Hugh Campbell, a 45-year-resident of Burholme, thanked Matt Taubenberger for sweeping up trash Saturday.

Campbell said he can’t shop at the stores on Castor Avenue because there is too much trash.

“It’s good to see a couple of young fellas cleaning up,” Campbell said. “I’m a product of New York City and left because it was so filthy.”

Taubenberger and a group of college students took part in Philadelphia’s spring cleanup by packing mulch into the street trees and sweeping the sidewalks on Burholme’s end of Rising Sun Avenue. Councilwoman Marian Tasco joined volunteers on the Lawncrest end of the street.

“One of the things that I really hate and see all the time is people throwing their trash right on the ground,” said Taubenberger, who plays an active role in the neighborhood as part of the Business Association. “I think when people walk by and see us cleaning up they realize how hard it is to keep the street clean and they try not to litter.” continue reading »

Tom Corbett, courtesy of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Many aren’t happy with all or parts of Pa. Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget. Among them are State Rep. Brendan Boyle and Sen. Mike Stack. continue reading »

Kevin (L) and Brendan (R) Boyle were sworn into the House yesterday. Photo courtesy of the House Democratic Communications Office.

For the first time in the history of the House of Representatives, two Democratic brothers were sworn into office together. Yesterday, Brendan and Kevin Boyle began their second and first terms, respectively, as state representatives.

Brendan Boyle, of the 170th Legislative District, said in a release: “I look forward to continuing the work I started in my first term, particularly reintroducing my REACH scholarship legislation.” continue reading »

(L to R) State Rep. Brendan Boyle, State Rep. Dennis O'Brien, State Sen. Mike Stack, Temple University Director of Commonwealth and Federal Affairs George Kenney and Gov. Rendell's Chief of Staff Steve Crawford discuss plans for the state park. Photo supplied by Sen. Stack's office.

State Sen. Mike Stack today joined elected officials, the Rendell administration, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Parkwood Civic Association to announce significant state funding to make improvements to Benjamin Rush State Park.

The $2.7 million in capital budget funding will go toward refurbishing the 275-acre undeveloped park, which has had no major renovations since its creation in 1975.

Plans include a new entrance drive and sign on Southampton Road, a park gate, new parking spaces for the gardens,walking and biking trails, a water and sewer system and a comfort station. continue reading »

(L to R) Anthony Manzo, CEO and President of PPh; residents Karl Soltan and Mike Fesnak; Alex Kane; Rep. Brendan Boyle; William Conaway, Director of Community Relations at PPh; and Vic Czapor. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Protestant Home.

More than 80 of The Philadelphia Protestant Home’s staff and resident military veterans were honored at a luncheon, held on Veteran’s Day, November 11.  Pennsylvania State Rep. Brendan Boyle offered remarks and Alex Kane spoke about his experiences during the World War II Battle of the Bulge.

We were unable to attend Tuesday night’s meeting of the Parkwood Civic Association, but the board provided the following update: continue reading »

Denise and Marissa Gibson along with an 8th District officer try out a motorcycle at the National Night Out event.

The 8th District celebrated National Night Out Tuesday as part of the annual countrywide event that’s designed to unite communities and promote safety. continue reading »

Rep. Brendan Boyle's Legislative Assistants Kathleen Peiffer and Deput Joseph Mack present Beth Glynn with her citation. Photo courtesy of the Office of State Rep. Brendan Boyle

Parkwood resident Beth Glynn was honored recently with the  citywide award for Paramedic of the Year. State Rep. Brendan Boyle’s office presented Glynn with a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to honor her accomplishments.

At the Citation Presentation which took place at the medic unit where Glynn works regularly at Bustleton Avenue and Bowler Street, she met with Mark Fabbi and Kathleen Peiffer, legislative assistants to Boyle and Deputy Chief Joseph Mack.

Members of the 8th PDAC sponsored an Arbor Day event on Friday at the district.  The ceremony featured a tree dedication to remember and honor all deceased police officers who either lived or worked in the 8th Police District.

Remarks were made by our guest speakers: State Reps. Dennis O’Brien and Brendan Boyle, Fraternal Order of Police President John J. McNesby, 8th District Capt. Deborah Kelly PDAC Vice Chairman Harry Sonntag, Rev. Carl Graczyk of St Jerome parish and Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz.  The Honor Guard was comprised of the Patriot Guard Riders (U.S. military veterans), a Philadelphia Police Honor Guard and a bugler, Cpl. John Halligan.

Elsie Stevens lives in Holme Circle and is a member of the 8th PDAC. You can read all her contributions to NEast Philly here.

Officer Harry Taylor (Officer of the Year), Councilman Brian O'Neill, State Rep. Brendan Boyle and Officer Daniel Rubin (Officer of the Year)

The 8th Police District Annual Awards Ceremony took place at 4 p.m. on Sunday at Cannstatter’s with the following recognitions:

George Biles Memorial Award for Officer of the Year 2009:  Police Officers Harry Taylor and Daniel Rubin

Civilian Employee of the Year:  Ms. Angela Wiggins-Streater

Continue reading for more honors.
continue reading »