THURSDAY, AUG. 27, 2020 - VOL. 121, NO. 3 - PHOTOS BY NOAH RIFFE, LILY LAREGINA, JOSIE CHEN - PENNSYLVANIA NEWSMEDIA ...
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Vol. 121, No. 3 Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020
COVID
CONSCIOUS
CAMPUS
Photos by Noah Riffe, Lily LaRegina, Josie Chen
Page 2 | ThursDay, aug. 27, 2020 local The Daily Collegian
What to do if you get the coronavirus
Christina Baker
The Daily Collegian
As Penn State students began
returning to campus this past
weekend, some students and
community members were dis-
mayed to see large gatherings of
people disregarding coronavirus
mitigation guidelines.
Given that other universities
have seen dozens of coronavirus
cases arise shortly after opening
this fall, here’s what Penn State
students should do if they think
they have contracted the virus,
and what happens if they test
positive.
What to do if you think
you might have the
coronavirus
According to Penn State’s
virus information website, stu-
dents who think they are ex-
periencing coronavirus symp-
toms should immediately begin
isolating themselves and contact Collegian file photo
University Health Services to get a The Student Health Center provides many resources to students on campus.
coronavirus test.
According to Penn State and “case managers will evaluate The university said off-campus for isolating safely, Powers said fever-reducing medication” before
spokesperson Lisa Powers, stu- needs” for off-campus students, students who test positive for via email. leaving isolation.
dents experiencing symptoms according to the university’s the virus can also stay in East- Case managers will check The press release recommends
“should begin the screening pro- virus information website. view Terrace if there is room, on students in isolation daily to monitoring symptoms carefully
cess over the phone by contact- If students develop symptoms although administrators have ac- evaluate the status of their and contacting a health care
ing the UHS Advice Nurse line at while they are in quarantine, they knowledged that it is possible the mental and physical health. provider if they worsen.
814-863-4463.” should contact UHS or their pri- buildings may run out of rooms. If students require serious
If you receive a positive test mary care provider, although ac- Once a student tests positive, Recovering from the medical care, they will receive
from a testing source outside of they will be placed in isolation treatment at Mount Nittany
the university, you should “reach
cording to Powers, the university
recommends that all students and receive “detailed instruc- coronavirus Medical Center.
out to Contact Tracing and Stu- seek coronavirus treatment from tions,” for what to do, according If a student is asymptomatic The press release said stu-
dent Support Services at 814-863- UHS. to Powers. throughout their entire isolation dents should try to avoid con-
8800,” according to a university Students will also work indi- process, they only need to isolate tracting the coronavirus through
press release. What happens if you get vidually with a case manager who for 10 days. wearing masks, following social
If you have been in contact with will coordinate services for the For those who did display distancing guidelines and wash-
someone who has the coronavi- the coronavirus student, including meal delivery symptoms, according to a uni- ing their hands frequently. These
rus, the university requires that Anyone who tests positive for and academic support. versity press release, students practices also prevent students
you quarantine for 14 days since the coronavirus must isolate for If off-campus students aren’t must isolate for at least 10 days who are carrying the virus from
you last had contact with the at least 10 days, and Penn State able to stay in the university’s since their symptoms first ap- spreading it to others.
individual. is housing students who have isolation housing, they will still pear and “must have an improve-
Students who live on campus tested positive in the Eastview be assigned a case manager who ment in symptoms and be fever- To email reporter: cnb5384@psu.edu.
should quarantine in their dorms, Terrace apartments. can help them figure out a plan free for 24 hours without taking Follow her on Twitter at: @christy_bakery.
How students spent their summer in quarantine
Ariana Krammes listening to Taylor Swift’s new “I was supposed to work a
The Daily Collegian album, “folklore.” summer job at a camp,”
Moreover, Sarah Simpson used Campbell (sophomore-finance)
When the spring semester the summer quarantine as an op- said. “You can’t really have peo-
ends and many students sudden- portunity to practice her favorite ple camping together in close
ly have free time, some choose to hobbies — bullet journaling and proximity, so that didn’t really
spend this time traveling. Wheth- playing the ukulele. work out.”
er it’s going on vacation, hanging “[Bullet journaling] is like jour- Campbell said he also enjoyed
at the beach or traveling for an in- naling, but super artistic. I’ll map rewatching “Avatar: The Last
ternship, many students are used out my week and create a to-do Airbender” and listening to older
to being on the move. list for myself, and track other music like Fleetwood Mac and
However, like most other peo- habits and my mood and things the Beatles.
ple, Penn State students had to like that,” Simpson (junior-film) Like Campbell, Sam McGuire
adjust their plans for summer said. “[Journaling] was always also watched “Avatar: The Last
break this year and find new ways kind of a hobby, and I think I’ve Airbender” during her summer
to spend time due to the spread of finally found a better outlet for it.” at home.
the coronavirus. Simpson said she would nor- “My favorite show of the sum-
Penn State student Kelly War- mally visit Kennywood, an amuse- mer would have to be ‘Avatar,’”
ner said her summer internship ment park near Pittsburgh, at McGuire (sophomore- second-
with the State College Spikes, a least two to three times per sum- ary education and social studies)
minor league baseball team, was mer, but she didn’t feel safe going said.
canceled. This gave her more this season. “Unfortunately, I didn’t have
free time than usual. In her last summer before col- Graphic by Kaylyn McGrory/Collegian cable growing up, so I didn’t get
“I’ve been doing a whole lege, Missy Campbell spent most to experience it as a child but I
lot of nothing,” Warner of her time with her brother, cook- seriously, and I spent a lot of time his summer job was canceled, wanted to, and it was definitely
(junior-broadcast journalism) ing for her family and watching at home,” Campbell (freshman- so he spent the past few months worth the watch now.”
said. “Parks and Recreation.” biomedical engineering) said. catching up on “Rick and Morty.
That “nothing” for Warner con- “My family has taken [the Additionally, Aidan Campbell — He also taught photography skills To email reporter: ank5410@psu.edu.
sisted of rereading old books and spread of the coronavirus] very who is not related to Missy — said over Zoom. Follow her on Twitter at: @ariana_UK.
Will Penn State switch to online learning? Students weigh in
Melissa Manno Abdou also mentioned the
The Daily Collegian “twerk circle” — referencing the
large, unmasked gathering of
Penn State students are back freshmen dancing outside East
on campus and their excitement Halls during move-in weekend.
is contagious — literally. Videos of the gathering sur-
Unmasked gatherings, par- faced on social media and cir-
ties without social distancing culated rapidly within the Penn
and a lack of accountability has State community, with some
led many students to believe the blaming a future closure of the
university will shift back to campus on the class of 2024.
remote learning. Although Abdou said she
Student Alaa Abdou said, “it’s thought freshmen would be
just a matter of time,” before smarter about their actions since
Penn State pulls the plug on they missed out on a large part
in-person instruction — likely two of their high school experience,
to three weeks she also said these videos didn’t
“It just seems inevitable,” come as a shock.
