photography by jenny j. swigoda

Gone but never Forgotten

2011-12-23T13:18:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia Police Officers and law enforcement representing the tri-state area visited the homes of the families of police officers who were killed in the line of duty on December 23. Photos will appear in the Northeast Times on December 28.

Michelle Liczbinski, widow of Sgt. Stephen Liczbinski, greets police officers as they deliver holiday meals to the families of slain police officers.

Caitlyn McNesby, 12, holds a present for John Pawlowski Jr. as his mother Kim holds him. Pawlowski was 5 months pregnant when her husband John was shot and killed in 2009.

Patsy McDonald hugs officer Mike Kelly of the Highway Patrol after officers delivered a holiday meal. McDonald's son Patrick was a Highway Patrol officer who was killed in 2008.

Attorney Jimmy Binns thanks police officers after the group of 75 police officers from the tri-state area delivered meals to the families of slain police officers on Friday December 23.

Thanksgiving Day Football

2011-11-25T11:44:00.001-08:00

Every year I cover Thanksgiving day football in the Northeast. The weather was great, definitely better than last year's snow. Here are a few shots from the two games that I covered yesterday.

Northeast HS v Central

Father Judge HS v George Washington

Gregory Loper vigil

2011-11-22T19:01:00.000-08:00

Gregory Loper was struck and killed by a motorist while he was riding his bike home at the corner of E. Lehigh Avenue and Jasper St. in Kensington. Friends and family organized a vigil on Tuesday November 22 at the site. The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia placed a "ghost bike" at the corner to remind those who pass by that a person lost his life on the ride home.

Good News!

2011-09-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report that my slideshow on the Philadelphia Veterans Comfort House won first place in the National Press Photographers Association August Multimedia contest!

Thank you to PVCH for all of the work that they do for veterans, to Wallace Presley, Edward Bridges, George Roache, and Frank Tramontano Jr. for sharing their powerful stories, to my editor John Scanlon who was very patient as I worked through the editing process, and to Jesse Leyh, my co-editor and creative partner!

Now I gotta get back to work! :))

js.

PVCH - audio slideshow

2011-07-27T14:56:00.001-07:00

In addition to the story, I thought that allowing the guys to tell their stories using their own words would be more powerful than anything I could ever write. So I collected audio from them during my visits to PVCH and put together a slideshow using some of the images I captured for the story. Here are their accounts :

Philadelphia Veterans Comfort House - the story

2011-07-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

The Philadelphia Veterans Comfort House (PVCH) is a nonprofit home in West Philadelphia dedicated to aiding veterans who are seeking treatment for cancer at the nearby Philadelphia Veterans Administration Medical Center. In 2010, PVCH expanded its mission to also help homeless veterans who are struggling in their lives. This story was published in the Northeast Times on July 28.

The Sights and Sounds of the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival

2011-06-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

Here's the audio slideshow of the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival I did for Newsworks. You can read more about it by clicking here.

West Oak Lane Jazz Festival

2011-06-19T11:57:00.001-07:00

I covered the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival for Newsworks this past weekend. I had never been to the event and wasn't too sure what to expect but it was a really fun time and a lot to photograph. I put together an audio slideshow of the festival which I will post in a couple of days. Here's a sneak peek at what I saw:

The crowd feels the music as Howard Hewett performed on stage.

Philadelphia Jazz Heritage Ensemble

Cars lined the streets and neighbors held barbaques as thousands gathered along Ogontz Avenue for the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival. Karen Shinholster, of the 1900 block of 72nd St. keeps an eye on a batch of jerk chicken.
The Persuasions were one of many acts to perform at the West Oak Lane Jazz Festival on Saturday June 18.

Thousands of people came out to sit back, relax and enjoy the music on Saturday.

a few more...

2011-06-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

a metro station

Patati Patata - very cute little café, good food, very friendly staff.

Vieux-Montréal

Plus d'images de Montréal

2011-06-19T08:18:00.000-07:00

art in the park.

Young girls cooling off outside the Musée d'Art Contemporain de Montréal.

I was amazed by how many phone booths I came across in Montréal, I hardly ever see them in the states. But I only once spotted a person actually using one.

