The Spirit of Penn's Garden - January 4, 2017 by The Spirit

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WEEK JANUARY 4, 2016 VOL. 2 NO. 01

AMBASSADORS TO HOME

Tour ambassador and stewardship training project completed in Strawberry Mansion. 5

THE GIFT OF VOICE Mighty Writers branch now open in North Philadelphia. 4

DEVELOPMENT NEWS Find out what’s being built on your block. 8

ACCU-REGGIE 7-day weather forecast for the region. 3

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Events and happenings in our neighborhoods. 7

HOT OFF THE

PRESS

irst anniversaries are a time of great reflection and planning, and the first anniversary of the North Broad Renaissance (NBR), a revival effort for North Broad Street, was met with the expected reminiscing while also planning for the future. NBR released its report, “The State of North Broad 2016”, on December 15th at a presentation for approximately 200 of the organization’s supporters at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. A celebration as much as it was a release party, all who entered the hall were greeted like celebrities, with cheers and applause from two dozen volunteers in orange North Broad Renaissance T-shirts. Shalimar Thomas, NBR’s executive director, said City Council President and Ninth District Councilman Darrell Clarke helped get the organization started out in order to facilitate development within the North Broad corridor and to make sure that the surrounding community were well aware of planned improvements and initiatives. According to NBR’s website, the organization is a Pennsylvania non-profit incorporated exclusively for the charitable and educational purposes. NBR’s focus is to revitalize real estate, create opportunities, and improve the economic power and overall quality of life along North Broad Street from City Hall to Germantown Avenue. Right now, Thomas said, NBR’s main efforts are marketing the ideas to those affected by the plan and gathering and responding to feedback with the communities affected by the project. The 27-page report, which will also serve as NBR’s five-year strategic plan for 2020, details current status and plans for the corridor in four areas of strategic focus: cleanliness and safety, maintenance and landscaping, marketing and communications and economic development. They paint a picture of the strip that holds promise and highlights current and proposed developments and initiatives that point to an even brighter future.

Possible developments include adaptations of historic properties to modern uses with the double benefit of decreasing the number of abandoned buildings while conserving neighborhood resources. Notable examples are the recent renovations of the Divine Lorraine Hotel, located at the intersection of Fairmount and Ridge Avenues, and the Mumford Building, just south and across the street from the Divine Lorraine at the corner of Broad and Wallace Streets. Another development, a 17-story, 180-unit apartment building, has been proposed near the Freedom Theater, just south of Master Street. North of Erie Avenue, a proposed renovation of the Beury Building will include seven floors of senior housing and four floors of non-profit office space. Kenneth Scott, Chairman of NBR’s board of directors, said the path to North Broad Street's rebirth will not only to bringing new development to the area, but will also preserve and highlight the good that is already there as well as bringing them together. While new commercial growth is vital, the old theaters and concert halls that once drew people to the corridor can also bring in new people. “North Broad is about business, but it is also about entertainment,” Scott said. Addressing the group, Councilman Clarke lamented that people talk about North Broad Street in negative terms. “They don’t know the real history of North Broad,” he said. “It was a happening place.” He pointed to bygone North Broad attractions such as the Blue Horizon boxing venue at Master Street and the Uptown Theater near Dauphin Street. “We’re gonna be strong, we’re gonna be vigilant and make sure Broad Street comes back.” Continued on Page 2.

The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – January 4, 2017

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Continued from Page 1. “We have a long way to go,” he also cautioned. “We have challenges, we have work to do… North Broad will look like what it was back in the day.” Clarke said public monies would become available for NBR’s efforts. “The reality is the Avenue of the Arts [and new development in West Philadelphia] didn’t happen without a lot of support,” he explained. “It was organization that pulled it all together.” Clarke stated that the city would help with start-up money to make sure the project gets off the ground. “I look forward to working with you to take this to the next level,” Clarke said. “I am excited about...the level of commitment and participation I’m seeing here tonight.” But the evening was about more than reflection and planning. Donations were both accepted and pledged to help NBR reach their goal of raising $7.5 million by 2020. Doug Smith of Verizon presented a check from the company for $10,000. “We’re very thrilled to be a sponsor,” Smith said. “We look forward to partnering with you this year, next year and [beyond]. We can create a cleaner, safer North Broad Street.” Shalimar Thomas asked those in attendance to text a pledge amount on their cell phones to a number she provided. Their responses were received by a computer in the room and were nearly immediately projected on a screen. A graphic resembling fluid rising in a thermometer’s tube crept up steadily as pledges came in. At the end of the night, $1,450 had been pledged. •

