Parks in Pennsylvania Face $500M Deficit

By Dave Fidlin |

The Center Square

HARRISBURG PA–Rising costs and stagnant income is leaving Pennsylvania’s 121 parks with a projected deficit of about $500 million to address ongoing maintenance needs, a state official revealed recently.

Paul Zeph, head planner of the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks, went before members of the House Tourism Committee on Jan. 15 and discussed the

Parks for All

plan, which was recently refreshed after last going under the microscope in 1992.

In his testimony to the House panel, Zeph touched on a number of issues related to state parks, but the one piece of insight that garnered the most attention was the anticipated shortfall. When Parks for All was last updated, Zeph pointed out budgetary deficits at the time hovered around $100 million.

“We’re scratching our heads on how to go forward,” Zeph said. “We may have to shut down some facilities, we may have to make some parks a little more remote. We’re not sure, but we are identifying that we have a need.”

In 2017, the Bureau of State Parks conducted a survey, which yielded about 14,000 responses, and Zeph said he thought the feedback could serve as an important guide in how to proceed.

Pennsylvania residents have long enjoyed visiting state parks for free – the thinking, Zeph said, being the cost is covered through taxes – and there was minimal support for imposing an admission cost at this point.

Another middle-of-the-road scenario, calling for scaling down amenities at some of the state’s lesser used parks and giving them more of a rustic designation could also be on the table.

“There was some mild support for that,” Zeph said.

Several committee members weighed in on the issue. State Rep. Dan Moul, R-Gettysburg, questioned if at least one of the state’s larger parks could have a ramped up, amenity-rich emphasis on tourism that would extend beyond the park system’s current traditional base of day-trippers.

“We do have some state parks that have big enough lakes,” Moul said. “There’s a way we could bring more people into the commonwealth and have them spend money.”

But Zeph said such a scenario could lead to unforeseen circumstances. Other states, he said, have encountered financial losses in the long run for similar proposals.

“The bigger you get, the more the commonwealth winds up paying for these kinds of facilities,” Zeph said.

State Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Hermitage, said he was concerned with the rising deficit of parks maintenance. With inflation taken into account, Longietti said he is concerned the figure will only rise in the years ahead.

“It’s frustrating. It’s a conundrum,” Zeph said in response, pointing out there are no easy answers to the questions.

As for the survey itself, Zeph said there was one aspect of the responses that jumped out at him as the results were tabulated.

“I was surprised by the uniformity of responses,” he said. “By and large, people seem pretty happy with the system.”

Further discussion of the deficit and other aspects of the Parks for All plan is anticipated as 2020 gets underway.

“We need to mine a little deeper on some of these questions,” Zeph said. “We do have more work to do. This isn’t the end. But this has given us a good starting point.”

published here with permission of The Center Square

Quick and Easy Ways to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

Gloucestercitynews.net (January 31, 2020)–People are thinking a lot more about their carbon footprint these days, the idea of making your home eco-friendlier is not new, but it is becoming essential. From those who want to reduce their

image unsplash.com

environmental impact to those that are preparing their home to sell, being more environmentally conscious is more popular than ever. Make the right eco-friendly changes to your home, and you can even add value to your property, meaning that you can advance up the property ladder even faster. If you\’re looking for ways to make cost-effective changes to your carbon footprint, here are some of the greenest ways to make your home eco-friendlier.

Water Waste

As one of the more expensive utility bills, it always pays to be smarter about your water use. When it comes to being environmentally aware, most people look at electricity consumption, but your use of water is just as vital. Think about the many ways that you can save water, starting with making repairs on any leaking pipes or

a dripping faucet

. Consider installing a showerhead that comes with a low-flow option, and you can save thousands of liters of water every year.

Get Hot and Stay Cool

Temperature is where a lot of people fail when it comes to their carbon footprint. Relaxing at home if it’s too cold or too hot can be very frustrating, so it’s always tempting to play with the air-con or heating system to get the right temperature

to relax in. Check your air-conditioning system and your furnace, making sure to

make a note of your SEER and AFUE

. These two measurements will give you a much clearer idea of your energy efficiency and can have a large bearing on your utility bills.

