October Viewing Party!

WHEN: Friday, October 1 (5:30pm-7:30pm)
WHERE: PhillyCAM Studio, 232 Vine Street, Phila.

An evening showcasing Sustainability hosted by social commentator Desire Grover, producer of Ghetto Print and Community Organizer for the Energy Justice Network.

To coincide with First Friday in Old City and at the Painted Bride Arts Center, PhillyCAM presents a special two hour program of Community produced programming on the theme of sustainability on Friday, October 1st from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Philadelphia Community Access Media cablecasts on Comcast 66/966 and Verizon FIOS 29/30. Watch the show on TV or get out and about and see it live and meet producers in person at the PhillyCAM studio 232 Vine Street.


Highlights include: Short videos by local independent filmmakers Rob Stuart of Evolve Strategies and Ed Golden, selections from PhillyCAM's recurring series Ghetto Print, Big Tea Party, Scribe Video Center and Newly Greens.

GhettoPrint (3 segments, 14 min)
By Desire Grover
A GRASSROOTS journal & network. 
A Chester stationed video blog for ALL to enjoy.
www.ghettoprint.com

Stepping Into It! Chester’s Co-op Addresses Community Food Access Dilemma
By Chester’s Community Grocery Co-op (15 min)
Members of the Co-op address food access issues in Chester, a city with no supermarket
Scribe Video Center Community Visions
www.scribe.org

Green Tea Party “It’s Elemental” (30 min)
By Big Tea Party
This video introduces concepts that lead to living a more environmentally friendly or ‘green’ life
www.bigteaparty.com
Re-Cycle (9 min)
By Ed Golden
The Pedal Co-op uses bikes to collect recyclables and compost throughout Philadelphia.
Free the River Park (15 min)
by Rob Stuart
The Story of Citizen’s fight to save the Schuylkill River Park
www.evolvestrategies.net

Newly Greens (10 min segment)
By Kaizen Productions
Series focused on healthy, sensible living
www.newlygreens.com

The Story of Stuff Project
By Annie Leonard
Animated humorous discourse on environmental concerns toward a more sustainable, just world.
www.storyofstuff.org

DEP to Host Environmental Justice Informational Meeting on Proposed Metal Shredder

NORRISTOWN -- The Department of Environmental Protection is providing the public an opportunity to learn about Eastern Metal Recycling Terminal LLC’s plans to build and operate a metal shredding and processing facility at the former Foamex site in Eddystone Borough, Delaware County, by holding a public meeting from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 27, at Lighthouse Hall, 1401 East 9th St., Eddystone.

Eastern Metal Recycling Terminal, a subsidiary of Camden Iron & Metal, Inc., has proposed relocating its Philadelphia car-crushing operation to Eddystone Borough, an environmental justice community.

DEP requires permit applicants in environmental justice communities to provide residents with opportunities to hear about and to comment on the project. An environmental justice community is one in which 30 percent of residents are members of racial and ethnic minorities or 20 percent live in poverty.

DEP representatives from air, waste management, water quality and watershed management programs will answer questions about the permit application review process and listen to public comment on the company’s applications.

Moreover, DEP has requested company representatives to attend and present its proposal to the community. 

EMR has submitted four applications to DEP for permits that are required for it to construct and operate the proposed facility, including:

• An air quality plan approval to operate a shredder, conveyors and stockpiles;  
• An individual National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit for stormwater discharge associated with construction activities;
• An individual NPDES permit for discharging stormwater from industrial activities; and
• A water obstruction and encroachment general permit (GP-4) for building an outfall along the Delaware River.

All permit applications are currently under review.

Grand Jury... a Grand Surprise...

*UPDATE-09.19.10- It appears that the "Delaware County law enforcement officials" were not "compelled" to form a grand jury until the Chester Spirit Newspaper began distributing papers,in Media, with the Chester 12 and the Chester's Most Wanted featured each week. Chester Spirit has TWO newspaper honor boxes outside of the courthouse and government center and circulates 200 papers each week INSIDE the courthouse and government center.