Abdou (junior-biomedical en- “I’m not surprised about the
gineering) said. “I know [Penn partying and gatherings,” Abdou
State President Eric Barron] said. “College students haven’t
has been working on a foolproof seen each other for about six
plan, but we have one of the larg- months at this point, and they
est student populations for a uni- have the mindset that if they
versity, and there’s only so much get the coronavirus, they will be
Noah Riffe/Collegian
they can control.” fine due to their age and health
Abdou said she believes there condition.” A student spits into a vial at a voluntary testing station set up at Bigler Hall on Sunday, Aug. 23.
is more the administration could Ronit Patel is a freshman who For this same reason, Avinash that the university didn’t break “I think the university will
do to prevent an outbreak. She is local to State College and de- Bakshi doesn’t see the univer- up the freshmen gathering make the decision to go remote
compared Penn State’s plan to cided to opt out of on-campus sity making it to September. His sooner, considering it was an because of the widespread bla-
that of other universities, which living due to the pandemic. Af- prediction is that Penn State “on-campus outdoor party.” tant disregard of the ‘Mask Up
included climate-controlled din- ter seeing the actions of some will make the call shortly after “It means as usual they are all or Pack Up’ initiative,” Dona-
ing halls, food trucks, coronavirus freshmen, he said he was Aug. 31, when tuition is due. talk and no action,” Bakshi said. hoe (sophomore-meteorology)
kits and apps that require stu- appalled. “The university cannot regu- “A statement of ‘we are look- said. “There’s parties on and off
dents to scan in with their nega- “It’s been less than a week late off-campus parties, and I ing into the situation’ or ‘action campus, large gatherings every-
tive coronavirus test in order to since they’ve moved in, and don’t trust Penn State students will be taken’ is too weak, in my where you look… it’s not looking
enter certain buildings. they’re already acting so imma- not to party,” Bakshi (senior-bio- opinion.” promising.”
She said her belief the turely,” Patel (freshman-division chemistry) said. Instead, he said he’d like the Donahoe said he sees this call
administration will make the of undergraduate studies) said. “COVID spreads like wild- university to come out and say coming in about a week or so if ev-
call to go remote is due largely “It’s college — it’s time to grow fire, so even if it’s just a any student caught partying in eryone keeps breaking the rules
to what she witnessed in State up a bit and understand that what small minority of students large groups without social dis- without facing any accountability.
College this past week. you do — especially in the middle partying, everyone is at risk.” tancing or wearing masks will be “Be smarter,” Donahoe said.
“I live downtown so I’m seeing of a pandemic — can impact so Bakshi said he was disap- suspended. “The people partying need to
a combination of people wearing many people around you.” pointed with more than just the Hunter Donahoe agrees with realize you are jeopardizing ev-
masks and people not,” Abdou He said he believes this mind- students who were partying this this sentiment, saying he feels eryone else’s time here at Penn
said. “There seemed to be day- set of partying despite the pan- past week – he was also disap- the university should “send all State, including your own.”
longs and parties this weekend demic is what will force Penn pointed by the inaction of the the rule breakers home” so the
from walking around and seeing State to alter its current plan and administration. people who are abiding by the To email reporter: mzm607@psu.edu.
crowded porches and houses.” go remote. He said he was frustrated rules can enjoy their semester. Follow her on Twitter at: @melissm8.
America’s best weekly
TAKE THIS VIRUS SERIOUSLY
Courier urges community to stay safe as region moves to ‘green phase’
Pittsburgh Courier
NEW
www.newpittsburghcourier.com thenewpittsburghcourier
Vol. 111 No. 23 Two Sections Published Weekly $1.00
JUNE 3-9, 2020
THOUSANDS OF PEO-
PLE descended upon
Downtown and the area
around PPG Paints Are-
na, May 30, to protest the
unjust killing of George
Floyd, a Black man, by
a White Minneapolis
police officer, who was
fired and charged with
third-degree murder and
manslaughter. See more
photos of the protest on
Pages A6, A7, and B6.
(Photo by Rob Taylor Jr.)
ENOUGH SAID.
Pgh Police Chief: ‘Excessive force is unacceptable
and will not be tolerated at any level’
Stern warning given to city police
officers, after George Floyd, a
Black man, was killed by police in
Minneapolis
by Rob Taylor Jr. addressed his entire police
force in a May 29 letter,
Courier Staff Writer
effectively telling them to
George Floyd, the African never act anywhere close
American man who resid- to the manner that former
ed in Minneapolis and was Minneapolis police officer
known to many as a “gentle Derek Chauvin did.
giant,” went from vivacious “Regardless of the origi-
to lifeless, all at the hands nal crime or what occurred
of a White Minneapolis po- prior to the arrest, a per-
lice officer who’s now been son in handcuffs and face-
charged with murder. down on the ground should
Pittsburgh’s police chief, not lose their life due to
Scott E. Schubert, was the action or inaction of
so perturbed by what he, the involved officers,” Chief VALERIE DIXON, vice chair of the Black Political Empowerment Project, addresses the media at a press
along with the rest of the Schubert’s letter read, re- conference on Wylie Avenue, May 29. Tim Stevens, B-PEP’s chairman and CEO, looks on. (Photo by
PITTSBURGH POLICE CHIEF world, saw (video of the leased to the media. “I sim-
SCOTT SCHUBERT Rob Taylor Jr.)
May 25 encounter), that he ply cannot comprehend the
actions of the officers or
have a fundamental duty excusable.” on a daily basis. We have
their lack of moral courage
Pittsburgh Courier
NEW
to care for and safeguard The chief said further that sworn an oath and I trust
and duty to intervene and
everyone and anyone in our “I know firsthand the high that all of us will use our
stop the action before it
custody…there was no con- level of professionalism, moral courage to intervene
To subscribe, call was too late.”
sideration for the value of bravery, courage and com- when we see something
412-481-8302 Chief Schubert then add-
human life and that is in- passion our officers display
ed: “As police officers, we
ext. 140 SEE POLICE A2
A2 JUNE 3-9, 2020 METRO NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
New Pittsburgh Courier Class of 2020 New Pittsburgh Courier
Celebrating The Graduates
The New Pittsburgh Courier wants to showcase your outstanding high
school or college graduate in our June 24 special edition, entitled,
“Class of 2020 — Celebrating The Graduates.”
The coronavirus pandemic has forced most in-person graduation ceremonies
to be canceled; however, the Courier wants to make sure your 2020 high
school or college graduate gets the recognition they deserve. Our special
edition will be a keepsake for years to come, and their photo will also be
featured on our website, www.newpittsburghcourier.com.
To be part of this special commemorative edition, just compile the
graduate’s photo of your choice, along with the graduate’s name and
school that they graduated from (if a college graduate, please
specify degree earned), along with your name and phone number, and
send ASAP via email to our managing editor, Rob Taylor Jr., at Tyrell Minniefield was
featured in our 2018
rtaylor@newpittsburghcourier.com edition!
Rob will email you back, confirming he’s received the information, and then direct you to the next
steps for payment with the courier’s office manager, allison palm.
(Cost is only $15, which includes a free 3-month subscription to the Courier!)
(HURRY! The deadline for graduates information sent to the Courier via email, and payment via
credit/debit card or check, is Monday, June 15, 2020, at 5 p.m. However, our special edition is
limited to the first 125 graduate photos with payment, so please act quickly!)
Congratulations to your outstanding 2020 high school or college graduate!
From all of us at the New Pittsburgh Courier, the voice of Black Pittsburgh.
