Thanks to Anne T. who gave us a nice review on Amazon.com for our book “Frankford Stories”. It was brief but much appreciated.
I do not check our book page on Amazon very often. Although we have sales every month, it does not amount to a lot and I am just happy that some folks are reading about some of the good things about Frankford. I was really surprised to see 2 books were purchased in England. Is that you Tim Wisniewski?
“Frankford Stories” is a collection of stories about Frankford. We have a nice collection of story tellers who were good enough to take the time to look back and remember.
Our first book was “Frankford Heroes” and that is about all of the guys from Frankford who gave their lives in service.
Our most recent book was “The heroes of Frankford high School which documents all those who attended Frankford High and died in service. There were over 200 men and 1 woman.
As you know we retired and moved to Virginia in 2019. I still miss walking the streets of Frankford and riding the El. St. Marks, 2nd Baptist, St. Joachim, Northeast Baptist, the Old Heads Game, Gambrel, Frankford Chargers, the memories call you back.
All the big cities have their problems right now but Philadelphia and Frankford are still home. Until next time, Peace.
This is a link to our Frankford page on Amazon – Click Here
This Memorial Day Weekend, we want to remember those who have served our country as well as all of us! We are proud of our “Frankford Heroes” who demonstrated time and again their dedication through the years.
Bob Smiley, the Editor of The Frankford Gazette, has continued to compile their stories and update their stories. Bob’s book, along with co-author, Richard W. Johnson, tells the story of 190 brave souls willing to risk all for their country and 147 of them did give their lives.
Through Tuesday evening, May 26, if you purchase a copy of Bob and Richard’s book ($14.95) through our website, we will donate 20% of the list price to be shared between St. Mark’s Church in Frankford and the CDA Court St. Francis De Sales #2617 Matthew 25 Food Cupboard at St. Mark’s. Here’s the link – we accept PayPal, Credit or Debit Cards or you can mail us a check. Also, Bob has just finished the ebook version of “Frankford Heroes, 2nd Edition” which contains even more information and links. https://frankfordgazette.com/books-for-sale/
Here is an interview done with Bob today where he explains how his passion to tell our local Veterans’ stories continues to motivate his efforts. For more information, please contact gil@frankfordgazette.com
Thank you! Have a safe holiday! Let’s Remember and Honor Our Vets – past and present!
The Peter Bressi Senior Center, 4744 Frankford Avenue is welcoming new members! Anyone over the age of 60 is most welcome. I visited there on Friday afternoon and found that there’s much happening there!
Jim Crawford is the Director and Blair Jordan is the Program Coordinator. Blair invited me to come over to hear about some of what they’re planning. Kathleen B. is one of the seniors who has stepped up to get involved in planning, too!
Janet Emily Bernstein, President, The Frankford Garden Club was there giving them advice on beautifying their outside patio space which is quite spacious. Staff wanted to involve members in choosing and planting seeds and plants, then caring for them, too! It’s really a nice space. There is a parking lot that you enter on Griscom Street.
In talking with Jim, he told me that their Center has a greater number of “younger” seniors and many are men. A free lunch is available daily. The facility is great.
But don’t take this just from me. This Friday, May 25, there is an Open House beginning at 10:00 AM with prizes, games and food. So, kick off your holiday weekend with a visit to get the “scoop” about a “hangout” for folks our age!
We attended the press conference concerning one of our area’s needs – tighter regulations and control over the recovery facilities which we know are very plentiful in the Frankford area. The press conference was held at the offices of State Representative Jason Dawkins in the Daral Building, 4667 Paul St., 19124 on Tuesday, December 19.
State Representative Angel Cruz was also there as both Jason and he were instrumental in forming what would become SB 446 which amends the Administrative Code to require the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs to license or certify drug and alcohol recovery houses which receive public funding.
Together, with State Representative Aaron Kaufer these “bills” (ideas) became amendments that were added to SB 446 that State Senator Thomas McGarrigle will introduce for Senate hearings.
State Representative Cruz explained that benefits should only be used by facilities who respect those in need of recovery services. Sometimes facilities use single family homes that don’t have enough space for those they claim they want to help. Safe havens is what is needed, says Cruz.
State Representative Dawkins acknowledged that this is an ongoing effort. We first have to define what is a recovery house? Dawkins also made the analogy that homicides by overdose has increased in the last four years and overshadows even the deaths we are seeing due to gun violence. He was pleased his colleagues wanted to address these issues and was happy to work with them. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance is important as well.
We know and see this epidemic, a scourge that is taking the lives of our people, especially the young, and must treat it as the disease it is. Once you contract, it is so very, very hard to escape its grasp. No one should be profiting. It’s time for tighter regulations. Thank you to St. Reps. Jason Dawkins and Angel Cruz for taking steps to bring this topic into the light to improve services to those in need of them. That is simply what it’s all about!
Stephanie Scully, CEO and Founder of the Joy of Living Recovery Program, is held in high esteem here in Frankford. Establishing her first recovery home in 2005, she now oversees 10 facilities. The Joy of Living Recovery Program focuses on providing a safe haven where those seeking rehabilitation feel secure, learn how to structure their days and discover that the “joy” you find in helping others becomes a large part of your own “joy”. The Joy of Living Recovery Program provides volunteers all the time and is willing to support the community whenever and wherever there is a need. We can attest to their great generosity of heart. We had a chance to talk with Stephanie after the press conference. Thank you, Stephanie, your staff and residents for lifting Frankford up each and every day! May you continue to be even more successful in 2018.
The Morgan Stanley Foundation is supported by each of the departments within Morgan Stanley. The Foundation has given Keep the Faith in Frankford much needed donations over the past two years.
Those donations go directly to helping us feed those in need through the Northeast Committee on the Homeless’ Dining with Dignity Program that operates at St. Mark’s Church. We have prepared and served over 500 people a hot meal and and have sent them home with dinner bags because of these donations.
There are very good people in our community who don’t need accolades nor do they want them. They genuinely care for others and do the right thing. Morgan Stanley does that, too! They encourage their employees to get involved in their communities and they support their efforts with matching grants and additional monies.
To our unsung hero at Morgan Stanley whose heart is in our Frankford community, thank you for all that you do! We also thank Morgan Stanley for acknowledging your efforts with their generous donations to Keep the Faith in Frankford!
