Category: Press Releases

MIDDLETOWN, Pa., May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — One jackpot-winning Pennsylvania Lottery Cash 5 ticket worth $800,000 was among 67,643 prize-winning tickets sold statewide for the Monday, May 19, drawing.rnrnIt correctly matched all five balls, 03-09-17-42-43, to win a jackpot of $800,000, less 25 percent federal withholding.rnrnThe retailer, 7-Eleven, 1034 Washington Ave., Philadelphia, earns a $5,000 selling bonus.rnrnThe prize must be claimed and the ticket validated before the winner can be identified. Cash 5 winners have one year from the drawing date to claim prizes.rnrnThe holder of the winning ticket should promptly sign the back of the ticket, call the Lottery at 717-702-8146 and file a claim at any of Lottery’s seven area offices or at Lottery headquarters in Middletown, Dauphin County.rnrnClaims may be filed Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at area offices and at headquarters from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.rnIn the 2012-13 fiscal year, in addition to awarding more than $290.2 million in prizes to Philadelphia County winners, the Pennsylvania Lottery contributed nearly $220.9 million to programs serving the county’s older residents.rnrnHow to play Cash 5: To play Cash 5, players pay $1 and select five numbers from 1 to 43. Players may select their own numbers using a Cash 5 playslip, or they may opt for computer-selected quick picks. Players must match all five numbers drawn to win the jackpot. Players also win prizes for matching two, three or four winning numbers. Cash 5 drawings are held seven nights a week, and tickets can be purchased up to seven draws (one week) in advance. Odds of winning the jackpot prize are 1-in-962,598; the overall odds of winning any prize are about 1-in-10.5.rnrnAbout the Pennsylvania Lottery: The Pennsylvania Lottery remains the only state lottery that designates all its proceeds to programs that benefit older residents. Since its inception in 1971, the Pennsylvania Lottery has contributed nearly $23.7 billion to programs that include property tax and rent rebates; free transit and reduced-fare shared rides; the low-cost prescription drug programs PACE and PACENET; long-term living services; and the 52 Area Agencies on Aging, including full- and part-time senior centers throughout the state.rnrnThe Pennsylvania Lottery reminds players to check every ticket, every time. Players must be 18 or older. Please play responsibly. For help with a gambling problem, call 1-800-848-1880.rnrnFor drawings results, winning numbers, winners’ stories and to subscribe to the Lottery’s RSS news feed, visit www.palottery.com. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/palottery or follow us at www.twitter.com/palottery. rnrnMedia contact: Lauren Bottaro or Gary Miller, 717-702-8008rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania LotteryrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.palottery.com

PHILADELPHIA, May 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Having just wrapped up its first week of the 2014 season, the Philly PHLASH, a transit loop connecting visitors and locals alike to key sights and attractions for only $2 per ride, has returned to Center City through December and is now funded for years to come.rnrnWith an average of 250,000 riders per season since the service started in 1994 under former governor Edward G. Rendell, the 2014 PHLASH season marked twenty years of operation with its return on May 9 with a new look and added conveniences including an extended schedule, new modern vehicles, inexpensive pricing and more.rnrnHow is PHLASH possible? In its third year under the management of the Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC), PHLASH is allotted financial support this year and into the future due to approval of the State Transportation Bill.rnrn”The IVCC is extremely pleased to have worked with State legislatures and the IVCC Board of Directors to secure funding for the PHLASH. We are excited to launch service this year and look forward to the future of the bus loop used by so many,” said James J. Cuorato, President & CEO at the IVCC. “I must thank our Vice Chairman of the IVCC Board of Directors, Tom Caramanico, for his efforts at the forefront of the PHLASH initiative and Meryl Levitz for the extensive marketing support of Visit Philadelphiaâ„¢.”rnrnHow often does the PHLASH run? PHLASH arrives at each stop every 