Thursday, August 31, 2017
Dan Cirucci Blog Sets New One-Month Record!
Pageviews by Countries - AUGUST, 2017
Nearly 200,000 pageviews
this month! Thank you for
helping us set a new record!
'A Wonderful Example' Of Ongoing Commitment
The City of Philadelphia’s Division of Housing and Community Development recently selected Catholic Health Care Services (CHCS) and the Office for Community Development (OCD) to receive $2 million in funding for the development of Saint Rita Place, an affordable housing community for independent seniors.
Plans are underway to transform a vacant lot on South Broad and Ellsworth Streets, located next to the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, into a five-story mixed-use space that incorporates the Shrine’s vision for the Cascia Center with affordable senior housing. The new construction is being designed by Cecil Baker Partners and will reflect Saint Rita of Cascia Church located adjacent to the south of the site.
The building will consist of 46 one-bedroom apartments for income eligible seniors 62 and older on the second through fifth floors. All units will be Visitable for people with physical disabilities. Through CHCS’ extensive social service experience and connection to an array of programs and partnerships, Saint Rita Place will have a proactive model that anticipates and addresses each resident’s needs.
Located on the ground floor, The Cascia Center will advance justice and peace for those in need of healing. The 7,100 square foot Center will consist of offices, conference rooms, a kitchen, and facilities to serve the needs of individuals and groups who come as religious pilgrims to the National Shrine. The Augustian Friars of Saint Thomas of Villanova will provide services to individuals and families in need of healing. In addition, neighbors can access services offered through Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
“Saint Rita Place and the Cascia Center form a wonderful example of thoughtful, balanced development. While there is tremendous market investment occurring along Broad Street this undertaking remembers the seniors and families living in our community,” said John M. Wagner, Chief Executive Officer of CHCS.
Plans are underway to transform a vacant lot on South Broad and Ellsworth Streets, located next to the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, into a five-story mixed-use space that incorporates the Shrine’s vision for the Cascia Center with affordable senior housing. The new construction is being designed by Cecil Baker Partners and will reflect Saint Rita of Cascia Church located adjacent to the south of the site.
The building will consist of 46 one-bedroom apartments for income eligible seniors 62 and older on the second through fifth floors. All units will be Visitable for people with physical disabilities. Through CHCS’ extensive social service experience and connection to an array of programs and partnerships, Saint Rita Place will have a proactive model that anticipates and addresses each resident’s needs.
Located on the ground floor, The Cascia Center will advance justice and peace for those in need of healing. The 7,100 square foot Center will consist of offices, conference rooms, a kitchen, and facilities to serve the needs of individuals and groups who come as religious pilgrims to the National Shrine. The Augustian Friars of Saint Thomas of Villanova will provide services to individuals and families in need of healing. In addition, neighbors can access services offered through Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
“Saint Rita Place and the Cascia Center form a wonderful example of thoughtful, balanced development. While there is tremendous market investment occurring along Broad Street this undertaking remembers the seniors and families living in our community,” said John M. Wagner, Chief Executive Officer of CHCS.
“The Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Augustinian Friars have worked together to create a permanent example of the Church’s commitment to the people of this neighborhood. We are grateful to Mayor Kenney, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and the Division of Housing and Community Development for supporting this work. We remain hopeful we will be awarded a tax credit reservation later this year.”
Construction on the $17.4 million project is anticipated to begin Winter 2019.
Construction on the $17.4 million project is anticipated to begin Winter 2019.
Note: Catholic Health Care Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia provides services and housing for seniors, supporting them to remain in their homes and communities. CHCS services for older adults include senior centers, In-Home Support Program, Parish Eldercare Program, and a growing portfolio of senior living communities. To learn more about Catholic Health Care Services and affordable senior housing, please visit http://catholichealthcareservices.org.
The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia serves as a spiritual, educational, social, and cultural center within the South Philadelphia community. For more information on the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, please visit www.saintritashrine.org.
The National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia serves as a spiritual, educational, social, and cultural center within the South Philadelphia community. For more information on the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, please visit www.saintritashrine.org.
