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(04/07/95 9:00am)
Two Hill House graduate fellows have been disciplined by a senior staff disciplinary review board after they accused two students of smoking marijuana in their dorm rooms in February, Hill House Assistant Dean Steve Feld said yesterday. "There obviously was behavior inconsistent with what we expect from our graduate fellows," Feld said. "We reached some determinations and acted accordingly." Although Feld would not comment on the details of the disciplinary action, he acknowledged that the GFs did receive a punishment. College freshman Sarah Davies, who was one of the students questioned about using marijuana, said Feld told her that Lance Dunlop, one of the GFs, was moved from Hill House to the Graduate Towers. Davies added that she was not sure if Dunlop -- a first-year Psychology graduate student -- moved out of Hill House or was told to leave by the disciplinary board. She said that she is waiting for a letter from Hill House explaining the actions of the disciplinary board. "There's obviously some circumstances or decisions we don't know about," Davies said. And Davies said that Prasad Veluchamy, the other GF and a third-year Wharton and Engineering graduate student, would not be invited back to Hill House next year. Feld said that he hoped the incident would be a helpful learning experience. In the future, he added GFs will practice role playing so they understand what actions to take if a similar situation occurs. Although Davies said she was a little surprised the board's decision was so strict, she believes they took the correct actions. "It does make you wonder about the people they give positions of power to," Davies said. "[Veluchamy] has a big problem with responsibility and power. Someone who abuses their power doesn't deserve to continue carrying a position like that." Veluchamy declined comment and Dunlop could not be reached for comment last night. A third GF, Tammy Leftcourt, was exonerated by the disciplinary board, according to Feld.
(04/07/95 9:00am)
Freddy Berry, one of the stars of the 1970s sitcom What's Happening!!, said he's now " 're-runnin' for Jesus." Berry, who played Re-Run -- the nickname of character Freddie Stubbs -- has been an evangelist preacher for the past 11 years. He came to West Philadelphia Wednesday to speak to the congregation of the Sanctuary Church of the Open Door on 59th and Walnut streets. Berry put on his trademark red beret, but told the parishioners that the hat "symbolized the old Re-Run, not Fred Berry." Otherwise clad in a bright pink jacket, black pants and alligator boots, Berry spoke to the packed church about his transformation from a television character to a minister. And Berry, who played a robust, food-loving young man on the sitcom, seemed significantly thinner and said that he had lost 108 pounds and 18 inches off his waist. Berry said that he was traveling to public schools and churches around the country, delivering a message about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Berry, who grew up in public housing projects in St. Louis, later moved to Los Angeles. In 1975, his dreams were realized when he was called for an audition for What's Happening!! Berry said that he was given the role in spite of the producers' originally looking for a tall white male. He said the role was a spring-board to success, and he was paid $250,000 a year and given his own private airplane. "I had all the material things, but I didn't have Jesus," Berry said. Berry also said that his lavish lifestyle brought him into drug culture and he became a substance abuser. He also said that he tried to commit suicide three times. Playfully dancing around the church, Berry moved on to a lighter topic, talking about his weight loss. He said that he tried everything from the "Oprah diet," to a grapefruit diet to a $19.95 TV diet. Finally, though, he decided that he would only eat when he got hungry. Berry, now married, lives in Huntsville, Ala. and has seven children. After his sermon, Berry held a question-and-answer session. Questions ranged from what the rest of the cast of What's Happening!! is doing to what episode Berry thought was best. Berry said that character Dwayne Clemens is married and has three kids, "Shirley" travels around the country as a stand-up comic, character Roger "Rog" Thomas is still a "nerd" and "Dee" is a doctor.
(04/05/95 9:00am)
Four years ago, Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell graced the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer in a photograph which pictures him on his hands and knees scrubbing a City Hall bathroom. Symbolizing his willingness to do anything for Philadelphia to get the city back on its feet, the photograph of Rendell circulated around the country and helped Rendell earn his reputation as "America's Mayor." But what was a political symbol is becoming a reality, as the aging building needs cleaning and repairs, inside and out. America's Mayor has been working in a building which many have characterized as dated, dilapidated and otherwise in desperate need of repair. Under Rendell, with the city in the best fiscal shape it's seen in years, Philadelphia's City Hall is soon to get its needed renovations. City Hall so far has received $200 million dollars for a renovation project that could last between 10 and 12 years. But when the renovations are complete, Philadelphians and visitors from around the world will be able to finally see the building's white marble, instead of the gray, pigeon-stained facade now seen. Karen Butler, executive director of the Mayor's Action Committee, said the change in color is dramatic. "It is as if you held a bar of soap next to a piece of coal," Butler said. Butler and others said they were disturbed by the condition city hall had deteriorated into because of neglect. "It's a sad thing thing that city hall had been allowed to get to this stage," she said. "It is a real shame that it hasn't been maintained over the years." Butler blamed deferred maintenance and a wretched city fiscal situation as the cause for the earlier dearth of renovations. But Hy Myers, chief restoration architect for the Vitetta Group, the main firm working on the master plan for the renovations, has come to the rescue. Myers, a University alumnus with a master's degree in architecture, also lectures at the University. The Vitetta Group has been involved in restoration for projects at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the Bellevue, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. and most recently a complete redesign of the Convention Center. "This is the greatest city hall in America," Myers said. "It's certainly the largest of any city. And it is the most impressive of any." Plans for restoration include completely rearranging the first floor and transforming it into a public space, with $15 million in capital money to be spent this year. Marriage licenses, the register of wills, the prothonotary and other public offices will be moved to the first floor. In addition, there are plans for an exhibition museum area and a restaurant that might be extended into the courtyard during the warmer months. And no longer will people have to contend with prisoners walking around in shackles or doorways with metal detectors in the same halls as the public offices. All criminal courts will be moved out of city hall and into the new criminal center by September 11. According to Butler, restoration begins