Spirit of the Riverwards - June 8, 2016

H Y PERLOC AL

DON E DI F F E R E N T LY

FISHTOWN + KENSINGTON + NORTHERN LIBERTIES + PORT RICHMOND + BRIDESBURG

THIS

WEEK JUNE 8, 2016 VOL. 13 NO. 21

CENTENARIAN CELEBRATION The 16th Annual Mayor’s Centenarian Celebration honored the Riverwards’ oldest residents.

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MOFFET SCHOOL Moffet Elementary celebrates the arts, culture and local kids.

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PHILLY TREE PEOPLE Philly Tree People launched a local Pruning Club.

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NINJA WARRIORS

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oise is something that people living in every city in the world have to deal with. The sounds of a passing trolley or an El Train speeding along metal tracks are sounds that are distinct parts of our lives in the Riverwards. Things have been this way for the better part of a century. By the early 1930s, cars were becoming more accessible to the public, therefore more people were driving on outdated roads. Things began to change.

According to an article published on phillyroads.com, as early as 1932, The Regional Planning Federation, which precedes what is now The Delaware Regional Planning Commission, began examining the possibility of a “Parkway” along the Delaware River. After many studies, construction began on two separate lengths of highway, one in Delaware County and

one originating in Northeast Philadelphia, to extend into Bucks County.

According to the article, by 1969, the section north of Center City that slices straight through the heart of the Riverwards was open to construction. This stretch of highway would forever alter our neighborhoods.

Residents soon found their windows right up against one of the busiest highways in the country — Interstate 95.

Spirit News interviewed three different groups of people who all have one thing in common: they all live under or directly next to I-95. They come from three different walks of life, but they’re lives are brought together by the never-ending drone of the highway.

Continued on Page 6.

Local residents, college athletes and olympians all completed at the American Ninja Warrior qualifying round in Port Richmond.

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STEAK & SHAKE

Treat yourself to Philly classics at this Kensington steak stand..

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HOT OFF THE

PRESS

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here’s a saying by Roman philosopher Seneca that goes, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” These wise words spoken long ago destroyed the notion of luck and happenstance. From an outsider’s perspective, luck is all that John Redden, owner of The Barbary and Danger Salon, has had in business. But even with lady luck on his side, Redden — a leather-clad, ‘75 Norton Commando-riding punk rocker with a gut-wrenching grip on intuition — is closing the most successful dance club Fishtown never saw coming.

Lots of things can be (and have been) said about The Barbary. Yelp reviews of the nightclub, which Redden claims he never reads, range from benevolent (“Absolutely no frills about this bar, just a big, sweaty, beau-

tiful dance party”) to very critical (“‘hell is real and I am in it’ — my first night in the barbary”), to just downright weird (“I love a place where both me and my parents can dance”). But if you are looking for a review that really sums up The Barbary, here it is: “If you don't mind smelling like a mixture of piss, PBR, and sweat than this is the place for you.”

As an alternative dance club, The Barbary hosts regular “parties”, each with its own theme. Things can get pretty hot in here — between the booze, party drugs, and constant friction between its perspiring millennial clientele, The Barbary has obtained a reputation for debauchery and wasted youth. That reputation will soon become the stuff of legend, Continued on Page 8.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 8, 2016

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local lens ’m amazed when people tell me they don’t pay attention to their dreams. I learned to pay attention to dreams early on. This happened when I first dreamt of... the truck.

The truck first appeared in my dreams when I was a boy.

I’d be dreaming about the shore or about ice cream when out of nowhere I’d hear the sound of a truck. Sometimes I would see the truck approaching me from a distance.

Panic would set in but at least in the dream I knew what to do: lay face down on the ground until the truck passed. If I did that, I’d stay safe. If not, the feeling was that something awful would happen to me. The truck dreams continued into my early thirties, but by this time the experience had become routine: when I heard the truck, I’d hit the ground and cover my eyes until the danger was over.

Why was I dreaming of a truck? The truck was always the same truck: an old fashioned looking brown dump truck with a lot of frontal grill work. The fact that these truck dreams had been with me since childhood and were now still occurring in my thirties was of some concern. One day I told my mother about it.

“A horrible looking truck,” I said, “keeps pursuing me in dreams.”

At that, mom told me a story. She said that when I was a baby she was pushing me in a stroller across a hilly Manayunk street when a truck appeared at the summit and came barreling towards her. With no time to spare, Mom said she pushed the stroller out of the way but the roaring vehicle still managed to clip her slightly from behind. The injury, while not appearing serious at first, would work its damage in later years so that she had to have several back surgeries. In my toddler’s mind, I must have retained the visual memory of the truck speeding towards us so that in dreams I kept seeing it as an impending threat.

I thanked mom for effectively ending the reoccurring dream, because once I conceptualized what the truck meant, that was it. It never appeared in my dreams again.

Dreams can take many forms. Some dreams, in fact, can predict the future and some can act as links between the living and the dead.

The great seer Edgar Cayce once wrote that “dreams are today’s answers to tomorrow’s questions.”

Dreams that predict the future hit me years ago when I dreamt that my good friend Gary was in the hospital.

Disturbed as to why this very lucid dream was so clear, I called Gary the next day but was promptly told by his wife that he had injured himself on the job and was recuperating in a hospital. Astounded at the accuracy of the dream, from then on I began to keep a dream log, even recording nonsensical dreams that seemed more like Salvador Dali collages than anything prophetic.

Some years ago, while on an overnight journalistic assignment in Atlantic City, I spent the night in an old Victorian house. The next morning my mind was filled with images from an intense dream in which a Catholic nun in a traditional habit had put her cheek close to mine while giving me a hug. Why had I dreamt of a nun? What did a nun have to do with writing about Atlantic City’s nightlife? I received the answer when the manager of the house took me on a tour of the place and showed me a glass stained window near the staircase. The design in the glass was religious in nature. He then told that the house had been a convent in the 1920s.

BY THOM NICKELS

Had a deceased nun from that time reached out through the veil of space and time?

Once I dreamt that I attended my own funeral. It took me a week to recover from this one.

I was sitting cross legged in the center aisle of the church where my funeral mass was taking place. It must have been winter because the church was full of people in long, dark coats. My deceased father was sitting beside me in the aisle with my coffin just a few feet away. On the floor beside me was a glass of wine and all my diaries (I’ve been keeping diaries since the 1970s, meaning that I can find out what I was doing on any given month when I was 26 years old). My father was leafing through the diaries as the priests at the altar prayed for my soul. Through it all, I was feeling just fine. I even helped myself to a sip of wine.

When my developmentally disabled younger brother, David John, was dying of bone cancer ten years ago, I dreamt that my dead great aunt, Dora, “taxied” me away in her Chevrolet Impala. She drove at great speed to an unknown designation. This was obviously a red letter emergency!

The destination proved to be a big house where I was suddenly transported into a kitchen where I saw another dead aunt, Catherine, helping my deceased mother with a variety of foods and baked goods. The women were frantically arranging baked bread, casseroles, roast turkey, vegetables, all of them rushing about as if preparing a big dinner party. The dream made sense a day later when David John died. The obvious interpretation here was that the family was getting ready to welcome David John to the other side.

Last year I dreamt that a young married couple at my parish church was getting a divorce. At the time this idea seemed ludicrous. The parish looked on this couple as ideal married types; from my perspective the couple seemed to be on a perpetual honeymoon. I recorded the dream in my diary then promptly forgot about it until they moved out of state. Time passed, and then I heard through a parishioner that the iconic sweethearts were in fact filing for a divorce.

Sometimes dreams can pinpoint catastrophic national events.

In the 1970s, I dreamt that while walking downtown I saw several jet liners fall out of the sky. In the 1970s I was always dreaming of crashing airplanes. I’d be walking somewhere outside when out of the blue I’d see a jet flying low over in the sky and then see it plunge to the earth. In this dream in which several planes crashed at once, I saw something else: hundreds of men running around speaking Arabic. At the time I had no interest in the Middle East but the memory of this dream came back to haunt after 9/11. It was then that I felt a curious ‘referential’ ah ha moment.

Today my dreams are just as strange but in a different way. I don’t dream of crashing airplanes but of boarding airplanes, and then walking through strange desolate cities with luggage to a “new” apartment in a partially bombed out building. I have no idea what these dreams mean, if anything, but the fact that there’s always a lot of dilapidated, war torn buildings in them is a little disconcerting.

