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Tree Giveaway And Planting

February 19th, 2013

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PP&R) in partnership with the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Wells Fargo & Company, announced that registration for the spring 2013 TreePhilly giveaway is now open. TreePhilly is a yearlong initiative that engages Philadelphia property owners, businesses and neighbors to plant and maintain trees. Starting today through March 31st, property owners can submit requests for a free yard tree to plant on their private property.

“TreePhilly is an investment in our city’s future,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “Our city will be healthier, safer and more attractive as a result of the trees we plant through this program. This year, Philadelphians can ask for more than one tree and we have more locations for pick-up. I would like to thank Wells Fargo & Company and the Fairmount Park Conservancy for their support of this important initiative.”

As TreePhilly embarks on its second year, there are a few new features to the program. More trees will be available for residents this year, increasing the yard tree give away totals from 4,000 to 5,000 trees (2,500 for this spring). Philadelphia residential property owners can request up to two trees and community groups that own large private properties with community access, such as faith-based institutions and senior centers, can register for up to 10 trees. TreePhilly is offering a total of nine pick-up locations on seven different days in April (see details below). Participants who pre-register for the yard tree giveaway will be able to select their pick-up site and date. At each pick-up location, TreePhilly will offer tree planting and care demonstrations. Those who participate in the demonstration will receive a free raffle ticket for a free tree watering bag. Additionally, TreePhilly will be offering free mulch for TreePhilly participants at select pick-up locations.

“With the continued support of our great partners and building off the tremendous success of last year’s TreePhilly campaign, the2013 TreePhilly campaign will enable even more Philadelphia property owners to receive free trees and learn about the numerous benefits of planting trees. This spring we are very excited to offer community groups, such as senior centers and faith-based institutions, as many as ten free trees to plant on their properties and be enjoyed by their communities,” said Michael DiBerardinis, Deputy Mayor for Environmental and Community Resources.

“We have seen great success in engaging Philadelphians to plant and care for trees as part of the TreePhilly program. Wells Fargo has been an extraordinary corporate partner of Treephilly, from their financial support to promoting TreePhilly through their branches and ATMs. The Fairmount Park Conservancy is truly grateful for their support both last year and this year – an example of how successful public-private partnerships can be,” said Kathryn Ott Lovell, Executive Director of the Fairmount Park Conservancy.

“Wells Fargo is pleased to renew our commitment to the TreePhilly program because of this program’s success in making Philadelphia more attractive and environmentally sound for generations of future Philadelphians,” said Vince Liuzzi, Wells Fargo’s regional president for Greater Philadelphia/Delaware. “Tree Philly aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship and will further the vision of Philadelphia’s founding father, William Penn, of Philadelphia as a ‘greene country towne’.”

The yard tree pick-up dates and locations are as follows:

Sat. April 6th, 2-4pm, Second Baptist Church of Frankford (1801 Meadow St. 19124)
Sun. April 7th, 11am-1pm, New Kensington CDC Garden Center (1825 Frankford Ave. 19125)
Thurs. April 11th, 4:30-6:30pm, Haddington Library (446 N 65th St. 19151)
Sat. April 13th, 10am-12pm, Columbus Square Playground (1200 Wharton St. 19147)
Sat. April 13th, 10am-12pm, Pennypack Environmental Center (8600 Verree Rd. 19115)
Sat. April 13th, 1-3pm, Pennypack Environmental Center (8600 Verree Rd. 19115)
Sat. April 13th, 3-5pm, Pennypack Environmental Center (8600 Verree Rd. 19115)
Sun. April 14th, 2-4pm, West Oak Lane Library (2000 Washington Lane, 19138)
Sat. April 20th, 12-2pm, Hunting Park Recreation Center (900 Hunting Park Ave. 19140)

Residents with limited mobility can apply for free tree delivery and planting by a representative from Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Space for this service is limited and residents are encouraged to apply early by contacting Erica Smith Fichman at 215-683-0217 or by visiting www.treephilly.org. Finally, if a resident does not register for a tree, there will be a “leftovers” day schedule in April (exact date to be determined), , where extra trees will be available to residents on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are several ways citizens can get involved with TreePhilly, including planting and caring for trees on their property, volunteering for a tree planting event in their local park, or sponsoring community service days to plant and maintain trees. For more information, citizens can visit www.treephilly.org or call 215-683-0217. For more information about the Fairmount Park Conservancy, please visit www.myphillypark.org. To stay up to date on Fairmount Park Conservancy projects and news, visit the Conservancy’s Facebook Page at www.Facebook.com/FairmountParkConservancy or follow the Conservancy on Twitter @myphillypark.