15 minutes between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. with the last pick up time marked at each stop along the route. The purple bus runs 7 days a week now through Labor Day and on weekends only (Friday-Sunday) starting September 5 through December 28.rnrnWhere does the PHLASH stop? It stops at 20 locations, mostly along Market Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. A new stop is now located at 3rd and Market Streets connecting the Waterfront and Historic Districts. A transfer is available at 25th Street and Fairmount Avenue in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Perelman Building (Stop No. 9) for riders seeking to visit the Please Touch Museum and Philadelphia Zoo. For a full route map, click here.rnrnWhat are the new vehicles like? The IVCC is excited to have brought on Krapf’s Coaches to operate the purple bus loop for the first time. The new PHLASH fleet is made up of seven New Flyer MiDi® buses. Each bus seats up to 32 passengers with large windows providing more natural light and surrounding views of Center City. The buses have low floor clearance making them easy to enter, especially when carrying large items on board such as shopping bags, strollers, etc. The buses are air conditioned, ADA compliant, made in the USA and use the latest in clean diesel technology.rnHow much does it cost to ride? At $2 per ride or $5 all-day, it’s a great deal. PHLASH continues to be the most inexpensive and easy connection to key destinations in Center City. SEPTA pass holders ride free as well as children under 4 and seniors. Furthermore, convenient Park & Ride locations sponsored by the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) offer discounted rate options. Click here for a list of participating PPA parking facilities.rnWhere can I get tickets? Tickets can be purchased on any PHLASH vehicle with exact change only or in advance at the following locations:rnrnIndependence Visitor Center, 6th & Market StreetsrnrnSister Cities Park Visitor Center, 18th Street & Benjamin Franklin ParkwayrnrnFairmount Park Welcome Center, 16th Street & John F. Kennedy BoulevardrnrnCity Hall Visitor Center, Broad & Market Streets, Room 121rnrnOnline at phillyPHLASH.comrnrnFrom Memorial Day through Labor Day, VISIT PHILADELPHIAâ„¢ will be offering two all-day PHLASH passes with each Philly Overnight Hotel Package booked. The one- or two-night packages include FREE hotel parking and a gift upon check-in. Visitors can use it to book one night or two consecutive nights, seven days a week based on availability.rnrnPartners and supporters: In addition to the support of State legislatures, the Corbett Administration, SEPTA and the IVCC Board of Directors, PHLASH would not be able to operate without the additional contributions from our non-profit and private sector partners including: The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Zoo, Please Touch Museum, Eastern State Penitentiary, National Museum of American Jewish History, Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, The Franklin Institute, Reading Terminal Market, Shops at Liberty Place, National Constitution Center, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and The Barnes Foundation.rnrnThe Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop seasonal transit program is managed by the Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC). PHLASH vehicle service is provided by Krapf’s Coaches. For more information about the PHLASH, visit www.phillyPHLASH.com. For information about the IVCC, visit www.PHLvisitorcenter.comrnrnThe Independence Visitor Center Corporation (IVCC) is a Pennsylvania non-profit, 501(c)3 organization which operates in cooperation with the efforts of the National Park Service, Visit Philadelphiaâ„¢, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.rnrnThe Independence Visitor Center is Independence National Historical Park’s and the region’s welcome center for people from all over the nation and the world offering visitor amenities including trip planning service, easy onsite ticketing for area attractions, multilingual concierge staff, comprehensive daily listing of area events, attraction displays and regional maps, free, informative historical and orientation films, free wireless Internet access and much more. Follow @PHLVisitorCntr, the Visitor Center’s virtual concierge service on Twitter, and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Independence Visitor Center, visit www.PHLvisitorcenter.com.rnrnTWEET: #PhillyPHLASH buses are back! The most inexpensive connection to 20 Center City stops is $2/ride or $5/day. @SEPTA pass holders ride free! http://bit.ly/1j2Nz11rnrnPhoto – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140519/88829rnrnSOURCE Independence Visitor Center CorporationrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.phlvisitorcenter.comrnnnrnrn

