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Veteran of the Month – Joe Taylor

Joseph Taylor was born in 1948 and grew up in the Oxford Circle area attending St. Martin of Tours grade school and Cardinal Dougherty High School.

After High School, he attended a local Technical School and completed a 12-month course in basic electronics and immediately landed a job as an Electronics Technician to trouble shoot color TV’s at the Philco Television assembly plant at “C” and Tioga Streets in the Kensington area of Philadelphia.

While working at Philco, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy Reserve in October 1967 and within a month he was asked to join the Naval Security Group and began his journey as a Communication / Cryptologic Technician.  By Dec 1967 he was off to Boot Camp.

He completed his Navy, Communication Technician, “A” School, training in Pensacola Florida and after a back-ground investigation, he received his Top-Secret Security clearance.

During the Viet Nam era Joe’s first duty station was the U.S. Naval Communications Station at San Miguel in the Philippines.  He was also stationed at the U.S.  NSGA, (Naval Security Group Activity), Hakata, Japan. He attained the rank of E-5, Rating CTR2, and Petty Officer Second class and was separated from active duty in July of 1970 with final discharges from the Reserves in October of 1973.

After his military duty, he continued working in the electronics field, specializing with Test and Measurement Equipment and has held a variety positions during his career.  He was a Repair and Calibration Technician, Supervisor, Technical Sales, Lab Manager and Branch Manager. While working full time he attended night school at St. Joseph’s University.  His efforts paid off with BS in Business Management.

Joe enjoys helping people and now has started a second career as a customer service representative for the Internal Revenue Service.  He has been married for 42 years to his wife Maureen. They have 3 children and 3 grandchildren.

Joe is very active in the Frankford area as a member of” Keep the Faith in Frankford” and volunteers at St. Mark’s Church in the “Dining with Dignity” program.  He is active with 15th District PDAC and Town Watch, Eyes & Ears program as well.

Joe Taylor, we thank you for your service!!!

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Congratulations to Kyra M. Lewis

This is the year of excellence for Kyra M. Lewis, a Penn State University student from the Frankford section of Philadelphia.

It was not long ago that this early graduate from the PA Virtual Charter School Class of 2013 entered college at the age of 16. At the prime age of 20 she has a lot to smile about. When Kyra embarked at Penn State Abington Campus, she knew it was going to require hard work and dedication. She credits her tears of jubilee to her supportive family, friends, and mentors but above all she graciously gives thanks to God as she has obediently followed the plan which was presented before her. Kyra is a determined young woman. She not only motivates herself but she inspires others through her charming personality.

Penn State Abington honored students at its annual Awards and Leadership Reception with families, friends, and other supporters in the audience on Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Kyra Lewis received the following award:

Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award: Recognizes an undergraduate enrolled at a commonwealth location whose outstanding qualities of character, scholarship, leadership, and citizenship have been directed into programs and services that have positively influenced fellow students and have contributed to the prestige and well-being of their campus, and, hence, to the reputation of the University as a whole: Kyra Lewis.

Lewis served as an Orientation Leader for three years including as the head Orientation Leader. She is the founder and president of the Beauty Club, an organization that promotes beauty from within, by recognizing the power of self-esteem and a body positive image.

“She has contributed to a culture at Abington that sees beauty in all, regardless of size, color, religion or any other defining factor that is used to label others,” according to Gina Kaufman, director of Student Affairs.

Kyra will graduate from Penn State Abington on Friday, May 5, with a baccalaureate degree Psychological Social Sciences and a minor in Human Development. Following graduation she has accepted the generous career offer to work at Bancroft as a Clinical Assistant in New Jersey. Kyra intends to return to school for her master degree in the Fall of 2018. She will marry  Lance Corporal Shyeem Gayle of the United States Marines on Sunday, July 16, 2017.

Kyra’s family and community of friends are overflowing with joy over the ambitious milestones that this young woman has achieved. Many well wishes, as she continues in her future endeavors.

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El’s Impact on Frankford Home Values – Curbed Philly

Is the El good for bad for Frankford real estate values?  A new report reveals where along the El housing values have skyrocketed.  Read the details from philly.curbed.com below.

Source: Report: Market-Frankford line’s impact on Philly home values – Curbed Philly

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7 people whose livelihoods are tied to the Market-Frankford line

The is the second in the series about the importance of the El to Philadelphia.    Not the most flattering for Frankford but the series will continue to explore those issues.

Read the entire story below.

Source: Business on the El: 7 people whose livelihoods are tied to the Market-Frankford line