holding a Parade, Mass Gathering or Special Event in the City of Chester, you will need to obtain an application for an event license. Please contact Joy Clark (610) 447-7724 for further instructions.

Black History Parade rescheduled

Please be advised that THE BLACK HISTORY PARADE AND INDOOR PROGRAM SCHEDULED FOR THIS SATURDAY HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL NEXT SATURDAY, FEB. 2ND. Times and locations ARE THE SAME.

Why MLK was kicked out of school at 5

The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. had something of an unusual education. Here are five things you may not know:

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Chester resident’s quest for peace results in King award

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Stefan Roots and Michael Robinson at 52

Walter White creates this concoction on his birthday on AMC's Breaking Bad. Since it's my 52nd today, I thought I'd borrow it from him for a day. 

Happy Birthday wishes also goes out to my dear friend and classmate, Rev. Michael Robinson. We arrived on the same day, in the same hospital. Could we be twins?

Obama is not Martin

I assume I’m the last to realize there will be no parade today down Pennsylvania Avenue. 

I was looking forward to an exciting 1-2 punch: President Obama’s inauguration today and Martin Luther King Day events tomorrow. 

Combining the the events on the same day takes the shine off of each of their individual historical legacies. They are mutually exclusive figures who deserve dedicated celebrations. 

I’m not sure who’s idea it was to mix the two, but I don’t like it. 

But, I found this site which explains it...Click HERE

Since the courts and other public institutions aren't open on Monday either, it's a mute point. 

Celebrate the First Anniversary of the Widener Community Nursing Clinic with a Day of Service

The Widener Community Nursing Clinic will celebrate it’s first anniversary in partnership with CityTeam International on Monday, Jan. 21 by hosting a day of health service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which is free and open to the public.

The anniversary celebration will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the clinic, located at CityTeam International (634 Sproul Street, Chester, Pa.19013).

The event will start with a welcome message from Dr. Deborah Garrison, dean of WidenerUniversity’s School of Nursing, followed by presentations of certificates of appreciation. A few remarks will also be given by Ellen Boyda, coordinator of the family nurse practitioner program at Widener and the director of the Widener Community Nursing Clinic, Kwinn Tucker of CityTeam International, and student nurses and alumnae volunteers. Immediately following, the Widener Community Nursing Clinic will offer free health screenings, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings, flu shots, and weight (BMI) measurements.

Kings Mentor Kings Breakfast in honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Sponsored By Chester Boys and Girls Club, Making A Change Group & Brothers of Concern

             

A Group Mentor Forum with a Free Breakfast provided, Inspiring Speakers, Networking and Empowering one Another!

    This is A "Total Recall" for All Men in the community; Mentors, Coaches, Fathers, Sons, Uncles, Nephews, Single Moms w/ Young Men

        

          Monday January 21, 2013

                     Time 10:00 am- 12:30pm

Chester Boys and Girls Club

201 E. 7th St. 

Chester, PA 19013

 Food will be provided on a first come basis by R.S.V.P.!  

 Please Contact:

Making A Change Group (610) 605-2308 ext. 701 

clong@makingachangegroup.org

Brian Warren at Boys & Girls Club (610) 874-1237

Widener University Announces Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events

In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Widener University will host or participate in a number of community service and commemorative events from January 18-26.

·         On January 18 from 12 to 2 p.m., the Institute for Physical Therapy Education and the Widener Physical Therapy Clinic will offer free assessments of assistive devices such as wheel chairs and walkers at 12 different sites in Chester.
·         On January 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., members of the Widener community are invited to join members of the Chester community at the Yes We Can Achievement and Cultural Center (YWCACC) to create personalized Martin Luther King Jr. Day T-shirts and to participate in the Pieces of Peace Mural Project sponsored by the Community Arts Center of Wallingford. Participants in the mural project will design quilt patches depicting themes of peace and nonviolence and the pieces will be assembled into a mural. All skill levels and all ages are welcome. The YWCACC is located at 7^th and Sproul Streets in Chester. Parking is available in the adjacent lot. For more information, call Ellen Madison at 610-499-4549.
·         On January 21 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University Center Atrium at Widener, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs will host the annual T-shirt event for students, an activity that embodies the “We’re All Widener” Campaign and engages students in designing T-shirts that symbolize Dr. King’s commitment to social justice and inclusion. For more information, call Michelle Davis at 610-499-4488.
·         On January 21 from 1 to 3 p.m., volunteers are needed to sort books at the YWCACC. The university and the YWCACC are co-sponsoring the book drive for incarcerated veterans in Graterford Prison. New or gently used books are requested on the topics of religion/spirituality, history and biographies. Donation bins are available through January 18 in the University Center Atrium and the ground floor of Old Main near Campus Safety.
·         On January 21 at 1:30 p.m., the School of Nursing will hold an Open House at the Widener Nursing Clinic at CityTeam International at 634 Sproul Street in Chester. The Open House will include a health clinic for residents in the community in need of blood pressure screenings and education resources for supporting healthy practices. The event is also in celebration of the first anniversary of the Widener Nursing Clinic.
·         On January 21 at 6:30 p.m. in Alumni Auditorium at Widener, the Widener Black Student Union will sponsor the annual commemoration of Dr. King including reflections from members of the Widener community on the significance of Dr. King’s life and work.
·         On January 25 at 11:30 a.m. in Lathem Hall at Widener, Dr. Arthur Schwartz, executive director of the Oskin Leadership Institute, will give a talk titled “The Three Signature Strengths of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” Dr. Schwartz will facilitate a conversation that examines Dr. King’s strengths and the ways that these virtues dynamically shaped his leadership style.
·         On January 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Alumni Auditorium at Widener, the university and community partners will host a workshop for children and youth on conflict resolution, bullying prevention, and issues that affect urban youth.