The U.S. Supreme Court has held that an anonymous 911 tip provides the necessary reasonable suspicion to justify a stop under the Fourth Anendment.rnnnPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania (PRWEB) May 15, 2014nnIn the recent case of Navarette v. California, 2014 WL 1577513 (April 22, 2014), the United States Supreme Court has expanded the ability of law enforcement to stop vehicles or persons based solely upon an anonymous tip. Federal criminal defense attorney Hope C. Lefeber explains that this decision represents a departure from prior decisions of the Supreme Court such as Alabama v. White, 496 U.S. 325 (1990) and Florida v. J.L. 529 U.S. 266 (2000) wherein the Court required some additional corroboration beyond an anonymous tip to create reasonable suspicion to justify a stop.nnrnnnIn Navarette, a 911 caller described a truck, with a certain license plate, that ran the caller’s car off the road on a highway. Officers responded and located that truck on the highway approximately 15 minutes later, and pulled the truck over. As the officers approached the truck, they smelled marijuana, searched the truck bed, found 30 pounds of marijuana, and arrested the driver.nnrnnnIn holding that the police can stop a vehicle based upon an anonymous 911 tip in Navarette, the Supreme Court concluded that a 911 call bears adequate indicia of reliability because 911 calls are traceable to the location and identity of the caller. In addition, the Court relied upon the short time between the reported incident and the 911 call, suggesting that the caller had little time to fabricate the report. The Court also credited the fact that the tip was from an eyewitness.nnrnnnMs. Lefeber explains that this case represents a further erosion of the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures. As the dissenting justices stated in their dissenting opinion: “[t]he Court’s opinion serves up a freedom-destroying cocktail consisting of two parts patent falsity: (1) that anonymous 911 reports of traffic violations are reliable so long as they correctly identify a car and its location, and (2) that a single instance of careless or reckless driving necessarily supports a reasonable suspicion of drunkenness….After today’s opinion, all of us on the road, and not just drug dealers, are at risk of having our freedom of movement curtailed on suspicion of drunkenness, based upon a phone tip, true or false, of a single instance of careless driving.” Narette v. California 2014 WL 1577513.

ACLU of Pennsylvania asks Attorney General Kathleen Kane to take steps to eliminate the use of illegal restraints on pregnant inmates in violation of the Healthy Birth for Incarcerated Women Act.rnnnPhiladelphia, PA (PRWEB) May 15, 2014nnThe American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania sent Attorney General Kathleen Kane a letter today asking her to take steps to eliminate the use of illegal restraints on pregnant inmates in violation of the Healthy Birth for Incarcerated Women Act. A recent investigation by the ACLU of Pennsylvania’s Clara Bell Duvall Reproductive Freedom Project (Duvall Project) found that despite passage of this law in 2010, many facilities in the state continue to illegally restrain women and are not following the act’s reporting requirements on the use of restraints for pregnant women.nnrnnnThe Healthy Birth for Incarcerated Women Act prohibits the use of handcuffs, leg shackles, and other physical restraints on pregnant incarcerated women in the second and third trimesters during prenatal visits, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period, including during transport to and from the hospital, until after delivery. The law provides an exception for pregnant women who pose a flight or security risk. Jails are required to report their use of restraints on pregnant women in a monthly report filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.nnrnnnBut during meetings with the Duvall Project staff at 26 hospitals in 2011-2013, hospital clinicians and staff