The Take Back Your Neighborhood civic association last week heard from state Rep. Jared Solomon, 2nd Police District community relations officer Mark Mroz and Philadelphia Mailroom owner Craig Vogin.
Solomon mentioned a bill he sponsored mandating cultural sensitivity education in schools has passed the House Education Committee. The training will include education on people with disabilities. Solomon said the M&T Bank at Castor Avenue and Hellerman Street offers free financial counseling each weekday. He said GED classes, job training and related services will be coming soon to 7222 Castor Ave. (at Wellington Street). He will also look into complaints about J. Hampton Moore Elementary School parents double-parking and jaywalking with their children.
Mroz spoke of two recent rapes of teenagers, one in the rear alley of 1200 Elbridge St. and the other on the 6200 block of Roosevelt Blvd.
Vogin invited the community to visit his business, at 8001 Castor Ave. (at Rhawn Street). Philadelphia Mailroom offers domestic and international shipping, copying, mailbox rental, copying, greeting card sales, keys, office supplies, notary service, lottery tickets and more.
In other news from the Oct. 21 meeting:
• Aaron Haroon Bashir announced he will run as a Republican against Democratic state Rep. Kevin Boyle. He will focus on clean and safe streets and low taxes.
• A Philadelphia Gas Works representative encouraged residents to call 215-684-6880 with any complaints about road work. She said pgworks.com features information on future main replacement work sites, bidding on upcoming jobs, details on enrolling in a budget plan during the cold months and efficiency and weatherization tips.
• The Pennsylvania Ballet II will perform on Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Northeast High School. Admission is free.
• Catholic Community Services will hold Operation Bundle Up on Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. William’s Monsignor Mortimer memorial hall, 6200 Rising Sun Ave. There will be resource vendors and free winter gear, food and children’s crafts. ••