En Vacance á Montréal

2011-06-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, we were heading to Montréal to spend four awesome days in the francophone city. I had been there over 10 years ago but hardly remembered the experience outside of walking around the old section. This trip back was fantastic and my favorite part was speaking the language again. There is much to see and do and just walking around provides a memorable experience. I highly recommend taking a trip up there, you will not be disappointed! Here are a few of my favorite memories from the trip.

In one of the metro stations, I'm sorry to say I can't remember which one. There were many interesting stations.

In the Latin Quarter, just down the street from our hotel.

My travel partner :)

Very hot day in the park, I was envious.

In one of several record stores we visited on the trip, I can't help myself when I see those security mirrors ;)

Frankford HS v Northeast HS

2011-05-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

Frankford crushed Northeast 17-0 today in the Public League playoffs. Here are a few highlights:

Northeast High School's Tyler Layfield (#29)

Frankford's Israel Diaz (#7) scored a three-run homer in the second inning.

Frankford's Rafael Cruz (#23) pitched a shutout against Northeast, defeating the Vikings 17-0 by the third inning.
Frankford's Ricky Alvarez (#1) slides into second base as Northeast High School's John Alford (#2) catches the ball.
Northeast High School shortstop Luis Contreras (#9) reaches for the ball as Frankford's Ricky Alvarez (#1) slides into second base.

Prom at William Penn Charter

2011-05-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

The end of the school year is an exciting time for teens about to embark on a new adventure. Many schools have different methods of keeping the students safe before and after prom. At William Penn Charter, students assemble in front of the school for pictures before a group of trolleys whisks them away to prom. I covered this event for Newsworks last weekend at the East Falls school. Here are some images :

A group of parents hold up their cameras to take photos of students from William Penn Charter before they head off to prom.

(from left) Kevin Ukaegbu, 18, Nicole Thomas, 17, Aleesha Powell, 18, and Andrew Davis, 16, pose for a photo outside of William Penn Charter High School before the prom on Saturday May 21.
Ali Rosen, 18, greets a group of friends as they gather in front of William Penn Charter High School before the prom. When asked if she is excited about the prom, Rosen exclaims "Oh my God, it's my favorite thing ever" before jumping into a photo with a large group of girls.

Caitlin Daly, (right)18, and Kate Higgins, 18, pose for a photo in front of William Penn Charter High School before the prom on Saturday May 21. Both girls purchased their gowns online for the occasion.
Students and parents gathered in front of William Penn Charter on Saturday May 21 for photos before a group of trolleys arrived to take the teenagers to the prom which was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Society Hill.

Bioluminescence

2011-05-27T05:41:00.000-07:00

While wondering around in Mt. Airy one day I noticed that there are a lot of beautiful murals and other pieces of art in the Northwest pocket of the city. One mural in particular stood out, it was a mural set about 20 feet above ground on the corner of Mt. Airy Avenue and Germantown Avenue. The colors were so vibrant and the image, while abstract, drew me in. I had to learn more. So I dug a little deeper and tracked down the artist so I could put together a soundslide for Newsworks. The mural was the work of Sara Steele, a local artist who had collaborated with the Mural Arts Program in 2005 to create the first mural in Northwest Philly. I'll let Sara explain :

Good News!

2011-05-24T12:02:00.000-07:00

I just found out that my story Moms Interrupted has received Honorable Mention for the category of Investigative Reporting for the 2011 Pennsylvania Newspaper Association's Keystone Press Awards! I could not be happier that this story about women in prison is receiving the recognition it deserves! I am so grateful to Christine Wearry and Antoinette Leak and each of their families, for sharing so much of their lives with me, they really are amazing women. Thank you to the wonderful people from MOMobile and the Philadelphia Prison Systems for allowing me the access I needed to get this project done, and of course my fabulous editor John Scanlon, who was so incredibly patient for over a year as I schlepped back and forth from the prison each week and who's guidance during the editing process ultimately led to a great piece.

Thank you everyone for your encouraging support!

js.

