Councilwoman Reynolds Brown has been a long time champion of children and youth, the arts and culture community, and small business development. She is now an emerging leader in energy conservation and environmental matters and is infusing her policy initiatives to reflect this new and important priority.

Events:

Friday March 5, 2010 Luncheon and Inspirational Experience Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing 201 South Columbia Boulevard (at Dock Street) Philadelphia, PA 19106 8:30 am – 9:25 am Opening and Plenary Session 9:30 am – 11:30 am Workshops 11:45 am – 1:45 pm Luncheon For ticket information please contact: Mia Farrell, Event Manger Phone: 215.247.1504 Email: CMW@LeaveIt2Mia Join us for the Sixth Annual"Old School Party" The dancing and hors d' oeuvres are on us. Friday May 7, 2010, 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 85 1336 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA Free Parking For additional Information Contact: Pandora Woods 609.472.1351 or Matt McDonald 215.806.9717

Events

In The News

Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown Leads Vaccination Charge Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown partners with the American Lung Association on its Faces of Influenza Campaign because she recognizes seasonal influenza is a public health concern in our community and wants to encourage others to protect themselves this flu season. “It is the responsibility of every Philadelphia-area resident to find out whether they are a ‘face’ of influenza, and are recommended for annual seasonal influenza vaccination,” said Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. “Many people are affected by seasonal influenza every year and don’t realize that getting vaccinated is an easy way to protect their health, their family’s health and the health of our community.” read more>>   Philly Pedicabs Gets Legs Looking for a new way to get around Philly? Pedicabs may be coming your way soon. Pedicabs - defined in the bill as "a pedalcycle with three or more wheels, propelled by human power, or primarily by human power with some battery-powered electrical assist, constructed and operated to transport passengers for hire" - are not legal in the city right now. City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown's bill was unanimously recommended for approval last week by Council's Committee on Licenses and Inspections. The bill would regulate pedicabs by requiring approved routes and licensing for operators.read more>> The Fifth Annual Men of Distinction Reception held at Distante, a men's clothing store was in honor of the pastor of Sharon Baptist Church, Bishop Keith Reed Sr. and AFL-CIO vice-president/Philadelphia Building Trades Council president Patrick B. Gillespie for their community service achievements.read more>> (l-r) Pandora Woods, Baba Reinfrow, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown,Charles F. Morrotta., Jr. and Nina Tinari. (l-r) Susan Taylor, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. (l-r) Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and Dyna Williams. Philadelphia Ban on Motorists' Cell Phones Begins A ban on using cell phones while driving in the city of Philadelphia is now in effect. As of November 1st motorists who are texting or talking will be stopped by the police and warned about this new law. Then, after December 1st, if you’re caught using your cell phone – either texting or on a call – you’ll be fined. Motorists caught talking or texting on a hand-held cell phone now face fines starting at $75. read more>> Phila City Council Gets Its Revenge Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown demands that Zack Stalberg, of Committee of Seventy disclose the gender and ethnic background of every one of his board members. Does it look like Philadelphia? read more>> Councilwoman Celebrates Seniors Living in Philadelphia “Our goal is to promote independent living and enhance the quality of life for senior citizens and their loved ones by providing information and resources,” explained Reynolds Brown. Over 200 seniors attended The Second Annual Senior Citizens Expo at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. read more>>  Councilmembers William Greenlee and Blondell Reynolds Brown Tells Guards That City Law Protects Against Employer Claims Union organizers hope that a letter from City Councilors William Greenlee and Blondell Reynolds-Brown that points out that even if the company decided to leave the contract behind, their jobs would be protected by the Philadelphia "Protection For Displaced Sub-Contractors" Law.read more>>  Bicycle Ambassador Program headed by Bicycle Coalition Click here to view the "Take The Pledge" Video City Council to Talk Government, Play Slots? City Councilmembers Bill Green, Brian O’Neill, Blondell Reynolds Brown and Marian Tasco discussed the future of Philadelphia as a “Great City” at the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Bench Bar and Annual Conference. read more>> Letters: For park, 'Acres of Opportunity' My colleague Darrell L. Clarke and I proceeded to engage interested parties in a vibrant if sometimes frustrating debate that led Philadelphia voters to approve a new and smarter system - a complete merger of the city Recreation Department and Fairmount Park.The road ahead is both daunting and rich with opportunity. I urge the new commission not to simply shuffle the cards in the same deck. read more>>  LIHEAP: Assistance for low-income Pennsylvanians to pay for home heating will begin Nov. 2. Last winter, about 547,000 families got cash grants from the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and more than 202,000 families received crisis assistance. Applicants must provide a recent bill or a statement from their fuel dealer verifying their customer status and the type of fuel that they use, as well as proof of income and the number of people in the household. Once the program opens Nov. 2, applications will be available at county assistance offices, utility companies and community-service agencies. LIHEAP is administered by the state's Department of Public Welfare.   In Philly, it's not easy being green Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown has introduced bills that would require city-funded building projects to be green and create a bid preference in city contracts for environmentally friendly businesses. Public hearings are planned this fall. read more>> Urban League grads told to pay it forward “If you are serious about wanting to build a legacy or have a legacy, then do what Maya Angelou suggests. She says, ‘Don’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt in both hands. Recognize that you need to throw something back.’” read more>> Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown Pedals in The Right Direction to Ensure Greater Bike Parking Capacity This green legislation will provide for bicycle parking and storage both at home and in the workplace, with standards that serve the needs of cyclists while providing flexibility to accommodate the needs of property development. read more>> Please Touch Their Hearts In the City of Philadelphia, hundreds of foster children long for nothing else. (l-r) Foster children featured in Heart Gallery Philadelphia, Niesha, Lydia and Jeffrey joined with Terry Hirst, Photographer and Director, Heart Gallery Philadelphia, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Donna Wyche, Department of Human Services Communications Office. Advocates Raise $20,000 for Public School Libraries

