Fox-Rok Athletic Association presented two awards at last week’s Fox Chase Civic Association and Town Watch meeting.
Fox-Rok president Harry White and longtime volunteer Ken Warner presented the Friend of Fox-Rok award to Capt. Marc Metellus, former commander of the 2nd Police District. Metellus was recently transferred to be the commanding officer of the Police Athletic League. He was recognized for helping, along with City Councilman Brian O’Neill, to bring cameras to Fox Chase Recreation Center.
There are 17 PAL centers in Philadelphia, but the only one in the Northeast is at 4401 Aldine St. Metellus indicated that Gibbons PAL, which closed in 2016, might reopen at 6901 Rising Sun Ave.
White and Warner also presented the Man of the Year award to Steve Phillips, the longtime president of Fox Chase Town Watch. Phillips, who has been involved since the 1994 murder of Eddie Polec, was recognized for his work combating blight and promoting security at Fox Chase Recreation Center and in the neighborhood.
In other news from the May 8 meeting:
• The crowd heard from Capt. Scott DiDonato, commander of the 2nd Police District; Joe Staszak, community relations officer in the 7th Police District; and Rockledge Police Chief John Gallagher.
Staszak spoke of the 7th Police District Advisory Council Tower of Cheer fundraiser. Tickets are three for $20. The winner receives six cases of beer, four bottles of liquor, six highball glasses and $25 gift cards to Mission BBQ, Texas Roadhouse and Macaroni’s. The drawing will be July 19. Tickets are available at https://www.7thpdac.com/tower-of-cheer1.html
Gallagher invited the crowd to the Rockledge July 4 parade, which starts at 9 a.m.
Gallagher reported first-quarter crimes in Rockledge. There was only one domestic-related burglary, one stolen car and no vandalism. There has been a 108 percent increase in traffic enforcement, an increased presence outside schools at the start and end of the day, more vacant home checks and a decrease in thefts by porch pirates.
For people who want to live, work or patronize businesses safely, Gallagher said, “Rockledge is the place to do it.”
• City Controller Christy Brady said she worked with the city election commissioners and the city finance and treasurer’s office to pay poll workers during the April 23 primary in a more timely manner.
Brady, who is up for re-election next year, said her office is looking at the city’s efforts in addressing imminently dangerous properties.
In response to a question about the city beverage tax, Brady said it’s “not my favorite tax,” adding that she shops at the Giant in Huntingdon Valley. She believes the money should be deposited in a specific fund, not the general fund.
• St. Cecilia officials, including the pastor, the Rev. Chris Walsh, outlined plans for a double-sided digital sign to replace the existing static sign. Parishioners requested the sign after seeing similar ones at St. Matthew and Resurrection of Our Lord.
• Fox Chase Civic Association and Town Watch will meet on Wednesday, June 12, at 7:30 p.m. at Loudenslager American Legion Post 366, at 7976 Oxford Ave. ••
