Widener University Named to President’s Community Service Honor Roll for Eighth Consecutive Year

Chester, Pa.–Widener University has been named to the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll “With Distinction” in the General Community Service and Education Community Service categories. Widener has been named to the Honor Roll every year since its inception in 2006.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized year after year for our civic engagement efforts in the communities we serve,” said Widener University President James T. Harris III. “The real reward, however, is the partnerships with the community that these efforts create, the learning and personal growth opportunities they offer our students, and seeing how these efforts change the lives of the people they serve for the better.”

This year, Widener was recognized for four exemplary projects:

Avery Sunshine piling up the awards

COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY WILL PROVIDE FREE SHOES TO CHILDREN IN NEED

LIGHTNING RELEASES 12/04/14 —  People in Chester, PA are often confronted with pressure to use drugs and alcohol. Many choose to give into the pressure and that can open the door for substance abuse and addiction. When that occurs, where is an individual supposed to go to get reliable help for their addiction in Chester, PA?

Thankfully the new substance abuse helpline for Chester, PA was established as a resource for adolescents who need assistance overcoming a significant drug or alcohol problem. The helpline can be reached at (484) 200-7246 any time day or night for those who want to find a reliable treatment and rehab facility. 

AWARDS PRESENTED FOR CHESTER CITIZENS CONTRIBUTION TO COMMUNITY

CHESTER, PA- Mayor John A. Linder will present two awards of Outstanding Civic Contribution to the Chester City Community during the regularly scheduled evening City Council Meeting 7PM Wednesday, December 10^th 2014. Khalil Williams, a junior communication studies major at Widener University recently contributed to the production and editing of the inaugural issue of Chester Magazine, a publication entirely focused on city business, industry, and culture. Students researched within the city, produced and edited stories, and designed the layout over a two-semester period. Chester Magazine is currently in print available by request through the City of Chester Office of Communications. It also can be found online at www.widener.edu/chestermagazine. 

Mr. Charles Thompson is a fourteen-year veteran coach and Executive Director of the Chester Panthers Athletic Association, a volunteer youth athletic league of three hundred children fully funded through fundraising efforts. The Chester Panthers boast eight Championship wins with seven in the past five years. The association has also garnered several PIAA Officials of Delaware County awards of sportsmanship for the exceptional performance of student athletes during competition. Ty Bush, head coach of the Panthers Senior Division has led the eldest athletes of the league to three consecutive undefeated seasons for a combined record of 31 and 0.

Both Widener communications student, Khalil Williams, and Director/Coach Charles Thompson are Chester natives who will receive the Mayor’s special recognition for their homegrown talents and impact they have had on their community.   

Chester Boys Basketball 1-1 after first win

After trailing 19-18 after the first period, the Clipper outscored the J. P. McCaskey Red Tornadoes 56-29 in the final three periods to even their record at 1-1 with the 74-48 win. With just 2:56 off the clock, Chester's 6'8" senior Maurice Henry found himself saddled with two quick fouls after scoring 3 of the Clipper first 4 points. His replacement 6'6" junior, Juanir Moore, saw the same fate but he was only on the floor for 55 seconds. The Clippers then called on 6'7" sophomore Jordan Camper to fill the middle. In the opening frame, he scored 2 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and blocked 1 shot. Led by junior Khaleeq Campbell's 5 point, the other four Clipper guards did the remaining of the scoring as Chester found themselves trailing 18-19. Chester began to find their range in the 2nd period led by 6/7" sophomore Marquis Collins who drained two treys for 6 of his team high 12 points. Sophomore Ahrod Carter contributed his 5 points and junior Jahmi Bailey added 3 of his 7 points enabling the Clippers to take a 37-31 lead at the intermission. By putting eight players in the scoring column in the 3rd period led by sophomore Camper and 6'5" wing Jamar Sudan who each scored four points, the Clippers outscored their opponents 21-10 to take a 58-41 lead into the final period. The third quarter came to an end as junior Stanley Davis banked a trey off the glass as the buzzer sounded. Davis would finish with 6 points for the game. Maurice Henry made his presence felt early in the fourth scoring 7 of his 11 points. And defensively, the Clippers held the Red Tornadoes to just seven points. Chester put 10 of their 11 players who played in the scoring column.

