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PUBLISHER/CO-EDITOR: GARRY COREEDITOR: JACQUELYNN PURIEFOY-BRINKLEYREPORTERJS: MAXINE VEASEY THERAS LEE JIM CAMPBELL CONTRIBUTOR: ROSALIND JOHNSON

pulseHeartbeat of the CommUNITY

Vol. 2 No. 3 $1.00March 2017 | www.YeadonPulse.com

CORE’SCORNER

“COMMUNICATION”It’s a Beautiful Thing

GARRY COREPUBLISHER

his month’s installment of Core’s Corner

was intended to be a follow up to last month’s Stop the NON-¢ENT$. After multiple conversations, one in particular stood

out. I was asked why I use both Black and African-American when writing. I explained that I use the word Black when referring to the entire group and African-American specifically for Blacks brought to America through the diaspora. I went on to explain that Blacks from Africa and the Caribbean interact economically, much differently than African Americans. I pointed out that when those groups come to America they congregate and carve out a section for themselves. They then begin providing the most basic needs for their people e.g., housing, food and transportation, which by the way accounts for 40% to 70% or higher of household budgets. In addition unlike African Americans they support each other instinctively.I also talked about the disconnect

between our communities and the inaccurate perceptions we have about one another. Now, there are a number of reasons

why their behavior is different from ours and it was my intention to elaborate on those reasons. However, I had the distinct pleasure of attending a Chat-N-Chew event hosted by Friends to Re-Elect Judge W. Keith Williams, II at the Social Space on Church Lane and felt compelled to share my experience with our readers before tackling the aforementioned topic.Judge Williams is in a unique position

in that he’s a non-partisan figure. As a result there were people in the room that you would not ordinarily find co-mingling. The setting may have made some

uncomfortable but I saw it as an opportunity. Think about it, you’re in a room full of people that are there because they are either friends and/or supporters or potential supporters of Judge Williams.

CORE’S CORNER..........................COVERNEWS.........................................PAGE 2EDITORIAL..................................PAGE 4OP-ED.........................................PAGE 4A CONVERSATION WITH.............PAGE 6

SORTING IT ALL OUTBy Jacquelynn Puiefoy-Brinkley, Editor

Like many communities across Pennsylvania, Yeadon faces complex challenges and successfully addressing them requires a strong, responsive and intelligent government-- at all levels. The people we elect to serve in our government are responsible for managing a staggering and complex set of issues. The stakes are high and we, the citizens of Yeadon, have a critically important role in helping to shape our community’s future. Now is the time to think very carefully about the candidates we choose to serve on Yeadon Borough Council. The individuals we select will have the power to influence the quality of life in our community for years to come. They will shape the prosperity of our community. They will have a major role in determining whether our community realizes its true potential. We elect seven members to serve four year terms on Yeadon Borough Council, usually with either three or four members up for election every two years. This means that every two years new people may be elected to serve on Council. Serving as an effective Council member requires dedication, knowledge and a substantial commitment in time. Counselors wear many hats in order to meet the responsibilities of being a municipal elected official. Those seeking the office should consider the number of disciplines involved in becoming an effective Council member. Their responsibilities include legislator, decision-maker, financier, employer of municipal staff, constructive critic, policymaker; reviewing, revising and adopting budgets; controlling expenditures; making appropriations; adopting all ordinances; authorizing bond issues; negotiating contracts; appointing advisory commissions and boards; overseeing housing, business and industrial development; intergovernmental participant; public relations representative; facilitator, and more. Counselors are also called upon to represent and respond to constituents on a wide range of issues. Candidates for the office of Yeadon Borough Counselor have countless reasons why they are running. Some feel it is their civic duty and others truly want to affect a change in the community. It is important for you, the voter, to know a candidate’s motivation and background before you cast your vote. Those who are serious about their candidacy should demonstrate: regular attendance at Council meetings, including committee meetings; familiarity with the Borough Code; a general understanding of borough government and an understanding of the difference between governmental jurisdiction: cities, towns, boroughs, and township. They should have reviewed Yeadon’s Comprehensive Plan (to be updated); be familiar with the Codified Ordinances of Yeadon; and other information. Candidates should also demonstrate that they have the necessary qualifications to be an effective community leader. Voters, on the other hand should place a high priority on strong communication and team-building skills, including being a good listener, openness to the thoughts and ideas of others, being approachable and accessible. A willingness to work cooperatively with others should be a primary consideration when voters are considering a candidate.

When voting in the upcoming primary election, Yeadon citizens have much to consider. Voters will have choices between incumbents and challengers. Be reminded that the life of a politician is a difficult life…far more difficult than one might imagine. Politicians are sliced and diced every way possible by constituents, the media and others. Often, seated incumbents receive more scrutiny than those seeking to join or replace them. Incumbents are the most vulnerable. On the other hand, incumbents have governing experience. Voters can evaluate their policy decisions and performance. Incumbency is not an automatic entitlement to reelection. It is important to consider the governing experience, the accomplishments, and the policy decisions of incumbents. Some of the questions you should ask yourself--Has the candidate moved the work of the borough forward with new projects, etc.; been a wise steward of the borough’s finances; attempted to build on the vision of past Councils; served with dignity and professionalism? Compare the candidates’ qualifications, issue positions and personal characteristics. Grapple with the records of incumbents and with what you have learned about the challengers. Be very clear in evaluating whether the challenger is an acceptable alternative to the incumbent sh/e will be replacing. During the campaign, there may be attacks on candidates, both incumbents and challengers. Try to disregard name calling and rumor mongering. Usually these are distortion techniques. You must evaluate whether those distortions will affect the candidate’s performance in office. Vote because you have thoroughly researched your candidate and can make an informed choice. The noise that sometimes accompanies our election season, locally and nationally, often influences individuals’ votes. Don’t be influenced by the distracting acts of politics. And finally, a threshold consideration for Yeadon voters is the role that inconsistency and fragmentation have played in limiting our community’s ability to fulfill its potential. Lately, every two years there has been a major re-composition of the Borough Council. The constant turnover has created a stop and start culture in the Borough. Until recently there has not been little evidence of a harmonized approach to governing. Councils have not looked back to previous Councils and tried to build on or expand their initiatives. The development of this community has suffered greatly because of this culture. Yeadon has not made the progress that surrounding communities have made—development of business districts, recreational facilities, housing upgrades, and so on. This year, in 2018 and again in 2020, voters have perhaps the most awesome responsibility in our lifetime. Every bit of evidence suggests that the fabric of democracy will be held together by local and state governments. We can no longer depend on the federal government to safeguard the benefits of democracy. Prepare now for your vote. Learn as much as you can about the candidates you will vote for. Know that each of us has a role in shaping the future of our community. The journey starts with our making informed decisions about whom we choose to govern us.