Friendly Events Planned in Chester for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Committee of Chester has planned a range of events to celebrate the legacy of the civil rights leader. Members of the community are invited to take part in a range of activities:

• Jan. 20, 4 to 7 p.m., Yes We Can Achievement and Cultural Center (YWCACC), 4 E. 7^th Street in Chester. The YWCACC and Tau Delta Omega Chapter will host a Sunday Supper and Movie event. This fun event will include food, conversations, games, prayer and a presentation of the film “Half the Sky.” Reservations are encouraged; call (610) 876-2222.

• Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Yes We Can Achievement and Cultural Center(YWCACC), 4 E. 7^th Street in Chester: A range of free activities will be available for people of all ages, including:
• Creation of personalized T-shirts.
• Stuffing of bags filled with personal care items for area needy.
• Collaborative art project: Led by representatives from the Community Arts Center of Wallingford, children and adults will color individual quilt squares that we will assemble on the wall in a collaborative design celebrating King’s connection to Chester.
• Presentations about safe medication use, financial management and gun violence prevention.
• Quilting, bib-making and dress-making for people in Haiti (sewing experience needed).
• Collection and sorting of books to benefit incarcerated veterans (co-sponsored byWidener University and
• Live musical performances.
• Zumba workouts 

• Jan. 21, 1 to 4 p.m.., Yes We Can Achievement and Cultural Center (YWCACC), 4 E. 7^th Street in Chester: Children can enjoy a special “King’s camp” filled with a variety of fun activities, including a virtual tour of Chester, a movie, crafts, museum tour, snacks and more. Cost is $2.

• Jan. 21, 1:30 p.m., Old Main Building at Crozer-Chester Medical Center, One Medical Center Boulevard, Upland: A wreath will be laid in front of the site of the former Crozer Theological Seminary, where Dr. King earned his Bachelor of Divinity in 1951. Rev. Dr. Bayard Taylor, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church (where Dr. King worshipped while he was a student), will deliver brief remarks.

• Jan. 21, 2 to 2:45 p.m., Clark Auditorium at Crozer-Chester Medical Center, One Medical Center Boulevard, Upland: The public is invited to a celebration that will include speeches and musical performances.

• 6:30 p.m., Alumni Auditorium, Widener University, 14^th and Walnut Streets: Widener’s annual commemoration of Dr. King’s life, sponsored by the University’s Black Student Union. The program will include reflections from members of the Widener community about the significance of  King's life and work.

Since 1994, the Martin Luther King Commemorative Committee of Chester has worked to honor the memory and legacy of Dr. King in Chester, where Dr. King studied and preached before emerging as a civil rights leader on the national scene. As such, this holiday has always had a special meaning forChester residents. In fact, it was the first community in Southeastern Pennsylvania to have a day of service on the holiday honoring Dr. King.    Organizations involved in the planning and funding of the events include the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey in Delaware County,Widener University, the Chester YWCA, the Community Arts Center, Swarthmore College, EasternUniversity and Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

For more information about events at the YWCACC, call (610) 876-2222.

For more information about Widener’s participation and the evening event at the University, contact Marcine Pickron-Davis at (610) 499-4566.

For more information about the event at Crozer-Chester Medical Center, contact Grant Gegwich at (610) 447-6316.

Top Shelter Chef Contest Supporting Homeless Shelters

Amateur chefs from five Delaware County churches and synagogues will don their aprons and face-off for the honor of "Top Shelter Chef" in a fundraiser to benefit three Delaware County shelters.  

The 2^nd Annual "Top Shelter Chef Contest" is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church (located at 229 Powell Lane in Upper Darby, PA 19082).  

The contest will benefit the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc.’s (CAADC) Save Our Shelters (S.O.S.) Campaign.  The S.O.S. Campaign supports CAADC’s emergency shelters serving families and individuals from all of Delaware County including the Family Management Center, Life Center of Eastern Delaware County and the Wesley House.  

Black History Month activities at Crozer Library

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“My Story” Speaking Symposium Highlighting Philadelphia Black Business Leaders

More than 75 students, entrepreneurs, advocacy groups, and civic and community leaders, are expected to attend “My Story”, a symposium featuring local African-American leaders, discussing their experiences in conducting business in Philadelphia, on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, at the African American Museum, 701 Arch Street

Philadelphia, PA.

The event, hosted by the organizers of the ODUNDE Festival, an annual, four-day long cultural event whose programs reach audiences of more than 500,000 persons, will highlight Ahmeenah Young, CEO, The Pennsylvania Convention Center, and A. Rahim Islam, CEO, Universal Companies. A. Bruce Crawley, president, Millennium 3 Management, Inc., will be the moderator.

Did you get a flu shot?

Nearly 6 out of 10 surveyed got the flu shot. Those who didn’t far outweigh those who will, indicating that people who refuse the flu shot do so with strong conviction against such action despite the warnings of near epidemic outbreak. 

If you catch the flu after getting a flu shot, one is left to wonder if it was worth it. If you catch the flu and didn’t get a flu shot, you wonder if you should have. 

The flu season is always a season of wonder. 

SURVEY RESULTS

43 votes

YES 58%

NO 37%

NO but I will 4%