South Philly Review | Current Edition

A toast to John Doyle

By Mark Zimmaro South Philly Review

It began as his hangout. And 50 years later, McGillin’s Olde Ale House is still his happy place.

Grays Ferry native John Doyle has poured a lot of beer, told a lot of stories and made a lot of smiles over the last half-century as the longest-serving employee in the city’s oldest continuously operating tavern.

The paychecks and the tips were always nice, but the friendships he made were a true treasure.

“The people here are so supportive,” said Doyle, 79, who grew up at 30th and Tasker streets. “You can’t go anywhere and see a bartender behind the bar, pushing 80. It just doesn’t happen. The people that I’ve met over the years are great. All these people here today, I’ve met over the years. Some I haven’t seen in a very long time.”

On April 27, McGillin’s toasted its beloved bartender with a five-hour celebration that ended at 5 p.m., which is the time Doyle usually punched his time card after a shift. But the celebration will continue over the next year through St. Patrick’s Day, which will be his 50th at the iconic Philadelphia bar on Drury Lane in Center City. It was a place Doyle fell in love with as a patron after he served in the Army during the Korean War.

years and one day, the owner came up and asked me to tend bar,” Doyle said. “They trained me their style and that was that.”

For decades, Doyle worked Friday nights and Saturday afternoons under three different generations of owners.

“We’re the oldest bar in Philly and we probably have the longest-serving bar employee in Philadelphia,” said current co-owner Chris Mullins Jr. “Not many people get to 50 years. It’s something we’re really proud of. He is gregarious, hard working, a true Philadelphian. His charm is so unparalleled. He’s just a great guy. He’s 79 years old and working in the same place for 50 years is unbelievable.”

Chris’s father Chris Mullins Sr. also praised Doyle for his hard work and leadership.

As Doyle has been known to do, he struck up friendly conversation with the workers there.

“One night I’m there talking to the doorman and he asks me to watch the door for him so he could go to the bathroom,” Doyle recalled. “I said, ‘Sure.’ People were coming in and I’m

“I was a customer,” Doyle said. “I got out of the Army and I would come to McGillin’s with my buddies. My wife and I had an apartment in Roxborough and she would go to her mother’s to do wash on Friday nights and I would come to McGillin’s.”

not carding anybody! A few weeks later, the same guy said maybe you could fill in for us sometime. It was $17.50 a shift. I was, like, ‘Wow.’ I took the job.”

There were no bartending jobs available at McGillin’s at the time, but Doyle attended bartending school twice a week over the next six weeks so he would be ready when he got the call.

“I stayed working the door a few

“John has met the biggest names in sports, television, stage, music and entertainment. But one of the things that makes him special is that he treats everyone like a celebrity. John has a personality that draws thousands to McGillin’s,” said Chris Mullins Sr. “John treats staff with the same respect.

Throughout his tenure at McGillin’s, John has been a commanding leader for hundreds of our staff.”

Admittedly, there were a few breaks. There was a back injury about 10 years ago that kept Doyle on the sidelines for a stretch. And the pandemic played a role in another break in the action, but Doyle kept coming back, and he certainly enjoys the spotlight.

AROUND TOWN

Neumann-Goretti yearbook receives honor

Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti High School’s yearbook program has achieved the Jostens National Yearbook Program of Excellence 2024 award at the 1. Bronze Level. The National Yearbook Program of Excellence recognizes engaging yearbooks that reflect a broad representation of the student body while helping students to develop 21st-century skills such as communication, collaboration and information and communication technologies literacy. Seniors Alina Wang, Emelia Valentino, Valentina Polidoro, Ava Kelly and Maria Mouynivongn led the way under the direction of school yearbook adviser Joseph Myers.

Jostens’ National Yearbook Program of Excellence Awards are presented twice a year, in spring and in fall based on the yearbook’s arrival date at the school. The award was presented to Neumann-Goretti’s yearbook program for achieving defined criteria in categories such as creating an inclusive yearbook, generating school engagement and successfully managing the yearbook creation process.

“Jostens is proud to recognize those individuals who have created an exceptional yearbook for their school and community,” said Tammy Whitaker, Jostens VP and COO Yearbook Division. “These schools did an exceptional job on multiple levels, despite the challenges presented by this school year. Yearbooks are a critical part of capturing and telling a school’s story, and Jostens is dedicated to supporting yearbook staff members as they do their important work.” ••

Love Your Park Week

During Love Your Park Week (May 1119), more than 100 local volunteer groups will host cleanups throughout the city to prepare Philadelphia’s parks for the busy spring and summer seasons. Members of the public are encouraged to sign up at the park of their choosing. Love Your Park Week will also feature free activities throughout the week focused on enjoying and exploring Philadelphia’s parks, from movie nights to birding tours.