'Horror Stories' Prompt Bold, Direct Action
New Jersey State Senator Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) commended New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino and the Division of Consumer Affairs for taking legal action against two contractorsaccused of fraud against Sandy-impacted homeowners.
Sen. Jennifer Beck’s “Superstorm Sandy Homeowners Protection Act” has awaited action by the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee since June 16, 2016. (U.S. Air Force/Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen)
“I applaud Attorney General Porrino and his team for taking legal action against two more fraudulent Sandy contractors. I have met with the Attorney General and Director of Consumer Affairs as well as Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Chuck Richman several times regarding CRA and TMB Services,” Beck said. “These predatory contractors must be held accountable for the crimes they have committed against vulnerable homeowners looking to get their lives back.”The complaints were filed separately in Superior Courts in Monmouth and Ocean counties alleging that CRA and TMB took money from consumers, including RREM funding, for construction on Sandy-damaged homes and failed to begin or complete projects.
“We have received numerous fraud complaints from home owners but I believe TMB and CRA are some of the most egregious cases. These companies defrauded dozens of Sandy homeowners by failing to finish projects and performing shoddy work. Families have come to me with horror stories about their foundations cracking and houses being left totally uninhabitable and open to the elements for months. Contractors preying on Sandy homeowners like this should be prosecuted, and I am glad the Attorney General continues to hold them accountable,” Beck added.
In 2015, Beck introduced the “Superstorm Sandy Homeowner’s Protection Act,” S-532, which expands the Consumer Fraud Act and provides more recourse for Sandy survivors. She has requested the bill be posted for a vote on six separate occasions, in addition to countless telephone, email, and personal requests.
“There are still hundreds of homeowners who have dealt with predatory contractors that need our help,” Beck concluded. “I continue to personally advocate for Sandy survivors and call on my Senate colleagues to put my Sandy Homeowner’s Protection Act up for a vote as soon as possible.”
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
An Iconic Figure Who Inspired Countless Others!
Rollie Massimino, the coaching icon who led Villanova for 19 seasons and guided the Wildcats to the 1985 NCAA national championship, passed away quietly surrounded by family at his Florida home on Wednesday at the age of 82.
"The Nova Nation has lost a legend and great leader," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "Coach's love of family, community, and teamwork were evident in every game his teams ever played. All of us, as coaches and players, idolized Coach Mass. He inspired and impacted all of our lives. He never stopped being a cherished mentor and friend.
"All of us in the Villanova Basketball family extend our deepest sympathies to Mrs. Mass, his wife of 59 years, his five children - Tom, Lee Ann, Michele, R.C. and Andrew - and his 17 grandchildren."
From 1973 to 1992, Massimino guided the Wildcats to 357 victories, including 20 in the NCAA Tournament (with only 10 losses). On April 1, 1985, in a game that would come to be defined as one
In addition to the magical 1985 run, the Wildcats advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight in 1978, 1982, 1983 and 1988. Villanova posted 10 seasons of 20 victories or more in Massimino's tenure and he was the 1982 BIG EAST Coach of the Year. He was inducted into the Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
During his near two decade stint on the Main Line, Massimino built a program founded on family. Each of the players recruited to Villanova by Massimino who spent four years in the program earned his degree. Through the years he remained in close contact with his former Wildcat players, many of whom credit him with helping mold them into the people they are today.
When Massimino returned to coaching after a three year retirement in 2006 at Northwood - later rebranded as Keiser - Villanova served as his first regular season opponent. The Wildcats downed the Seahawks, 97-60, in West Palm Beach, with many of his former Villanova players in attendance. Massimino would go on to lead the Seahawks to 312 victories, including the 2012 NAIA Division II title game. He won his 800th career game last December as Keiser defeated Trinity Baptist 77-47.
Massimino earned 816 victories over the course of his career as a collegiate head coach. A 1956 graduate of the University of Vermont, he also served as the head coach at Stony Brook University (1969-71), UNLV (1992-94) and Cleveland State University (1996-2003).
