It was 9:30 on election night and about 50 people were waiting for Bill Rubin in a bar that smelled like hot wings.

The Sternos were keeping the food hot at the Red Rooster Inn, and sitcoms played on the flatscreen as accommodating bartenders surfed the channels for results. Rubin was trailing with 47 percent of the vote in the 10th Councilmanic District. The Democrat was challenging incumbent Republican Brian O’Neill, who’s represented the district for 32 years. This was the first serious challenge to O’Neill in his three decades at the helm.

“Vote for my dad Bill Rubin,” read the navy and white shirts his son and daughter wore. His wife, parents, brother and sister had similar tops, while his other supporters donned their general pro-Rubin shirts over long sleeves with “push button 227″ on the back. 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 »