Consider this recent dream: I see a devastated landscape, much like a former war zone with buildings partially intact. The military is nearby.

There’s a house where many of the rooms are in ruins— fallen walls, debris, dirt, exposed plumbing. This is where

THOM NICKELS IS A PHILADELPHIA BASED AUTHOR, JOURNALIST, POET, FILM CRITIC & FEATURE WRITER FOR SPIRIT NEWS.

I live but I also recognize it as the place where I have lived in other dreams. I recognize the ruined living room with no bathroom and the sound of constantly running water.

The scene changes and I am a passenger in a car driving through groups of small children wandering the streets as if lost. There’s a feeling that everyone here has made peace with this awful new world.

In another dream, I’m walking in an ashen, devastated city. Most of the high-rise structures have holes in them.

Some are half standing while other buildings are stained with a depressing gray color. The city seems to be smoldering after a great disaster. Families and large groups of people carry suitcases and walk through the city. Nobody appears to be talking in these processions. I am walking to the outskirts of town to another dilapidated area where my apartment house is located. In the dream I tell myself that I’ve been here before. I know this place.

With that said, I think it’s time for me to go out and get some ice cream. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 8, 2016

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 8, 2016 S E V E N D AY F O R E C A S T F O R T H E R I V E R WA R D S

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

L

ast week brought us a nice smorgasbord of typical ealry summer weather. We hit 90 one day, we had thunderstorms crash through on Sunday and we got to experience beautiful 80 degree weather. This week will be much of the same; the weather will be typical for this time of year without much in the way of craziness.

Saturday represents our best chance of rain as a warm front lifts over us and sets the boundary for multiple rounds of rain to travel over us. We also have a very slim chance of showers on Wednesday to start the week. Enjoy this week though — the stifling heat and humidity of Summer will stay away from us! Overall, I think you will enjoy

the weather this week — only temporary bouts of rain interrupt our 75 degree and sunny weather!

We start the week on Wednesday with a cold front that ushers in cooler and less humid air. Temperatures will be in the 70s and a quick round of light showers may come around in the afternoon. No big deal though.

Thursday will be sunny and warm with very comfortable temperatures in the 70s. An unbelievably nice day!

Friday will continue the warm and sunny trend, but some clouds could sneak in late in the day. Temperatures will rise to nearly 80.

Saturday is warmer and humid with showers and thunderstorms. It doesn’t look like an all-day rain but there

could easily be multiple rounds of showers and storms.

Sunday starts cloudy and there could be an early-morning shower, otherwise expect sunshine in the afternoon.

Overall, a fine day to be out and about! Temperatures will be warm and in the 80s.

Monday and Tuesday are both very comfortable days with temperatures mostly in the 70s. I expect sunshine to dominate on Monday, with more clouds on Tuesday. We need to watch for afternoon thunderstorms on Tuesday as the humidity builds back into the region.

The weather winner of the week is the Thursday; the weather loser is Saturday. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 8, 2016 WRITTEN BY THOMAS BECK

Centenarian Celebration 1 6 T H A N N U A L M AY O R ’ S C E N T E N A R I A N C E L E B R A T I O N H O N O R S T H E R I V E R WA R D S ’ O L D E S T R E S I D E N T S On Thursday, May 19, Penn’s Landing Caterers hosted the 16th Annual Mayor’s Centenarian Celebration — a luncheon honoring all Philadelphians who will turn (or have turned) 100 or older this year. Approximately one fourth of Philadelphia’s centenarians were in attendance.

At the event, the Blackbird Society Orchestra provided live music and the South Philadelphia Older Adult Center Line Dancers stunned the crowd with their showstopping, precisely choreographed routines. A string of speakers offered remarks, including Regional Communications Director for the Social Security Administration Dan O’Connor, Deputy Managing Director for Aging City of Philadelphia Lydia Hernandez and President and CEO of the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Holly Lange.

Mayor Jim Kenney also spoke at the event and officially proclaimed May 19, 2016 to be Celebrate Centenarians Day. After cutting the birthday cake with the oldest man and woman in attendance, Kenney made his way through the hall and personally addressed each and every centerian.

“Our centenarians have helped shape our city’s history and are a vital part of our vibrant neighborhoods,” Mayor Kenney said. “These amazing residents have worked and raised families in Philadelphia, witnessing firsthand the city’s growth and change through their own unique perspective.”

City Representative and luncheon emcee Sheila Hess was both proud and grateful to be able to carry on the tradition.

“This is a unique event because it’s for the seniors,” Hess said. “The city gets to focus [on] and really celebrate the seniors and all that they’ve contributed to Philadelphia.”

Catalina Rolon, a 101-year-old Port Richmond resident, was born in the small, mountainous city of Aibonito, Puerto Rico. She moved to Philadelphia in 1959 with her husband, Thomas, and her seven children. Ever the political activist, Rolon worked on a campaign with her mother that resulted in the appointment of the first democratically elected governor of Puerto Rico. In her later years, she volunteered for relief missions in both Central and South America.

Communications Consultant Leslie Sellers coordinated the first Centenarian Celebration in 2001 to coincide with the commemoration of City Hall’s 100th birthday. Sellers was in attendance this year, accompanying her grandmother, Lillie Williams, a Georgia native who will turn 100 years old this September. “[This event] kind of changes your perspective on what you think a 100-year-old person is,” Sellers said. “They’re interesting; they have stories; they want to dance; they go around and steal the flowers off the tables.”

Congratulations to all of Philadelphia’s centenarians! •

photo by thomas beck

photo by thomas beck

catalina rolon, of puerto rican descent, from port

richmond./william z. foster for the office of the city representative

On Tuesday May 31, 2016 four Hallahan seniors signed their letters of intent to continue their athletic careers on the college level.

Pictured left to right: Miranda Smith (Cabrini College, Swimming); Brigid Stermel (Clarion University, Soccer); Fishtown resident Beth McCormick (Chestnut Hill College, Soccer); and Elisa McCann (Widener University, Soccer)

Beth McCormick of Fishtown won the inaugural Sister Ida Unsung Hero Award at the Hallahan sports banquet.

The award is presented to an exceptional athlete who does all the little things to help her team succeed.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 8, 2016

Continued from Page 1.

We’ll start in Northern Liberties, approximately where I-95 begins to split for I-676. Spirit News met with Steve Vaiani, Leila Miller and her fiance, Dan Kishbaugh. They’re young adults who find themselves in an interesting living situation in the last house on the 100 block of Brown Street. According to the group, their landlord has known for at least the past 10 years that one day I-95 construction will consume his property. States use eminent domain laws to acquire property from private citizens for public works projects like highway expansion.

According to Kishbaugh, his landlord received several letters from PennDot over the years warning of the highway expanding to his property. The three current tenants all knew this was a possibility when they moved in, but have managed to make the best of living with the fact that they will have 30 days to vacate to premises when the time for construction comes.

Vaiani and Kishbaugh are both musicians and night owls, so being able to play as loud as you want at hours where most neighbors would dial 9-1-1 is a big plus for them. Miller agrees, pointing out that she has become used to the constant sounds from the highway.

“Because of the noise from 95 and the El right next to us, we can be as loud as we want,” Miller said. “Unless there’s like a major accident right behind me, I don’t notice it.” Miller's bedroom is adjacent to I-95 and is so close that they occasionally pick up staticky CB radio transmissions from truck drivers stuck in traffic. “Where I sleep my head comes to the wall right along 95, where 95 splits. It’s constant[ly], people [saying], like, oh shit I’m in the wrong lane,” Miller said.

As properties are being renovated in the immediate areas of Fishtown and Northern Liberties, the house where Miller and Co. live has remained largely unchanged. According to them, the landlord fixes issues with the house, but has not updated their home for the simple reason that the looming cloud of demolition hangs over their heads.

“Since the landlord knew the house is going to be knocked down, the house hasn’t been updated,” Miller said. “If something gets broken it gets fixed, but it’s not being remodeled.”

According to the tenants, the section of highway adjacent from them is a popular spot to get pulled over. “A lot of people get pulled over there,” Kishbaugh said.

“I see the blinking lights reflecting,” Miller added.

This has also made their property the subject of police searches. According to Kishbaugh, a man attempting to flee the police jumped into a tree in their backyard and fled, drawing police into their yard to search. According to the tenants, police searched their property another time when a subject possibly threw weapons or narcotics over the guardrail during a traffic stop. Then there’s the litter. “There’s a lot of trash,” Kishbaugh said.