Funeral arrangements are pending.
"The Nova Nation has lost a legend and great leader," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "Coach's love of family, community, and teamwork were evident in every game his teams ever played. All of us, as coaches and players, idolized Coach Mass. He inspired and impacted all of our lives. He never stopped being a cherished mentor and friend.
"All of us in the Villanova Basketball family extend our deepest sympathies to Mrs. Mass, his wife of 59 years, his five children - Tom, Lee Ann, Michele, R.C. and Andrew - and his 17 grandchildren."
From 1973 to 1992, Massimino guided the Wildcats to 357 victories, including 20 in the NCAA Tournament (with only 10 losses). On April 1, 1985, in a game that would come to be defined as one
of the most monumental upsets in NCAA history, the Wildcats connected on .786 of their field goal attempts to stun No. 1 ranked Georgetown 66-64, capping an improbable six-game march to the title as a No. 8 seed.
In addition to the magical 1985 run, the Wildcats advanced to the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight in 1978, 1982, 1983 and 1988. Villanova posted 10 seasons of 20 victories or more in Massimino's tenure and he was the 1982 BIG EAST Coach of the Year. He was inducted into the Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
During his near two decade stint on the Main Line, Massimino built a program founded on family. Each of the players recruited to Villanova by Massimino who spent four years in the program earned his degree. Through the years he remained in close contact with his former Wildcat players, many of whom credit him with helping mold them into the people they are today.
When Massimino returned to coaching after a three year retirement in 2006 at Northwood - later rebranded as Keiser - Villanova served as his first regular season opponent. The Wildcats downed the Seahawks, 97-60, in West Palm Beach, with many of his former Villanova players in attendance. Massimino would go on to lead the Seahawks to 312 victories, including the 2012 NAIA Division II title game. He won his 800th career game last December as Keiser defeated Trinity Baptist 77-47.
Massimino earned 816 victories over the course of his career as a collegiate head coach. A 1956 graduate of the University of Vermont, he also served as the head coach at Stony Brook University (1969-71), UNLV (1992-94) and Cleveland State University (1996-2003).
Funeral arrangements are pending.
May His Memory Be A Blessing To All Of Us!
| |||||||
|
Did You EVER Think You'd See THESE Numbers?
REVVING UP! - US revised second-quarter
GDP up 3.0% vs 2.7% rise expected
The National Employment Report was released ahead of the government's more comprehensive employment report on Friday, which is expected to show solid job gains in August and diminishing labor market slack.
GDP up 3.0% vs 2.7% rise expected
WOW! . . . The U.S. economy grew faster than initially thought in the second quarter, notching its quickest pace in more than two years.
And, get this: There are signs that the momentum was sustained at the start of the third quarter.
Plus, gross domestic product increased at a 3.0 percent annual rate in the April-June period, the Commerce Department said.
Thank you, President Trump!
Take A Quick Look; Then, YOU Decide . . .
On the right is First Lady Melania Trump.
On the left is the fashion editor at Vogue who criticized Melania for wearing high heels.
Inasmuch as the images speak volumes, we'll say no more.
Such 'Compassion' And 'Sense Of Community'
"The effects of Hurricane Harvey will be felt in Texas, Louisiana, and other parts of the country for many months and years to come. So far, 1.7 million people are under orders to evacuate their homes, and, as the floodwater in Houston rises, sadly, so will the number of evacuees.
"I want to be able to offer my help and support in the most productive way possible, not through just words, but also action. "What I found to be the most profound during the visit was not only the strength and resilience of the people of Texas, but the compassion and sense of community that has taken over the State.
"My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of Texas and Louisiana."
- First Lady Melania Trump
"My thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of Texas and Louisiana."
- First Lady Melania Trump
C'mon: Here's How You Can Help Right NOW!
Philadelphia Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. has asked that all parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia consider taking up a one-time, special collection on the weekend of September 16-17, 2017 to support continued relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
This special collection is part of a national initiative called for by Archbishop José H. Gomez, vice-president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to benefit the victims of this natural disaster and to provide pastoral and rebuilding support to impacted dioceses.