“Love Your Park Week is a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors and nature,” said Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson. “Philadelphia’s parks give us a place to play, connect, relax and reflect – and they deserve our love in return. I thank all of the Park Friends Groups and volunteers for their dedication and effort caring for our neighborhood parks.”

Volunteer events will focus on plant-

ing flowers, tending trees and removing litter as needed. Tools will be provided and park lovers of all ages are welcome. To volunteer at one of the clean-ups, anyone can register and a full list of participating parks can be found at loveyourpark.org. ••

Local leaders opposing private school vouchers

State Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler and Roni Green attended a news conference at City Hall to voice their support for investing in public education and rejecting vouchers in the 2024 state budget.

Organized labor, education advocates and community organizations were in attendance to support fully funding Pennsylvania’s public schools. The event followed the bipartisan Basic Education Funding Commission’s recommendations to address Pennsylvania’s unconstitutional K-12 school funding system, recommendations that included $300 million for facilities upgrades last year.

Voucher opponents claim they divert tax dollars that could be used to repair school buildings and benefit the elite (more than half the time to families making more than $200,000 a year).

“Every tax dollar given to voucher programs is another tax dollar diverted from our neighborhood public schools,” said Fiedler, who represents parts of South Philly. “At a time when so many of our schools are struggling to stay open due to toxins and overdue repairs, our priority must be fully funding public schools and their buildings. As Democrats, we cannot allow vouchers to have a place in our state budget.”

The event was co-hosted by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, SEIU PA, 32BJ SEIU, the American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania, UNITE HERE Local 634, POWER Interfaith, Make the Road PA, NAACP Pennsylvania, Philly DSA, the Pennsylvania Working Families Party and the League of Women Voters.

Pennsylvania has some of the oldest schools in the country. The average school building is around 70 years old and was built when lead pipes and asbestos were standard building materials. Discoveries of asbestos and other toxins have led to temporary school closures across the state, including seven Philadelphia schools in 2023. In the same year, 100 schools statewide closed due to excessive heat.

In last year’s budget, the state approved $175 million to help fix school buildings across Pennsylvania, funding

facilities repairs for the first time in eight years. In this year’s state budget address, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed investing $1.1 billion in basic education funding.

“We have a constitutional obligation to make this funding a reality. We cannot go backwards,” said Fiedler. ••

2024 BLOCS Gala

Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools, the largest scholarship organization in Pennsylvania for pre-k to 12, will host its 2024 gala, Lighting Up the Future, on May 9 at 6 p.m., at the Crystal Tea Room (100 E. Penn Square). The evening will begin with an invocation by Archbishop Nelson J. Pére

Former St. Joseph’s University men’s basketball coach Phil Martelli will emcee the gala, his involvement emphasizing the importance of teamwork in achieving educational excellence.

Students will showcase talents and share personal stories of how Catholic education has impacted their lives.

“Through our donors, BLOCS is dedicated to raising over $100 million annually in funding because we believe that every child, regardless of financial constraints, deserves a future filled with promise and opportunity,” said Matt McFillin, BLOCS board chairman. “Our gala celebrates Catholic education and continues to light the future for students and families in the Philadelphia region.”

The BLOCS Teacher of the Year will be announced at the gala.

Tickets are available at www.blocs. org/gala ••

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

May 8

Enrique Iglesias, Pop Singer (49)

Olivia Culpo, Pageant Contestant (32)

May 9

Billy Joel, Rock Singer (75)

Rosario Dawson, Movie Actress (45)

May 10

Carl Douglas, Pop Singer (82)

Bono, Rock Singer (64)

May 11

Blac Chyna, Model (36)

Brad Marchand, Hockey Player (36)

May 12

Emilio Estevez, Movie Actor (62)

Tony Hawk, Skateboarder (56)

May 13

Morgan Wallen, Country Singer (31)

Darius Rucker, Country Singer (58)

May 14

Miranda Cosgrove, TV Actress (31)

Jack Hughes, Hockey Player (23)

“I do pull rank,” Doyle said with a laugh. “St. Patrick’s Day and New Years’ Day. I get those shifts.”

Over the years, Doyle has served several politicians, celebrities and sports figures who visited the establishment.

“I’ve met some good people,” he said. “Some mayors and I’ve served Chase Utley. (Jason) Kelce used to come in here and play cards when he first got drafted. And Joe Biden. That was eight years ago.”

He’s also seen a wide range of tips left on the bar.