Over the last couple of weeks

2011-05-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

Sister Kathleen Touey smiles as students sing for her during a ceremony to commemorate her 25 years as principal of St. Matthew School on Friday April 29.
Captain Neil Calore (right) shakes hands with Deputy of Community Operations Ernest Hargett after docking in front of the Independence Seaport Museum on Wednesday April 27. Calore is rowing from Washington D.C. to New York to raise autism awareness.
Frank O'Donnell holds his hand to his heart as the bugler plays "Taps" at the conclusion of the plaque dedication in honor of his grandfather, Vincent O'Donnell, a police officer who was killed on September 26, 1929 in the line of duty. The plaque was dedicated outside of the 39th Police District on Thursday April 28.
Hunter Trubisky, 6, proudly displays his Student of the Month award. His father, Nicky, a single parent, sits behind his son with a proud smile.
An auction was held at Kristy's Diner on Torresdale Avenue on Wednesday April 27. The winning bid went for $121K.

The Unseen

2011-04-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some images from the last week that did not make the print version of the Northeast Times. It's kind of a bummer when that happens, but hey, that's what a blog is for, right?

Jeremy Boukey, 5, slides down the slide at Pelbano Playground on Thursday April 14.

Philadelphia University / Archbishop Ryan Alumn Kevin McGovern throws a fastball clocked at 92 miles per hour.

Kevin Montague takes video of a dance group at Stearne Elementary School. The school hosted a Father Figure Day on Wednesday April 13 to honor fathers, grandfathers, uncles and other important male role models.

City Council candidate Bobby Henon stands next to Darren Daulton as the ex-Phillies catcher signs autographs for fans at the candidate's headquarters on April 12.

Jeanette Jablonski, 3, laughs as Helena Edwards gives her a push on the swings at Pelbano Playground.

Cherry Blossom Festival at Morris Arboretum

2011-04-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I shot a cherry blossom festival at Morris Arboretum for WHYY's Newsworks. I've been to Morris before and was really excited to go back while cherry blossoms (one of my favorite trees) were in full bloom and also to see the various Japanese cultural events that were planned. I showed up early on Saturday to find bare branches but large crowds and beautiful weather. I was a little disappointed at first but decided to take another angle. Instead of solely focusing on photography, I thought this would be a great opportunity to test out my new audio equipment. I interviewed several subjects to get their take on the day and shot a lot of photos of the Japanese celebrations which continued despite the lack of cherry blossoms.
Here is the result :

Brennan & Associates

2011-03-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

I interviewed Sean Brennan for a business story I was working on for WHYY. Sean was a great source and mentioned that he wanted to update the photos on the website for his business, Brennan & Associates. After the story ran Sean quickly reached out to me about shooting for him, here are a few images :

Portrait session with my Alien Bees light

2011-03-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since my last post, I feel like I'm neglecting my poor blog. I have been working a lot, writing mostly, but also working on a short-term story on veterans. Anyway, here are a few preliminary photos, "sketches" maybe, that will be used on a website for the band In Grenada...

Josh

Jesse

Chris

Samuel Fels High School boy's swim team

2011-02-08T14:27:00.001-08:00

It's been a while since I have posted anything, and not because I haven't been busy. I have a few projects in the works and hope to start posting in the coming weeks.
But for now, here are some photos I took of Samuel Fels HS boy's swim team. We were working on a general story about the team which is in its debut season. Their coach informed me that many of the boys had little experience in the water nine weeks ago. These were shot on Friday Feb. 4 during their last meet against George Washington HS.

Moms Interrupted

2010-12-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

After nearly a year of research, interviews, and photographing women in prison and their families as well as countless social workers who advocate on their behalf, my story is finally being published in the Northeast Times! I'm so excited to see this in print, although it feels a little surreal at the moment considering the amount of work that went into it and the countless hours I spent on it. I'm so thankful that the Philadelphia Prison System worked with me as well as the wonderful people at MOMobile, not to mention the women who shared their stories with me and their families. Here is the finished product :

Black Friday Shopping

2010-11-27T06:30:00.001-08:00

I spent a large portion of my Black Friday hunting for shoppers, not deals. I had gotten a call from an editor at WHYY's Newsworks blog saying that they wanted to do a story on the busy shopping day. We quickly realized that while some neighborhoods felt the holiday rush, in other areas, this was not so much the case. We were hearing a lot of comments from people that they would be going to the mall or they knew people who were at the mall rather than a shopping district in Chestnut Hill, Roxborough, Germantown or Manyunk. It was a fun day though and I got some interesting images. Here are a few.

A young woman glances at the shoe selection in Rainbow on Chelten Ave. in Germantown.

Shoppers walking down Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill.