Pgh Police Chief: ‘Excessive force is unacceptable
and will not be tolerated at any level’
Chief Schubert then said too, were disturbed at and I’m hopeful that ev- dreams and aspirations.” Protests also took place
POLICE FROM A1
that he asked the Police the video of the Chauvin/ ery police chief will echo In recent months, police in Pittsburgh, Atlanta,
wrong. We owe it to each Academy to “review this Floyd encounter. similar words to their of- brutality against African Los Angeles, Denver, Co-
other, we owe it to our no- senseless death and share “No individual in this ficers.” Americans has again come lumbus, Cleveland, Chi-
ble profession and we owe additional information country should be treat- Stevens commended to light. In Louisville, Bre- cago, etc.
it to the community we that can help reinforce ed the way George Floyd Chief Schubert for his onna Taylor, a 26-year-old The outrage over Floyd’s
protect and serve.” our training and policies. was treated by the offi- statements, along with African American woman, death won’t soon fade.
Chief Schubert was re- Excessive force is unac- cer who had his foot on the chief ’s advocation of was shot multiple times Remarkably, though
ferring to the other Min- ceptable and will not be his neck, while witnesses the “You And The Police” in March by undercover not necessarily a shock,
neapolis police officers tolerated at any level.” called upon the officers brochure promoted by police detectives as they it took days after the en-
on-scene who did not in- Later in the day on May to stop,” Tim Stevens, the Stevens and his team. The stormed into Taylor’s res- counter and Floyd’s death
tervene and stop fellow 29, members of the Black organization’s chairman brochure gives the public, idence. Taylor’s boyfriend, for Chauvin to be charged
officer Chauvin from con- Political Empowerment and CEO, said. “I’m hop- as well as police officers, Kenneth Walker, believed with third-degree murder
tinuing his knee-on-neck Project made their own ing that the words our specific details on each intruders were breaking and manslaughter by the
maneuver on Floyd. public statement, as they, Pittsburgh Chief, Scott other’s rights and respon- into the apartment and county’s district attorney.
Schubert, shared, will be sibilities if in a situation fired his weapon. The of- Chauvin and the other of-
taken to heart by every where a person is stopped ficers returned fire, strik- ficers involved were fired
police officer in the city, by the police. ing Taylor eight times, the day after the May
Chief Schubert pushed killing her. 25 incident, but charges
THE for city officers to read The Louisville Police were not brought against
NEW PITTSBURGH the brochure, and even Department was looking Chauvin until May 29.
had them take a quiz on for a suspect and drugs at Chauvin, who is 44, ap-
COURIER the brochure’s contents. the residence—they found parently will be fighting
PUBLISHING COMPANY “I ask people who are neither. his charges alone—his
White, to think about In Georgia, a former wife, Kellie Chauvin, has
this: if they’re in a sen- police officer, Gregory filed for divorce.
Publication No.: USPS 381940 sitive moment with the McMichael, and his son, Chauvin had 18 com-
315 East Carson Street police and police officers Travis, tried to appre- plaints filed against him,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219 who do not seem to care hend a Black man whom according to the Minneap-
about humanity…what they thought was respon- olis Police Department’s
Phone: 412-481-8302 do you think might be sible for recent break-ins Internal Affairs division.
Fax: 412-481-1360 better for you to be, White in the neighborhood. As Only two of the 18 com-
or Black? And anybody the Black man, Ahmaud plaints were “closed with
The White who’s listening to Arbery, 25, tussled with discipline.” In each case,
New Pittsburgh Courier this knows the answer,” Travis McMichael over the “discipline issued” col-
is published weekly Stevens said. a shotgun, three gun- umn showed that a rep-
Beth Pittinger, with the shots went off from the rimand in the form of a
Periodicals Citizen Police Review shotgun, killing Arbery. letter was issued to Chau-
Board, said during the Both McMichaels, who are vin.
paid at Pittsburgh, Pa. May 29 press conference White, along with a third Valerie Dixon, the vice
PRICE $1.00 that “we all witnessed a man, William Bryan, who chair of B-PEP, said
live murder with someone recorded the encounter, during the May 29 press
(Payable in advance) who has been entrusted were charged with felo- conference in the Hill Dis-
with our well-being.” ny murder in May, three trict that when a White
She added: “The fact that months after the Febru- officer kills an unarmed
6 Months—$25 it happens so frequent- ary 23 incident. Black person, “our young
1 Year—$45 ly, to people of brown to Last week, parts of Min- people see a devalue in
Black skin, is a clear mes- neapolis were burned to their human Black lives.
2 Years—$85 sage; it’s time for all of us the ground, including So they devalue each oth-
9-Month School Rate $35 to rehumanize humanity the police station where er out here. For genera-
and for White people to Chauvin formerly worked. tions they continuously
POSTMASTER: Send stand up…stand up and Protesters were fed up at see that we’re the low
be anti-racist, stand up the distasteful video, fed man on the totem pole,
address changes to: and pay attention that up that a Black man is no then it’s nothing for us to
people who are around longer living, when, by all kill each other. But when
New Pittsburgh Courier you who make up our accounts, it could have all we see somebody that’s
315 East Carson Street community at-large, who been avoided, and Floyd, supposed to protect us,
Pittsburgh, PA 15219 don’t all look like us, but who was 46, would be kill us, too, where do we
have the same hopes and alive today. go? Who do we go to?”
why newspapers?
Because in print or online, newspapers are
the most trusted source
of news and information.
Sources: Coda Ventures
A6 JUNE 3-9, 2020 METRO NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER
PITTSBURGH PROTESTS THE UNJUST POLICE KILLING OF GEORGE FLOYD
DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH
SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2020
Photos by Courier photographer Rob Taylor Jr.
why newspapers?
83%
of Generation Z turn to newspapers
for trusted information and content.
Sources: MNI Targeted Media
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READING EAGLE
» $2.50 FACEBOOK.COM/READINGEAGLE TWITTER.COM/READINGEAGLE readingeagle.com
TODAY’S
WEATHER
High: 94
Low: 70
PAGE A10
TOWER HEALTH CORONAVIRUS
PANDEMIC STORM CDC vows
Reading Hospital-based system takes steps to stay afloat as COVID-19 rocks finances to address
COVID-19
inequalities
By Mike Stobbe
AP Medical Writer
NEW YORK » If Black, Hispanic and Native Amer-
icans are hospitalized and killed by the corona-
virus at far higher rates than others, shouldn’t
the government count them as high risk for se-
rious illness?
That seemingly simple question has been
mulled by federal health officials for months.
And so far the answer is no.
But federal public health officials have released
a new strategy that vows to improve data collec-
tion and take steps to address stark inequalities
in how the disease is affecting Americans.
Officials at the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention stress that the disproportion-
ately high impact on certain minority groups is
not driven by genetics. Rather, it’s social condi-
tions that make people of color more likely to
be exposed to the virus and — if they catch it —
more likely to get seriously ill.
BEN HASTY — READING EAGLE “To just name racial and ethnic groups with-
Tower Health, based at Reading Hospital, above, in West Reading has taken steps to weather the storm caused by the out contextualizing what contributes to the risk
coronavirus pandemic. The steps include selling off properties to free capital, and leasing them from the new owner, and has the potential to be stigmatizing and victim-
laying off workers. However, projects in motion will continue to conclusions and existing workers did not take pay cuts, the izing,” said the CDC’s Leandris Liburd, who two
health care network says. Tower Health and the industry need matters to improve to regain solid footing. months ago was named chief health equity offi-
cer in the agency’s coronavirus response.