Always Insulate

One of the most effective ways to use less energy is to need less. Insulated walls and attics prevent cooled or heated air from escaping outside, meaning that you aren’t going to be wasting your energy by constantly adjusting the temperature. You can even go beyond traditional materials by investing in more

eco-friendly materials for your insulation

. Sheep\’s wool and cotton are common options for greener insulation, but there are many materials to consider if you want to improve your insulation and remain environmentally conscious.

Eco-Aware Lighting

Most people have already looked at energy-efficient light bulbs, but if you haven’t researched them lately, then you might be amazed by the drop in prices. While the cost of energy-saving light bulbs used to be quite prohibitive, modern options are much more wallet-friendly. Remember, you don’t have to swap every lightbulb immediately. Buy one or two energy-efficient bulbs every payday and replace your older lightbulbs with the newer bulbs as needed. Take your time, and you’ll soon have all of the

environmentally friendly lighting

that you’ll need.

Turning your home int0 somewhere more eco-friendly doesn’t have to mean huge disruption or costs. Often, it is the small changes to your home that will have the most impact. Whether you\’re putting your property on the market or you want to reduce your carbon footprint, these quick and easy eco-friendly tips could save you a fortune and boost the asking price of your home.

How to Properly Spruce Up Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Gloucestercitynews.net(January 31, 2020)–Though it’s on the inside that counts, a properly spruced up exterior can help you boost your home’s value, your own comfort, and of course help boost the quality of your neighborhood. With luck, you might even convince your other neighbors to put effort into their own homes, so all, in all you end up living on a picture-perfect street.

You will be proud to call your house home, and when the time comes your property will sell faster and for more because of your efforts. Don’t dally, however, because the best way to spruce up your home’s curb appeal is to do it for yourself, so start today and follow this guide:

Upgrade Your Gutters

We don’t often think about our gutters. They help keep rainwater away from the sides of our house, what else do we need to know about them, right? The reality is that

keeping your gutters clean from debris is so important

, as it helps protect your foundation, stops soil from eroding, and keeps mold and mildew away from your home.

Thankfully there are options that mean you don’t have to get up on a two-story ladder and risk your safety. Instead you can opt for a covered gutter that prevents leaves and other items from falling in, but still safely manages your rainwater.

Deal with Your Exterior Wall

The exact steps you will take will depend entirely on what your wall is made of. Brick does well with being power washed to rid it of any accumulated grime. Paint needs to be washed, sanded down, and then repainted. Due to the size of the job, bringing in a professional team is definitely recommended, because when it comes to sprucing up your home,

clean exterior walls

is going to have the biggest impact.

Upgrade You Doors (and Windows)

If you aren’t happy with your home’s trimmings, then it is time to invest in them. Either paint and add decorative elements to the features you have now or replace them entirely. If you want your home to pop, for example, consider painting your window trimmings the same color as your front and garage doors.

Start Gardening, Today

Installing fully mature plants is expensive, but if you are willing to put in the work and be patient you can end up

having a stunning front and rear garden

. Add a rose wall, for example, or plant a young sapling. It won’t look its best the first year, but over time your landscaping will be stunning (and budget-friendly).

Don’t Forget Lighting

It’s not necessary to light up every inch of your property, but you will want to invest in quality lights at least for your driveway and front door. This is so that you can see clearly when dealing with keys and it helps keep you safer.

Your curb appeal adds a lot to your home but waiting to do something about it until you are ready to sell is a big waste. Start today and make the above improvements for yourself, because you deserve to be proud of where you live.

New Jersey Doctor Admit Roles in Health Care Fraud Scheme

TRENTON, N.J. – A doctor with offices in Washington, Hackettstown, and Succasunna, New Jersey, and his co-defendant today admitted their roles in a health care conspiracy to bill Medicare and private health insurance companies for medical services fraudulently claimed to have been provided by a licensed medical doctor, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Parminderjeet S. Sandhu, 66, of Long Valley, New Jersey, and Paramjit Singh, 62, of Ohio, each pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan in Trenton federal court to informations charging them with conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

“Dr. Sandhu defrauded Medicare and private insurers – and, worse, put his patients at risk – by allowing those patients to be treated by Singh, a man who had lost his medical license,” U.S. Attorney Carpenito said. “Our office continues to work tirelessly to protect the integrity of federal healthcare programs and to make sure that patients do not suffer unnecessary harm from unscrupulous healthcare providers like these two defendants.”