::::


If you haven't seen the front page of the DelcoTimes yet it means that you should, especially if you are a resident of Chester City and a mother of a gun homicide victim. Despite the front page cover and heart wrenching photo of a homicide memorial in Chester the typically belligerent and racist comments did not flood the DelcoTimes board(at least not when I last checked). Maybe because for the first time in a very very long time the article was not about JUST ANOTHER BLACK KILLING in Chester but rather the article asked the most obvious question: Who Killed Them? And I would add some other questions which are not so obvious: Why are so many of these cases UNSOLVED? And is it even legal for the county to have so many unsolved cases on their books, concentrated in such a small city,predominantly poor and black? Why can't the County effectively process evidence? And lastly, why does it take a Grand Jury to effectively tackle these mounting unsolved homicides? There is more to this for sure so be on the lookout...

Read DelcoTimes Article: [ Full Article ]

MEDIA COURTHOUSE — A shocking number of Chester street killings that remain unsolved, ranging from the death of a 2-year-old boy gunned down in June to a 54-year-old paralegal fatally shot in 2004, have compelled Delaware County law enforcement officials to empanel a grand jury in hopes of finding the killers.

The Delaware County District Attorney’s office in a petition filed Thursday authorizes a grand jury, which will sit for 18 months, to probe the unsolved Chester killings that include...[ READ MORE ]

Delco schools... requirements... BASED on testing RACE?

"The designations are based on performances on Pennsylvania System of School Assessment standardized tests.

“Just because a district fails to make AYP (adequate yearly progress) does not mean that all schools and students are not performing,” said Leah Harris, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. “If you are in an urban school with 30 subgroups — white, black, Hispanic, Native American, (Individualized Education Program) — and one of those subgroups fails to hit the target, then the whole school misses.”"- DailyTimes


Now I'm trying to wrap my brain around what I have just read. According to an article published by the DailyTimes Chester Upland falls at the bottom of the pile and fails to make AYP. Not a surprise but what did come as a surprise is how Leah Harris, a spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Dept of Edu. pretty much blamed it on the testing of racial "subgroups" like White, Black, Hispanic, Native American and so on. Maybe I'm misunderstanding this or maybe we are still in the days of Jim Crow. Basing our testing on race as opposed to economic class is astonishing to me. Are we still that clueless? Do we still believe that skin color decides I.Q? When will we realize that this has more to do with Economic Class "subgroups" and nothing to do with Skin Color "subgroups"? Better access to resources equals better education, hands down. So the question becomes... why don't these children have access to a decent education and what is happening in the community they live in that they are not learning?


Racial Subgroups...that's just freakin' ridiculous.

Chester GREEN - Women of Strength - Dr.Bias

Event: Women of Strength's Family Night Out
Place: Bethany Baptist
When: Aug. 28, 2010

Chester GREEN - A Day to Remember - Book Signing

Ieasa Nichols, one of Chester's very own has published a book about her life. Rising from the lowest depths to the highest levels of achievement in life. - Aug. 15, 2010



Her book is titled A Day to Remember, A lifetime to Heal. Ieasa signs her book as eager family and friends wait in line to get their own copy. - Aug. 15, 2010

Chester GREEN - Gasland and America's drinking water supply...

Weed and Seed, The Delco Alliance for Environmental Justice and The Delaware River Keepers facilitated the movie screening of an award winning documentary called GASLAND. Faith Zerbe shares the latest on the issue of Gas Drilling proposed for the Delaware River Basin.- Sept. 10, 2010

The documentary Gasland explores the question: Will the boom in natural gas drilling contaminate America's water supply? - Sept. 10, 2010

Chester GREEN: Weed & Seed learn CPR

Weed and Seed students learn how to save a life at Chester Community Hospital. "Check.Call.Care" are the short memory words they are taught by their trainer Bryan Payne, American Red Cross Program Coordinator. - Sept. 09, 2010