with the northeast corner and moves around counterclockwise, allowing restoration to be done in a "stacked way" so people will not be too inconvenienced by moving out of certain offices. What most impresses Myers about City Hall is its intestinal fortitude, its ability to withstand change. "It has stood since 1904 until now with all the changes in taste, and yet it has remained almost without any structural or major modifications," Myers said. "That says something about the strength of the building. "Not many buildings can withstand the onslaught of modern improvements," he added. One of the most unique aspects of City Hall, according to Butler, is that unlike other city halls, it houses all three branches of the city's government. "This is an unusual city in that all three branches come together in one building," Butler said. And some architectural historians agreed that Philadelphia's city hall is the best in the country. "Our city hall is one of the great public buildings in the world," History of Art Professor David Brownlee said. "It really deserves to be compared to the Hotel de Ville in Paris. You can hardly have a building in a more prominent location. It's a wonderful work of architecture." "It dominates its location and really plays and important role in a defining experience in Center City Philadelphia," he added. University lecturer George Thomas, who teaches courses in historic preservation and urban studies, also praised City Hall. "It's certainly the grandest of the period," Thomas said. "This is the building you look at and say 'that's a city hall.' " · Some, like Thomas, consider the history of City Hall to be even richer and grander than the actual structure. The construction of City Hall began in 1871 and finally ended in 1901 -- 30 years after it originally started. Fraught with deep city corruption from the beginning, the monumental structure was riddled with political infighting between the old and nouveaux riches. And it cost $26 million to a build, an astronomical figure in those times. "It's really the great paradigm of the city," Thomas explained "It explains the crises of the cities in the 1870s and 1880s." College senior Hayden Horowitz, whose senior thesis concentrates on the corruption involved in the construction of City Hall, said he was amazed and interested by the amount of scandal in Philadelphia. "City Hall became a symbol of corruption and extravagance. It's curious because today it is a city symbol and a national landmark," Horowitz said. Butler said the building, on which a statue of William Penn stands 548 feet over the city, was intended to be the tallest man-made structure in the world. But by the time it was finally completed, the Eifel Tower at 984 feet and the Washington Monument at 555 feet had both surpassed it. Greta Greenberger of the Foundation for Architecture, and a City Hall tour guide, explained the intentions of the builders. "For a while we were the tallest occupied building in the world," Greenberger said. "Philadelphia was trying to say to the world, 'We are a world class city. We are the center of the world.' " City Hall was designed by John McArthur and includes 250 figurative works by sculptor Alexander Calder. The building is patterned in the Second Empire architectural style, a copy of that used in 1850s and 1860s Paris. The Old Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., located next to the White House, is similarly fashioned. According to Greenberger, the building's sculptures are representative of the races of the world. On each corner of the building is a figurine which represents a certain part of the world. Vikings face north, Asians east, African Americans south and Native Americans west. Many individuals consider the tower to be the focal point of not only the building but also the entire city. From atop the tower, one can see 30 miles. "The tower is my favorite portion," Myers said "It is the image of City Hall." Throughout its long existence, many individuals have criticized the edifice, though, and some city officials even called for its destructions in the 1930s and 1950s. But even with all the criticism, William Penn and City Hall withstood the test of time and weathering. "City Hall has successively been regarded as a marvel of the age, as an outmoded relic, as a grotesque monstrosity, as a period piece of quaint appeal and now again as a major architectural monument," says a 1965 article from the American Institute of Architects Journal But Thomas said now is the time for renovations to begin in order for City Hall to survive and thrive in the 21st century. "They are at a point that if they don't do something quickly, the building will be in dire shape," Thomas said. "Philadelphia is trying to make its downtown an attractive area where people want be in and walk in," he added. "The goal is to make the building absolutely stunning. Thomas criticized the interior of the building as containing an "enormous amount of crappy work and a huge amount of awful stuff," Thomas continued. Horowitz best summed up one of Philadelphia's finest treasures. "City Hall has become the symbol of the city," Horowitz said. "It's a tremendous piece of architecture. To chance loosing any part of it to deterioration would be a real travesty."
(04/03/95 9:00am)
Traffic snarls could become even worse if Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority union employees attempt to blockade suburban riders from boarding what is left of SEPTA's regional rail service today. Fears of a protest -- and even violence -- emerged after rumors began to circulate that members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 were going to picket the suburban rail lines, possibly placing a stranglehold on the remaining operational parts of the region's mass transportation network. And with tensions rising, it appears that the SEPTA strike, moving into its seventh day today, will not end any time soon. The SEPTA strike has shut down all city bus, trolley and subway service lines, affecting about 300,000 transit users. SEPTA's suburban Red Arrow division went on strike at 12:02 a.m. yesterday, which will probably strand about 21,500 suburban riders this morning. University faculty, staff, and students have also been affected by the strike and are using any means necessary to get to the University. The Red Arrow division includes the Norristown High Speed Line, the Media and Sharon Hill trolleys and bus routes that operate from the Victory District in Upper Darby. And in order to better deal with the strike, the University will continue implementing its contingency plan. Free shuttle bus service is operating in conjunction with Drexel University, providing transportation between the campus and a few strategic transit stops in the Philadelphia area. All faculty, staff and students with PennCards are eligible to ride the shuttle. However, University spokesperson Barbara Beck said she was not informed about any new contingency plans stemming from the Red Arrow strike. She added that University employees have been coping well with the strike and managers are being "flexible" with employees' lateness. "Penn employees are fairly resourceful and have been finding ways to get in," Beck said. "No one's happy about it. You figure out how to do it." Interim Vice President for Human Resources John Gould agreed, saying that managers are providing flexible hours to their workers. "It's been difficult for some folks, but so far we're doing pretty well," Gould said.