While leading the team in scoring with 12 points, Marquis Collins haul of 7 rebounds was 2nd to Jordan Camper's 8 rebounds. Collins also finished with 4 assists. Khaleeq Campbell padded the stat sheet with 7 points, 5 assists, 5 steals and he created 7 turnovers.  Jamar Sudan, Keyonte Watkins and Jordan Camper each finished with 8 points on the night.  Juanir Moore completed Chester's scoring with 2 points.

Chester travels to Reading High School on Friday, December 12th to take on Berks Catholic in the Hoop Group Event. Tip-off for the game is slated for 6:30 p.m.

Terry Thomas

Help for Chester abusers and addicts

LIGHTNING RELEASES 12/04/14 —  People in Chester, PA are often confronted with pressure to use drugs and alcohol. Many choose to give into the pressure and that can open the door for substance abuse and addiction. When that occurs, where is an individual supposed to go to get reliable help for their addiction in Chester, PA?

Thankfully the new substance abuse helpline for Chester, PA was established as a resource for adolescents who need assistance overcoming a significant drug or alcohol problem. The helpline can be reached at (484) 200-7246 any time day or night for those who want to find a reliable treatment and rehab facility. 

Click HERE for more

Chester Boys Basketball loses opener

The Chester Clippers found themselves on the short end of a 59-53 decision to the George Washington Eagles in the 2014-2015 season opener. Sophomore Jamar Sudan, Chester's 6'5" wing, led the way for the Clippers with 9 of his game high 16 points in the opening quarter. But, the Clippers trailed 16-13 at the end of the 1st quarter. Keyonte Watkins, the Clippers lone senior on the roster, kept the Clippers within range scoring 4 of his 10 points in the 2nd quarter. But with so many new faces on the roster, the unfamiliarity of young Clippers showed in the quarter as they managed to score only 10 points and found themselves behind 29-23 at the intermission. Chester went inside-out to start the 3rd quarter with 6'8'' junior Maurice Henry scoring 7 of his 11 points coupled with a trey from 5'7'" junior Khaleeq Campbell and a basket by Sudan. The result was a typical Chester run that brought the Clippers within one at 35-34 at the 4:06 mark. The Eagles answered with a 10-3 run of their own to regain control and a 44-38 lead at the end of the 3rd quarter. In the 4th quarter, Marquis Collins, Chester's 6'7" wing, dropped in eight of his 13 points which included two treys but it only allowed Chester to play even in the final period and fall to 0-1.

Jamar Sudan and Maurice Henry each finished with a double-double as they hauled in 12 and 13 rebounds respectively. Maurice added three blocked shots and Khaleeq handed out five assists and produced two steals to add to their stat sheet. Jamar also contributed an assist, a blocked shot and two steals. 

The young Clippers (0-1) will have very little time to dwell on Saturday night's results as they host J.P. McCaskey (0-0) on Tuesday evening, December 9th. JV tip-off is slated for 6:30 pm with the Varsity to follow.

Terry Thomas

Chester's 20 year battle with Environmental Justice continues

In the early 1990s, a group of Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania residents looked into a documentarian’s camera and explained how they felt about all the out-of-state trash rolling into their neighborhood.

“It’s a stench you’ve never smelled before. It is horrible,” one man said.

“We have a high rate of cancer here ... we have high rates of a lot of things we don’t have answers to,” a woman said.

“Trash finds its way from Maryland. Trash finds its way from Virginia. Trash finds its way from Jersey,” another man said.

Similar concerns have echoed through the local community as Keystone Sanitary Landfill in Dunmore and Throop seeks to expand, more than 20 years after Chester residents fought for environmental justice in their city.

Thanks to their actions, residents here will have more of an opportunity to weigh in on Keystone Sanitary Landfill’s application to expand skyward.

Click HERE for more

Crozer-Keystone Hosts Holiday Performances for Patients and Community

Dec. 5, 2014 (Springfield, Pa) – Crozer-Keystone Health System will host 10 holiday musical performances in partnership with Delaware County schools, a local drama group, and a soloist as the talented musicians sing holiday classics in the health system’s hospitals and outpatient facilities. Patients, families, employees and the local community are welcome to attend these festive performances that are scheduled with the intention of sharing joy and entertainment during the holiday season.

