Have you ever had a day that was full of disappointments,
Have you ever had a day that just didn’t go your way.
This is when you should reach out for understanding.
And throw your hands up for mercy and guidance that will get you through the day.
Because every day is a journey, and some may get lost along the way.
So, raise your hands up to the heavens and say – God help me make it through the day.
I may be lost without your wisdom, but can you show me the way to a brighter day.
I know I shouldn’t be thinking about tomorrow, because I have so much to do today.
If I can just lean to your understanding, I know I can make it – through the day

By Lenny Jaynes

In her talk Ms. Washington will visit the past, present and future of the FCDC, a charitable non-profit organization founded in 1993 with the purpose of improving living and business conditions in this historic neighborhood.

In the 26 years since, FCDC has worked to: support businesses along Frankford Avenue and elsewhere in the community; served as the official Neighborhood Advisory Committee linking the city Community Development Department to resident housing programs and commenting on zoning issues; assisting with workforce development and employment support; and promoting neighborhood planning and redevelopment.

With multiple programs well underway, FCDC has been the critical agency working to revive a community hard hit in recent decades by de-industrialization. Ms. Washington is well versed in the issues facing the Frankford neighborhood, having worked on them in several roles for the past 13 years. She will share her vision of a Frankford finally participating in the neighborhood revivals occurring throughout Philadelphia.

About the Historical Society of Frankford Founded in 1905, the Historical Society of Frankford preserves and interprets the history of Northeast Philadelphia through its collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.

THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC (G.A.R.) 

CIVIL WARMUSEUM & ARCHIVE

Presents a Free Zoom Program

 Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

“The Life and Struggles of Mary Edwards Walker:

Doctor, Feminist, Medal of Honor Recipient’

by Walt Lafty

Many people know that Mary E. Walker served as a doctor during the Civil War. Some are also aware she was the recipient of the Medal of Honor. This presentation will focus on her early family life, and her struggle to attain recognition as a doctor, prior to the war, as well as during and after the war. It will also cover her lifelong commitment to fighting for the right to vote for women and many other issues regarding feminism. She has been described as unconventional and eccentric, but she was also graceful, understanding, compassionate, and committed. Mary was above all else, a patriot who was loyal to the flag of the United States. Her sacrifices throughout her life to remain true to herself were difficult but inspiring.

Walt Lafty is a historian with a focus on the American Civil War (1861-1865), but also World War 2, as well as the history of Ireland. He has been active in various Civil War groups for many years. Those include the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Museum where he serves as the research administrator and volunteer. He is also active in the Delaware Valley CWRT where he is a board member as well as a member of the preservation committee. Walt is also an active member of Baker-Fisher Camp 101 Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in Hatboro and currently serves as the camp secretary. In addition, he is a member of the Old Baldy CWRT and the General Meade

To reserve a virtual seat for this outstanding presentation, reply by e-mail to garmuslib1866@gmail.com

You will be sent a link with a password that will enable you to access the program within 24 hours of the start of the presentation. 

Deadline for signing-up is Noon, Saturday,

February 28, 2026

As a lover of history, you know how critical it is to keep history alive, especially today.  We very much appreciate your continued support for the GAR Civil War Museum & Archive.  Become a Member. Application attached.

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM & ARCHIVE
8110 Frankford Ave. (Holmesburg – N.E. Philadelphia), 19136
 www.garmuslib.org

You brought me home; you tuck me in. You said this is the beginning, this is where life begins.
You promised me we would never part. But here I am alone in the dark, tears on my pillow pain in my heart; just remember we would never part.
But now you’re gone and I don’t know why, Daddy said you were up in the sky.
I don’t know why you had to go, after you promised you would never let go.
Tears on my pillow, pain in my heart – knowing you told me we would never part.
Now you’re gone and I’m all alone – just remember one thing mama I’m going to be strong. Because in my heart, that’s where you belong.
So, the journey is not over, and we will never be apart. Because we’ll always be together – here in my heart.

By Lenny Jaynes

You may not see the forest because of the trees.
You may not feel the heat because of the breeze.
Sometimes you may think you’re all alone.

BUT SOMEBODY.
They may not know you, but they do know God.