“It\’s frightening to think that your doctor could be putting your health in the hands of someone who is practicing without a license,” FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie said. “Dr. Sandhu put his patients at risk while defrauding them as well as their insurers. The FBI remains committed to investing its resources to combat these types of schemes because patients have every right to expect that the care they are receiving is from a qualified medical professional who is acting in the patient\’s best interest. We urge anyone who is aware of healthcare fraud to contact us.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From August 2014 through October 2017, Sandhu and Singh caused $2,211,975 to be billed to Medicare and private health insurance companies for medical services claimed to have been provided by Sandhu at Sandhu’s medical practice, Medical Care Associates Urgent Care Inc. In reality, those services were actually performed by Singh, whom Sandhu had hired to treat patients, despite knowing that Singh had lost his license to practice medicine anywhere in the United States. Sandhu issued prescriptions – including prescriptions for opioids – in Sandhu’s name for patients seen by Singh, even though Sandhu never met with the patients himself. As a result of the conspiracy, Sandhu’s medical practice was paid $1,162,253 for treatment fraudulently provided by Singh.

Under terms of the plea agreement, if the court accepts the plea, each defendant will be sentenced to 18 months in prison. In addition, Sandhu and Singh have each agreed to pay $1,162,253 in restitution. Sandhu has agreed to forfeiture of $829,561 and Singh has agreed to forfeiture of $332,692. Sentencing is scheduled for April 28, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ehrie; the Warren County Prosecutor\’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor James L. Pfeiffer; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; and the Hackettstown, Roxbury and Washington Township police departments with the investigation leading to today’s guilty pleas.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph N. Minish of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Asset Recovery and Money Laundering Unit.

Love Your Money: U.S. Spends $113.5 Million to Give Rural America High Speed Internet

In the last few weeks alone the U.S. government has spent a whopping $113.5 million to help bring

Gloucestercitynews.net graphics

high-speed broadband to several rural areas throughout the country. In some of the cases multi-million-dollar investments will provide high-speed internet service to just a few hundred households, raising serious questions about the taxpayer investment. The money flows through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) via a Trump administration program known as

ReConnect

that will ultimately dole out hundreds of millions of dollars for the cause.

The program was launched as a result of President Donald Trump’s

Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity

established in April 2017 to identify legislative, regulatory, and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. Headed by USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, the task force includes 22 federal agencies and local leaders typical for bureaucratic government adventures. The government officials made dozens of recommendations

outlined in a

lengthy report

that essentially asks American taxpayers for a monstrous investment. The goal is to provide rural America with world-class resources, tools and support to build robust, sustainable communities for generations to come, according to the USDA.

Key among the issues preventing this is high-speed internet availability, the task force found. It also recommends modern utilities, affordable housing, efficient transportation and reliable employment to improve quality of life as well as economic development and a better workforce. So far, most of the taxpayer investment has gone to internet, though it may not seem like the most urgent of the issues pressing rural America. This may be especially true since rural America includes around 46 million of the nation’s roughly 325 million people, according to the task force figures, which also reveal that rural America includes 72% of the nation’s land. “Rural America is home to many different racial and ethnic demographics and a wide array of economic activities,” the task force report states. “These residents live in a variety of settings, from counties bordering suburbs to remote and isolated areas.”

Is high-speed internet really so essential that the Uncle Sam must spend such huge sums of money? Does lack of broadband connectivity create a crisis? Broadband is defined by law as 10 megabits per second (Mbps) downstream and 1 Mbps upstream. The government’s initial funds “will generate private sector investment to deploy broadband infrastructure to provide high-speed internet e-Connectivity to as many rural premises as possible, including homes, community facilities for healthcare and public safety, schools, libraries, farms, ranches, factories, and other production sites,” according to the USDA. ReConnect offers unique federal financing and funding options in the form of loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in the targeted areas.

Let’s take a look at some recent examples of how the money is being allocated. So far this month alone the government doled out $113.5 million to bring rural America high-speed broadband, though it’s not certain when the projects will be completed so that roughly 14% of the population can surf the internet. The first investment, for

$23 million

, will improve rural e-Connectivity for 2,643 households and 78 businesses in North Dakota. The USDA’s North Dakota Rural Development director says broadband technology is a utility as important as water, sewer and electricity. Two days later the USDA announced another

$48 million

investment to bring high-speed broadband infrastructure to 22,600 rural households in Virginia. About a week later another

$11 million

went to similar projects in Minnesota and northern Iowa that will serve 1,395 rural households and more than 100 business. “When Americans are connected to high-speed internet, productivity and prosperity skyrocket,” according to USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Censky. “This task of providing rural Americans with broadband is of the highest importance for President Trump and his Administration. We cannot leave millions of Americans out of the successes of this booming economy simply because they do not have access to the internet.”