The students pull out their very own dummies, in order to practice the breathing techniques. They must get it right before learning the next phase. - Sept. 09, 2010

Chester GREEN - Peace Leadership and the Arts Camp

EVENT: Peace Leadership and the Arts Camp
PLACE: Chester Eastside Ministries
Date: 08.27.10

Outdoor Movie Night at the Farm! Come watch the movie "Fresh" and help our friends at The Achievement Project (TAP)

$15 each
Register online before September 17th
net proceeds benefit TAP

Fresh

the movie

Saturday, September 18, 2010
8:00 pm Rushton Farm

Delchester Road at Goshen Road, Newtown Square, PA

 TAP students look for Baltimore Orioles with Willistown Conservation Trust's Lisa Kiziuk and explore the farm's symbiotic relationship with the surrounding natural resources.

About TAP

TAP is a nonprofit organization that helps young people in Chester, Pennsylvania to succeed in high school; to apply to and be admitted to college; and to arrive at college having acquired the capacity to succeed there.

TAP students visit Rushton Farm monthly and work with Willistown Conservation Trust staff members following a curriculum that includes forest and farm ecology, biodiversity and the importance of sustainable agriculture.

To learn more about TAP, click here.

$15 each
Purchase tickets online before September 17th
net proceeds benefit TAP

This is an outdoor event, so dress warmly
and bring your own chair and blanket.

if weather looks questionable

please check our web site after 3 pm

More information about FRESH the movie.

This movie is not recommended for children under age 14. 

Chester's BIG BOOM and America's BIGGER BUST

I want you to ponder this fact for a minute or two and then continue on reading this post. Chester is not unique.

If anything Chester is a perfect example of what is going to happen, and currently is happening, to the nation at large. And let's get another thing straight... when it comes to our nation's economy, we are not in a "recession", a "down turn" or a "slow down." No. We are unequivocally in a DEPRESSION. And to make matters worse we may be on the brink of something worse than a DEPRESSION. We may end up in a MAD HOUSE of a nation if our political leaders continue to play with the nation's purse strings recklessly bringing the country down to a point of no return. But it is WE the people who allow them to do so. Some of us benefiting from it all more than others, depending on the networks we have.

Chester is a prime example of how our country thrived off of exploiting our land's natural resources, dumping toxins in our drinking water until we could not drink it. Filling up the air with pollution until we needed to start asthma programs. Contaminating our soil until we needed Lead Programs and Remediation Programs. We dumped so much junk on our waterfront until a place of lush green life became a desolate waste land. The waterfront reflects not only the poor choices of Chester City and Delaware County but also the choices of a Nation. We continue to disrespect the land as if some how it will forever suffer us. We talk about Chester as if it is not paying for the sins it has committed against the land. Chester has been paying for it long before the economic crash of 2008. Now don't frown on Chester so readily becuase Chester is only a reflection of decisions made by Delaware County. Actually, I would argue that 85% of what has been happening to Chester's waterfront is due to the hands of the County. Our County and State has put us all in debt. And I do mean all. They issue a bond here and there. They gamble on potential tax money that hasn't come through (debt for the future unborn generations) so that they can make believe that there is progress in the building of a building.

Chester has long since been in a depression, although we haven't officially called it that in the public forum. It is our reluctance to see our true economic form that has kept us from making reasonable and productive choices. Choices that would prove to be a benefit to the city for the long-term. You would think that we have learned from the past... that booming prosperity goes just as fast as it comes. Especially, if the prosperity is heavily dependent on a war economy and wage labor. But unfortunately the boom of yesterday has not taught us any lessons. Instead we choose to be nostalgic about it as if somehow it is something we must return to. Ignoring the reality that it is the boom that caused the bust. And as bust usually do.. they linger much longer than it takes to create them. 