members reported that restraints are routinely used on women in their second or third trimester and during transport, despite the low number of incidents reported to the DOC. In one particularly egregious example, an Allegheny County Jail inmate who was seven months pregnant tripped and fell face down at Magee Women’s Hospital due to her leg and waist restraints.nnrnnn“The passage of the Healthy Birth Act was a tremendous victory for incarcerated women, but unfortunately, the practice in real life does not always reflect the law,” said Reggie Shuford, executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania. “Four years after the passage of the act, education about the law and its proper implementation remain challenges.”nnrnnnIn addition to the Duvall Project’s findings, a survey of providers in the Geisinger Health System, which operates more than 20 prenatal care clinics in Pennsylvania, showed that the vast majority of clinicians were unfamiliar with the law, and most did not know they could ask a correctional officer to remove restraints from any pregnant patient.nnrnnn“Many pregnant women behind bars are isolated and fearful. By eliminating this barbaric and potentially dangerous practice, women regain some dignity,” said Carol Petraitis, director of the ACLU-PA’s Duvall Project.nnrnnnThe ACLU-PA’s letter specifically asks the Attorney General’s office to advise state and county wardens to add pregnancy status to their transportation checklists; to work with the Department of Corrections Training Academy to ensure that it addresses provisions of the Healthy Birth Act; and to review a U.S. Department of Justice report about the best practices around pregnancy and the use of restraints.nnrnnnA copy of the letter and a survey with more details about the Duvall Project’s investigation can be found at: http://www.aclupa.org/Kaneletter

The 5K Obstacles-Optional Event Brings Good Unclean FunrnrnPHILADELPHIA, May 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Dirty Girl Mud Run, the original women-only national 5K mud and obstacle run series, returns to Philadelphia, Pa. on Saturday, July 12. Dirty Girls are encouraged to make a friend, make a memory and make a mess at this empowering event.rnrnDirty Girl Mud Run Eastern PennsylvaniarnJuly 12, 2014rnJaindl Farms at Raven Valleyrn5599 Sell Rd.rnSchnecksville, PA 18078rnrnDirty Girl Mud Run challenges women to break out of their comfort zones and get dirty with an untimed, obstacles-optional course that welcomes women of all ages and athletic abilities. Obstacles include the Utopian Tubes tunnel crawl, PMS (Pretty Muddy Stuff) mud pit and Dirty Dancing giant slide. rnrnEach event attracts thousands of women as well as supportive spectators. Many women participate in groups complete with unique team names and crazy costumes.rnrnAs part of its mission to empower a healthy lifestyle, Dirty Girl proudly supports Bright Pink, the only national non-profit organization focusing on risk reduction and early detection of breast and ovarian cancers in young women. Since inception, Dirty Girl Mud Run has donated more than $475,000 to breast cancer charities and will donate at least $125,000 in 2014 to Bright Pink. At each 2014 event, 300 free registrations are reserved for cancer survivors.rnrnWomen ages 14 and up can participate in Dirty Girl events. The entry fee starts at $85 and participants can register online or on-site.rnDirty Girl Mud Run is also searching for volunteers to help put on a spectacular, successful and inspiring event. Along with receiving service hours, volunteers receive a free t-shirt and complimentary entry to a future Dirty Girl Mud Run. Interested volunteers should sign up online.rnrnAbout Dirty Girl Mud RunrnrnDirty Girl Mud Run is the largest women-only 5K mud and obstacle run series. Dirty Girl has inspired tens of thousands of women across the country to break out of their comfort zones by completing this empowering event. At Dirty Girl, it’s not about who finishes first. All obstacles are optional and all fitness levels are invited to participate. Dirty Girl proudly supports Bright Pink, the only national non-profit focusing on risk reduction and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women. For more information, visit godirtygirl.com.rnrnContact: rnBecca Bijoch rnBecca@lolaredpr.com rn612.333.1723rnSOURCE Dirty Girl Mud RunrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://godirtygirl.com