“A couple of guys came in one day from, I think it was California,” Doyle said. “The guy asks for Hendrick’s Gin. I made him a couple gin martinis and then they asked for Irish Stout and I poured a couple. At about 4:30 or 5 (p.m.) they tell me they gotta go but that they had a great time. The bill was maybe $80. They left a $500 tip. Then, there was a time a guy left me a nickel. And of course, I put it in the tip jar. A tip is a tip.”

During the year-long celebration kickoff, Doyle was greeted by friends, family, co-workers and even serenaded by a few Mummers from Aqua, Duffy and Ferko String Bands. He also received a proclamation from City Council for his service.

“John is a replica of the City of Philadelphia,” Councilmember Mark Squilla said. “He’s a generational person who has been here almost his whole life. Working in the same establishment for 50 years is something, and this is a great establishment here. It’s really important to celebrate with John and show him our appreciation and what we think he means to the City of Philadelphia.”

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AROUND TOWN

The Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society announced the return of Philly Loves PAWS, a full-day, citywide fundraiser on May 15, when an array of businesses throughout the city will donate at least 10 percent of their sales to support PAWS’ lifesaving initiatives.

This year, more than 50 retail stores, restaurants, cafes, salons, gyms and other small businesses across the city will participate in the event. In return for their support, participating businesses will receive public relations assistance aimed at maximizing awareness and weekday foot traffic, while collectively contributing to Philadelphia’s journey toward becoming a nokill city.

Throughout its history, PAWS has provided services for animals in need, including rescue, rehabilitation, foster and adoption placement, affordable veterinary care, pet pantry services and temporary care.

“We are delighted to partner with nu-

merous outstanding local businesses for what is sure to be another successful Philly Loves PAWS Day,” said Melissa Levy, executive director of PAWS. “It is a collaborative effort that not only celebrates Philadelphia’s entrepreneurial spirit but also underscores the importance of community support.

“This event gives us a chance to highlight the remarkable businesses that call our city home, as it nurtures meaningful connections between patrons and the vulnerable pets who depend on us for assistance. Funds raised through Philly Loves PAWS play an instrumental role in advancing our mission to find loving homes for animals in need and enable families to keep their cherished pets. We are privileged to stand alongside our neighbors as we address Philadelphia’s urgent animal welfare needs.”

Since its establishment in 2016, Philly Loves PAWS has generated almost $125,000 in lifesaving funds to support homeless and at-risk animals. ••

HOT SANDWICHES

FEATURING STROMBOLI

CALZONES

PIZZAS

Spicy

1/2-

The Veg. Italian 1/2- $12.45 Whole- $13.45

Supreme 1/2- $12.45 Whole- $13.45

“The Prosciutto Gia” (16th Only) ...........1/2- $12.45 Whole- $13.45

Sharp Provolone & Spinach ,topped w/a light layer of onion, smoked bacon & fresh tomatoes

Smothered Fry

Pizza ........................ 1/2- $12.75 Whole- $14.75

Our Fresh Hand Tossed Pizza Smothered with French Fries, 3 cheeses, Bacon & Ranch Dressing

Breakfast Pizza .1/2- $12.45 Whole- $13.45

Starting w/a layer of Mozzarella, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage & Ham w/Maple Syrup

Pulled Pork 1/2- $12.95 Whole- $13.95 Onions, Pineapple, American cheese on a white pie topped with homemade pulled pork

Specialty

Smoked Ham & Spinach with American Cheddar & Mozzarella

Chicken Steak, Broccoli Rabe, Roasted Peppers with American & Mozzarella

Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak

Mozzarella,American

Speaking of testing: Here is a special word quiz

By Gloria C. Endres

A few times in the past, I have written opinion pieces about the importance not only of teaching classical Latin to young students, but also of recognizing that it is a vital part of our language and history. That was based on my own experience as a high school Latin student for four years plus my work with a wonderful Latin program for public grade school children. (That was before the state School Reform Commission canceled it to save money.)

The beautiful Latin language is most certainly not “dead” as some have claimed. In fact, the recent pandemic we were facing was identified by a Latin compound word COVID formed by “corona” which means “crown” and “virus” which is a microscopic infectious agent. That means this deadly virus is shaped like a crown.

Latin lives on in the Romance languages. We know that five European nations speak vernacular forms of ancient Latin taught to them by the conquering Romans. Those languages include Spanish, Italian, Romanian, Portuguese and French. A sixth country that the Romans colonized was Great Britain, where two-thirds of the English language is derived from Latin. (Some ancient Greek sneaked in there also.)

Also, it was only in the latter half of the 20th century that the Roman Catholic Church switched from all Latin liturgy to the vernacular. Even so, exquisite Latin hymns like “Ave Maria” and “Panis Angelicus” have survived.

