1. Esperanza Academy Elementary students practice reading together. (Photo Credits: Unknown)
Early Literacy Strategies at Esperanza Academy
At Esperanza Academy Elementary, we believe that building a strong foundation of reading skills is vital for a child’s immediate and future success. According to a report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation entitled “EARLY WARNING! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters,” “Reading proficiently by the end of third grade … can be a make-or-break benchmark in a child’s educational development,” and “low achievement in reading has important long-term consequences.” To ensure that our students have the tools they need to learn and grow, we provide individualized instruction to help move them forward, foster a celebratory culture to cheer them on along the way, and partner with parents and guardians as they support their child’s learning at home.
All students are tested at the beginning of the school year using the Independent Reading Level Assessment® (IRLA®) from the American Reading Company to determine their baseline reading level. Using that leveling, parents are provided with specific “Power Goals” that clearly show them which skills their child needs to master to reach the next reading level. Teachers regularly meet with their students, either in small groups or individually, to coach them through those specific skills. Students are re-tested throughout the school year as their teacher sees their skills grow.
Daily reading instruction for grades K-2 is focused on phonics, phonological awareness, and comprehension. In addition to 30 minutes of instruction using the Foundations Curriculum each day, students spend additional time engaged in literacy activities that provide more practice of the skills learned during instruction time. Unit assessments provide teachers with data that helps them identify what skills students need to grow. When students reach third grade, the instructional focus shifts from learning to read to reading to learn. Students are exposed to a wide range of reading and writing skills such as research, literary genres, and writing to express opinions.
Following the idea that practice makes perfect, students are required to read for 30 minutes at school and 30 minutes at home every day. As they learn and grow through classroom instruction, literacy activities, daily reading time, and access to other resources, we get to see our students continue to advance in their reading levels; we love to cheer them on and see their excitement! To celebrate their achievement, students get to visit the office to ring a special bell, be applauded by staff, and receive a pin for their new level to display on their school lanyard.
While a strong literacy program at school is vital in a child’s academic journey, the support that parents and guardians provide at home is invaluable. We asked our K-2 Literacy Curriculum Specialist, Sasha Castillo, to share some tips for how parents and guardians can help their children grow their reading skills in everyday life:
Read together every day. You can read the morning news at breakfast, share a story after dinner, or cuddle up for a book at bedtime. A daily reading routine is something everyone can look forward to.
Talk and build vocabulary. Interesting conversations build vocabulary, language skills, and knowledge about the world. Conversation is a child’s best source of exposure to new words and ideas.
Point out print. Read and talk about the words you see in the world around you. There’s lots to read—signs, recipes, cereal boxes, instruction manuals, bus schedules, news, maps, and menus.
Create a reading-rich home. Find books at the bookstore or yard sales. Provide a special shelf or basket for kids to keep their own books and one for library books. Make sure there are quiet, comfortable places to read.
Ask questions when you read. Ask your child to guess what comes next. Ask open-ended questions that help them relate to characters or events in the book. Let your child get involved and ask questions too–interruptions are okay!
Stalin Vásquez, propietario de la agencia State Farm ubicada en el corredor de Esperanza de la calle 5, se alistan para dar regalos a la niñez asistente. (Foto: Lili Daliessio)
Filadelfia, PA – El viernes 15 de diciembre, casi 200 residentes de la comunidad y líderes locales asistieron al evento anual de la Parranda organizado por Esperanza en Marz Auto Central, en 4518 N. 5th Street.
El evento navideño gratuito, es una tradición anual y forma parte de una serie que destaca los activos culturales y económicos del vecindario, para los participantes.
La celebración marcó el lanzamiento oficial del Action Hub del Community Anti-Poverty Project (esperanza.us/action), una herramienta digital de apoyo que permite a los miembros de la comunidad encontrar la información de contacto de sus representantes electos y escribirles sobre problemas específicos.
Casi 200 residentes y líderes locales asistieron a la Parranda en la Cinco, un evento realizado por Esperanza en Marz Auto Central en el 4518 N.5th (Foto: Darlenys Melo)
Actualmente se está creando conciencia sobre LIHEAP (Programa de asistencia de energía a los hogares de bajos ingresos), que proporciona ayuda necesaria con el pago de la factura de energía a residentes de bajos ingresos durante los meses de invierno, pero no está disponible todo el año. Al ir a (Esperanza.us/action), puedes pedirle a tu legislador que haga que LIHEAP esté disponible todo el año.
Además de la seguridad energética, el Action Hub abordará otros problemas, como la seguridad alimentaria, del agua, de la vivienda y los créditos fiscales.