This special collection is part of a national initiative called for by Archbishop José H. Gomez, vice-president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, to benefit the victims of this natural disaster and to provide pastoral and rebuilding support to impacted dioceses.
All contributed funds will support Catholic Charities’ USA, which is providing aid to victims of Hurricane Harvey. These funds will support disaster response and recovery efforts including direct assistance, rebuilding, and health care services.
Individuals may also contribute directly to Catholic Charities USA by visiting https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/.
Note: Catholic Charities USA is the official domestic relief agency of the United States Catholic Church. For additional information please visit https://catholiccharitiesusa.org/.
Note: Catholic Charities USA is the official domestic relief agency of the United States Catholic Church. For additional information please visit https://catholiccharitiesusa.org/.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Guess Who's Come To The Rescue -- AGAIN!
Governor Chris Christie today approved an Emergency Management Assistance Compact request for National Guard resources to be deployed to Texas from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, to assist with Hurricane Harvey emergency response efforts.
On Wednesday morning, eight Army National Guard crew members, including four pilots and four crew chiefs, and four Air National Guard rescue personnel will depart the Joint Base and arrive in Dallas come Friday, accompanied by equipment that will include two UH-60 Blackhawks, one outfitted with rescue hoist and equipment.
The National Guard Bureau has also asked New Jersey leaders to begin contingency planning for a Brigade Combat Team to potentially be deployed as part of a multi-state guard contingency task force, if required and requested by Texas. That deployment and the number of personnel involved would be determined only after a request from Texas.
“With real-life experience and top-notch training, the emergency response members from our Joint Base and our State Police are invaluable resources that will help lift Texas out of the devastation and despair caused by Hurricane Harvey,” Governor Christie said. “I will continue to make good on my promise to authorize and deploy every available resource possible for the tens of thousands of disaster victims who need rescuing, and who will need our recovery assistance in the days and weeks ahead.”
Today’s action supplements Governor Christie’s deployment of New Jersey Task Force 1 to Texas on Sunday evening.
On Wednesday morning, eight Army National Guard crew members, including four pilots and four crew chiefs, and four Air National Guard rescue personnel will depart the Joint Base and arrive in Dallas come Friday, accompanied by equipment that will include two UH-60 Blackhawks, one outfitted with rescue hoist and equipment.
The National Guard Bureau has also asked New Jersey leaders to begin contingency planning for a Brigade Combat Team to potentially be deployed as part of a multi-state guard contingency task force, if required and requested by Texas. That deployment and the number of personnel involved would be determined only after a request from Texas.
“With real-life experience and top-notch training, the emergency response members from our Joint Base and our State Police are invaluable resources that will help lift Texas out of the devastation and despair caused by Hurricane Harvey,” Governor Christie said. “I will continue to make good on my promise to authorize and deploy every available resource possible for the tens of thousands of disaster victims who need rescuing, and who will need our recovery assistance in the days and weeks ahead.”
Today’s action supplements Governor Christie’s deployment of New Jersey Task Force 1 to Texas on Sunday evening.
Once Again We Ask: How And When Will It End?
When asked what Americans might do to heal the racial divide in our nation, the esteemed actor Morgan Freeman once answered in four words: "Stop talking about it."
It does make a lot of sense, doesn't it?
In the purest meaning of the term, if we were really colorblind then the subject of race would never come up. It would never be mentioned. And one's race would never be a factor.
But it hasn't worked out that way, has it?
In the first half of the last century, the South . . . CLICK HERE to read the rest of Dan Cirucci's column from today's Courier-Post newspaper.
It does make a lot of sense, doesn't it?
In the purest meaning of the term, if we were really colorblind then the subject of race would never come up. It would never be mentioned. And one's race would never be a factor.
But it hasn't worked out that way, has it?
In the first half of the last century, the South . . . CLICK HERE to read the rest of Dan Cirucci's column from today's Courier-Post newspaper.
A Moment When It Just All Comes Together . . .
President Trump in Corpus Christi, Texas today.
