Germantown: Getting out of the Streets and into the Ring

Solving problems with violence never seems to be acceptable, until a set of boxing gloves are strapped on. Former professional boxer and Germantown resident Bozy Ennis created an after school program for the area's youth, in which he trains them not only to box but to become dedicated to a worthwhile activity that keeps them from getting into trouble. He calls his program "Put Down the Guns, Pick Up the Gloves," which for the time being has been operating (as Bozy's Dungeon) on the top floor of the Masjid Muhammad of Philadelphia.

Bozy's Dungeon is a fairly accurate name for the third-floor hangout: its dark, cold and pretty gray, save for the various boxing posters adorning the walls. It’s the heat of the action that warms the Dungeon, though, and intermingling with Germantown youth are proof that Bozy's training program really is beneficial. Several professional Philadelphian boxers also train there, some of who have been under Bozy’s guidance since they were as small as the boys just learning the sport.

After school programs like Bozy’s are beneficial to neighborhoods like Germantown; it gives its youth something to look forward to, an option and an outlet to succeed.

Katie Annesley and Raymond Andrews, Group 12, Germantown

Nicetown and Tioga: Gun Violence Inititatives Up and Running Despite Budget Cuts

Despite the City of Philadelphia's tight budget for the upcoming fiscal 2010 year, the 39th Police District has actually seen a rise in it's police force since Mayor Nutter's new administration came in. The District, which covers the areas of Nicetown and Tioga, has gained a total of 20 more police officers this past year, more than ever received under Mayor Streets administration. Although the city is under a $1 billion budget deficit with a current civilian police hiring freeze, the Philadelphia Police Department has only had it's budget cut by $2 million for the 2010 fiscal year. The increase in police presence allows for the 39th District to create specialized crime fighting units such as those focused more on gun violence. Homicides are even down 25 percent from 2007.

However, even with the gain of police officers, gun violence remains a pertinent issue. Such events, as the recent Gun Buy-Back, have been initiated in order to encourage residents in the area to turn in guns and promote peaceful, safe and gun-free communities. The most recent Gun Buy-Back event yielded a whopping 397 guns, 3 shy of event's goal number. Other initiatives include the CHEERS program, which is a Saturday morning educational program aimed to teach young children, ages 8-17, about gun-related issues. The program, which began on Oct. 3, is run by police officers who volunteer together every weekend.

The Philadelphia Police Department's efforts to combat violence and resolve many of the gun-related issues plaguing the neighborhood are only the first steps to creating peaceful communities. The initiatives the Police Department has taken so far have been successful and there is a new hope for the Nicetown and Tioga neighborhoods to be peaceful, gun-free, violence-free areas.

Group 13, Nicetown/Tioga, Ayisha Arshad and Morgan Ashenfelter

School of the Future

It is easily visible that children are of major importance in the Mantua community. More than half of the murals in the area feature children, and the playgrounds seem to be some of the only places with tons of trash receptacles and minimal litter. The Mantua community center, who focuses largely on the betterment of the local youth, seems to often times double as central meeting point, and the numerous corner stores can be seen flooded with children at all hours of the day. With all this being known, it would only make sense to put one of the best high schools in the city so close to Mantua.

The school of the Future, located on Parkside Ave, is a Microsoft funded school. It is home to 750 students, whose curriculum is built serve as a model for 21st-century learning communities around the world. It focuses on the importance of technology, and strengthens those in attendance with the knowledge to excel in technology driven careers after graduation. They wont have to wait to long to see the end results, because their first graduating class will walk across the stage in May.

Tiffany Jackson and Dustin Khebzou, group 8, Mantua/Parkside

Ludlow: The Past Lingers

Ludlow has undergone seismic changes in the last 20 to 25 years. At the end of the 1980's it was one of the more violent and drug infested neighborhoods in the city.

There was a huge rate of vacancy. Shootings were a near nightly occurrence according to some residents. Trash and vacant buildings dotted the landscape. Now, most of the that has changed. Parts the neighborhood's new housing developments look like suburban homes. Other blocks are starting to look more like Norther Liberties. Businesses are popping up. Real restaurants are opening, and not just the corner deli and six-pack shops that are common in inner-city. However, not everything is different.

Homelessness is still an issue in Ludlow. Walking around the neighborhood you see the homeless sitting on the street much as they do in center city. There are still vacant shells around too. Often one will find the homeless sitting in front of the shells. It serves as a black reminder of the neighborhood's physical and cultural past. It's not just adults living on the streets either. Women and children too end up on the streets. That's a problem that the workers at Project Rainbow and the Holy Redeemer Health System work everyday to solve.

by Evan Casey and Jessica Fowler

Buildings Not People

As of about six weeks ago, I had no interest, clue or inclination to venture to 30th and Girard streets. I had assumed it was a broken down neighborhood with no signs of life- just another poverty stricken Philadelphia neighborhood.

But we all know about assumption and what it does to you and me.

The Girard Avenue corridor is a mix of old and new. Businesses that have been there for generations mingle with new construction. Laundromats and pizza places, tattoo parlors and Cricket stores all line what was believed to me to be a wasteland.

This growth of industry- economic revitalization is something found only in areas with something to offer. The Brewerytown area has so many newly popular attributes that its borders are being adopted by a new breed of neighbor. One who owns his own town home, newly sided and landscaped in an easily accessible area- just minutes from the highway.

But the types of businesses popping up on the Avenue show few chains and many independently owned retail stores and shops. Looking deeper into who sets up shop here and why will give a better understanding in to what is really going on in Brewerytown. The West Girard Business Association and Girard Coalition may have some insight into who is choosing the Avenue and why.

