PhilaNet.com

by Jim McGovern

She had a four-wheel walker, and she was moving in super slow motion. ‘It’s a bit chilly, I need my sweater,’ she said sort of to me. But she declined my offer to help. She fussed with it for a while, but she did get it on. My bet is she is over 90. Seems that what she still can do, she wants to be sure she still does.

8:30 AM on a Saturday morn at the St Joseph’s Villa, the home for retired St Joseph nuns and a smattering of other ‘lay’ folk.

I was picking up a nun from my St. Malachy’s parish to take her over to a benefit 5k run at Valley Green not that far away. There was more activity this day as a funeral was on tap. The hearse out front, the serious yet friendly guys with the dark suits from the Funeral parlor. (I’m sure they have a more ‘politically correct’ name for them now, but I’m not sure what it is.) For sure in a retirement community such as this, funeral’s are part of the everyday flow of life and in a lot of cases, it is likely more happy than sad that the end did arrive.

The Villa really is a lot better than most of these places I have been. Cleaner and brighter for sure, but the main difference is in the attitude/behavior of the residents themselves. It would seem that these ladies, who have dedicated their lives towards serving the Lord in whatever capacity, are rewarded with a more positive and peaceful attitude as they head towards that final leg of that race we call a lifetime. Quite literally, God knows they deserve it.

I guess the major difference between these sisters and the heartbreakingly sad and lonely souls I usually see darkening the hallways in a secular rest home, is that sense of purpose and that peace of mind. Frequently ignored by their families, staring at your eyes as you walk by – longing to be noticed, to be looked at, to realize that they do and they did matter…

So, the race was run. Due to the cloudy weather and the even cloudier predictions the attendance was not great. But, everyone there seemed to have a great time. A personal friend of mine won the prize for the age 50-60 bracket. His daughter won the teenage one.

As snow showers came down, they got through the formalities and prize giving with enough dispatch that my ‘passenger’ was going to be able to make it back to the Villa, for the 10:30 funeral mass. I’ve taken her to enough places that we are getting the process down pretty well…although I usually have to wait a spell past the appointed pick-up time. Having had to do that earlier, I was able to see the old gal with the 4-wheeler shuffling back to the lobby as we loaded my sister in the car. Seems she was not going anywhere. Just taking a morning ‘constitutional’, likely to improve her health and mobility. I see very few folk there that seem to be lying around waiting to die. Would seem to me that our real Destiny is about staying alive as long as we can to do as much good as we can. I wonder about the worlds of prayer that get uttered out of that hallowed hall each day. I was not kidding when I asked my passenger for her prayers as I am struggling mightily even keeping my head afloat these days, let alone doing as my Creator wills. I know she’ll make good on her promise to do so.

Alas, this Saturday afternoon winds down. The second load of wash is in the washer and the house is cleaned up a bit. Up at the villa, there was a singing or dancing troupe scheduled this afternoon. They stay real busy up there. I really did try and try again to bring a poetry workshop up there, but the program director was too busy to get back to me. Maybe I’ll try again.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — It has been over a year since 12 members of the Occupy Philadelphia movement were arrested inside a Wells Fargo bank in center city Philadelphia. This week they were put on trial in front of jury facing charges of criminal trespass and conspiracy.

The defendants put on a strong defense based on the 1st Amendment’s right to free assembly, as well as, “justification” due to imminent danger being caused by Wells Fargo. During the trial, character witnesses pointed out the contributions the defendants have been making since their arrests including: forming Inter-occupy, Occupy Sandy and organizing a new community center.

On March 5, 2013 the jury returned the verdict — not guilty of conspiracy and defiant trespass.

VIDEO FOOTAGE OF THE WELLS FARGO PROTEST

Glen Foerd on the Delaware
5001 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114
215 632 5330

Ten Week Series Begins Tuesday March 5th

It’s Not Too Late To Sign Up!

