|
|
|
Ask A Man-About-Town
 |
| Sulaiman Kumara (left) |
The Clog would like to introduce a new feature, "Ask a Man-About-Town." The idea is that we'll tell you a little about said man (or woman), and then you can submit questions you'd like to ask them, which they'll answer. For instance, we give you a window washer; you ask, "How far up buildings do birds nest?" or "Ever see anyone jump?" or even "How did you get rid of those damn streaks?!" Please submit your questions in the comments or e-mail them to holly.otterbein@citypaper.net.
A couple weeks ago, we introduced you to Sulaiman Kumara, the treasurer of the Philadelphia Security Officers Union (and a security guard, of course, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art). And we invited you to ask him questions about his career and life. In Part I of this week's Man-About-Town, readers ask about art and fighting — and Kumara talks about the art of fighting, coincidentally.
Our apologies for not posting his answers until now. (Shit happens, aight?) The rest will be posted throughout the week.
Q: What's your favorite piece of art in the PMA? — posted by Rolo
A: My favorite painting is "The Boorish Chief" by Eduard Charlemonte. This painting is of a fearless warrior.
Q: What's the craziest thing you've ever seen happen as a security guard? Did you ever have to fight anyone? — posted by Elizabeth
A: The craziest thing I've seen as a guard is while working at a Park House site in Fairmount Park. I saw a couple having intercourse in the back of house. No, I haven't had to fight anyone, fortunately.
 |
The Clog would like to introduce a new feature, "Ask a Man-About-Town." The idea is that we'll tell you a little about said man (or woman), and then you can submit questions you'd like to ask them, which they'll answer. For instance, we give you a window washer; you ask, "How far up buildings do birds nest?" or "Ever see anyone jump?" or even "How did you get rid of those damn streaks?!" Please submit your questions in the comments or e-mail them to holly.otterbein@citypaper.net.
Sulaiman Kumara didn't foresee becoming the Philadelphia Security Officers Union treasurer when he started as a security guard at the PMA last year. At the time, he was working in the Park House (he now has shifts at both the Park House and the museum's main building), which is patrolled by only one security guard at a time, so he'd heard nothing of a union until every guard was called in for a mandatory meeting. The meeting was anti-union: "Vote no," the guards were allegedly told. "The union just wants your money." Kumara says he didn't believe it.
Kumara learned more about the union from campaign organizer Fabricio Rodriguez and since then, he's been an active member of the group. He thinks that AlliedBarton and other security firms take advantage of the fact that most of their employees don't know about their rights.
"I'm going to do everything I can because I can't just stand by and watch," he says.
When he's not at the PMA, Kumara is studying finance at Temple University. He's also a big Eagles fan and likes to read personal development books. He grew up in Southwest Philly and now lives in the Northeast.
Hey Sulaiman, what's your favorite piece of art in the PMA?
Sulaiman Kumara, what's the craziest thing you've ever seen happen as a security guard? Did you ever have to fight anyone?
Dear Sulaiman - Thanks for agreeing to be the Man-About-Town! I have a few of questions: 1. What is the most unusual situation you've encountered while patroling the PMA ? 2. How do keep from getting distracted by all the art around you ? 3. What qualities do you think make a successful security guard ? Thanks and Best Wishes!
do you notice any flaws in the system of security at the PMA? and if so, if you were to commit a crime (say, steal an art piece from the PMA), how would you then circumvent security?
I've been in places where the security guards didn't make me feel very, well, secure. What kinds of training or protocol go into becoming a guard? Are there different requirements for guards stationed in different locations (like a shopping mall guard vs. a college campus guard)?
Have you ever foiled an art heist? You ever see a ghost in the museum? How do you pass the time in a long, uneventful shift?
Have you ever been afraid on the job?
[...] couple weeks ago, we introduced you to Sulaiman Kumara, the treasurer of the Philadelphia Security Officers Union (and a security guard, of course, at [...]
 |
The Clog got a little backed up this week, and wasn't able to post our final Q&A with David Adams, the 72-year-old Southwest Philly block captain, until now. (If you're new to Ask a Man-About-Town, get the lowdown here.) We'll be returning next week with a brand new Philadelphian to answer your questions.
Without further adieu:
Q: How can I get involved in my block? What kind of help do you need/want from the block members? — posted by elisvo
A: If by getting "involved" you mean becoming the block captain, you need to get the petition from Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee and go door-to-door to get it signed. That way, you introduce yourself to your neighbors and you get to meet them and find out if they can be of assistance when you talk about block cleanups, recycling cooperation and city services. Find out what the city has to offer to residents of your block so that you will be able to answer their questions and inform them of their responsibilities. The kind of help you need/want from "block members" is first to realize that they are your neighbors and that by being block captain you want to help them.