Esperanza’s CEO, Rev. Luis Cortés, Jr., hablando con Patricia Arcila, dueña de Latin Fashion, localizado en el corredor comercial de Esperanza en la calle 5. (Foto: Lili Daliessio)
Las bolsas de regalos incluyeron información sobre cómo obtener árboles gratuitos, capacitación digital del programa Digital Skills Hope, cursos universitarios, una prueba de COVID gratuita, e información sobre la próxima clínica de vacunas Además miembros de Esperanza Housing estuvieron en el lugar para responder preguntas de los residentes.
Antes que comenzara la parranda, Stalin Vásquez, propietario de la agencia State Farm ubicada en el corredor de la calle 5, regaló más de 180 regalos de Navidad a los niños que vinieron con sus familias. Algunas de ellas llevaron sus instrumentos musicales, y Esperanza regaló otros instrumentos musicales tradicionales. Se asó un lechón entero, y las familias lo disfrutaron con arroz, ensalada de pasta, frijoles y albóndigas.
El director ejecutivo de Esperanza, Rev. Luis Cortés, Jr., y algunos líderes de la comunidad son parte de la “Parranda en la Cinco.” (Foto: Lili Daliessio)
El entretenimiento para la noche incluyó a Los Bomberos de la Calle, un grupo musical local que interpreta música tradicional puertorriqueña de bomba y plena; también estuvo María del Pilar, que ha sido una figura de la radio y la televisión de habla Hispana local durante más de 34 años, y Los Rumberos Jeep Club. Este grupo comunitario local puertorriqueño y dominicano realiza recolecciones de juguetes durante las fiestas.
María del Pilar disfruta el evento mientras lo animaba. (Foto: Ángel Ortiz-Siberón)
Rafael Álvarez Febo, vicepresidente de Defensa y Desarrollo Comunitario en Esperanza Housing and Economic Development, dijo que «Eventos como ‘Parranda en la Cinco’ brindan la oportunidad a nuestros negocios del vecindario, al personal de Esperanza y a los artistas locales de compartir en un mismo lugar y celebrar con las personas a las que servimos a diario. Es genial ver caras sonrientes y familias disfrutando».
Este artículo es parte del Proyecto Comunitario Anti-Pobreza de Esperanza, con el apoyo de la Fundación Rockefeller, que informa y compromete a los latinos en políticas y programas clave para su bienestar social y económico.
Lili Daliessio es gerente de Información Comunitaria en el programa de Vivienda y Desarrollo de Esperanza.
Este invierno Los funcionarios de salud advierten sobre un aumento de infecciones respiratorias, principalmente el virus sincitial respiratorio (VRS), COVID-19 y gripe. Los trabajadores de la salud y los hospitales se están preparando para una “tripledemia” de estas tres enfermedades, similar a lo que ocurrió el año pasado durante este periodo.
La tripledemia no sólo amenaza la salud de nuestra comunidad, sino que también puede abrumar el sistema de salud local en Filadelfia, a medida que más personas se enferman y tratan de encontrar tratamiento.
¿Cómo y por qué podría suceder esto? Los tres virus se transmiten al respirar gotitas y partículas muy pequeñas que contienen el virus. También puede infectarse al tocar superficies u objetos contaminados y luego tocarse la cara. Es posible que las personas infectadas con COVID-19 o gripe no sientan ningún síntoma, pero aun así pueden transmitir el virus a otras personas, incluso antes de que se sientan enfermas.
La gripe, el COVID-19 y el VRS también comparten muchos síntomas comunes, como tos, dolores de cabeza, estornudos, secreción nasal y congestión. Esto hace que sea difícil saber qué podría estar enfermándolo a usted o a otras personas a su alrededor. Ciertas personas (principalmente niños, ancianos y personas con sistemas inmunitarios debilitados) pueden desarrollar complicaciones potencialmente mortales.
¿Qué puedes hacer para evitar la infección?
Para protegerse contra las tres enfermedades de la tripledemia, debes:
1) Lavarte las manos con frecuencia
2) Vacunarte contra los tres
3) Hacerte la prueba si estás enfermo o has estado expuesto
4) Evitar el contacto con otras personas si estas enfermo
5) Usar mascarillas y mantente alejado de personas enfermas
6) Buscar tratamiento médico si estás enfermo
Todas las personas (a menos que se hayan presentado alergias previas a los componentes) de 6 meses en adelante, debieran recibir una vacuna contra el COVID-19 y una vacuna contra la gripe actualizadas.