Verizon presents the North Broad Renaissance with a check for $10,000. Lt - Rt. Shalimar Thomas, Executive Director, Douglas Smith, VP of State Government Affairs for Verizon, Kenneth Scott, Chairman of the North Broad Renaissance and Darrell Clarke, Council President and Councilman for the 5th Councilmatic District.

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Before Christmas, The Strawberry Mansion Learning Center, ENG (non-profit) and the Boys and Girls Club part-

nered up to feed 100 people and distribute gifts to the community. Free food was provided to all in attendance.

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The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – January 4, 2017 FORECAST FOR PENN’S GARDEN

accu reggie TWITTER: @ACCUREGGIE • FACEBOOK: ACCU-REGGIE

appy New Year! What weather will greet us in 2017? Snow and cold! The cold comes back this week and I expect snow to follow. The question is how much? The first shot of snow comes on Thursday night with a weak coastal storm that develops too far away to bring significant snowfall. We could see an inch or two at most — getting nothing at all is also in the cards. The second shot is a much more significant threat that is going to bring a foot of snow to somebody. That “somebody” could be the VA/NC area or it could be the DC/ PHL/NYC corridor. I am intensely tracking both of these storms and I’ll provide updates and videos as the details

become clearer. One thing is certain, however: The pattern has shifted back to being cold. For the past couple weeks much of our weather has been above normal and rainy (as you well know). Wednesday is a transition day that starts off warm, but gradually gets colder throughout the day. Temperatures will fall into the 20s at night. The cold air settles in for Thursday; temperatures only get to the lower 30s. A weak coastal storm develops late in the day that may throw some light snow over the area. This does not look like a big deal at all, but it is worth watching. Friday is a cold and raw January day. Temperatures will

primarily be in the 20s from sun up to sundown. Saturday could feature the biggest snowstorm of the winter season for us or absolutely nothing. A storm will gather across the south and try to move north. The cold air may suppress it to the south and prevent any snow from coming north of DC. Historically, we should see some snow from a setup like this so I’ll be updating the forecast frequently. The storm would wrap up early Sunday morning. Monday is a cold, dry day behind the storm while Tuesday features a slight increase in temperatures. •

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The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – January 4, 2017

