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Veteran of the Month – Leonard W. Stephens

Leonard W. Stephens was born in 1943 and was the oldest of three children, of the late Leonard Lee Stephens and the late Ida Knowles. Leonard attended schools in the Philadelphia school system and graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1961.

He knew he wanted to travel, so after graduation joined the United States Air Force, where he served for four years. After coming out of the service with an honorable discharge in 1965, Leonard decided he wanted to serve and protect his community, so he joined the Philadelphia Police Force.

While on the force, Leonard decided to go back to school to further his education. He attended LaSalle University where he received his Bachelors and Masters degrees. He was promoted to detective and served in that position for over 21 years.

During his career on the Police force, he received a commendation for bravery in 1986 when he apprehended an armed bank robbery suspect while he was off duty and unarmed.

After retirement from the force, he changed his occupation and joined the Philadelphia school system. He served as a long-term substitute teacher for 10 years at Henry R. Edmunds Elementary School at Large and Dyre Streets in Northwood.

Leonard loved food, people and challenges in life. His mother Ida was his best friend and he called her every day. Everyone he met admired him for his humor, wisdom, jokes, and friendliness.

Leonard was well versed in many subjects and a Jack of all trades. His hobbies were playing cards, performing magic tricks and writing poetry. For several years, Leonard tutored many Korean children in English as a second language.

He lived on the 1600 block of Kinsey Street for over 30 years and had many friends along Frankford Avenue that he made over the years. He was a fixture and made the rounds greeting his friends with his trademark phrase, “Dilly Dilly”.

On Tuesday January 29, 2019 God called Leonard home. He leaves to mourn his brother Raymond Stephens (Helen), sister Gloria

Stephens Frazier-Green, a niece Lisa Kim Frazier (preceded), 4 nephews: Jerome Frazier Sr. (Shanel), Michael Frazier, Damien Stephens, Quincy Stephens (Kia), 10 Great nieces and nephews and one Great-Great–Niece Lisa Nichole West and many family and friends.

He is also mourned by his Friends on Frankford Avenue who feel the loss of his friendship and good humor. Thanks to Gil Pons and Stephen at the video store with helping with the preparation of this story.

Leonard W. Stephens –thank you for your service!!!

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Happy 70th Birthday to Tyrone “Big Poppa” Forrest

Happy Birthday Tyrone

A life long resident of Frankford, Tyrone has been married to Loretta Forrest for 30 years and is the father of 3 (Tyrone, Quinten Sr, (Neva) and Dawn) and  Grandfather of 4 (Quinten Jr., Sean, Jasmine, and Mya).

He is a retired Philadelphia Police Officer and in his younger years, he coached Football for the Frankford Chargers.

His family wishes him a happy birthday and many more to come.

 

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IF MY HEART COULD SING

IF MY HEART COULD SING

You know you can’t make it through this world alone.

So why don’t you teach your heart a song.

Once it learns the words, it will be your best friend,

Then teach your heart how to sing.

When you’re down and out, your heart will sing,

Those words you taught your heart to sing.

So stick out your chest and don’t be afraid because your heart knows the song you taught it to sing.

So get it together you’ll never be alone, because your heart knows it’s the only one – that knows the words to your song.

BY LENNY JAYNES

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November is Diabetes Awareness Month

As part of ShopRite’s continued commitment to providing free health and wellness services to its shoppers, the supermarket is offering a variety of free diabetes-themed educational classes, food demonstrations and store tours led by its team of over 100 in-store dietitians.

In addition, ShopRite’s team of in-store dietitians has put together some suggestions on how to make smart choices at the supermarket when managing diabetes, including:

  • Make friends with the produce section – There are countless ways to prepare fruits and vegetables so that they become a staple of your diet
  • Stay educated – Read nutrition labels and practice portion control
  • Don’t fear fruit! – Fruits contain carbohydrates but also have vitamins, minerals and fiber
  • Be adventurous – An easy way to create more healthful meals is by incorporating different kinds of whole grains, lean meats and fish into your weekly repertoire

According to the CDC, there are an estimated 30.3 million people living with diabetes in the U.S. About 84 million Americans ages 18 years or older have prediabetes. The ShopRite dietitian team offers year-round free counseling sessions to assist customers who are looking for personalized assistance in managing diabetes, or other nutrition-related concerns. Customers can find out more information about diabetes-themed events happening at a ShopRite near them by visiting shoprite.com, or stopping in the office of their local dietitian.

For a schedule of Registered Dietitian led events taking place at ShopRite at Tulip and Bridge Streets, please follow this link.