Los bebés de 8 meses en adelante pueden tomar un anticuerpo monoclonal contra el VRS, que es un medicamento (No una vacuna) que proporciona anticuerpos para ayudar a combatir el virus del VRS.
Los adultos de 60 años o más pueden vacunarse contra el VRS. Ser consciente de estas enfermedades respiratorias y tomar medidas para protegerse contra ellas es la mejor manera de mantenerse saludable este invierno.
Demonstrators march west towards the UC Townhomes during a pro-Palestinians rally in Philadelphia, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. (Photo: AP/Elizabeth Robertson/The Philadelphia Inquirer)
Los devastadores acontecimientos del 7 de octubre de 2023 y los posteriores actos de terrorismo de Hamás en Israel han marcado un capítulo oscuro en la historia moderna. Sus acciones, muchas de las cuales han sido capturadas en vídeo, representan una espantosa violación de los derechos humanos y la dignidad. La agresión, la violación y el asesinato de personas inocentes, incluidos bebés, niños, mujeres, hombres y ancianos, junto con el secuestro de sobrevivientes del Holocausto y la matanza bárbara de más de mil israelíes, son actos de horror indescriptible. No debería haber lugar para tales atrocidades en nuestra sociedad.
El silencio de gran parte del mundo ante estas atrocidades es profundamente preocupante. El hecho de no condenar universalmente tales actos no sólo socava la lucha global contra el terrorismo y la violencia, sino que también traiciona a las víctimas de estos crímenes atroces. La Biblia nos recuerda: «Bienaventurados los pacificadores, porque serán llamados hijos de Dios» (Mateo 5:9). Como pacificadores, debemos alzar la voz contra esos actos de violencia y terror.
Esta situación exige especialmente una postura unida contra ese mal. La amenaza emitida por Irán y Hamás, que incluye su compromiso con el genocidio de judíos, es una grave preocupación que exige atención y acción global. La historia del pueblo judío, marcada por la persecución y el sufrimiento, particularmente durante el Holocausto, debería recordarnos a todos las consecuencias catastróficas del odio y la violencia desenfrenados.
En Filadelfia, grupos pro-palestinos habrían acusado de genocidio a empresas de propiedad judía, acciones reconocidas por la Casa Blanca y el gobernador Shapiro como antisemitas. Esta retórica de odio sirve como un doloroso recordatorio de que la lucha contra el antisemitismo y el terrorismo está lejos de terminar.
Nuestra historia como pueblo latino ha estado marcada por luchas contra la opresión y la lucha por la dignidad y el respeto. Entendemos el dolor de ser mal entendido y tergiversado. Hemos experimentado esto en nuestro pasado y podemos experimentarlo en nuestro futuro. Sin embargo, siempre hemos sido resilientes.
Adoptar una postura unificada contra el odio de cualquier tipo no debería sorprender a nadie.
El sufrimiento infligido por esos conflictos es universal y afecta tanto a las familias palestinas como a las israelíes. El anhelo de paz, armonía y prosperidad es un hilo conductor que une a todas las personas. Nuestras voces, unidas en la fe y la compasión, pueden ayudar a allanar el camino hacia un futuro en el que el amor supere al odio y la paz triunfe sobre la violencia.
Esta visión de paz y reconciliación es por lo que debemos luchar; un mundo donde la violencia sea reemplazada por comprensión y el odio por unidad. En ese sentido, el constante bombardeo de Gaza genera preocupación y un profundo deseo que ambas partes reconozcan la necesidad de una soluciónde dos Estados, el fin del genocidio y del odio cultural y religioso.
Demonstrators march west towards the UC Townhomes during a pro-Palestinians rally in Philadelphia, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. (Photo: AP/Elizabeth Robertson/The Philadelphia Inquirer)
The devastating events of October 7, 2023, and subsequent acts of terror by Hamas in Israel have marked a dark chapter in modern history. Their actions, many of which have been captured on video, represent a shocking violation of human rights and dignity. The assault, rape, and murder of innocent individuals including babies, children, women, men, and the elderly, along with the abduction of Holocaust survivors and the barbaric killing of over a thousand Israelis are acts of unspeakable horror. There should be no room for such atrocities in our society.
The silence of much of the world in the face of these atrocities is deeply troubling. The failure to universally condemn such acts not only undermines the global fight against terrorism and violence but also betrays the victims of these heinous crimes.
The Bible reminds us, «Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God» (Matthew 5:9). As peacemakers, we must raise our voices against such acts of violence and terror.