Fox Subacute Salutes the Strength of Those Diagnosed with ALS and Their Caregivers and Loved Ones; ALS Patient Care Burdens May Be Lessened with the Aid of a Subacute FacilityrnrnnnPlymouth Meeeting, PA (PRWEB) May 10, 2014nnOn Monday, May 19th, Fox Subacute, the leader in ventilator and trach collar dependent patient care is sponsoring the Phillies Phestival at Citizens Bank Park. Join Fox Subacute in support of ALS. The gates open at 4:30pm and it runs till 7-8pm. Approximately 7,000 people will be in attendance. There will be photo booths with the players and they will be signing autographs. The entertainment is set up in a carnival themed atmosphere. Some of the activities allow fans to warm up in the Phillies Bullpen, a meet and greet, a silent auction, and bags available for purchase filled with Phillies memorabilia.nnrnnnALS Patient Care Burdens May Be Lessened with the Aid of Subacute FacilitynnrnnnIt is no secret that caring for a loved one with ALS can take its toll on the bodies, hearts and minds of family members. That’s partially why an increasing number of families forced to deal with an ALS diagnosis are seeking outside assistance. By working with others to provide ALS patient care, family members can focus more on enjoying their time together rather than handling day-to-day details like grooming and toileting.rnnnManaged care or subacute facilities that offer families and their ALS afflicted loved ones access to onsite ventilator programs are one of the best options in that regard. That’s because they provide the critical healthcare services needed to help ALS patients maintain a high quality of life, for as long as possible, without having to change locations as the disease progresses.nnrnnn“A degenerative neurologic disease with no cure, a diagnosis of ALS affects people on multiple levels. It varies in its progression and timeframe, and each patient is different. Ultimately, as the disease progresses, patients need more and more care, physically, mentally, and emotionally, and so do their caregivers. As their care needs grow, although taking care of them at home is an option, a subacute facility with trained personnel offers the caregivers peace of mind that their family member is cared for so that they can focus on quality time, and take time for themselves as well, which is something many family members either forget to do, or feel guilty about doing,” explains Dr. Erik Soiferman, Chief Medical Officer, Fox Subacute.nnrnnnFor instance, patients may reach a point where they will need speech therapy, thickened liquids, pureed diets, bolus feedings and dietary supplements to remain healthy. A subacute facility typically provides ALS patients with such services as speech therapy, special diets and feeding tube care. The facility’s skilled staff members are also adept at providing patients with respiratory therapy, incontinence care, and wound care, as needed.nnrnnnDepending on the facility’s programs, additional caregiver support may be available either onsite or by the way of outside referrals. Examples of additional ALS patient care support that may be needed by caregivers or family members are grief counseling, healthcare related education, temporary respite and referrals for the treatment of caregiver related depression.nnrnnnIn some instances, families coping with an ALS diagnosis may be able to secure a private room for their family member. Private rooms tend to be an excellent choice if the family feels that their loved one will not feel comfortable rooming with a stranger. Other families may opt to choose one of the subacute facility’s semi-private rooms in the hopes that their loved ones will benefit from the added social interaction.nnrnnnSome of the best facilities are those that view patients as residents, as if it were a home-like setting. The medical and nursing staff, respiratory care, dietary staff, social workers, and therapists (OT, PT, SLP, etc.) all have a high level of respect and care for those afflicted with ALS. They build strong bonds with residents and enhance their quality of life significantly.nnrnnnTo learn more about the benefits of receiving ALS patient care through a subacute facility, please contact Fox Subacute or call 610-828-2272. With three locations in Pennsylvania, and a staff well versed in providing round-the-clock, ALS patient care, Fox Subacute is the leader in respiratory patient care. Schedule a tour and speak with staff to review any questions you may have.