Capping off the month were allocations of

$5.7 million

for high-speed broadband projects that will serve 489 households, 24 farms and eight businesses in Nebraska and

$18.7 million

to bring 6,300 households and 383 farms in West Virginia internet. The last disbursement, announced just two days ago, is a

$7.1 million

grant to improve e-Connectivity for 1,250 households in north central Arkansas. It may seem like a hefty price tag, but the USDA assures it’s important because it will connect residents to opportunities in education, health care and economic development.

source

Judicialwatch.org

Michael Hughes of Philadelphia Found Guilty of Two Robberies and Shootings

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney William M. McSwain announced that Michael Hughes, 31, of Philadelphia, PA, was convicted today at trial of two counts of robbery which interferes with interstate commerce, and two counts of using, carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence arising from two armed robbery and shooting incidents in August 2016.

In November 2017, Hughes and his co-defendant, Nashadeem Henderson, were charged in a five-count Indictment. The charges stem from Henderson’s and Hughes’s participation in an armed robbery and shooting of a marijuana dealer in the area of 2600 Allegheny Avenue in Philadelphia; and an armed robbery and shooting of a pizza deliveryman employed by Mimmo’s Pizza in the area of 3000 North Taney Street in Philadelphia. Henderson pleaded guilty prior to the trial.

“The defendants in this case had no regard for the lives of their victims – shooting at them indiscriminately, which could have easily killed them,” said U.S. Attorney McSwain. “Philadelphia is in the midst of a public safety crisis, with alarming rates of homicides and shootings. This crisis will not be solved by pretending that it does not exist or by coddling violent criminals. It will be solved through accountability for violent acts, and my Office is doing everything it can to investigate and aggressively prosecute violent crimes like those here.”

“Two armed robberies and two victims shot, in just five days,” said Michael T. Harpster, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “And had Hughes and his accomplice not been stopped, it’s no stretch to imagine what further mayhem they might’ve caused. It’s incredibly fortunate no one was killed by these two, so willing to use violence as a means to their criminal end. The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who consider armed robbery a reasonable way to make themselves some money.”

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda Reinitz and Roberta Benjamin.

Philadelphia Calendar Of Events for February

The Philadelphia Auto Show

Through February 8, 2020

BEETHOVENNOW.

The Philadelphia Orchestra marks Ludwig van Beethoven’s 250th birthday with pianists Yefim Bronfman, Daniil Trifonov and Emanuel Ax performing all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

(215) 893-1900,

philorch.org

Philadelphia Auto Show, February 8-17, 2020

— Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia

Through February 23, 2020

THE ROTHMAN ORTHOPAEDICS ICE RINK AND CABIN AND WINTERGARDEN.

The Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Skating Rink, the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin and Wintergarden finish their seasonal run at

Dilworth Park,

City Hall’s front yard. (215) 440-5500,

centercityphila.org

Through February 29, 2020

BLACK HISTORY MONTH.

Major attractions across the city—including

The African American Museum in Philadelphia,

the

National Constitution Center,

the

Free Library of Philadelphia

and more—celebrate the month throughout February with events and special programming.

visitphilly.com/articles/philadelphia/black-history-month-in-philadelphia

February 1, 2020

AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR.

One of the oldest and largest single-day events for African American children’s books in the country, the 28th annual African American Children’s Book Fair at the

Community College of Philadelphia

features nationally known and bestselling authors and illustrators, representatives from the multicultural literary community, enriching children’s books, and activities that promote the power and joy of reading.

theafricanamericanchildrensbookproject.org

February 1–16, 2020

GETAWAY AT THE GREENHOUSE.

Fairmount Park Horticultural Center

celebrates summer in winter, setting up a giant sandbox, live music, food trucks and

Gaia, The Traveling Artwork

, British artist Luke Jerram’s spectacular giant globe of the Earth featuring detailed NASA photography. (215) 685-0096,

myphillypark.org

my-earth.org

February 1 – June 7, 2020

VOTES FOR WOMEN: A VISUAL HISTORY.