This situation especially calls for a united stand against such evil. The threat issued by Iran and Hamas, that include commitments to the genocide of Jews, is a grave concern that demands global attention and action. The history of the Jewish people, marked by persecution and suffering, particularly during the Holocaust, should remind us of all the catastrophic consequences of unchecked hatred and violence.
In Philadelphia, pro-Palestinian groups have reportedly accused Jewish-owned businesses of genocide, actions recognized by the White House and Governor Shapiro as antisemitic. This hateful rhetoric serves as a painful reminder that the fight against antisemitism and terrorism is far from over.
Our history as Latine people has been marked by struggles against oppression and the fight for dignity and respect. We understand the pain of being misunderstood and misrepresented. We have experienced this in our past and may experience this in the future. Yet, we have always been resilient.
Taking a unified stand against hate of any kind should not come as a surprise to anyone.
The suffering inflicted by such conflicts is universal — affecting Palestinian and Israeli families alike. The yearning for peace, harmony, and prosperity is a common thread that binds all people. Our voices, united in faith and compassion, can help pave the way for a future where love overcomes hate and peace triumphs over violence. This vision of peace and reconciliation is what we must strive for — a world where violence is replaced with understanding and hatred with unity. In that vein, the constant bombing of Gaza raises concerns and a deep desire for the recognition of the need of a two-state solution by both sides, an end to genocide, and cultural/religious hate.
FILE - A fan displays a sign that calls attention to Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce during the second half of an NFL football game between the Chiefs and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File)
A romance that united sports and music fans, a celestial wonder that drew millions of eyes skyward and a spiritual homecoming for some Native American tribes were just some of the moments that inspired us and brought joy in 2023.
In a year that saw multiple wars, deadly mass shootings, earthquakes, wildfires, sexual harassment stories and other tragedies, these events were among those that broke through the tumult of 2023 and made people feel hopeful.
As Taylor Swift would say, “Hold on to the memories.” Here are a few of them:
A FRIENDSHIP BRACELET WITH A PHONE NUMBER
That’s how Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce planned to woo superstar Taylor Swift when he went to her Eras Tour concert stop in the Missouri capital. It didn’t work — at first.
But the romantic gesture, and public admission of defeat on his “New Heights” podcast, caught the Grammy Award-winner’s attention. After the power pair took their relationship public — she went to a Chiefs game and sat in a box with Kelce’s mom, to the delight of fans — they began taking the world by storm.
Sportscasters calculated Swift’s effect on Kelce’s game stats and TV viewership, national magazines offered up comprehensive dating timelines, and Swift fans scoured Kelce’s old social media posts to make sure he was fit for their queen.
On tour in Buenos Aires, the then-33-year-old singer changed a lyric from “Karma is the guy on the screen” to “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs.” And fans went crazy when she jumped into Kelce’s arms for an iconic post-concert kiss.
“I think we’re all excited about it. Until they start making good romcoms again, this is what we have,” said Michal Owens, a 37-year-old longtime fan from the Indianapolis suburb of Zionsville.
While pint-sized pairs of trick-or-treaters donned glitzy dresses and Chiefs jerseys this Halloween, Owens transformed her outdoor display into a tribute. The mother of three dressed one 12-foot-tall (3.66-meters-tall) skeleton in a Chiefs jersey, another in a sparkly dress and then stacked three smaller skeletons atop one another to create what she called a “tower of Swifties.”
“We’ve got so many things in the world to be sad about,» she said. «Why not find something to root for and give us some joy?”
FILE – Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, center left, and singer Taylor Swift leave Arrowhead Stadium after an NFL football game between the Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers, Oct. 22, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. A friendship bracelet with a phone number: that’s how Kelce planned to woo Swift when he went to her Eras Tour concert stop in the Missouri capital. The romance that united sports and music fans, a celestial wonder that drew millions of eyes skyward and a long overdue homecoming for some Native American tribes were just some of the moments that inspired us and brought joy in 2023. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
AN AWE-INSPIRING ECLIPSE
From Oregon’s coast to the beaches of Corpus Christi, Texas, millions of people in October donned special glasses and gazed upward to take in the dazzling “ ring of fire” eclipse of the sun.
“It’s kind of spiritual, but in a way that is almost tangible,” University of Texas at San Antonio astrophysics professor Angela Speck said as she recalled the type of eclipse that ancient Mayan astronomers called a “broken sun.”
Crowds in the path of the eclipse erupted in cheers when the moon blocked out all but a brilliant circle of the sun’s outer edge. Participants at an international balloon fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, whooped from the launch pad. Broadcasters for NASA said they felt a chill as the moon cast a shadow over the earth — and one broadcaster was so overcome with emotion that she began crying.