— Event included Saks Fifth Avenue Runway Show Featuring Zac Posen –rnrnPHILADELPHIA, May 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s 58th Annual Daisy Day Luncheon and Fashion Show raised more than $1.6 million to support the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment. World leaders in their field, the Center’s team has pushed the boundaries of medicine and established techniques to surgically repair birth defects before birth, while a baby is still in its mother’s womb. Proceeds from the event will support these life-saving treatments and breakthrough discoveries, so the Center can help even more families in need. More than 700 guests attended the event on May 8 at the Hyatt at The Bellevue.rnrn”Daisy Day is the largest volunteer fundraising effort benefiting CHOP and an annual tradition in the City of Philadelphia,” said Steven M. Altschuler, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “We are extremely grateful to the entire Daisy Day committee, the many event sponsors, and generous attendees, for raising these critical funds that will help CHOP continue to provide the highest level of pediatric care available to children and families in Philadelphia and around the world.”rnrnThis year’s fashion show, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, featured Zac Posen’s Fall 2014 Collection. Nancy A. Wolfson celebrated her 16th consecutive year as chair of Daisy Day. This year’s honorary co-chairs were Mary and Jed Kelly, parents of now 7-year-old Addison Kelly, who underwent a rare life-saving surgery before birth to remove a tumor from her chest. Mary spoke at Daisy Day about the remarkable care the entire Kelly family received thanks to the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment.rnrnSince its founding in 1995, CHOP’s Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment has attracted expectant mothers from all 50 states – and more than 60 countries – who are carrying babies with known birth defects. It is the largest program of its kind in the world, providing fetal diagnosis, prenatal management, delivery and postnatal care.rnrn”We are honored that the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment was selected as this year’s beneficiary. These much needed funds will allow us to offer hope to even more expectant parents and their unborn babies,” said N. Scott Adzick, M.D., Surgeon-in-Chief at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and director of the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment.rnrnThe event kicked off with a silent auction featuring high-end jewelry, designer handbags, sports memorabilia, trips and much more, followed by an energetic live auction during lunch that included a Zac Posen once-in-a-lifetime experience, trip to Costa Rica, tickets to The Voice and America’s Got Talent, and a Philadelphia Eagles Experience. The event concluded with the spectacular Saks Fifth Avenue runway show featuring fashion designer and “Project Runway” judge Zac Posen.rnrn”We’re honored to continue this long, valued partnership with CHOP. As leaders in our respective fields, Saks Fifth Avenue and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia come together to help families in need in a way that’s so unique to Philadelphia,” said Alan Tobman, VP/General Manager at Saks Fifth Avenue Bala Cynwyd. “The monies raised through the Daisy Day luncheon, graciously supported by internationally-respected designers like Zac (Posen), help ensure that CHOP’s world-class medical staff, researchers and caregivers can continue to change lives for years to come.”rnThe Annual Daisy Day Luncheon and Fashion Show was founded by the Auxiliary of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in 1953. Since its inception, when volunteers sold daisies on street corners throughout the city, the Daisy Day Luncheon and Community Campaign have grown to attract the support of schools and businesses across the region, raising more than $17 million for world-class patient care and pioneering research.rnrnAbout The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation’s first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals and pioneering major research initiatives, Children’s Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program receives the highest amount of National Institutes of Health funding among all U.S. children’s hospitals. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 535-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu.rnrnContact: Ashley MoorernPhone: 215-630-4683rnMoorea1@email.chop.edurnrnPhoto – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140509/86181rnrnSOURCE The Children’s Hospital of PhiladelphiarnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.chop.edu