Gael Alvarez, 3, attempts to make a convincing argument for a toy car set to his mother Rachel in O'Doodles in Chestnut Hill.

Chrissy DiPaolo looks at her reflection in a nearby mirror in Nicole Miller in Manyunk. The designer store held a White Friday sale with some gowns in the low 100s.

Holiday shoppers crowd the aisles and check-out lines of Kohl's in Roxborough.

Kristy Tomlinson

2010-11-19T13:26:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of Kristy Tomlinson, a senior short-stop and third baseman at Franklin Towne Charter who recently signed a letter of intent with Holy Family University. Unfortunately we didn't have any file photos of Kristy in action from last season so we needed a posed shot. Luckily I absolutely love shooting sports portraits, especially outdoors and I had a few ideas for how I was going to shoot Kristy. Don't get me wrong, shooting a live game is a lot of fun and I love the energy you feel in a packed stadium, field or gym. But I love the chance to have more control over movement and play with lighting. By the way, Kristy was a great sport, as not all athletes are completely willing to run around and perform actions in super-slow motion while I shine a bright light in their face. I don't use anything too fancy; just a strobe, umbrella and a SC-28 cord. Anyway I was pretty excited with the results and I particularly love the blue hues in the photos.

Archbishop Ryan's Rose Phress

2010-10-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Rose Phress, a senior golfer at Archbishop Ryan High School, is the school's first female golfer in school history and is currently the top shooter in the Philadelphia Catholic League. Phress is currently competing in the State Championships.

Phress holds a golf ball from her bag on which she has written the name of her grandmother, Sam, whom Rose has dedicated the season to after losing a battle with cancer.

Frankford Pioneers vs. Lincoln Railsplitters

2010-10-18T10:03:00.000-07:00

A few shots from a game I covered at Lincoln High School on Friday. We did a feature on quarterback Mike McGroarty from Frankford High School. The Pioneers defeated the Railsplitters, 34-6.

Plaque Dedication for Sgt. Timothy Simpson

2010-10-18T09:58:00.000-07:00

I have covered a number of plaque dedications over the past few years, sadly, this one being dedicated to the memory of Sgt. Timothy Simpson, a 24th district police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2008 in Port Richmond. His family was in attendence, as was hundreds of police officers and city officials.

Kathy Simpson, widow of Sgt. Timothy Simpson held a somber gaze during the plaque dedication in honor of her husband in front of the 24th Police District on Wednesday Oct. 13. To her right are her children Courtney, 13, Terry, 17, and Samantha, 17, who is accompanied by her boyfriend, Ian O'Grady, 17.

Top of the Tower part 2

2010-10-13T16:17:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more shots from the Sean Anthony show. Designer Lori Ruffin wanted shots of each garment as the models posed at the end of the runway so that's what you're seeing here. The models were great and we were able to talk about poses before the show so all of us were prepared and knew what to expect.

Top of the Tower

2010-09-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

Lori Ruffin from Sean Anthony Designs asked me to shoot the revealing of their Spring/Summer '11 collection. Our last shoot together was so much fun, and I was so excited see the new designs. I was really happy with the results and I am in the process of editing, but here's a sneak peek!

Mustafa Alghazzwi

2010-09-16T10:31:00.000-07:00

Mustafa Alghazzwi, 14, escaped Iraq with his family seven months ago. He is currently attending Frankford High School and playing on the soccer team.

Summer Snacks

2010-08-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

Veggie chorizo tacos with havarti cheese, mixed with edamame, red pepper, and red onion tacos and a McClure's Bloody Mary with Tanqeray vodka.

Gary looks hungry but he's dreaming if he thinks I'm sharing my food with him!

Only in NE Philly...

2010-08-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

i have noticed this guy walking along the blvd holding a sign advertising something (i can never see what it says, he's always facing the other way), but the head is always hanging around his neck. i guess a head without a body is better than a body without a head, that's just crazy talk!

Kyle Mariner

2010-07-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

Kyle Mariner is an Archbishop Ryan senior rugby player who was recently selected in the Pennsylvania All Star Rugby tournament. Kyle’s team won the championship, and he was selected as the tournament’s MVP.

July 4

2010-07-06T10:28:00.001-07:00

In Grenada

2010-07-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

In Grenada played Johnny Brenda's on Friday July 2 to celebrate the release of their debut album, Break.