The phenomenon was a prelude to the total solar eclipse that will sweep across Mexico, the eastern half of the U.S. and Canada, in April 2024. But the next “ring of fire” eclipse won’t be visible in the U.S. until 2039 and then only in parts of Alaska.
FILE – The moon passes between Earth and the sun during a rare «ring of fire» eclipse seen from Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, Oct. 14, 2023. A romance that united sports and music fans, a celestial wonder that drew millions of eyes skyward and a long overdue homecoming for some Native American tribes were just some of the moments that inspired us and brought joy in 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
IN DEATH, A SELFLESS ACT
Surprise letters are showing up in mailboxes, informing recipients that their medical debt is wiped away.
They have Casey McIntyre to thank. The 38-year-old New York City book publisher nearly died of cancer in May. But in what her husband, Andrew Rose Gregory, called a “bonus summer,» the young mother made plans to help people after she was gone. Her goal: To erase medical debt.
In a message posted after her death in November, she asked for donations, writing, “I loved each and every one of you with my whole heart and I promise you, I knew how deeply I was loved.”
By December, the campaign had raised more than $1 million, enough to erase around $100 million in debt. That’s because the nonprofit RIP Medical Debt says every dollar donated buys about $100 in debt.
“Her positive spirit is just resonating with a lot of people,» said Allison Sesso, the nonprofit’s president and CEO.
The effort was inspired by the people McIntyre met during treatment. They weren’t just worried about their health but how to pay for their care. She had good insurance — and «couldn’t even fathom having to deal with that on top of the cancer,» Sesso said.
The fundraiser, which quickly shattered its initial goal of $20,000, gave her family a sliver of “something positive» to focus on amid their grief. It was particularly hard for the family because when McIntyre died, her daughter was just a toddler, not yet 2.
“This sounds crazy but she didn’t seem angry at all,» said Sesso. «She was like, ‘This happened. I’ve accepted that this has happened, and I’m going to do this positive thing.’”
A SPIRITUAL HOMECOMING
When the Grand Canyon became a national park over a century ago, many Native Americans who called it home were displaced.
In 2023, meaningful steps were taken to address the federal government’s actions. In May, a ceremony marked the renaming of a popular campground in the inner canyon from Indian Garden to Havasupai Gardens, or “Ha’a Gyoh,” in the Havasupai language.
It marked a pivotal moment in the tribe’s relationship with the U.S. government nearly a century after the last tribal member was forcibly removed from the park. The Havasupai Tribe was landless for a time until the federal government set aside a plot in the depths of the Grand Canyon for members.
Then in August, President Joe Biden signed a national monument designation — over the opposition of Republican lawmakers and the uranium mining industry — to help preserve about 1,562 square miles (4,046 square kilometers) to the north and south of Grand Canyon National Park.
It was another big step for the Havasupai, and for the 10 other tribes that consider the Grand Canyon their ancestral homeland.
The new national monument is called Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni. “Baaj Nwaavjo” meaning “where tribes roam,” for the Havasupai people, while “I’tah Kukveni” translates to “our footprints,” for the Hopi Tribe.
The move restricts new mining claims and brings tribal voices to the table to manage the environment, said Jack Pongyesva, of the Grand Canyon Trust, an advocacy group that represents tribal and environmental issues in the region.
He said it also could open the door for more cultural tourism, where visitors could learn not just about the landscape but about the tribes — from the tribes themselves.
Pongyesva, a member of the Hopi Tribe, said the dedication is «The beginning of hopefully this healing and looking back and seeing what was wrong and moving forward together.»
A RESILIENT RETURN
Firs are mainstays of Christmas tree lots. But on the Isle Royale National Park near Michigan’s border with Canada, balsam firs were being devoured.
Gray wolves on the remote island cluster in Lake Superior were already dying out from inbreeding, causing the moose population to become a “runaway freight train” and strip trees that were wolves’ primary food during long, snowbound winters, said Michigan Tech biologist Rolf Peterson.
An ambitious plan was hatched to airlift wolves from the mainland to the park — and it’s starting to make a big difference. A report this year shows the resurging wolf population is thriving and the moose total is shrinking, giving the trees a chance to recover.
There were critics of the plan, but Peterson said there weren’t other viable options. Because of climate change, particularly global warming, there are fewer ice bridges, reducing wolves’ ability to trek from the mainland and diversify the gene pool.
“That was a huge undertaking,” Peterson said, and it turned out “spectacularly well.”