T

OFFICIAL NATIONALTRAINING

March 11, 2017 | 4:30 PMChapel of the Good Shepherd

continued on page 7

GREAT THINGS FOR THE YEADON COMMUNITY

PAGE 2

(YPL)

PAGE 2 YeadonPulse.com March 2017

When Donald Trump was campaigning, he promised to protect Medicare,

Medicaid, Social Security, and other popular federal assistance programs that seniors depend on. Once in office, Trump tapped Tom Price (R-Ga.) to be his Health and Human Services Secretary. Tom Price is determined to dramatically overhaul the government programs that benefit seniors and low-income Americans., as well as Social Security. Now that Republicans control the presidency and both Houses of Congress more than 100 million seniors and low-income Americans’ health benefits and Social Security are at great risk. Donald Trump and the Republican Congress are committed to repealing and replacing Obamacare. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan says,” Obamacare rewrote Medicare … so if you’re going to repeal and replace Obamacare, you have to address those issues as well. … Medicare has got some serious problems because of Obamacare. Those things are part of our plan to replace Obamacare.” House Speaker Paul Ryan is committed to replacing traditional Medicare with a privatized “premium support” program. This means that seniors would receive vouchers to help pay insurance premiums, such as Medicare Advantage, Medicare

Supplement, and Medicare Gap plans. In addition, Medicare benefits may be reduced. There is no guarantee that these vouchers would pay the full cost of an insurance premium. At least 8 million people on Medicare who are eligible for Medicaid, because of their financial status, would also be severely affected. We must fight against detrimental changes to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. We cannot wait until the cuts have been made. We must start right NOW!

Let your Congressional Representative know that you want him to fight to save

your Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.

Try to call at least once a week:Casey, Robert P., Jr. - (D - PA)

393 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510

(202) 224-6324Contact: www.casey.senate.gov/contact

Toomey, Patrick J. - (R - PA)248 Russell Senate Office Building

Washington DC 20510(202) 224-4254

Contact: www.toomey.senate.gov/Robert A. Brady (D)

U.S. House of RepresentativesWashington, DC 20515

(202) 224-3121TTY: (202)-225-1904

FOR OUR SENIOR READERS…. Fight NOW To Save Your BenefitsBy Jim Campbell

Our actions are having an effect. Congressman Darrell Issa, a strong supporter of Trump, has called for a special prosecutor to oversee the investigation into Trump associates’ contacts with Russia. THE RESISTANCE IS WORKING.If you agree with the following statement by Common Cause, please go Online to “Common Cause” and sign your name and call the Representatives whose telephone numbers are listed below. “Americans are demanding -- and deserve -- a complete and impartial investigation into the Trump campaign and administration’s ties to the Russian government.But that won’t happen if Attorney Jeff Sessions is in charge of it. He was a key part

of the campaign, and has close personal relationships with Donald Trump and other senior staff that he’d be tasked with investigating.During his confirmation, Sessions agreed to recuse himself from any

investigations into Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server because of his campaign activities. But somehow, that principle doesn’t apply when it comes to Donald Trump’s ties to Russia -- Sessions claimed he was “not aware of a basis to recuse myself.”Here’s the basics: Sessions-led investigation, especially if it completely exonerates

Trump and his team, will reek of an official cover up. If Sessions wants this investigation to have any public credibility whatsoever, he needs to step aside.We deserve a Trump-Russia investigation we can trust -- and that means one that

doesn’t involve Jeff Sessions. Add your name today.”Next Tuesday—finally—House Judiciary Committee members will debate and vote on investigating Donald Trump and his administration, and it’s all because of the resolution of inquiry filed by Representative Jerry Nadler.Rep. Nadler’s resolution directs the Department of Justice to provide the House of Representatives with any and all information relevant to Trump and his associates’ conflicts of interest, ethical violations, and ties to Russia.1So far, representative—Robert J. Wittman—hasn’t signed on as a co-sponsor of Rep. Nadler’s demand to investigate Trump and key members of his current administration.Can you pick up the phone right now and ask Representative Robert J. Wittman

to sign on? Call:

Rep. Wittman (202) 225-4261Rep. Brady (202) 225-4731

You can say, “Americans deserve to know about Trump’s ties to Russia and what he’s hiding in his tax returns. Please co-sponsor Rep. Nadler’s demand that the Department of Justice turn over all relevant material on these conflicts.”Don’t forget to keep the fire lit under congressional Democrats as well. We

cannot rest or become complacent no matter who represents us. All of Congress is on notice: this movement is just getting started.Try to make at least one call each week in support of the Affordable Care Act

(Obama Care). You should call the following to express your support.Sen. Robert Casey 202 224 6324

Rep. Brady (202) 225-4731Sen. Mitch McConnell (202) 224 2541

Rep. Paul Ryan (202 225 3031

STAND WITH THE PULSEThe Editors

Great Things at YPLThe Yeadon Public Library was

bustling with activity during Black History Moth. On Saturday, February 18th, the library hosted the Marian Anderson Historical Museum performance. And it was exceptional said Garry Core. The following Saturday, Feb. 25th,

the YPL and the Friends of YPL hosted Lift Every Voice and Celebrate High Tea. Now according to Library

Director ,Richard E. Ashby you must say High Tea with the correct accent and you must hold your cup with your pinky finger, fully extended. Otherwise you may be asked to leave Guests sipped tea, dined, and

participated in a program that included Black trivia, music, recitations and anecdotes. The Lloyd Alexander Trio provided

musical entertainment.