Kevin Cook and Marilyn S. D'Angelo
Group 2

Kensington: Still Not Accepted

As we continue weekly to try and pull some good out of our neighborhood of Kensington, we keep coming across people whom are unwilling to co-operate with us or even give us the time of day. Maybe this attitude comes from the actual neighborhoods being run down making residents very ill willed.

It’s no mystery that we are all strangers to these neighborhoods and it’s no wonder why people don’t want us there. In every neighborhood people feel protected and feel the need to take ownership of what they have or even what they have left. These are lessons that we are all learning about every time we step foot into our individual environments.

Some residents accept us and some don’t but it is never right for people judge and make us feel unwelcomed. But these are elements that we all must deal with and overcome, we strive for these stories to get good grades or gain approval from our peers but we should look at the bigger picture and that in a sense the stories are benefitting the neighborhoods that don’t want us there. Maybe one day these neighborhoods will be fortunate enough to see some of the good we have done and then we’ll finally gain our acceptance.

By: Carmen Del Mastro & Adrian Fedkiw

Fairhill: Temple Outreach

Traveling through the streets of Fairhill, one might notice a number of banners hanging in the streets. One in particular that caught my eye was the following:



The banner reads: "People see so much pain on a daily basis that they no longer feel anything anymore. We cannot forget what we live for."

The project actually came out of Temple University's Tyler School of Art and the School of Communications and Theatre. It is directed by Professors Pepon Osorio and Karen Turner, and their aim is to highlight the youth violence in Latino North Philadelphia communities like Fairhill. To do this, they pair journalism and art students with actual families from the neighborhood. The art students tell the story of their given family through both their own and their family's artwork, and the journalists write stories about the families as well as about youth violence in the neighborhood.

To find out more about the project or to read blogs from the students involved, go to their website at inlovingmemoryofproject.com.

Danielle Harvey & Becca Lane
Group 17: Fairhill

Northeast Philadelphia: SEPTA Today, but What About Tomorrow?

With the Phillies trying to repeat as World Champions, many people are ignoring a potentially huge problem in the city. Members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 have voted to walkout on the job this weekend if they do not have a new contract. This would be devastating to people who rely on SEPTA

The two sides are still far apart in talks. SEPTA has proposed no wage increase during the first half of a four year contract and two percent in the latter two. The union wants a four percent increase every year of the deal. The biggest demand of the union is demanding that union workers instead of outside companies do work done on all busses and trolleys.
Residents are worried about this weekends sporting events as well as traveling to work. The Eagles play a huge division game this Sunday against the New York Giants before the Phillies play in game four of the World Series. If there is a walkout this would leave thousands of fans stranded for any game and potential parade.

Sean Supplee and Christeen Vilbrun, Group 20 Northeast Philadelphia.

Kensington: Senior Citizens Welcome

From the outside, The Lutheran Settlement Home headquarters, which was founded in 1902, may go unnoticed amongst all of the other brick buildings. But once you take a look inside, there is much to be explored. Most people would not expect to have a place where senior citizens congregate on a regular basis located in lower Kensington because of the neighborhood's reputation. Regardless of the stigma placed on Kensington, the Lutheran Settlement Home has remained at the same location since its doors opened in 1911.

The senior center is one of four programs operated here and it is also one of the most popular. At lunchtime, the senior center is packed to capacity where they are served a hot lunch by the Lutheran Settlement Home staff and volunteers. There are a variety of activities offered for them ranging from tai chi to the infamous bingo. From the smiles on the seniors' faces it is easily to tell that they thoroughly enjoy spending time at the senior center.

The Lutheran Settlement Home has existed for the well-beings of others for over a century and it is clear there are no plans to stop providing for the Kensington community anytime soon.

LaToya Allen and Herry Pierre-Louis, Group 1, Kensington

Hunting Park: Gearing Up for the World Series

This past week we learned that our very own Philadelphia Phillies would be in the World Series, but the question of their competition was still up in the air. Finally on Monday evening, it was learned by the public that none other than the non-sensical, New York Yankees would be in the playoffs with our Phils.

As time has gone by, I have progressively become more comfortable approaching people in Hunting Park. The scared, timid qualities of this journalist had slowly meted away and in replace of them, I have gained a new confidence while on the streets gathering information. These new characteristics are what have helped me develop connections with the individuals in this part of the city. Ricardo Velazquez, 22, said, "I can't wait. I was out last Wednesday to celebrate the Phillies advancing to the World Series, that was huge. And last year when the Phillies won, I rushed Broad Street. It is such a huge accomplishment and it really brings new life into the city. I think everyone in the city, whether they are a fan or not, will be on their side."

Ricardo also admitted that even though he does own several New York Yankees hats, "They are not my favorite. I think that they are just a highly respected team who has developed quite a reputation. I have a lot of respect for them, but the Phillies are the team that I will cheering for."

Cameras Still Covered Up: Fishtown

During my week of reporting I had some interesting conversations and found some good story ideas. The one that I went with was concerning surveillance cameras in Philadelphia, mainly Fishtown. It's no secret that they're all bagged in plastic and out of commission. I thought that this was ridiculous.

I got on the phone and gave Deputy of Public Safety, Everett Gillison a call. I also plan to ask and look into the reasoning for the bags over these cameras. Yes, I understand that they're not working, but nobody would know this if they weren't covered. They're twenty feet high, no thief could identify these faulty cameras. If anything they could possibly work as dummy cameras to scare criminals.

"That's the city for you," says Dave Roada of Northeast Philadelphia as he looks up at the camera above him on Hope and Girard Street.