The

Brandywine Museum of Art

commemorates the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote using drawings, illustrations and posters expressing the message of the suffragists, as well as costumes, clothing, sashes and emblems worn by the women activists. (610) 388-2700,

brandywine.org

February 1 – June 14, 2020

WITNESS TO HISTORY: SELMA PHOTOGRAPHY OF STEPHEN SOMERSTEIN.

This exhibit on display at the

Brandywine Museum of Art

documents the historic 54-mile march for civil rights from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. (610) 388-2700,

brandywine.org

February 4 – March 27, 2020

FOURTEEN: A THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE.

The

National Constitution Center

sheds light on the Reconstruction era and ratification of the 14th Amendment in a 35-minute performance featuring dramatic interpretation of original texts, including Frederick Douglass’s open letter “To My Old Master.” (215) 409-6700,

constitutioncenter.org

February 6–9, 2020

GREY ROCK.

A fantastical new work from director and playwright Amir Nizar Zuabi bridges American and Palestinian cultures and makes its Philadelphia debut with a five-person cast from Palestine, including acclaimed actor Khalifa Natour, at

SEI Innovation Studio

at the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus.

kimmelcenter.org

February 6–16, 2020

PHILLY THEATRE WEEK.

A 10-day regional theatrical festival promises 100 events, including panels, concerts, meet-ups and loads of live theater. (267) 761-9950,

theatrephiladelphia.org

February 7 & 8, 2020

BLUE HEAVEN COMEDY FESTIVAL.

FringeArts presents their second-annual alt-comedy fest. (215) 413-9006,

fringearts.com

February 7–9, 2020

NICK JR. LIVE! MOVE TO THE MUSIC.

Friends from

Bubble Guppies

Paw Patrol

Dora the Explorer

Shimmer and Shine

Blue’s Clues and You

Blaze and the Monster Machines

, and

Top Wing

lead a singing-and-dancing adventure at the

Academy of Music.

(215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

February 8, 2020

JOURNEYS.

Acting Without Boundaries (AWB), a Philadelphia-based theater workshop for kids, teens and young adults with physical disabilities, takes part in Philly Theatre Week (see above) by performing a songs and scenes from some of Broadway’s greatest hits in the

Rendell Room of the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus.

kimmelcenter.org

February 8–17, 2020

PHILADELPHIA AUTO SHOW.

The automotive industry’s latest creations are on a 750,000-square-foot display at the

Pennsylvania Convention Center,

the showplace for more than 700 pre-production, classic, luxury and exotic cars.

phillyautoshow.com

February 13–16, 2020

SHARE THE LOVE WEEKEND.

Bucks County’s

Peddler’s Village

offers a Valentine’s weekend shopping sales event, restaurant specials and

Murder at the Moulin

dinner shows. (215) 794-4000,

peddlersvillage.com

February 14–16, 2020

ARETHA: RESPECT.

To honor the Queen of Soul, The Philly POPS features Broadway powerhouse Capathia Jenkins and R&B singer Ryan Shaw in a program that includes renditions of

Bridge Over Troubled Water

Respect

and

Chain of Fools

. (215) 893-1999,

phillypops.org

February 15, 2020

AFRICAN AND DIASPORIC CULTURES CELEBRATION.

The Penn Museum’s second CultureFest of the year reunites traditional and contemporary African and African Diasporic arts through mask-making, drumming and more live music, storytelling, film screenings and an African marketplace. (215) 898-4000,

penn.museum

February 15 – September 20, 2020

SURVIVAL OF THE SLOWEST.

Survival strategies of sloths, iguanas and pancake tortoises, among other animals that are slow and small, are explored in this exhibit at the

Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.

(215) 299-1000,

ansp.org

February 16, 2019

MUMMENSCHANZ: YOU & ME

. The mesmerizing Swiss theatrical troupe performs their brand-new show at the

Annenberg Center

creating shapes, forms, sounds and stories that delight audiences of every age. (215) 898-3900,

annenbergcenter.org

February 19 – March 1, 2020

HELLO, DOLLY!

Matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi and the rest of the characters from the musical-comedy classic make their way to the

Academy of Music

as part of the Broadway Philadelphia series. (215) 893-1999,

kimmelcenter.org

February 21 – March 14, 2020

#GLASSFEST.