The dates, times, locations and performances are as follows: (subject to change)

Judge Kenney saving Joe Watkins restores hope in courts

With all the controversy coming out of courtrooms across the country, I'm happy to know that reasonable judgment is coming out of somewhere. I'm so thrilled with how Judge Chad F. Kenney handled the Joe Watkins decision that I'm considering adding the Judge to my Christmas Card list.

I still may not be convinced Joe Watkins is the best person for the district. I still get confused with actions to expand charters while claiming to need to bring students back to the district from the charters. I still can't understand how schools stay open with a $20 million deficit. What would be happening different if they had the $20 million?

Here are my favorite Judge Kenney quotes from the courtroom...

"Are we really getting serious about schools in Chester? . . . Or are we just discussing a change to look like we're doing something?" Kenney asked Dumaresq.

Kenney used the hearing to voice broader concerns about the district. "I'm not removing Mr. Watkins only to have Dr. Barnes come up here and just give me just more platitudes," the judge said.

Click HERE for more

College Access Center To Offer FREE “How To Pay For College” Workshop

Parents and students from Delaware County are invited to register for an opportunity to attend a FREE pre-Financial Aid & College Financial Planning Workshop featuring Chris Chaplin, College Planning Advisor for Clarifi College at the College Access Center of Delaware County on Wednesday December 10^th from 6:30pm-8:00pm.

This activity is specifically designed for high school students and especially parents who may be wondering “how to reduce college debt, discover the real (hidden) costs of college, pursue additional financial aid options, or get specialized tips on their scholarship search”.

To register your child for this FREE event on Wednesday December 10^th or other services, please call (610) 499-1391 space for this event including additional 1-on-1 counseling sessions with our staff and professionals will fill up very fast.  Refreshments will be available to participating families.

The College Access Center is the result of a unique partnership involving the Presidents of six local Colleges and Universities (Widener University, Swarthmore College, Delaware County Community College, Cheyney University, Neumann University, and Penn State University-Brandywine Campus).

100 Chester kids enjoy Salvation Army programs

November 25, 2014 (Chester, Pa) – Boys and girls in Chester are faced with challenging urban situations, but over the past several months the Salvation Army – Chester Corps (151 West 15^th Street, Chester, Pa, 19013) has seen many smiles on kids faces due to their youth programming. Specifically, their Sports Fellowship Program and Music Programs have been highlights for an average of over 100 kids each week as the Salvation Army staff and volunteers are helping more than just seniors, veterans, and the homeless as the community has come to expect. The annual tradition of the red kettle with ringing bells outside of retail establishments is upon us, and this year the Chester community now has more reasons to give locally to the organization that is doing the most good.

This past March, the husband and wife Corps leadership team of Major Ervin McKoy, Jr. and Major Anna McKoy started their Sports Fellowship Program to the delight of local parents and caregivers. The first Saturday of the program saw their gymnasium filled with young basketball players and cheerleaders between the ages of 6 to 13, and family and friends were in attendance to watch for hours. The excitement has continued as the seasons have changed with soccer introduced over the summer and into the fall, and basketball recently returning. The interest level continues to grow as a result of the program’s goals and the passions of the Corps leadership. 

Goals for the Sports Fellowship program include encouraging all interested children to participate regardless of prior knowledge or ability, and to provide an outlet for children’s physical and creative abilities, while helping them to develop a sense of self-worth and self-esteem. It is also a stated goal of the program to encourage parents and caregivers to become further involved in the lives of their children by offering volunteer opportunities to help out with the program (i.e. sell concessions, coach, organize, etc..) and thus creating an environment of encouragement coming from the sidelines of the games. This value-based initiative is rooted in a commitment to teach Sunday school and offer worship services to the children and their family members each week as part of their participation in the program. Major Ervin McKoy, Jr. comments, “Our primary goal of this program has been to encourage kids to get good grades in school which will create future opportunity and success in their lives. We are thrilled that the kids and their families have responded so favorably to the structure and entertainment offered, and with the help of the regional community we know that we can offer even greater opportunities.”