The focus of my story will be the progress of the process that's being done to get these cameras working and also how long it will take. A story ran a few weeks ago, but with the year nearing its end, the city's second projected deadline is coming up.

John Stish HuntingParkFa0919 Group 19

Port Richmond: Economy Hurts Richmond Street

Richmond St. is one of the main streets in Port Richmond and at one time it was one of the busiest streets in the neighborhood, but today it looks like a ghost town.

Despite the traffic caused by the trolleys and frequent accidents, Richmond St. is fairly quiet most of the time. Richmond St. is still a popular street for drivers because it connects Port Richmond and surrounding neighborhoods to different parts of Philadelphia via Columbus Ave. and Girard Ave. It is often crowded, especially in the afternoon, with cars, buses and trolleys and some community residents have complained about the frequent accidents on Richmond St.

The street itself, mainly between Lehigh Ave. and Allegheny Ave., is lined with row homes and small shops, many of which are now closed. The majority of the local businesses that once thrived along Richmond St. have now closed and left behind "For Sale" signs and boarded-up windows. The few shops that are still open are small, locally owned businesses that appear to be struggling to survive the economic crisis.

Richmond St. is still rich with history, and the trolleys could help bring more businesses to life along the street, but today it is eerily quiet with blocks of broken down and boarded up shops that did not survive the bleak economic conditions. It is impossible not to notice the expired businesses lining Richmond St. They are strong visual reminders of the businesses that once thrived there.

-Stephanie Hobson and Amy Fuhrmeister, Group 7, Port Richmond

Mantua: A Bright Spot in the Middle

You notice when you’ve arrived in Mantua. Crossing over the Lancaster Avenue border to the south, the buildings rapidly deteriorate as you progress further north. Boarded windows, missing shingles—these houses may or may not be inhabited (the vacancy rate is over 30%) and the surrounding neighborhood lacks the lively business district that draws most people to an area. Consequently, the streets are quiet, and the contrast is striking from the University City area of Philadelphia that most students are familiar with.

Yet, as with all neighborhoods, some spots remain untouched by the poverty surrounding them. Walking down Warren Street, a small street in the southern section of Mantua, my partner and I both noticed a clearly rehabilitation of the houses. The siding was new, the bricks were clean, and decorations for Halloween were cheerfully hung. Just as we saw this, however, we saw the police station located directly across the street. At least ten police cars lined the street, and a few officers sat lounging outside of the station. Putting two-and-two together, we realized not only the significant impact of a neighborhood police force on crime rates and street safety, but the relative peace they bring to individuals living within their perimeter.

By Emily Freisher and Samantha Williams

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Visiting the same streets that seem so familiar. Cracked sidewalks and empty lots filled with broken glass and cigarette butts. R.I.Ps graffiti on the front of store gates. Brightly lit crosses nailed to the front of churches, liquor store not too far. Buses flying by another Strawberry Mansion resident who had been waiting for a half and hour.

Newspapers being carried by the autumn breeze with not one story about Strawberry Mansion. Not one mention of the basketball game coming up this weekend at their neighborhood rec center. Not one mention of the church's yard sale this Wednesday. Not one mention of high school music concert this December.

In one of my earlier stories about the neighborhood, there was one quote that stuck out to me by an older gentleman who calls himself Rocky. Robinson. He said, "The people need to speak up and let their voices be heard."

This does not only apply to this one particular neighborhood in Philadelphia but neighborhoods around the world. It is time to stop letting everyone tell our story for us. Let your voice be heard! Many Strawberry Mansion residents refuse to appear on camera however are not aware that this is just what people expect. They expect the urban community to not speak because they think that we do not care. Growing up in a similar neighborhood, I understand the residents concern but we must start somewhere.

I really do hope the stories we have written encourages those in the community to find their own voice. Yes, we can write the stories and take the photos but their is nothing like hearing the issues and their solutions from someone right in the community.

Joli McTerrell and Evan Macy Group 18 Strawberry Mansion/Brewerytown

Fairhill: A Helping Hand

Walking through the Fairhill, Nikki and I noticed a large building with the word “Congreso” written in green and blue. There were plenty of people streaming in and out of the building. The bright murals and colors seemed inviting, the gates and security cameras didn’t give off quite the same vibe. After a few moments of deliberation, we decided to head inside and find out what it was all about. It turned out to a non-profit organization that serves the neighborhoods of Eastern North Philadelphia, like Fairhill.

Congreso started in 1977 as a grassroots effort to provide health services to Northeast Philadelphia’s Puerto Rican community. Over the past 32 years they’ve expanded greatly. Now services include GED, tutoring, ELS and afterschool programs for kids. For those looking to join the workforce they offer job training and development in work readiness for youth. Congreso also offers family services like housing, utility assistance, and youth intervention. They also work in health services, providing HIV education, substance abuse, and mental health care.

With the unemployment rate in Philadelphia rising to 10.7 as of August, and lingering around 9.8 in the rest of the country, the need for this type of organization is both understandable and required.