This three-week festival presented by the

Annenberg Center

celebrates Philip Glass’ career and includes the Philadelphia premiere of the composer’s

Music in Twelve Parts

and the world premiere of

The White Lama

, a theatrical piece by Nikki Appino that features a score by Glass. (215) 898-3900,

annenbergcenter.org

February 23

–

May 10, 2020

MARIE CUTTOLI: THE MODERN THREAD FROM MIRÓ TO MAN RAY.

Cuttoli, a modern art pioneer, commissioned international modernist artists to design pieces that were woven into tapestries, as seen in this

Barnes Foundation

exhibit. (215) 278-7200,

barnesfoundation.org

February 24 – March 6, 2020

EAST PASSYUNK RESTAURANT WEEK.

Three-course prix fixe lunches and dinners are available (tax, alcohol and gratuity not included) at various restaurants in the South Philly neighborhood.

eastpassyunkrestaurantweek.com

February 26 & 27, March 18 & 19, 2020

DANCE UP CLOSE.

A three-part, midweek, midwinter dance festival that began with

Junkspace

with Tori Lawrence at

Christ Church Neighborhood

House

in January continues with

Boundaries & Other Works

and

Nest

, at

Christ Church Neighborhood House

in February, and wraps

Reassembling Corporeal Knowledge

, featuring short videos, live solos and duets at

FringeArts

in March.

philadelphiadance.org

February 26–29, 2020

TURN.

Philadelphia performance artist M’Balia Singley world premieres a work that delves into themes from Shakespeare’s

Othello

through the lens of an African American woman at the

SEI Innovation Studio

at the Kimmel Center Cultural Campus.

kimmelcenter.org

February 28 – April 26, 2020

WARREN MULLER: ON AND OFF THE WALL.

Philadelphia artist Warren Muller shares his illuminated sculptures inspired by the people and the city he calls home at

Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens

. (215) 733-0390,

phillymagicgardens.org

February 29 – March 8, 2020

PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW.

The annual gardening celebration at the

Pennsylvania Convention Center

is the oldest and largest indoor show of its kind, with top-of-the-line horticulture and landscape design, entertainment and more than 100 vendors. This year’s theme: “Riviera Holiday.” (215) 988-8800,

theflowershow.com

DHS Secretary Commends Partnership to Improve Health Outcomes in North Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA

– Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller today joined Project HOME, Independence Blue Cross, and AmeriHealth Caritas to announce the launch of Keystone Connection to Wellness, which will work to address health disparities and social determinants of health experienced by residents of North

Philadelphia.

“Our partners in the HEZ are doing incredible, necessary work to help work against the health disparities residents of North Philadelphia face every day, but we need to be able to scale and grow these efforts so more people can see a positive change and better health outcomes,” said Sec. Miller. “Project HOME’s partnership with Independence Blue Cross and AmeriHealth Caritas will make growing this work possible, and I am incredibly grateful that our Medicaid managed care organizations are investing in organizations like Project HOME to maximize our ability to make a positive change in the lives of people we serve.”

Project HOME is currently a partner in the Wolf Administration’s North Philadelphia’s Health Enterprise Zone (HEZ) initiative, which supports community health workers to address health disparities in North Philadelphia.

Keystone Connection to Wellness will allow Project HOME to grow its work to address social determinants of health through financial and operations support from Independence Blue Cross and AmeriHealth Caritas. A community advisory board will bring together local stakeholders to inform services and programs offered to address poverty, health outcomes, and life circumstances that influence these like food access, housing, access to behavioral health care, and employment, among others. Project HOME expects to serve approximately 1,250 people in Keystone Connection to Wellness’ first year.

In February 2019, the Wolf Administration awarded five grantees $3 million to support projects that would use community health workers to promote better health outcomes in the HEZ. This funding created innovative projects that will use community health workers to address health disparities in children, older adults, and those who are frequent users of medical services by increasing health promotion and education in the HEZ. In December 2019, the Wolf Administration

announced

Opens In A New Window

a one-year extension of this work to continue progress made in the projects’ first year. This funding will help Project HOME grow and build upon its work of addressing social determinants of health and promoting health equity and improved health outcomes in the North Philadelphia.