A similar level of interest and passion occurs each week on Thursday evenings as boys and girls, also between the ages of 6-13, show up to the Salvation Army – Chester Corps for a meal at 4 p.m. and music lessons at 5 p.m. As a result of donated instruments from compassionate members of the community, these students are offered an opportunity to develop their musical interest and foster an education through volunteer led classes. The children are learning percussion, bass, vocal instruction and theory. With schools not able to offer musical education as they had in the past, the pleasant and sometimes unique sounds of a child’s musical development can now be heard along 15^th Street as you walk or drive past the Salvation Army.

This youth programming has been a welcome addition for the local community, and the staff and volunteers must also maintain the other diverse services for the members of the community that face poverty and difficult circumstances. These daily efforts include the management of an onsite emergency shelter that can house up to 35 people per night. In addition, the Corps also provides housing and homelessness services, elderly services to support seniors, supportive services to help people with disabilities and people seeking drug and alcohol recovery. Somehow they also recently found the time to develop a partnership with the Community Action Agency of Delaware County with the successful Supportive Services for Veterans Families that has just completed their first year of providing needed resources for over 100 local Veterans. 

During the holiday season, the “miracle” of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing. The traditional red kettle is an integral part of the Christmas scene with donations directed locally to needy families, seniors and the homeless. Donations and financial assistance provide Christmas dinners, clothing, and toys for families in need. Major Anna McKoy comments, “The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to help those less fortunate in our communities due in large part to the generosity of our supporters, friends, and anonymous donors. We have the desire to grow more and to help more people because we recognize the need that is outside of our doors, and we are asking for your help.”

To learn more about the Salvation Army programming and to identify the closest red kettle location, please call (610) 874-4266. 

2014 Chester High School Boys Basketball Schedule

We are just days away from the start of another season of hoops at the Clip Joint where the games will be played on the Fred Pickett Court. With the passing of the winningest coach in Chester High's storied history this fall, the Chester Upland School District has announced the court will be named in his honor. 

Falling just one game short of their 3rd consecutive trip to the State Championship, this year's edition of the Clippers are shooting for a return trip to Hershey in March 2015. With only one senior and six new faces on the roster, the team will be searching to find their identity. The team will be quick in the back-court with Khaleeq Campbell (5'7") and Keyonte Watkins (5'11"), smooth on the wings with Jamar Sudan (6'5") and Marquis Collins (6'7") and the paint will be protected by Maurice Henry (6'8").  Also available for Coach Yarbray will be a back-court of Stanley Davis (6'0") and Jahmi Bailey (6'3'), wings of Deshawn Hinson (6'3") and Juanir Moore (6'6") and an anchor in Jordan Camper (6'7"). And finally sitting on the bow waiting for their chance to stir the Clipper ship will be Ahrod Carter (5'11") and Jamal Jones (6'4"). There are eight juniors on the roster sandwiched between Watkins, the lone senior and three sophomores namely Sudan, Carter and Camper.

It should be a fun ride at 9th & Barclay this season. Stop on by if you get the chance.

click to ENLARGE

Prayer Vigil for Newtown Shooting Dec 11

When No New Taxes is a bad thing

How much longer will Chester politicians propose No New Taxes? Of course, no one wants to pay more taxes, but no one wants to see their city go broke either. In my opinion, small annual tax increases are more palatable than a whopping tax increase some year in the future. 

I’m no finance guru and all the facts I have come from today’s article in the Daily Times. Either the reporter is trying to paint a conflicting picture or my ignorance is showing itself again. Here’s what I mean…

Contractual obligations for wages, healthcare and pensions continue to drive the budget, according to Councilman Nafis Nichols, the city’s finance director. Pension costs are expected to nearly double to $6.5 million while the city’s health care obligations will rise by 7.1 percent. The budget includes varying contractual wage increases for the city’s union workers, including firefighters and police officers. Non-union employees are expected to receive a 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase, Nichols said.

 Pension cost will double. Health care will rise by 7.1%. Wages will increase for city union workers, firefighters and police officers and non-union workers get a 1.5% raise. Where is all this money going to come from?

...council acknowledged in September that it faced a budget deficit, which Nichols attributed at that time to rising expenses, declining casino revenue and too much police overtime. 