STAND UP fight for your country fight for you rights

Keith Ivy

Maureen Fratantino

ReginaSmith

JillianPirtle

DonaldHunt

March 2017 YeadonPulse.com PAGE 3

“What Is Wrong WIth You?”This is the second in a series of articles designed to inform parents, schools,

law enforcement, and communities about young people who have experienced Trauma and/or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s). This article will help adults recognize characteristics of teens who have experienced trauma and explain how one adult in a child’s life may make all the difference in whether or not a young person ends up having positive life experiences.The welfare of our youth depends on many more adults- inside and outside the family- adopting the strategy of reaching out and supporting our children. Young people who make it despite exposure to adversity are those who have had at least one adult who cares about (loves) them unconditionally and holds high expectations. Ideally that adult is a parent, however, when the parent is unable to fill that role, then other adults in our community must step up to this critically important role.Yeadon needs a substantial number of individuals and programs such as

mentoring, tutoring, sports, academic activities, and faith based organizations that will focus on positive youth development. Approaches that blame victims and view our youth as problems to be solved or as discipline cases to be controlled are simply not effective. It leaves our youth in a pipeline that leads to negative outcomes.We must become proficient in identifying and supporting young people who

experienced trauma. We must be able to not only recognize characteristics of these youth we must be willing to be that one adult that may make the difference in the life of a child. This is what the need to survive might look like in a teen in our community

and school. There is no classic picture to which all traumatized youth adhere,

however, certain behaviors are common and may raise concern that a history of trauma drives the behavior. Bear in mind, however, pain and trauma can also result in resilience and a deep commitment to succeed in this world.1. It may be harder to build a trusting relationship because the teen has not

experienced adults as consistently safe2. Community members, parents, teachers, and law enforcement may

portray the teen as easily upset, easily provoked or highly combative.3. The teen may be diagnosed as hyperactive or defiant.4. The teen may display what others consider to be unsuitable emotions and

behavior.5. The young person may appear to be inattentive as a result of focusing

on traumatic events in the past or hyper attentive to “danger signals” of which adults are not aware.

6. A common post-traumatic symptom is dissociation. This may be reported as “lying” which represents a reality produced to replace actual events that are too difficult to recall because of trauma or “zoning out” which represent a behavior that has proven to be adaptive during trauma or adverse childhood experiences.

7. They have difficulty maintaining safety in interpersonal relationships.8. They have difficulty learning in school, particularly when stress occurs.9. Open and direct communication at home, at work, and at school pose

significant challenges and they frequently communicate through behavior, not directly, openly or in words.

10. They feel helpless and powerless in the face of a world they perceive has been unjust and cruel and, as a result, maybe repeatedly bullied or become bullies themselves.

11. Living under adverse conditions, these youth frequently do not develop a

clear sense of social responsibility even into adulthood12. Moral development may also be affected.13. Their emotional and learning challenges interfere with the ability to set

goals and they often lack hope that the future will be any better.14. They have problems with authority and confused sense of justice.

“Why do you need this information?”Remember teens who will make it in life despite exposure to adversity

are those who have had at least one adult who care about (loves) them unconditionally and holds them to high expectations. You could be that adult that makes a difference in the life of a child or you can continue to ask the wrong question, “What’s is wrong with you?” Recognizing youth who have experienced trauma allows us to better serve without judgment and to approach our youth with the mindset of “What happened to you?” rather than “What’s wrong with you?” It will allow us to see potential and a positive future where others may view ineptitude, an oppositional personality, or brokenness.Next in the series: How Do We Work with Traumatized Young People in

Our Home, Schools, and Community. Part three in this series will help adults provide support to youth who experienced trauma. This series is based on the research from Strength-Based Communication Strategies to Build Resilience and Support Healthy Adolescent Development.Rosalind Jones-Johnson is a recognized educational expert who serves as

the Chief Executive Officer of Quest for Educational Excellence (QFEE) and Director of Education for the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers. Rosalind served 12 years on Yeadon Borough Council. Rosalind has lived in Yeadon for more than 50 years and is a wife and mother of three adult children.

BE YOUR OWN BOSSSales reps needed

full time & part time for the Yeadon Pulse

Job will consist of outside sales, special events, telephone sales.(must be able to work independently)

CALL (610) 626-9773ask for Garry

PAGE 4 YeadonPulse.com March 2017

I have to ask the question because the dots are all suspended in front of us all, and the lines that connect those dots are beginning to show themselves more and more every day. I have to ask the question because for my entire life I’ve heard political opponents sling mud, tell outright lies, do and say just about anything to weaken their opposition. But until the 2016 campaign for President of the United States, I’ve never heard a candidate for that office speak so disparagingly about critical American institutions and American heroes.And now that Donald Trump is President, I’m witnessing a sitting President of the United

States attack the credibility of the entire intelligence community and eviscerate the free press, whose responsibility it is to check the power and abuse of the President and other branches of government. We awoke on the morning of February 23 to learn that the chief of staff to President Trump contacted the FBI to get them to bury an inquiry/story that would not be favorable to the Office of the President of the United States. As a matter of fact, it’s a story that could quite possibly bring this just beginning regime to an abrupt and fiery end. I must ask the question: Is Donald Trump Vladimir Putin’s puppet? Everything I’ve laid

out was not put forth by President Trump in the form of normal political bluster. No. He did this all while deflecting criticism and in defense of Vladimir Putin and the Russian governmental establishment. Let’s look at the facts we know today, based on leaks from both within the White House

various US intelligence agencies and the dogged work of solid investigative journalism. This time line is provided by The Washington Post

Dec. 25 — According to incoming Press Secretary Sean Spicer, Flynn sends a text to Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak “wishing him a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” and saying he looks forward “to touching base with you and working with you, and I wish you all the best.” Spicer says the ambassador texted Flynn back, “wishing him a Merry Christmas as well.”

