Seth Williams, Candidate for Philadelphia District Attorney, Removed from Ballot

In a recent upset in the race for Philadelphia District Attorney, Candidate, Seth Williams is thrown off of the ballot. Here is his letter to his supporters:

"Friends:

Today, a Philadelphia Common Pleas judge broke new legal ground when he issued two rulings - one removing me from the ballot and a second keeping Mike Turner on it.

Disappointed does not begin to describe my feeling at the moment.

Outrage does.

The judge ruled that in a challenge to my statement of financial interests by Danny McCaffery's campaign that I failed to disclose as "income" reimbursements I received for expenditures I made on behalf of my campaign.

Of course I didn't list them - because they're not income.

Reimbursements are not considered income by the Internal Revenue Service, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue or the Pennsylvania Ethics Commission. Moreover, the reimbursements were fully disclosed in a separate document I filed with the state - a public documents.

The judge's decision is baffling and will be appealed.

In a second decision, the same judge ruled that Mike Turner could stay on the ballot because the judge allowed signatures that were on petitions notarized by a New Jersey notary and signatures of individuals that were not registered at the address they listed.

That also is not the law. New Jersey notaries can't notarize petitions in Pennsylvania, and you have to list the address where you are registered when you sign a petition.

But I am going to keep fighting - it's too important not to.

Philadelphia's criminal justice system is fundamentally broken, and we need change. We lead the nation in the rate of homicide by handguns. 59 percent of all felonies aren't prosecuted - because the D.A.'s Office isn't ready. Our criminal justice system is a revolving door that allows 60 percent of the crime to be committed by 5 percent of the people. We can't have another District Attorney that turns a blind eye to corruption because fighting it would hurt her politically.

In the coming days, I will be fighting back against these decisions. I hope you will continue to support me.

Sincerely,

Seth"

Holiday Affair with a Flair

Senator Vincent Hughes & Staff and the Radio One Family, Praise 103.9, 107.9 WRNB and 100.3 The Beat
Request the pleasure of your company at our "Holiday Affair with a Flair."
Monday December 15, 2008
6 p.m.
Bala Country Club
2200 Belmont Avenue Philadelphia
Come and enjoy and party with a purpose. We are asking you
to consider supporting Senator Hughes' Santa program,
through a monetary, or a Forman Mills or
Toys R'US gift certificate contribution.
RSVP by December 11th
eventrsvp@pasenate.com or (215) 471-3500

Shuttle van service to and from street entrance to Bala Golf Club.
Location accessible via SEPTA buses 38 and 40. Overflow
parking available at State Police Barracks on Belmont Avenue.

Last year we were able to brighten the holidays for
more than 200 families as a result of generous donations
from several corporate and community partners.
With your donation of a gift certificate from Toys R' Us or
Forman Mills, we can continue to make a difference in the
lives of those who need it most.

Mayor Nutter, Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation Announce Public-Private Partnership to Preserve Ice Rinks

Image via Wikipedia This morning, Mayor Michael A. Nutter and Comcast-Spectacor Chairman Ed Snider announced that the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation (ESYHF) will take over operation and programming of three ice-skating rinks targeted by the City for possible closure. Under the agreement, ESYHF will oversee all ice hockey programs at the Scanlon Ice Rink, the Laura Sims Skatehouse at Cobbs Creek, and the Rink at Simons Recreation and Teen Access Center.

The Foundation will provide free ice hockey instruction and leagues, including all equipment, as well supplemental academic services at no charge to participants. The Philadelphia Department of Recreation will continue to maintain the rinks.

“This agreement is an example of a great public-private partnership,” said Mayor Nutter. “I am pleased that the Snider Foundation is able to work with the City to keep these rinks open and accessible to the community. In this budget climate, we need to be more creative about how we provide services.”

The new partnership also expands general access to the rinks three afternoons per week at the Rizzo Rink and the Tarken Rink and access to ice on weekday mornings at all five City rinks. This will enable the Foundation to expand its School Day sessions, which provide physical education programming for many of the Philadelphia public schools that are within close proximity to these sites. Entrance and equipment will be provided free of charge during these periods.