There was a budget deficit reported 2 months ago but I guess it went away somehow. And please read this next line very carefully...no one wants to be told there is too much police overtime when we're living in the most dangerous city in Pennsylvania. No one doubts a lot of overtime is being paid, but everyone will agree that if that's what it takes to keep police on the beat, please pay it and complain about it behind closed doors.  

“We made it. We have a contingency plan in place that we are following to a tee.”

I think he’s saying that the deficit has disappeared because they followed a contingency plan. What that usually means is someone didn't get paid on time.

To further increase revenue, city officials are considering adding parking kiosks and hope to beef up the city’s tax collection rate, he said. 

How many people pay for parking in Chester outside of downtown? A quarter gets you an hour. A single kiosk probably cost more than what they collect in the meters. 

The city also must combat declining casino revenue from Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack. The proposed budget includes $10 million in casino revenue — the minimum amount Harrah’s must annually pay the city.

I guess we can expect a couple more years of the minimum $10 million from Harrah’s. Then what?

The budget proposal also decreases the bottom line by $2.4 million from the current budget, a reduction mostly attributed to the absence of a $2 million tax anticipatory note. Nichols said the city is considering using a TAN in 2015. (A TAN is a short-term debt security issued by a state or local government to finance an immediate project that will be repaid with future tax collections).

So, we’re already anticipating borrowing money next year which must be reflected on the following year’s budget? See, I really don’t understand this money stuff. 

Council also approved the city’s 2012 audit. 

It shouldn't take almost 3 years to approve an audit? Imagine how much you can hide in the meantime. That just doesn’t sound right to me. 

Click HERE for the article

Toy Drop-Off Locations for Homeless Children

MEDIA- The Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC) is conducting a Holiday Toy Drive for over 1,000 needy children including from their shelter and transitional housing facilities.  CAADC is collecting new, unwrapped toys until December 19th to be distributed to the homeless children.  The following local businesses have generously agreed to serve as drop-off locations for toy donations:

• Crozer-Chester Medical Center, Lobby & North Campus on 15th Street, Chester, PA 19013 
• Crozer-Chester Medical Center/Community Hospital, 2600 W. 9th Street, Chester, PA 19013
• Delaware Co. Office of Services for the Aging, 206 Eddystone Ave., Eddystone, PA 19022
• Aston Sunoco, 3355 Market Street, Twin Oaks, PA 19014

Widener Partnership Charter School Names April Thomas as Principal

Chester, Pa.—The Widener Partnership Charter School, Pennsylvania’s first university-based charter school, appointed April Thomas of Chesterbrook, Pa. as principal/CEO effective February 27. Thomas replaces Dr. Darlene Davis who is stepping down to address family medical issues.

Thomas joined Widener as assistant principal last August after serving most of the last seven years as assistant principal for school culture for Mastery Charter Schools in Philadelphia. During that period, she also served eight months as a turnaround assistant principal at Germantown High School.

Crozer-Keystone Focus Attention on the Danger of Driving Under the Influence

Marcin Jankowski, D.O., medical director of the

 Trauma Program at Crozer-Chester 

Medical Center, City of Chester Mayor John Linder, 

 press safety officer Brad Rudolph, 

and police and security representing Pennsylvania 

State Police, Upland Borough, City of 

Chester and Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

November 21, 2014 (Upland, Pa) – Crozer-Keystone Health System, together with the Delaware County Transportation Management Association (DCTMA) and PennDOT, held a press conference at Crozer-Chester Medical Center’s Emergency Department to focus attention on the dangers of driving under the influence. This message is especially timely as the festive season around the holidays approaches. A consistent message of recommending public transportation or a designated driver when alcohol is involved, along with the fact that significant resources are available for those seeking help with dependency, was shared by Delaware County leaders.  

Kids Stuff at Salvation Army Chester

Chester unveils new basketball courts in Chester Park

CHESTER, PA- Chester City Department of Parks, Public Property, and Recreation, Director, Councilwoman Elizabeth Williams will introduce the newest installment to Chester Park, basketball courts made possible through CDBG funds allotted for the City of Chester.

Ribbon cutting will take place Monday, November 24^th, 4P at Chester Park, Houston and Elkinton Streets Chester PA. All media are welcomed. For additional questions and concerns, contact the Department of Parks, Public Property, & Recreation at 610.447.7728. 

