Northeast News Gleaner Highlights Several Neighborhood Leaders

Movers and Shakers
By: Edward J. Vassallo and Lauren Fritsky
09/01/2005

A Salute to leaders in Northeast Philadelphia

Martin Bednarek -
Motivated by Personal Pride
Martin Bednarek serves Northeast Philadelphia not only as CEO of Washington Savings Banks but also as a member of the School Reform Commission for the School District of Philadelphia and chairman of the St. Hubert High School President's Advisory Board.

How do you see your role in the community?
As CEO of Washington Savings Bank, I am sensitive to the financial needs of the community and thus provide personalized services. All of our five offices, including our new headquarters, are located in Philadelphia. My employees and I work closely with the neighborhood civic groups and schools near our branches to better the neighborhoods. At no other bank can you call up and speak to the CEO directly. I have in the community. I and my fellow members of the School Reform Commissioners are working tirelessly to improve the education of the children in the district by increasing teacher training, making the schools safer, upgrading the learning facilities, and encouraging partnership with the business community to help stabilize and better our neighborhoods. I also serve as the chairman on the President's Advisory Board at St. Hubert High School and am on various other local boards. I have been a coach of various youth sports for over 30 years teaching young people not only athletic skills but also life lessons to help them grow and aspire to positive goals.
When did you know that you had become a leader?
When I was a junior in high school I was asked to organize a school spirit day, which incorporated motivational speakers and a sports rally. I made a decision to bring in some former drug addicts to speak about their lives and how important it was for us to stay in school and not to abuse drugs. When I looked out into the audience and saw how every person was focused on these speakers, I knew I had done something special.
Who are your role models?
First and foremost are my parents, Joe and Norma, who gave me the foundation of how to treat people with respect. My dad taught me never to lie-if you don't lie you don't have to remember what you told someone; tell the truth and you won't go wrong. My mom taught me to treat people as I would like to be treated. Cuncilwoman Joan Krajewski is not only a friend but also a mentor. No one loves Northeast Philadelphia more than Joan. She does so much for our neighborhoods and is devoted to our community.
What motivates you?
Personal pride motivates me. I enjoy interacting with people, especially children and senior citizens. There is so much to learn from their perspectives. Giving of myself to others has always been rewarding. What image do you hope to convey to the community? I hope that I convey an image of personal integrity, that I am a truly caring person who is a good listener in tune with the needs of the community. Most people know that I am an accessible person and a problem solver. If I give you my word that I will commit myself to a project, then you know that you can count on me 100 percent.
What is your favorite time of day?
I feel good about most of my day. But my most productive time is midnight to about 3:00 a.m. My family is asleep, the phones are quiet and I can get a lot of paperwork and planning done. I also enjoy dinnertime with my kids.
How do you unwind after a long week?
Friday night is "date night" with my wife Lorri. We've been married 25 years this September and after a hectic week of meetings and activities, we've made it a habit of setting aside time alone together to reconnect and catch up on each other. We usually go to one of the many great restaurants in the Northeast, sometimes a movie or a concert.
What are your hobbies?
I am a "gym rat". I love basketball and organized a girls AAU basketball program (Northeast Rockers) here in the Northeast nearly 10 years ago. I am also involved in the Northeast Girls Inter-Club Basketball League. I love to coach and have been very successful because of my positive coaching style. I try to bring out the best in players through respect and honesty. The greatest thrill for me is when my former players call me up to ask for advice or to just chat.
Give us a little know fact about yourself. I love to wear Jerry Garcia ties. The late Grateful Dead band member was an artist whose works have been incorporated into a clothing line of men's ties. I also enjoy listening to the music of Barry White.
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Patricia DeAngelis -
Advocated for those in needPatricia DeAngelis,
President and CEO of Nazareth Hospital, began her career as a nurse and now runs a hospital that was ranked #1 for stroke care in PA three years in a row. The Catholic Leadership Institute recently named her one of the 2005 recipients of the Award for Outstanding Catholic Leadership. She runs the hospital while keeping with the traditions of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth and also contributes to the community.
When did you know you had become a leader?
In nursing school.
How do you see your role in the community?
I am an advocate for those in need. What image do you hope to convey to the community? Excellence, quality, safety, service and love.
What is your favorite time of day?
Morning. It is another gift and another opportunity to grow and impact the lives of others.
How do you unwind after a long day/week?
Embarrassed to say, but I read People magazine!
Who are your role models?
Mother Theresa; Pope John Paul II; my husband.
What motivates you?
Need and love.
What are your hobbies?
Kayaking, walking and playing ball with my sons and husband.
Give us a little known fact about you?
I met the Pope - It was awesome!____________________________________________________________
Gary Cozens -
His credo is helping others
Gary Cozens works at Heritage Insurance, but he is best known for his work with the youth of Mayfair and as the driving force behind the Mayfair-Holmesburg Thanksgiving Parade. Each year, thousands of Mayfair families gather on Frankford Ave. for what has become the largest neighborhood parade in Philadelphia.
When did you know you had become a leader?
My first clue was when the News Gleaner contacted me to complete this questionnaire. Prior to that, I was just a volunteer offering my help as needed.
How do you see your role in the community?