“If the end product of this partnership is that boys and girls go on to play for competitive club, scholastic or even collegiate hockey teams, that would be great,” said Ed Snider. “But more significant are the thousands of young people who will learn the importance of staying in school, staying on a progressive path, and the need to give back to their communities. These children will someday help to build a stronger Philadelphia.”

“This is very exciting. The residents of the surrounding communities will gain a first-class program run by the most respected youth hockey organization in the region,” added Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson. “What has impressed me most about ESYHF is its supplemental educational services, including its nationally acclaimed life skills curriculum.”

The Foundation is also working with the City to procure land for a hub facility, encompassing a state-of-the-art computer lab, classrooms, administrative offices, and multiple ice surfaces. The facility will also include public space designated for meetings and other related community functions.

“We are thrilled by this alliance,” said Scott Tharp, President of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. “This is a win-win situation. ESYHF will gain access to much needed ice time, and ESYHF, in turn, will relieve the Department of Recreation of the overhead needed to staff its hockey programs. Being recognized as the official youth hockey provider for the City of Philadelphia marks the achievement of one of the Foundation’s initial goals.”

Philadelphia Flyers founder Ed Snider created the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation in 2005 as a personal commitment to provide opportunities to those who would otherwise not have such options. The Foundation has experienced rapid growth and uses hockey as its hook to gain and hold the attention of its young people, bringing inner-city children together resulting in positive youth development.

The mission of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation is to use the sport of hockey to help educate young people on how to succeed in the game of life.

Apply for a Job in the Obama Administration

Image by jmtimages via Flickr Many citizens in Philadelphia supported the Obama/Biden win. The number of volunteers in Pennsylvania who worked tirelessly to bring change to America has set a new record.

Now these volunteers and others may continue to bring change to the world and earn income through federal employment in the Obama-Biden Administration.

The Obama-Biden Administration has created Change.gov

In addition to allowing visitors to tell their story via the "An American Moment" section of the website, prospective applicants may apply for positions in the Obama-Biden Administration.

Visit Change.gov. Tell your story and become a member in the Change Cabinet.

State Representative Cherelle L. Parker's Annual Northwest Community Appreciation Awards Dinner

In Philadelphia, we are honored by community organizers who are truly dedicated to serving family, children, businesses and the larger community. One representative goes above and beyond to make certain our heroes and sheroes are recognized. This representative is Cherelle Parker of Pennsylvania.

The 200th Legislative District is pleased that Cherelle would organize and host the 2nd annual northwest community Appreciation awards Dinner on Friday, September 19, 2008 at H &H Banquet Hall, 2036 E. Haines Street, Philadelphia, PA

Ludlow Community Day

As summer comes to a close in Philadelphia, we tend to begin to unwind from it's hazy days and hot nights by celebrating and preparing for the school season ahead.

You are welcomed to join us in this celebration!

COME CELEBRATE your COMMUNITY!

For more information, please call 215-927-3227

LUDLOW COMMUNITY DAY
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Sponsored by: STATE SENATOR, SHIRLEY M. KITCHEN, Pastor Maria Gardner, BM Oakley COGIC and Da-Network Housing

This event is FREE 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Between 6th & 7th Streets on W. Oxford Street in North Philadelphia
Featuring: Cartoon characters and other entertainment Information vendors FREE clothing •Water Ice • Soft Pretzels and more!

FREE Interactive Internet Course for Organizations

Although I find it quite easy to talk about and write about Philadelphia, for some it is difficult. People don't always know what tools are a available to them or how to take advantage of them.

But, now there is a FREE* course available to not-for-profits to find out how to use blogs, and other online resources to promote their agendas.

Here is more information regarding this workshop:

Using Words Not Weapons

GIVE US YOUR WEAPONS GET A CHANCE TO WIN BIG PRIZES!
Open Mic Night for YOUR Community
Contact person: Constance 215-268-7958
Date: June 27th 2008
Time:5:00pm
Location: Lonnie Young Recreation Center
1100 E Chelten Ave.