Attorney General Disapproves Camelot Lottery Contract

February 14th, 2013

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG) today announced its determination that the proposed Lottery contract with Camelot Global Services violates the Pennsylvania Constitution and is not statutorily authorized.

“The Office of Attorney General conducted a very thorough review of the Professional Management Agreement, the State Constitution, the State Lottery Act, the Gaming Act and applicable case authority and has determined that it cannot approve the contract to allow Camelot to operate and manage the Pennsylvania Lottery,” Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane said.

The Attorney General is required under the Commonwealth Attorney’s Act to review contracts for ‘form and legality.’ In a memorandum to David Kraus, Chief Counsel for the Department of Revenue, Robert A. Mulle, Chief Deputy Attorney General and head of the OAG Legal Review Section, provided three reasons why the Professional Management Agreement (PMA) failed the ‘form and legality’ test.

First, the memo states that the Executive Branch exceeded its authority under Article II, Section 1 of the Pennsylvania Constitution by unlawfully infringing on the General Assembly’s power to make basic policy choices regarding the management and operation of the Lottery.

Second, the memo states that the development of monitor-based or other electronic games, such as KENO, is not authorized by the State Lottery Act and usurps the authority granted by the General Assembly to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Lastly, the memo points out that allowing Camelot to be indemnified for “indirect expenses,” as provided in the PMA, is an unconstitutional waiver of the doctrine of Sovereign Immunity as set forth in Article I, Section 11 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

“It is our duty to defend and protect the Constitution of our Commonwealth and that is what our office has done by declining this contract,” Kane said. “In the course of making this determination, I have taken the advice and counsel of the Executive Deputy Attorney General in charge of the Civil Division and the Chief Deputy Attorney General in charge of the Legal Review Section. Together, these attorneys have many years of experience reviewing Commonwealth contracts for ‘form and legality.’ It should be noted that these attorneys worked for the Governor when he was Attorney General, as well as several Attorneys General before him.”

Kane continued, “Promising money to people in need based on a contract that is not legal and then blaming those entrusted to do their job correctly is both disingenuous and a perfect example of putting the cart before the horse. It is important that my office perform its role in the system of checks and balances that our government desperately needs and that our citizens deserve.”

The text of the memorandum issued by the Office of Attorney General to the Department of Revenue is set forth below:

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

February 14, 2013

SUBJECT: Contract 2013-005

TO: David R. Kraus

Chief Counsel

Department of Revenue

FROM: Robert A. Mulle

Chief Deputy Attorney General

Legal Review Section

We have given careful review to proposed Contract # 2013-005 by which the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue would retain Camelot Global Services PA, LLC, to operate and manage the State Lottery.

As you know, the authority of the Secretary of Revenue to enter into this Professional Management Agreement (PMA) is being litigated before the Commonwealth Court. We would prefer to refrain from reviewing the contract pending a ruling by the Court and for that reason we requested that the contract be withdrawn. Because the administration declined our request, we proceeded with our legal review as required by the Commonwealth Attorneys Act. 71 P.S. §732-101 et seq.

Section 204(f) of the Act requires the Office of Attorney General to approve the proposed contract unless we determine that the contract is in improper form, not statutorily authorized, or unconstitutional.

Our review of the proposed contract, the relevant law and the administration’s answers to the questions posed in our tolling memorandum of February 5, 2013, leads us to conclude that the proposed contract contravenes the Pennsylvania Constitution and is not statutorily authorized. We therefore do not approve the PMA for the following reasons:

1. The PMA is an unlawful extension of executive authority that infringes on the General Assembly’s power to make basic policy choices regarding the management and operation of the Lottery pursuant to Article 2, §1 of the Pennsylvania Constitution. The State Lottery Act does not confer express or implied authority upon the Secretary of Revenue to privatize the operation and management of the Pennsylvania Lottery. That authority rests with the General Assembly.