While regular European folks were speaking their vernacular versions of the language, pure Latin remained the language of science up to the 18th century. All medical books were written in Latin. Physicians still use terminology from that time. For example, the medical term “pericarditis” is formed from the Latin prefix “peri,” (surrounding); the root word “card” (heart); and the suffix “itis” (inflammation). Together they mean an inflammation surrounding the heart. There are thousands of compound medical terms formed that way.

Lawyers and scholars also use Latin terminology. We all know, for example, that the word “alibi” (in another place) is a legal defense against an accusation of crime. And I hope that all college students are familiar with terms like “alma mater” (dear mother); “magnum

opus” (greatest work); and “vice versa” (turn around). I am so proud of the fact that one of my fifth-grade Latin classes once found the words “magnum opus” in “Charlotte’s Web” and couldn’t wait to tell me.

Then again, there is so much everyday Latin that we all use without even realizing it. So, just for fun, let’s see how many readers can ace this test of common Latin/English words. The answers are below. Try to answer these 10 questions without peeking.

Here’s the rule: Write down only one word for each question, except for question No. 10, which has a fourword answer. Do not add letters like “s” or articles like “the.” Just answer the question with a simple word.

1. What is the four-letter word printed on a sign over a doorway telling you that this is the way out?

2. What is a four-letter word for a strong smell, scent or fragrance?

3. What is a hand-held device you use to solve arithmetic problems like addition or subtraction?

4. Where do you go to see clowns, acrobats and animal acts?

5. What do you call the head count of citizens required by government every so many years?

6. What is the common singular word for a horse, a dog, a bird or a fish?

7. Whom do you visit when you are feeling sick and need treatment?

8. What do you call a person who performs on stage in a play?

9. What is a term for an authoritarian leader like Putin or Mussolini?

10. Name the last four months of the year after August.

If you now say these 13 words out loud, you are speaking Latin. Macte (well done)!

OK put your pencil down. These words are part of everyday English. So are thousands of others like horror, solarium, professor, pastor, junior, ante meridian (AM) and post meridian (PM) – all directly from Latin.

Now for the answers: 1. exit, 2. odor, 3. calculator, 4. circus, 5. census, 6. animal, 7. doctor, 8. actor, 9. dictator, 10. September, October, November, December

Don’t you wish all tests were this easy?

For fun, here’s a bonus: Choose two words from the list and make up a Latin sentence. Connect several nouns with the only verb, “exit.” Go ahead - try it.

Rosy’s Taco Bar hosts cabaret nights

A South Philly taco bar will feature a little extra spice for two nights in May. Rosy’s Taco Bar East at 624 S. 6th St. will welcome local cabaret performer Tyler Houchins, for a pair of solo performances on May 16 and May 22.

Rosy’s now operates at the site of the former cabaret venue L’Étage, which closed in 2020. Houchins will perform Down A Yellow Brick Road, celebrating legendary actress and vocalist Judy Garland on both nights at 8 p.m.

“So much of her better-known material is classic Americana,” said Houchins. “There’s something very American and nostalgic about her catalog. It’s good, classic material that, the more it ages, the better it gets. And it’s universal. Looking at ‘Over the Rainbow,’ we all have wants and desires that seem unachievable and we’ve all had that thought, ‘What is that next step?’ What is that next hurdle I have to get over to find what I’m striving for — to bring me happiness?’ ”

Down a Yellow Brick Road takes audiences over the rainbow with a selection of greatest hits from Garland’s catalog in a celebration of the music and artistry of the icon. Audiences will hear favorites from The Wizard of Oz, Meet Me in St. Louis and A Star is Born.

“There is something about the way that she sang that felt like she was crying,” Houchins said. “It was very open

and raw. Growing up, as a young gay kid in the South, not really knowing how I should feel, hearing someone sing their emotions so unabashedly gave me an outlet. That’s only grown since I’ve gotten older. Now I can appreciate the artistry that went into what she was doing. She was so present and so vulnerable in her singing and performing. For that time, she was the only one doing that. That’s what draws me to her.”

Tickets are $30. Doors open at 7 p.m. More details available at https:// bpt.me/event/6286089. ••

New exhibition at Magic Gardens

South Philly’s Magic Gardens will host a new exhibition titled Threads of Transformation: Works by Krista Dedrick-Lai and Margaux McAllister . The collection showcases paintings, textiles and sculptures by multidisciplinary artists Krista Dedrick-Lai and Margaux McAllister, sharing their journeys of self-reflection and growth through womanhood and motherhood.

