Senator Arlen Spector and Phyllis Sims @ the Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon in Philadelphia

Governor John Corzine

Phila Mayor Michael Nutter

Newark Mayor Corey Booker and Northgate Tenants Assn President Karen Merick

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez

Philadelphia Councilwoman Marian Tasco and Camden Mayor Dana Redd

Mayor Gwendolyn Faison and Camden Mayor Dana Redd

They were all there declaring and congratulating the United for Change Team with Dana Redd at the helm as Camden's newly elected Mayor  including Philadelphia's  top brass, Mayor Michael Nutter and Councilwoman Marian Tasco; former Governor John Corzine and former Congressman Jim Florio.  The Rutgers University Gordon Theatre surpassed their 600 capacity and the overflow guests were escorted to the Gym.  There was so much excitement and electricity in the air as Mayor Redd promised to "empower the residents" of her city during her administration for the next four years.  U.S. Senator Robert Menendez administered Redd's ceremonial oath. Outgoing Mayor Gwendolyn Faison passed the baton to Dana Redd and one could really feel a change about to happen.  I like to tag Camden as the "Gateway" to New Jersey and look forward to change at last.

His Excellency Atta Mills, President, GHANA, West Africal in his Castle
with visitor Phyllis Sims from Philadelphia, PA., USA

Photo 1.  City Council President Anna C. Verna, recipient of the F. Eugene Dixon, Jr. Award and Grand Sponsor and presenter,  Michael Karloutsos.

Photo 2. City Council President Anna C. Verna and Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust Treasurer, William S. George at the FDR Boathouse.

The Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust honored City Council President Anna C. Verna during their Ninth Annual Benefit to support the Trust's programs that preserve Fairmount Parks' historic buildings and landscapes. She was presented the third F. Eugene Dixon Jr. Award by Michael Karloutsos, designer and owner of  Philadelphia's Water Works Restaurant.  Michael also presented photo renderings of his plans for the FDR Boathouse. 

Some Philadelphians might remember F. Eugene Dixon.  He was a educator, sportsman and philantropist and his best-known civic accomplishments was the 1976 purchase of the Love Statue that currently stands at the head of John F. Kennedy Plaza in Center City.  Dixon purchased the statue from the Robert Indiana studio after the artist had it removed when the city failed to come up with the $45,000 for its purchase. Dixon bought the statue for $35,000 and gave it to the city. The plaza has since become known as LOVE PARK.

Dixon's most notable sports investment was the purchase the Philadelphia 76ers from Irv Kosloff  for $8 million and a few months later brought Julius "Dr. J." Erving to town for $6.6 million.  He sold the team to Harold Katz  in 1981.  At one time or another, he chaired the Fairmount Park Commission, The Philadelphia Art Commission and the Delaware River Port Authority.