Outside experts agreed that there’s a lot of po-
By Lisa Scheid
COVID-19 response have so far ex- April. Then, on June 16, it announced tential downside to labeling certain racial and
lscheid@readingeagle.com
ceeded $22 million,” Tower said in an it would cut 1,000 jobs. The layoffs cut ethnic groups as high risk.
@LisaScheid on Twitter email to Reading Eagle earlier this across Tower Health, eliminating posi- “You have to be very careful that you don’t do
month. “As just one example, Tower tions in executive, management, clini- it in such a way that you’re defining a whole class
As the coronavirus pandemic over- Health purchased UVC-light emitting cal and support areas. Approximately of people as ‘COVID carriers.’ ” said Dr. Georges
took the nation, hospitals across the robots for each of its hospitals to ex- 10 percent were unfilled, Tower said. Benjamin, executive director of the American
country saw their balance sheets hem- pand its ability to disinfect.” Those “COVID-19 has reshaped the en- Public Health Association.
orrhage. robots, two of which were donated to vironment for health care,” Tower COVID-19’s unequal impact has been striking:
Expenses increased and revenues Reading Hospital, cost about $50,000 said in an email to the Reading Ea- American Indians and Native Alaskans are
dwindled as hospitals focused on each. gle. “Tower Health has adapted and hospitalized at rates more than five times that
surges of sick people. At the same time Tower’s expenses excelled in caring for the community of white people. The hospitalization rate for Black
For Tower Health, the fast-growing increased, it was losing revenue. during the pandemic: providing high- and Hispanic Americans is more than four times
hospital system anchored by Reading It had closed five of its 20 urgent quality care to victims of the virus, en- higher than for whites, according to CDC data
Hospital in West Reading, the pan- care centers to dedicate them to CO- suring the safety and health of staff through mid-July.
demic has threatened its plans to grow VID-19 testing — and the state had and patients, and rapidly developing Detailed tracking through mid-May suggested
and become more financially stable. put a moratorium on nonemergency virtual and telehealth services.” Black people accounted for 25% of U.S. deaths as
For starters, Tower saw increased surgery. Tower estimated the closure A Philadelphia Inquirer analysis of that time, even though they are about 13% of
expenses as it bought more personal caused a 40 percent drop in system showed Tower Health as having the the U.S. population. About 24% of deaths were
protective equipment (PPE), provided revenue — representing more than steepest operating loss of health care Hispanics, who account for about 18.5% of the
more staff support, and added other $212 million in lost revenue through systems in the region at more than 16% population. And 35% were white people, who are
COVID-related equipment. May. or $91.6 million in the quarter ending 60% of the population.
“Unanticipated costs related to our Tower furloughed employees in HOSPITAL » PAGE 2 CDC » PAGE 6
WASHINGTON
Trump order would alter next reapportionment
By Mike Schneider
Without that population, Cal- tionment, which takes place after being included in the headcount
The Associated Press
ifornia would lose two seats in- the U.S. Census Bureau completes as congressional districts are re-
stead of one, Florida would gain its once-a-decade head count of drawn.
ORLANDO, FLA. » If President one seat instead of two and Texas every U.S. resident. Trump said including them in
Donald Trump succeeds in get- would gain two seats instead of The bureau currently is in the the count “would create perverse
ting immigrants in the coun- three, according to the analysis middle of the 2020 census. incentives and undermine our
try illegally excluded from be- by Pew Research Center. Federal law requires the Census system of government.”
ing counted in the redrawing of Additionally, the Pew analy- Bureau to hand over the final head- At least four lawsuits or notices
U.S. House districts, California, sis shows Alabama, Minnesota count numbers used for apportion- of a legal challenge have been
Florida and Texas would end up and Ohio would each keep a con- ment to the president at the end Every resident of a state is tra- filed seeking to halt the directive.
with one less congressional seat gressional seat they most likely of the year, but the bureau is ask- ditionally counted during appor- Some opponents say it’s an effort
each than if every resident were would have lost during the pro- ing Congress for an extension un- tionment, but Trump last Tuesday to suppress the growing political
counted, according to an analysis cess of divvying up congressio- til next April 30 because of disrup- issued a directive seeking to bar power of Latinos in the U.S.
by a think tank. nal seats by state known as appor- tions caused by the pandemic. people in the U.S. illegally from CONGRESS » PAGE 6
OBITUARIES HOMES LOCAL TRAVEL
Regis Philbin, 88, Get scents to match Fatal stabbing victim Short trips may help
TV host, personality decor in the house a Vietnam War veteran sanity amid pandemic
He made “Millionaire” a The aroma of the room com- Dennis Fink, who came from A little drive can go a long
runaway success and made bined with the visuals and a strong military family, was way to seeing family and to
mornings fun with Kathie furniture completes the mood environmentally conscious and mentally recharge and reduce
Lee and Kelly. PAGE B8 for your guests. PAGE D1 “a really neat guy.” PAGE B1 stress. PAGE D8
INDEX Classified ........ C7 Homes...............D1 Money..............A8 Obituaries.B5-B8 Opinion ............ A7 Puzzles............D9 8 38817 00555 6 =3+a+7+2+a
COVID-19 Antibody Testing Open 365 days a year
Now Available at Tower Health Urgent Care
9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
TowerHealth.org/Antibody
2 | A
NEWS | READING EAGLE SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020
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TOWER HEATLH
Access to care not diminished, hospital says
By Shea Singley
and financially responsible sure of the Pottstown Hos- two thirds from 10 years Reading Hospital occupa- included positions in the
ssingley@readingeagle.com
manner.” pital Maternity Unit and ago and the unit averages tional medicine and sports executive, management,
@SheaSingley on Twitter Tower cited the severe fi- Tower Health Medical just over one delivery a day. medicine programs, and clinical and support areas.
nancial impact of the CO- Group Reading Birth Cen- The system said the unit two physician practices, About 10% of the positions
Tower Health recently VID-19 pandemic on the ter in Kenhorst. The health would also require millions Coventry Foot & Ankle and were unfilled.
announced a reduction in system and its hospitals as system said the decision of dollars in upgrades. Premier GYN Limerick. According to Tower
workforce and the closure the reason for the decision was difficult and made with Both facilities will con- “The programs impacted Health, the changes were
or consolidation of cer- to reduce the workforce careful consideration. tinue to deliver babies un- by this restructuring were necessary to best allocate
tain services. Despite the and close or consolidate “We understand the dis- til mid-August. generally smaller with low the health system’s valu-
changes, the health system some services. The impact appointment of those who The health system said it patient volumes, produced able resources during a con-
does not expect the com- required the health system support both facilities and plans to work with its phy- financial losses that are no stantly changing situation.