The 6ABC helicopter known as Chopper 6 flies over Philadelphia's Penn Landing on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023. The Helicopter crashed on Dec 19, 2023, killing both the pilot and photographer on board. (Photo: AP/Elizabeth Robertson/The Philadelphia Inquirer)
The crew of a Philadelphia television news helicopter had filmed a Christmas lights display before crashing into the forest in southern New Jersey, an investigator said Thursday.
Todd Gunther, an investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board, told reporters near the crash site that WPVI’s Chopper 6 took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport Tuesday night and “had flown over to report on some Christmas light activity, and then they were returning back to base when the accident occurred.”
Killed in the crash were the pilot, 67-year-old Monroe Smith of Glenside, Pennsylvania, and a photographer, 45-year-old Christopher Dougherty of Oreland, Pennsylvania.
Gunther did not specify the precise location the crew was filming, but the station previously reported the crew had been sent to a story assignment in Galloway Township, just outside Atlantic City.
One of the main attractions in Galloway is Historic Smithville, a tourist attraction that in winter includes a lavish holiday light display with over 120 Christmas trees decorated with more than 50,000 lights on a lake.
The federal agency, which investigates fatal accidents involving transportation, has an eight-member team on-site in Washington Township in Burlington County, at Wharton State Forest. They plan to remain there for three days and then issue a preliminary report 10 to 15 days after that time.
Gunther said investigators will look at anything that may have either contributed to or caused the crash, which occurred on a clear, cold night.
The chopper made two previous flights on Tuesday before the crash, he said.
Elements to be examined include the structural integrity of the helicopter, its rotor, drive and flight control systems, its maintenance history and “the physiology of the pilot on board,» Gunther said.
On its website Thursday, the TV station quoted Pete Kane, a retired journalist who was friends with Smith. He went to the same high school as Smith, and used to fly with him.
“We had the same goals. That was to do the job the best we could do it,» he said. «And I think we both did that. He did it till the end. We’d have problems with the instruments on my chopper and he would tell me, this is what you have to do. Just a great guy. He took away my fear of flying.”
Dave Allegretti, a childhood friend of Dougherty since kindergarten, recalled the photographer’s “infectious laugh” and his knack for storytelling.
“He enjoyed listening to and creating music,» Allegretti told the TV station. “He was an avid Philly sports fan, a dedicated and talented photographer, but most importantly, he was an incredible husband, father, brother, son, and friend.”
New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) throws under pressure from New Orleans Saints defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon (92) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in New Orleans. (Photo: AP/Matthew Hinton)
EAGLES PLAYER TO WATCH: QB Jalen Hurts threw two late interceptions at Seattle, finishing 17 of 31 for 143 yards and no touchdowns through the air. Hurts tossed a pick on a deep ball intended for Quez Watkins with 8:08 remaining and the game-clinching INT by Julian Love on a long throw to A.J. Brown in the final seconds. Afterward, Hurts, who traveled separately from the team to the game because he was sick, said the Eagles weren’t committed enough and singled himself out. Hurts and Philadelphia’s offense surely will be looking to get back on track against the Giants.
KEY MATCHUP: Giants offensive line vs. Eagles defensive line. One of Philadelphia’s strengths for much of the season has been its pressure from the front four, as the Eagles are fourth in the NFL with 224 pass pressures. However, the Eagles have not been getting the push up front they’ve been accustomed to during their losing streak. New York surrendered seven sacks against the Saints, and Philadelphia surely will be looking for a similar performance against undrafted rookie QB Tommy DeVito.
KEY INJURIES: Giants K Randy Bullock (hamstring) departed in the Saints game. Coach Brian Daboll is not expecting Bullock to play and expects to replace him with Cade York. P Jamie Gillan got hurt filling in for Bullock against New Orleans, and his status against Philadelphia is uncertain. RT Evan Neal (ankle) has missed five consecutive games. LG Justin Pugh (calf) played against the Saints but was limited. Pugh is expected to play against Philadelphia. DL Dexter Lawrence (hamstring) was not a participant in the Giants’ early week practices. New York opened the practice window this week on injured OL Matt Peart (shoulder) and RB Gary Brightwell (hamstring). Eagles G Landon Dickerson (thumb) reportedly had surgery on Wednesday. His status for Monday is uncertain.
SERIES NOTES: Philadelphia has won four in a row against the Giants, including last season’s playoff win. Hurts was 16 of 24 for 154 yards and two touchdowns and also ran for a score.