(03/31/95 10:00am)
Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) officially threw his hat into the ring yesterday, becoming the fifth Republican officially to declare his candidacy for president of the United States. "I [announce my presidency] humbly, in the presence of the monuments of America's great presidents, especially Abraham Lincoln, the founder of the Republican Party," Specter, a University alumnus, said. Specter, who is Jewish, is generally considered a moderate Republican who believes in abortion rights, a view that separates him from many in his party who are anti-abortion. "There are those in our party who would lead us down a different path, and squander this unique moment in our nation's history by using our political capital to pursue a radical social agenda which would end a women's right to choose and mandate school prayer," Specter said. One of Specter's more controversial views is his proposal for a 20 percent flat tax rate for both individuals and businesses. Specter is entering the presidential arena after a long history of public service. During his political career, Specter played a large role in the Warren Commission, and was Philadelphia's District Attorney for 12 years. More recently, however, Specter came under fire for his role as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and his questioning of Anita Hill during the infamous Clarence Thomas nomination hearings. In addition, Specter's wife, Joan, is a Philadelphia city councilwoman. Reaction to Specter's declaration of his candidacy was mixed among professors and students yesterday. Political Science Professor Marissa Golden said the fact that Specter is a moderate is an asset rather than a liability. "I think he's a longshot because I don't think this country will elect a Jewish president," Golden said. "That is his biggest liability. "[But] I think the press is wrong to discount him as not being a serious candidate," she added. Golden said Specter's largest challenge will be the initial primaries in Iowa and New Hampshire. She speculated that he will not do well in either state and that that could harm him. In addition, Golden said the primaries attract a more extreme voter than the general elections, which could potentially impede Specter's chances. College freshman and College Republicans member Dan Silvers agreed, saying the odds are against Specter in the tough primary season. "I didn't see him as terribly viable, but especially now that Pete Wilson has entered?[Specter] should add something interesting to the debate," he said. Other Republican candidates include Texas Sen. Phil Gramm, former Tennessee Gov. Lamar Alexander, political commentator Pat Buchanan and former Reagan administrator Alan Keyes. Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole of Kansas and Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar are also expected to enter the race in April. And California Gov. Pete Wilson has announced his plans to enter the fray in May. The Associated Press contributed to this story.
(03/30/95 10:00am)
The two Jewish students who were threatened at shotgun-point by two other University students early Friday morning have decided not to press charges, according to University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich. Kuprevich said, however, that the case was passed on to the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, where prosecutors could potentially bring charges against the assailants, although it is rare for the DA to do so. "Nine times out of 10 times they will not prosecute," Kuprevich said, adding that the police department cannot press a complaint for another person unless it is a capital offense, such as a homicide. He did say, however, that the case was referred to the Student Dispute Resolution Center, which is currently gathering facts as part of its ongoing investigation. The incident occurred Friday when the Jewish students were walking near 39th and Pine streets and were taunted with ethnic slurs by two other University students. At the time, University Police records indicated the incident was being investigated as an "ethnic intimidation." Victim Support and Special Services Director Maureen Rush had said the incident began with an "exchange of words" when the two Jewish students, who were on their way home, walked past the residence of the other two students. She said the two Jewish students, whose names have not been released, were called "Jew-boys" by the other students, who were sitting on the front steps of their Pine Street home. An argument subsequently ensued and one of the students went inside his home and returned with a shotgun and pointed it at the Jewish students. The Jewish students then fled and called University Police, who found the two students with the shotgun and brought them into custody. They were then transferred to Philadelphia Police's Southwest Detectives, where they were questioned, but not charged. This is the second case involving allegations of ethnic intimidation in recent days. Last Thursday morning, two University students claimed four Drexel University students and one other man yelled ethnic slurs at them.
(03/30/95 10:00am)
Nails were placed under the tires of a University employee shuttle bus at the 69th Street Terminal yesterday, according to University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich. But aside from the nails, -- which were removed without damaging the bus -- the University's efforts to provide transportation to its employees in light of a Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority strike have gone rather smoothly. The SEPTA strike, which began Tuesday after last-ditch negotiations between SEPTA and Transport Workers Union Local 234 fell apart, has shut down all city bus, trolley and subway service, forcing 300,000 riders to find alternate methods of transportation. In response, the University began running shuttle buses to 30th Street Station, the 69th Street terminal, and the 16th and Locust streets transportation hub, none of which are affected by the strike. University spokesperson Barbara Beck, whose normal drive to campus takes about 20 minutes, said it took her 40 minutes to get to work yesterday. Beck added that many of the drivers appeared to be in "bad moods" because of the traffic congestion. As far as University employees are concerned, Beck said most are finding alternate ways to get to work. "For the most part, Penn employees are doing everything they possibly can to get to work and to get to work on time," Beck said. Beck added that the shuttle system is working efficiently, except that the buses are extremely crowded. Economics Professor Arleigh Hess agreed with Beck, also saying that his daily trip from New Jersey to the University took him twice as long as it normally does. He added that the strike has been an inconvenience, causing him to cancel his Friday morning office hours for fear of not being able to be get to the University on time. Hess said he rides a New Jersey Transit train from southern New Jersey to 30th Street Station, and then walks to campus. "It was a long walk from 30th Street Station," Hess said. "I'm annoyed that it happened. I hope it ends in a hurry." Some local business have also been affected by the strike. Employees at The Shops at Penn food court said several co-workers did not show up, or were late for their shifts because of the strike. Yesterday afternoon, a queue formed in front of Houston Hall at about 4:30 p.m. as people waited for the shuttle buses to arrive. But shortly after, a school bus pulled up to take the stranded employees and students to 16th and Locust streets. "It's really nice that they do this," said Vicki Noble, an employee of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. "It would be nice if it came more often." Irene Katsumoto, a first-year Graduate School of Education student and HUP employee, said she travels in from New Jersey, and the strike did not effect her. "It was great," Katsumoto said. "Actually, I'm saving money because I don't have to pay for SEPTA tokens."
