Thursday, May 23, 2013

The Daily Numbers for Thursday May 23

The Daily Numbers: 4 Delco men now charged in connection with the brutal murder of a Lancaster County man who police believe was killed for the money he had in his house.

200,000 dollars, how much police believe was stolen from home of the victim.

5,500 dollars, how much police allege Emlyn Jones of Middletown was paid to help hide the stolen loot.

7.8 percent of Democrats in Delaware County who made it out to the polls. Just embarrassing. The GOP didn't do a lot better.

13.6 percent of Republican exercised their right to vote.

25,000 to 30,000 spectators expected to cram into a corner of Haverford next month when the U.S. Open comes to Merion Golf Club.

715-247 vote in Brookhaven to end the borough's 'dry' tradition and allow a restaurant to seek a liquor license.

1,259-375
margin by which voters in Upper Chichester rejected a proposal that would have boosted local taxes to help build a new library.

2 Delaware County women who pleaded guilty to a plot to help break 2 convicted killers out of Chester County Prison.

3 years probation for a Chadds Ford man who got involved in a brawl after a night of drinking in West Chester.

2 billion dollars in damages from the EF5 tornado that slammed into an Oklahoma town.

31.2 million drivers expected to be out on the roads and wandering at least 50 miles from home this Memorial Day weekend.

3 hits, all Cliff Lee surrendered in going the distance and shutting out the Miami Marlins last night.

5-2 record now for Lee, who threw 115 pitches and lowered his ERA to .248

1 game under .500 for the Phillies, at 23-24, and 1 game behind the Nats, where the Phils will play this weekend in D.C.

6-3 win for the girls from Bonner-Prendie to capture the Catholic League softball crown.

Call me a Phanatic: A look at the ups and downs of being a Philadelphia sports fan. Don't like the sound of Chase Utley getting an MRI, not even a little bit. Keep your fingers crossed.

I Don’t Get It: Just some truly embarrassing turnout numbers from Tuesday's primary election. Shame on all those who failed to get to the polls.

Today’s Upper: Kudos to Corey Crews-Williams, the Upper Darby High student and winner of the first Bailey O'Neill Scholarship.

Quote Box: “There's no question our work is cut out for us for the fall." - Delco Dem boss David Landau, after just 7.8 percent of registered Democrats cast ballots on Tuesday.

A worthy winner in honor of Bailey O'Neill

When I saw the picture in the paper, I thought the young man looked familiar.

But when he arrived in our office last night for our 'Live From the Newsroom' show, it was actually Corey Crews-Williams who recognized me first.

"Did you speak at the Leadership Academy?" he asked me. That's when it clicked. I knew I had seen him somewhere. Crews-Williams was part of the contingent from Upper Darby High School in attendance.

I'm not surprised a bit.

Corey was on hand for the show last night to talk about an issue that seems to get bigger each day, "bullying," especially among young people. Corey is the first winner of a $1,000 scholarship in honor of Bailey O'Neill, the Darby Township youth who was hospitalized a few weeks after being involved in a playground fight. He tragically passed away a couple of months later.

While the county District Attorney's office said medical experts could find no link between Bailey's death and the schoolyard fight, one thing is clear: His case has put a spotlight on the issue of bullying.

I can't think of a better candidate to carry on Bailey's spirit than Corey Crews-Williams. He carries a 3.95 GPA at Upper Darby High, is a member of the school's anti-bullying club, and is a cadet member of the Lansdowne Fire Co. He was instrumental in launching Firefighters Against Bullies, a group that is targeting the issue among young people.

If you missed last night's show, you can catch the replay here.

Our thanks also to Dr. Claudio Cerullo, the director of Teach Anti-Bullying Inc., the group that pushed the memorial in honor of Bailey O'Neill.

You made the right choice. Congratulations to Corey!

As part of the application process, interested students were asked to submit two essays, one of them on how they give back to the community. When you read his response, I think you'll understand what kind of young person Corey Crews-Williams is.

This is his essay:

I find that giving back to others in life improves one’s life and the world around them. Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

 

I will give back to others in life by continuing to perform community service for those in need, giving positive energy to places that need it, and spreading my own prosperity for the benefit of others. Giving back to those in need is very important to me because it promotes trust and a unique reliability in the community.

 

One of the greatest gifts I’ve received, and continue to receive, is knowledge. I genuinely believe that knowledge is power and I will earnestly work to distribute knowledge through tutoring and promoting reading among youth. I’ve found that some people don’t appreciate education for its importance and overlook its value.

Another way I’ll give back to others is by showing people the significance of having a strong academic foundation and revealing how far it can take you because in present times, having an education of great caliber gives you an edge to success.

Whatever I gain in my prosperous life I’ll give back in some shape, form, or fashion, to implement hope in others to better themselves. I’ll help others to take advantage of wonderful opportunities that I myself may not have had. I’ll strive to instill confidence in young students to be upstanding citizens, inspire them to constantly reach new heights, and dissuade bad influences. I will give back to others by preaching the importance of having respect, and treating anyone and everyone with equality. Giving back to others is a two-way street. Giving back not only feeds my passion as an aspiring young man, but also gives me the satisfaction that I can do right and so I therefore believe that giving back to others provides a sense of integrity and honesty.