STATS AND STUFF: Giants: DeVito will be making his eighth appearance and sixth start. He completed 20 of 34 passes for 177 yards without a TD against the Saints and is 103 for 160 (64.4%) for 1,032 yards this season. … New York didn’t score a TD against the Saints and have gone four games without a touchdown this season. … DL A’Shawn Robinson had eight tackles against New Orleans. … The Giants are still mathematically alive for a playoff berth but need to win out and get a lot of help. New York plays at the Rams on Dec. 31 before hosting the Eagles to finish the regular season. … Converted 2 of 16 third downs against the Saints. … This is New York’s first Christmas day game. … RB Saquon Barkley had nine rushes for just 14 yards versus New Orleans, and the Giants ended with just 60 yards on the ground. Eagles: RB D’Andre Swift rushed 18 times for 74 yards against Seattle. Swift’s 896 yards on the ground are a career high and fifth in the NFL. … Wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith each caught five passes vs Seattle, with Brown going for 56 yards and Smith 50. Brown is second in the league with 1,314 receiving yards. … Hurts is second in the NFL with 33 total touchdowns and needs three more to break the franchise record. Hurts (in 2022) and Randall Cunningham (1990) share the team record with 35 TDs in a season.
FANTASY TIP: Philadelphia backup RB Boston Scott would be a great pickup this week. In nine career games against the Giants, including last season’s postseason contest, he has rushed for 446 yards and 10 touchdowns on 92 attempts. In 70 games, including playoffs, against the rest of the NFL, Scott has 228 rushing attempts for 961 yards and nine TDs.
El jugador de los Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid, en una imagen de archivo. (Foto: EFE/CJ GUNTHER)
Joel Embiid firmó este miércoles el séptimo partido de su carrera por encima de los 50 puntos, al endosar 51 a los Minnesota Timberwolves, líderes del Oeste, en el triunfo por 127-113 de los Philadelphia 76ers.
Embiid selló la mejor actuación de su temporada y acabó su monumental partido con 51 puntos y doce rebotes, con 17 de 25 en tiros de campo y un brillante 17 de 18 desde la línea de libres.
El MVP de la NBA se quedó a ocho puntos de su récord personal, de 59, logrado en noviembre de 2022 en un partido contra los Utah Jazz.
Lleva doce partidos consecutivos anotando al menos 30 puntos y capturando al menos diez rebotes y dio a los 76ers su séptima victoria en los últimos ocho encuentros, con la única derrota llegada el lunes en casa contra los Chicago Bulls.
Embiid contó con el apoyo de Tyrese Maxey, quien aportó 35 puntos y cinco asistencias, con cinco triples. Esta dupla anotó 86 de los 127 puntos de los 76ers.
Sus magníficas actuaciones tumbaron a unos Wolves que llegaban a Philadelphia tras ganar nueve de sus últimos diez partidos y con el mejor balance de la NBA (20-5). Con este revés, comparten la mejor marca de la liga con los Boston Celtics, líderes del Este.
En los Wolves, tres jugadores acabaron por encima de los 20 puntos, liderados por los 27 de Anthony Edwards. El dominicano Karl Anthony Towns aportó 23 y trece rebotes, mientras que Jaden McDaniels metió 21. El francés Rudy Gobert no pasó de los ocho puntos y nueve rebotes.
Mark Squilla, concejal del Distrito 1. (Foto: Leticia Roa Nixon)
El equipo de baloncesto The Philadelphia 76ers fue fundado en 1963 y es una de las franquicias de la asociación nacional de baloncesto (NBA). Desde el verano de 2022, su corporación propuso la construcción de un estadio nuevo a un bloque del barrio chino. Su sede actual es en el sur de la ciudad, a unas millas del centro, junto a la mayoría de los otros equipos profesionales de deporte.
Ahora están arrendando el centro Wells Fargo junto con el equipo citadino de hockey sobre hielo, los Flyers. El proyecto está a cargo de 76DevCo, una colaboración entre los dueños de los equipos, Joshua Harris y David S. Blitzer, y el constructor David Adelman quienes garantizaron que no se usarán fondos de la ciudad para el proyecto, aunque buscarán contribuciones federales y estatales.
El argumento principal del equipo para ese proyecto es que quieren su propio hogar en la calle 10th y la Market. Su estadio de vanguardia los haría más competitivos en la NBA y se evitarían también conflictos de horario del uso del lugar donde están en la actualidad.
Esta semana la corporación de los 76ers presentó su diseño nuevo al Concejo Municipal que muestra un estadio de 18 mil asientos, las expansiones de la acera, el comercio al menudeo en el interior y un edificio de apartamentos con 395 unidades. Esta es la primera revisión oficial del plan que busca ser aprobada durante la administración de la alcaldesa entrante, Cherelle Parker en 2024.