Dec. 29 — The United States retaliates against Russian hacking aimed at influencing the U.S. election. President Barack Obama announces sanctions on Russian intelligence services and their top officials. Flynn texts the ambassador and the two speak by phone. Spicer later says the call was “centered around the logistics of setting up a call” between Trump and President Vladimir Putin.

Dec. 30 — Putin announces he won’t immediately retaliate against Obama’s sanctions, breaking from a pattern of angry denunciations of U.S. penalties. The Russian leader says he plans to restore U.S. ties “based on the policies that will be carried out by the administration of President D. Trump.” Trump later praises Putin’s restraint on Twitter.

Jan. 13 — A senior U.S. official tells The Associated Press that the Obama administration is aware of contacts between Flynn and Kislyak, including one on Dec. 29. Spicer denies the timing of the call, then later acknowledges it. Spicer says Flynn and Kislyak did not discuss sanctions. They only discussed logistics, he said, “that was it, plain and simple.”

Jan. 15 — Vice President Mike Pence repeats that denial in an interview with CBS’s Face the Nation Flynn and Kislyak “did not discuss anything having to do with the United States’ decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia” in their conversations, he says.

Jan. 23 — Spicer says in his first scheduled press conference that he’d spoken with Flynn the night before and was assured that the sanctions were not a topic that was discussed in Flynn’s calls with Kislyak.

Jan. 26 — The Justice Department informs White House Counsel Don McGahn that the White House denials contradict what intelligence officials knew to be true based on routine recordings of communications with foreign officials who are in the U.S. The White House says Trump and other senior advisers were “immediately” informed of the issue. Trump “tasked the White House counsel’s office to begin looking into the legal issues involved,” Spicer said.

Jan. 28 — Flynn is photographed sitting in the oval office as the president speaks with Putin by phone.

Feb. 1 — Flynn continues to serve in full capacity. He makes a surprise appearance at a daily White House briefing and delivers a message to Iran. “As of today, we are officially putting Iran on notice,” he says.

Feb. 8 — Flynn again denies that he’d discussed sanctions with Kislyak, according to The Washington Post.

Feb. 9 — Citing U.S. officials, the Post publishes a report stating that Flynn did discuss U.S. sanctions against Russia with Kislyak during the month Trump took office, despite administration officials’ denials. The report also suggests Flynn had misled Pence.

Feb. 10 — Trump is asked about the Post report. “I haven’t seen them. I’ll look into them,” he says. Flynn meets with Pence and speaks with him by phone.

Feb. 13 — White House adviser Kellyanne Conway tells reporters that the president has “full confidence” in Flynn. Less than an hour later, Spicer tells reporters that the president is “evaluating the situation.” Shortly after, the Post breaks the news of the earlier Justice Department warning. Flynn submits his resignation. If we add to all of this, the fact that the US Department of Justice informed President

Trump that Flynn could be blackmailed by Russia, and as reported by multiple news sources, other Trump advisors and associates had “regular communications with Russian intelligence and government officials” throughout 2016, we have to assume that there are others in Trump’s administration who could be compromised by Russian intelligence. I haven’t even touched on the unanswered questions about Donald Trump’s potential money ties to Russian oligarchs who are close to Putin, if not Putin himself. It is time for the American people to demand a full, thorough and independent inquiry into

Donald Trump’s (and his staff(s)) ties to Russian actors. To date, the US National Security Agency is understaffed by 65% of its needed personnel. The US State Department is 70% understaffed. We are extremely vulnerable and Republicans in the U.S. House seem to have no interest in learning what weaknesses we have and just how infiltrated we may already be. It is reported that CIA are withholding information from Donald Trump, the President of

The United States because they don’t trust him with information related to Russia or our allies. Translation, our own intelligence community is concerned that the President of The United States is feeding sensitive intelligence information to our enemies. I am no longer surprised by the lack of decorum and the complete buffoonery. I am

increasingly terrified though that this man is going to take this country I love to the point of no return.

Is Putin the Puppet MasterBy Allencon Noel

EDITORIAL OP-ED

Thousands of citizens in communities across America demonstrated against President Trump on January 20, 2017. And so did citizens in Yeadon! A spirited and determined

group of adults and children shouted chants and held posters displaying their discomfort with the newly elected President. The demonstration was small compared to those in other communities, but passers-by shouted or waved their support and auto and bus drivers honked their horns. The spirit was so high that the Delco Daily Times reporter spent more than an hour interviewing participants, especially the children and TV Channel 6 filmed the event. The Yeadon Pulse acknowledges that many Americans are angry, alarmed and frightened right now. There is even a new “underground railroad’ organized to protect immigrants. But we earnestly believe that being an ACTIVE citizen is the muscle of democracy. The thousands of citizens who are involved in resistance actions every day are defending an alternative vision that we believe will bring Americans together like never before. These citizens are expressing their determination to achieve an inclusive society that leaves on one behind, not African-American, not immigrant, not Muslim, not LGBTQ, not any working-class person, black or white. The Yeadon Pulse urges you to join this movement! Our Stand With the Pulse included in each edition includes actions you can participate in. Know that everything you do helps to build momentum. Engaged citizens can make a difference!