This event is exclusively for the community
Members of the Northwest.
Spoken word, Rap, and song about non–violence
Win one of 3 $500 scholarships.

FOOD~PRIZES~
ENTERTAINMENT
Using Words Not Weapons
Sponsored by, Power House of God, 1014~16 E Chelten Ave.

Poetry in Philadelphia.....for a great cause

It's no secret that our young people in Philadelphia need help. Many of our young people in Philadelphia have little to no responsible male guidance. Fortunately, there are groups like M.A.N. M.A.N. helps to support our young people through special events that helps to partner them with conscious responsible male role models. During an upcoming poetry event, you can witness this yourself.

Please help spread the word to mothers with troubled teens and men!

The poetry event is for at-risk or truant young men between the ages of 13-24. However, men that are interested in signing up to become mentors can join M.A.N. representatives at the Fatherhood Festival taking place the same date at the Convention Center.

Additional sponsors are welcome for the poetry event.

The Uptown Theatre is BACK!

While I'm too young to remember the great ones like Smokey Robinson playing at the Uptown, I do know that it is a landmark and quite history. If you are like me then you will want to see this legend up close and in person!

The Board of Directors of the Uptown Entertainment and Development Corporation
Invites you to a walking tour of Philadelphia's Historic Uptown Theatre
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2008
Time: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Site: 2240-50 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA
Tour Cost: $35
Each Contributor will receive a commemorative Hard Hat & Flashlight
Call 215.236.1878 to RSVP
Make your check payable to: UEDC
2227 N. Broad Street, Suite 2F
Philadelphia, PA 19132-4502

Free Four-part, interactive Leadership Training Course

In Philadelphia, we believe in developing core leadership values that promote positive social change: self-mastery (independence and personal responsibility), interdependence (working effectively within and among groups), and reflective leadership (team-building and shared group thinking that focuses on new, cooperative approaches to community problem-solving, and creation of new and needed programs, products and services)..

Free Four-part, interactive Leadership Training Course
Liberation Fellowship CDC at Hebron Tabernacle
6630 Germantown Avenue (the corner at Phil-Elena Street),Philadelphia, PA 19119
Every Tuesday in May 2008 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m
For more info contact: John Elliott Churchville, (215) 848-8511, churchatty@msn.com

Putting the FUN in Fundraising!

Ever wonder why Philly food tastes sooooooooo good?

Well, it's because Philly food is baked with LOVE.

Strawberry Mansion NAC's Board Fundraiser
Saturday, May 3, 2008
NAC office
2829 W. Diamond Street, Philadelphia
1 2:00 noon until 7:00 p m
Price $10.00
Menu: Fish Platters, Chicken Wings Platters and Fish Sandwiches
Sides: Cole slaw, Marconi salad & French Fries
Special Treat: Funnel Cake $2.50

More About Philadelphia

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

Philly, is the Summer over?

Well, it's the end of the Labor Day weekend and the summer is unofficially over here in Philadelphia :(.

But, don't feel bad. There is still plenty more fun to be had! Think about it. Autumn in the City of Brotherly Love can be SPECTACULAR! There is pumpkin picking and carving. Mmmm. Just the thought of those pumpkin pies!

Oh! That reminds me! Don't forget to visit the Reading Terminal this Fall season. If no one has told you, the Reading Terminal is the BEST kept secret in Philadelphia. But, remember the Amish counters are closed on Mondays (I made the mistake of going to the Reading Terminal on a Monday and boy was I disappointed).


The Reading Terminal has the freshes cakes, pies, meats, fruits and vegetables. You can eat in or take out. Oh my gosh! There is a diner there that has the biggest and BEST apple tarts in the whole country.

Reading Terminal is located at 12th & Market Streets. Here is their website.

Is Philly the greatest or what?!