VIDEO: Chester Panthers Championships 2014

Chester City Recognized for Achievements in Preventing Childhood Obesity

Chester, PA- The National League of Cities (NLC) recognized Chester for achieving gold medals in all five Let’s Move! Cities, Towns and Counties (LMCTC) goal areas, which are based on achievements made to improve access to healthy, affordable food and promote physical activity for children and adults. This is the highest distinction a community can receive from the LMCTC initiative. 

In addition, Ms Rosetta Carter/Community Health Education Coordinator received an award for Most Dedicated City Staff. These awards were made at NLC’s annual conference in Austin, Texas on November 20, 2014. 

“We applaud Chester for being at the forefront of a growing national movement to improve the health of children and families,” said NLC President Chris Coleman, Mayor of Saint Paul, Minn. “States and cities across the country have recently reported declines in childhood obesity rates. We are hopeful that these types of dedicated efforts will spread and allow us to make continued progress in reversing America’s epidemic of childhood obesity.”

VIDEO: Dr. Rodney Bradley CD Release Concert

Chester magazine debuts

CLICK to read the post with the press release

Chester Charter School for the Arts Posts Huge Improvement in Academic Results; Charter is Renewed for Five Years

Akosua Watts, Principal and
Chief Executive Officer at CCSA

November 14, 2014 – On Friday, November 7, the Pennsylvania Department of Education released its 2013-2014 school performance data for all Pennsylvania schools. Schools are ranked according to their School Performance Profile Academic score (SPP). 

Chester Charter School for the Arts (CCSA), a non-profit, arts-enriched, public charter school recorded an SPP score of 71.7 on a scale of 100. 

CCSA ranked number one for growth and academic achievement in the Chester Upland School District and achieved the 3rd largest year over year improvement among 800 peer schools in the five-county Philadelphia region. 

Does Harrah's Philadelphia care more about them or us?

This may be the only legal
gambling in Delaware County soon

I can’t help but to notice all the local politicians recent urging that no new casino license is awarded in Philadelphia. 

Bidders have been working on their proposals for well over a year putting in a lot of time and money trying to convince the casino gods that they have a better gambling concept than the other guy. Aren’t they too far along in the process to consider stopping the casino license from going through? Where were our politicians when the bidding wars were first announced? Wouldn’t that have been a better time to protest?

VIDEO: Chester Panthers tribute to Coaches

New Report Promotes "Two Generation" Approach to Fight Poverty

HARRISBURG, Pa. - New research shows the best way to help lower-income families become stronger is to provide programs that focus on both children and their parents.

The new Annie E. Casey Foundation report called it a "two-generation" approach to fighting poverty. Patrice Cromwell, the foundation's director of strategic initiatives, explained the two-fold goal as "supporting parents in their ability to get and keep a job and be a strong parent, the same time as supporting kids to get a good start early in learning, as well as a good start in school."

Cromwell said programs designed to help children or parents have the best intentions, but often are too narrowly focused. She said a more family-centered approach just works better.

Mayor John Linder concerned about new Philadelphia casino

CHESTER, PA - Chester City Mayor John Linder expressed concern today about a pending Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) decision on a second Philadelphia casino speaking on the possible impacts to the city.  

Linder said the city has received $82 million from Harrah’s Philadelphia located in Chester since it opened. Revenue from the casino pays for essential services that benefit all residents and the casino provides good paying jobs. 

The mayor was speaking out because the PGCB is expected to approve a second casino soon and speculation is that it will be located near the Philadelphia sports stadiums. 

“New casinos in this market create greater competition for revenue, but that location in particular could potentially have an adverse affect on Chester’s allocation of those gaming revenues,” he said. 

Charlie B’s Texas Bar-B-Que Grand Opening Friday

Finally, the wrapping paper will be removed
and Bar-B-Que will be served

CHESTER, Pa.— A new restaurant is coming to Chester that promises to bring something different to the city. 

Owner Carl Everett, a longtime Chester resident, will officially open Charlie B’s Texas Bar-B-Que Jazz and Blues Café with a special grand opening event on November 14 at 11 a.m.