(03/28/95 10:00am)
Employees of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority struck at 12:01 a.m. today, threatening the ability of 350,000 people to get to work this morning, including hundreds of University faculty, staff, and students. All city bus, trolley and subway service has been shut-down, leaving only the commuter rails -- which primarily serve the suburbs -- in operation. The University, however, prepared for the strike, and plans to put its contingency plan into effect. The University will offer free shuttle bus service in conjunction with Drexel University, providing transportation between the campus and a few strategic points in the Philadelphia area. All faculty, staff and students with PennCards will be eligible to ride the shuttle. Buses will depart from 30th Street Station, 16th and Locust streets and 69th Street Terminal, and will drop passengers off at Houston Hall. Specific information about the shuttle schedule can be obtained by calling 215-898-MELT. According to a University statement, buses will leave every half-hour from the proposed locations, starting at about 7 a.m. and running until about 9 a.m. Transportation leaving the University in the afternoon will also depart from Houston Hall, beginning at about 4:30 p.m. and running until about 9:45 p.m. Buses to 30th Street Station will end at 6 p.m. Transport Workers Union Local 234 has been without a contract since March 14. The strike is the product of a major dispute between the union and SEPTA concerns over a demand by the union for a 3 percent wage increase. The original strike deadline was set for March 15th at 12:01 a.m. but was extended for two weeks until today after a last minute effort to postpone a strike by both sides. Union officials have given no indication of how long a strike might last. The last SEPTA strike, in 1986, lasted four days.
(03/28/95 10:00am)
Dressed in his signature red bow tie and black suit, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan brought his fiery rhetoric to the Philadelphia Civic Center yesterday in his "Let Us Make Man" speech. Sponsored by Muhammad Mosque No. 12, of Philadelphia, Farrakhan addressed the crowd of about 2,000 black men, and two women. Farrakhan moved from topic to topic, attacking rabbinical scholars, condemning homosexuality, and expressing his disdain for injustices committed by the "white man," while expressing his views that blacks are the "original" men. He said that the white man tainted blacks by creating "the nigger." "God made a man, you made a nigger, this is your creation," Farrakhan shouted. "You made a nigger. You educated niggers to be niggers. Niggers are made in America." One of the main messages Farrakhan expressed is that he wants to get one million black men to "march on Washington" on October 16. He told the men in the crowd that each should round up ten of their friends and bring them to the rally. "We intend to have the largest demonstration in the history of America," Farrakhan said. "This revolution will be televised." Farrakhan has titled the march on Washington a "day of atonement," adding that he wanted 1996 to be known as the year of the "black agenda." In addition, he said that all blacks should register for the independent party because the "Democrats and Republicans have not done a damn thing," for black people. "It's our day," he added. "Our time has come. We have to repent on what we have done to ourselves and one another." The minister, who has often been accused of anti-Semitism, said he does not hate Jewish people but is disgusted by rabbinical scholars who say that blacks were the sons of Chaim, who was cursed by his father, Noah. As Farrakhan spoke of the malevolent intentions of Jewish scholars, the crowd burst into furious, standing applause. He also spoke strongly against gay and lesbian lifestyles, which the crowd greeted with laughs and applause. Farrakhan addressed criticisms that he leads an excessively lavish lifestyle. He said his followers would never take him seriously if he had holes in his shoes. Instead, he said people should be criticizing the President and other elected officials. "I'm not damn Bill Clinton, he's a rich demon," Farrakhan yelled. "? what the hell is Bill Clinton doing for black people." The Muslim leader also brought up a recent assassination attempt against him involving the daughter of Malcolm X. Farrakhan said the incident was really a government entrapment in another effort to destroy him as an effective black messenger. But he added that he was committed to fighting for black people. "Every voice that speaks for black people has either been silenced or bought off," Farrakhan said. "Practically the only voice left is of Brother Farrakhan. I will never abandon the mission of your rise. "Yeah, but you've run into something this time," he added with thunderous applause from the audience. "You killed all the rest, but this one you cannot have."
(03/27/95 10:00am)
Murphy's Tavern owners Joseph and Jim Murphy will have to wait a few more weeks to find out the fate of their bar, located at 44th and Spruce streets. On Friday, Jim Murphy and six others speaking on behalf of the Murphys, testified in front of the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement. Administrative Law Judge Tim Savage, who heard the case, said a report will be issued in about a week. After the report comes out, the LCB will make their final judgment, but Savage could not say how long it will take the board to decide. In late October the annual renewal of the bar's liquor license was called into question because of allegations of abuse of licensing privileges and in late January, citations were issued at Murphy's to 63 underage drinkers. Murphy's has been operating since November under temporary authority from the Liquor Control Board. During Friday's hour-long hearing, several witnesses testified that Murphy's is a "neighborhood" bar that is very supportive to the surrounding the community. Joe Ryan, the Murphy's attorney, said the proceedings went well. He added that he wanted to show that Murphy's is more than a piece of paper with a list of violations on it, but a place that means something special to the people in the area. "He's in a bad geographical place because of the closeness of the campus," Ryan said. Jim Murphy testified that he has become more vigilant about underage drinking in the past year and promptly fired a bartender and waitress after the January incident. Murphy added that he also closed the "rathskeller," the basement portion of the tavern, and has posted signs about the legal drinking age on the door of the bar. Murphy also said that the bouncers regularly check for proof of age, and confiscate fake IDs. And Murphy and his staff have had to attend a program sponsored by the LCB concerning underage drinking. "Murphy's is a neighborhood bar, not a campus bar," said Billy Meeks, manager of student records at the Graduate School of Education. Robert McGurk, a police officer in the 18th district whose job includes patrolling the area around Murphy's, said the tavern has never been considered a "nuisance" bar. "Murphy's is just considered to be a neighborhood bar," McGurk said. "We rarely are ever called to disturbances from the bar."