The cooperation you need from them is whatever help they can give during block cleaning days (moving their cars, cleaning in front of their houses) and following Streets Department guidelines for trash and recycling. Their participation in block meetings is also necessary [for them to] become better informed about block news and city programs. If, due to job commitments or family responsibilities, they cannot participate in block cleaning days or attend the meetings, just being a good neighbor will suffice.
Q: Are block captains officially recognized by the City of Philadelphia? Do they play a role in the political body of the City or is their role solely restricted to the community? — posted by Beb
A: Block captains are officially recognized by the City of Philadelphia; they give you a card with your name, address and police district number on it. The card is issued by the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee through the [Streets Department]. They come to your house on block cleaning days and give you a push broom and tall brown paper bags for the trash you and your neighbors sweep up on that morning. After you place all the filled bags on the corner of your street, the trash trucks come and pick them up. The city must approve of your block party and allow you to close off your street from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. the day of the party. The city does realize the community value of block organizations for cohesion and the dissemination of information.
Block organizations are not political by nature because their focus is on the neighbors — but we are the "political body" of the city. We are issued a "Citizen's Guide" by the Committee of Seventy that lists all of our representatives from committeeman to Congress and how to contact them. The sole job of the politicians is to represent us. We are not "restricted" to the community — we choose to become block captains because we care about our blocks and our neighbors.
Welcome to the third installment of the Clog's new feature, Ask a Man-About-Town. This week, we're interviewing David Adams, a block captain from Southwest Philly, about his work and neighborhood. (If you're new to this series, read our back posts about Adams.)
Since we're wrapping up our time with Adams, we'll need a new man-about-town (or woman-about-town, duh) for next week. If you have any suggestions about who we should talk to — either generally, like a zookeeper or a public defender, or more specifically, like Lord Whimsy — feel free to leave them in the comments or e-mail them to holly.otterbein@citypaper.net.
Q: How do you become a block captain? Are you nominated by your neighbors? — posted by Josh
A: In my case, the former block captain was retiring and asked me if I wanted to step in. Since I had been working with him on block cleanups and block parties and fliers, I pretty much knew the duties and responsibilities and was familiar with the members of the block committee, so I agreed.
If, however, you are starting from scratch, your process begins with the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee. You should contact them and ask for a block organization petition.
You must get the petition signed by 50 percent of the people on your block, designating a block captain and co-captain, and send it in to PMBC to be registered with the committee. You will receive literature from the committee outlining your block cleanup schedule and other interesting information about city programs. Meet with your neighbors to discuss goals and shared responsibilities.
Q: Do you ever have opposition? — posted by Josh
A: Again, my situation may be unique, but I imagine that if you are the one circulating the block organization petition, the neighbors would assume that you want to be the block captain — in fact, you can tell them that when you ask them to sign the petition. If there is any opposition you can find out then and there, and you can work out resolving it or finding someone else who wants the job and allowing the neighbors to make the selection.
The best way to handle that is to get all the information you can from PMBC, so that you can let anyone else who wants to be block captain know what's involved. The number for PMBC is 215-685-3981.
Thanks, Mr. Adams. Good info!
In Part II of our Ask a Man-About-Town series with Southwest Philly block captain David Adams (see right), readers demand answers about the dangerous holidays and getting shit done. (If you're new to this feature, catch up on what it's all about here.) Check back throughout the week for more Qs&As!
Q: How does a block captain get things done? I know it's tough to get people on my block to agree on much of anything. — posted by Brian Howard
A: First of all, the block captain goes door to door when block party applications have to be signed or when block cleanup days are scheduled. That is a good time to introduce one's self and make a friendly connection. Next, at least on our block, meetings are scheduled where the neighbors can receive information on city programs and add their opinions and input. We have an excellent family that allows us to use their home as a meeting place for that purpose.
We also have a Google [group], 49th Street, to use as an extra vehicle to disseminate information — be it new neighbors, new births, neighborhood alerts and news of interest (including block captain pieces in the City Paper). Once you establish a system of informing neighbors, it becomes second nature for them to come together and look out for each other.