Dan Dunkleberger

2010-07-02T12:38:00.000-07:00

Dan Dunkleberger, a Father Judge '08 graduate, who was a two-time All-America track runner this past season at Gwynedd Mercy College.

Aubree Brown

2010-07-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

Aubree Brown, a seventh grader who plays for the Fencor AAU basketball squad. Aubree’s team is headed to Nationals this week in Minnesota.

Northeast Animal Rescue

2010-06-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

Sean Anthony Designs, part 2

2010-06-02T16:55:00.001-07:00

More from last week's fashion shoot. For more, click here.

Sean Anthony Designs

2010-05-25T16:26:00.001-07:00

Sean Anthony Designs.

Family Album

2010-05-25T16:22:00.001-07:00

Parents

2010-05-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

The Artist

2010-05-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

Music man

2010-05-24T20:58:00.000-07:00

Left Behind, more from Liddonfield, 3

2010-05-16T13:07:00.001-07:00

Left Behind, more from Liddonfield, 2

2010-05-16T13:05:00.001-07:00

Left Behind, more from Liddonfield, 1

2010-05-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

Trap and Release Liddonfield, 4

2010-05-16T12:20:00.001-07:00

On Saturday May 15, seven volunteers with Northeast Animal Rescue set out on a mission to trap, vaccinate, spay/neuter and release cats and kittens left behind at Liddonfield Housing Development in Northeast Philadelphia. The property is currently being bid on by developers but its fate has yet to be sealed. Meanwhile, hundreds of cats and kittens are left, some being fed by people in the neighborhood but for Jayme Bader Rosenthal (above, last two photographs), cats and kittens wandering the streets, unvaccinated, is unsuccessful. Through the efforts of the volunteers, 5 cats were successfully captured, a number Bader Rosenthal is disappointed in, however leaves her satisfied for the time being.

Trap and Release Liddonfield, 3

2010-05-16T12:17:00.001-07:00

Trap and Release Liddonfield, 2

2010-05-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

Trap and Release Liddonfield, 1

2010-05-16T12:12:00.001-07:00

A cat and kitten left dead in a box shelter, Bader Rosenthal says probably did not survive this year's harsh winter. "Sad, but this is what people need to see," she says.

This cat (also pictured in earlier posts), later tested positive for leukemia and had to be put down. "Leukemia is something we do not put up with, it spreads too quickly, one lick, or bite and it spreads," Bader Rosenthal says.

Michelle Rivera, part 2

2010-03-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

Calilia Cruz, part 2

2010-03-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

Christine Wearry part 2

2010-03-30T19:08:00.001-07:00

Calilia Cruz

2010-03-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

Michelle Rivera

2010-03-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

Visiting Antoinette Leak

2010-03-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

Antoinette Leak has a visit with son Darryl, 5, and family friend Bob Burns on March 24.

Destiny Wearry, 2 days old

2010-03-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

Tanya Wearry came to pick up her new granddaughter, Destiny, 2 days after her daughter Christine had given birth. By that time, Christine was already on her way back to Riverside Correctional Facility.

Christine Wearry

2010-03-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

Christine Wearry sits in on a meeting for drug addicts. She was arrested on charges of aggrevated assault but took a plea bargin and was moved to a unit mostly catered to women with drug addictions. She is required to sit in on a daily meeting where the women talk about their addictions and what impact that has had on their lives. Wearry has nothing to add and just sits there bored.
Christine had her baby in the early morning hours of March 20, the prison neglected to contact her social worker, so she had the baby alone without the support of a doula.

Antonio Molina

2010-03-08T11:26:00.000-08:00

MOMobile Post Pardum Class

2010-03-01T13:08:00.000-08:00

Program Coordinator Danyell Williams

Antoinette Leak
Tamika Blackwell
Calilia Cruz

Angela Haughton

2010-03-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

Amanda Bocchicchio

2010-03-01T12:12:00.000-08:00

Incarcerated Women

2010-03-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

This is a part of a long term project that I am working on with the women of Riverside Correctional Facility, located in the Holmesburg section of Philadelphia. I have been going into the prison about 2 times a week, interviewing and photographing inmates. I have been mostly concentrating on pregnant inmates but I am also speaking with women who have very young children, just like Antoinette Leak (pictured above).