According to Kishbaugh, parking under 95 is a bad idea and he’s replaced four or five windows on his last car due to break ins. Kishbaugh, Miller and Vaiani understand that they will most likely only get 30 days notice before they have to vacate their home, but are grateful for the time they spent living there and joke about their experiences.

We found some other folks who reside in close proximity to the highway. They are also happy with their living situations, but their lives under I-95 are much different than Miller, Kishbaugh and Vaiani.

Spirit News recently contacted Abby Anderson of Salvation of Sorrows, Inc., an outreah organzation dedicated to helping less fortunate folks in the community. Her organization recently put on a homeless outreach event for homeless veterans to receive a meal and a haircut.

“You’ve got to have faith that life will repair itself and I’m on a mission,” Anderson said.

It was there that she met Rosanne Terrell, a homeless US Army veteran living under I-95 in South Philadelphia. We reached out to Anderson, who reached out to Terrell. Spirit News was granted access to her campsite located under I-95 in South Philadelphia, near the Walt Whitman Bridge.

“See that carcass right there? I don’t know what that was,” Terrell said pointing to the skeleton of what appeared to be a humongous opossum or raccoon. “We have baby birds up there,” she said pointing to the steel beams holding up the highway. As we spoke with Terrell, a raccoon ran full speed along the peak of the hill right behind us. It was like being in a strange park in the middle of the concrete jungle.

According to Terrell, she was born at 3rd and Cambria, but grew up in South Philly. Following a few rough shakes in life, she now resides with her significant other, their dog “Noodles" and her brother Andrew Welsh, who is also a veteran. “At 42 I learned how to use drugs, 42,” Terrell said. “Mind you before that, I was Suzy Homemaker.”

Their site is at the base of an incline under the highway, tucked away in the back of a parking lot. There was a mop leaning against the fence and Terrell even had a semi-private bathroom tucked away in thick brush with the view blocked by an oversized T-Mobile sign. “I mop the floors here because of the mud,” Terrell said. “This is still our home down here.”

Welsh has been living on the streets for most of his life and has called the area near the Walt Whitman Bridge home for some time.

“I used to sleep in cars when I was a kid, so this ain’t nothing for me,” Welsh said. At one time he was a machine operator in Port Richmond and according to him, he works one to two days a week doing cleanouts and demolition work. Though he’s financially poor, Welsh is grateful for what he has. “Just cause we’re down here, doesn’t mean we don’t got nothing,” Welsh said. He does miss doing laundry. “The only thing bad about this is clothes,” Welsh said.

Terrell says that she is an avid reader and enjoys a good book as she falls asleep to the sound of passing vehicles. She longs for human interaction and and one of the things she misses is meeting new people. “People don’t talk to me,” Terrell said. “I’m not dirty on the inside.”

Despite of her situation, Terrell still feels grateful for what she has and compassion for those less fortunate. “At least we have a home. Just think about the people living on the ground,” Terrell said. “You know what, it’s home right now, and I’m strong. I’m as far down as we can be, but it’s nothing but up now.”

Dan Dugan has a sense of humor about the massive and seemingly endless construction occurring right next to his property.

A week after visiting Terrell and Walsh’s home, Abby Anderson reached out to Spirit News with an update. The recent tropical storm flooded the campsite and most of the residents’ belongings were destroyed. Salvation of Sorrows, Inc. is helping Terrell and Welsh get back on their feet.

Leila Miller and Rosanne Terrell both described the noise from the highway as something that reminded them of being home and told Spiri News it was, for the most part, something they could fall asleep too. That isn’t the case for Dan Dugan of Port Richmond.

He’s dealing with another noisy problem that comes along with the resurgence of the I-95 corridor. Dugan’s property is the last house on Lehigh Avenue and butts right up against one of PA’s most expensive road construction projects.

Dan Dugan is a slightly eccentric grandfather who wants to make sure he has a safe place for his grandson to live. The same goes for his next door neighbor, Bob Taylor.

Dugan contacted Spirit News having some issues with the construction crews operating across the street from his nicely manicured side yard.

We recently paid Dugan a visit at his home and we were joined by Taylor. After being offered a glass of water, Dugan placed the glass on his table and drew attention to the fact that the water was rippling just like the classic scene from “Jurassic Park” where the Tyrannosaurus Rex is vibrating the Earth with its footsteps.

“They wanted to put a seismometer in my basement,” Dugan said. “I said I got a water cooler and when they jackhammer the water goes back and forth. I don’t need a seismometer."

During another interview, we noticed what felt like very small tremors shaking the house from time to time. Dugan did not flinch.

Dugan’s woes began when his sewer pipe cracked. According to him, the crack caused flooding in his basement. Dugan has lived in the house since the late 1970s and believes this damage was caused by the highway construction, specifically the pile driving across from his property.

Dugan filed a complaint with James J. Anderson Construction Company, Inc. (JJA). According to their website, the firm does heavy highway construction and have worked for various PA transportation agencies including SEPTA, PennDot and The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

JJA referred Dugan to their contractor Hill International, Inc. who then referred him to PennDot and finally 177th PA District Congressman John Taylor. Dugan believes he was Continued on Page 7.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 8, 2016 Continued from Page 6. being played. “You’re playing the shell game to find the peanut,” Dugan said, referring to the classic switch-a-roo boardwalk game.

Eventually JJA sent out some experts to investigate the problem. In a letter addressed to Dugan and dated March 10, 2015. James Vena, Controller, Vice President of JJA writes: “After considering the claim that you have presented to us, and having discussed the matter with our construction engineers, we do not believe that the damage you sustained to your underground drain line was the result of our work. For these reasons, I must deny your claim.”

According to Vena, his construction engineers believed a clogged roof drain was likely the cause of crack and advised further complaints be taken up with PennDot. Left to Right, Dan Kishbaugh, Leila Meanwhile Dugan says estimates to repair the damage Miller and Steve Vaiani on their ranged from $3,500 to $10,000. deck in Northern Liberties.

Dugan then discovered he had a new, much more deadly problem. He’s says that members of his family smelled this individual was also provided in the document. Rep. gas from within their home. Dugan called PGW to reas- Taylor received $2,500 from Anderson in April 2013 and sure his family that nothing was wrong. Dugan says that $1,500 in June 2014. when the gas worker held his meter up to the pipe coming The amount of money and frequency of donations seem into his basement from outside, he could hear the moni- to be going down. Spirit News found documentation of antor making noise and he realized there was a gas leak. other donation from James Anderson after Rep. Taylor be“I didn’t have a problem until you ruptured my gas line,” came Chair of the House Transportation Committee. The Dugan said, directing his comment to JJA. He says the report dated Apr. 23 2016 shows James Anderson donatpipe was cracked where it entered his house through his ing $5,000 to Rep. Taylor. It is important to state that Rep. foundation. PGW had to replace it and installed a new me- Taylor has not violated the law by accepting this money. ter as well. Dugan was extremely concerned and believes Despite repeated phone calls and attempts to get comvibrations from the construction were to blame. “The wa- ment from Rep. Taylor on his contributors and Dugan’s ter leak? Fine my basement gets flooded. But [with] a gas concerns, Spirit News was unable to reach anyone from leak, the house blows up, people get killed,” Dugan said. Rep. Taylor’s office in time for this story’s deadline.

“I can’t afford to take a chance that [the construction is] Dugan and his next door neighbor, Bob Taylor, who is not going to blow up somebody.” related to the State Rep., are most concerned about their Now Dugan is back to playing the same shell game, only grandchildren. this time he’s been very vocal with Congressman Taylor, “We bought next to the highway, you’re going to get the who is also the Majority Chairman of the House Transpor- noise, but the dust,” Taylor said. “Silica dust is very bad, tation Committee. Dugan believes money influences the that’s my main concern.” “Damage to the property is dampolitical system in Philadelphia, especially when projects age to the property, but we both have grandchildren and like major highway construction, are involved. they play in the yard.”

