“Divas kick off motorbike expo with well-heeled ride - Mercury” plus 2 more

Divas kick off motorbike expo with well-heeled ride - Mercury
Council OKs first reading of zoning change for auto sales space - Ottumwa Courier
Michael M. Dougan-Sanders | Inquirer pressman, 29 - Philadelphia Inquirer

Divas kick off motorbike expo with well-heeled ride - Mercury

Posted: 08 Oct 2009 11:41 AM PDT

By Jesse Reilly, Journal Register News Service

In conjunction with the Philadelphia Motorcycle Show, professional motorcycle racer Peggy Llewellyn will lead a bevy of 50 to 100 other riders on a motorcycle ride from New Jersey to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks this weekend to promote the nonprofit organization Divas for a Cure.

With the Keystone State ranking fourth in the nation for new motorcycles sold and home to 800,000 registered riders, David Mockus believes it's about time to end the several-year hiatus and bring a show to the bikers.

"For the past few years they've had shows in New York and Washington, D.C., but none here," the show's producer said.

After a few bumps in the road during previous shows, Philadelphia was taken off the map. Mockus left his job and created D&D Expositions with his mother to bring one back

"During previous shows, thousands of people came out," he said. "We know there is an interest."

To kick off what he is hoping will be an annual event, Mockus is bringing in some unlikely riders. Wearing a leather jacket and high heels, professional motorcycle racer Peggy Llewellyn and 50 to 100 other divas will ride from New Jersey to the Greater Philadelphia Expo at Oaks to promote the nonprofit organization Divas for a Cure.

"It's not every day that you see women on bikes in heels," she said with a laugh. "But if we're called divas, I am going to make sure I look like one."

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to "promoting early detection, education, screenings and supporting research organizations to continue the quest to one day find a cure and eradicate cancer of all kinds," its Web site said. Proceeds from rides go toward educational material, health fairs, wigs for women undergoing chemotherapy, as well as mobile breast exams, according to the site.

Recognizing October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Llewellyn said the opportunity to combine her passion for riding and her goal of spreading awareness to her community was something she couldn't pass up.

"I live by the rule that knowledge is power and the numbers show that breast cancer affects a large percentage of the Hispanic and black communities," she said. She said that as a woman of Jamaican and Mexican descent, the cause is close to her heart.

"If women know about early detection, they can protect themselves," she said. "If they have the information, they won't become the statistic."

Even though she's dolling up for the event, Llewellyn said once she's done the ride, she can kick off her heels and tell the estimated 10,000 bike lovers what it's like to go 190 mph around a track.

The divas will also stick around to talk to convention-goers and sign autographs.

After welcoming the women, thousands of bikes will be set up in the center's three halls, which are set to host the largest collection of motorcycles, ATVs and power sports vehicles in the area in years.

"There will be all different types of bikes," Mockus said, adding that anyone can register their bike.

With numerous categories including antique and best in show, those who register their motorcycles will have the opportunity to receive cash prizes.

After perusing the bikes, people can make their way over to the rod and customs carnival.

The carnival will feature an auto-rama of select old school, hot rod, Rat Rod, Kustom and specialty show cars and bikes from around the tri-state area and, according to the press release, the event is all about "fun, kool cars and wild ideas."

Amazing oddities including rubber girls, a two-headed duck, a Fiji mermaid, mummies and shrunken heads are also sure to draw a crowd, Mockus promised.

Professional BMX stunt bicyclists by Dialed Action Sports Team will wow and shock audiences with their death-defying feats, and booths featuring local tattoo artists and custom-made bikes will also be at the show.

Parts and products will be sold for those who are hoping to start, or finish, their own bike project.

The event will also include a toy run for St. Christopher's Hospital. All show-goers are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy with them to receive $3 off admission on Sunday.

Saturday night will be a special treat, with Biker Brawl's presentation of R.I.E's Mixed Martial Arts at 8 p.m. There is a separate admission and the cost is discounted for motorcycle show attendees.

"The fights are always broadcast, and when you watch, there is a huge Harley-Davidson ad in the middle of the ring," Mockus said. "They are a huge sponsor of the event so we thought the combination fit."

With the weekend full of exciting activities, Mockus said the convention center will definitely be revving with things to do.

"It hasn't been here in so many years," he said. "It's definitely going to be exciting."