(03/27/95 10:00am)
City and University officials said they flatly deny the figures in a story from Saturday's edition of The Philadelphia Inquirer which reported that the University has agreed to pay $2 million in the form of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes and $1 million in the form of Services in Lieu if Taxes. Stephen Golding, the University's vice president for finance, and Carol Scheman, vice president for community and government relations, both said that the University and the city are still negotiating and no figures had been released. And Deputy Mayor for Policy and Planning Greg Rost agreed, saying that the issue is still under discussion. He added that discussions have been productive and closure on the matter could be in the near future. The PILOT/SILOT issue centers around the city's asking the University to pay about 30 percent of the real taxes it would owe if it were a for-profit institution, as a part of the Payment in Lieu of Taxes program. Golding said there are still one or two points of contention that have to be resolved between the University and the city. "In all likelihood we will make a charitable contribution to the city," Golding said. "But at this point we are still talking. Everybody is trying to get it done as quickly as we can. We met all the time frames and we are in good faith in negotiations." Last summer, Mayor Ed Rendell began asking non-profit organizations to pay a portion of the taxes due to the city if the organizations were for-profit. The city's move follows a national trend of financially strapped cities across the country that have asked universities and other non-profit organizations such as hospitals and churches to make a payment in lieu of taxes. The city feels non-profits should pay for such municipal services as fire, police and street cleaning. And the city estimates that the new revenue could raise as much as $8.4 million, with $3.78 million going to the city and $4.62 million to the School District of Philadelphia. In addition, the city has threatened to take the University and other non-profits to court if they refuse to comply with the city's wishes. As the city's biggest non-profit and the city's largest private employer, the University, is being asked to pay its share of the tax burden. But Scheman said that the University is clearly a tax-exempt organization and has no obligation to pay taxes to the city. She did add, however, that she sees the relationship between the University and the city as being very solid. "The conversations have been aimed at figuring out what kind of role we can play in improving West Philadelphia and Philadelphia," Scheman said. Scheman, who has been working as a liaison between various universities and cities for over 20 years, said the University's commitment to the city is by far the best she's ever witnessed. "I'm absolutely amazed when I look at the range of the involvement with the community," she said. "It's really very unusual. There's a greater sense of civic responsibility than I have seen anywhere. "The mayor and the president have a shared vision of what this city could be," Scheman added. The city has also changed the name of the PILOT program to the Philadelphia Voluntary Contribution Program.
(03/24/95 10:00am)
WASHINGTON -- It looked like any other press conference here in the East Room of the White House. President Bill Clinton stood behind the podium bearing the official seal of the President of the United States, while eager reporters scrawled notes and scrambled to get their questions answered by the nation's Chief Executive. But these newshounds were not the usual Beltway insiders who follow the President's every move like a group of starved vultures. The President had extended an invitation to students who worked for college newspapers across the country to attend a day of speeches from cabinet members, White House staff members and the U.S. Attorney General. Clinton, as well as Secretary of Education Richard Riley and Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, warned that the agenda of Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and other Republicans in Congress will threaten federal aid to universities. Former University president Sheldon Hackney, now chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, also attended. But the college reporters had to perform for an audience. United Press International's veteran White House correspondent Helen Thomas and the rest of the Washington press core watched the aggressive young journalists barrage Clinton with questions ranging from affirmative action to immigration. "I don't believe we should cut [aid to universities], certainly not to pay for tax cuts, and not even to reduce the deficit," Clinton said. "We do not have to cut education to reduce the deficit." The President organized yesterday's first-ever student journalism day in an effort to lure students to Washington to provide information about the possible Republican cuts in funding to higher education. Clinton focused on Republican plans both to cut financial aid in the form of subsidies for interest on college loans and also to curtail direct loans, which provide aid to students without intermediary agencies, such as banks. "The American people said they wanted a different sort of debate here in Washington last November, and so we are having it," Clinton said. "Now, I believe that nothing will more clearly define the contours of this debate than what we decide to do in the area of education and training. "Look, I wouldn't be standing here today, no way in the world would I be standing here today, if it hadn't been for the opportunities America gave me through education," he added. The President told the student journalists, who had made trips from as far as Alaska to see Clinton, that education is more important to the general welfare of America now than when he was young. Clinton also addressed the issue of political correctness on college campuses. "I've been really quite concerned about the challenges that both students and faculty members face in this so-called political correctness atmosphere," he said. "I think we need to encourage people to say what they really think, but to do it in an atmosphere that is more tolerant." He said that he thought universities should be the "laboratories" for people to air their opinions.