(l-r) WePAC Chair Dr. Anita Allen- Castellitto, a University of Pennsylvania Law Professor, was joined by City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and WePAC volunteer Louisa Mygatt at the ?Story Book Gala? fundraiser of the Open Books, Open Minds initiative of the West Philadelphia Alliance for Children. read more>>

The Dell East will not be opening up this summer
“They are completing the capital improvements that really were put in the pipeline last fall,” said Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown. read more>>

Mayor Nutter and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown help launch Bicycle Ambassador Program The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia introduced the 2009 Bicycle Ambassadors. Six Ambassadors were present to answer questions about bike safety as well as talk about the their role in helping Philadelphia become a greener, more fit and more livable city one bike at a time. read more>>

Sandra Dungee Glenn advocated for children with passion and commitment
She is a champion for children, an advocate for inclusion, and an activist for urban America. I am proud to have worked with her for decades, and applaud her efforts on the occasion of her recent departure from the School Reform Commission. Opinion by Blondell Reynolds Brown. read more>>

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown urges passage of HR300
The resolution notes that there are 20 states including the District of Columbia who currently have LGBT inclusive non-discrimination bills, and that Pennsylvania is currently the only state in the Northeast to not have such protection. Councilwoman Reynolds Brown stated that “Equal rights and protection under the law should be afforded to all Pennsylvanians, period.” read more>>

Press Conference For Grocery for Guns
	Senator Hughes along with Congressman Chaka Fattah, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr., Jeff Brown of Brown's Family ShopRite, the Salvation Army,and the Philadelphia Safety Net held a
press conference to announce the May 9th Good for Guns event in the Roxbourgh section of Philadelphia.  read more>>

On May 21, Philadelphia's City Council unanimously approved legislation to amend the city's zoning code to require bicycle parking for new zoning permits. The bill was championed by Councilmembers Blondell Reynolds Brown, Jim Kenney and Curtis Jones and grew out of a 2008 report released by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia on the city's bicycle parking shortage. For more information about the bill, go to www.bicyclecoalition.org

Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Councilwoman Marian Tasco presents PRWT with special resolution
	PRWT Services Inc. and staff were honored with a proclamation by City Council. Pictured, from left, are Rosalyn Long, Sherri Kyle-Jones, Jerry Johnson, Sonya Weigle, Roberta Alford and George Burrell. PRWT will be featured in Black Enterprise’s June issue. read more>>

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown’s Dental Disclosure Bill Passes in Council
City Council passed Bill #090124 which approves a brochure developed by the Philadelphia Department of Health that gives dental patients information when choosing the types of fillings placed in their mouth. Councilwoman Reynolds Brown states, "Consumers will for certain have all the information necessary to make the right decisions for themselves and their families.” read more>>

The Meaning of Mentors
"The long-time goal will be for women of different strengths and different interests to connect. I am eternally grateful for the mentorship I got [from men]. But there's an
added dimension coming from women,"states Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.
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Celebrating Women and Their Accomplishments
“If you’re a mother or a mentor of a young lady, than this event is going to be for you. If you are a young woman early and ambitious in your career or if you’re someone who’s established and doing what I call the juggle — you know, walking on a tightrope backwards and with high heels on, blindfolded and trying to get it right — than this conference is going to be for you. We’re throwing the net a lot wider. We’re going to empower the potential of girls, the promise of rising stars and the power of women,” states Councilwoman Reynolds Brown. read more>>

Councilwoman Reynolds Brown and Verizon hosts VIP reception honoring the “Next Generation of Leadership: Rising Stars.” read more>>

Council Members Call on Government To Take Action Against CVS
"Children and families in the 21st Century should not and can not be exposed to outdated goods when it is preventable. We believe that CVS, and all retailers for that matter, need to be responsible corporate citizens and ensure that what they are selling are not expired and potentially dangerous items," stated Councilwoman Reynolds Brown.

Letters: Why We Need Menu Labeling
I've long been concerned about obesity in America, most especially of children. That's why I was so pleased to read the editorial "How Our Government Is Making Us Fat."
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Tax Abatements for Green Building
Council members Blondell Reynolds Brown and Curtis Jones Jr. co-sponsored and introduced a bill that will “green” the current ten year tax abatement on all new and rehabilitated residential and rehabilitated commercial properties. Applicants under the new system will receive property tax abatements proportional to achieving one of the
four LEED Green Building certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.
read more>>