DV Journal

Whenever I think of Thanksgiving, I think back to an article I read by noted author Alex Haley. He was serving in the Coast Guard during World War II and on Thanksgiving Day it occurred to Haley that the day really was about giving thanks to those who had helped him the most. He proceeded to write the three most important people in his life, and he was amazed that in their return letters, the recipients were overjoyed.

I have used the Haley technique with several people in my life and works tremendously. However, I’ve also decided to write this open letter to the people in the Philadelphia area that I’m thankful for this year.

First, I want to thank Northeast Philadelphia state Rep. Martina White for her tireless work in protecting you and me by directing the successful impeachment process against Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. Martina had to do very detailed and relentless presentations over many months to her colleagues in Harrisburg in order to overcome their reluctance to challenge Krasner. Many colleagues acknowledged Krasner’s violations, but she gave them the will to move forward. Let her know you are thankful for this.

Martina’s doggedness might only be surpassed by Steve Keeley, a reporter for Fox 29. Steve’s Twitter is a running account of what is truly going on in the Philadelphia area. He is a one-man news department who is always at the center of the action. He has been particularly good at taking us inside the stores that are leaving Philadelphia or curtailing their hours due to crime.

I’m not just grateful this year for the people helping us against the worst that is happening in our area. I’m also grateful for John Middleton, owner of the Philadelphia Phillies. Middleton’s willingness to spend a ton of money and to help pursue great players personally led to one of the greatest sports rides of our lives. I broadcasted from the first Phillies block party for fans prior to their first home game against the Atlanta Braves and it was a magical day. I expect that next season the Phillies will continue to contend for a championship, but this year’s team will not be forgotten.

New Jersey state Sen. Ed Durr, who defeated former state Sen. Steve Sweeney and made national news was a true everyman story and he is doing great work in New Jersey. He gives me great hope that New Jersey will not remain under almost complete one-party rule that has made many people flee the state’s unbelievable taxation and regulation. Ed still drives a furniture truck and I think that connects him to life in New Jersey better than any politician.

If New Jersey is dominated by one-party rule, then Philadelphia is New Jersey on steroids. When the last Republican mayor of Philadelphia was born, Billy the Kid was still alive. If you’re a Democrat like state Rep. Amen Brown of West Philadelphia, it’s easy to just go along with the party and hope to advance through the ranks. Brown has chosen to break that mold and fight for his district, speaking out about Larry Krasner and taking on quality-of-life issues. I think he has a reasonable shot of being the next mayor of Philadelphia.

These are just some of the public people for whom I’m grateful. I’m also grateful for the opportunity to write for the Delaware Valley Journal.

And of course, I’m very grateful for all my listeners at Talk Radio 1210 WPHT.

I hope you’ll take Alex Haley’s advice and drop a note to the people you are thankful for.

Please follow DVJournal on social media: Twitter@DVJournal or Facebook.com/DelawareValleyJournal

Thanksgiving and the holiday season in the Delaware Valley region will look and feel a little closer to normal this year.

Along with giant balloons and floats, many residents will be making their way to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Thursday as the 6ABC Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade is set for 9 am. Considered the country’s oldest Thanksgiving parade, it was canceled last year and went online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bernie Prazencia, general manager and president of 6ABC, told The Philadelphia Inquirer, “We’re here to say it’s back, and it’s live, and it couldn’t be more important for us to be back given all that we’ve gone through and all that our community has suffered.”

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney also told The Inquirer the parade “means a lot to the kids because it’s fun for them and it means a lot to the parents and grandparents because they can remember when they were kids. It just keeps families together.”

The event had only been canceled once before, in 1971, due to inclement weather.

Courtesy of 6ABC

For the rest of the Delaware Valley region, the Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular will open Friday at the Fairgrounds at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. The outdoor venue has various displays of lights, shopping outlets, dining opportunities, a skating rink, and other holiday experiences. Tickets for kids under 13 start at $13.99 with $19.99 for adults.

It will also host weekly special events such as ‘Waggin Wednesdays’ when visitors can bring their dog along for giveaways and photos with Santa. Another notable event is ‘Gritty Thursdays’ where the Philadelphia Flyers mascot will appear and visitors can take pictures.

In Chester County, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square is preparing for its annual Longwood Christmas light show. Around 300 employees have been working on the display that contains 500,000 LED bulbs and 40 miles of wires.

This year’s theme for the Christmas light show is fire and ice, including a light assortment to compliment those colors. Adult ticket prices are $30, as many members and nonmembers visit one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the region.

In Bucks County, the Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley is underway. Guests can drive through after-dark to see the lights display. It includes illuminated tunnels and almost every imaginable Christmas icon rendered in small bulbs. After finishing the drive, visitors can also see Santa and warm up around a campfire.

And in Delaware County, residents trying to cut their own Christmas Trees can do so at Linvilla Orchards in Media, Pa. The venue holds over 40,000 Christmas trees and has employees that will provide a saw to cut down the tree and assist in getting the tree to your car.

Follow us on social media: Twitter: @DV_Journal or Facebook.com/DelawareValleyJournal.