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WRITTEN BY SEAN BARRETT

The Gift of Voice MIGHTY WRITERS BRANCH NOW OPEN IN NORTH PHILADELPHIA

o you remember how in your grade school years you were given the opportunity to process the experiences of your young life in such a way that it contributed to the unfolding of your individual talents, leading you towards the person your inner self was willing you to become? No? Me neither. Among other reasons, this is because we grew up without the services of Philadelphia’s own Mighty Writers. Founded in 2009 by Tim Whitaker, Mighty Writers provides free educational supplements for local youths. One example includes an after-school program for neighborhood middle schoolers consisting of homework help from their tutors, followed by structured creative writing workshops. The organization’s first main location was at 1501 Christian Street. Since then, Mighty Writers has expanded to include locations in the Italian Market and West Philly. Most recently added is the North Philly branch at 2123 N Gratz Street. It shares space with The Church of The Advocate, a church active in community programs and social justice. This is not coincidental. The Advocate Center, which is that church’s outreach program, partnered with this branch of Mighty Writers so that they could provide education for local youth. At the helm of this branch is Shamira O’Neal. “Before this, I was a traditional classroom teacher. I taught high school math and middle school math”, O’Neal told Spirit News. “I did some other writing things. I led a writing club and newsletter writing at the other schools that I taught at, and writing’s always been a passion of mine. That’s what I wanted; I wanted to do something that was a little bit different, more in line with my passion and my goals. I saw this opportunity and jumped on it.” No longer bound by Common Core and standardized testing, she and the students alike are free to explore both reality — through memoir-style narrative writing discussion — and imagination — through fiction and fantasy. “[Students are encouraged to] talk about things that happen to them every day, or things they see on the news, or things they don’t see on the news but see in their communities,” O’Neal explained. “Bullying is a big thing; they always wanna talk about bullying, and often they write about bullying, and they write about violence in the community. It’s very, very telling of our lives, I suppose.” Beyond this “after-school academy”, as they call it, Mighty Writers offers workshops which are held either at their locations, after the middle schoolers go home, or brought in by request to various Philadelphia schools. One of their most popular workshops is the cursive writing workshop. For the sake of helping young women grow up with dignity and self-esteem, O’Neal has gone above and beyond the call of duty in the workshop department. “My background is a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies… I wanted to do something special for girls, and most of the sites have workshops for girls and guys. We’re working on the boy’s workshop this spring, but [the] girl’s workshop has really taken off.” As for the little fellas, Mighty Writers had a boy’s workshop over the summer in which discussions were held regarding being a young man in Philadelphia and how they should treat girls as they grow up.

Those three examples of workshops leave the surface unscathed. Mighty Writers also offers resume writing, cover letter writing and college essay workshops to high school students, among dozens of other options. Individualized attention is given further in the form of mentorship programs where one-on-one student-mentor pairings are formed for the mentor to help the student with both their school work and whatever specific project they may be interested in. O’Neal explained, “They might wanna make a comic book, or they might wanna write a short story. They can go on trips around the city for inspiration. Each site has a specific number of mentorships that they have. A lot of our mentors hang out with us during workshop time, so we’ll have an adult and their mentee come to Girl’s Workshop or an adult and their mentee come to Cursive Writing Workshop. We’re pushing that a lot because we see a lot of worth in mentorships.”

In spite of the challenges they face working in low-income neighborhoods, O’Neal pointed out the positives. “Poverty’s always a big thing… [it] brings a lot of challenges like attendance issues, consistency issues, behavioral issues, and so on,” O’Neal said. “So when we do a writing project, we do a brainstorm, we do a pre-write, a first draft, a second draft, a third draft, a final draft - and being able to see that first draft become that final draft and how different they are is always rewarding for me and for them.” In their work with these students and the communication they keep open with the parents and teachers of specific kids, Mighty Writers has integrated themselves into each of the communities they serve. Though its doors are briefly closed for this holiday season, programming will continue on January 3rd. They are always looking for and are appreciative of volunteers, interns, students and book donations. • Shamira O’Neal of the Mighty Writers. /Patrick Clark

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The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – January 4, 2017

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WRITTEN BY MARK BRAKEMAN

Ambassadors to Home T O U R A M B A S S A D O R A N D S T E WA R D S H I P T R A I N I N G P R O J E C T C O M P L E T E D I N S T R AW B E R RY M A N S I O N