I'm watching my community leaders in Chester City and Delaware County continue to make economic choices based on the ill mindset of the booming past. They make plans based on the moment and for the profitable gains of a select few. And the people who are closest to politicians, lawyers and money-handlers usually make out big while the majority of us pay the tab. And paying the tab comes in many forms...whether it be through taxes, sham wars, unemployment, degenerate health, poor education and more.


Now the lack of political will to be fiscally responsible is not entirely the fault of politicians. We the people are very much the makers of our own demise. You see our politicians... reflect US. They reflect our selfish desires. Yes they do. They reflect our twisted thinking that BIGGER is ALWAYS better and TECHNOLOGY is NEVER EVER wrong. We are the fools that have created the perfect cultural environment for these political parasites to grow. They feed off of our ignorance and tax dollars. Yet while we are angered by the audacious behavior of the CEO's on Wall Street, corrupt leadership of the Federal Reserve and cowardice leadership of the politicians we do not hold them fully accountable because to do so would mean that we would have to reject some aspect of the American Dream. The dream that one day we too, the working class hero, can become an audacious CEO, a corrupt leader of the Reserve and a cowardly politician. It is they who get over and live comfortably. And it is we who applaud them when times are "good". We are a "...people gettin' rob and (we) celebrate it."-K'naan It is the American Dream!


In the process of trying to awaken myself from this American Nightmare. I've given up on the idea that we must some how CHANGE GOVERNMENT because GOVERNMENT is only a reflection of WE THE PEOPLE. Politicians are living out OUR twisted dreams of getting more more and more at the expense of others. And until we address this dark truth we will continue to play ourselves for fools. And YES we are fools. And as fools we are not unique.

Chester EVENTS Update!

September 13th - September 23rd


Chester, PA — J. Lewis Crozer Library offers free
educational and entertaining programs for the whole family to enjoy.
All programs are free; registration at (610) 494-3454.

Crozer Library is forming an Indoor Walking Club for adults of all
ages! Don’t worry about the weather—we’ll complete walking fitness
videos on our big screen TV! Beginning Monday, September 13th, join us
each week on either or both days: Mondays at 1:00p.m. and Wednesdays
at 11:00a.m. Workouts will last 45 minutes to one hour. Please wear
sneakers and loose clothing and check with your doctor before
beginning any exercise program.

Join us on Tuesday, September 14th at 6:00p.m. for a Money Management
Workshop that will teach you how to live on your income and achieve
your financial goals. Learn about budgeting tools, spending plans, and
how to manage unexpected expenses. Generously provided by the Consumer
Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley.

On Tuesday, September 21st at 6:30p.m., a representative from PECO
Energy will educate us about upcoming pricing changes. Also find out
how to lower your electricity bill by being more energy efficient.
Provided by PECO: An Exelon Company.

Celebrate literacy and education on Thursday, September 23rd from
6:00-7:30p.m. during Back to School Night. A presentation on “Internet
Predators and Cyberbullying” will be held for parents and educators.
Back to School Night will also feature the unveiling of the library's
new children’s listening center for reluctant readers. There will be
free giveaways, library tours, and fun and games for the entire
family.

Learn about the candidates at a Voter Information Session on Tuesday,
September 28th at 6:30p.m. Receive unbiased information about the
candidates in this year’s election, including the governor’s race.
Participants will be able to register to vote at this session.
Generously provided by the League of Women Voters of Delaware County.

Crozer Library is located at 620 Engle Street in Chester. Registration
is required at (610) 494-3454.

#     #     #

Contact information:
Kim Braun
Head of Reference & Adult Services
J. Lewis Crozer Library
620 Engle Street
Chester, PA 19013
(610) 494-3454, x204
(610) 494-8954 fax
Email: crreference@delcolibraries.org
www.crozerlibrary.org


:::::::::::::::::::


September 17th

The City of Chester Department of Recreation is looking for After School part time instructors for Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Self Defense, Jump Rope, Chess/ Checkers, and Debate. Submit your proposal to the Department of Recreation C/O Brian Warren. In your proposal you should have your Executive Summary, Program Overview, Mission & Goals, Activities, Schedule and your Budget. All proposals are due by September 17^thfor our programs to start on October 11^th. Thank you.