Yes, it's a BIG challenge. But the right man is here at the right time for the right job. Sad as the moment may be, there's no doubt about this: The man and the moment have converged.
Monday, August 28, 2017
God Bless Him And Protect Them All!
This deputy worked 12+ hours through the night, doing high water rescues. Worked until he couldn't stand anymore. God bless you sir! pic.twitter.com/O1PbCHFlSY— Ryan Fournier (@RyanAFournier) August 28, 2017
THIS is what America is all about. God bless our great nation!
An Absolutely Remarkable, Inspiring Story!
By Jon McNaughton
Wanna Help Them NOW? You Can! Here's How . . .
As Hurricane Harvey continues to brings massive floods and destructive winds to Texas, victims are in need of relief and aid. Here's how you can help:
The American Red Cross is encouraging people to donate money on its website or to text 90999 to donate $10. The organization is also asking for volunteers.
Red Cross is also seeking blood donations. Texas organization Carter BloodCare and South Texas Blood and Tissue Center are also seeking blood donations.
Americares, an emergency response organization based in Connecticut, is delivering relief supplies and working with a local clinic in Houston. They are taking donations here.
Crowdfunding site Global Giving is attempting to raise $2 million for funds that will "exclusively support local relief and recovery efforts from this storm."
Airbnb has launched a site for people looking for a place to stay and for those who can offer shelter. Fees are waived for people who check in before September 1.
United Way of Greater Houston has set up a relief fund that people can donate to. The organization said its first priority is shelter and basic needs like food. The organization said it will also focus on long-term recovery efforts.
Pets affected by Hurricane Harvey are being taken in by animal shelters across Texas, including the SPCA of Texas, Austin Pets Alive and the San Antonio Humane Society. The Houston Humane Society is also available, with limited staff.
Other organizations that are accepting donations for disaster relief include the Texas Diaper Bank, Discoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi and the Salvation Army.
The American Red Cross is encouraging people to donate money on its website or to text 90999 to donate $10. The organization is also asking for volunteers.
Red Cross is also seeking blood donations. Texas organization Carter BloodCare and South Texas Blood and Tissue Center are also seeking blood donations.
Americares, an emergency response organization based in Connecticut, is delivering relief supplies and working with a local clinic in Houston. They are taking donations here.
Crowdfunding site Global Giving is attempting to raise $2 million for funds that will "exclusively support local relief and recovery efforts from this storm."
Airbnb has launched a site for people looking for a place to stay and for those who can offer shelter. Fees are waived for people who check in before September 1.
United Way of Greater Houston has set up a relief fund that people can donate to. The organization said its first priority is shelter and basic needs like food. The organization said it will also focus on long-term recovery efforts.
Pets affected by Hurricane Harvey are being taken in by animal shelters across Texas, including the SPCA of Texas, Austin Pets Alive and the San Antonio Humane Society. The Houston Humane Society is also available, with limited staff.
Other organizations that are accepting donations for disaster relief include the Texas Diaper Bank, Discoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi and the Salvation Army.
OK, Everybody - Here Comes NJ To The Rescue!
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has announced that NJ Task Force 1 has been activated as members of the National Urban Search & Rescue Response System and will be deploying to Texas to assist with the rescue and recovery efforts resulting from the unprecedented and catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey.
“As Americans, we come together during times of crisis and today New Jersey’s heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the people of Texas at this very difficult time,” said Governor Christie. “During Superstorm Sandy, emergency and law enforcement response contingents from around the country came to our aid. New Jersey stands ready to assist Texas with their search and rescue response to the destruction and devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey and the recovery process begins.”
The NJ Task Force 1 team is departing tonight and will arrive in Texas on Monday, August 28. Originally deployed to San Antonio, the team has now been redeployed to Katy, Texas because the roads to San Antonio have become impassable.
New Jersey’s Urban Search and Rescue team operates under the auspices of the New Jersey State Police and the Office of Emergency Management. The team is divided into six components: Search, Rescue, Planning, Logistics, Hazmat and Medical. All components train at the NJTFI Training Facility in Lakehurst.
