CLOSE UP by Brian Rudnick

Jenks students cheer on walkers for breast cancer cure

JM: The reason we’re doing this is for our sister-in-law who had breast cancer diagnosed three (?) years ago. LS: Three years ago. She had a double mastectomy at 40. JM: She’s a survivor and we’re doing this in her honor. WHERE ARE YOU STARTING OUT FROM? LS: We started out from Willow Grove Park Mall and we’re from New Jersey. WHERE ARE YOU HEADED? LS: Now we’re headed to lunch. JM: We got forty more miles to go. Sixty miles total. We’re going to end up at the naval shipyard. Jim Myers and Linda Schwartz, participants in Susan G Komen 3-Day for the Cure, Germantown Avenue. Watch video here

MLK Day Unitarian Society volunteers advocate for housing

"Dear Governor Rendell, I am a resident of Philadelphia and I see and hear about numerous families that have been broken and displaced because they have lost their homes and cannot afford housing I brought my daughters to MLK day and I have explained to them that although we are fortunate to have a roof over our heads there are a lot of families who are not as fortunate. Please find funding for affordable housing. We need to have a Pennsylvania Housing Trust Fund. Every family needs a home. Happy Valentine’s Day.” Phyllis Woods with daughter Tyra, Unitarian Society of Germantown, MLK Day of Service.

"We’re making a banner for Hearts for Homes and it’s going to go to Harrisburg, I think, in front of the governor." Linda Cherkins, left of Mount Airy, with Hannah Kanze-Eaton and mother, Jenn, of Royersford. Unitarian Society of Germantown, MLK Day of Service. Watch video here.

From Togo to snow on Christmas

I HAVEN'T SEEN PEOPLE OUT HERE ON CROSS COUNTRY SKIS. DO YOU GET OUT HERE MUCH ON THEM? Andrew Jacobs (left): "This is my first time." Steven Jacobs: " This is actually our first time. I just got a pair for Christmas so I decided to come out with my brother. He just got back from the Peace Corps." AJ: "It's my first time on snow in a long time. My Dad has been out three or four times so far. It's great. I can't remember the last time I was in the Wissahickon there was snow on the ground at Christmas.” SJ: "It's a pretty hysterical thing being able to ski in the middle of Philadelphia." WHERE WERE YOU IN THE PEACE CORPS? AJ: "I was in Togo, in West Africa. So there was not much snow there, needless to say. HOW ARE THINGS IIN TOGO? AJ: "It's a very interesting, culturally rich country but they have a lot of problems. They have a long ways to go in terms of development. But it's peaceful, non-violent, which I think is a big plus in Africa. But in due time I think they'll start to make some advances. But it's great to be back in the U.S.-" SJ: "It's good to have him back" AJ: "..be with the family for Christmas." Forbidden Drive, Christmas Day. Click here to watch video interview. 

Girls Sell Lemonade + Crafts to Benefit SPCA

YOU HAVE A LEMONADE STAND AND A CRAFT SALE? Eloise: And we also sell zucchini bread  Eliza: And one zucchini brownie but we want the rest. HOW'S BUSINESS BEEN? Eloise: It's been pretty good. Eliza: We're going to give some to charity. We're going to give some money to the SPCA. Eloise Kadlecek, left, with Eliza Dennis. See video interview here.

Abington Leos Raise Money for Seeing Eye Dogs

WHAT ARE YOU GUYS UP TO? "We are raising money for the Lions Club to help provide seeing eye dogs for the blind. Today is White Cane Day. It's national. We try to help out as much as we can." Rachel O'Neill with Vi Le, Michelle Allen, Aly Haasz, Abington Leos Club, Keswick and Easton Roads, Glenside.