Half-price clothing sale
The Classroom Thrift Shop, 4301 Tyson Ave., sponsored by the women of Temple Menorah Keneseth Chai, will hold a half-price clothing sale Feb. 3-7
Shop hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. And Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The shop is closed Saturdays. ••
Registration for BVM
Maternity BVM Catholic School will hold registration for new and returning families for the 2021-2022 academic year on Tuesday, Feb. 9, and Wednesday, Feb. 10, from 9 to 10 a.m. or 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the parish hall, 9322 Old Bustleton Ave.
For more information, call Mr. McDonough at 215-908-3329. ••
CORA to honor 7
CORA Services will honor seven people at its 49th annual event that recognizes individuals and organizations who have exemplified their mission or have been instrumental in advancing CORA’s ability to support children and families.
The Virtual Champions for Children Celebration will take place on Thursday, Jan. 28, at 7:30 p.m.
The Corporate Champions are Valentine A. Brown, of the law firm Duane Morris, and John J. Coyle, chairman of CORA’s Board of Directors.
Brown oversees the firm’s objective of providing thousands of hours of free, quality legal services to individuals and organizations that serve the community. Duane Morris pro bono attorneys worked in the transition of Good Shepherd Mediation Program as a CORA program.
Sister Brigid Lawlor and the late Sister Charity Kohl are Civic Champions. Sister Brigid founded the Good Shepherd Mediation Program, which focuses on child care, social work, legal advocacy and justice. Sister Charity established CORA in 1971. She died in 2001.
The James J. Harron Classroom Champion Award recognizes high school students for notable achievements in the classroom or community. Three Class of 2020 graduates have been named CORA Classroom Champions: Jessica Grabon (Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush), Harrison Mayall-Weiland (The Bridge Way School) and Mariame Sissoko (Central).
Each of these students will receive a $1,000 scholarship.
To purchase tickets or sponsorships for the virtual event, send tribute messages for the honorees or for more information, contact Helene Baczkowski at hbaczkowski@coraservices.org or 215-701-2776. ••
Comcast increases internet speeds
Comcast announced that it has introduced the fastest internet speeds over Wi-Fi available across 14 states, from Maine to Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
The speed increase was rolled out on Jan. 7 for no additional charge to customers.
“We are hyper-focused on advancing our internet product with new innovation,” said Kevin Casey, Comcast Northeast Division president. “Now our customers can enjoy faster speeds, state-of-the art gateways with Wi-Fi 6 technology, wall-to-wall Wi-Fi coverage, personalized tools and controls, and advanced cybersecurity protection.” ••
Learn more about human trafficking
The Philadelphia Children’s Alliance is urging the public to learn more about human trafficking, especially as young people spend more time online and as the pandemic reduces their exposure to those who might report suspicions.
“There are many myths and misconceptions that must be debunked when it comes to the criminal enterprise of human trafficking,” said PCA interim director Paul DiLorenzo. “We at PCA want parents, caregivers, educators and the broader community to realize that this crime is widespread, yet at the same time often happens under the radar of even those closest to victims. We are working with a broad network of partners ranging from law enforcement to social services and healthcare institutions to address the root causes of child sex trafficking and provide healing to its victims here in Philadelphia.”
According to Polaris, the organization that manages the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 540 human trafficking victims were identified in Pennsylvania in 2019.
Alea Cummings is PCA’s lead therapist dealing with the commercialized sexual exploitation of children.
Tips for caregivers to help prevent child trafficking include securing your child’s phones, tablets and computers during the night, familiarizing yourself with your child’s online life and cultivating open communication in which the child feels safe to talk to you about the individuals they talk to online.
PCA urges anyone who suspects a child is being trafficked to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. ••
Krasner faulted for court actions
District Attorney Larry Krasner issued a statement following the arrest of a suspect in the killing of Milan Loncar, calling for mourning and reflection for the victim, not politicization.
Suspect Davis Josephus has a long court record, and Krasner noted that bail magistrates twice set bail lower than requested by the district attorney’s office. Davis requested a further reduction in bail both times. The DA’s office objected, but judges agreed to the lower bail, and Davis was able to post it.
Nick Gerace, president and founder of the Protect Our Police political action committee, released the following statement following Krasner’s statement:
“Larry can’t have it both ways. You can’t get elected by politicizing the criminal justice system and then complain — during an election year — about being held accountable in the court of public opinion for failing to appeal a reduction in bail that ultimately led to Davis Josephus’s release.
“Blaming the judges won’t cut it, especially since Larry built his political career fighting for reduced bail. Larry Krasner’s office did not file an appeal to the decisions that led to Davis Josephus’ release on reduced bail. Larry has blood on his hands, and it’s time he takes responsibility for what happened to Milan Loncar.” ••
Poll: Krasner beatable
Protect Our Police Political Action Committee commissioned a poll by Susquehanna Polling and Research Inc. that showed District Attorney Larry Krasner beatable in the May 18 Democratic primary.
The poll surveyed 400 Democrats likely to vote in the primary.
Voters were read statements about two unnamed candidates.
One statement mentioned a candidate with 35 years experience as a prosecutor, mostly homicide cases. That candidate, Carlos Vega, holds a lead of 26 to 22 percent over Krasner. Vega leads among whites and voters in the Northeast, South Philadelphia and the River Wards.
The other statement mentioned a candidate who was Philadelphia’s first black female district attorney, with a background in civil rights and criminal justice reform. That candidate, Kelley Hodge, holds a lead of 42 to 13 percent over Krasner. Hodge, who served as DA after Seth Williams resigned after a guilty plea to a corruption charge, is not expected to run. ••
Tastepoint hiring specialist
Tastepoint, 10801 Decatur Road, consists of a 75,000-square-foot manufacturing center that produces vanilla as well as other flavors.
Formerly known as David Michael, the company is recruiting an environmental health and safety specialist, with three to five years experience in food manufacturing.
Visit careers.iff.com. ••
Learn about retired presidents
United States Presidents In Retirement will be the subject of a complimentary virtual series for adults being offered by KleinLife. The program is open to the public.
The series is being led by David Hudiak.
The program will be conducted on Feb. 1 and 8 from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m.
To register and receive a Zoom link, contact Mariya Keselman-Mekler at 215-698-7300, Ext. 185 or mkeselman@kleinlife.org. ••