Los oradores de Power Interfaith leyeron su declaración. (Foto: Leticia Roa Nixon)
Desde el anuncio de la propuesta el 21 de julio del año pasado, muchos residentes y pequeños comerciantes se oponen a su edificación ya que el estacionamiento en las calles no sería asequible, habrá un incremento de tráfico y contaminación ambiental. Las rentas de locales comerciales aumentarán y habrá un impacto social por los cientos de aficionados que asistirán a los juegos en el posible estadio.
Por su parte, el equipo de baloncesto cree que su proyecto, de un costo de $1.55 billones, no solo generará nuevos trabajos e ingresos por impuestos, pero que también ayudará a revitalizar los bloques al este de ayuntamiento, un tramo que según los 76ers, no ha prosperado en décadas a pesar de una inversión de millones de dólares. Sin embargo, cuándo los Sixers mudaron su oficina central a Camden, NJ prometieron ingresos fiscales, revitalización y empleos a los residentes. Hoy, la oficina solo emplea a 11 residentes de Camden.
La iglesia se llenó con cientos de asistentes. (Foto: Leticia Roa Nixon)
La organización Power Interfaith organizó una reunión comunitaria con Mark Squilla, el concejal del distrito1, el 17 de diciembre en la iglesia Mother Bethel AME la cual se llenó a su capacidad con cientos de asistentes de miembros de congregaciones y activistas.
Las preguntas al concejal incluyeron ¿cómo se calculan los impuestos que tendrá que pagar el equipo?, ¿quién pagará la infraestructura de rutas de tráfico público, alcantarillado?
También se cuestionó, en qué información se basa la corporación de que sugiere que solo el 40% de aficionados conducirá al estadio del centro de la ciudad mientras que ahora el 85% maneja al centro Wells Fargo.
La cantora litúrgica Hazzan Jessie Roemer abrió el programa. (Foto: Leticia Roa Nixon)
¿Qué tan posible es que se realicen eventos durante todo el año en el nuevo estadio, que garantice empleo de tiempo completo para los trabajadores? Cuestionaron, entre otras preguntas.
Las calles 10 y 11 entre Market y Filbert serán cerradas al tráfico durante los días de juego y estos son los principales corredores del barrio chino. Además, el proyecto no considera los posibles escenarios de que haya múltiples eventos en centro de convenciones, festivales o desfiles en las fechas de los juegos. Esto sin contar con el cierre de calles, el desvío de rutas de SEPTA, en por lo menos 6 años durante la construcción del estadio.
El concejal Mark Squilla y al fondo el rev. Mark Tyler, anfitrión de la reunión. (Foto: Leticia Roa Nixon)
El concejal Mark Squilla contestó a docenas de preguntas de los asistentes y mantuvo su posición de seguir el proceso y se opondrá a la construcción cuando llegue el momento de que el Concejo Municipal vote al respecto. Fue claro en que cualquier costo de la propuesta o de infraestructura requerida, si se llega a construir el estadio, no será financiada por la ciudad de Filadelfia. El servidor público se ha reunido de manera regular con las partes interesadas en dicho proyecto que serán tomadas en cuenta cuando se llegue al final del proceso de decisión sobre la propuesta de la corporación 76DevCo.
Los oradores apoyaron a los residentes del barrio chino, así como las congregaciones religiosas cercanas. También leyeron una declaración conjunta cuya última frase establecía que, si el gobierno municipal de la ciudad ya considera la construcción del estadio como un trato hecho, “nosotros decimos interrumpiremos ese trato”.
Los líderes religiosos estuvieron Rev. Dr. Mark Tyler (pastor de Mother Bethel AME Church); Rev. Wayne Lee (pastor, Chinatown Christian Church); Rev. Michael Caine (Old First Reformed United Church of Christ); Rev. Hannah Capaldi (First Unitarian Church); rabina Abi Weber (Congregation BZBI);Rev. Robin Hynicka (Arch Street United Methodist Church);Rev. Dr. Leslie Callahan (St. Paul’s Baptist Church); Rev. Carla Jones Brown (Arch Street Presbyterian Church); fraile Joseph Wallace-Williams (St. Luke of the Epiphany) y Kate Esposito (Philadelphia Ethical Society).
Power Interfaith fue organizada en septiembre de 2011 por líderes de 37 congregaciones religiosas, representando más de 25 mil personas. Desde su fundación, cuenta ahora con 50 congregaciones activas que representan a 30 mil individuos.