If You Go …

Philadelphia Motorcycle Show, presented by D&D Expositions, will take place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, 100 Station Ave., Oaks, PA 19456, Friday – Sunday, Oct. 9 – 11. Admission: $10, adults; $5, 6-11, free, age 5 and under. For more information, call 856-626-3226 or visit www.phillyexpos.com.

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Council OKs first reading of zoning change for auto sales space - Ottumwa Courier

Posted: 08 Oct 2009 02:44 AM PDT

Published October 08, 2009 11:40 am -

Council OKs first reading of zoning change for auto sales space

BY CINDY TOOPES Courier staff writer

OTTUMWA — A new business cleared the first rezoning hurdle during the City Council meeting Tuesday.

The council unanimously approved the first reading of a rezoning ordinance that would change 1402 Albia Road from C-1 (retail district single family residential) to C-2 (commercial district). The second and third readings are set for Oct. 20 and Nov. 3.

Travis Reeves of Ottumwa wants to use the land for selling motorized vehicles, including children's ATVs, scooters, mopeds and automobiles.

The .08-acre property is on the southwest corner of the intersection at Albia Road and Johnson Avenue. This parcel is 33 feet by 112 feet and has a long, single-story building with almost 1,300 square feet.

Reeves said he and his helpers talked to a lot of neighbors, going door to door along Silverwood Drive and Johnson Avenue.

In his application, Reeves included a petition with 42 signatures from residents "in favor of the rezoning request," which was filed Sept. 16. Five of those who signed live within 200 feet of Reeves' parcel.

Planning Technician Chad Carlson told the council he received no objections in the public hearing, but the property owner at 1404 Albia Road, the next lot west of the parcel, opposed the rezoning.

"[The owner at 1404] thinks the rezoning will increase their taxes," Carlson told the council Tuesday.

After the council closed the hearing, Councilman Keith Caviness said he "saw no reason [the change] shouldn't go forward."

Councilman Gordon Aistrope said he hoped the property owner who worried about more taxes would realize the development will "increase the value of his property."

On Wednesday, Carlson also said the rezoning "won't affect anyone's taxes."

The Plan and Zoning Commission heard the rezoning request Sept. 14, and their deliberations resulted in a split vote.

Commissioners Chuck Manson, Joni Winston and Tom Mitchell expressed concern about potential traffic on the corner lot, spot zoning and the residential property south of the parcel.

Carlson said Commissioners Bob Thomas, Don Krieger and David Sels voted for Reeves' request based on the high intensity of other retail uses in the area, and they said the lot size will "limit the amount of commercial activity that can occur on the property."

Cindy Toopes can be reached at (641) 683-5376 or via e-mail at cindy@ottumwacourier.com.

Michael M. Dougan-Sanders | Inquirer pressman, 29 - Philadelphia Inquirer

Posted: 08 Oct 2009 12:00 AM PDT

Michael Mark Dougan-Sanders, 29, of Lawndale, a third-generation pressman at The Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News, died in an auto accident Sunday on I-95.

Mr. Sanders was driving his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution near the Girard Avenue exit when it went out of control and collided with a tractor-trailer. His three passengers were also killed. Police are investigating.

Mr. Dougan-Sanders grew up in Olney and graduated from Northeast Philadelphia High School. In 1999, he joined his father, Harry Sanders Jr., in the newspapers' printing plant in Upper Merion Township. His grandfather Harry Sr., who died in 1983, worked in the plant when it was in Philadelphia.

Mr. Dougan-Sanders started out on the wipe-up crew, cleaning presses. In 2002, he became an apprentice and earned his union card in 2006. He was a member of Local 16N.

"He was well-liked and was a hard worker," his father said.

As a child, Mr. Dougan-Sanders took Francis as a confirmation name in honor of the patron saint of animals, St. Francis of Assisi. He loved cats and was always bringing home strays, his father said.

Mr. Dougan-Sanders enjoyed fishing and carpentry. He built a storage shed in Lawndale and a garage for ATVs in the Poconos that were as sturdy as houses, his father said. He was also a good mechanic and raced his car at Atco.

In addition to his father, Mr. Dougan-Sanders is survived by his mother, Kathleen; his grandmother Suzanne Sanders; six brothers; three sisters; and his fiancee, Stacey Axelrod.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. today at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 100 Old Soldiers Rd., Cheltenham. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Bensalem.