Spirit News looked into Congressman Taylor’s campaign According to OSHA, silica dust is a hazardous material donors, and found that JJA was in fact one of them. We found in concrete and various construction materials. It searched www.campaignfinanceonline.state.pa.us, is known to cause fatal lung disease, silicosis, lung cancer which is a state run website where anyone can find re- and kidney disease. cords of contributions to politicians who must legally resays that dust from the concrete demolition Somers Team Spirit Half Page Ad 2 copy.pdf 1 5/2/16 Bob 8:13Taylor AM port where the money came from. is covering his property and claims that his quality of life In a report dated Nov. 1 2012, Rep. Taylor received a con- has gone down. “You go out in the yard, you could wipe the tribution of $3,000 from James Anderson. The address for

Rosanne Terrell, Andrew Welsh and Abby Anderson, founder of Salvation of Sorrows, Inc. table four times in the summer time,” Taylor said. “You can’t open your windows. The dirt is amazing. I keep going back to the kids. What are they breathing in?”

Both Dugan and Taylor say they are sleep deprived.

“Sleeping is rare,” Taylor said and if you ask Dugan he’ll jokingly tell you he hasn’t slept since the construction began. He works overnight and arrives home just as things are often getting noisy. “They say this isn’t affecting your house, it’s in your imagination,” Dugan said. “I’m getting goofy I think.”

For now, the shell game continues for both men. Dugan recently managed to get a small victory. He filed a complaint after a construction vehicle cracked his sidewalk.

He’s going to get a new sidewalk when the project is complete in 2019 or 2020. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 8, 2016

Continued from Page 1. though — on March 9, 2016 Redden announced that he plans on closing and selling the Barbary.

It’s March 2016 and we’re at the first Barbary staff meeting since Redden announced his plans for the club. It’s time to take shots and the staff seems more concerned about whether their whiskey or tequila order was heard than the fact that their favorite hangout has been set for closure. It’s not just Barbary employees here — there are hair stylists, record label owners, motorcycle shop mechanics and artists — and none seemed phased by the club’s closing, which, by many standards, is surprising.

“Everyone be quiet!” Redden shouts as he raises his shot glass. He looks around the room and takes a mental picture of the moment where he was not only surrounded by his friends and employees, but the people who The Barbary will always be part of. “(The Barbary) provides me with the liberty to not only be myself, but pursue endeavors in life like performing with touring bands, running marathons & DJing,” Edward Gieda said. Gieda, an employee of The Barbary, has known Redden for 15 years. “Most importantly, the people who are my coworkers are by brothers and sisters. They’re family to me. I love them.”

Some employees are more defensive of Redden, like Chris Doyle, a bartender at The Barbary for 9 years.

“As a boss, (Redden) has a design,” Doyle said. “It makes me laugh when people short change him on his actual handling of business. I don’t have time for any of those people.”

Will the Real John Redden Please Stand Up? A conversation with John Redden, at least from an outsider's perspective, is a lot like a game of cat and mouse… or rather cat and cat: One always guesses where the other is leading and pounces with a quick answer. There are also many distractions, like the almost constant ringing of the Facebook Messenger notification tone from his cell phone. But hey, he’s a busy guy. He also has an image to maintain.

“I doubt if anyone really knows me,” Redden, 38, who has his DJ stage name “JHN RDN” tattooed across his knuckles, speculates from across the table in the Fishtown home he bought in 2004. A house, to be specific, with a front door serving as a testament to intricate woodworking magic and a late 70s Porsche, with the license plate “DNGR”, parked outside on Dauphin Street — There’s no doubt Redden’s house matches a lavish state of mind. According to past roommates and house guests, the Redden abode has gone from a “Trainspotting” squatter spot to a domesticated punk palace over the years. Both descriptions easily fit into the Redden persona.

Redden moved around a bit as a child, but spent a considerable amount of time in Haverford, Pa., just west of Philadelphia. According to his twin sister, Danielle, John loved to spend time outdoors as a kid.

“We had a strict upbringing and did not really start going out until we moved out of our mom’s house, even though we grew up a mile from the city,” Danielle said.

The twins were close and not just because they share the

Redden stands in the middle of a group of Barbary employees and friends following their March 2016 staff meeting/Megan Matuzak same birthday. They attended Villanova University (where their mother taught) together and Danielle recalls their college years as a collection of dancing in clubs and DJing together.

After freshmen year ended, John moved to a house at Columbia and Girard Avenues at the ripe age of 19.

“I convinced all of my friends to move out here,” Redden said. “All of my neighbors were telling me that I should buy a house because it was cheaper than rent[ing]. Back then they would give a mortgage to, like, anybody.”

A few years later, with only one class left to go at ‘Nova before graduating, he ditched his pursuit of a marketing degree because companies were already chomping at the bit to hire Redden. His psychology minor at school and intuitive business tactics were attractive to potential employers. Shortly after buying a house on Sepviva Street, he was working for a then-unknown company, Vitaminwater, promoting their brand.

Getting the Party Started As part of his job, Redden had to have 20 palettes of Vitaminwater around him at all times. To store his stockpile of sports drinks, he confidently purchased the warehouse on Frankford Avenue that is now houses Liberty Works, a shop that sells Triumph and Norton motorcycles. Brad Carney, a local artist and teacher who lived with Redden on Sepviva until 2011, felt like Redden struck the gold mine with his Vitaminwater gig.

“If I could tell every artist that I know anything, I would tell them to find all of the marketing people they can and live with them,” Carney said, laughing. “[If you were living with Redden] in your 20s, you have access to promotional items, coffee, beer, cigarettes… I think someone even got a link to Aunt Annie’s Bunny Macaroni. As an artist not making a lot of money at 23, I had everything covered [via Redden and the other marketing roommates].

Redden sit in one of the salon chairs at Danger Salon./Megan Matuzak

Redden, Carney, bands Sideshow Prophets and The Old Souls, and the rest of the Sepviva Street dwellers used to hop on their motorcycles on Sundays to ride to Silk City for drinks. This was before Mark Bee owned the bar and David Cassidy (aka DJ DeeJay) threw knockout parties there. On one occasion, the gang discussed hosting a weekly party of their own at Silk City.

About a month later, Redden, in what really kicked off his now-infamous party throwing career, announced he would be putting on a weekly party on Sunday nights called “Socket” with his sister. It was an instant success.

This was also around the same time that Redden started to throw “Hands and Knees”, a new dance party at The M Room on Friday nights. According to Redden, these parties, which went on to become one of the most popular monthly events at The Barbary, were the only reason people went to the The M Room.

With the success of “Socket” and “Hands and Knees”, Redden began looking for a proper venue to bring both events — and all of their sweaty, lustful patrons — under one roof. The Barbary, which Redden stressed “No-o-o-o one went to” at the time, was up for sale

A Barbary is Born Purchased by Redden in 2007 for $750,000, The Barbary was once a bar in need of a Kardasian-level face lift. Before Redden came into the picture, the venue hosted a few crusty punk shows here and there, but that was about it.

By all accounts, the place was a dump, so when Redden told his roommates, friends and DJ cohorts about his purchase, they were shocked. He suddenly quit his job at vitaminwater and threw all his time and effort into this new venture.

“I was one of the first marketing people [vitaminwater] hired,” Redden said. “I did that for a while, it was a really, really great job. They were being bought out by Coca Cola, which was going to change everything and I decided I wanted to do something different.”

Ian Saint Laurent, a 14-year friend of Redden’s and DJ, remembers when Redden broke the news to him. “He had called me one day shortly after leaving his marketing job at vitaminwater out of the blue,” Saint Laurent said, “and told me, ‘I know what I’m gonna do — I’m gonna buy a club.’”

“The word rippled through the DJ scene, especially to us who were promoting parties that were displaced [following the closure of the old Silk City],” Edward Gieda said. “I was DJing and promoting a mod/60s event called “Immediate” at The M-Room [at the time], but we quickly moved shop over to The Barbary.”

Redden, with a tireless urge to challenge himself, locked down the spot on Frankford Avenue under United Pirates, LLC. Within half a year of purchase, Redden opened his new alternative music dance club in Fishtown. The venue burst into a neighborhood that was, at the time, the textbook definition of “off the beaten path.”

This was before the SugarHouse redeveloped the Delaware waterfront and well before the Fillmore opened.

There was no Frankford Hall, Barcade or food trucks at the nearby intersection of Frankford and Girard — Johnny Brenda’s was just about the only neighborhood destination at the time. “I like for people to have to work to get there, not be convenient,” Redden said with a chuckle.