Life After MRSA

2010-03-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

Cathy Hansbury holds up her son Joe Jr's, 14, shirt to reveal the mark which turned out to be the first signs of MRSA. Hansbury was in the middle of a wrestling match in Jan. '09 when his right strap fell and an official noticed the bump. A few days later, Hansbury was admitted to St. Christopher's Hospital for Children with a fever. He later spent 8 days in intensive care, and 25 days in the hospital. Joe reveals a scar as a result of several surgeries on his leg and shoulder due to osteomyeolitis, an infection of the muscle and bone.

Nazareth Basketball

2010-03-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

(L to R) Ashley Adams, Lindsay Fluehr, Nichole Perri

Snow Day, contd 2

2010-03-01T10:45:00.000-08:00

Hopkins Pond, Haddonfield, NJ

Snow Day, contd

2010-03-01T10:42:00.001-08:00

Snow falling over Hopkins Pond in Haddonfield, NJ on Friday Feb. 26.

Snow Day

2010-03-01T10:38:00.000-08:00

Piles of snow at the Westmont Speedline Station in New Jersey on Friday Feb. 26 during the latest snow storm reflect the record snowfall of this year. We have a lot of melting to do!

A bridge in Pennypacker Park in Haddonfield, NJ during the snow storm on Friday Feb. 26.

Jesse

2010-03-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

Those eyes...

Brianna Galiczynski

2010-02-23T09:15:00.000-08:00

George Washington High School gymnast Brianna Galiczynski, 15, will be competing in the Public League Championships next week. The sophomore is favored to win.

Caring for Mom

2010-02-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

Janice Dulisse suffered a stroke in June 2008. After a brief and miserable stint in a nursing home, her daughter Dawn trained with nurses on how to care for her mother. Through JEVS Hunan Services, Janice was able to be home and cared for by Dawn.

Cardinal Doughtery Boys Basketball

2010-02-23T08:23:00.001-08:00

Cardinal Dougherty's Brandon Wims led the Cardinals to a victory over the Conwell Egan Eagles 64-53 last Wednesday.

In Grenada at Johnny Brenda's, part 2

2009-12-10T13:09:00.000-08:00

In Grenada at Johnny Brenda's, part 1

2009-12-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

French Firefighters train at the Philadelphia Fire Academy

2009-12-10T13:04:00.000-08:00

Lost Greyhound

2009-12-07T13:15:00.001-08:00

Thalion the greyhound comes out to support the gang in their search for Dixie, a 13 year-old white and brindle spotted greyhound. Irene and Marty Rudman lost their beloved greyhound on Nov. 11 and have since launched a rigorous search for the family pet. Several people who don't even know the Rudmans have come out to lend a hand. There have been a few sightings of the dog and the Rudmans have not given up hope for the dog that they love to return to them.

When you're knocked down, the only thing you can do is get back up

2009-12-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

June 24, 2009 at 10:15pm. Al Haubert will never forget that date. After work installing a set at the Walnut Street Theater, Haubert was struck by a taxi, throwing his body into the air and smacking against the pavement. He awoke to a woman gently touching his face, asking him about his grandchildren. An army medic was frantically working to stop the bleeding on his head, legs, and arms before paramedics arrived. Haubert says he saw a tunnel and took two steps but woke up again. That would not be that last time he saw the tunnel. Al Haubert has officially died twice since the accident, undergone 14 surgeries, had his left leg amputated, has several skin grafts on his right leg, has extensive nerve damage, and the list goes on and on. But Al is not bitter, he's determined. He proudly told a reporter and I about his physical therapy and how he was not even supposed to survive. Al was told that he would be in rehab for 6 weeks, but he got out in 3. He was so excited to show us photos of a visit from his childhood hero, Charles Bednarik. Bednarik wore #60 and Al says that he has always worn the same number in reference to his hero, whom he says never gave up. Al is now independently living in his Tacony home, making ornaments for his grandchildren and being the "king of slow-cooking". When asked about what he thinks about being an inspiration to people, Al smiles and says "I'm just trying to get better."

Kimmel Center Volunteer

2009-12-01T12:07:00.000-08:00

Herb Wartenberg has been a volunteer tour guide for the Kimmel Center for the past 4 years. He was a psychology professor at Temple University previously.