By Nikki Volpicelli and Jonathan Viguers, Group 11, Fairhill

Trouble in Fishtown

Last week proved to be the hardest week thus far for my group partner and I. Although we learned a great deal in reference to planning, preparation and time management, there seems to be just one issue that I have yet to resolve. It has been on my mind since my last trip to Fishtown. Being an aspiring or as some would say a “student” journalist is hard. Pairing youthful looks, a video camera and an open notebook, as I have learned, is an automatic people repellent. No one wants to hear what you have to say and certainly no one wants to be put on camera! Being placed in a predominantly Caucasian neighborhood as a BLACK student journalist is proving to be a double whammy. No matter the approach, level of confidence or tone of voice, it has become increasingly hard to not only talk and interview Fishtown residents but, to make simple and friendly conversations. After last week’s failure of barely finding anyone to interview, my group partner and I set out for the long walk back to the 15 trolley stop. We stopped at a nearby bar to hopefully interview the patrons inside on their opinions on the city budget and quite honestly due to my stress level, I needed a nice cold drink. We quickly felt unwelcome and unwanted. Without letting my partner or I fully explain who we were, what we were about or why we had bulky equipment in our hands, we were dismissed and turned away. Instead of our bulky equipment, what the patrons and bar owner saw was, two young African Americans. And that was enough for them. This left me with the burning question of if I had been White, would the results have been the same?


Ninah Bell and Ayana Comrie Fishtown

Fishtown: Stuffing a Turkey for Friends

I heard of potluck dinners before. I always thought it was some metropolitan trend I would never be a part of. Until I came across a potluck dinner in Fishtown through Everyblock.com. So I walked nervously down Norrist St. with my tupperware container full of potato pancakes. Hoping I would make new friends in the neighborhood through an old family recipe, I was confident as I knocked on the door. I was greeted warmly as my gaze immediately fell upon a young man standing in the kitchen. I had to look twice to make sure I was seeing correctly, but he was elbow deep inside of a turkey. "We take Phillies celebration seriously around here," said Tom as he grabbed a handful of stuffing. "Besides, every day is a good day to have a Thanksgiving dinner."

At first I was bewildered that a group of twenty year olds were capable of cooking a Thanksgiving style dinner. But I soon found out the reason why. Of the four occupants in the house, none of them were Pennsylvania residents. Two were from upstate New York and the other two from Virginia. The idea behind these dinners is to invite as many starving students over as possible, and give them a home cooked meal. Tom said the thing he misses most about home is his mother's cooking. "Everybody gets some real food and we all drink and laugh and have a good time," said Tom.

By Jenn Matusiak and Melanie Menkevich
Group 09 - Fishtown

A Rainy Day Parade In Walnut Hill

Despite the 90 percent chance of rain and humid temperatures, the scene outside of the Paul Robeson House in Walnut Hill Saturday afternoon was surprisingly joyous.

That was where everyone had gathered for Spiral Q Puppet Theater’s 10th Annual Peoplehood Parade and Pageant.

I had arrived 15 minutes early but it seemed the festivities had already begun. Adults and children were beating away on a variety of makeshift drums--mostly painted buckets and water jugs--while a group of teenagers showed off their best dance moves.

A few people came in costume, including one very miserable little bumblebee. The only participants who managed to stay dry were the girls peddling inside a surrey which had been designed to look like a giant frog’s mouth.

I was trying to juggle a camera, a notebook and an umbrella when I was approached by a flustered Spiral Q staff member in a soaked poncho.

“Do you wanna be a bird?” she asked.

Unsure of what exactly that entailed and whether I could commit, I politely declined.

Whether it was waving a brightly colored flag, holding a banner, or playing a random musical instrument, everyone had been assigned some sort of prop or activity. Although the turnout clearly wasn’t as impressive as previous years, there were still several groups in attendance including, the West Powelton Steppers, the North Philly Stompers and two elderly women from the United Block Captains Association.

I then met Dan Hajdo, a volunteer for Casino-Free Philadelphia who was there to hold a banner. However, he was in need of another hand.

“We didn’t have other people to come out and help me carry it,” he said.

I had only planned on staying there for a little while to take a few photos and jot down some notes. But before I knew it, I was in the parade holding a banner for Casino-Free Philadelphia.

A woman from the Paul Robeson House gave a short inspirational speech about Mr. Robeson, the renown performer, professional athlete and civil rights activist. Another woman then took the microphone to really boost everyone’s energy.

“We will walk proudly through the streets of West Philadelphia to celebrate one another and all that we believe in,” she shouted.

As we all began marching out into the intersection, she led the crowd in a chant: “Rain or shine we don’t mind, peoplehood today!”

Ironically, that was when the rain started to pour even harder.

The final stop on the parade route was Clark Park at 45th and Chester Ave. where a giant puppet performance featuring over 200 performers was then set to begin. Unfortunately, there weren’t any giant colorful puppets in this year’s parade due to the weather. While I was a little disappointed by this, I realized that isn’t what the event is really all about.

When Philly native, Matthew Hart founded Spiral Q in 1995, his mission was to promote social and political change. As part of their Parade and Pageant Program, each year Spiral Q artists hold workshops in the city’s most neglected neighborhoods, working with hundreds of children, teens, parents and even the elderly to create different parade art.

Using the storytelling techniques of giant puppetry, street theatre, and pageantry, they’re encouraged to express their concerns about their neighborhood as well as their hopes for it’s future in their designs.

I was an outsider simply coming to observe this West Philadelphia tradition but couldn’t help but be inspired by the diverse group of people who came from all over the city and stood in the rain for almost two hours to show their support and dedication.

I walked the numerous blocks back to the El station with two soaking bags around my neck and puddles in my shoes. Yet, I was in a surprisingly good mood.

--Nicole Finkbiner and Candice Walker, Group 23, Walnut Hill/Garden Court

Fairhill: A True Community Activist

Throughout the semester, we've been taught to seek out those who play a major role in the community. These people are usually church leaders, community activists, or just "unofficial mayors", and they always have a pulse on what's happening in the neighborhood.