munity’s overall access to to restructure many of its who have positive memo- sicians to facilitate care at longer sustainable and re- “These decisions were
health care to decrease. services to ensure its ability ries of delivering their chil- other area hospitals for pa- quire significant capital in- extremely difficult, but it
“Tower Health took this to serve the community to- dren there,” the health sys- tients expected to deliver vestments,” Tower Health is Tower Health’s responsi-
action to ensure the sys- day and in the future. tem said. “Reading Hospi- near, on or after the closure said. “Closing a service or bility to ensure we can con-
tem can continue to pro- “Tower Health excelled tal’s labor and delivery unit date of Aug. 14. Labor and program is always a difficult tinue to meet the the health
vide comprehensive, high- in caring for the commu- will continue to welcome delivery services will con- decision to make, but we are care needs of patients and
quality health care to the nity during the height of the midwives and doulas, just tinue to be offered at Read- able to connect impacted pa- the communities we serve
community for months pandemic and continues to as it does now in its role as a ing Hospital and Phoenix- tients with alternate provid- today and in the future,”
and years ahead,” the sys- do so today,” Tower Health backup for the birth center.” ville Hospital. ers. While we recognize that Tower Health said. “We re-
tem said in a statement said. “At the same time, the According to Tower The health system will individual patients may be main fully prepared to meet
through Jessica Bezler, pub- virus has had a devastating Health, the maternity unit also close or consolidate impacted in the short term, the needs of the community
lic relations manager. “The financial impact on the sys- at Pottstown Hospital has certain clinical services, the community’s overall ac- today and are working dil-
community benefits when tem.” seen a decline in deliveries. including select behavioral cess to care has not been di- igently to strengthen our
its local health care sys- In the release, Tower The annual number of de- health services at Read- minished.” system for the challenges
tem operates in a clinically Health announced the clo- liveries has decreased by ing Hospital, as well as the The workforce reduction ahead.”
Hospital
it had a negative 3.5% op- for working capital needs at Tower Health’s usual prac-
erating margin for the same St. Christopher’s. tice, Tower said in response
period. Median operating to Reading Eagle inquiry.
FROM PAGE 1 margins for 220 other non- Rest of year critical “None of our remaining
profit hospitals were about A recent analysis from employees have had their
March 31. 2 percent, according to a the American Hospital As- salaries cut as a result of
In addition to furloughs study by Fitch. sociation warns there are the pandemic,” Tower said.
and layoffs, the losses have Tower’s bond rating has more losses and changes On June 30 Tower an-
led Tower to address the been downgraded by Fitch ahead. nounced openings of three
devastating financial im- and Standard & Poor’s. Surges in coronavirus more urgent care facili-
pact with program clo- The hospital dropped cases mean more expenses ties, making it the larg-
sures and restructuring. Moody’s Investor Service in for PPE and loss of revenue est urgent care provider in
The changes have rippled December. The rating ser- from nonemergency sur- southeastern Pennsylvania.
through the communities it vices grade bond risks for geries. The analysis finds It opened one in North Cov-
serves in Berks, Montgom- investors. that the “immense finan- entry Township in Chester
ery, Chester and Philadel- LAUREN A. LITTLE — READING EAGLE There are more than $1 cial strain facing hospitals County and one in South
phia counties. The Tower Health system estimated a revenue loss of $212 billion in bonds issued by and health systems due to Heidelberg Township. A
“We are continuing to million through May. the Berks County Munici- COVID-19 will continue facility in Caln Township,
monitor the course of the pal Authority or the Berks through at least the end of Chester County, is set to
pandemic in our commu- County Industrial Develop- 2020.” open Aug. 3.
nity, and will also continue ment Authority on behalf of The report estimates On July 14, Tower opened
to analyze and manage all Tower Health. an additional minimum its behavioral health facility
our resources to ensure Fitch downgraded Tower of $120.5 billion in finan- in Bern Township.
we can fulfill our mission in December to BBB from cial losses for the industry, At one time officials said
in the months and years A. It is still considered in- due in large part to lower it could employ 300 people
ahead,” Tower said. vestment grade, meaning patient volumes, from July there. The hospital plans
its not at a high risk for through December, with to- to move its 40-bed behav-
‘Unlock capital’ default. Standard & Poor’s tal 2020 losses for the na- ioral health program from
Last month, the non- rated Tower BBB+. Prior tion’s hospitals and health its West Reading campus to
profit health care system to the pandemic, Fitch en- systems about $323 billion. the new facility. The hospi-
finalized a deal to free up visioned a stable outlook The second half of this tal had planned to relocate
$200 million by selling 24 for Tower but Standard & year will be critical for both its inpatient acute mental
properties to a Chicago in- LAUREN A. LITTLE — READING EAGLE Poor’s outlook was negative. U.S. not-for-profit hospitals health treatment program
vestment firm and leasing The new Tower Behavioral Health facility opened earlier S&P said in January, “The and life plan communities, to the new facility but that
them from the firm. this month along Route 183 in Bern Township. negative outlook reflects according to Fitch Ratings was one of the programs be-
The deal had actually our view of Tower Health’s during an April investor ing eliminated.
been in the works before the much weaker financial po- webinar. Tower Behavioral Health
coronavirus hit Pennsylva- sition and our expectation Fitch is assuming that paid $49 million for the
nia but Tower said the finan- that losses will likely con- containment measures can 43.72-acre undeveloped
cial impact of the pandemic tinue through the rest of be eased in the second half site between Teleflex Inc.
accelerated the need “to un- fiscal 2020. While we un- the year, allowing for some and Penn State Health St.
lock capital and strengthen derstand that management financial recovery. The big Joseph hospital for the men-
the system’s balance sheet.” has initiatives underway to question, however, centers tal health hospital.
“In May, Tower Health improve operations and re- around whether the virus Tower said its much an-
signed a definitive agree- store the balance sheet, we can be effectively contained ticipated medical school
ment with Oak Street Real believe continued invest- by then. remains on track and un-
Estate Capital for the sale ments to build out Tower Fitch’s Holloran said der construction at 305 N.
and leaseback of 24 prop- Health’s nascent, evolving many safety net hospitals Park Road, Wyomissing.
erties owned by Tower system will weigh on the fi- will also not see a signif- Prior to the pandemic, the
Health,” the hospital sys- nancial profile in the near icant impact as they see school had been touted as a
tem said. “The properties term and could further high levels of nonelective game-changer for the eco-
include various medical of- LAUREN A. LITTLE — READING EAGLE pressure the rating.” surgical procedures such nomic development of Berks
fice buildings, ambulatory The Drexel University College of Medicine at Tower Health Fitch said Tower’s his- as births and emergency County.
and outpatient facilities, the at 305N. Park Road in Wyomissing is still scheduled to torically strong balance room admissions. “Drexel University Col-
Reading Rehabilitation Hos- open for the 2021-22 academic year. sheet has been weakened, lege of Medicine at Tower
pital and the Reading School and Fitch’s initial expec- Still expanding Health remains on schedule
of Health Sciences. Tower cash to pay operating ex- the five hospitals it pur- tation for operational im- But Tower continues to to open for academic year
Health is the major tenant penses and is useful when chased from Tennessee- provements at the facilities hire and expand. 2021-22,” Tower said in re-
in these properties and is other avenues have been ex- based Community Health it purchased in 2017 had not It has added to its Urgent sponse to Eagle questions.
committed to remaining so. hausted. Systems, according to bond yet materialized. But Fitch Care network, now up to 25 “When the facility is fully
“The proceeds will sup- Oak Street Real Estate rating analysis and bond went on to say that trends locations, opened a new be- operational it will educate
port Tower Health’s prep- Capital is a private equity disclosures. suggest Tower’s operation havioral facility and had its 200 medical students an-
arations for a possible re- firm with a reported $6.5 It had to write off mil- improvements were gain- first kidney transplant. It nually.