Members: $120.00

A series of 10 weekly, one hour classes will be held beginning Tuesday, March 5th at 6:30pm.

This is a continuation of classes intended to build upon each week’s lessons with focus on breathing and relaxation. Some previous experience with Tai Chi is recommended as this class is a continuation of previous sessions. As you progress through the course you will notice improvements in muscle tone, flexibility, coordination and concentration. You should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing and sneakers.

The instructor, Frank Shiery, has trained extensively for the past 23 years. He is Chief Instructor for the PA Chen Taijiquan Association. Frank was a member of the 1993 Taiji Team that competed at the First World Taiji Invitational Competition in Fuzho, China where he received the “Award of Excellence.” His book, Chen Style Taijiquan: The Small Frame Method, is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Class size is limited to 15, so send your check now or call the office to pay with a credit card.

Program proceeds support the preservation and educational mission of Glen Foerd.

Non-members: $150.00

Glen Foerd on the Delaware
5001 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114
215 632 5330

Hippity hop on over to Glen Foerd on the Delaware on Saturday, March 23rd, 2013 at 11:00 AM when we will once again welcome the Easter Bunny to dine with our guests and help make our Springtime Easter Egg Hunt the best one yet. Be sure to bring your baskets for collecting your Easter Eggs as you hunt for them on the Mansion’s lawn. Don’t leave your camera behind because this event promises to have memorable photo opportunities to share and cherish. Admission is $20.00 for children and adults; a box lunch is included:

adult lunches include chicken salad on croissant, potato salad, grapes, carrot cupcake and water; child’s lunch includes 1/2 of turkey sandwich, 1/2 of cheese sandwich, fruit cup, juice box and cookies.  Methods of payment include cash, check, or credit card. please include your telephone number; the number of adults and children in your party; the age(s) of your child(ren) and any seating  requests. Paid reservations will be confirmed by letter. For more information about this event or to inquire about reservations, contact the business office at 215-632-5330 or email us at info@glenfoerd.org. All reservations must be pre-paid by Monday, March 18th.

(Mansion opens @ 10:45 AM)

This event takes place rain or shine!

Glen Foerd on the Delaware, 5001 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114, is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Glen Foerd Restoration Fund.

Glen Foerd honors the hard work of those noble Irish lads and lassies who worked on the estates of Torresdale.

Join us to enjoy the music of Timlin and Kane, participate in a raffle for baskets of Irish goods, and partake of light refreshment. The Glen Foerd Art Gallery will be open from 1:00 – 3:00.

Tickets are $13 for members, $15 for non-members, children under 10 years of age are $10, and children under 2 years of age are free. Tickets available at the door!

Glen Foerd on the Delaware, 5001 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114, is a 501 © (3) non-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Glen Foerd Restoration Fund.

Glen Foerd on the Delaware, 5001 Grant Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19114

Welcome to Glen Foerd!

On behalf of the Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation we are pleased to have you visit with us through our web site and in person. Our organizational mission is to preserve the last surviving riverfront estate in Philadelphia as a historic site and a center for providing historic and cultural experience to the public.

Glen Foerd is now open for guided tours on the second and fourth Saturdays each month. The next Saturday tour will take place this Saturday, February 23rd, then again on March 9th. Tours begin at 9:30am and 10:30am and will last about an hour.

We will continue to be open to the public on Wednesdays, too, for tours at 11:00am and 12:00pm. Please call first to be sure there is access, but reservations are not required. The mansion does close on occasion for special events.

Evening tours usually take place on the third Tuesday of the month, however next month the evening tour will take place Tuesday, 3/12 at 7:00pm.

Guided tours of the mansion are also available by appointment Monday, Tuesday,

Thursday, and Friday, year-round. Please call at least two days ahead to plan your visit. Tours are not conducted on holidays or weekends.

The cost of a tour is $10.00 per person, $9.00 for students and seniors (65 or older).

For more information call the business office at 215 632 5330, or check our

website www.glenfoerd.org.

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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.

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