This week, we happened to come across a person who defines what it means to be "involved in the community". Christina Saxton, a former teacher at Julia de Burgos Middle School, only moved to Fairhill two years ago (from Lancaster) after her marriage. Yet she is involved with the local school, takes care if the school's garden, is involved with a local church, and volunteers at a soup kitchen on Kensington Ave.--and on top of it all, she has a newborn baby of her own.

Despite the fact that she is not currently working at the middle school because of the birth of her son, Saxton took the time to visit the school to talk to us about the garden project that she started. The project itself started because of Saxton's love for gardening, and she was the one who originally got fellow teacher Erin Kelly involved with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. According to Saxton, the idea came about because of the fact that her students are mostly Puerto Rican and Dominican, and many are used to rural areas. She thought the students would enjoy a garden, so she worked tirelessly to make it happen.

In a struggling neighborhood like Fairhill, it's great to see someone like Christina Saxton working to better the community.

Danielle Harvey & Becca Lane

Group 17: Fairhill

Geert Wilders: Anderson Hall 10/20

Being a Temple student, I find it really great that the university is very diverse. Students of all races and religions attend our school. It's been said that we have the most diverse group of college students of any other colleges. Much controversy and protest was brought to the University this passed Tuesday night when Geert Wilder was set to speak in Anderson Hall. From what I read, Temple was one of the only schools to invite him into speak. This radical politician's soul purpose is to abolish Muslim religion.

The students at temple in attendance of his conference weren't buying it. There were many boo's and some angered questions by the students. Although, Wilders answered all of them, his staff of very serious looking bodyguards tried to cut the questions short after someone in the first row asked a question that they didn't feel was appropriate. So much for free speech. The event brought all the major Philadelphia news outlets to the conference. Many disgruntled people were angered that they couldn't get in to the event. The paper had written that the event was open to all public when in reality, attendees needed to show Temple identification. Despite the communication breakdown, the turnout was still very good.

John Stish Hunting Park Fa0919 group9

Following up With Officer Scott

For our last story my partner and I visited a Police Athletic League center at a Kensington elementary school. There we met Officer Maurice Scott. When we told Scott that we wanted to interview him he was more than happy to, and provided us with everything we needed. I personally thought he was just a nice man, but when he offered us a ride all the way back to Temple University I knew he was a special person.

After we finished our story, Scott and I had a few more conversations. He explained to me why he cared so much for the kids he was looking after. For him it was more of a passion than a job, which is pretty obvious since PAL officers get paid less than street cops. He even talked about why each individual child was special.

"Some people may say, ok well you can save her but not him, he's a trouble maker," said Scott. I would tell them, well let me try, you had your chance, let me see if I can do something with him."

Scott even invited me to travel with him and some of his kids to go see 'More Than a Game' the Lebron James documentary. Unfortunately I couldn't make it to the screening, but I was able to visit Scott at the PAL center again a week after our story was over. It is interesting the way a story can open your eyes to so many different aspects of life, and I am thankful that I was able to make a connection with Scott. In the little time that I've known him, I've learned that it only takes one person to make a difference.

Herry Pierre-Louis and LaToya Allen, Group 1, Kensington

Tough Times for Local Businesses

Three years ago, Father and Son's Pizza and Pasta was doing fairly well. The summer's always generated the most revenue by far.

Due to the horrific economical times, Father and Son's has struggled to make profit, especially in the last 6-8 months.

The restaurant is located on the 2500 block of Frankford Ave. Ed Alexander is an employer there, and he discusses the cutbacks that the shop has endured over the past year. He said, "there's been a cutback in jobs, we used to have four people work a shift, now it's only two."

Another place that has suffered is the Walking Fish Theatre. It's located on 2509 Frankford Ave. The theatre has suffered some cuts in salaries, and have had to generate revenue in other ways. Some of these include donations, and many, many fundraisers.

Adrian Fedkiw and Carmen Del Mastro

Team 4 Kensington

Building Community and Overcomming Convictions

An assumption that some people may have of religions are that they can, in any of the many forms, promote close-minded and intolerant attitudes while breeding an environment of repressed individuals insensitive to cultural and social diversity.

Well at least I assumed that to be so, never having been a member of a church nor really ever setting foot in one except when an elderly aunt or uncle passed away.

Being religious, through my cultural lens, meant that you hate when women chose to abort an unborn child for any reason whatsoever, or that you hate when couples of the same sex display affection or God-forbid decide to seal their bond together forever in marriage ...and that of course you hate all other religions and your God is the most omnipresent.

This week we visited a local church to publicize a collection that they organize to award at Christmas. The First United Methodist Church of Germantown or FUMCOG, is seeking proposals to fund ideas that help the community in need around Philadelphia.

Maybe its Philadelphia's tendency towards the political left or that FUMCOG is in Germantown, one of the more socially-stratified areas of the city. Both ends of the economic spectrum are present, and the people of FUMCOG were genuinely positioning the church to do what they could to help those in need.

After our scheduled interview with the two coordinators of the Community Needs Committee at FUMCOG we decided that we needed to stick around to do some more reporting, which meant sitting through mass.

A young woman who's family was saved from political turmoil in Guatemala gave an account of how the church is always ready to welcome members back who haven't been to church in a while. A Southern white man offered some words of wisdom to those in attendance on how he came to fall for a black woman and is now in an interracial family.

One of the most striking occurrences was the large grizzly-bearded black gentlemen in the pew behind me, with his bellowing tenor voice, so enthusiastically and flawlessly hitting every single note of Paul Simon's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" adapted for the church choir. I couldn't help but be moved. Later the man, Rod Thomas (picture right,) said that he has degree in theater from Temple University.