But Redden made The Barbary a destination and soon the club’s roster of DJs, events and misfit party-goers began to grow. Gieda’s party, “Immediate”, merged with “The Turnaround” to create one large 60s/mod party called “Turnaround vs. The Media.” “White Tee’s White Belts,” a classic Hip-Hop warehouse party ran by Emil Nassar and Bo Blizzard came on as “The Bounce.” Redden then asked his friends Hollie Sue and Jonas Oesterle to bring their Continued on Page 9.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 8, 2016 Continued from Page 8. obscure 50s/60s house dance party, “Bouffant Bangout,” to The Barbary.

Redden was building a calendar that simply couldn’t fail due to the fact that it was so diverse. And the parties were legendary — two floors packed to the brim with rad kids dancing to cool music. Whether you are diving into nostalgia with 90s throwback party, “Space Jams”, feeding your emo appetite with “Through Being Cool” or just want to let loose on a Monday with “Tigerbeats”, there were plenty of avenues for party goers to have a night you could never forget (not completely anyway).

But just as Rome fell and as the late, great Prince sang so elegantly in “Sometimes It Snows In April”: “...all good things, they say, will never last...”

“Shirts are off!”

Back at the March staff party, after the shot glasses are collected it’s time for a group picture — a feat accomplished before, but a feat nonetheless. Redden organizes the large group, moving people around and giving orders.

After a few pictures are taken (and some encouragement) Redden rips his shirt off. It’s one of his trademark moves.

Between a few quick snaps, Redden’s dynamic takes form. d“Shirts are off!” a few say through laughs. A few others join ohim while everyone else screams and throws their arms yup into the air. d If you ever have a chance to talk business with Rdden and schat specifically about The Barbary, the “off the beaten apath” mantra will undoubtedly get massaged into the conversation. It’s not only the selling point and the brand of fThe Barbary, but the reliable indicator of Redden’s chardacter. s “I always just trust my instincts, I just go for it immediately… like immediately,” Redden said. d Judging from the overwhelming success The Barbary has Mhad, it’s no surprise that “the bug” bit him again, as Red-den puts it, as he dove deeper into entrepreneurship. In r2014, Redden signed an agreement to rent 108 E. Girard -Ave. Today, this storefront is home to Danger Salon — a unisex hair salon that harnesses “a decadent aesthetic ,referencing classic punk & rock enterprises.” Again, Redhden was intentionally throwing himself head first into a rventure he knew next to nothing about. This, yet again, osurprised no one.

Danger Salon’s specialty is hair color, which is a lazy generalization if you follow their Instagram account. Apart from the rainbow headed clients who leave the establishyment, there is also no boundaries to the nail work that -happens there. The stylist are unassumingly eccentric and w“cool” and the decor is effortlessly gothic, topped with a .floor-to-ceiling collage of 70s superstars like Bowie and nThe Ramones. It’s Redden’s second successful destina-tion point and is affectionately nicknamed “The Barbary -Salon.” w “The thing that is very similar between Barbary and Danger is that we are all kind of his misfits,” Sonja Century, ]Danger stylist, manager and Redden’s fiancee, said. “Ev-eryone who works at The Barbary is insanely amazing, a[and] have their own side projects. Here we are the misfits dof the hair industry.”

Much like the Barbary, Danger brings artists of all walks ,of life together and Redden’s encouragement has helped dthe employees of the salon reach their artistic goals, esbpecially Century. “I look up to him like he’s my senpai,” dshe laughs from the counter in the mixing station she’s aperched on.

Everyone who works there is part of a team and uses it sas a means to accomplish their artistic goals,” Redden -said “All said and done, if anybody asks if the salon was a Isuccess, it is, but the main reason would be because I met -[Sonja].” d Through Being Cool d Even as both of his businesses boom, Redden has faced ,his share of hurdles as well. Starting in October 2014, a sseries of blows were handed down to The Barbary from eLicense and Inspections (L&I). The club’s second floor, -called The Barbarella, had to close as a result of it. Due to the amount of people who could (and did) occupy that -space, the fire codes just weren’t up to snuff. For all in.tents and purposes, it was very dangerous. t But on August 3, 2015, all of the red tape and uncertainty ywas put away and the second floor was reopened. “We nev-er gave up, we never lost hope. We refused to let anyone telse dictate how The Barbary story will unfold,” Redden wrote in a Facebook post accompanied by a wide grinning epicture of himself holding up Barbary’s forms and “in ntears”, he adds. e d The Barbary is also an infamously selective place to paraty and dance until you black out. For example, if DJs spot dless-than-alternative folks trying to dominate the dance dfloor, they will spin music that they know mainstreamers r(bros, squares, etc.) won’t like.

“That's one of those things: For venues in an area that

Redden stands outside of The Barbary./Megan Matuzak isn't quite ‘the spot’, once it becomes a real hot spot, it's just inevitable that venues have to get all their cobwebs sorted, so to speak,” Redden admits.

Upon the announcement that The Barbary was closing there was a bit of a panic among party goers. The L&I incident, although Redden would never admit it, was the tip of the iceberg for closing. But the reality of the situation is that Fishtown is changing again and Redden’s “off the beaten path” brand can not survive that change. Call it “broverflow”, or call it how it is — Fishtown just isn’t as cool or edgy as it used to.

“I know that in Philadelphia... there aren't any [venues, parties, or events] that I know of that truly ended while they were on top. That was always really, really important for me. And it's important for The Barbary and what it is,” Redden said. “I want people to remember it as something that was really important to them and it's very tricky where

if you hold on for too long, you can really dilute that.”

As of the time that this article went to print, Redden says there are about 6 months left to party before The Barbary’s doors close for good. But what of Redden — What’s next for Fishtown’s favorite bad-boy entrepreneur? In classic fashion, Redden has left things open-ended to an extent.

“The next thing is right around the corner,” Redden hinted with a smile.

As that March meeting officially concluded, a few Barbary employees lit their cigarettes as they buddied up to head over to North Bowl for a staff party Redden was throwing for them. While some walked toward Richmond Street to “cut through”, others headed to their bikes. Redden was the last to leave. He hopped on his bike, revved the engine and looked back to wave. And then he was gone. •

Screen capture of Redden's Facebook post annoucing the reopening of the Barbarella.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 8, 2016 WRITTEN BY GRACE SHALLOW

Ninja Warriors A M E R I C A N N I N J A WA R R I O R C O M P E T E S I N P O R T R I C H M O N D

he Richmond Generating Station on Delaware Avenue near Lewis Street is a symbol of the Riverwards’ industrial and economic growth and evolution. Since the plant stopped operating regularly in 2004, the building has become a site of appreciation and intrigue.

The American Ninja Warrior qualifying rounds held on the evening of May 26 at this site crackled with excitement.

“How appropriate. This place is known for one thing and that’s producing power,” Akbar Gbajabiamila, co-host of the show, told Spirit News. “That’s the same type of thing the ninjas have to do here. They have to produce power and they better be electric.”

About 130 contestants — including Ohio State football player Armani Reeves and former Olympian Paul Hamm — competed on Thursday night on a course with six obstacles.

Four new obstacles were debuted and renovations to iconic obstacles, like the “Floating Steps”, were made, creating a course previous competitors have never seen before.

Those who made it through the qualifying rounds on Thursday competed again on Friday in the city finals round. On the second night, the “ninjas” faced a longer course of nine obstacles and their final chance to make it to Las Vegas, where the champion will be crowned.

In all eight seasons of the show, last Thursday night was the first time an episode was taped in Philadelphia.

“It used to be at a point where Donovan McNabb ruled the town and then for a little bit Andy Reid and his era. … Chip Kelly went by really fast, just about as fast as his offense, and now we’re here and we’re taking over,” Gbajabiamila, former NFL player, said.

“They call it the City of Brotherly Love for a reason,” Kent Weed, executive produce of American Ninja Warrior, said.

“We were welcomed with open arms when we came here and it was just a pleasure.”

During American Ninja Warrior’s last season, the show achieved a viewership of 7.2 million people. Matt Iseman, co-host of the show, feels like America keeps watching because the competitors are “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”

That same idea is what inspired Arianne Missiner of Coatesville, Pennsylvania to begin training for American Ninja Warrior a year ago — while she still was fighting liposarcoma, a rare form of cancer in the body’s connective tissues.

As a physical therapist and an active participant in activities like ballroom dancing, kettlebell and weight training, she’s always been dedicated to fitness.

“I’m obsessed with new skills and disciplines and this was my new challenge,” Missiner added. “I knew I was going to beat cancer and I knew I could continue to train for this.”

