Celebrating Thanksgiving parade
Local photographer John Leong has posted a conversation special on the Mayfair Holmesburg Thanksgiving Parade Facebook page.
The parade was canceled this year, as the city is not issuing permits due to the coronavirus.
Leong has posted pictures of past parades, along with interviews with Gary Cozens, a member of the Optimist Club of Philadelphia and a former parade organizer; Donny Smith, executive director of the Mayfair Business Improvement District and a parade organizer for the last decade; Buddy Gouger, owner of Holmesburg Bakery and a former parade grand marshal; Cass Gilbert, owner of the former Mayfair Shop n Bag and the parade’s longtime Mrs. Claus; and Northeast Times editor Tom Waring. ••
Safety grant for local school
State Sen. Christine Tartaglione announced that the Philadelphia Charter School for Arts & Sciences at H.R. Edmunds, 1197 Haworth St., has been awarded a $24,686 Safe Schools Targeted Grant by the Department of Education.
Philadelphia Charter for Arts & Sciences was awarded the funding to purchase safety- and security-related equipment for its campus.
“Educating our children is a fundamental function of our communities, and providing them with a safe place to learn is crucial to this responsibility,” Tartaglione said. “I am thrilled that Philadelphia Charter for Arts & Sciences will be able to use these funds to improve school safety for all children, faculty, staff and visitors.”
Philadelphia Charter for Arts & Sciences serves about 1,000 students in kindergarten through eighth grade and offers courses in visual arts, performing arts, creative writing, environmental science and innovations in science in addition to curricula in reading, math, foreign languages, STEM and physical education. ••
House recognizes assistive technology
The state House passed Rep. Joe Hohenstein’s measure recognizing November as Assistive Technology Awareness Month, raising awareness about the ongoing need to make quality hearing aids, wheelchairs and orthotic devices affordable and readily accessible.
“Since I was 6 years old, I have worn hearing aids, and I know first-hand how essential assistive technology is to helping people with everyday tasks like hearing, walking or speaking,” Hohenstein said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hohenstein said the Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation has provided $1.4 million in low-interest loans to people with increased needs in the disabled community for assistive technology. ••
Donate a toy
The annual Roxanne’s Run will not take place, as usual, at American Legion Cpl. John Loudenslager Post 366.
Instead, Roxanna Gambino Schroeder and the HellRaisers Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club will collect toys and deliver them before Christmas.
To donate a toy, call 215-626-1723. ••
Karen’s Law passes House
State Sen. John Sabatina Jr. announced his Karen’s Law legislation cleared its last hurdle in the General Assembly, passing the House by a vote of 168-33. The bill passed in the Senate 46-3 in October. It now goes to Gov. Wolf’s desk. He is expected to sign the bill.
Karen’s Law passed as the House companion bill (HB 1538, sponsored by Rep. Martina White). Sabatina agreed to this so as not to delay the process.
Karen’s Law would affect parole application eligibility for inmates deemed sexually violent predators or sentenced under one of the violent or sexual offenses listed in the legislation, allowing the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole to increase the time between parole hearings from one year to three years.
“The fact that these survivors must be re-traumatized year after year just to make sure their attacker serves a full sentence is appalling,” Sabatina said. “This law will provide a measure of relief for them. We owe them a great deal as they were brave enough to face their accusers in court in the first place. Our communities are safer as a result of their sacrifice.”
Sabatina first met Karen Widdoss-Milewski, a constituent, in 2017 when she came into his office to discuss her situation and the re-victimization she faced on an annual basis.
Sabatina thanked White for sponsoring the House companion bill.
“It goes to show the bipartisan nature of this law,” he said. “It’s been a pleasure to have Rep. White join us in this effort.”
Karen’s law is supported by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Women Organized Against Rape, Pennsylvania Office of Victim Advocate, Pennsylvania FOP and Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association.
White and Reps. Tom Murt, Kevin Boyle, Mike Driscoll, Ed Neilson and Jared Solomon voted for the bill. Reps. Joe Hohenstein, Jason Dawkins and Isabella Fitzgerald voted against it. ••
Neilson, Driscoll oppose budget
State Reps. Ed Neilson and Mike Driscoll voted against a budget that they say denies needed relief to local business owners reeling from closures connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bill passed the House and Senate, and Gov. Tom Wolf intends to sign it.
“It’s truly shameful that when we have $1.3 billion in federal CARES Act money available, they have chosen to turn their backs on the workers and businesses,” Neilson said. “I can take it even further — not a single penny has been allocated for mental health, and the restrictions and closures are taking their toll on everyone.”
“I am angry beyond belief because this is another slap in the face to small businesses that are suffering,” Driscoll said. ••
Feast of Justice holding virtual 5K
Feast of Justice, a food distribution program at 3101 Tyson Ave., will be holding a virtual 5K race through Nov. 29.
Run, walk, bike or hike in your neighborhood or on a local trail, and your time and photos will be posted on the Feast of Justice website.
The cost is $25 per person to register, and participants get a T-shirt.
Sign up at feastofjustice.org. ••
AHCU donates books
American Heritage Credit Union donated more than 5,300 new books to local hospitals, community centers and special care facilities through its Books for Kids program. The program collected more than $11,000 in donations throughout the summer and fall to purchase and distribute the books.
Local charities and organizations that received book donations include Bridesburg Boys and Girls Club, Catholic Community Services, Christ’s Home, CORA Services and KenCrest.
“With all the challenges children and schools have faced this year, our book donations are needed now more than ever,” said Bruce K. Foulke, president and CEO of American Heritage. “Children deserve educational enrichment and as many opportunities to advance literacy as possible, and American Heritage’s Board of Directors, associates and valued members who contributed to this program will help our partners advance this cause.” ••