I wouldn't want those who are devoutly religious to assume that I'm an apathetic, soulless hater because I come from a culture in which religion wasn't an important part of forming who I am. I guess I learned that I'm a victim of projecting my own presumptions upon those of us who are religious. Whereas I formerly looked at religious zeal as a sign of weakness within the individual; it is apparent through this experience that church is a place for people to find community strength and therefore strengthen their communities.

Mayfair: Rebuilding a Memory

We often don't miss something until it is gone. This is how the residents of Mayfair probably felt when the Mayfair Memorial Playground was taken down in April of last year. Since then, a few residents have been doing all they can to rebuild what is now a fond memory.

It was originally taken down because a toddler had gotten hurt due to worn equipment. At the time, the School District of Philadelphia, who owns the property, did not want to pay for reparations and so the playground was closed altogether. However, the District has since then agreed to install new equipment, maintain and assume all liabilities--provided the town can fund the project.

One person taking an active role in restoring the playground is Joseph J. DeFelice, president of the Mayfair Civic Association. Along with other members of the neighborhood, he is helping to raise $50,000 in funds so that the playground may once again exist. This Saturday, Oct. 24, they will hold the first fundraiser at SmokeEaters Pub, located at Frankford and Sheffield avenues, from noon to 7 p.m. For $30, residents and friends can enjoy good beer, food and music, while taking part in a notable cause.

Although this project will be expensive, with prices starting at $10,000 for playground sets, DeFelice believes that once residents see the first few pieces of equipment, the momentum will build up and more people will help.

If you would like to help Mayfair get their playground back, you can start by attending the first official fundraiser this Saturday, or contacting the Mayfair Civic Association at mayfaircivicassociation@yahoo.com


Christeen Vilbrun and Sean Supplee, Group 20, Northeast Philadelphia

Fishtown is NC!

Imagine having to move somewhere new for one year-only one. That is what Patrick Boylan, Brian Sweeney and Kevin Berstein have to do. North Catholic was their home and now it is closing this June. They need to adjust to a new high school when they should be worrying about college.

“One year’s nothing,” said Sweeney. “You can’t really go there for a year and say, ‘oh I like this place, or I don’t like this place,’ cuz you’re only gonna spend one year there it’s not like you can’t really make a home out of it.”

When asked for suggestions for saving their school, they boys suggested that they hold fundraisers, ask alum or have North become private. They are open to anything.

Candace Morris, an English teacher at North who teaches juniors, considers the school a community as well.

“The bottom line is that everybody here cares about these kids. Everybody’s hurting because we care about these kids; we’re very protective of them. Our hope, especially with the juniors, is that we’ve given them the seeds to sustain wherever they go.”

Morris said that in defense of the Archdiocese, the numbers do not sustain the school. The baby boom generation has graduated and moved out of the city. There just aren’t enough students for the amount of schools.

The closing of North is a sensitive subject to a lot of people in Fishtown because it is the Catholic School residents have a tradition of attending. There is so much to say about the matter and every new turn becomes both emotionally and physically exhausting.

In the words of Morris: “That’s the sadness. It’s just never going to exist anymore.”

View here for feedback from the students of Morris’ English class.

Melanie Menkevich and Jenn Matusiak. Group 9. Fishtown.

Alumni Mourn Closing of Fishtown School

Northeast Catholic High School is closing after over 80 years of educating young men from Fishtown, Kensington, Bridesburg, and other areas. After the end of this fiscal school year, the High School will be closing its doors along with the Cardinal Dougherty School, located in Olney. Many of the alumni of the school are outraged that the school, which many of their fathers, uncles and grandfathers attended, will cease to exist. The school is closing as a result of decreased enrollment and diminished capacity in the school buildings. The school was opened as the fourth Archdiocesan school in Philadelphia. Some of the alumni of the school range from successful cartoonists to athletes. From an all-time enrollment high of 4,500 students, Northeast is now home to only about 551 students. Members of the community are devastated and believe that the closing is related to the vast amount of businesses and jobs in the Fishtown area that are being lost. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors, at the school are being guided through a process to help them transfer to other Catholic high schools. Along with students being shifted to other schools, teachers are losing their jobs as well. Many of them have been with the school for many years and must now find a new place of employment. Many are now looking to the Archdiocese for a solution to this problem.

By: Ayana Comrie and Ninah Bell, Group 21, Fishtown

Germantown: Within a City Well Unprepared

With natural disasters tearing through other countries in the world, this raises a question that most of the citizens in Germantown, if not the whole city, have either scoffed at or found themselves baffled by: what if a natural disaster hit the city of Philadelphia?

The responses that many people gave all had a unanimous sense of unpreparedness. Some laughed, others shrugged their shoulders as if the question had no validity or as if they simply could not imagine a scenario encompassing the occurrence of a natural disaster. Based on the small, random sample of people that we asked, it is clear that few, if any of the people in the neighborhood are prepared for this to occur.

It is highly unlikely that the city will suffer any adverse effects to an earthquake, as there has not been an earthquake focused on any region within hundreds of miles of the city. In addition, there are no faults running through Philadelphia. This decreases the likelihood of anything outside of an aftershock being felt within the community.

Hurricanes have been known to affect the city, but the severe effects of hurricanes tend to die down by the time it reaches Pennsylvania, leaving nothing more than strong-winded rainstorms. Still, the climate continues to be affected and hurricanes are becoming more frequent and more violent, leaving more precedents to be set.

But, has the lack of activity in the region left us complacent and unprepared? Hopefully, this will be an issue that gets resolved some time in the near future.

Raymond Andrews and Katie Annesley, Team 12, Germantown.

