I am particularly concerned, for my constituents and all of Philadelphia, about the budget deficit decisions looming in Congress by the “Super” committee and its possible effects on Social Security and Medicare. Possible cuts to our most vulnerable would affect nearly two-thirds of older American households who are currently receiving benefits, with roughly one-third of those households depending on Social Security for nearly all of their income. Also, according to the national AARP, half of those 65 and older have annual incomes less than $18,500. 

We must continue to find ways to be a City for all. Please stay informed of this issue for the pending deadline is approaching of Wednesday, November 23rd.

Saturday, October 29th at 10am join Councilman Jones, District Attorney Seth Williams, the Philadelphia Police department and Philadelphia Safety Net along with Brown’s ShopRite and Radio One’s Hot 107.9 for a “Goods for Guns” at Chalmers Playground, 29th and Somerset Streets. This initiative will trade goods for guns in order to take hundreds of unwanted and potentially dangerous handguns off of Philadelphia streets.

The premise of a Gun Buy Back or exchange is to create safer communities and to eliminate the possibility of disputes becoming deadly. Guns will be collected, no questions asked or identification needed till supplies last. Through these initiatives the Philadelphia Police department has removed over 5,000 guns as of date. Limit 2 guns per person and no bb guns, starter pistols, air riffles or flair guns will be collected.

Each year, it is my honor to hold a roundtable forum during Philadelphia MED Week conference, which is part of National Minority Business Development Agency, to expose opportunities and limit challenges for minorities in obtaining Procurement contracts. With that in mind, please join me on Thursday, October 6th from 6 to 8pm at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Rm. 303A for a forum and networking session entitled “No Risks, No Rewards…..Gambling” and it would be an honor to have your participation. Please call my offices at 215.686.3416/17 to rsvp.

As a co-chair of Philadelphia’s Manayunk EcoArts festival please join me, Saturday, Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sun., Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., for a celebration of artistic, sustainable, and local green initiatives. Join eco-minded artists, green businesses, and ecologically-concerned community groups at this free event to share resources and education about green and healthy living.

In its inaugural year event which drew over 30,000 attendees for a weekend of dining, shopping, and learning about greener living. in addition, this year there will be a free screening of “Gasland” and critically acclaimed director Josh Fox will accept Philadelphia’s Eco-champ award. Come celebrate Green initiatives and learn more so much more about being Green!

Philadelphia Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown pictured with Councilman Jones, Jr.

Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. encourages all families and youth in need to participate in Summer Meals. Below your local lunch halls are coordinated by zipcode for your convenience. 

Several programs offer breakfast, lunch and snacks for all children and youth currently enrolled in school. Healthy appetites are a part of healthy minds for our future leaders.  If you have any further questions please contact my offices for assistance.

19127  

North Light Community Center, 175 Green Lane 215-483-4800

7/5-8/26, Breakfast: 9 am-9:45 am  Lunch: 12 pm – 1pm

Roxborough YMCA, 7201 Ridge Ave. 215-482-3900

6/20-8/26 Lunch 11 am-12:30 pm, Snack: 12 pm -3:30pm

19129

Project Mercy: Mercy Vocational, 2900 W. Allegheny Ave. 215-225-1920

6/20-8/19, Breakfast: 8 am-9 am, Lunch: 12 pm-1 pm

19131

Camp UPSC @ Gompers Elementary, 5701 Wynnefield Ave. 215-581-5503

6/27- 8/19 Servings and times may vary

Community Council- Mental Health, 4900 Wyalusing Ave.215-473-7033

6/21- 8/26, Breakfast: 9 am- 10 am, Lunch: 11:30 am- 1:30 pm

Creative World Learning Center, 4701 Lancaster Ave.