Thank You,

Brian J. Warren

Deputy Director Of Chester Recreation

Executive Director of Chester PAL

1 W. 4th St. City Hall

Chester, Pa 19013

610 447-7784 (Office)

610 447-7731 (Fax)

Together Everyone Achieves More

Ubuntu-A person is a person through other persons

Yes We Can

Making Chester Brighter and Prettier...

You may have noticed that over the past few years beautiful murals have seemed to simply manifest overnight. No this is not the work of elves but rather the work of an exceptional painter that has dedicated his creative energy to training youth in Chester how to use painting as a way to express one's inner self constructively. He has done work throughout the city, such as, Chester High School, Crozer library and more. His latest project is called "Chester Sign Up".

"This is part of our new initiative, Chester Sign Up, where we're working with teens to create hand painted signs for businesses and organizations. This was a collaboration with Will Condry, Luv 1, Delve, Desiree Bender, 20 teenagers, and myself. Painted in 2 and a half weeks." says Paul.


The painting he is refering to is located just down the street from the high school. Check out their video to learn more.

 

View images of Paul Downie's studio work and murals at:

www.eyeineye.com

Chester Events Update!

(Between August 23^rd and September 10th )

Intramural Soccer Registration 

Child’s Last Name:________________________________________ First:____________________________________________ MI:______

Address:______________________________________________________ City/State/Zip:_________________________________________

Daytime Phone:_________________________________________________ Sex:__________ DOB:__________________________________

Parent/Guardian1:_____________________________________________________ Phone:________________________________________

Parent/Guardian2:____________________________________________________ Phone:_________________________________________

Emergency Contact:___________________________________________________ Phone:_________________________________________

Participation Waiver/Release

In consideration of the acceptance of my application of the above activity, I hereby waive, release and discharge any and all claims for damages for death, personal injury or property which I may have, or which may hereafter accrue to me, as a result in participation in said event.  This release is intended to discharge, in advance, Chester City United and its entities (City of Chester, Chamber’s Foundation, WTYDF, and the Boys & Girls Club), and Widener University staff, or agents from liability, even though that liability may arise out of negligence or carelessness on the person or entities mentioned above.  It is understood that some recreational activities involve an element of risk or danger of accidents, and knowing those risks, I hereby assume those risks.  It is further agreed and understood that this waiver, release and assumption of risk it to be binding on heirs and assigns.

Parental Consent

I give consent for my son/daughter ____________________________________ (child’s name) to participate in the above activity, and I execute the above liability release on his/her behalf.

Consent to Treat

I Hereby give my consent to the above applicant to be treated by a physician or surgeon in the event of sudden illness or injury while participating in the above event.

It is understood that Chester City United provides no medical insurance for such treatment, and that the cost thereof will be at my expense.  If a personal physician is listed below, every effort will be made to contact such physician.  However, the location of activity or nature of illness or injury may require the use of emergency personell.

Physician:__________________________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________________

_______ I do not give consent to treat and request that medical service be withheld.

Read Before Signing

I have read and understood the foregoing registration form, liability release form, parental consent, and agree to al other terms and conditions.

Print Name:__________________________ Signature:__________________________________ Date:__________________

Please return form to Chester City Hall Recreation Department 1 Fourth St Chester Pa or Bige Chambers at Lil’ Kutz in the Woodlyn Shopping Center between August 23^rd and September 10^th.

Any questions please call Recreation Department 610-447-7784 or Bige Chambers at 

610-787-2037

::::::::::::::::::::

( Monday, September 20, 2010 )

A Call to Repentance:  Reclaim the Prophetic Altar!  Jesus Christ Is Lord Over Chester!