Ludlow: Orlando the Optimist

Walking through the grounds of the Ludlow Youth Community Center over the green baseball field or cemented park grounds, its hard not to notice a contrast between this small corner of the neighborhood at 6th and Master and the other desolate, empty streets a few blocks over. This mural-decorated location is popular for dog walkers, baby strollers, and high schoolers alike.

While watching his grandson on a day off from work, lifelong resident Orlando Martinez talked about the summers his family spends at the Ludlow Youth Community Center and the fears they had when they thought the program might end. Proudly displaying his Cruz Camp T-shirt (Cruz Recreational Facility is another name for the Ludlow Youth Community Center), Martinez looked down at his grandson several times while speaking about the neighborhood and it’s future, ending the interview with a hope. He believes and hopes that in spite of the budget dilemma the state faced this year that next year the state may not face the same crisis and that more recreational facilities in North Philadelphia will be built in future years.

The states rainy day fund was drained with the new budget and it’s hard not to wonder what might happen next year if the economy doesn’t improve and the state is forced to cut back even more. You don’t have to look hard to see how vital these organizations are for the community or how much more fragile a neighborhood becomes when they lose these local resources.

Jessica Fowler and Evan Casey, Group 15, Ludlow

Playing without groundwork

Looking into the eyes of children, while covering a story about the economic crisis and its effect on the communities of these kids, sets off interesting emotions.

They play, without care. They have no bills, and most of them don't understand the concept of bills. They run about and make up stories, enjoying the hard tax money that paid for the recreation centers, many of which will have to close or downsize in the upcoming months.

They receive tutelage from volunteers, or from low wage rec center employees whose love for kids is their biggest motivation. Many become frustrated by looking at the possibilities inherent in an undeveloped and interested youth, and knowing that most of them will never get opportunities to reach for the stars they are capable of grabbing.

Every adult I spoke to said straightforwardly there needs to be more money lent towards helping kids. It is almost as if some of them have cashed in their dreams and are living a dreary life, and are scared to come to grips with the reality that the looks in their children's eyes will slowly fade, and never return.

Neighborhoods like these come together and use community to get by, but there is only so much society can do without financial support. If ever there was a worthy outlet for tax payer money, it is the soaring potential of untapped kids, who will end up cashing in and becoming just like their parents.

By Evan Macy and Joli McTerrell, group 18, Strawberry Mansion and Brewerytown

Mantua Finally Receives Child Care Funding

Upon first glance at the Mantua Community Center on this particular Wednesday afternoon, all seemed normal. There were about 14 children sitting in the lobby, patiently waiting for their parents to pick them up from daycare, and about four teachers were keeping a close eye on those who insisted on horse playing.

The truth is though, it wasn’t a normal Wednesday at all.

Wednesday, October 14^th was the day that everyone at the center had been waiting for. It was the day they finally received funding from state to reopen the classroom they had to recently close due to the budget cuts. Plus, they learned that the pay cut the staff had to take would soon be reversed.

It was also the day of our interview with them, and needless to say, everyone was in a really good mood.

The interview process for this project went fairly smoothly. We got a lot of great information from the director of the day care program, Stephanie Simon, who was very passionate about her line of work. We also got the chance to speak to a few teachers, all of whom were extremely glad they no longer had to fear the loss of their job due to the lack of funding. Overall, the project turned out well because everyone involved with the daycare is very concerned with the betterment of the youth in their community, therefore giving us a lot of information to work with.

-Dustin Khebzou & Tiffany Jackson, Group 8, Mantua/Parkside

Hunting Park: A life lesson learned at daycare

This last week, we dedicated our time to covering the day care facilities struck hardest by the recently passed budget. While the budget awaited approval, day care centers who received funding from the state were without cash. I think that the story of Nekeira Batchelor struck us hardest. She was willing to go without pay, despite having two children of her own, in order to continue her business. But the interesting stories came out after the camera was off, and we were just active listeners.

Batchelor explained how she used to work at Wells Fargo, in the loss collection department. The department in charge of collecting cash from clients, who may have had their cars stolen, and still had payments to make regardless. She explained how she was in charge of informing the individuals of these outstanding debts, and had to persist that they pay, despite their stories.

She said that through her time there, she realized that she wanted to be at the daycare. She returned there, despite the pay cut, in order to find happiness. And she finds happiness in the children who attend there. Her work is rewarding, and she no longer dreads the work day. She'd much rather be with less money and a job she loves than a well paying job that drains her of her personality. A lesson learned, and taught by an elementary school education alumni of Temple.

Walnut Hill: American Bandstand

The Enterprise Center, home of the American Bandstand Studio is located at 46th and Market Streets and houses a number of murals dedicated to the late show, and ties in the center’s work with efforts to preserve a lot of its plaques, albums, pictures, etc of regulars who appeared on the show.

The Center collects memorabilia and has turned it into a mini-museum that celebrates the show’s late greats. Some of the famous stars included, Jody Checker, and Johnny Cash.

Imanni Wilkes, the Enterprise Center's Managing Director of Community Empowerment says after the show relocated to Los Angeles in 1964, the building remained vacant for 17 years until it was taken over by the Enterprise Center.

American Bandstand was a famous television show that was broadcast from 1952 to 1989, and hosted by the legendary Dick Clark. The show aired teenagers dancing to the popular music of the time. American Bandstand’s renown was what led Dick Clark to celebrity and crowned him the American media mogul title.