I feel all citizens should step forward and take whatever necessary action is needed to make their community or neighborhood a better place in which to live and raise their families. Don't wait or expect someone else to do it for you. I feel any positive action is always better than a reaction.
What image do you hope to convey to the community?
I hope that my image is taken as a neighbor that cares about others.
What is your favorite time of day?
My favorite time of day usually comes when I least expect it. To bring a smile, or make a difference in someone's life is always my favorite time of day.
How do you unwind after a long day/week?
Usually, I take off my shirt and tie and veg out with my family. Nothing like watching the History or the Western channel after a long day.
Who are your role models?
Those who enjoy the same things that bring a smile to my face. I respect those community members that honestly care about others.
What motivates you?
Doing a good job at what I attempt to do. Always expect the best from yourself and others.
What are your hobbies?
When my children were younger, I enjoyed getting involved in their sports activities. Now that my girls are older, I enjoy cooking for family and friends as we come together on special occasions. My deviled eggs are supposed to be good.
Give us a little known fact about you?
I'm the only "COZENS" in the phone book. And, I was "All Public" in fencing at Frankford High School. Everyone asks - which kind, cyclone or picket?____________________________________________________________
Reese Hartey -
Striving for a better Northeast
As Chairman of the Mayfair Community Development Corporation, Reese Hartey works to strengthen the community by redeveloping the Devon Theater and through the construction of the John M. Perzel Community Center at Mayfair Playground, which will be opening this fall.
How do you see your role in the community?
I see my role as chairman of the Mayfair CDC as the advocate for the community. As that advocate I work with other organizations within the community, city and state to make sure that Mayfair is well represented and is portrayed in the positive light that it should be. As the chair of the CDC, I believe it is my responsibility to develop programs that will benefit the Mayfair community and make sure that I identify the resources needed to make that program viable.
When did you know you had become a leader?
My first experience at real leadership was as a 20-year-old sailor on board a nuclear submarine and I was put in charge of the forward electrical section. Since then I think I have grown as a leader by watching the examples of others, Tom Forkin for one, and having the benefit of working with and being surrounded by great people.
Who are your role models?
President Reagan, Saint John Neumann, my wife, Teresa. My wife and I have four boys, between them and me it is a full-time job and no matter what the dilemma she seems to pull it off.
What image do you hope to convey to the community?
That the CDC is here to make sure that Mayfair continues to be a great place to live and work and that people working together can be a force for positive change in the community.
What is your favorite time of day?
At home, I really like the evenings. Things are usually quieter and I can get caught up with the family. Down the shore, I like the mornings before anyone else gets up, to get a cup of coffee and read the paper.
How do you unwind after a long week?
I spend time with my family, read and watch old movies.
What are your hobbies?
I read and I enjoy watching my boys play sports.
Give us a little known fact about you.
I took three weeks and drove cross-country in a 1967 Mustang after getting out of the Navy.
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Sister Francesca Onley -
Devotion to God, fellow man
Sister Francesca Onley has been president of Holy Family University since 1981. She has received recognition is several publications, including the Philadelphia Business Journal and the National Association of Women Business Owners, where she was listed as one of the 2004 Women of Distinction. As a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth, she receives no pay for her work as university president, but remains an integral part of the institution's continual growth and success.
When did you know you had become a leader?
Leadership is a "state of becoming." It is a never-ending process of personal development that never ends.
How do you see your role in the community?
As a religious woman dedicated to service and leadership for others.
What image do you hope to convey to the community?
The image of a peaceful, progressive educator working for the benefit of others as a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
What is your favorite time of day and why?
Early morning quiet time to pray, think and plan.
How do you unwind after a long day/week?
Read, pray, enjoy a movie!
Who are your role models?
All those who live around me and those who have similar goals.
What motivates you?
Other persons who see that the needs of others must be met.
What are your hobbies?
Reading.
Give us a little-known fact about you.
I'm a "Mayfair girl" who has traveled the world in fulfillment of my religious and educational responsibilities.
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Tom Forkin -
Heart never far from Mayfair
Tom Forkin, Vice President of the Mayfair CDC, is an entrepreneur and former PIDC member. No matter what area of the city he is developing, his heart is never far from Mayfair, a community he has already helped revitalize in a few short years.
How do you see your role in the community?
Advocate, community liaison and trouble-shooter
When did you know you had become a leader?
In my view, leadership evolves. It is earned and recognized over time. Hopefully, I am working to earn that label through my civic involvement and other activities.
Who are your role models?
Historic? JFK, RFK, Pope John Paul II. Personal? My dad.
What motivates you?
Personal sense of accomplishment; concrete results, betterment of neighborhood and helping people.
What image do you hope to convey to the community?
Accessibility and competence.
What is your favorite time of day?
Evening - time to relax (sometimes) and for family
How do you unwind after a long week?
Being with and doing things with my family (Donna, Tommy and Becky), going out to dinner and/or a ball game.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, walking, Eagles, Jersey Shore.
Give us a little known fact about you. I was on the field for part of BP during 1996 All-star game in Philadelphia.