NOT MY PRESIDENTS DAY

THE BLACK AGENDABy Natalie Jordan

In light of the President’s recent ac-tions, we might be getting a better idea

of how the next four years will be. This does not imply that the President is pre-dictable, on the contrary, we make that assumption at our own peril. He is not to be underestimated, not by any means. The Republicans in Congress contin-

ue to clearly demonstrate that they are more interested in partisanship than what is in the best interest of the peo-ple of this country, who overwhelming-ly support the policy positions of the Democratic Party. Some have suggested that we should

now focus on developing a “Black agen-da,” and on the methods to implement

that agenda. This raises the question: What will become of all the previous “agendas” that have been put forward in the past? African-American commentators from

Cornel West and Tavis Smiley to the NAACP, Urban League and Black Lives Matter have all outlined a variety of is-sues impacting our community. Not to say that a multi-pronged approach is not the best course of action, but does this new call to action disregard all the previous work that has been done? Or is this body of previous work to become a building block that informs our agenda for the future? What do you think?

Poem written during Not My Presidents Day Demonstration

Should you judge me by my race?Should you judge me by my face?

Is it right for you to think I shouldn’t have the rights you do?

The things you say make you racist in every way.

You make me more sad every day.Is it right for you to think that I

shouldn’t have the rights you do?We will fight as hard as we can because you don’t have a clue.

By Naomi Brinkley (age 8)

Dakota and Sydney Puriefoy (age 11)

March 2017 YeadonPulse.com PAGE 5

The Yeadon Pulse accepts opinion articles (op-eds) on subjects related to content previously published or on issues of interest/concern to our readers. Opinion articles should run from 400 to 1,200 words, but submissions of any length will be considered.

Anonymous op-eds or op-eds written under pseudonyms will not be considered. Op-eds submitted must include the writer’s full name, home address, e-mail address and telephone numbers. They must also include a short headline and a tag line at the bottom of the article identifying the author(s). A one-line biography for each author should be included.

Yeadon Pulse editors are careful not to alter a writer’s opinions or “voice” but all op-eds are edited for clarity and precision of language. They are also fact-checked, may be copy edited for grammar and style and may be adjusted to fit the space available in the newspaper. Contributors will be asked to sign-off on all changes before a final version is published.

If you do not hear from us within 15 business days, please assume that we will not be able to use your article.

OPINION ARTICLES

The word legacy is not easily defined. A legacy can be molded, altered, and redefined many different times. When looking at the overall legacy of an athlete, it’s important to key in on the defining moments of that person’s career. With each game and every single play, an athlete has the potential to define or redefine their legacy. How we remember our athletes, even long after they leave the sport, solely depends on those defining moments that tend to shape the arch of their career.

Fast forward to February 5, 2017 7:54EST, down 21-0 in the late 2nd quarter and the legacy of Tom Brady was on the verge of taking a major hit. Let’s frame what Tom Brady was staring at down the gun barrel. As we all know, he served a four game suspension at the beginning of the season for his role in the deflate gate saga. His mother who had been battling cancer had attended her first game that season, and that game happened to be the Superbowl. He was staring at a record of 4-3 in the NFL’s biggest game of the year and any talk of him passing Montana as the greatest QB of all time would have been ceased. This type of pressure is what can cause most people to falter and succumb to the obstacle at hand. But not Tom Brady; these are the situations he thrives off of. Brady as a 17-year veteran has been in many big games but has never had that defining moment to cement his legacy as perhaps the greatest football player ever until mid-3rd quarter of Superbowl 51.

Down 28-3 and playing a key role in this deficit because of a late pick six that he had thrown at the end of the 1st half, Tom Brady had awakened. Imagine the immense pressure of having to try and overcome a 25-point deficit in the Superbowl with 26 minutes of game action remaining. With 100 million Americans watching on television and another 70,000 in the stands, spectators glued their eyes to the field wondering if Tom Brady would validate himself as the Greatest or come up short in the Superbowl.

Late in the 3rd quarter Brady lead his team down for a touchdown to bring the score to 28-9 against the Falcons and almost instantaneously the placekicker missed the extra point. At this

point, many fans began wondering if it was just not meant to be for Brady to hoist Lombardi trophy number 5. Moving into the 4th quarter and Tom Brady and the Patriots successfully kicked another field goal to increase their score by 3 points. Even with the score at 28-12, watchers essentially had written the Patriots off; nevertheless, Brady never lost confidence in himself or his team. This led up to his career defining moment.

Down 16 the Patriots essentially only needed two touchdowns with at least two extra points to tie the game. New England had seized momentum of the game and Atlanta made the grave mistake of playing against the scoreboard

instead of their opponents. With the Patriots defense able to minimize the offensive production of Atlanta, they were able to cut the deficit to 8 points late in the 4th quarter. With the lead now down to only a score, New England clearly was ready to seize control. Next came a 3-play sequence in which New England stopped Atlanta for a short gain, Trey Flowers beat Alex Mack for a sack, and the Falcons were called for a penalty. This turn of events knocked Atlanta out of field goal range and allowed Tom Brady one opportunity to tie the game. Atlanta punted to New England and Tom Brady took the Patriots on a 10 play 91yard drive in two minutes and 33 seconds to bring the score to 28-26. Tom Brady still needed the 2-point conversion to get back in the game or all would be for naught. Talk about pressure one has to overcome. Brady led the Patriots to get the 2-point conversion for a tie. In overtime, the Patriots won the coin toss and the Patriots scored the game winning touchdown.

Until Superbowl LI, no Superbowl in history has ever gone into overtime and Tom Brady was in the first. He also led his team to overcome the biggest deficit in Superbowl history to win the Patriots’ fifth Superbowl title. His resilience, leadership and performance on the field February 5, 2017 will be what fans, players and commentators talk about when we mention the name Brady because it was this game and all these moments that make up the legacy of Tom Brady and solidify his title as the greatest of all time.

by Christopher Marshallthat DefInIng MoMent

ELECTCharles A. WILKINS Jr.