Mayor Michael A. Nutter signed an Executive Order initiating requirements for city contracts that, going forward, will mandate that city contractors provide a minimum wage of $12/hour beginning January 1, 2015. The Executive Order also requires that contractors meet that same minimum wage standard for their first-tier subcontractors for the first time in City history. The requirement will raise first-tier subcontractors’ pay to $10.88/hour beginning with contracts sought two weeks from today, and then $12/hour beginning January 1, 2015.rnrn“No person who works on City contract should live in poverty. We must create ladders of opportunity, we must give America a raise,” said Mayor Nutter. “President Obama presented the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2013, but Congress wouldn’t be swayed by the 35 million hardworking Americans living below the poverty line or without a living wage. So the President took action by signing an Executive Order requiring federal contractors pay their employees a fair wage and called on governors and mayors to do what they could to implement change. I wholeheartedly support the President’s push for an increase to the federal minimum wage and today, I am answering his call to do what I can to support hardworking Philadelphians. While I still hope that there will be movement at the federal level on the minimum wage, I couldn’t wait. I had to take action, as I have done many times before, and protect the interests of our most vulnerable citizens.”rnrnCouncilman W. Wilson Goode, Jr. joined Mayor Nutter to witness the signing, and Mayor Nutter thanked him for his leadership, noting that the Councilman has been a champion of living wage issues in the city for years. “In addition to the Minimum Wage Standard, Councilman Goode also campaigned for health benefits for City contract workers, which was passed and signed into law in 2008. Councilman Goode has also led the way on a Philadelphia Charter Amendment to make legislation providing for minimum wage levels and benefits for subcontractors. This Amendment, which the Administration supports, will be a ballot question this May. I urge Philadelphians to vote ‘yes’”.rnrnCouncilman Goode said, “As a lawmaker from a family of sharecroppers, I’m glad to stand with the Mayor as he issues this Executive Order. I look forward to soon crafting a new law that will raise our City’s wage standard permanently.”rnrnLiving Wage Executive OrderrnMayor Nutters Remarks on Executive Order Raising Minimum Wage

The Hepatitis B Foundation will visit Philadelphia City Council to ask city leaders to support increased testing for the viral liver diseases hepatitis B and C in Philadelphia’s at-risk populations.rnrnPhiladelphia (PRWEB) May 01, 2014rnrnDate: Thursday, May 8, 2014rnTime: 10 a.m.rnLocation: Philadelphia City Council, 494 N Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107rnDetails: The Hepatitis B Foundation will visit Philadelphia City Council to ask city leaders to support increased testing for the viral liver diseases hepatitis B and C in Philadelphia’s at-risk populations.rnrnFoundation leaders and the citywide education coalition that they created, Hep B United Philadelphia, will join with the Hepatitis C Allies of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia County Medical Society to create a noisy and visual presence at the city council meeting to raise awareness about the urgent problem of viral hepatitis in the city.rnrnCouncilman-at-large David Oh will issue a proclamation to demonstrate support for the coalition’s mission to improve screening, vaccination and treatment for hepatitis B and C in the city. About 100 supporters are expected to attend, wearing “don’t let hepatitis sneak up on you” t-shirts to promote their key message – “Get tested for hepatitis. Save lives!” Dr. Walter Tsou, former Philadelphia Health Commissioner and key leader of Hep B United Philadelphia, and Dr. Curtis Miyamoto, Chair of the Philadelphia County Medical Society, are expected to attend.rnAfter the council meeting, the advocates will meet with council members to further review in-depth information about the toll hepatitis B and C is taking on Philadelphia.rnrnThese efforts are being coordinated in recognition of May being National Hepatitis Awareness Month, the goal of which is to highlight the silent epidemic of chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections. It is estimated that more than 5 million Americans suffer from these serious liver diseases, and most are unaware that they are infected. It is essential to improve screening and testing rates to reduce the burden of illness and death from these diseases.rnrnHepatitis B is a Philadelphia Story: Dr. Baruch Blumberg, Fox Chase Cancer Center, discovered the hepatitis B virus for which he won the Nobel Prize. He also invented the first hepatitis B vaccine that is now manufactured by two companies, Merck and GlaxoSmithKline, both headquartered in the Philadelphia region The Hepatitis B Foundation, which was co-founded by Dr. Blumberg, is the only national nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and was established just outside Philadelphia in Bucks County.rnrnAbout Hep B United Philadelphia: Hep B United Philadelphia seeks to increase the visibility of hepatitis B and liver cancer as an urgent health priority; increase hepatitis B testing and vaccination rates, particularly among at-risk communities; and involve and mobilize stakeholders and policy decision-makers to improve access to care for both the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B and liver cancer. To learn more, go to http://www.hepbunitedphiladelphia.org.rnrnAbout the Hepatitis B Foundation: Headquartered in Doylestown, Pa., the Hepatitis B Foundation is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to finding a cure for hepatitis B and improving the quality of life for those affected worldwide through research, education and patient advocacy. To learn more, go to http://www.hepb.org, read our blog at http://wp.hepb.org, follow us on Twitter @HepBFoundation, find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hepbfoundation or call 215-489-4900.rnContact: Sarah Larson at sarah(at)furiarubel(dot)com or 215-340-0480rn# # #