Besides assisting with events in New Jersey such as the Passaic County Floods and Hurricane Irene, the team’s most recent deployment was to North Carolina to assist in rescue operations following Hurricane Matthew.
New Jersey’s Office of Emergency Management continues to closely monitor the events that are taking place in the Gulf region as a result of Hurricane Harvey.
“As Americans, we come together during times of crisis and today New Jersey’s heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the people of Texas at this very difficult time,” said Governor Christie. “During Superstorm Sandy, emergency and law enforcement response contingents from around the country came to our aid. New Jersey stands ready to assist Texas with their search and rescue response to the destruction and devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey and the recovery process begins.”
The NJ Task Force 1 team is departing tonight and will arrive in Texas on Monday, August 28. Originally deployed to San Antonio, the team has now been redeployed to Katy, Texas because the roads to San Antonio have become impassable.
New Jersey’s Urban Search and Rescue team operates under the auspices of the New Jersey State Police and the Office of Emergency Management. The team is divided into six components: Search, Rescue, Planning, Logistics, Hazmat and Medical. All components train at the NJTFI Training Facility in Lakehurst.
Besides assisting with events in New Jersey such as the Passaic County Floods and Hurricane Irene, the team’s most recent deployment was to North Carolina to assist in rescue operations following Hurricane Matthew.
New Jersey’s Office of Emergency Management continues to closely monitor the events that are taking place in the Gulf region as a result of Hurricane Harvey.
Sunday, August 27, 2017
He Tells Them To 'Hold The Line,' Until . . .
Wow. "Hold the line until our country gets back to understanding & respecting each other..." Jim Mattis to US troops pic.twitter.com/VMAAXjBWyg— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) August 26, 2017
Remarkable quote from Secretary Mattis as he spontaneously addresses troops: "You just hold the line until our country gets back to understanding and respecting each other and showing it."
WOW! Watch As He Takes On ALL The Roles!
OK, so here's a New Jersey kid named Robbie Angarone playing eight different parts from Les Miserables.
This young man has talent and a real passion for the musical stage.
It's absolutely wonderful to see a young person who's inspired by and enthused about Broadway.
Thanks, Robbie!
We Saw It, We Loved It, Don't Miss It - Hurry!
THE ORIGINAL MAD MAN:
ILLUSTRATIONS BY MAC CONNER
On view Now through September 17, 2017 - Delaware Art Museum
This comprehensive and lively installation explores the work of one of America’s original “Mad Men.” McCauley (“Mac”) Conner (born 1913) created advertising campaigns for a variety of products during the decade when the advertising industry was at its height and centered on Madison Avenue. His illustrations for leading women’s magazines such as Redbook and McCall’s animated a wide range of popular literature, from romantic fiction and detective stories, to topics of import such as Cold War anxiety and juvenile delinquency. His work is a “time capsule” of an era when commercial artists helped to redefine American style and culture.
Is THIS What Will Happen? Is This In Our Future?
Saturday, August 26, 2017
You Won't Believe The 'Before' And 'After'!
Shown above, the Whiten House oval office before current renovations. Under President Obama it took on an exceptionally informal look with striped wallpaper, velour-like sofas and almost modern cobalt blue lamps with the presidential seal downsized and the president sitting on the desk. The place looked almost like a contemporary hotel lobby.
But now, look at the oval office, below, after President Trump's renovations, with the exceptional influence of First Lady Melania Trump. The iconic space is once again classic with traditional influences and understated tones. Gold drapes have been introduced against a soft wallpaper with a barely discernible pattern. Traditional lamps are back along with appropriate furnishings, flags of our military services with battle ribbons and a rug that adds majesty to the whole environment. Note how the chairs (left foreground) match the drapes and how the colors gently blend together. Now, this is the oval office! Thank you, President and Mrs. Trump!
Astounding: Our Biggest Blog Week EVER!
Pageviews by Countries - Week 0f 8/19
Nearly 67,000 pageviews . . .
We're setting new records EVERY week!
Thank you!