2. The contract provides for the development of monitor-based or other electronic games, such as KENO, which is not authorized by the State Lottery Act and usurps the authority of the Gaming Control Board with regard to slot machines as defined by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, 4 Pa.C.S. §1103.

3. The proposed contract provides for claims by the vendor for indemnification of “indirect expenses.” Such open and undefined indemnification constitutes an unconstitutional waiver of the doctrine of Sovereign Immunity as set forth in the Pennsylvania Constitution, Article 1, Section 11.

In reaching these legal conclusions, we express no opinion on either the wisdom of the policies or the soundness of the business decisions embodied in the contract.

Finally, as required by Section 204(f) of the Commonwealth Attorneys Act, we are providing copies of this memorandum to the Office of General Counsel and the General Assembly.

RAM:jn

cc: James D. Schultz, General Counsel

Mark R. Corrigan, Secretary of the Senate

Anthony Frank Barbush, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives

Philadelphia In-home Companions and Caregivers

February 5th, 2013

Companions For U is a personal in-home care agency, providing up to 24 hour live, in-home health aide services, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) services, elder companions and non-medical in home care for The Main Line, Philadelphia, Montgomery County PA and Delaware County PA.

Services such as short-term care, long term care, elder companions, shopping, light housekeeping, laundry and nutritious meal preparation are just a sample of how we help our clients. We are Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides.

These non-medical home health care services are available 24 hours a day, whether hourly or live in. Let our experienced and trustworthy personal care home health aides and caregivers meet the challenges of you or your loved one’s daily needs.

We provide unparalleled loving care for your loved one.

We understand today’s needs for caring for your family and loved ones. And we know that it can be overwhelming. If you need complete non-medical home care companion services, or only need a few breaks a week, we can help you.

Companions for U offers a wide range of Philadelphia non-medical home health services, customized and adjustable for your changing needs. We want to give you peace of mind in the care of yourself or a loved one. Contact us for more information about our fees, scheduling, availability and services.

Sustainability Tax Credit

February 4th, 2013

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The City of Philadelphia released the application for the Sustainable Business Tax Credit, created by legislation sponsored by Councilman James Kenney and passed by City Council in December 2009. Though the bill was passed in 2009, the ordinance’s language says that the tax credit will be available for tax years 2012 through 2017, and 25 eligible businesses will receive a tax credit of up to $4,000 against the gross receipts portion of the Business Income and Receipts Tax. Businesses may qualify by obtaining B Corporation certification or meeting a list of criteria set by City regulations. The Sustainable Business Tax Credit Pending Regulations and Sustainable Business Tax Credit Application are available on the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability website at www.phila.gov/green.

Philadelphia was the first city in America to adopt a financial incentive for sustainable businesses. The credit formally acknowledges sustainable business practices in Philadelphia and encourages the growth of the local clean economy. Supporting the clean economy will help the City reach its sustainability goals outlined in Greenworks Philadelphia.

Raise The Vibration

January 29th, 2013
Raise The Vibration Free Philly Music Festival:
https://www.facebook.com/events/223252681144659/

Raise The Vibration 3

May 19
Independence Visitor Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1 N Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106
Family friendly event in historic Philadelphia near the Liberty Bell.

Poconos Finest Vacation Communities

January 22nd, 2013

Keller Williams Real Estate
601 Bethlehem Pike
Building B, Suite 100
Montgomeryville, PA 18936

Vacation Homes For Sale | Search MLS Free | Building Lots For Sale | New Home Construction | Summit Ridge Home/Land Sales | Homes For Rent | Contact Us | Home

Welcome!Featured Community
Arrowhead Lake

A private, gated vacation resort community with pristine lakes and recreation galore! The community has beaches, boating and plenty of activities for the family. One of the Poconos finest vacation communities.

 

Welcome!Featured Community
Locust Lake Village

A private, vacation resort community with picturesque lakes and recreation activities! A four-season community comprised of 1,600 properties. Another one of the Poconos finest vacation communities.