The HEZ is made up of the 19120-26, 19130, 19132-34, 19138, 19140-41, and 19144 ZIP codes in North Philadelphia, which run from the beginning of Broad Street through City Hall. It includes nearly 320,000 Medicaid recipients – nearly 13 percent of Pennsylvania’s total Medicaid population. Beneficiaries in zip codes around this corridor experience multiple health conditions and significant socio-economic barriers that result in high medical costs and utilization and chronic poor health. Thirty-one percent of residents living within the HEZ live below the federal poverty line, twice the national average, and the life expectancy of children in the HEZ is 20 years shorter compared to children in wealthier ZIP codes.

The projects include:

Education Plus Health

: improving child and adolescent health outcomes through the School-Based Health Center Community Health Worker project, which integrates community health workers into each school-based health center team to screen students and identify concerns related to asthma, diabetes, mental health, substance use, food insecurity and healthy weight, and multi-generational health needs. Education Plus Health community health workers have helped address and improve student health outcomes.

Bebashi- Transition to Hope

: mitigating the symptoms of multigenerational poverty by addressing food insecurity through physically expanding Second Helping, an emergency food pantry, establishing food pantries in schools, and working to increase access to quality health care and assistance programs through one-to-one resource navigation with direct linkages and referrals for HEZ residents. Bebashi has served 3,600 people through their food pantry.

Project HOME

: addressing diabetes and managing growing health care spending through the Healthy Communities Program, which trains peer community health workers to recruit participants from the HEZ with diabetes or pre-diabetes. The initiative uses an evidence-based healthy lifestyle program focusing on nutrition, physical activity, healthy food access, and motivational supports and will connect participants to integrated health and wellness resources.

Health Federation of Philadelphia

: strengthening programs at organizations throughout the HEZ by training community health workers and peer support workers to build sustainable capacity and promote organizational development. They are focusing on addressing diabetes and prediabetes through the implementation of a diabetes prevention program, while also addressing behavioral and mental health and substance use disorders. In addition, they are implementing a cloud-based platform for comprehensive social service referrals.

New

Kensington Community Development Corporation

: addressing social determinants of health by hiring community health workers who are residents of the HEZ and utilizing trauma-informed training to assist as they screen clients and connect them to resources for health care, food resources, credit and budget counseling, and other social service resources.

Since the creation of the HEZ in 2016, DHS and grantees have sought to improve social indicators of health for residents of North Philadelphia and are making progress on this work. DHS has previously funded trauma-informed practices among teachers, staff, parents, and community members and has increased funding for lead remediation projects in schools within the HEZ. In October DHS

announced

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$4.3 million in funding for additional services, including support for SNAP 50/50 programs aimed at moving people out of poverty, home visiting services, and services related to eviction prevention and affordable housing.

Visit Philadelphia® Recognized With Two Adrian Awards

VISIT PHILADELPHIA announced today that it won two Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Adrian Awards at a gala in New York City last night. This year’s recognitions bring VISIT PHILADELPHIA’s award count total to 45 since 2004.

In the LGBTQ PR category, VISIT PHILADELPHIA earned a Gold Award for its

Philadelphia Pioneers On The Road To Stonewall

campaign executed in partnership with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld Fund. The organization celebrated Pride Month and marked the 50th anniversary of the history-making Stonewall Riots that launched the LGBTQ civil rights movement by creating a float that carried LGBTQ pioneers on it in three large summer parades both in and out of market. The float was adorned with messages of equality, unity and welcome. VISIT PHILADELPHIA supplemented the public relations campaign with an advertising takeover of New York City’s Penn Station, complete with rainbow steps that bore the hashtag #IAmStonewall.

In the Community Service/Social Responsibility category, VISIT PHILADELPHIA earned a Silver Award for its

reopening of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall

during 2018’s partial government shutdown. VISIT PHILADELPHIA made a $32,000 non-refundable contribution to Independence National Historical Park to pay for three days of staff and operations, then spread the good news on the web—visitphilly.com, uwishunu.com and @visitphilly—and through robust media relations.

“Over the past 12 months, VISIT PHILADELPHIA has collaborated to develop innovative and meaningful marketing campaigns to attract visitors to our region,” said Jeff Guaracino, president and CEO, VISIT PHILADELPHIA. “I’m proud that prominent organizations like HSMAI are recognizing and rewarding our efforts.”

