The Seamen’s Church Institute of Philadelphia and South Jersey presented its annual Spirit of the Port Award to state Sen. Tina Tartaglione (D-2nd dist.) during a reception and luncheon at the Felt Factory (formerly Romano’s Catering), 1523 E. Wingocking St.
The award goes to an individual who embodies the spirit and humanity of the port community.
SCI provides seafarers in the Ports of Philadelphia and South Jersey with services such as organizing trips to historical sites and making shopping purchases and deliveries for workers too busy to go ashore.
SCI also provides “ditty bags” filled with essentials for seafarers. These bags are made by groups such as the Catholic Daughters, some of whom attended the March 5 reception and luncheon.
Members of the Maritime Academy Charter School-based U.S. Naval Sea Cadets formed a color guard and led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Jeremiah Dones sang the Star-Spangled Banner.
The Rev. Joseph Campellone, interim president of Father Judge, delivered the invocation.
Bill Keller, a former longshoreman and state representative, introduced Tartaglione.
“She understands working people,” Keller said.
Keller was the Democratic chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee while Tartaglione was her party’s chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.
“The award could not go to a more deserving person,” he said.
Tartaglione thanked SCI’s support of workers and said she will continue to work on port-related issues such as clean air, improved infrastructure and good-paying jobs.
“Our port has helped make Philadelphia a global city,” she said.
Others at the event included state Rep. Sean Dougherty; former state Rep. John Taylor; former City Controller Alan Butkovitz; Bill Conaway, director of community relations at the Philadelphia Protestant Home; and Richie Lazar, executive director of the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
The Spirit of the Port Award has been presented since 1989. Keller is a former honoree. Others who’ve received the award include former Mayor Ed Rendell, former Gov. Tom Corbett and the late U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter. ••