 

I am the best candidate for this scholarship because of my strong character and the leadership qualities I endlessly display. Being optimistic in an environment crowded with discouragement is not a walk in the park, but I know with hard work and dedication which I continue to exhibit, that I will be more than the best I can be. Being a student-athlete presents its troubles with time management, but I work through inspiration and by honesty, and despite my age, I work through diligence. Being a leader makes these aspects important to me, and allow me to work to the best of my abilities as I continuously learn from them. It is from work that I understand my compassion to succeed and the meaning of perseverance. It is these things that shape me, and push me to wake up each morning and raise my own standards of well being. Each day I strengthen my vision, which is beyond high school, not because of an ego but because I know that the places I have to reach are close at hand. I’ve developed myself into a role model, not just for those younger, but also for those older than me. To win this scholarship would not only be a blessing for me, but also an honor because of the young man’s name that it is in. I will not just use this scholarship to relieve expenses of education, but as an investment for an even brighter future.

 

Pretty powerful stuff. Well done, Corey.

 

It's Party Time in Brookhaven!

Let's get this party started.

No, I'm not looking to get an early start on the Memorial Day Weekend. I'm talking about Tuesday's ballot question in Brookhaven.

The long-dry borough is bringing on the booze. And it wasn't particularly close. The move to allow sales of alcohol in at least one local eatery passed by a vote of 715-247. You can get all the details here.

Borough officials are making it clear they don't necessarily want a corner bar or saloon, but instead are looking for a nice family restaurant.

Advancements never cease to amaze me.

Next you'll be telling me the state is considering getting out of the booze business, blowing up the LCB and turning the whole operation over to private enterprise. Yeah, you're right. That's too much forward thinking.

I like Brookhaven Borough Council Vice President Ben Linowski's reaction to the vote. He believes it was long overdue.

"By about 45 years," he quipped.

Maybe Tom Corbett should put him in charge of dismantling the LCB.

The Phils' slow slog

One game.

That's all that stands between the Phillies and the .500 mark. It won't happen tonight. The Phils are off before they open a series in D.C. against the Nationals.

Yesterday this maddening team got both good and bad news.

The good? Another gem from Cliff Lee, who went the distance in shutting out the Marlins, 3-0. Lee gave up just three hits in blowing away the Fish. Delmon Young supplied the offense with another homer.

The bad? Chase Utley is having pain in his ribcage. He's going to have an MRI today. The Phils really can't afford any more injuries.

A good weekend in Washington would vault them over the Nats and allow them to set their sights on division-leading Atlanta.

If would probably help if they could get everybody on the field. In the meantime, everyone will hold their breath waiting for the results on Utley's MRI.

You can get Dennis Deitch's take on the game here.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Daily Numbers for Wednesday May 22

The Daily Numbers: 15 percent turnout in yesterday's Primary Election across the county.

60 percent turnout last November for the presidential election.

17,269 votes for Common Pleas Court candidate William Mackrides, making him the top vote getter in the county. He and fellow Republican Rich Cappelli will face Dems Nancy Walker and Steve Chanenson, who held serve on Dem side of ballot.

167 votes for Paula Brown on the Dem side for Magisterial District Judge in Darby. She lost on both sides of the ballot to Leonard Tenaglia.

16-9 vote by which Tameka Gibson-Williams won the Dem contest for mayor in Trainer.

1,000 dollar scholarship for Upper Darby High School student Corey Crews-Williams, in the name of Bailey O'Neill.

2 suspects nabbed by alert neighbors in a home break-in in Radnor.

44 million dollar tab now the pricetag for Penn State over the Jerry Sandusky affair.

24 people killed after revised numbers released in Oklahoma tornado.

200-plus people treated for various hospitals for injuries.

17 miles, how far the tornado traveled on the ground, destroying everything in its path.

1 mile wide, the girth of killer tornado.

200 mph winds, making it and EF5 twister, the top of the scale. Experts believe it was likely the most powerful tornado in history.

Call me a Phanatic: A look at the ups and downs of being a Philadelphia sports fan. Tyler Cloyd and Jonathon Pettibone. Sounds like an accounting firm, not two key members of your pitching staff. I'm not going to complain about it.

I Don’t Get It: Sergio Garcia just buried his hole a little deeper when he made a rude, racial remark clearly targeting Tiger Woods. He later tried to pass it off as a joke. No one is laughing. See you at Merion, Sergio.

Today’s Upper: Kudos toUpper Darby High student Corey Crews-Williams, winner of the first $1,000 Bailey O'Neill Scholarship.

Quote Box: “That's what this country is built on - the right to choose." - Monir Ahmed, candidate for Chester City Council, on the light turnout in the city.

'Live From the Newsroom' with Bailey O'Neill Scholarship winner

Our live-stream Internet broadcast, 'Live From the Newsroom,' tonight will have a very special guest.