ForYEADON BOROUGH COUNCIL

He is a Husband & Father of a Penn Wood H. S. Student.He has been Endorsed by Yeadon Democratic Committee.He is an IRAQ War Veteran and has been in the U.S. Army (Active Duty and Reserve combined) for 24yrs.He has received one of the 1st Awards from Yeadon Borough Council for Volunteering.He has advocated for Seniors in Yeadon Borough to remove deceased spouse from voter registration list and helped another widow receive benefits for her deceased husband who was in the military.He has taught embroidery to youth within Yeadon Borough.He ran in 12th Annual Yeadon Races and won a medal for his age group.He has facilitated FREE Gun Safety Seminar to Yeadon residents who where willing learn about Gun Safety.

To find out more about “CHARLES A. WILKINS JR.” go to:

www.wilkinsforcouncil.com

Paid for by Candidate

“I am running for the 2yr position on Yeadon Borough Council, to show my fellow citizens how productive we could be with new ideas and fresh energy. I believe we as a people should Research – Act – Review to move Yeadon Forward.”

Photo: NYTimes.com

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NO TAX INCREASE (4 Consecutive Years)

$2 MILLION ALLOCATION FOR SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE

6 NEW POLICE OFFICERS

$400K SAVINGS WITH MUNICIPAL MANAGEMENT FIRM

$195K SAVINGS FOR RENEGOTIATED TRASH COLLECTION

NEW GATEWAY AND ELECTRONIC INFORMATION SIGNS

REMODELED BANQUET HALL FACILITY

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ESTABLISHED YEADON’S FIRST HISTORICAL COMMISSIONAND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

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PAGE 6 YeadonPulse.com March 2017

A CONVERSATION WITH...JUDSON SUMBLER, DIRECTOR OF CODE DEPARTMENTJudson Sumbler, was appointed Director of Yeadon’s Code Department in 2015. He began his career at PECO, where he worked for 27 years, moving through the ranks, serving as an instructor to management counseling. After leaving PECO he managed his own business, Martial Arts, City Line Karate Club, and also worked as Patti LaBelle’s bodyguard for 8 years.. GC: I talk to a lot of people, and most folks have the sense that communities typically go the way the Code Department goes. If the Code Department is enforcing the code, usually the community looks good and if they don’t, then it’s a downhill spiral. Do you believe that? JS: I would say 25 years ago that might have been so, but now it’s because we are dealing with a different influx of residents. Years ago, people respected each other and the community. You know, back then, people kind of took care of themselves and each other. When I was growing up, Saturday morning was devoted to cleaning. My job was to clean the steps. Those steps were marble. They better be shining! There was a “love thy neighbor” attitude. You don’t have that community sense like we used to have back then. GC: That leads me to one of the other questions I had about community pride. I’m not trying to put all the blame on our young people, but they seem to have more of a disregard for our community, they have issues with littering/throwing trash, that may not be under your purview.JS: Oh, it is! It’s a major part. Just think about how much trash we pick up just sweeping the streets. That impacts the taxes. We’ve got to dump that trash somewhere. And when you dump it somewhere, there’s a charge. Who’s going to pay the charge? Pick an area, say 70th street, half Yeadon, half City of Philadelphia. People think that’s all Yeadon, but if you go see the sign, we only own half of it. Somebody has to clean it. All the trash from the Philly side blows over to the Yeadon side. Somebody’s got to get rid of that or people would complain to us. How do we handle that? Now we’ve got to have a relationship with Philly, to come out and help. Then we go along Cobbs Creek, that’s Fairmount Park. That gets into an EPA thing, people throwing stuff down the sewer. That’s storm-water sewage. That has to be monitored. Those are costs that raise your taxes. People aren’t aware of that. They don’t understand what happens when they dump the cooking oil down the drain GC: Or when they change their motor oil in the car and dump it in the sewer.JS: I can show you some video of some of the pipes in the city, where the motor oil and cooking oil has solidified in the pipes. It clots hard as a rock, and the pipes have to be cleaned. That’s all costs to residents. I guess the hardest part is, people need to be more educated, especially because now we live in a disposable society. When I was growing up, soda bottles were worth a nickel, so they didn’t go in the trash, they were exchanged for money. GC: They were recycled. That’s right. That was revenue for some. JS: As young boys we used to take a wagon around and get papers, and we thought we were slick. We would put bricks in there thinking we would get more money, and the guy knew what was up.GC: Where did you grow up in north Philly? JS: 24th and NorrisGC: I grew up on 16th and Columbia. My Grandmother lived down on Newkirk Street. That block was mostly homeowners and every Saturday they had street cleaning. Regardless of what went on Friday night, I don’t care who you were, you were out there Saturday morning cleaning that street. And then usually once or twice a year, we had to paint the sidewalk. There was pride of ownership back then.JS: The kids were in the streets a lot more. If you remember one of the things we did was play “curbies”, and you couldn’t play” curbies unless the street was clean. GC: So, you talked about how the community has changed, and about community pride now here in Yeadon.JS: They have pride, but it’s just that…. One person Rick Trio from Code tried to address the litter issue with kids.GC: Yes, I wanted to know if the Borough or if the Code Department had partnered with any other entities of the Borough to create some awareness around littering, but then I remembered that there was a campaign. JS: That was generated by Rick Trio. And it got a lot of buzz . They had a little thing with a pizza party with the kids. But see a lot of it is not the people in Yeadon. A lot of the dumping is from the people outside of Yeadon. If you go down Allen Drive, there’s a lot of dumping done there. It’s not the neighborhood people. But some of the other things Yeadon people do need to do is related to trash cans. There’s an ordinance, and we must cite you if you use trash bags instead of cans. We know trash bags are so much easier to use. But they break and trash is all over the place. It’s little things like that we need to address.GC: So, it kind of makes your job difficult, for example if you go back to the trash bag situation, I find myself guilty of that too.

