IBEW Local 98 (Philadelphia) Pickets YMCA For Violation of "Local Standards"

Stone cold but region just misses mark

By JOHN M. ROMAN jroman@delcotimes.com Friday’s low of 6 degrees was no record-breaker -- still above the record 3 degrees set in 1961 -- but that was little consolation for those enduring the outdoors. However, hope was on the horizon as the National Weather Service forecast highs in about the upper 30s Sunday through Tuesday, finally topped by highs around 40 on Wednesday and higher temperatures through Friday.

Three members of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 98 were outside the Ridley Area YMCA on South Avenue passing out leaflets objecting to an electrical contractor from outside the county doing work there which "..oes not pay local area wages and benefits."

Bob Bark, 35, of Darby Township, said, "we’re out here about a month," starting Friday at 10 a.m., but sometimes much earlier.

"We prepare ourselves; we come dressed for it," Bark said. "And the reason we’re here is because we believe in what we’re doing."

He said his 5-year-old son attends pre-school classes at the Y and either he or his wife picks him up.

"We’ve been here every day -- rain or shine," said IBEW member Bob Regan, 62, of Upper Darby, who like the other two men is an unemployed electrician. Larry Patrick Jr. of Media also handed out flyers to visitors at the Y.

Anthony McBride, 24, of Springfield, a tow truck operator for Peppy’s Towing in Drexel Hill, was waiting for a customer in the parking lot of the Wawa at Garrett and Burmont roads.

"I fell on the ice this morning and almost broke my arm," while doing a tow job in a back alley on Bond Avenue, he said.

"A lot of battery jumps - this is my third one," McBride said. "I like the fall weather the best - 60 to 70 degrees."

He says he bundles up by wearing thermal underwear and heavyweight overalls because he has to work all kinds of hours.

Vendor Beverly Rogers was selling a variety of Eagles clothing and paraphernalia under a tent on the parking lot outside the Rita’s Water Ice and Dunkin’ Donuts stores at Township Line and Dermond roads.

Prospective customers weren’t exactly lining up in the bitter cold as only a handful were stopping by around lunchtime.

"Everybody’s staying inside being cozy and waiting for it to turn a balmy 40 degrees," said Rogers, who opened up for business at 9:30 a.m. and expected to leave at 4 p.m.

"For my second day it’s not bad, just getting noticed," she said. "I’m looking forward to next week; it will pick up before the game."

She kept warm by wearing "lots of layers," she said.

Her biggest sellers were sweatshirts and knit hats due to the frigid weather, she said.

"I’m looking for a little pink hat for my niece, Alison Grace Brooks, 4 months old," said Michele Prentice, 20, of Swarthmore, a student at St. Joseph’s University.

"It’s cold, but I’m trying to find something for her, just so she can show her support (for the Eagles), too," said the new godmother.

Friday’s lowest temperature of 6 degrees occurred between 6 and 7 a.m. at the Philadelphia International Airport, according to the NWS.

The record-high temperature for the date on Friday is 67 degrees, set in 1916.