(03/24/95 10:00am)
Controversial Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan will be speaking at the Philadelphia Civic Center Monday. The event -- which is "open to males of ever race, creed and color" -- marks the second time the renowned black Muslim has been to Philadelphia this academic year. Farrakhan is also known for his radical views, which some consider anti-semitic and racist. One of Farrakhan's main messages, according to organizers of the event, will be to call on one million black men to a "March on Washington" on October 16. Although, University students had differing viewpoints on the embattled speaker, all agreed he should be given a forum. College senior and Undergraduate Assembly member Dan Schorr defended Farrakhan's right to speak. "I think he has a right to speak," Schorr said. "It's a shame everyone can't go and see it. "Some of the things he says are anti-Semitic, but he has a right to say them," he added. "It's important that people hear what he has to say so they can judge for themselves whether he's anti-Semitic or not." College junior and Black Student League Vice President Onyx Finney said the press has been unfair to Farrakhan. He added that he approves of Farrakhan limiting his speech to only men because sometimes there is a need for men to talk amongst them selves about certain issues. "People jump to conclusions when he comes," Finney said. "He's gotten a bad rap. The fact that he's speaking to men exclusively is not sexist." College sophomore and Jewish Social Action Committee Evan Weiner said that Farrakhan is entitled to free speech. But he added that he hopes to educate the public and expose myths about Farrakhan. "This is America and I believe in the freedom of speech and he has to have a forum to speak in," Weiner said. "However, the kind of hate that he expresses is against everything I stand for and America stands for. "Instead of censoring his language, I'd rather have it posted all over the media so that people can see what kind of hate he expresses," he added. And Vision editor and Engineering junior Cardell Orrin said Farrakhan brings an important message to the African-American community. "His message is positive for the people he's speaking to," Orrin said. "He's trying to help African Americans to empower themselves and to help them to fight the racism that they face everyday and to be strong in the system they live in everyday."
(03/23/95 10:00am)
Philadelphia has been transformed into a life-size smorgasbord, as the city's annual "The Book and The Cook" celebration continues today. The event, in its 11th year, brings together cookbook writers, restaurant owners and gourmands from across the city and the country, and also features several local restaurants in its festivities. One of the most popular of the annual events is a beer tasting -- already sold out -- to be held at the University Museum. "It's mission is to communicate the quality of the Philadelphia hospitality industry on a year round basis," Book and Cook event producer Judy Faye said. "We are a savvy, sophisticated restaurant community capable of entertaining and attracting on a year round basis. "The restaurants become theaters," Faye added. "The restaurants come through like gangbusters and do a fabulous job with it." Beginning yesterday and continuing through Sunday, city restaurants and the Philadelphia Convention Center will host some of the finest chefs and cookbook writers in the country. To start the festival, the Palladium will be serving Mexican recipes from the movie Like Water for Chocolate while International House shows the movie on the big screen. And Michael Jackson, the "world's leading expert on beer," according to Director of University Museum Catering Bruce Nichols, will be the featured beer expert, offering samples and brewing workshops. Over 150 beers will be on tap, so to speak. "It's really going to be a global beer-fest," Nichols said. "It's become the most popular event in the whole weekend. There is a really strong connection with the University Museum and beer." Most beers are from microbreweries, so, according to Nichols, "it's not an event for Rolling Rock or Bud." The White Dog Cafe will be featuring Vietnamese chef Nicole Routhier, who will cook dishes from her cookbook with chefs from White Dog. In addition, the restaurant will show slides of Vietnam from 6 to 8 p.m. White Dog co-owner Judy Wicks said she expects to serve between 250 and 300 dinners. "It's a way of promoting Philadelphia as a restaurant city," Wicks said. Bucks County Nut and Coffee is going to have a coffee brewing and tasting seminar on Saturday at 1 p.m. Owners Cathy and Roger Owens will discuss buying, selling and roasting coffee and will teach how to operate home cappuccino machines. The "coffee talk" costs $15 and reservations are required. "We're the largest roaster in the Philadelphia area, but people don't know our name," said Susie Hesler, manager of Bucks County Coffee. "We want to get our name out." Zocalo restaurant will have chef Joyce LaFray on hand to cook recipes from her Cuban cookbook, Thursday and Friday evenings. Other events include The Cook and The Book Fair, which is being held at the Convention Center on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The event will feature free samples, cookbooks and cooking accessories. Tickets must be purchased, and Nichols expects 15,000 to 20,000 people to attend. Reading Terminal will have a 17th-century representation of a feast on Friday and Saturday from 12:30 to 4 p.m. In addition, there will be tours of the Italian Market and Chinatown until Sunday.
(03/22/95 10:00am)
After several months of delay, construction of the new University City Station is nearly complete, bringing rail service to the airport and other destinations to campus. The station will open on April 24, six months after its originally scheduled opening in November. Costing $9 million, the station will provide direct access to the Philadelphia International Airport from a stop under the South Street Bridge. In addition to the R1 Airport Line, the station will be served by other regional rail trains operated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority. There will be direct access to SEPTA's R-2 Marcus Hook/Wilmington line and R-3 Media/Elwyn line. Coree Randolph, communications capital projects manager for SEPTA, said the station will be the most modern in the entire SEPTA system. "The design of the station is very unique and very much state-of-the-art," Randolph said. "You can't appreciate the structure unless you go inside. It's quite a grand entrance." And Randolph added that the design caused delays because it took a longer time for the architect to acquire certain materials. "It has an airy design with bolted ceilings, covered platforms, tiled surfaces and glass enclosed waiting gates," she said. According to Randolph, delivery schedules and poor weather conditions contributed to the delayed opening. "We are all working very diligently bringing the station to the University community by April 24," he added. To celebrate the opening, Mayor Ed Rendell will preside over an official ribbon cutting on April 28 with SEPTA general manager Louis Gambaccini and SEPTA board chairman Thomas Hayward. The new rail station should also provide improved service to students who use the airport. A train ticket to the airport will cost $5, cheaper than shuttle services. Lady Liberty Transportation, one of those shuttle services, charges $8. The train stop will be open from 4:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., and tokens and trail passes will be sold between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. In addition to the train station, SEPTA is also in process of creating a "University City Circulator," which would provide bus services between 30th Street Station and the new regional rail stop, as well as other locations in the University city area. Randolph said the loop will be free to customers with trailpasses, transpasses or transfers, but will cost 50 cents for individuals without such passes. She added that the "Circulator" is still on the drawing board because additional capital funding must be found. Randolph said, however, that she hopes to have the buses running by the opening of the new station. University Transportation Manager Ron Ward said the new rail stop will be a great asset to the University. "It will benefit a lot of University employees as well as students," Ward said. "Hopefully it's going to be a pretty heavily used station."