hiladelphia’s status as a historic city is hardly rivaled throughout the country, and sites and stories from its past can be found throughout its borders. But most tourist draws and promotions are clustered into a few square blocks in Center City’s quasi-official historic district. Far from that downtown concentration, one woman in Strawberry Mansion is working to encourage the development of historic tours in her neighborhood that will be led by the youth who live there. Judith Robinson, director of the Strawberry Mansion Civic Association, began her Tour Ambassador/Stewardship Training Project in September 2016. Meeting in the Recreation Center of Mander Playground at 33rd and Diamond Streets, the weekly sessions are open to youth from ages 12 to 20 and feature speakers offering details about Strawberry Mansion’s history with the goal of preparing the young attendees to act as tour guides for their self-designed routes. A former tour guide at Fairmount Park’s Woodford Mansion, Robinson said her vision of locally developed and led tours is a demonstration of self-determination in a time when jobs are scarce and the future uncertain. Strawberry Mansion, she said, is historical enough for youths to create summer jobs and show off North Philadelphia’s past. According to Robinson, in such a historic city as Philadelphia, “tourism is a million dollar business. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t have some of those dollars.” In addition to exposing participants to historical facts, Robinson also teaches them about the business of event planning and how to create a tour. As far as possible programming, she suggested a tour of murals, the many historical markers, architectural styles or churches in the neighborhood. “If nothing else, I want to orient them to what is happening in their own community right under their noses,” Robinson explained. “There was no place for youth to learn about this, so I took on the task.” One such historical gem was revealed on September 26th by author and transit historian Joel Spivak, who told the group about the Fairmount Park trolley, a free service which ran a circuitous nine-mile route from Belmont and Parkside Avenues through the west park and across the Schuylkill River to 33rd and Dauphin Streets in Strawberry Mansion.. Spivak explained that the trolley began as a shuttle bringing people from the former Market Street train station at 32nd and Market Streets to Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park ,where the U.S. Centennial Celebration was being held in 1886. The Fairmount Park Trolley adapted and expanded that line as a recreational ride. In a time before air conditioning, the free service allowed people to cool off in the breeze created by the forward motion of the trolley. A month later, historical researcher Kevin Colquitt told the group about importance of research. He urged them to focus on their own personal interests and to express their passions when digging up their historical facts and to never let their passion for their historical quests fade. Colquitt, who grew up in North Philadelphia, has researched and written several small booklets about two bygone North Philadelphia landmarks: the North Philadelphia Community Pool and the Pearl Theater. According to Colquitt, the pool was located at Broad Street and Columbia (Cecil B. Moore) Avenue. Though it served as an African American pool and was known as one in a chain of such facilities from Chicago to New York, the pool served all races. It burned down in 1975. The Pearl Theater, located at Ridge Avenue and Jefferson Street, opened as Philadelphia’s first African American entertainment facility in 1927, Colquitt said. Many bigname African American entertainers performed there, including Bill (Mr. Bojangles) Robinson, Cab Calloway and Count Basie. At that time, he explained, black performers had few options for places that would accept them for jobs so the Pearl became a hot spot for them. Switching to presenting only movies in the 1940’s, the Pearl closed in 1969. “North Philadelphia is a treasure chest, “ Colquitt said. “Our children should see the glory that was there.” Robinson also held workshops on lip balm-making and soap-making as another possible path for youth and young adults to travel toward toward self-sufficiency. About ten adults and children attended each demonstration. Monica Wright, who has created her own line of soaps, which she makes and sells in her home in South Philadelphia, led each workshop. She explained the process of each enterprise and led the participants in making their own product.

Andrea Mitchell, 40, attended the soap-making workshop and said she might like to make and sell soaps out of her home if she didn’t have kids. The use of lye as an essential ingredient in the process is dangerous. “If I could do it [elsewhere] I would do it. It looked really interesting.” Already very business-minded, she talked about how the use of expensive essential ingredients would mean high selling prices. But if she had pre-orders or knew she had a customer base that might be interested in her creations, “then I’d do it.” Robinson said that with her program, she’s trying to foster that kind of interest in starting one’s own business and determining one’s own future among Strawberry Mansion residents. “I’m trying to whet people’s appetite [and] orient our community to the possibility of what can happen” As the days are drawing shorter, Robinson’s initial program is also drawing to a close, but she already has an eye to the future. “I will turn it around and do it in the spring,” she explained. •