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 2, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, PLCB, announced Wine Week 2014 celebrations will begin with the Pittsburgh Wine Festival on Thursday, May 8, followed by Vintage & Vineyards: The Hershey Wine Festival on Friday, May 9, and the Philadelphia Wine+ Food Festival on Saturday, May 10. Each event will feature more than 500 wines and 100 vintners.rn”Wine Week provides great opportunities for wine aficionados and new enthusiasts all across Pennsylvania to sample a wide range of vintages from around the world in three large venues and meet some of the winemakers themselves,” said PLCB Chairman Joseph E. Brion. “We’re pleased to offer these opportunities to our consumers.”rnrnWine Week begins on Thursday, May 8, at the 12th annual Pittsburgh Wine Festival, held inside the Heinz Field East and West Club Lounges. A VIP tasting with special, premium wines will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.; the Grand Tasting will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit www.pittsburghwinefestival.com. Proceeds benefit the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center charities.rnrn”Whether you prefer a dry white, a sweet sparkler or a full-bodied red, these three festivals offer not just one but many different wines for your palate,” said PLCB Member Robert S. Marcus. “Each festival provides an incredible chance to try something new, reconnect with an old favorite and discover something different, all while raising money for worthy causes.”rnrnIn Hershey, the 2014 wine festival moves to a completely new venue – the Antique Automobile Club of America Museum – and has a new name, “Vintage & Vineyards: The Hershey Wine Festival.” On Friday, May 9, the VIP tasting runs from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the Grand Tasting follows from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A special Introductory Tasting Seminar, guided by PLCB Chairman’s Selection® program wine buyer Steve Pollack, will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Ticket information is available at www.vintageandvineyards.com. Proceeds benefit Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.rnrn”The wine festivals offer the opportunity to discover the latest trends in wine,” said Board Member Tim Holden. “They provide the chance to explore the sometimes-bold, sometimes-subtle differences in wines based on their region of origin and style of production. If you enjoy wine, you will enjoy these events.”rnrnOn Saturday, May 10, the Philadelphia Wine + Food Festival will be held in the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum. The event blends wine and food, giving attendees the chance to taste some of the best wines from around the world and sample the cuisine of some of the most popular restaurants in Philadelphia. The VIP tasting is from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and the Grand Tasting follows from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.phillymag.com/wineandfoodfest2014/. Proceeds benefit The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.rnrnRetired basketball star John Salley, a member of three NBA championship teams and current TV host, will attend all three festivals pouring Vegan Vine wines, a brand dedicated to educating the vegan and wine-drinking communities about vegan-friendly techniques for producing wine. In addition, Robert Hall, the owner of Robert Hall Wineries will also be available to meet with consumers and sign bottles at all three locations. Hall and Salley are just two of the many winemakers, owners, proprietors and industry VIPs that will be on hand.rnrn”While there are is a wide variety of wine to sample, there is also a wide variety of food to taste. We encourage attendees at every festival to enjoy both. As always we ask attendees to consume responsibly to ensure that an enjoyable evening remains a safe evening,” Chairman Brion added.rnFor those who discover a wine they want to enjoy later, each venue will feature a Fine Wine & Good Spirits Store that will offer Featured Selection wines along with special VIP selections for consumers to purchase.rnrnFor more information on products tasted at the wine festivals, visit www.FineWineAndGoodSpirits.com.rnrnMedia contact: Stacy Kriedeman, 717-783-8864rnrnSOURCE Pennsylvania Liquor Control BoardrnrnrnRELATED LINKSrnhttp://www.lcb.state.pa.us