On display from May 17 through July 14, the artists examine human connections and transformation, navigating brokenness, tenderness and togetherness through the collection of mixed-media works.

The exhibition will be curated by Exhibitions Manager Chelsey Luster and a pay-as-you-wish opening reception will be held on May 17 from 6-9 p.m. at Magic Gardens’ home at 1020 South St. Dedrick-Lai is a multidisciplinary artist whose work confronts the everyday struggles of motherhood, domesticity and being human. In her mixed-media work, Dedrick-Lai paints, weaves and sews with a full range of bright neon marks to dark ominous brushstrokes. She negotiates the nonlinear space of healing and acceptance, perpetually carving out spaces of light in the dark and methodically making a way forward.

After earning her BFA from Tyler School of Art, Dedrick-Lai made Philadelphia her home and now lives and works just steps from the Italian Market with her husband and child. In 2021, a poster Dedrick-Lai created for a project organized by Mural Arts and the streets department was added to the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s collections. In March 2023, a solo exhibition of her mixed-media work, I’ll Carry It For You, was presented at Da Vinci Art Alliance, 704 Catharine St. Before Threads of Transformation at PMG, Dedrick-Lai had solo exhibitions at The Middle Room Gallery in Los Ange -

les and the Chimaera Gallery in Philadelphia.

McAllister is a multidisciplinary artist based in Phoenixville. In the exhibition, she explores the complexities of motherhood, familial relationships, mental health and healing. McAllister is a nationally and internationally exhibited artist who received her BFA from Moore College of Art and Design in 2004 and her MFA from San Francisco Art Institute in 2010. As an artist and a mother, McAllister creates rug-tufted masks and paintings that express emotional states that challenge and define our identities. Her masks, figures and animals are physical manifestations of feelings brought on by her experiences. The inherent dichotomy that exists in a mask allows for the wearer to hide and expose parts of themselves simultaneously. With her rug-tufted masks, McAllister subverts the domestic qualities of that medium. Joy, tenderness, anger, love and frustration can be found in her works. ••

On the fast track

By Mark Zimmaro South Philly Review

The Public League hosted a track and field event at the South Philly Supersite on May 1, including athletes from more than a dozen high schools in the area. Participating South Philly schools included Academy at Palumbo, Universal Audenried, Mastery Charter and South Philadelphia High School. ••

by

Photos

Mark Zimmaro

CROSSWORD THEME: THINGS WITH WINGS

ACROSS

1. Country alliance

5. Fish of liver oil fame

8. *Stinging pollinator

11. Prefix in levorotary

12. *Dark home to #33 Down

13. Sudden growth

15. Like certain Steven

16. Symphony member

17. Type of feather

18. *Comfy seat (2 words)

20. Don't put these into one basket?

21. Full nelson is ____ wrestling ____

22. Santa ____, Orange County

23. Puts down

26. Et cetera (3 words)

30. Pen point

31. With signs of wear and tear

34. Beyond natural, in U.K.

35. Messes up

37. Chitchat

38. Willow twig

39. Evening purse

40. Win a race

42. Tucker of "Modern Family"

43. Army bathroom

45. Eucharist plates

47. Opposite of WSW

48. French composer Erik Alfred Leslie ____

50. "Back to the Future" antagonist

52. *Beatle with Wings

56. Poodle minus d

57. England's medieval royal house

58. Rabbit's cousin

59. Nymph chaser

60. Genealogist's creation

61. Blackhearted

62. George Gershwin's brother

63. "For ____ a jolly..."

64. It often goes with a rod

DOWN

1. What the Big Bad Wolf did

2. First name in jeans

3. "Pop it in the ____!"

4. Cuban drums

5. Secret clique

6. Roundish

7. Chronic wasting disease carrier

8. Plug for a barrel

9. *As opposed to urns

10. Pilot's estimate, acr.

12. Herb for treating menopausal symptoms

13. Shop till you drop, e.g.

14. *Flying stallion

19. "The Queen's Gambit" game

22. Take your pick

23. *Biblical Gabriel, e.g.

24. All plants and animals

25. Approximately

26. Shortened word, abbr.

27. Drink request

28. Home to largest mammal

29. Socially acceptable behaviors

32. Malaria symptom

33. *Nocturnal mosquito eater

36. *Lightning beetle

38. Recording studio sign

40. Next to nothing

41. Same as intake

44. Reason by deduction

46. Restraint

48. Academy Award for Best Original ____

49. Chunks of 43,560 square feet

50. Wild hog

51. Itty bit

52. Urban legend

53. Part of cathedral

54. Great Lake

55. Holler

56. Tire meas.

SUDOKU