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BY SPIRIT STAFF

Trolley Tracks Removed OLD TROLLEY TRACKS AT 12TH AND SPRING GARDEN REMOVED TO HELP KEEP CYCLISTS SAFE

ccording to the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, trolley tracks at the intersection of 12th and Spring Garden Steets have been removed from the street. Three years ago, the Bicycle Coalition asked SEPTA and the Streets Department to collaborate to remove and/or pave over inactive trolley tracks at 24 prioritized intersections. The tracks were hazardous to bicyclists, pedestrians, physically challenged and motorists. According to the Bicycle Coalition, the agreement was brokered following an ugly crash that occurred in December 2013 when former Bicycle Coalition staffer Katie Monroe broke her jaw in three places after a spill at 11th and Reed Streets. The intersections coincided with the old Route 23 trolley tracks. By the end of 2015, 20 out of 24 intersections were fixed by either SEPTA or the Streets Department, including the tracks at 11th and Reed. As of December 9th, SEPTA removed the trolley tracks from the stop bar on 12th Street, north of Ridge (approx. 100 feet south of Brandywine), through the pedestrian crossing on the southwest and southeast corner of 12th and Spring Garden. According to the Bicycle Coalition, this is a major commuting route for many bicyclists and a very welcome improvement. •

BY DANIEL O'NEIL

Movie Reviews S H O R T R E V I E W S O F F I L M S P L AY I N G A T 1 6 0 0 N . B R O A D S T R E E T

Fences If you didn’t know that Denzel Washington’s latest film, “Fences”, was an adaptation of a play, then within the first ten minutes, you’ll probably get that idea. For one, it’s a very talky movie in which people have long, sprawling conversations about stuff that doesn’t really seem to matter, except only to be used as an excuse so that these actors can act their butts off. Which works, too, because when you have a cast including not just Washington, but Viola Davis, Mykelti Williamson, and the always undervalued Stephen Henderson, it’s not hard to be compelled. The story itself is pretty simple – Washington plays Troy Maxon, a former baseball player who could have made it in the big time, but because he was black and it was the 1940’s, America just wasn’t all that ready for a black baseball player who’s name wasn’t Jackie Robinson. Davis plays Troy’s wife, Rose, and she stands by him through the thick and thin, which after a while, means a lot, as Troy does a lot over the next two hours to turn all of his friends and family against him. As an actor’s showcase, “Fences” works quite well, but when it comes to feeling like anything but a filmed-play, it doesn’t quite connect.

Passengers A group of 5,000 passengers are currently awaiting their arrival to a new planet in 90 years. However, in order to stay alive long enough to do so, they get aboard a space ship where they are cryogenically frozen for the 90 years, so that they stay the same age and everything is all fine and dandy when they wake up. However, a malfunction occurs and all of a sudden, one passenger named Jim (Chris Pratt) suddenly wakes up. Jim looks for each and every way that he can find to go back to sleep and act as if this never happened, but he just can’t, leaving him all alone on the spaceship, with no one to really talk to or connect with for the next 90 years. And then, another passenger named Aurora (Jennifer Lawrence) suddenly wakes up and both of their lives change forever. Of course, there’s a little more to “Passengers” than I or the ads for the movie let on. It’s the kind of twist that ruins a movie if you know about it beforehand and also ruins the movie once you see how it all plays out. For the first hour or so, “Passengers” works as a smart, thoughtful and well-acted sci-fi tale, which we don’t usually see Hollywood play around with.Though, by the halfway mark, it loses its head and begins to delve into twists and turns that make no sense and characters start

to act totally and completely insane for the sake of moving the plot forward. It’s a disappointment in the end, as much as Pratt and Lawrence try to make it all work out.

Sing In “Sing”, the latest from the creators of “Despicable Me”, a bunch of really famous and talented people voice walking, talking and singing animals, who are all competing in a local singing competition. It’s a neat gimmick that does work, but mostly, for kids. There’s so much slapstick, pop song sing-a-longs and corny themes about motivation and inspiration that the kids will love. Parents may grow a tad bit tired about halfway through the near two-hour runtime. Still though, if you’re a parent or have younger siblings and need to get them a belated holiday gift, there’s worse ways to spend your time, I guess. •