What’s spooky is that the trash can is right there. I’ve got to remind myself to drop trash in the can, and it’s only a few extra steps. But I guess some people are like me and just don’t do that. JS: Then you’ve got trash all over the place. GC: Not only do you have trash all over the place, but if you are trying to correct it with fines or warnings. Then folks get upset. So how do you deal with that situation?JS: We have to just let them yell. GC: (Chuckling)JS: One of the issues is that we give out a violation and people get upset about the violation. But a violation is like a warning, and basically it’s to get people to come to talk to us. Say you get a violation because you grass is too high. You would think people would just go cut their grass. But some people won’t do that. We go back and cite them. Then they cut the grass. GC: Speaking of grass, what is the acceptable height?JS: 10 inchesGC: (Laughing) That’s not grass, that’s a jungle. JS: One of my jokes is that the kids will write initials in the weeds (laughing). But if you walk by and you see your grass has a head like wheat, you know it’s time to cut. Most people do cut at the right time. It’s not everyone who violates. But it’s always the same people and we stay on top of them. During the summer we might average somewhere about between 200 or more violations for grass. GC: And its typically the same people. Do you find that group of people are financially unable to do certain things?JS: No, because we have programs for the seniors. Most of the time it’s just people who just won’t cut their grass. Or it’s the Realtor that won’t come out and take care of the property. GC: Which is going to bring me to my next question. How difficult is it to enforce the Code when dealing with Realtors? JS: It’s difficult because the owners who are renting to residents ignore us until all of sudden, they get a call from a bank wanting to know about a bond (citation) that the bank president has received. Then all of a sudden we have their attention. One of the things management and administration will be doing is looking more into blight and how we can start addressing some of those projects. There are a few state laws that are going to help us out with the blighted areas. There’s a lot of blight. What’s funny sometimes is that people say that it didn’t look like this 25 years ago. But, there are not too many places you can go to that look like they did 25 years ago. GC: And that’s a common thing. Folks want things to remain the same, but they change. However some communities you drive through look so pristine it makes you wonder why your community does not look as pristine.JS: It’s a people issue. A lot of the time you had neighbors helping neighbors. Like shoveling snow for example. Think of the safety issue. We used to shovel my front and the fronts of my neighbors either sides. Because if a person falls, they’re going to trip on the snow side but fall on your side. Getting back to the look of the community. After April and May, around June, most of the area looks manicured, except for the few hot spots, and we know who they are and the inspectors stay on top of them. Some of the issues we have with finances, are how do you help people with driveways, and how do you help them with concrete. Those are big cost hitters for residents. They won’t come up to Code because the contractors don’t want to take out permits. They say, “I’ll do your concrete for $200.” And they do the work on weekends when they think Code officers are not on duty. So right now, we have 2 officers that work on Saturday, and they’re catching a ton of people coming in and out of town. If you’re having your concrete done, the first warning sign (about the quality of work) should be if he comes in with a pan and he’s mixing cement. That should be a

flag that goes off. What happens is two months later the resident is calling us because their cement is flaking.GC: So, it would behoove the resident to find a reputable contractor and then make sure that the contractor registers the job with the Borough because your guys will inspect. Does that typically occur before or after?JS: Before they pour.GC: Before they pour is most critical, because then you know the foundation is right unless they mess up the form or something like that.JS: Then that’s bad workmanship. Then we go to court, if necessary.GC: Since we’re talking about these construction projects; people often have the tendency to work on their own houses. So to what extent can a resident work on their own property without getting the attention of the Code Department? What types of jobs can be done?JS: With the Borough, legally if you go by the Code book, the only thing you can do is paint. GC: So anything you’re doing on your house you need to come to the Code Department, technically speaking?JS: Right. And basically, even with that there are checks and balances, because if you’re doing the average job, if it’s under $370 there’s no charge for the permit, if you purchase the materials. Now say you’re doing drywall. Now we’ve got to look at what kind of drywall and framing you are putting up. And one of the catch-alls on that is that people say, “Well this is my cousin doing it.” So, we have an application for relatives that are doing the work. Often in a situation like that after the work is done, we get calls like, “Well my floor is coming up, and I paid him such and such.” Well, you said he was your relative. Before you make those kinds of arrangements, talk to Code so you won’t have to come back to them after things have gone wrong, because they have that documentation.GC: So, when residents have issues with contractors, the Borough can intercede on their behalf, or is it something the resident has to pursue through the court system?JS: Yes, we can help. We recently had a situation where a roof was not repaired properly. We took pictures. The resident filed a claim. The we came to court on their behalf. What’s critical is that residents do the right thing up front. If you call us after the job. There’s not much we can do.GC: Based on your experience, what are the 3 things Borough residents should be mindful of as it relates specifically to the Code Department? JS: First they need to know what the Code Department does. GC: Tell us exactly what that is.JS: We oversee the ordinances, give out permits, and we do inspections. We are not the ones that go out and chase dogs running up and down the street. People need to know, what’s code, what’s highway and what’s the Police department. They call us for a lot of things we can’t do anything about.GC: Is there anything else?JS: What we need people to do is give us more help as far as abandoned cars. We can only touch cars that are on private property. GC: Now when you say private property. Is that the back or the front?JS: The back, we can’t mess with the street. That’s the police department. GC: You spoke to this earlier when we began the interview. You talked about the perception of the Borough. Its look, really hinges on the people that live here, their commitment to the Borough, and to each other. Do you think there are some things the Borough can do to try to get more people aware of community perceptions and their role in uplifting the community?JS: This is my view, I think you will see a change now. And people, not only in Yeadon, but this whole county has just been Trumped. When you get people riled up, you start getting action. People used to say I don’t want to come up here to the Borough because it’s too much fighting, but now it’s kind of important for you to come up here to these meetings. I don’t want to get involved with this, but now it’s important. I constantly hear people talk about their taxes. Yeadon taxes are on par with everybody else’s. It’s the William Penn School District that has high taxesGC: In closing, did you have any final thoughts or remarks you would like to share with the readers of the Pulse?JS: Again, I think it goes back to” love thy neighbor.” And like I said, you don’t have to like them, just show a little more respect. And I think people need to sit down and talk to their kids more. I still have a dining room table and chairs at my house. People need to use those. Years ago I took a business course. The instructor predicted Black people would be left behind because of technology. He was wrong there, but right when he said society was moving into a cocooning generation. Now people are cocooning in their houses and families are cocooning among themselves. So there’s no interaction. We need to connect.