surgence of the coronavi- billion in equity. The firm lions in debts it could not ing traction. has not instituted pay cuts. “The new campus will
rus later this year, while has been notable for buy- collect and spend millions In a response to the Read- “We have worked hard bring faculty, staff, stu-
also improving our over- ing up billions of property to integrate the hospitals ing Eagle’s inquiry about to place laid off employees dents and families who
all financial position and from retailers on the brink into its digital record sys- the downgrades, Tower into other positions within will become patrons of lo-
ensuring our ability to ful- and companies looking for tem. said, “These downgrades, Tower Health for which cal stores, restaurants, ho-
fill Tower Health’s mission cash to weather the pan- In May 2017, Reading while disappointing, re- they are qualified,” Tower tels and other businesses
and our service to the com- demic, including Big Lots. Health System purchased flect issues Tower faced in said in an email to the Ea- in the community. It will
munity.” Holloran views the deal Pottstown Memorial Med- FY 2019 that included op- gle. “This includes positions also increase jobs for phy-
Tower declined to elabo- as a positive sign for Tower ical Center, Pottstown; erational losses, the im- at our Tower Health Urgent sicians, educators and other
rate further on the deal. because it followed through Bra ndy w ine Hospita l, pact of implementation of Care Center. We have also disciplines. We remain fully
County property records on its plans. Coatesville; Phoenixville the Epic electronic health hired new staff as needed.” committed to the expansion
show 16 Tower properties Holloran has said in Hospital, Phoenixville; Jen- record across the system, Annual merit increases of medical education and
in Berks and Montgom- Fitch ratings that Tower’s nersville Regional Hospital, and the recent accounts for all employees were im- training throughout Tower
ery counties were sold for strength is its plans to grow West Grove; and Chestnut receivable write-down. At plemented last October per Health.”
$156 million in June. Berks and its future bond ratings Hill Hospital, Philadelphia. the same time, both rating
County records also show will depend on its ability to It was rebranded as Tower agencies acknowledge Tow-
Tower entered into leases execute its plans. Health. er’s growing market pres- LOTTERY
of a total of $2.5 million in- Then, in December 2019, ence and evolution into a
volving three properties. Acquisitions, bonds Tower added St. Christo- significantly larger deliv- Pick 2(July 25): 3-2 +1 Match 6(July 25):
Sale-leaseback deals are The pandemic has put pher’s Hospital for Children ery system. (Day: 0-7 +9) 13-23-38-39-43-44
not uncommon in health the health care industry in in partnership with Drexel “Fitch notes that Tower Pick 3(July 25): 7-0-5+1 Powerball (July 22):
care, said Kevin Holloran, a precarious financial place University in Philadelphia. Health is ‘growing in size (Day: 8-1-9+9) 16-25-36-44-55
senior director with Fitch with hundreds of hospitals Bond disclosures show to become one of the larger Pick 4(July 25): Powerball: 14
ratings. in the country facing steep Tower has been operating regional systems.’ S&P cites 8-1-7-1+1 Power Play: 3
They tend to fall in and cutbacks and layoffs. For on diminishing margins, ‘Tower’s strong enterprise (Day: 7-6-5-8+9) Mega Millions (July 24):
out of favor and are driven Tower, a fast-growing sys- and that raised concerns profile with a growing in- 8-33-39-54-58
Pick 5(July 25):
by a philosophy on whether tem that is just three years from bond ratings services. tegrated delivery system.’ “ Mega Ball: 17
9-2-9-5-5+1
a healthcare system or hos- old, it is especially sensitive. From July 2019 to March In April, Tower received Megaplier: 3
(Day: 5-9-4-8-5+9)
pital should own real es- Before coronavirus-in- 2020, Tower generated a $166 million in advanced
Treasure Hunt (July 25): Cash 4Life (July 24):
tate or focus exclusively on duced shutdowns closed all negative operating margin and accelerated Medicare
4-5-9-14-25 21-24-30-31-33
health care. A leaseback but the most crucial med- of 8.4%, the system said in payments and obtained a
Cash 5(July 25): Cash Ball: 2
deal is a way for a hospi- ical services, Tower was its third quarter bond dis- committed line of credit of
tal or health system to free wrestling with integrating closure. The previous year up to $40 million dedicated 4-13-15-23-33 All numbers unofficial.
SINGLE COPY $2.00 JUNE 28, 2020
‘Dream’
COMMUNITY Two talk openly about being skate park
Black in Butler County opens
officially
What began as
senior project
comes to pass
By Alex J. Weidenhof
Eagle Staff Writer
FIELD OF DREAMS — Last July, Amy Barkley sat
Rocco Sloboda, owner of on a bench in Zelienople’s
Fantasy Whitetails, has been Community Park watch-
adding piebald deer to his ing the groundbreaking for
herd by breeding them with a skate park honoring her
normal brown-colored deer. husband’s late son and two
of his friends.
Page B1 At the time, she said she
wanted to come back in two
years and see “a bunch of
SPORTS new kids that we don’t know
skating.”
Now, nearly a year after
ground was broken, Bark-
ley has the chance to see it
in use. She goes to the park
frequently to watch skat-
ers and bikers using it. The
other evening, she saw a
7-year-old riding a new bike
in there with his father —
an apropos use of the space,
she thought.
Brady Patsy, a 2007 Karns City High School graduate and the adopted black son of white parents, says he “To me, that’s what it’s
has experienced his share of unfounded suspicion at the hands of classmates and police. He is the conser- all about,” Barkley said.
vatory director at Pittsburgh Musical Theater. “There’s a dad and his son,
HAROLD AUGHTON/BUTLER EAGLE
BACK IN THE GYM — creating memories, enjoy-
Butler High School basketball ing the park. Here’s a child
and volleyball teams have One in a series of stories helping as minds and hearts — to a new (who) was introduced to it
begun open gyms under
COVID-19 safety guidelines.
to spark discussion on diversity,
inequality and social justice.
COMM UNITY conversation about the problem
of systemic racism in Butler
and, for the next 10 years, is
going to use that park.”
Voices County and beyond. While it is yet to be offi-
By Paula Grubbs At least that’s the hope of cially dedicated, Zelienople
Page C1
Eagle Staff Writer Patsy and Epps. Memorial Skate Park —
W
ell-intentioned ‘It’s gotten worse, called the “For-the-Dream
friends of Brady Patsy not better’ Park” by a number of peo-
DEATHS told him on social Epps moved to Butler from
ple due to its motto — is now
open.
media they’ve never seen him the more diverse Uniontown
Jackson Richard Beau Before it even officially
as anything but kind, talented area 30 years ago. The longtime
Blakely, Butler opened to the public, bor-
Alvin Cornell, Mount Chest- and wonderful. basketball coach said the poor ough manager Don Pepe
nut Having never really talked treatment and outright discrim- said teens and adults
Mary Ellen Corrigan, Zeli- openly about his experiences, growing up as a Black man in ination she, her husband and
enople the East Brady native — like so See Skate park, Page A3
Roger A. Emmonds, Sarver
a predominately white county, now-grown son and daughter
Jeannette Browdy Haag,
many across the nation — was Patsy opened up with heartfelt experienced continued unabat-
Butler inspired to speak out in hopes honesty about his experiences ed and unchecked for decades.