 

Lake Front Homes in the Poconos
Welcome!Featured Community
Lake Naomi Club & Timber Trails

A private, vacation resort community on 2,500 acres surrounding a 3 mile long, 277 acre private lake, and over 7 miles of shoreline. This community is surrounded by 25,527 acres of state forest. Another One Of The Poconos finest vacation communities.

 

Lake Front Homes in the Poconos

Click Each Name Below For Other Communities!

<<< Brier Crest Woods >>> <<< Camelot Forest >>> <<< Emerald Lake >>>

<<< Forest Glen >>> <<< Greenwood Acres >>> <<< Glen Onoko Estates >>>

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<<< Pocono Farms Country Club >>> <<< Pocono Farms East >>> <<< Pocono Springs Estates >>>

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<<< Towamensing Trails >>> <<< Wagner Forest Park >>> <<< White Haven Poconos >>>

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New Constrution In The Poconos!

<<< Summit Ridge >>>

 

Real Estate Directory

The Mayor on Gun Control

January 19th, 2013

“Today President Obama and Vice President Biden unveiled a comprehensive set of concrete proposals that will help us reduce the gun violence that occurs every day in our cities and to prevent mass shootings like the one that occurred just over one month ago in Newtown, Connecticut.

“Just three days after the Newtown tragedy occurred, the mayors of our three largest cities and other Conference of Mayors leaders sent an open letter to the President and the Congress, which urged immediate action. We called on the President to exercise his powers through Executive Order and on Congress to introduce and pass legislation to make reasonable changes in our gun laws and regulations. Specifically, we called for universal background checks, a ban on both assault weapons and high capacity magazines, and strengthening the penalties for straw purchases of guns.

“Clearly the President listened to our call. We applaud him for issuing executive actions to reduce gun violence. And we applaud him for calling for critically needed legislation and urge Congress ‘to do the right thing’ and institute universal background checks, a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, and strengthening penalties for gun trafficking.

“As mayors of major cities, many of us do all we can to reduce gun violence, but our efforts are too often thwarted by trafficking from other areas and states. The President’s plan, which would institute background checks nationally and crack down on those who buy guns for the express purpose of turning around and selling them to criminals, will be an enormous help to us.”

Endless Mountain Fieldstone

January 18th, 2013

Endless Mountain Fieldstone is a company nestled in the beautiful Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, maintaining high standards of quality throughout the supply, project design and professional installation services. Their wall stone, fieldstone, bluestone, walkway stone, landscaping stone and waterfall stone product lines are all very affordable. They serve all of Eastern Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia region and can deliver larger quantities throughout all of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland and Delaware.

Waterfalls Are In!

Pain Management

January 17th, 2013

The Henderson Center, located in King of Prussia, offers drugless pain relief.

Treating:

  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Stress/tension/anxiety
  • Headaches (tension and/or migraine)
  • Muscle pain
  • Joint pain problems (including some types of arthritis)
  • Sciatica
  • Muscle tension/spasm
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Jaw/TMJ pain
  • Plantar Fascitis/foot pain
  • Bursitis
  • Nerve compressions (“pinched nerve”)
  • Spinal disc pain
  • Cerebral Palsy

Chiropractic | Massage Therapy | Shiatsu Therapy (What is Shiatsu?).

Dedicated to the elimination of your pain.
Trusted and referred to again and again by physicians and patients for DRUGLESS pain relief.

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School Closings In Philadelphia

January 15th, 2013

Occupy Philadelphia Event
Tuesday, January 15, 2013 4:00pm
440 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA
STUDENT APOCALYPSE: A Brainless Future.

The School District plans to close down 37 schools. But are we ready for what will happen to students’ futures when you close down so many schools? It’s going to be a STUDENT APOCALYPSE!!! If they close our schools, nothing will be left.
Students will be shoved around the city and our schools will be worse. Nothing will be left BUT A BRAINLESS FUTURE. Join us as we show the city a dramatization of what could happen if the school closures move forward…set to the THRILLING music of Michael Jackson.

4pm on the front steps of the School District Building 440 N. Broad St. Philadelphia near Broad and Spring Garden.
https://www.facebook.com/events/467773956593297/