After ending treatment this past December, Missiner was cleared of cancer in January and competed on Thursday,

photos by thomas weir

fulfilling her goals.

Weed, who has worked on the show since the beginning, also attributed American Ninja Warrior’s success to being the “epitome of what family entertainment is today.”

“It touches on all the values and the moral values of family,” he added. “It gets families together. It reunites kids with parents. It gets parents off the couch and exercising with kids.”

The suspense and drama of the show is captivating for any viewer too. There are no second chances for any ninja running the course.

“You have to want to succeed as much as you want to breathe in order to be successful here because it just takes one little misstep and you’re done,” Gbajabiamila said.

“In American Ninja Warrior, you have to wait 365 days before you get another opportunity.”

Tune in on June 27 to see the episode of ninjas from all over competing in Philadelphia’s qualifying rounds.

American Ninja Warrior’s eighth season premieres tonight, June 1, at 8 PM. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 8, 2016 WORDS AND PHOTOS BY GRACE SHALLOW

Moffet School

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MOFFET ELEMENTARY CELEBRATES THE ARTS, CULTURE AND THE KIDS

n Arabic, al-bustan means “the garden.” For those at Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, the phrase has a symbolic value, reminiscent of their mission to garner awareness and appreciation for Arab arts and language as an organization. “‘The garden’ can create and grow. It’s not just culture, but friendship and love and peace,” Hazami Sayed, Executive Director at Al-Bustan, said.

An example of the many programs Al-Bustan spearheads is the “Arab Arts After-School Program” at John Moffet Elementary School (127 W. Oxford Street), which has been running for nine years.

On May 30, about 30 kids played the rhythms of Arabic music on drums and sang in the garden of John Moffet Elementary School (127 W. Oxford Street). The performance was in celebration of all of the students’ hard work and learning achieved through the after-school program during the year.

Three panels hanging from the fence with the phrase “the garden” written in three different languages — Arabic, Spanish and English — served as a backdrop for the performance.

With a student body of about 62 percent Latino and 13 percent Arab, former ESL teacher Margaret Laramee originally introduced the school to Al-Bustan in hopes of enriching the kids’ culture.

“There’s Arabic-speaking kids. They should have a celebration of their whole culture,” Laramee told Spirit News.

“It took off after that.”

Kids of any background are able to participate in AlBustan’s after-school program. In a diverse school and community, the intersection between cultures helps kids breed understanding for others and become well-rounded students and citizens.

“The school already has an astonishing tenderness toward one another,” Laramee said.

Drumming was what second-grader Wedad Abughoush enjoyed the most during the after-school program. Abughoush also enjoyed watching her non-Arab classmates

learn more about the culture she was born into.

“I really thought that it was inspiring for them and it was fun for me to learn new things,” she added.

Other community-focused organizations, like Astral Artists, Philadelphia Photo Arts Center and Taller Puertorriqueño, had tables at the event for kids to make crafts and do activities. All of these organizations have educated Moffet’s students about arts of varying mediums.

Despite a preference for photography, drumming or singing, each organization agrees students of a young age can benefit from exposure to art.

“I think art should be a part of everyday life. It should be considered an essential part of growing up and being with people,” Lorie Waselchuk, project manager for the Philly Block Project at the Philadelphia Photo Arts Center, said.

“Everyone sees art. Art is universal,” added Max Dugan, Al-Bustan’s program director. “That’s part of the reason why it’s such an effective method to discuss culture.”

The teachers for the after-school program, however,

benefit just as much as the kids when the class analyzes Arabic rhythms, classical songs and even writes their own compositions.

While introducing the students before the performance, Dugan teared up, saying his love for the kids is so strong he cries everytime he talks about them.

Moffet percusion director Hafez Kotain said, while in the classroom, they have taught him just as much about music as he has taught them.

“It’s all about fun and at the same time their focus is great. They’ve learned so much from the beginning of the year to this day,” he added.

From a shaded chair to the side of the event, Laramee looked over the community gathered in the garden as they snacked on falafel, listened to Arabic song and basked in the sunlight of a warm, spring afternoon.

“From a tiny seed something can grow,” she said. •

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY MICHAEL CASTANEDA

Restaurant Review

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S T E A K & S H A K E : S I M P L E Y E T S AT I S F Y I N G

here are a lot famous places in the city that serve authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks. Steak & Shake, located at 2573 Frankford Ave., is one of those places.

Steak & Shakes sits in an intersection by itself like a concrete island. It is designed like it was once on a boardwalk, but then transported to Kensington to serve the neighborhood with some of the best cheesesteaks the city has to offer. One of the first things to notice about the establishment — and this is how you know it’s authentic — is that the yellow chairs were chained and the blue tables were bolted to the sidewalk. Welcome to the neighborhood!

When it comes to cheesesteaks, I like mine with mushrooms, sautéed onions, peppers, and sometimes with two cheeses. When I try a new cheesesteak joint for the first time, though, I keep it simple and stick to the basics.

That’s how you know a place is sporting an authentic cheesesteak.

I ordered my steak whiz wit’, which was fantastic. For $6.75, a small steak was about a foot long. I had no problem eating the whole thing. The first thing I noticed was the soft bread the steak was served in. The bread, in my opinion, is just as important as the steak itself.

One of my favorite parts about this sandwich was the onions. There was enough to taste the sweetness of the onions without it dominating sandwich. The meat was also full of flavor. The cheese was delightful, which is one of the most important parts of the cheesesteak. There is a lot that can go wrong with this type of sandwich and the cheese can make-or-break it. One thing I’ve encountered in the past is the cheese being too hot. Nobody likes burning their mouth while eating something. Steak & Shake’s cheese came warm and in every part of the sandwich.

What I loved about this steak the most is that you can taste each ingredient individually. It’s almost perfect.

I have one complaint about the place and you may agree with me. The straws, they are not big enough! I figured I couldn’t go to a place called Steak & Shake without having a steak and a shake. I ordered a small chocolate milk-

shake. It went very well with my steak. It was smooth and chocolatey — The best kind. I complain about the straws, but they actually were pretty awesome, because they are bendy straws! Ah, sweet nostalgia.

It is the simple things in life that can make someone happy. Steak & Shake keeps it simple and does it right. That makes me happy and I’m sure it’ll make you happy, too.

Everything about this place is fun, from the local radio station playing today’s hits, to the bright yellow and blue tables chained to the sidewalk. The customer service was pleasant. I didn’t feel rushed when ordering, which can be a problem at some other places. The overall experience was well worth the trip up Frankford Ave. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 8, 2016

S F F n s s i t 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 g Thursday, June 9 of chance, moon bounce, and plenty of games for chil- L NKCDC OPEN OFFICE HOURS dren of all ages; beer garden offering craft, domestic c NKCDC is hosting open office hours in the 19134 zip ADAIRE PRINCIPAL'S UPDATE and imported beers, along with specialty drinks; and R code at two locations. They will be at the Firm Hope Bap- Friends of Adaire are hosting Adaire Principal Anna Jengaming hall. The Sounds of Sinatra will be performed tist Church on Tulip and Auburn Streets every second kins for an update on the school year and her 5-year-plan live by a neighborhood favorite “Jack Dee” on June 4 2 Wednesday of the month from 4-7PM. They will assist on Thursday, June 9, from 6-7:30pm at the Fishtown Recreand June 11 from 8 PM to 10 PM. Fun for the entire fam- W you with signing up for benefits like SNAP, connecting ation Center. A schoolyard update from the Trust for Pubily! to housing counselors for any housing needs, rent and lic Land will also be provided. c Please feel free to call Patty Ellis at 215.219.4703 for more d property tax rebates, food referrals, health insurance and RSVP tofriendsofadaire@gmail.com if childcare is needed. information! safety or quality of life issues in your community. o For further information contact Tess at tdonie@NKCDC.org June 23, 24, 25 2016 c ST ADABLERT'S PARISH SUMMER FESTIVAL Saturday, June 11 or 215-427-0350 x 139.

C The parish summer Festival serves as a means to bring GLAVIN PLAYGROUND FLEA MARKET the parish and neighborhood community together for the Flea Market from 9AM – 2PM at Frank Glavin PlayAL-ANON AT HOLY NAME CHURCH HALL ground (2600 E Westmoreland St). Bring your own taMeetings are held every Monday night from 7-8PM at Holy purpose of social entertainment and fundraising to the ble, set-up space 2 sidewalk blocks width, $10.00 colName Church Hall at 701 Gaul Street. Anything shared at parish. The Summer Fesitval (formerly known as the Parlected day of event. No spaces reserved, set up early on a meeting stays there and everyone is welcome to attend. ish Bazaar at Saint Adalbert's has been a Port Richmond tradition for many years. After hearing suggestions from a first come basis. No food vendors please.