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COMMUNITY

calendar N E W S @ S P I R I T N E W S . O R G • 1 4 2 8 E . S U S Q U E H A N N A AV E • 2 1 5 . 4 2 3 . 6 2 4 6 NETWORKING EVENTS 1st Tuesday of the Month, 6:30-8:30 PM DIG - Philadelphia Commercial Sub Group Diversified Investors Group Meetup for London Grill 2301 Fairmount Avenue For more info, contact Joe Scorese 215-290-5108 jscorese@ firstrust.com WINTER BOCCE LEAGUE Playing on Mondays beginning December 5th and ending Feb 6th, we're holding our inaugural indoor winter league at Urban Saloon. We donate a portion of our proceeds to the Fairmount Civic Association and interested players can sign up at www.aallsports.com. All skill levels welcome. WINTER CORN HOLE LEAGUE Begins December 6th and ends January 24th at the Ukrainian League. We donate a portion of our proceeds to the Fairmount Civic Association and interested players can sign up at www.aallsports.com. All skill levels welcome. Monday, January 9 FAIRMOUNT CIVIC ASSOCIATION SOCIAL FCA Winter Social will be held on Monday evening, January 9, 2017 at Trio (2601 Pennsylvania Ave). Mondays, 6-8PM TOUR AMBASSADOR TRAINING PROJECT The Strawberry Civic Association is looking for young and young at heart folks to come out to Mander Rec Center (33rd and Diamond St.) to learn Philadelphia history, Fairmount Park history, museum and trail information, etc. Tourism is a lucrative industry…. Be prepared. For more call 215-765-9500 Tuesdays, 7-8:30PM SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS OF ADOLESCENT & ADULT CHILDREN LIVING WITH ADDICTION AND BRAIN DISEASE Learn about substance use and mental health disorders every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at Rodeph Shalom (615 N Broad St) Those affected can share experiences and resources as well as how to support their children anonymously. For further information contact Caron at 800-854-6023 or Rabbi Jill Maderer at (215)-627-6747 x216 or rabbimaderer@rodephshalom.org. Tuesdays, 7-9PM OPEN MIC NIGHT Mugshots Coffeehouse (1925 Fairmount Ave.) hosts an open mic night every Tuesday. For more information visit Mugshots Coffeehouse on Facebook. Wednesdays, 5-8PM WEDNESDAY NIGHTS GAMEPLAY Every week there are different games to play in the galleries of The Philadelphia Museum of Art. Play with friends or with fellow visitors in friendly competition provided by the Museum. For further information contact Philadelphia Museum of Art at (215)-763-8100 Wednesdays, 5:30-7:30PM MAKE STUFF A drop-in program to craft handmade objects or create art being surrounded by the art of The Philadelphia Museum of Art. Activities include sketching, knitting, Lego fun or even creating a puzzle. For further information contact Philadelphia Museum of Art at (215)-763-8100 Wednesdays, 6PM DHYANA YOGA Practice your poses with Dhyana yoga outdoors in the Museum’s sculpture garden. Class size varies. Weather Dependent and cancelled above 90 degrees. For further information contact Philadelphia Museum of Art at (215)-763-8100 Thursdays, 12-1PM COFFEE AND CONVERSATION On Thursdays, The Stephen Klein Wellness Center opens up for the community to talk about what they please while enjoying free coffee and snacks. Anyone can drop in.

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The Spirit of Penn’s Garden – January 4, 2017

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WRITTEN BY THOMAS BECK

Development News FIND OUT WHAT’S BEING BUILT ON YOUR BLOCK.

Francisville The 1600 block of Ridge Avenue in Francisville is undergoing a complete transformation. Several new buildings are or soon will be going up on the block. A mixed-use building at 1623 Ridge Avenue was completed last summer. Developers are planning to construct three quadplexes at the intersection of 16th and Cambridge Streets in Francisville. St. Joseph’s Hospital previously used this parcel as a parking lot. Due to financial difficulties, the North Philadelphia Health System was forced to shut down the hospital in March. Down the block at 1614 Cambridge Street, a duplex will be going up. There are several other lots on the 1600 block of Cambridge, on which more construction is bound to follow. Temple University Developers recently razed a one-story warehouse at 1254 North Carlisle Street. They are to build a four-story, 18-unit building on the L-shaped parcel. There will also be a parking lot on site, accessible from Burns Street. It is unclear whether the developers are targeting Temple students or residents of the surrounding area. •

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