6/27- 8/5, Breakfast: 8 am- 9 am, Lunch: 12 pm-2 pm

Friendly Friends Baptist Church, 6022 Media St. 215-294-3980

8/1- 8/12, Lunch and Snack times may vary

Gates of Heaven Pentecost Church, 1755 N. 57^th Street. 267-254-0118

7/11 – 7/22, Breakfast: 9 am- 10 am Lunch: 11:30 am- 12 pm

Haddington Leadership Organization, 5437 Wyalusing Ave., 215-472-9080

7/6- 8/19, Meals are for campers only, but it’s a FREE camp

Help Philadelphia/PHMC, 4910 Wyalusing Ave. 215-473-7451

6/20- 8/26 Lunch: 11:30 am- 1:30 pm, Snack: 3pm- 4 pm

Methodist Services for Children, 4300 Monument Rd. 215-877-1926

6/20-8/12 Meals are campers only

Our Mother of Sorrow CARES, 1020 N. 48^TH St. 215-473-5828

6/27- 7/28, Lunch: 12 pm- 1 pm, Snack: 3 pm- 4 pm

Pinn Memorial Baptist Church, 2251 N. 54^th St.215-878-2742

6/20- 8/19 Breakfast: 8am- 9am, Lunch: 12 pm- 1 pm

Resurrection Baptist Church, 1610 N. 54^th St. 215-473-9427

6/27- 8/19 Breakfast: 8 am-9 am, Snack: 12 pm- 1 pm, Have to be enrolled

Wynnefield Presbyterian Church, 2249 N. 54^th St. 215-878-5712

6/27 – 8/12, Serving and times may vary

19139

Anti Drug and Alcohol Crusader, 50-52 N. 52^nd St.215-748-8727

7/5- 8/19, Breakfast: 8 am- 9 am, Lunch: 12:30 pm- 2:30 pm

Camp COGIC at Holy Temple Community Center 338 N. 60^th St. 215-476-4999

6/27- 7/29, Gives out bags of food before 2:00 pm

Open Door Mission True Light Church, 401 N. 52^nd St., 215-477-4412

7/18- 7/22, Meals are for campers only

Sanctuary Christian Day Camp, 5923-41 Walnut St. 215-748-6510

6/27- 8/19 Breakfast: 8:45 am- 9:45 am, Lunch: 11:30 am- 12:30 pm

West Philadelphia YMCA, 5120 Chestnut St. 215-476-2700

6/20- 8/26 Meals are for campers only

19151

Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 6439 Lansdowne Ave. 215-879-9232

6/20- 8/19 Breakfast: 8-9am, Lunch: times 12noon-1:30pm

St. Peter’s Church of God, 6010 Lansdowne Ave. 215-877-9411 6/27- 7/29

The Emergency Homeowners Loan Program (E.H.L.P.) is real help in real time and is available for you.  All approved homeowners are eligible to receive E.H.L.P. assistance to pay: mortgage, principal, interest, home and flood insurance, taxes, ground rents and condo and associate fees, as well as reasonable attorney fees to bring you current and assist with ongoing monthly assistance to make monthly mortgage payments as well.

Eligible homeowners can pay as little as $25 per month. I am encouraging all in need to take immediate action of E.H.L.P.  for applications deadlines are Friday, September 30th. For further assistance please contact my offices for a HUD office near you. Please do not let the deadline of September 30th pass by, without taking advantage of these valuable and helpful resources. Let’s save our homes and neighborhoods together.

Think you are too young for “Aging in a New Age?” Aging is living! Attend ‘Aging in a New Age’, Monday, May 9th 8:30am to 4:30pm at WHYY Technology Center, 6th and Arch Streets.

Learn more on the contributions of all generations and help define what your generation will be remembered as. Represent your office and/or department and help create age-conscious policy. Meals are provided and prizes will be distributed. Register by calling the Offices of Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. at 215.686.3416/17.

Please join me, Lady B of WRNB, along with Peace and Love, Wednesday, April 27th, 4pm at 440 N. Broad Street, the Philadelphia School District Headquarters for a Town Hall meeting on Youth Violence.

Let’s take a moment, pause and listen to our youth and their voices on violence in our schools and communities. Our Youth Violence Town Hall mtg will discuss and create ways to have a more peaceful Philadelphia, please join me and encourage others as well.

Below is a Public Service Announcement for more details. Thank you and I’ll see you there!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=133E6tIzVDw