Al-Anon meetings are free, anonymous and confidential. many bazaar volunteers and parishioners, the Fesitval Saturday, June 11 Committee voted to change the dates of our festival. The NETWORKING MEETINGS I NKCDC VACANT PROPERTY AND HOME REPhiladelphia Mastermind Group – Every Friday, 2016 Parish Summer Festivalwill take place on Thursday, p 8-9:30AM, B2B Networking at Front Street Café (1253 N Friday and Saturday, June 23, 24 and 25. Please let your PAIR WORKSHOP C From 11AM - 2PM at Rock Ministries (2755 Kensingfamily and friends know about the date change.

Front St.) S ton Avenue), this indoor fair-style event with organiHAPCO/DIG/GPAR – 2nd Thursday of the Month, 12:00zations that provide information on how residents 1:30PM. Lunch & Learn, real estate meetup at the Greater Saturday, June 11, 8-10 AM can take charge of problem properties on their block F Philadelphia Association of realtors (341 North Delaware LADIES OF PORT RICHMOND APPLEBEE’S PANCAKE BREAKFAST as well as learn about resources they can use for their T Avenue, Suite 200) own properties. There will be specific classroom edu- s DIG/HAPCO – 3rd Wednesday of the Month, 6:30-8:30PM. Join the Ladies of Port Richmond for their annual Pancake cational workshops, presentations, and non-profit staff W Philly Riverwards Sub-Group, Diversified Investors Breakfast fundraiser at the Applebee’s at 2501 Aramingo Ave. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children. The Laon hand to provide one-on-one assistance to residents M Groups meet up at Front Street Café (1253 N Front St.) dies of Port Richmond organize and raise money to supwith their inquiries. Lunch and giveaways will also be b For more information contact Joe Scorese 215-290-5108 or port breast cancer research. provided! Resources scheduled to participate include s jscorese@firstrust.com.

NKCDC, Councilwoman Sanchez’s Office, PhillyRising, 1 Thursdays Philly311, BenePhilly, Keep Philadelphia Beautiful, T Thursday, June 30th POWERS PARKS FARMER’S MARKET Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Citizen’s F FISHTOWN AC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLCome attend the Farmers’ Market on Thursdays from ARSHIP DEADLINE Bank, Philadelphia Corporation on Aging, Sarah Home t n The Fishtown Athletic Club Alumni Association offers 3-7PM at Powers Park (Ann & Almond Streets). Free food Health Care, and Philly Fixers Guild. p $1250 in scholarships for members of the Fishtown Ath- available from local farms and kitchens. t More information (vendors, etc.) is available on the Powletic Club or for students living in the 19125 zip code.

Saturday, June 11 F BODINE SCHOOLYARD GARDEN WORKDAY Please visit facalumni.com for more information or stop by ers Park Conservancy Facebook page.

Join Bodine staff & students, the Mural Arts Program & F Spirit News for a copy of the application.

Saturday, June 11 nearby neighbors as we work to restore & reimagine the R Sunday, August 7 ELM TREE POST 88 FLEA MARKET space behind Bodine High School at 4th & George Sts. r EIGHTH ANNUAL 2ND STREET FESTIVAL The American Legion Elm Tree Post 88 Auxiliary will hold Come out to learn more about the project and lend a The 2nd Street Festival, held between American and a Flea Market & Bake Sale on Saturday June 11th, from hand as we plant spring and summer plants. Share your T Green Sts. will feature over 150 vendors and food trucks. 9-2PM. Table spaces are $8.00 each, and the flea market ideas of how the schoolyard can live up to it’s potential S t Additionally, the bars and restaurants along 2nd St. will will be set up around the outside perimeter of the Palmer as a vital community space. be serving beer and cocktails in outdoor tents. Art Star Cemetery. Refreshments and baked goods will be sold inFor more information contact Linda at linconley@yahoo. h 6 will host its Craft Bazaar on the block between Fairmount side Elm Tree Post 88, 1414 E. Palmer Street. The Veterans com or 215.908-9035. c Ave. and Green St. will also hold a flag retirement ceremony inside Palmer a Cemetery around 1:30PM. Please bring your old, tattered Tuesday, June 14 Mondays 6:30-7:30 PM r flags to be retired. Rain date: Sunday, June 12th.

FLAG DAY CELEBRATION ST. MICHAEL’S LABYRINTH For further information, please call Marge at 215-203-0270.

The Friends of Penn Treaty Park invite you to celebrate F On Good Friday during Holy Week this year, St. Mi- Please feel free to leave a message if line is in use.

Flag Day at the park at 11AM. Come celebrate and grab chael’s Church at Trenton Avenue and Cumberland a free flag.

N Street opened their doors to walk the labyrinth that was June 9-11 6PM T installed on the second floor in the sanctuary of their MOTHER OF DIVINE GRACE ITALIAN FESTIVAL Saturday, June 25 s church. Monday evenings from 6:30 until 7:30 the doors Mother of Divine Grace Parish‘s annual Italian Festival will REPAIR FAIR f are open on Trenton Avenue for anyone who would like be held on June 2, 3 and 4; June 9, 10 and 11 at Thompson Join the Philly Fixers Guild for their 8th repair fair. The s to experience the labyrinth. There is no right or wrong and Cambria Streets starting at 6PM. Spaghetti suppers public is welcome to carry in their inoperative/dam- m way to walk the labyrinth, and there is plenty of literature will be served every night in our air-conditioned school aged/broken possessions and learn how to fix them. g available that offers suggestions for your walk. Come one hall from 5PM until 8PM. (Take-out available beginning at Their talented troupe of Fixers will be on hand to help p Monday and meet Yvonne Walker who will answer any 4:30 pm.) Please join our parish and neighborhood comand inform so that we can all create less waste and be t questions you might have on the labyrinth and take the munities and enjoy the delicious fried dough, pizza, saumore self-sufficient. The fair will take place at the Portwalk to bring faith, hope and love into your daily life. sage and peppers, meatballs, and roast pork sandwiches side Arts Center, 2531 E. Lehigh Ave., from 10AM-2PM. Contact St. Michael’s Church at 215-423-0792. all cooked homemade and served in the food court; wheels Saturday, June 25 COMMUNITY

CALENDAR

PAVED LOTS FOR RENT Paved Lots: 1720 N 2nd St REAR 10000sf for $700 per month 918 N 8th St 5000st for $800 per month 932 N 8th St 3000sf for $500 per month 1720 N 2nd FRONT 5000sf for $600 per month Warehouse: 928 N 8th St. 2400sf for $1750 per month.

Add 3000sf paved lot for discounted rate of $350 per month Ideal locations (Northern Liberties Vincinity). Minutes from center city, I95 and I76. Great for fleets, storage and parking

Contact: karyn@wulfhartmanagementgroup.com 215.687.8391

SOAP MAKING WORKSHOP From 12–2PM, $35. Nichole Gerding from Thankful Sage Farm School will be here to teach you the recipes and techniques for both cold press (lye based) and pour-and-mold soaps! Everyone will get hands-on, making melt-and-pour soaps that you'll be able to personalize with herbs, botanicals, and essential oils. Nicole will also demonstrate how to make cold press soap lye based soap and everyone will get a pre-made bar of cold processed soap to take home.

Location: Greensgrow Community Kitchen at St. Michael's Lutheran Church, 2139 East Cumberland Street.

Register at greensgrow.org.

2016 CAMPBELL SQUARE EVENTS While every effort will be made to reschedule events cancelled by bad weather, we cannot guarantee that alternate dates will be scheduled. Please call John at 267-886-8799 or Susan at 215-426-3766 on event dates for possible cancellations, or check us out on facebook at Friends of Campbell Square.

-June 5th, Sunday, 8AM-l:30PM FLEA MARKET -June 21st, Tues., 7-9PM PASB (Polish American String-Band) -July 13th, Weds., 7-9PM CHARLIE GRACIE BAND -July 27th, Weds. Dusk-FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT (tentative)

Interested in volunteering? We want YOU! For example, help with scheduled gardening and maintenance at Campbell Square on Wednesday nights, 6:30-7:30PM, Spring/Summer park events and all year round!