SOMEBODY.
May have seen you in distress, they don’t know you, but they do know GOD

SOMEBODY.
They don’t know you, but that’s okay they called on God and prayed for you.

SOMEBODY.
They may have seen the tears in your eyes, they may have seen you stressing as you walked by.

SOMEBODY.
Somebody bless you and you don’t know why, they don’t know you but they do know God.

SOMEBODY.
Prayed for you today.

SOMEBODY.

By Lenny Jaynes

THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC (G.A.R.) CIVIL WAR

MUSEUM & ARCHIVE

Presents a Free Zoom Program

 Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

“Frederick Douglass” by Prof. Nilgun Anadolu-Okur, Temple University

Frederick Douglass rose to prominence as an eloquent author, intellectual and human rights advocate, as well as a women’s rights leader. He was the first African American to hold high U.S. government ranks, as a diplomat in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and the first to be nominated for vice president. In her talk, Professor Okur will highlight Douglass’s lesser known characteristics.

Dr. Nilgün Anadolu-Okur is the Presidential Professor of Africology and African American Studies at Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts. She holds an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in African American and American Studies. She has two Fulbright appointments internationally and she has received grants and national awards in humanities. Currently she serves as chair of the Faculty Senate Status of Women Committee and as the Graduate Director of her department. In 1990s as the Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) Commonwealth Speaker she toured Pennsylvania and lectured on Underground Railroad and Black Abolitionists. She is the co-founder of the “Annual Underground Railroad Conference at Temple University,” since 2003. She has authored books on African American Studies and her articles are published in peer-reviewed journals including Journal of Black Studies, Gender Issues, Human and Society. Her research has a broad spectrum ranging from theory and methodology in Africology and Afrocentricity, race and racism, women’s rights, abolition, Black Women authors (19th to 21st century), African American history, and motherhood in antiquity.

To reserve a virtual seat for this outstanding presentation, reply by e-mail to garmuslib1866@gmail.com

You will be sent a link with a password that will enable you to access the program within 24 hours of the start of the presentation. 

Deadline for signing-up is Noon, Saturday, January 31, 2026

As a lover of history, you know how critical it is to keep history alive, especially today.  We very much appreciate your continued support for the GAR Civil War Museum & Archive

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC MUSEUM & ARCHIVE
8110 Frankford Ave. (Holmesburg – N.E. Philadelphia), 19136
 www.garmuslib.org

Becks’ Philadelphia Brigade Band is a Civil War era brass band portraying the brass band of the 2nd Division, 2ndCorps, 2nd Brigade of the Union Army of the Potomac in 1863. The Band plays the music of the Victorian era for concerts, ceremonies, balls, parades and commemorations. The band is authentically uniformed, playing music of the period on instruments that were correct for the time.  The program featured tunes played during the Civil War era, including Christmas songs that date back to the 1850’s, plus some vocal renditions from that period. Songs will include “Cheer Boys Cheer”, “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, “Shenandoah”, “Battle Cry of Freedom”, and “Dixie” (a personal favorite of President Lincoln.)

The music comes from manuscripts dating back to 1830, publications courtesy of the Library of Congress, and arrangements created for the band by our own members.

Follow this link for much better pictures and more information

I see fire, I see rain, I see the stars, I feel the pain.

Since you walked out of my life, I see darkness where there used to be light
.
What I don’t understand, how did you leave me standing in quicksand.

I see fire, I see life, in the middle of the night – when the moon is my only light.

I see fire, I see rain coming down like buckets of pain. I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I’m going to just keep on – moving on.

Because I see fire, I see the rain, and nothing in this world is going to stop this pain.

By Lenny Jaynes

]]> 24745 https://frankfordgazette.com/2026/01/15/friendship/ Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:38:46 +0000 https://frankfordgazette.com/?p=24778 FRIENDSHIP

Some people may never see a volcano erupt.
Some people may never see Niagara Falls.
When God looked down and saw me standing all alone. He said I’m going to send you something that you will never forget.
It’s so rare – it’s not a diamond; it’s not a black pearl. It’s something that you will never forget.
IT’S CALLED FRIENDSHIP. MORE POWERFUL THAN RICHES AND WORTH MORE THAN GOLD.
Instant eternal friendship.
From sunset to Dawn.
When poetry meets poet.

by Lenny Jaynes