Frankford Community Blog | Local News, Events, Community Resources
A few people had pointed out how the flag at Large and Pratt Street had deteriorated since it was replaced a few years ago. The folks at State Senator Tartaglione’s office took action this week and pulled down the old and raised the new one.
Thanks to Kat Hardy for the pictures.
The 2016 election cycle proved to be a bitter, hard-fought battle with surprising results to many. After such a conclusion, it is only natural to feel discouraged or depressed. It is tempting to react by retreating from the constant news coverage and choosing to remain willfully ignorant of the nation’s new political realities. However, I strongly urge that anyone who has been feeling hopeless with recent events treat this past election and first weeks of this new administration as a rallying cry to action. Any sadness and frustration with America’s political system is the finest motivation to fight for change, justice and increased accountability for all.
While we may feel disappointed in our nation’s electoral surrogates for not fulfilling our founder’s vision, it is critical to keep a sense of perspective. America’s democracy has withstood countless tests of its integrity including wars, secession threats and political upheaval. The values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, so crucial to our nation’s founding, are too fundamentally ingrained in America’s fabric to be taken away by the results of a single election.
As Americans, we are still the beneficiaries of the greatest nation. Even if it feels as though we have been kicked – we have been kicked before. Even if it feels as though we are down – we have been down before. We have always overcome these challenges to emerge as a stronger nation, so this time will be no different.
This is the time to draft battle plans for the coming years. Mid-term elections will be crucial, so it is never too early to organize communities and mobilize people for action, as strength in numbers encourages political clout. In addition to looking toward the future, we need to work to hold our leaders’ feet to the fire as we work to implement policies.
Whoever is in office, regardless of party, must be held accountable for their promises and actions. As a state representative, I strive to ensure that my actions in Harrisburg reflect the will of my constituents.
Do not despair for America’s democracy. Instead, aspire to organize, keep abreast of current events and hold our elected officials accountable. More than ever before, it is crucial to remain politically engaged. Hope for a better future starts with you.
State Rep. Jason Dawkins represents the 179th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Don Donaldson was born on April 19, 1954 in Anderson, South Carolina. He was raised in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. Don was educated in the Philadelphia school system, attending Smedley Elementary, Harding Junior High and Frankford High School.
Don was baptized and active member of Northeast Baptist Church. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1972. He finished his basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina. Later he was shipped out to various Oriental tours like Japan, Korea and Vietnam. While serving his duties, he received various awards and was promoted to E5 (sergeant). Don was honorably discharged in 1976.
Don became a sheet metal worker at Progressor Metal Company for numerous years. Don loved doing community work and volunteer work. While doing cleanup work around the Frankford Avenue area on a volunteer basis, he was recognized for his great work by Kim Washington of the NAC program who felt that a veteran who served this community should be compensated for his time and he was hired as a paid employee.
So, when you see Don up and around the Avenue keeping the area nice, show your appreciation for his service in the military and in the hood.
“Hoo Rah, Don”
I won’t give the location where I took the picture but this block has a problem with guys squatting on the steps and loitering. They may even be selling things that are illegal.
In any case, it can get touchy if you ask them to move. They move but the next day they turn up again like they forgot.
The solution pictured may look extreme but it provides enough space to put your shoe down to walk up the steps but is uncomfortable to sit down on.
Looks like it can be done in with a little hardware, tools and about a half hour.
George F. Milfort celebrates his 100th Birthday today. He lives in Frankford on Harrison Street with his wife Marie Lourdes Milfort. They are the proud parents of 3 sons and 11 grandchildren.
Congratulations George and many more!!!!!