March 2017 YeadonPulse.com PAGE 7

Council Caucus Meets 2nd Thursday of each month @ 6:30 PM

Council Legislative Meets 3rd Thursday of each month @ 7:30 PM

March 9, 2016 March 16, 2017

April 13, 2017 April 20, 2017

May 11, 2017 May 18, 2017

June 8, 2017 June 15, 2017

July 13, 2017 July 20, 2017

August 10, 2017 August 17, 2017

September 14, 2017 September 21, 2017

October 12, 2017 October 19, 2017

November 9, 2017 November 16, 2017

December 14, 2017 December 21, 2017

DATE EVENT LOCATION TIME

03/11/17 STAND with the Pulse“ACLU Training” Chapel of the Good Shepherd 4:30 PM

03/23/17 Rain Barrel Workshop Morton Borough Hall 6:30 PM

04/01/17 Yeadon Democratic Committee Fund-raiser Illusions 8 PM

04/14/17 Nile Swim ClubFish and Chicken Fry Fund Raiser Galileo Club 12

NOON

04/22/17 Yeadon BoroughOpen House Yeadon Borough Hall 12

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04/26/17 Blood Drive for Yeadon Employees Yeadon Borough Hall 1:00 PM

06/03/17 17th Annual YeadonFlag Day Races Evans Elementary School 7:30 AM

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Fish and Chicken Fry Friday, April 14 | 12 PM until 6 PM

Galileo Club 401 Bailey Road, Yeadon

Dine-In or Take OutWhiting, Chicken Wings, Baked

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Mark your calendar for the Nile Spring Fling Cabaret, April 29

Myrtle Belcher Rawlins Johnson of Yeadon, PA went home to be with the Lord on February 23, 2017 at the age of 93. Ms. Johnson was born in Crumpler, West Virginia to John and Lilly Mae Belcher. In addition to her parents, Myrtle

is preceded in glory by her three brothers, Sam, Billy and Bobby Belcher; her husband Moses Johnson and her grandson, Thomas Fralin, III. Myrtle is survived by four brothers: Shirley Belcher of Mansfield, OH, Lorenzo Belcher of Cincinnati, OH, Rev. Dr. James Belcher of Lebanon, Virginia and Dr. John M Belcher of Ocala, Florida; two sisters Sandra Belcher of Philadelphia and Eloise Powell of Crumpler, West Virginia and her three children, James Burrell Rawlins (Venetia) of Bermuda, Loretta Fralin (Thomas) of Yeadon and Edward James Rawlins of Lathrop, California. She also leaves behind, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other family and a host of friends. Myrtle attended Storer College in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and the New York School of Mortuary. Upon graduation, she married James Edward Rawlins of Bermuda. In 1952, she returned back to the United States where she served at Bellevue Hospital in New York. In 1963, Myrtle moved to Yeadon and bought a home at 416 Orchard Avenue with her husband, Moses Johnson. In 1983, she and her daughter, Loretta, were the first African Americans to join the Chapel of the Good Shepherd in Yeadon. Since moving to Yeadon, Myrtle has had an impact on community service that is rivaled by none. For approximately 30 years, she volunteered for Manor Care Nursing Home, the Friendship Circle, Meals on Wheels Mission and the Senior Citizen at Home Program. She also served as a deaconess at the Chapel for many years. Her life of consistent, faithful service to the Lord and to the greater Yeadon Community, we believe, is her greatest legacy.

Home-going Services were held on March 1, 2017 at her home church, “The Chapel” with a repast to follow.

A special online donation fund in the honor of Myrtle Johnson is available by logging onto: www.cogsonline.com and clicking: “Myrtle Johnson Memorial Fund”.

May the Lord of my Salvation bless YOU real good today!

OBITUARIES Because it was a Chat-N-Chew

people were engaged in conversation while sipping wine and sampling various delicacies. It was the perfect setting in which opponents, critics and adversaries, if they chose to, could engage in civil conversation and possibly hammer out differences.Case in point. I sat at a table with a

couple of gentlemen and immediately after cordial greetings one of the men said, “This guy doesn’t really like me”. I immediately said NO! That’s not an accurate statement. It’s not that I don’t like you. I don’t like your ideology. The way you think about certain things. I don’t know you. It’s not personal. Please don’t take it that way.At that point we began to discuss

our positions. Due to the disputatious nature of the topic other people at table began to express their point of view. What eventually happened was astonishing. Through communication, civil discourse we discovered commonality on a number of topics. So much so, I felt that if the opportunity presented itself we would be able work together on various projects in the future. Although he said a number of things

that made me look at him differently and see things from his perspective, in the end, I still vehemently disagreed with him on the initial point. So we handled it like mature adults and we agreed to disagree. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could

all refrain from personal attacks, articulate our position and engage in civil discourse? I believe if we did that, we would all be amazed at what could be accomplished.

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