We will be visited by Upper Darby High School student Corey Crews-Williams, the winner of a $1,000 scholarship that honors Bailey O'Neill. You can read about his award here.

O'Neill, you might remember, was the Darby Township student who died after he developed seizures a few weeks after being involved in a schoolyard fight.

The scholarship honors Bailey's memory, with the funds put up by Teach Anti-Bullying Inc. and the Glen Riddle Rotary Club.

In addition to chatting with Crews-Williams, we'll be joined by Dr. Claudio Cerullo, the director of Teach Anti-Bullying Inc.

We'll discuss the recent findings released by the county District Attorney's office, including results of an autopsy that found no direct link between the fight and Bailey's death. The O'Neill family has remained steadfast in their belief that Bailey was the victim of bullying. The medical findings have not changed their beliefs.

Dr. Cerullo also will update us on the anti-bullying push in the county, including a recent move in Prospect Park to declare the borough a "bullying-free" town, sparked by the actions of 10-year-odl Hanna Maier.

Do you have a question for Crews-Williams? Or questions about the Bailey O'Neill findings? Email me your questions and we'll discuss them on the show tonight.

Then you can log on to DelcoTimes.com tonight at 7 and join our live chat.

Bullying is not going away. It is an issue that all of us continue to deal with. Why not join the conversation.

 


 

Of Primary importance? Doesn't seem that way

Raise your hand if you're surprised by yesterday's election results?

I'm not talking about who won or lost. I'm talking about how many people made those decisions.

Yeah, I'm not surprised either.

It looks like somewhere around 15 percent of eligible voters in Delco managed to get out to the polls and take part in the Democratic process. It was the same across the state.

This comes just a few months after more than 60 percent showed up to take part in the presidential election.

I don't get it. Why do we care so much about deciding who is going to take up residence in the White House, but so little in who is going to run borough hall? Or our local school boards?

As a nation, we show an amazing resiliency when faced with any kind of threat or natural disaster. Look at the patriotic fever that again swept the nation after the bombings at the Boston Marathon.  In these instances, we love to wear our patriotism on our sleeves.

But just a few scant weeks later, people went about their business, for the most part oblivious to what is perhaps the most patriotic thing you can do - vote.

I don't get it.

The numbers will improve a bit in November, when instead of nominating candidates for each party, we will actually decide the winners and losers in those races. Some voters, however, may be surprised that their choices have already been limited. That's what happens in some judicial and school races where candidates can cross-file.

Luckily, here in Delaware County, both parties held their serve in the races for two seats on the county Court of Common Pleas. Voters will have a choice between Republicans Richard Cappelli and William Mackrides, who will face Democrats Nancy Walker and Steve Chanenson. All four candidates cross-filed, but each party's picks won their side of the ballot, setting up the November race.

The same can't be said for voters in the Magisterial District Judge race for Darby Borough, Colwyn and Sharon Hill. If you are a Paula Brown backer, you just missed your chance, unless she decides to run a write-in campaign in November. That's becase Leonard Tenaglia won on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.

I'm not a big fan of cross-filing, but that's the system we use, so I don't blame candidates for trying to win both ballots.

That's exactly the kind of question candidates should consider when they stay away in droves during primary elections.

Of Primary importance? Hardly

Raise your hand if you're surprised by yesterday's election results?

I'm not talking about who won or lost. I'm talking about how many people made those decisions.

Yeah, I'm not surprised either.

It looks like somewhere around 15 percent of eligible voters in Delco managed to get out to the polls and take part in the Democratic process. It was the same across the state.

This comes just a few months after more than 60 percent showed up to take part in the presidential election.

I don't get it. Why do we care so much about deciding who is going to take up residence in the White House, but so little in who is going to run borough hall? Or our local school boards?

As a nation, we show an amazing resiliency when faced with any kind of threat or natural disaster. Look at the patriotic fever that again swept the nation after the bombings at the Boston Marathon.  In these instances, we love to wear our patriotism on our sleeves.

But just a few scant weeks later, people went about their business, for the most part oblivious to what is perhaps the most patriotic thing you can do - vote.

I don't get it.

The numbers will improve a bit in November, when instead of nominating candidates for each party, we will actually decide the winners and losers in those races. Some voters, however, may be surprised that their choices have already been limited. That's what happens in some judicial and school races where candidates can cross-file.

Luckily, here in Delaware County, both parties held their serve in the races for two seats on the county Court of Common Pleas. Voters will have a choice between Republicans Richard Cappelli and William Mackrides, who will face Democrats Nancy Walker and Steve Chanenson. All four candidates cross-filed, but each party's picks won their side of the ballot, setting up the November race.

The same can't be said for voters in the Magisterial District Judge race for Darby Borough, Colwyn and Sharon Hill. If you are a Paula Brown backer, you just missed your chance, unless she decides to run a write-in campaign in November. That's becase Leonard Tenaglia won on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.

I'm not a big fan of cross-filing, but that's the system we use, so I don't blame candidates for trying to win both ballots.

That's exactly the kind of question candidates should consider when they stay away in droves during primary elections.