Q: Why do you think the holidays are more dangerous? (Editor's note: Adams said the holidays were a more dangerous time of year in his introductory post.) — posted by Jo Philly
A: We have found that holidays, from Thanksgiving through Christmas, show an increase in personal crimes committed by miscreants who roam the neighborhoods in search of victims. The best defense is to stay alert and aware of your surroundings — especially at night, to take notice of trolling strangers who seem to be sizing up automobiles or homes, to make sure your doors are locked and nothing of value is left in view in your car and to look out for each other whenever possible. A Town Watch committee is also a very valuable tool for holiday safety. The two things that cause some people to steal are larceny in their hearts and opportunity. While we can't cure what's in their hearts, we can at least deny them the opportunity in our neighborhood.
This is a great feature.
[...] Ask a Man-About-Town: Answers from a SW Philly block captain, Day 2Philadelphia Citypaper (blog)… Howard A: First of all, the block captain goes door to door when block party applications have to be signed or when block cleanup days are scheduled. … [...]
[...] Ask a Man-About-Town: Answers from a SW Philly block captain, Day 2Philadelphia Citypaper (blog)… Howard A: First of all, the block captain goes door to door when block party applications have to be signed or when block cleanup days are scheduled. … [...]
On Friday, we told you about David Adams, a 72-year-old block captain from Southwest Philly who'll be responding to readers' questions about his job. Here are the first two Q&As — there will be plenty more where that came from, so be sure to check out the Clog throughout the week to see if your questions made it! (In fact, if you still want to ask Adams something, leave your question in the comments or e-mail it to holly.otterbein@citypaper.net.)
Q: As a longtime Southwest Philadelphia resident, what do you feel is the biggest misconception people have about the area? — posted by Drew
A: The biggest misconception about Southwest Philly is that there are no good things about the area. According to the 12th District, which polices the area, there are over 80,000 people in Southwest Philly. It is only logical to assume that the vast majority of them are good, decent folks who lead ordinary lives. We have libraries, parks, recreation centers, supermarkets, shopping districts, diverse population, neighborhood newspapers, political involvement and WPEB 88.1 FM, our community radio station.
I am a transition person and I have seen things change from the 1950s to 2010 and while the international flavor of the area has grown, there is still neighborhood cohesion and a positive community growth.
Q: I know not all blocks have block captains. So why do they matter? — posted by Kirk
A: It's true that all block are not organized and are not represented by a block captain, but they are still a part of the neighborhood and the positive things that block representation brings also benefits the unorganized blocks. When we have our block captain meetings, we attract political interest because of our collective group representation. We develop political contacts and we know how to get a response from the politicians.
Anyone can organize a block and be represented — it is also a stepping stone for young, politically minded folks who want to become more involved in local and city government. Philadelphia is truly a city of neighborhoods and block organization gives the community a strong and effective voice. Every block counts because we are all neighbors and block representation benefits us all.
[...] about the dangerous holidays and getting shit done. (If you're new to this feature, catch up on what it's all about here.) Check back throughout the week for more [...]
 |
| David Adams, your friendly block captain |
The Clog would like to introduce a new feature, "Ask a Man-About-Town." The idea is that we'll tell you a little about said man (or woman), and then you can submit questions you'd like to ask them, which they'll answer. For instance, we give you a window washer; you ask, "How far up buildings do birds nest?" or "Ever see anyone jump?" or even "How did you get rid of those damn streaks?!" Please submit your questions in the comments or e-mail them to holly.otterbein@citypaper.net.
David Adams, 72, is not in the business of wasting time. Since becoming the block captain of the 900 block of South 49th Street in April, he's fought for his block's right to hold a block party, gotten to know city officials like Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell and 12th District community relations officer Joseph Young, and held the Streets Department accountable for replacing stoplights with stop signs on the intersection of 49th and Springfield.
He even signs his emails, "your friendly neighborhood block captain." His next project is organizing a town watch for the holiday season, which he feels can be a more dangerous time of year. Adams, who's lived in the neighborhood "practically all his life," is retired.
He's held a number of diverse positions throughout his career: art director for an advertising agency, audio actor, political cartoonist and columnist, art teacher to prisoners. He says that everything he's learned from those jobs helps him be the block captain that he is. But the most important quality of a block captain, he says, is a love of people: meeting them, interacting with them, helping them. And Adams, who can tell stories for hours about the special people he's met, has no shortage of that. "I like people," he says. "I can't help that."
As a longtime Southwest Philadelphia resident, what do you feel is the biggest misconception people have about the area?
I know not all blocks have block captains. So why do they matter?
I don't even know if I have a block captain, and I heard there's no list available from the city. Is that true, and if so, how does one go about finding his block captain?
Philadelphia More Beautiful (Streets Dept) has the list, maintains it.
How does a block captain get things done? I know it's tough to get people on my block to agree on much of anything.