Fireman for Congress

2009-12-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

Fireman Brian Haughton will be running as a Republican for the 13th Congressional District in the primary.

Nick Morris

2009-11-20T13:21:00.000-08:00

Father Judge High School midfielder Nick Morris. The Crusaders have won the Catholic League championship this season, and went on to defeat Washington High School in the city championship and are now competing in the state championship this weekend in Hershey, Pa.

Alexandria Sacidor

2009-11-09T13:21:00.000-08:00

Alexandria Sacidor, now a junior at Nazareth Academy High School, played varsity basketball and soccer during her freshman year but has been sidelined for the past two years due to what is amounting to a medical mystery. In Sept. 2007, her left leg began to shake uncontrollably. She’s seen more than 20 doctors throughout the nation over the past two years and has been tested for multiple sclerosis, lupus, Parkinson’s Disease, muscle spasms etc. None of them have been able to successfully diagnose her. After missing two full seasons of basketball and soccer — Alex stayed on both teams as a team manager during that time but could not play — one doctor suggested Botox shots. Two weeks later, last week, her leg stopped shaking. She is now starting to jog and will soon be running again. Alex plans to return to the soccer field next season.

Patricia O’Neill

2009-11-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

Patricia O’Neill, a Northeast High School graduate who is being inducted into the University of Delaware Hall of Fame for softball. Patricia was a talented pitcher, who nowadays, still plays in a local bar league and also coaches the Philly Flash tournament softball team.

PC Week 19, Final Exit Network

2009-10-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Sunset

2009-10-26T13:17:00.001-07:00

View from my apartment window last night, I love the fall.

Southern vs. Frankford, 3-1

2009-10-26T13:00:00.000-07:00

Frankford coach Nick Appiott

Frankford coach Ken Appiott

Northeast vs. Frankford, 34-40

2009-10-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

NE head coach Chris Riley

Wheat Penne Pasta with fresh veggies

2009-10-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

I know I have been shooting a lot of pasta dishes lately, but that's what the chef has been making. Plus after a long, cold day at work, this kind of dish is exactly what I am craving! Whole wheat penne pasta topped with a light white wine sauce, edamame, asparagus, grape tomatoes, and carmelized onions.

Victor Vasquez

2009-10-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

Victor Vasquez has gone 9-3 with 5 knockouts in his career, he recently defeated Tyric Robinson at the Blue Horizon this past Friday October 16.

On the tracks

2009-10-19T10:48:00.001-07:00

Crystal Lake

2009-10-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

George Washington vs. Northeast

2009-10-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

Feature on George Washington T-DT #64 Abdel Kanan, NE defeated George Washington 14-13.

Cash

2009-10-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

Named after one of my favorite musicians, Johnny Cash. A sales rep in my office found his mother a little over 3 years ago behind an apartment complex in Northeast Philadelphia. A few weeks later I discovered that she was pregnant and the kittens were born in my closet. I found homes for the other two but had a special bond with Cash so I kept him.

pasta dish and white wine

2009-10-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

Acini di pepe pasta with a veggie sausage marinera sauce and piave cheese.

Day Laborers part 3

2009-10-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Armando Monton, originally from Guatemala, has been a legal citizen of the US for the last 14 years.

Day Laborers part 2

2009-10-01T08:37:00.001-07:00

A laborer pats the back of Dave Wallace, owner of a lunch truck that has been coming to the Home Depot parking lot for 2 years to feed the laborers.
Luis Illesca takes a call from a woman he has worked for in the past, she now wants him to paint a room in her home. Illesca is from Argentina and has been in the US for 4 years now.

Day Laborers

2009-10-01T08:33:00.001-07:00

Every day, a large crowd of day laborers congregate in the parking lot of Home Depot in the Summerdale section of Philadelphia. A lot of these laborers come from quite a distance in search of work(we talked to some who had made the journey from South Philly, Bensalem, and even West Chester). A good amount originate from Mexico, but a good number are from South American countries such as Guatemala, Chile, Ecuador, and Argentina. These workers arrive as early as 5:30 in the morning and wait all day for a contractor to pick them up.

Abandoned

2009-09-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

Shunned

2009-09-28T08:47:00.000-07:00

Through the Looking Glass

2009-09-28T08:43:00.001-07:00