It’s Time to Fast & Pray: Tell Everyone

Joel 1:14; 2:15-19 declares,   “Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly.  Gather all the people together to seek the face and mercy of God.”

HELP LORD, we are in trouble.  For this cause we sound the alarm and issue the call to Fast and Pray from September 1^st  - 20^th, 2010.  This fast will lead up to gatherings (solemn assemblies) of all the people beginning:

When: Monday, September 20, 2010

Time: 7PM

Where: TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Eighth & Butler Streets

Chester, PA  19013

Reverend Hilda Campbell, Pastor

Who: The Saints of God – Pastors, Leaders, Intercessors, Prayer Warriors, men, women, children (up to 12 noon) and pets, etc.

CRY OUT Until THE LORD moves in our dear city and reveals His heart for what we are to do.  

Fast as you feel led by the Spirit of God (i.e., the Daniel fast, fruit, water, liquid, one meal a day, one day a week fast). Sacrifice something.

However, PRESS IN the last 7 days (the 13^th-the 20th) before we gather on the 20^th .  Let us fast and pray through to victory so that God will bless us and heal the land (2 Ch 7:14).

We cling to God’s covenant promise to heal:  Exodus 15:6,

“If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.”

To God Be All The Glory!

Pastor Jo V Hood

Revival Stream 

610-653-3775 (Call or write)

revivalstream@aol.com

Jesus Christ Is Lord!  Jesus Christ Is Lord!  Jesus Christ Is Lord!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::

( October 2nd 2010 )

Fitch Rates Chester Community Charter School (PA) Revenue Bonds 'BBB'; Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings assigns a 'BBB' rating to the following charter school revenue bond series issued by the Delaware County Industrial Development Authority on behalf of the Chester Community Charter School (CCCS, or

the school): 

--$31,875,000 Charter School Revenue Bonds (Chester Community Charter

School Project) series 2010A;

--$25,000,000 Charter School Revenue Bonds (Chester Community Charter

School Project) series 2010B;

--$600,000 Charter School Revenue Bonds (Chester Community Charter

School Project) taxable series 2010C.

The bonds are expected to be sold via negotiated sale on or about Sept. 16, 2010. Bond proceeds will be used to acquire the land and existing instructional facilities currently being used by the school, fund a debt service reserve fund and pay the costs of issuance related to the bond sale.

The Rating Outlook is Stable.

RATING RATIONALE:

--The 'BBB' rating reflects Chester Community Charter School's strong

market-share and demand within the...Chester Community Charter School was formed in 1998 to serve the city of Chester, PA and the Chester Upland School District. CCCS has experienced significant growth since its first operational year in 1998, in terms of students served, grades offered and facilities available. In its first year, Chester served 97 students in grades K-4 in rented hotel conference room space. In 2009, the school served over ... [ READ MORE ] 

GASLAND in Chester City

Hello Everyone,

The Delco Alliance for Environmental Justice would like to invite you to see a very powerful and dynamic film called GASLAND ( http://gaslandthemovie.com/ ). An award winning documentary that explores the question: Will the boom in natural gas drilling contaminate America's water supply? Find out why this issue matters to you and your community.

Peace,

Desire Grover

desiregrover@gmail.com 

www.ejnet.org/chester 

How Chester Upland Spends Its Money...

How Chester Upland spends the money has been the center of the district's troubles. It has been the core reason for why the district was brought under receivership. But now the elected school board is in charge again and the big question is...will mismanagement happen again? It's a good question but the only way to answer it is to follow the one thing that counts. As they say... "Follow the money...".

Now the chart you see above was quickly created by myself using the latest budget agenda handed out by the school board this past meeting on August 19th. All of the checks paid that were under $1000 dollars were not detailed by category or listed by name. Only the top five recipients of checks paid out in the largest categories have been detailed. In doing this I was thinking that sometimes it helps to see things visually as a graph as opposed to a bunch of words. This was inspired by one of my favorite charts online called Death and Taxes: http://www.deathandtaxesposter.com/