Kim Marie Stoops Hum-
phreys, formerly of Harrisville
Timothy Paul Mainhart, But-
of sparking a long-overdue con-
versation in the wake of George
Floyd’s death at the hands of
with racism in and around the “People think this just
county, even coming face to face started,” Epps said. “This has
with racial profiling by police.
Bill could
draw young
ler
been going on for years and it’s
Marlin Daniel Sarvey, Pros-
Minneapolis police and the “When that police officer gotten worse, not better.”
pect subsequent protests gripping pulls me over, he doesn’t know According to the U.S. Census,
See Page B5 the nation.
In a widely shared Facebook
that I’m kind, talented and won- Butler County’s Black popula-
derful,” Patsy told the Butler tion was less than 1 percent in
firefighters
post, in which he talked about Eagle. “He knows I’m Black 2010, compared to 96.6 percent
By Nathan Bottiger
INDEX because that is what he sees.
That is systemic racism.”
of the population that was
Eagle Staff Writer
white. Fast forward nearly a
Business......................... C3 Both Patsy, who serves as decade, and those numbers Amid a dire need for vol-
Classified........................ D3 the conservatory director at haven’t dramatically changed. unteer firefighters, state
Pittsburgh Musical Theater, In the 2018 American Commu- senators advanced a bill
Crossword ...................... D1
and Dorothea Epps, head nity Survey, an annual survey that could generate inter-
Editorial .......................... A4 coach of the Seneca Valley conducted by the U.S. Census est from youths.
Horoscope ...................... D2 girls varsity basketball team, Bureau, the county’s Black pop- Senate Bill 331 would
Lotto................................ A2 shared their stories with the ulation increased by less than establish the Secondary
Movies ............................ D2 newspaper about growing up one-half of 1 percent — going Education Fire Training
Obituaries ....................... B5 and living as persons of color from 0.9 in 2010 to 1.2 percent in Pilot Program.
in Butler County. Both say 2018, while the county’s white The program would al-
Sudoku ........................... D1
they have experienced population dropped slightly to low community colleges
TV .................................... D1 consistent discrimina- 95.4 percent. and other higher educa-
tion throughout the For Epps, her white friends tion institutions to partner
county and region
WEATHER that is unimagi-
in Butler are shocked when
they hear what she and her fam-
with school districts and
technical schools to train
nable to most ily have endured because of the students as young as 16
white people. color of their skin. years old in areas of fire-
Forecast But the “My son was run down by fighter and emergency ser-
on Page A2 nationwide police while walking to his vice training. The students
outrage friend’s house like he’s some- would also earn credits to-
following one who committed a robbery,” ward graduation.
Floyd’s May Epps said with noticeable The bill would establish
Vol. 151, No. 101 25 killing frustration. grant funding avenues for
opened the participating colleges and
door — as well See Black, Page A3
universities.
Butler County Commu-
Seneca Valley girls varsity basketball coach Dorothea nity College offers fire and
Epps says her white friends in Butler are shocked when hazmat training through its
they hear the racism she and her family have endured. Public Safety Program.
BUTLER EAGLE FILE PHOTO
See Bill, Page A2
BE-1465509
Proudly Serving Butler County
Since 2007 10 Years in
a Row!
Sunday, June 28, 2020 - BUTLER EAGLE A3
Skate park
From Page 1 Lunsford. gap. Of that amount, about
“I think the whole story $10,000 was made as a con-
climbed over construction
itself, these three skaters tribution not needing to be
fences to make use of the
who passed away ... it’s a repaid.
decade-long project that
good name for it,” he said. After nine years of
stemmed from a senior proj-
Park as memorial working to finish his son’s
ect by Trevor Barkley who,
dream, Jeff Barkley died in
along with his friends Sam The idea behind the skate November 2018, less than a
Bucci and Elijah Lunsford, park hatched as Trevor
year before last year’s offi-
died in a 2010 vehicle acci- Barkley’s senior project at
cial groundbreaking. Amy
dent. Seneca Valley. But on Jan. Barkley and the other skate
“Considering the fact it 27, 2010, after he worked
park officials picked up
was physically done, we on the plans for the park, a
from Jeff Barkley’s notes,
wanted it to be open and ... vehicle carrying him, Bucci spearheading the project to
they were there anyway,” and Lunsford slid off the completion.
Pepe said. “We wanted road and into a lake, killing Now, with Trevor’s dream
to take the construction all three teens. and a decade of hard work
fences down and let them Jeff Barkley picked up finished, Barkley said she
in there. I’m glad it’s done; the project where his son sees the park as an appro-
I’m glad it’s being used.” left off with help from doz- priate memorial to Trevor’s
Joe Conklin, an Evans ens of volunteers, includ- senior project.
City resident who has been ing Trevor’s mother, Linda “Our thought was there
riding a skateboard since Gass. The group eventu- was something that was
he was young, skates at the ally landed a $200,000 grant needed in the park, and the
park every morning. from the state’s Depart- amount of use that it’s get-
“It is, honestly, a dream ment of Conservation and ting totally validates that,”
skate park for Zelienople, Natural Resources and a she said. “I was there the
a small little town,” Conk- $10,000 contribution from other evening, and I was Joe Conklin, 21, of Evans City, airs off a jump at the Zelienople Memorial Skate Park re-
lin said. “I think it’s great the Tony Hawk Foundation just watching people skate, cently. Many call it the “For-the-Dream” Park, a motto honoring Trevor Barkley, Sam Bucci
to have another addition to help finance the park’s of all ages, and when I and Elijah Lunsford who died in a car accident. SEB FOLTZ/BUTLER EAGLE
to bring the community to- construction. counted there were more
gether.” Donations and pro- than 25 people at that
Conklin said rain won’t ceeds from Lenten fish be done. A fitting finish to the the mood in the park, Amy
time.” Pepe said the borough project that started with Barkley said. His project
stop him from going to the fries helped fund much of
park — “I’ll bring towels the rest of the park. With A growing tribute still plans to hold a formal Trevor Barkley’s senior was to create a skate park
and dry off,” he said. Like skate park officials saying While the vast major- dedication of the park and project a decade ago. But residents and visitors
many others, he calls it the in October they might face ity of work on the project to construct some signage the project’s formal start, could use and enjoy them-
“For-the-Dream Park,” a a shortfall, the borough is completed — all told, a indicating to visitors “the which began with tragedy, selves in, she added.
motto drawn up to honor pitched in and loaned the nearly $600,000 endeavor reason why the skate park should not — and does “It is exactly that,” Bar-
Trevor Barkley, Bucci and group $30,000 to bridge the — some work remains to was built.” not — put a damper on kley said.
Black
‘T
From Page A1 dent, Patsy said he walked retrieve the license and know everything that we en-
into a well-known restau- registration requested by dure, but don’t back away,”
She went on to share the
story of her son-in-law and
rant, and a busboy said his is not a Phila- officers. she said. “We would love it
“Look at that, a (racial “It is a completely dif- if people would ask us ques-
grandson’s encounter with
slur) that thinks he’s a
delphia problem or a big- ferent mindset that you tions.”
police. city problem; it’s happen-
white guy.” have to go into,” Patsy But most importantly,
“My son-in-law was
Interactions with police ing right here in Butler said. Epps said white people
pulled over because he
as an adult have been One of his pet peeves must stand beside their
didn’t look like he be-
frightening for Patsy, who County.’ is hearing white people Black friends and neigh-
longed in an upscale
talked of being pulled over make the argument that if bors as they try to improve
neighborhood and was
searched with his young
for a broken headlight in Dorothea Epps, Black people would just society and fight racism.