Philadelphia Art Museum - The Place to be Labor Day Weekend

Really think about it....when is the last time you've been to Philadelphia's Art Museum??

I've only been 3 times in the past 5 years. But, guess what? I'll be there this weekend!

Going to the art museum can be so much fun and very educational. Right now they have an exhibit on Tibetan Art. The exhibit is called, "Tibetan Ritual Art" presents rarely-seen Tibetan-Buddist ritual images and implements.

I know zero about Tibet, so this should be a great adventure for me.

The exhibit will be there through November 30.

You can call the museum, (215) 763-8100 for more info.

--DK

Father's Day in September?? The Million Father March

That's right!

The city of Philadelphia is once again meeting the challenges of social responsibility.

We are celebrating the The Million Father March on September 10, 2007. On that day, all of the fathers and uncles and male role models will take their children to school.

Make sure you check out the House of Umoja's website for more info.



--DK

Philadelphia Blocks 2007 - The Neighborhood Agenda

PhillyBlocks 2007: The Neighborhood Agenda

As you know, Philadelphia is always trying to grow. Philadelphia wants to be a better city. So, the Institute for the Study of Civic Values is helping Philadelphia do just that by sponsoring a PhillyBlocks Conference at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

On Friday, September 14th, 2007, block captains, town watch members, youth advocates, and neighborhood activists will convene at the second annual PhillyBlocks 2007: The Neighborhood Agenda

There will be workshops on Clean and Green Neighborhood, Saving Homes: Foreclosures and Repairs, Making Neighborhood

s Safe and lots more.

Take a look at the agenda

Restaurant Week in Philadelphia

If you loooooove food (and, who doesn't?) you'll want to be in Philadelphia anytime September 23-28, 2007 because we have got the most delectable foods for you!

Philadelphia Area Center City restaurants will offer a minimum of 3 courses for only $30† per person. And participating parking facilities will offer diners discounted rates.

Mexican specialties, Mimosas, even good ol' fashion Philly cheese steaks are waiting for you!

Don't miss out.

Visit CenterCityPhila.org for more information.

African American United Fund (AAUF) Update

AFRICAN MARKETPLACE @ AAUF

The Philadelphia African American United Fund will host its first, in a series of, African Marketplaces on Saturday, August 18 at 2231 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Following dates for the Marketplace will fall on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month until December 22. The schedule for the African Marketplace and theme for the month is listed below.

Date Day: Saturday	Time	Theme	Activities
August 18	8 AM - 6 PM	High Blood Pressure Prevention	Blood Pressure Screening Guest speakers
September 8th and 22nd	8 AM - 6 PM	Heart Disease Prevention	Warning signs of heart disease, heart healthy foods Guest speaker
October 13th and 27th	8 AM - 6 PM	Diabetes Prevention	Cooking demonstrations Guest speaker
November 2nd and 24th	8 AM - 10 PM	Diet and Exercise	Fitness test, low impact workout programs Guest speaker
December 8th and 22nd	8 AM - 10 PM	Mental Health Awareness	Stress Management activities Guest speaker
Type of Vendors:	Rare & Black Books	Art & Clothes	Prepared Food & Fresh Produce

Vendors from across the City of Philadelphia will gather to sell clothes, unique artwork, Black books and rare books, organic juices, fresh produce and healthy prepared foods.

Workshops on Health and Wellness will be conducted.

Demonstrations on cooking healthy foods will be held.

African American authors will sign their books.

Join us on Saturday, August 18 at 8:00 AM for our first African Marketplace.

For more information, contact the Philadelphia African American United Fund at 215.236.2100

Aissia Richardson

African American United Fund

2227 N. Broad Street

Philadelphia, PA 19132

(215) 236-2100 phone

(215) 236-9077 fax

alrbuffer[at}aol.com email

Million Woman March 10 Year Anniversary

October 2007 marks the 10 Year Anniversary of the Million Woman March in Philadelphia.

This majestic event will be hosted by Philadelphia's most well-known grassroots organizations.

Read more about this historic Philadelphia event.