Nicole Finkbiner & Candice Walker, Group 22

North Central Philadelphia: Walking for a Cure

According to a 2008 Center for Disease Control report, Philadelphia had an HIV infection rate that was 50% higher than that of New York, and 5 times the national average. The Calcutta House located on 16th and Girard, provides housing and support for people living with Aids in Philadelphia. It is an organization that has existed as a non-profit for over 20 years now. Upon stopping by and chatting with some workers over the weekend, we found that the city budget impasse really impacted the way that they operated.

Preston Barnette is the head chef at Calcutta and works directly with the residents on a daily basis. He discussed shortages on supplies in the kitchen and other areas of the residence. To make due without city funding The Calcutta House tried a number of successful fundraisers.

On Sunday we attended the Aids Walk. It is a 12 km walk in the Art Museum area. The weather was awful, cold and windy. Though the number of participants in the walk has decreased over the past few years, there was still a good turn out.

The Calcutta house had 6 registered walkers as well as residents that participated. They raised $1,300.00 internally. An overall amount of $350,000 dollars was raised for Philadelphia Aids Organizations, and the Calcutta House hopes to receive a portion of those funds.

Jeff Craven and Leeann Hamilton, Group 16, North Central Philadelphia

Budget Woes in Philadelphia

When the state budget was pushed back to a record 100 plus days, budget woes spanned the city’s schools, community centers and non-profits.

The School District of Philadelphia passed its FY09-10 budget in June for the following year. So when state funds failed to be appropriated by the deadline, district administrators struggled to fill a nearly $200 million dollar budget gap.

In an interview today with Fernando Gallard, the Philadelphia School District’s Office of Communications’ director of media relations, it was explained that the budget, though revised and submitted, was still undecided and had yet to be reviewed by the District’s Reform Commission.

Gallard told us that to make up for the budget gap, schools would loose less than one percent of their operating costs and that money would come out of administrative funding. Words like “restructuring” and “shuffle” were used to explain how that would in fact occur.

When we talked about transparency, the media relation’s official seemed to tense- supporting the district’s plan of action in alerting the public to policy changes. We asked about why parents didn’t seem to know much about the issues and were told that parents don’t usually concern themselves with such details.

Interestingly, a security guard outside of Valk School in Brewerytown gave us some more information, on background. For fear of losing his job of 21 years, he declined to speak on the record. He told us that even though the school district has claimed budget woes and have had trouble providing for the students, they just hired two new staffers to the District’s Reform Commission.

Such charges are yet unsubstantiated, but would not be in agreement with the budget gaps and policy decision to cut administrative costs.

In the world of after school programs, it seemed to be a very different story. Owners of a local childcare center were obviously distraught about the budget issues.

A worker at Representative Frank Oliver’s office who declined to comment on record, but agreed to speak on background, stating that she was not an authority, knew just the hardships we were asking about. She referred us to one of the few non-profits in the area that felt the crunch, and hard, having to cut their staff substantially after a gap in their funding.

There will be more to come on all fronts.


Kevin Cook and Marilyn S. D’Angelo
Group 2

Mantua: Childcare Matters

When walking the streets of Mantua and Parkside looking for leads on our “tell the governor” story, Emily and I noticed a big trend in businesses: daycares. There was at least one on every block; some blocks two.

We stopped outside of one and reached for the door. It was closed for the day. A man standing outside asked us what we were looking for. He explained to us that the daycare had not received any payments from the state since July. The man said they were struggling to keep their heads above water.

We received the same story at every childcare facility we visited. Yet their doors were still open (barely). They were willing to speak to us. They wanted to be heard.

Donissa Lawrence, an administrative assistant at Heavenly Hall daycare in Mantua explained to use why daycare was so important to the area.

“People have to work and they have children. This is where they bring their kids when they have to work and make a living for themselves.”

With the state budget signed, these businesses will finally get the funding they are owed. Hopefully, they will be able to relieve the stress of the past couple of months and get back to what is truly important, the children of their community.

All Good Guns Go to Bullet-Proof Vest Heaven

Philadelphia SWAT Officer Vallejo tries his best to dismantle an old shotgun to make sure it's unloaded and safe. The gun is stubborn and too rusty. But Vallejo is determined, and eventually the rusty, old thing gives way to his persistence. The gun, like all the others collected at Broad and Bellfield streets in North Philadelphia, is handed to the 35th district police officers behind Vallejo, who tag the gun by serial number before loading it barrel-down into a tall, plastic trash can. Vallejo motions for the next person to step over. The line of people extends half a block along a chain link fence.

Vallejo and his comrades did this all day last Saturday as part of the "Goods for Guns" event, which gives Philly residents a $100 Shop Rite gift card for each handgun, shotgun or rifle turned in. Philadelphia Safety Net is the main coordinator of the program, which has taken place in various locations in Philly since 2007. A variety of community groups, non-profits and businesses take part in the event, but without the police such an event wouldn't be possible.

The police aren't there to ask any questions. The point of the event is not to seek out criminals.

"For us it's more of a safety prevention," Executive Director of Philly Safety Net Ray Jones said. "Folks say, 'well the bad guys are never going to give you the guns.' But we're not looking for them."

35th district Capt. Stephen Glenn echoes Jones' when he says that the program is effective in it's own way.

"Some people say these programs aren't effective because you wouldn't get the guns from the people you want," Glenn said. "But any gun can end up in the wrong hands."

SWAT is at the event to make sure the guns are unloaded and safe. The district police officers collect the weapons and track them by serial numbers. They check each gun to make sure it has no connection to a crime, then it is melted down. But the life cycle doesn't end there. The melted guns are put right back on the streets, this time as part of bullet-proof vests for Philly police officers. As Jones said, it's a win-win for gun safety: keeping guns off the streets and protecting officer's lives from bullets.