Tag: Gary Skerski

Posted on by

Gary Skerski Memorial Bridge

State Rep. Jason Dawkins has announced plans to introduce legislation that would designate a bridge on Castor Avenue, as the Officer Gary Frank Skerski Memorial Bridge.

Gary Skerski was shot and killed in the line of duty on May 6, 2006, while responding to a reported armed robbery at Pat’s Café near the intersection of Arrott and Adams avenues in Frankford.

Memorial at the rear of Pat’s Cafe where Gary Skerski lost his life

“We always name bridges after presidents and generals, and that is well and good,” said Dawkins. “But this man was a hero in the truest sense of the word. He devoted and gave his life to protect our people. We will always remember his sacrifice and we will work to keep his legacy alive.”

Officer Skerski had served with the Philadelphia Police Department for 16 years and was assigned to the 15th District. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, the League of Sacred Heart of Jesus, and was a parishioner of Saint Adalbert Roman Catholic Church in Port Richmond.

State Representatives Angel Cruz and John Taylor are co-sponsors of the bill. Dawkins said he is hopeful of swift House passage.

Posted on by — 1 Comment

Officer Gary Skerski Remembered

Officer Gary Skerski was memorialized on May 8th.  The video below shows a bit of that ceremony.  We live in a time when the word hero is over used.  He was a hero in the truest sense of the word.  He was the Community Services Officer for the 15th District when he was killed 10 years ago but he was working overtime that night when he was called to investigate the report of a robbery at Pat’s Cafe.

 

Natalie Pompilio and Robert Moran of the Inquirer gave a great account of his time which you can read at this link.

Posted on by

Next week in Frankford

  • Plant Sale
    When-Sat, May 9, 11am – 4pm
    Where-in front of the library, 4634 Frankford Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19124-5804 (map)
    Description-The Frankford Garden club will be selling plants May 9th in front of the library 11 am – 4 pm. Great looking hanging baskets, flats of annuals for both shade and sun and 4″ pots of geraniums, sweet potato vine and others. The sale benefits the garden club so please come on by and check them out. The library is doing their book sale at the same time.
  • “Globe Dye Works: Layers”, Opening Reception with the Artists
    When-Sat, May 9, 5pm – 9pm
    Where-Globe Dye Works, 4500 Worth St. Philadelphia, pa 19124 (map)
    Description-Curated by Philadelphia artist Veronica Scarpellino, “Globe Dye Works: Layers” will bring together 13 artists to celebrate the transition of the Globe Dye Works building into its next incarnation. Artist Maria Anasazi, a recent Philadelphia transplant from Greece, will headline the exhibit with delicate sculptures created from antique and discarded books. Anasazi is a prolific artist who has shown her work extensively across the country and has received numerous awards and accolades. Anasazi will be joined in the main gallery by other established artists Steven Earl Weber, Kiki Gaffney, courtesy of Pentimenti Gallery and Pete Checchia. Together their artwork will pay homage to the past as it meets the present, in unison with the space around them. The exhibition continues upstairs in two other exhibit rooms, featuring the works of Candace Karch and Joshua Erb, Romy Scheroder, Ron Johnson, Justin Coffin, Deb Imler and Allen Spencer, James Oliver and Peter Stanfield. Also on exhibit will be works by Guy Stanley Philoche, a NY painter, courtesy of James Oliver Gallery. Globe Dye Works has been remade to support art studios, craftsman studios, offices and stores. Public spaces within will serve as areas to exhibit art, communicate with fellow tenants, and give residents an opportunity to collaborate. Spaces vary in size, from 500 sq. ft. to 3000 sq. ft., giving residents a flexibility in scope that is rare. Join the partners of Globe Dye Works and Philadelphia Brewing Company in this celebration
  • Dedication of the bench in honor of Gary Skerski
    When-Tue, May 12, 11am – 12pm
    Where– Levick Street, Philadelphia, PA (map)
    Description-THERE WILL BE A DEDICATION OF THE BENCH THAT THE P.D..A..C BOUGHT IN HONOR OF FALLEN OFFICER GARY SKERSKI. COFFEE AND DONUTS TO BE SERVED.
  • Historical Society of Frankford program – Remembering Abraham Lincoln
    When-Tue, May 12, 7:30pm – 9:00pm
    Where-1507 Orthodox St., Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description-The Historical Society of Frankford presents an exhibit and lecture commemorating the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln in 1809. The exhibit draws on the Society’s extensive collection of Lincoln related books, photographs, original documents, and artifacts to tell in brief the story of the rail splitter from Illinois. The exhibit will open to the public on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 7:30 pm at the Historical Society of Frankford located at 1507 Orthodox Street , Philadelphia , PA. Members are free, $5 suggested donation for non members. Anthony Waskie will present the Lecture entitled Lincoln, Philadelphia, and the Civil War. Dr. Waskie, an Assistant Professor at Temple University, has written and lectured widely on the Civil War and is very active in Civil War history, research and preservation. He is a specialist on the life and career of Gen. George G. Meade whom he portrays in a “first person” style living-history performance. Active with the Philadelphia Consortium for Civil War History, he is part of the group seeking to promote the Civil War History of the city; and the foundation of the new Civil War & Underground Railroad Museum of Philadelphia, for which he serves on the Advisory Board. He is a charter member of the Philadelphia Civil War History Consortium. He was elected to membership in the Union League of Philadelphia in 2003. He is an active participant and founding member in the “Civil War & Emancipation Studies program” at Temple University , a part of CHAT (Center for the Humanities at Temple ).
  • 15th District 3rd Annual community Day
    When-Sat, May 16, 10am – 2pm
    Where-Lincoln High School, 7400 Rowland Ave. Phila. PA. (map)
    Description-15th District Phila. Police Dept. along with 15th District Advisory Council Sponsored by City Council Maria Sanchez and State Senator Tina Tartaglione Rain date may 17th
  • Frankford Friends School Hosts Annual Spring Fair for the Community
    When-Sat, May 16, 10am – 3pm
    Where-Frankford Friends School, 1500 Orthodox Street, Philadelphia , PA 19124 (map)
    Description-Frankford Friends School (FFS) will host its Annual Spring Fair for the community on Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at FFS, 1500 Orthodox Street , Philadelphia , PA 19124 . The day of the event will be filled with fun activities, carnival games, a petting zoo, snacks and new this year the Alumni Café. Don’t miss this exciting event! Come out and enjoy the festivities, tell a friend! FFS has been at its current historic location for over 175 years! FFS provides quality, affordable Quaker-based education for grades Pre-K through 8th grade. For more information on the school or the Spring Fair, check out our website at www.frankfordfriendsschool.org.
  • Gun Buy Back
    When-Sat, May 16, 10am – 12pm
    Where-TACONY BAPTIST CHURCH, Disston Street, Philadelphia, PA (map)
    Description-GUN BUY BACK TO BE HELD AT TACONY BAPTIST CHURCH FROM 10:00AM TILL 12 NOON.