These two award-winning efforts have been widely acknowledged since their completion. The Stonewall campaign received a Pepperpot Award from the Philadelphia chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the reopening of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall was recognized with the U.S. Travel Association’s (USTA) Destiny Award and PR Daily’s Media Relations Award.

HSMAI, the industry’s leading advocate for intelligent, sustainable hotel revenue growth, received nearly 1,100 entries from travel companies, including big-brand hotel chains, major airlines, U.S. and international tourism boards, and marketing agencies. The Adrian Awards honor hospitality brands and agencies for their advertising, digital and public relations efforts to market destinations around the world.

“The Adrian Awards honor innovative travel marketing campaigns that lead the future of hospitality marketing, setting the standard for creativity and flawless execution,” said Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, president and CEO of HSMAI. “HSMAI is proud to recognize these award winners and celebrate their remarkable campaigns and the people behind them at the Adrian Awards Gala.”

VISIT PHILADELPHIA is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.

32 Murders in 22 Days; Philly Councilman Calls for Stricter Gun Laws

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 23, 2020 – As gun violence continues to rage unabated in Philadelphia,

Council President Darrell L. Clarke

(5th District) today called for Council to authorize the hiring of legal counsel to file a lawsuit compelling the Commonwealth of

Philadelphia City Hall (Wikipedia)

Pennsylvania to enact stronger gun laws, or allow municipalities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh or others to pass their own gun laws.

Last night, a 20-year-old man was shot and killed inside his Cobbs Creek home. It marked Philadelphia’s

homicide

already in 2020 – a 22-day-span. This represents an 82 percent increase in homicides in the city in the first three weeks of the year, compared with the same period last year. More than 100 youths under the age of 18 were shot last year – 14 fatally.

“People in Philadelphia are tired and frustrated with gun violence happening every day in their neighborhoods,” Clarke said. “32 homicides in 22 days! Toddlers shot in their homes, a shoot-out at a Target store parking lot – we must take action and we need every responsible elected official on deck. Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

Resolution

authorizing Council to retain legal counsel to file a lawsuit against the Commonwealth was co-introduced this morning by Councilmembers

Kenyatta Johnson

and

Curtis Jones Jr.,

on Council President Clarke’s behalf. Numerous other Councilmembers signed on as co-sponsors, including Majority Leader

Cherelle Parker

, Councilmembers

Derek Green

, and

Allan Domb

The resolution details the “ferocity and sheer volume of gun violence in Philadelphia” over the past several weeks – the impetus for the legislative action.

“WHEREAS, The ferocity and sheer volume of gun violence in Philadelphia shocks the conscience of all law-abiding citizens: Three men were shot to death in the first fifteen hours of 2020. On January 15, 2020, five people were shot in less than 30 minutes. On January 21, a triple shooting in a Target parking lot left one man dead. As of January 21, 2020, there have been 31 homicides in 2020, up a shocking 82% from January 2019, according to the Philadelphia Police Department’s webpage,

www.phillypolice.com/crime-maps-stats/

. Last year, 14 children under 18 were shot fatally with guns. The homicide rate in Philadelphia has risen steadily, from 277 in 2016, to 315 in 2017, to 353 in 2018, to 356 in 2019.”

The resolution goes on to note that gun violence is a

statewide

problem – not a city-only problem.

“WHEREAS, Gun violence is not confined to one city or state, but rather plagues communities across the country. Today, the public still mourns the tragic loss of life from the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, and decries the General Assembly’s refusal to permit Pittsburgh’s City Council to use commonsense measures to combat the spread of rampant gun violence. Across the Commonwealth, gun violence claims the lives of more than 1,500 residents each year, according to the Giffords Law Center, which means that someone is killed with a gun every six hours in Pennsylvania.”

The resolution notes the failure of the PA General Assembly to take action to reduce and prevent gun violence across the Commonwealth – due to the strong influence of the gun lobby. The most recent example: after Council passed an ordinance last session prohibiting the possession of guns at city recreation facilities – the scene of several shootings last summer – the legislature took no action to approve legislation allowing Philadelphia to enforce that ordinance.

The Resolution concludes:

“RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby authorizes Council to retain counsel to file a lawsuit compelling the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to fulfill its obligation to protect the citizens of Pennsylvania by enacting, or authorizing municipalities to enact, legislation that addresses the public health crisis of gun violence.”