‘Kensington in Crisis’ wins Silver Telly award
RADNOR » Local filmmakers Jill Frechie of Gladwyne and John Ricciutti of Radnor Township won a Silver Telly Award for their riveting documentary “Kensington in Crisis” and will receive a prestigious Silver Telly statuette.
Frechie of Gladwyne and Ricciutti of Radnor spent over a year on the streets of Kensington, where the Philadelphia area’s — and the nation’s - drug abuse epidemic is out in the open. They talked to users, former users, and their families, as well as judges, police officers, government officials, physicians, social workers, residents of Kensington, and recovery specialists. Spending over 500 hours talking with more than 40 people, they left few perspectives unturned with the goal to spark discussion and action, and bring attention and more awareness to a growing epidemic, highlighting the need for more involvement, and ultimately bringing more help to those with drug use disorder and saving lives.
“We are so thankful for this award, on so many levels,” Ricciutti stated. “Most of all we’re thankful that it will help to expand our viewing audience. We especially are thankful for friends in the media, Jon Powell for his financial support, David Uosikkinen and Trudy Handelman for allowing us to use their music and Isaac Mell for his editing skills. We are also grateful to the activists in Kensington like Eddie Z and Rosalind ‘Roz’ Pichardo and Buddy Osborn from Rock Ministries and Richie Antipuna
and the police, doctors, lawyers, the St. Francis Inn on Kensington Avenue, Father Tom McCue who serves Mass daily at The Last Stop AA/NA Club on Somerset Street and most importantly the victims of this terrible disease who share their stories in hope to help others.”
The 55-minute documentary is an authentic, educational and informative journey in examining the impact of the abuse of opiates in the region, the hows and whys of addiction and the current state of Kensington, the once-thriving working class neighborhood that has become the epicenter of the epidemic.
In addition to the recent Silver Telly, “Kensington in Crisis” was also recognized at the 2019 Indie Short Fest, the 2019 ICP Entertainment Short Film Series, the
2019 Independent Shorts Awards, the 2019 Cammys,
2019 Canada Shorts- Canadian and International Short Film Festival, 2019 IndieX Film Fest, and the Rome Independent Prisma awards.
Over 13,000 entries were received for judges’ consideration for the 41st Annual Telly Awards.
“This is an incredible achievement,” said Sabrina Dridje, managing director of Telly Awards in New York City, in a letter to Frechie and Ricciutti. “As a Telly winner, you are the standard bearer of excellence in our industry. Now more than ever, we are thrilled to recognize creators like you who are bringing high-caliber stories to our screens.”
To arrange a screening of the award-winning documentary for a community group, or to get on a list to get notified with dates and locations of local screenings, once Pennsylvania moves into the Green Phase, visit MainLineTV.org or email pjfrechie@gmail.com or jricciutti@comcast.net.
Penn Wood student wins 2020 virtual Congressional Art Competition
U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, D-5 of Swarthmore, announced that Madelyn Kieh, a junior at Penn Wood High School, is the winner of the
2020 Virtual Congressional Art Competition with her piece “This is Me.”
Madelyn’s work will be sent to Washington, D.C, to hang in the Capitol for one year.
COVID-19 has forced many schools to close and transition to virtual learning, leading to many offices having to make tough decisions about whether or not to continue the
2020 Congressional Art Competition. Rep. Scanlon’s office worked to develop a plan that was inclusive of all students, and the community, in an effort to continue this year’s Congressional Art Competition virtually.
“We should never underestimate the power of art as a platform for free expression, a source of joy, a catalyst for change, or an inspiration of hope,” Scanlon said.
Student finalists also included Anastasia Balabayev, Upper Darby High School, who submitted her piece “Watching Spring,” and Kayla Willams, Chester Charter School Academy, who submitted her piece “Girl with Lollipop.”
Finalists’ artwork, along with countless pieces submitted by talented students across the region, can be found on the
#StayHomeMakeArtPA5 Instagram page: https://instagram.com/stayhomemakeart
pa5?igshid=1v3ybyyoxvyj1. The Congressional Art Competition began in 1982 to provide an opportunity for members of Congress to encourage and recognize the artistic talents of their young constituents. Since then, over
650,000 high school students have been involved with the nationwide competition.
Big Brothers Big Sisters hosts black leadership roundtable
Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence (BBBS Independence) will host a Black Leadership Roundtable live on Facebook and Instagram, via Zoom Tuesday, June 9.
This year marks the first time in the 105-year history of BBBS Independence that black leaders are at the helm of the organization, as CEO, Board Chair, and Head of Programs.
Marcus Allen, CEO, Lloyd Freeman, chair of the board, and Rich Berry, Jr., vice president of programs, will discuss current social justice issues and protests happening around the country, and how diversity, equity, and inclusion are part of the solution to racial inequality. They invite all leaders, volunteers, and anyone interested in making a positive change to join and ask questions during the Q&A. Everyone is invited to hear their passionate stances on youth mentoring and how BBBS Independence is serving its communities in Southeastern PA and Southern NJ during COVID-19.
Since 1915, Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence has been creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationship that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships.
To learn how to get involved, visit www.independencebigs.org.
St. John Chrysostom holds recycling event
St. John Chrysostom Church, 617 S. Providence Road, Wallingford, will hold a community e-waste recycling event 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20. St. John is partnering with PAR Recycle Works and will accept desktop PCs, CPUs, laptops, tablets, land and cell phones, computer monitors, surge protectors, portable audio keyboards, computer keyboards, mice, small applaiances, microwaves, Christmas lights, fax machines, floppy disks, game systems and more. Most items are recycled free. There are small tipping fees charged for these items: Microwaves, $5; air conditioners, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, $15; flat screen TVs, $10; and old CRT monitors and TVs,
$25-$75, depending on size.
Drivers must wear face coverings and stay in their vehicles at all times. Volunteers and staff with masks and gloves will handle all unloading. Anyone who is sick should not attend.
For more information, contact Mary at 610-8743418, ext. 106 or mchollet@ sjcparish.org.