(03/22/95 10:00am)
The prospect of Walt Disney Co. creating a multi-million dollar theme park at the Philadelphia Naval Yard is now dead in the water. According to Disney Development Co. Communications Manager Michael Johnson, Disney America has decided that it will not open a facility here under any conditions. "There's nothing to the Philadelphia possibility," Johnson said. "It's never been on the drawing board. There's nothing to any possible theme park or Disney America participation in that region of the country." Speculation that Philadelphia and Disney were discussing the possibility of Disney America coming to the Philadelphia Naval Yard originated in early October when City Councilman Joseph Vignola sent a letter formally asking Disney to build its newest theme park in Philadelphia. Vignola has now confirmed that Disney is not coming to the city. "All I know is that Disney is not going anywhere," Vignola said. "I think there is a very good opportunity we could get some major entertainment group here on our side of the Delaware River." And Terry Gillern, the city's deputy commerce director, said that Disney and the city were never involved in formal discussions. "I think negotiations would not be the right word," Gillern said. "I don't think we got into anything that would roughly approximate negotiations. I'm not sure if anyone from the city ever talked to Disney." Gillern said Disney "gave the proposal a look" and added that they would rather consider the metropolitan Washington/Virginia area. She also said the weather in Philadelphia is not conducive to a Disney operation. And she said theme parks do not create many "direct" jobs, but are beneficial to the tourism industry. Rather than a theme park, it appears the Naval Yard might be home to two private shipbuilding firms that would employ approximately 2,750 workers, Gillern said. The Disney America theme park and housing development -- originally slated to be built in Manassas, Va. -- was scrapped last September when environmentalists and landowners protested the proposal. In spite of these set-backs, Disney has not given up on their plan to construct the new complex, Johnson said. "The whole Disney America concept has gone back to the drawing boards to determine the best way to deal with that," he said. "Despite the setback from 1994 in the Virginia area, the Disney America concept is something that the company is very interested in portraying for the American consumer public." And Disney is still moving ahead with other developments. Last week, Disney announced plans for a new resort in Florida called the Disney Institute. According to Johnson, the Disney Institute will be an "intense hands-on vacation experience." Johnson said the facility will have recreational activities such as swimming, boating and food combined with seminars ranging from nutrition to French literature. "It is a very interesting concept. If we get enough people interested in 19th century art in France, then there will be a course for that," he said.
(03/20/95 10:00am)
Amtrak's effort to lure student travelers has been put on the fast track with the introduction of the experimental Amtrak College Travel Card. The new discount cards cost $14.95 and will save students 15 percent on rail travel. The first cards, made available Friday, are part of an Amtrak initiative aimed at increasing student ridership. To test the marketability of the product, students from six local universities, including the University, are eligible to use the card. Other area colleges participating in the program include Drexel, La Salle, St. Joseph's, Temple and Villanova universities. The discount card, however, cannot be used for weekday Metroliner service. Metroliners are reserved-seat, premium-priced trains that travel between New York and Washington. According to Rick Remington, Amtrak spokesperson for the northeast corridor, the trial period will last until August 31, and if successful might be instituted for college students nationwide. "What's good about Philadelphia is that the stops are fairly well-located to the students," Remington said. The discount cards can be purchased at Amtrak's 30th Street Station, as well as the North Philadelphia and Paoli stations. Students will also be able to order tickets by phone or through mail-in order forms from ads that will be placed in college newspapers. College freshman Sam Lee, who uses Amtrak to travel home to Baltimore, said the discount card sounded like a great idea. "That's a good deal, especially for students who live nearby," Lee said. "I know I go home way too much and it would be nice to save some money. I wish more people were made aware of it." College freshman Jamie Riepe, another Amtrak rider, agreed. "It would make it a lot easier to get home on the weekends and a lot cheaper," Riepe said. "I think it's a great idea. And it will probably attract a lot more business from students." Riepe added that he doesn't mind that Metroliner service is not included in the discount plan. "It would not really matter to most students," he said. "Most students would want to pay the extra fare for the Metroliner."