Kittanning and surround- Seneca Valley girls basketball coach follow the rules, there “Don’t just say, ‘Oh, that’s
boy in the car,” Epps said.
ed by officers because he would be no police brutal- too bad,’ when anything
“The police said ‘You don’t
was being “aggressive” ity against them. happens,” Epps said. “When
even look like you have a
according to police. How- “That phrase alone is it’s time, you need to take a
license.’”
ever, he remembers calmly racist,” Patsy said. stand and fight the injustic-
Yet another time, Epps’ asking the officer who think PennDOT should officer in the world is a
daughter was looking at break out the snowplows terrible person and should ‘A 400-year battle’ es and fight for equality. We
pulled him over if there can’t get it done alone.”
an expensive item in a was a problem. when these marchers be fired.” Epps said she feels an ef-
store while the two were shut down the parkway,” Patsy recommends watch-
In another instance, po- ‘It is a completely fective way to improve rela- ing Ava DuVernay’s Netflix
shopping when the clerk Patsy said. “Antwon Rose different mindset’ tions between races would
lice asked Patsy to get out documentary “13th,” which
pointed to less-expensive proved you can’t run from be better curriculum in
of his car, in which he was Epps and her husband was named for the 13th Con-
versions of the same this. It’s present and it school districts. She said
comforting an upset white, gave their children advice many children know Mar- stitutional Amendment.
merchandise and told the lives in the country and
female friend. Once out of when they came of age to “It goes through exactly
young woman “You might now it’s time to wake up.” tin Luther King Jr.’s name
the car, Patsy recalls the drive on how to behave how we got to where we are
want to look at these.” officer telling him that it Epps agrees, and said because they get a day off
“We walked out,” Epps the anger of some white when pulled over by today,” Patsy said. “It cre-
“appeared” he was getting from school, and some know
said. people is misguided in the police. ates the narrative of how
in the girl’s face. Looking Rosa Parks refused to give
Epps has been called wake of Floyd’s death. Patsy’s parents, who are up her seat on the bus to a when slavery was abol-
back, Patsy said he made white, gave him and his ished, the Black man was
racial slurs and even the “mistake” of trying to “All the people who are white man.
chased through a local upset about the protests sister the best informa- basically put out there as
joke with the officer, tell- All, she said, know about a threat. This is a 400-year
dollar store by three young ing him that if he got in the and the people being up- tion they had. America’s history of slavery.
white men. Shaken by the set with us not trusting law “Yes, those conversa- battle that has not been
girl’s face, it would prob- “They seem to be OK with won.”
experience and fearing enforcement, why are they tions happened,” Patsy teaching slavery,” Epps
ably be to get a kiss. He said racism in Amer-
for her life, she called her not upset with the officers said with blunt honesty. said.
“He didn’t think it was “But my mother said that ica is a humanitarian issue
husband. who did it or those turning She spoke to Brian White,
funny at all,” Patsy said. as long as I surround (the that must change.
“I did not know these a blind eye?” Epps asked. superintendent at the But-
“He asked me to put my officer) with enough love, “All anybody is look-
people from Adam,” Epps hands on the police car Moreover, Epps pointed ler Area School District,
said. “I was scared to out, she’s encountered (mistreatment) wouldn’t about increasing emphasis ing for is an equal voice
while he compared my happen. My mother has and equal presence in this
death.” story with (my friend’s).” many people living in the on educating students more
Patsy, on the other hand, area who are under the said now, that’s not true.” about the struggles of Black world as human beings,”
As the officer walked Patsy said.
enjoyed a largely idyllic misconception that the However, Patsy thinks people and the accomplish-
away to interview the
childhood in East Brady as young woman, Patsy said mistreatment of people of the conversation would ments of Black inventors Epps agrees the time is
the adopted black son of color doesn’t affect them. have been much differ- and others. long past to relegate racism
two additional police cars
white parents but endured showed up and the officers “This is not a Philadel- ent had he been raised by “He is very concerned,” to the tenebrous annals of
his own share of unfound- phia problem or a big-city Black parents. Epps said. “He is trying. To American history.
hopped out with their
ed suspicion at the hands hands on their guns. problem; it’s happen- He points to his belief me, it needs to start in cur- “Can you imagine the
of classmates and police. ing right here in Butler that even his position as a riculum.” world for my grandchildren
In his Facebook post ‘It’s time to wake up’ County,” she said. director with Pittsburgh if we don’t solve this prob-
Both Patsy and Epps said
late last month, the 2007 Fast forward to a few But on the other hand, Musical Theater has no there are actions white peo- lem?” she asked.
Karns City High School weeks ago when the Floyd suggesting all police are bearing on situations ple can take to help rectify
graduate recalled vari- video caught fire on social racist is not a message when he is pulled over by the problem of racism to-
ous unearned instances of media, Patsy decided it Patsy and Epps agree with. police. day.
malice against him based was time to share his point For Epps, law enforce- “It’s very important to “Be comfortable when
on his skin color. of view on being Black in ment is near and dear to understand that when a others want to be a part of
Among Patsy’s recollec- America. her heart. Her husband Black person gets pulled the beautiful community
tions are a fellow 13-year- “When I put the post up, is a retired state trooper over, at least in my experi- you’ve created,” Patsy said.
old classmate throwing I never in a million years and current Butler Area ence, your entire de- “Saying, ‘If Black or Latino
him to the school floor expected this to have over School District police of- meanor changes,” Patsy people move in, it’s going
and informing him that 500 shares and 400 to 500 ficer. said. “You’re so focused to ruin the neighborhood,’
because he is Black, he comments,” Patsy said. “I For Patsy, the father of on following every single that’s racism.”
should move when told to didn’t think it was going to one of his musical theater rule by the letter that you Epps advises white peo- Your Jeweler
do so by a white student. take off like that.” students was one of the don’t have time to think, ple not to be afraid of the
Patsy recounts how the But, Patsy points out, officers who stopped the ‘If he just knew I was in a conversation.
principal refused to act on what America faces today gunman in the October successful job ... ’” “We don’t expect you to
the violence, telling him and deaths like Floyd’s 2018 Tree of Life Syna- On the other hand, BE-1356430
it would start a race war, aren’t just instances far gogue shooting in Pitts- Patsy argued, is that when
even though there were removed from Western burgh. white people are pulled Voted Voted
only eight other Black Pennsylvania. “He did a service that over, they don’t have to BEST DANCE BEST BINGO
students in grades seven He said among the many day that was unimagina- protect their safety by SPOT GAME
through 12. Black citizens killed by ble,” Patsy said. “Nobody, saying they are reaching
As a teen in junior high police across the United not a single person, is
saying every single police
into the glove compart-
ment or their wallet to
TANGLEWOOD EVENT
school, Patsy said a young States in the past few
boy threw a bottle of soda
at him, hitting his feet.
The child’s mother, he re-
years is Antwon Rose, 17,
who was fatally shot two
years ago by a white of-
TURN KEY MODULARS Stuffed Pork
called, told the boy “Don’t ficer from the East Pitts-
worry, buddy, you’ll get burgh Police Department. Chop Or
him next time.”
Shortly after the inci-
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