Why do you think the holidays are more dangerous?
How do you become a block captain? Are you nominated by your neighbors? Do you ever have opposition? Wow, that's three questions in one. Sorry!
Why is the sky blue on clear days and gray on cloudy days?
If you're a block captain, have you ever experienced a mutiny?
are block captains officially recognized by the city of philadelphia? do they play a role in the political body of the city or is their role solely restricted to the community? And "Belb", Mr. Adams sounds to me as way too wise and devoted a person to ever have "experienced mutiny".
how can i get involved on my block? what's the kind of help you need/want from block members?
[...] Friday, we told you about David Adams, a 72-year-old block captain from Southwest Philly who'll be responding to readers' questions about [...]
[...] to the third installment of the Clog's new feature, Ask a Man-About-Town. This week, we're interviewing David Adams, a block captain from Southwest Philly, about his work [...]
[...] the 72-year-old Southwest Philly block captain, until now. (If you're new to Ask a Man-About-Town, get the lowdown here.) We'll be returning next week with a brand new Philadelphian to answer your [...]
- ActiVman
- adventures
- Arts
- Ask A Man-About-Town
- Award Tour
- Awards
- Bad Idea Factory
- Beer
- Below the Curve
- Bikes
- Booze
- Brian Hickey
- BRT
- Budget
- Budget Fuss
- Business
- Casinos
- City Council
- City Hall
- CouncilMANIC
- CP Abroad
- CP in the Community
- Criminal Justice System
- Day Tripper
- Death and Taxes
- Delaware River
- Design
- DROP
- Drugs
- Dubious Distinction
- Elections
- End of Days
- Environment
- Fashion
- Film Fest
- Financial Meltdown
- FrackTrack
- Free Library
- Gambling
- Gay Stuff
- Get Lit
- Greenstorming
- guns
- Hall Monitor
- Health
- Health Care
- Hello, Kitty
- Holidays
- Ice Cubes
- Iggles
- Immigration
- In Memoriam
- Labor
- Lawsuits
- Letters
- LGBTQ
- Maps
- Marcellus Shale
- Media
- MMA
- Mummers
- Music
- MUST READ
- Mysterious Mysteries
- Nation
- News
- Non Sequitur
- Opinion
- PA politics 2010
- Parking Wars
- Parks and Recreation
- People Send Us This Stuff
- Philadelphia Police
- Philadelphia Union
- Philaphemera
- Philly From Scratch
- philly madness
- Photos
- Poverty
- PPA
- President Obama
- Print Edition
- Prisons
- Protest
- Readers Write
- Real Estate
- Rock Bottom
- Schools
- Science
- Screwing Philly
- SEPTA
- snow
- So Lush
- Soccer
- Sporting Life
- Sports Complex
- State Politicians
- State Politics
- Street Art
- Strike
- Stuff We Like
- Taxes
- Taxi Drivers
- Tech Fetish
- television
- The Budget Crisis
- The City Paper
- The CLOG
- The Human Condition
- The Mayor
- The Phightin Phils
- The World
- Things that make you go hm
- Tinfoil Hats Off
- Under the Table
- Under the Tables
- Urban Development
- Urban Planning
- urban wildlife
- Video Poker
- We Call Shenanigans
- Weather
- Web Junk
- Weekend Omnibus
- White House
- What We've Found
- Women's Issues
- Flyered Up!
- How 'Bout That Weather?
- it's always sunny in philadelphia
- Stu!
- Shopping
- get out
- 10-track mind
- ArtsFlash
- Bloggity
- Bruce Being Bruce
- Colleges
- Comedy
- Gigantic Surprises
- Hello Canary
- Hello Puppy
- errata
- get lost
- Inside The Fishbowl
- Library Closings
- Local Support
- Movies
- Murder
- Night Moves
- Recycling
- radio
- Scientology
- Sex
- Sixers
- Skeeze Police
- State Politicians Screwing Philly
- That's a cool stencil!
- Theater
- Things We See
- This Week
- This Week in Oates
- University City
- WIN
- What we don't heart
- trailer!
- what we heart
- Feeling Guilty
- Askadelphia.
- Broke in Philly
- Contest
- Dance
- Dear Paper Doll
- Do A Good Thing
- Education
- Film Fest Schism
- G20-20 Vision
- Goodbye
- Gossip
- Great American Heroes
- PATCO
- Pearl Jam Week
- Puppy
- Stars of the Photostream
- sustainability
- Lower Merion Webcam-Gate
- The Cycle
- Equality Forum
- Bureaucrat of the Week
- Animals
- ElectionEar
- Photostream