(03/17/95 10:00am)
The best way to save the American city is by university involvement. And to prove his point, Henry Taylor, director of the Center for Applied Public Affairs Studies at SUNY-Buffalo, spoke to an audience of close to 50 at the Law School yesterday. Taylor, whose speech was entitled "University, Academically Based, Community Service and the Remaking of American Cities," began with strong rhetoric, maintaining a high level of intensity for his hour-long presentation. Taylor -- whose visit was funded by a $350,000 grant from the Ford Foundation -- told the audience that American society is in deep crisis and that race and the problems of the inner city are at the heart of the problem. "The term 'city' has become a metaphor for black, poor and liberal," Taylor said. He stressed that universities have to play a role in looking into the problems of the inner city. "The University is a rich storehouse of human and material resources," Taylor said. "There is no institution in society that has such an ability. "Deciding what role the University should play is one of the central questions of our time," Taylor added."It's against the particular backdrop of an American crisis?that we pose the question what role should the university play in solving urgent community problems." But Taylor cautioned that universities must first have a "paradigmatic shift" in the way they interact with their communities. Since the 1940s, the economy of the U.S. has changed from industrial-based to service-oriented, Taylor said, adding that this has caused a decrease in the work force and a proliferation of low wage jobs. And he also said the "second great black migration" to the cities was an additional effect of the change in economy. The northern jobs that had attracted many blacks soon disappeared after their arrival to the cities. By 1970, joblessness had emerged as the number one problem in the African American community, he explained. Taylor also spoke about racism and segregation and how whites used zoning laws to make the suburbs a "high rent district." He emphasized that urban decay is an assortment of complex problems which are "intertwined" and "interconnected." Director of Community Partnerships Ira Harkavy said the speech was eloquent and profound. "I thought he was inspirational," Harkavy said. "He was a perfect choice for the first academic service fellow. I think he certainly provided a wonderful basis for further discussion." One of the principles that Taylor stressed is that university education is not just a means to a job, but about making the world a better place. He said that although students are not responsible for the world they have inherited, they should strive to make the world a better place for the next generation. "You can be held accountable for the world you left behind," Taylor said. Pamela King, coordinator of the undergraduate social science initiative, said she thought the speech was excellent. "I thought he was fantastic," King said. "He was exciting, dynamic and he brought life to the idea of academically based community service. "He came to do more than just talk," he added. "I think Dr. Taylor's message is being absorbed in every practice at the University." And College senior Eve Greenspan agreed saying that Taylor sent an important message. "I thought he was very shaking in the sense that he really urged you to think about things you don't normally want to think about," Greenspan said. "I liked his style, he was very blunt and to the point." The event was sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences, the Penn Program for Public Service, the Center for Community Partnership, the Urban Studies Program, the W.E.B. DuBois College House and Afro-American Studies Program.
(03/16/95 10:00am)
Almost five weeks after a fire ripped through the Convenience Food Store at 39th and Walnut streets, the store, as well as neighboring College Pizza and Mega Video, is still closed for business. Both College Pizza and Mega Video sustained severe water and smoke damage from the blaze, forcing major and costly repairs. Mega Video manager Orest Hrabowy, sitting alone yesterday in his dark, near-empty store, said he is unsure when he will be able to reopen. He added that major repairs still have yet to be completed. "It's going week by week," Hrabowy said. "We're going to try to open up as soon as we can. There's no target date right now, [but] hopefully by April or May." College Pizza owner Ulysses Lancellotti is a little more optimistic. Lancellotti said he hopes to re-open a small part of his pizza shop by Monday or Tuesday of next week. He added that the rest of the store will be opened when the repairs are finished. The pizza shop sustained severe damage from the fire, costing an estimated $50,000 to $60,000. Lancellotti said that his insurance company will pay for the damage, but they will not replace the potential revenue he has lost because of the shutdown. In addition, even though the fire was officially declared arson by the Philadelphia Fire Department, Convenience Food Store owner Sam Patel said he refused to believe arson caused the fire. Patel said arson occurs in places like Harlem or Brooklyn, but not in West Philadelphia. Patel, who owns a few other convenience stores in Center City, added that he has never had trouble with criminals. "I don't believe it," Patel said. "I was shocked when they told me the cause. It was a good business. "I have never had problems," he added. "I've never even had robberies or break-ins." He also said that he was committed to rebuilding the store, but is waiting for the insurance company to give him the green light. Lieutenant Terry Green, of the Philadelphia Fire Marshall's Office, said the Fire Marshalls are currently looking into several suspects, but he declined to comment about any specifics.
(03/14/95 10:00am)
The possible Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority strike may threaten the ability of hundreds of University faculty, staff and students to get to campus this week. But in the event of the strike, the University has developed a contingency plan to deal with the possible transportation woes. If the Transport Workers Union Local 234 and SEPTA cannot come to agreement by 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, the SEPTA workers will strike causing all city bus and subway service to be shut down. And the SEPTA workers have been working without a contract since November 30, 1994. In the event of the SEPTA shut-down, the only form of public transportation that would still be in operation would be the commuter rails which serve primarily the suburbs. One aspect of the University's alternative plan would entail operating free shuttle buses between the campus and strategic points in the Philadelphia area. In addition, transportation service will be coordinated with shuttles from Drexel University. University faculty, staff and students will be able to ride the Drexel buses by showing their PennCards. Currently, proposed routes include running University shuttle buses and vans between Houston Hall and 30th Street Station, 16th and Locust streets and the 69th Street Terminal. According to a prepared statement by the University, buses will leave every half from the proposed locations, starting at about 7 a.m. and ending at about 9 a.m. Transportation leaving the University in the afternoon will also depart from Houston Hall, leaving at about 4:30 p.m. and running until about 9:45 p.m. And buses to 30th Street Station will end at 6 p.m. University spokesperson Barbara Beck said the contingency plan is similar to a plan used for the last SEPTA strike. "Everybody should try to carpool," Beck recommended. The University has also created a voice mail "Rideshare" service to aid individuals carpooling. Dining Service Director William Canney said that although a strike would would strain dining service employees, it would not stop the food service. "We will be open for service," Canney said. "[But] it will be an inconvenience for everyone." Councilwoman Happy Fernandez, chairperson of the city's transportation and public utilities committee, said a SEPTA strike would be devastating to the city.
