Just a year after taking state office, Rep. Kevin Boyle has announced his re-election bid for the 172nd District seat.

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Fresh off the announcement that Fox Chase Cancer Center will merge with Temple University Health System, Holy Family University has announced its own partnership with the cancer treatment center.

With the start of the new year, the university will offer an exclusive RN-to-BSN program for FCCC staffers who want a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. continue reading »

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Temple University Health Systems and Fox Chase Cancer Center are joining forces. The two institutions will merge resources, research and aspects of patient care.

Dr. Larry Kaiser, CEO of Temple University Health System, spelled out the details of the deal in a news conference Thursday: “As part of the terms of this agreement, Temple will invest in cancer research at Fox Chase, providing new resources to recruit additional physician scientists.”

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Mike Bobby, John Duffy and Steve Phillips keep watch on Fox Chase

They are the eyes and ears of the Fox Chase community. Since 1995 The Fox Chase Town Watch has patrolled the streets of Fox Chase, alerting police to incidents and making note of ongoing problems that need police attention. Steve Phillips, current president of the Watch, has been a member since 1995. Membership is open to residents 18 years and older.

Members receive training, but rule No. 1 is to remember as a member you are not a law enforcement officer. Phillips became involved after the death of Eddie Polec, “Witnessing the death of Ed Polec has been my motivation for the last 17  years. I said to myself, this will not happen again, and that is why I do this.” continue reading »

Jim and Brooke Higgins of Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse

Brooke and Jim Higgins have traveled the world, working as personal chefs and caterers for high-end clientele. Northeast native Brooke even had the experience of working under celebrity chef Todd English at his Boston restaurant, Olives.

In 2003, the couple found itself a new calling in Holmesburg, in the form of a lunch truck. With experienced culinary backgrounds and a little inspiration from their 110-pound Newfoundland, Sweet Lucy, the couple took the catering business to a whole new level.

“Brooke’s father has a business here,” said Jim, “First, we thought we were just going to park it in his parking lot and you know, end up taking it around the city. Then, one day, we decided to open up the window and see if people would come and we had such a good response, we decided to put the restaurant right here.” continue reading »

Here’s a summary of the week’s Northeast news we didn’t cover. See others here.

Aquan Spearman will soon go to trial after being charged with the sexual assault of three eighth-grade girls from Cooke Middle School one year ago. The assaults took place in December 2007 and January 2008, though Spearman is still awaiting trail for committing statutory rape of a 14-year-old girl in June 2006 in the Northeast.

Keep reading for news on a Washington High football player, police news and more. continue reading »

Here’s a summary of the week’s Northeast news we didn’t cover. See others here.

Escaped convict Oscar Alvarado has been captured as of Monday.

Kamilah Alvarado, 22, Dean Ortiz, 33, and Crysta Otto, 27, of Barnett Street near Erdrick, in Mayfair, face charges for holding up the apprehension of the escaped convict by hiding him inside a Motor Inn in Trevose. Alvarado is accused of murdering a woman in October 2008.

Keep reading for break-ins at Franklin Mills Mall, a sentence for an ex Northeast charter school board president, and more. continue reading »

Gary Weyhmuller, center, chief operating officer of Fox Chase Cancer Center, accepts the 2009 Crystal Vision Award on behalf of the hospital from the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber Commerce at their 87th Annual Accolades Ball Dinner Dance Gala Nov. 13, 2009 at Knowlton Mansion in Northeast Philadelphia. Ball chairperson Sally B. Danciu (l) and GNPCC President Al Taubenberger (r) present the award.

More than 175 Northeast residents gathered Friday to honor two regional staples.

The Accolades Ball, hosted by the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and held at the historic Knowlton Mansion at Rhawn Street and Verree Road, is an annual event, which marks the GNPCC’s anniversary while celebrating community members for “outstanding success and continuing commitment to the advancement of the organization and region.”

For its 87th anniversary, the Chamber honored Fox Chase Cancer Center and William St. Clair of St. Clair CPA Solutions. continue reading »

Gary Weyhmuller, senior VP and COO of Fox Chase Cancer Center discusses building a stronger Fox Chase.

Much-anticipated updates from the Fox Chase Cancer Center were the focus of last night’s joint meeting of the Fox Chase Homeowners Association and Fox Chase Town Watch groups.

Gary Weyhmuller, senior vice president and chief operating officer of the Cancer Center gave a presentation following to neighborhood residents, providing updates on construction, services and finances. Matt Braden, president of the Homeowners Association, told the more than 30 people in attendance: “We’re very thankful and appreciative of Fox Chase Cancer Center for updating us and including us.” continue reading »

By Shannon McDonald

Here’s a summary of the week’s Northeast news we didn’t cover. See others here.

A big story last week involved Huntingdon Valley’s Valley Swim Club. The Montgomery County private pool is accused of kicking out a group of black campers from Creative Steps Day Camp on Devereaux and Summerdale avenues. Many reporters stated the pool is in the Northeast, when in fact, it is not in Philadelphia at all. Here’s a roundup of some of the media outlets that covered the story. continue reading »