FISHTOWN LIBRARY EVENTS Tuesdays: Super Storytime: Join Miss Dana after school for stories and crafts! Tuesdays @ 4:15PM/ For ages 3 and up Wednesdays: Toddler Storytime with Greg Pizzoli - Join Miss Dana and author/illustrator Greg Pizzoli (Number One Sam, The Watermelon Seed) for a special day of stories, songs, silliness, and surprises! Wednesdays @ 10:30AM. Thursday, June 9 4 PM: Summer Reading Kick-Off Party at Fishtown Community Library. Starting at 4 PM, the Fishtown Free Library will host a party to celebrate the beginning of the Philadelphia Free Library’s Summer Reading program. The party will feature a magical performance by the Amazing Magi and fun surprises.

For more info call the Fishtown Branch of the Philadelphia Free Library at 215-685-9990. To view the complete Summer Reading list visit https://libwww.freelibrary.org/summerreading/

TIGERS SIGN-UPS Sign up now for the Port Richmond Tigers upcoming t-ball, softball, and baseball seasons at the Tiger's clubhouse (Chatham & Ann) Mondays through Fridays from 6:30-7:30PM. Softball and baseball are travel leagues. A copy of the child's birth certificate, a wallet sized picture, and a small deposit are required for registration. Roster room is limited so sign up now.

For more information call Tom Mack at 215-275-8838.

NOLIBS SUMMER CAMP The NoLibs Rec Summer Camp is the perfect place to send your children to camp in Philadelphia. Our wonderful camp staff ensures that the camp environment is both safe and fun. We do activities, such as music, art, swimming, reading, and activities & games in the gym and playground, on site. We also go on weekly trips. Buses transport the children to bigger trips, and we also go on walking trips to the Rodriguez Library, Everybody Hits (batting cag-

The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 8, 2016

Page 13

es), North Bowl, and Liberty Lands. The camp is for kids ages 6-12.

For more information and to register, visit NoLibsRec.org.

CIONE SIGNUPS Summer Camp for Cione Playground is now full. We are no longer taking applications.

Arts and Crafts for Kids – Meetings for 5-12 years old. Arts and crafts have no cost and takes place every Wednesday from 6-7PM. Zumba – Adult classes are on Fridays from 7:30-8:30PM, and the cost is $5 per class.

Chess Club – For beginner to advanced players of all ages.

Meetings take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:308PM. LUTHERAN SETTLEMENT HOME EVENTS Lutheran Settlement House Senior Center, 1340 Frankford Ave. Computer Classes: Level 1: Tuesdays from 9-10AM and Thursdays from 12-2PM. Level 2 Classes take place on Mondays from 1-3PM and Thursdays 2-4PM. Dancercise with Rita, Mondays at 9AM and Tai Chi with Milt on Wednesdays at 12:30PM. For further information call 215-426-8610.

Fridays ART WORKSHOP FOR SENIORS St. Anne’s Senior Center, 2607 E. Cumberland St., is offering an art workshop for people age 50 and older. “Clay Creations” will meet weekly on Fridays, from 12:30-2 PM Participants will learn about the art of hand building to create pots and other clay forms. Those interested should register in advance.

For more details call 215-426-9799.

SENIOR EXERCISE CLASSES Exercise classes for people 50 and older will be offered at St. Anne’s Senior Center, 2607 E. Cumberland St. Class schedule will be Enhance Fitness on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30 AM, Chair Yoga on Tuesdays at 9:30AM, Tai Chi on Wednesdays at 10AM, and Line Dancing on the first and third Friday of every month.

For more information call 215-426-9799.

Wednesdays FIRST PRESBYTERIAN BIBLE STUDY GROUP A Bible study group meets at First Presbyterian Church, 418 E. Girard Ave at 7PM . Come and bring a friend for informative, exciting and lively open discussions. As always, everyone is welcome.

Thursdays ST. ANNE WEEKLY NOVENA St. Anne weekly Novena Thursday evening service, 7:30PM Church of Saint Anne, Memphis St. and Lehigh Ave. Tuesdays PRAYER MINISTRY First Emmanuel Prayer Partners Church, 711 W. Girard Ave. Prayer Ministry is looking for Prayer Partners. Everyone is Welcome to come pray with us.

For further information call 215-456-9974.

BRIDESBURG REC CENTER (4625 RICHMOND ST) Zumba – Classes are Mondays and Thursdays from 7-8PM, and the cost is $4.

Beach Photos - Beach photos by <rs. Gooden will be taken in early June. Save the Gas! Beach photos will be taken at the Rec in an air conditioned room.

Bridesburg Nursery School - Boys and Girls ages 2-4 as of September 1, 2016. 2’s Mon. and Thurs., 3’s Thurs. and Fri., 4’s Mon. and Wed.

Happy 8th birthday to our amazing, intelligent, and beautiful ladybug, McKenzie Ann Macready! We love you more then any word could describe and we are extremely proud of you! Congratulations on receiving your 1st Holy Communion, and good luck in 3rd grade! We love you!

Love always: Mommy, Daddy, Sir Alex, and entire family

Food Pantry - Please donate nonperishable food and clothing for needy in the neighborhood. Drop off donations at the Rec weekdays from 9AM-9PM. Scrapbooking – Scrapbooking group meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-9:30PM. The cost is $5 per class and everything will be supplied except a book and photos.

Tumbling/Gymnastic Camp: Registration for Bridesburg Rec’s Tumbling/Gymnastic Camp opens at 10 AM. The camp runs from 9-10AM, Monday, July 11 to Friday, July 29. It’s for kids ages 3-12 and is limited to 45 children. The cost is $70.00 for three weeks or $30 per week.

For more information call Miss Jackie at 215-685-1247.

PORTSIDE ARTS Portside's Summer Arts Pass: Purchase you children, teen or adult “Summer Art Pass” and ​get access to multiple classes and workshops throughout the summer!

For more info call (215) 427-1514 or http://www.portsideartscenter.org/ FREE ENIGLISH & CITIZENSHIP CLASSES Can you or someone you know benefit from English as a Second Language (ESL) or Test for Citizenship Classes?

The Richmond Library at 2987 Almond St. presents free English and citizenship classes. Tuesday and Thursdays from 6-7:30PM at the Richmond Library.

For more information, call the Library at 215-685-9992.

WALKING CLUB The Playgrounds and Rec Centers in Parks and Recreation District 2 are starting a Walking Club. Exercise as you wait at your child’s program. There is no cost to sign up, and the first 100 participants get a free t-shirt. Stop in and sign up at the Bridesburg Rec Center at 4601 Richmond St. For more information and to register, call the Center at 215685-1247.

Page 14

The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 8, 2016 COMMUNITY

CLASSIFIEDS A D 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

Advertise With Us! By placing an advertisement with the Spirit News, you connect with the residents of Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Port Richmond, and Kensington.

AD S @S PIRITN E WS . ORG

THE FINE P RINT:

1 4 2 8 E . S US QUE H AN N A AV E

We reserve the right to edit, refuse or classify any advertisement.

Advertising is a privilege which must be protected against misuse. All classified advertisements subject to pre-payment. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to check the advertisements each time it is published.

No responsibility is assumed by the newspaper for errors. Errors will be rectified by reinsertion in the following issue only.

215.423.6246 The deadline is Friday at 5pm for display ads, and Monday at 12pm for classifieds. All advertisements must be paid for in advance.

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FOR RENT

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PARENTS

FOSTER PARENTS Good, Loving homes needed for children of all ages.

PLEASE CALL 215-203-8733 or 1-877-NFI4KID or visit nfi4kids.org

JUNK CARS Up to $1,100 cash for cars or trucks with bad engines or transmissions. $550 CASH for any complete junk car or truck with or without title. Call 215-669-1000

CHILDCARE Childcare in home with stay-home Mom. Reasonable rates. Short or Long term. For info call Tiffany @ 267-750-8577

REAL ESTATE SALES: new or experienced; free training program.

Call Mike Dunphy at 215-840-8399 Drivers: CDL – A 1 yr. exp., Earn $1,250 + per week, Great Weekend Hometime, Excellent Benefits & Bonuses, 100% No Touch/70% D & H 888-406-9046 Drivers: Get Home Daily! $1,500 Sign on Bonus.

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CDL Class A w/ Hazmat End. 888-593-2705 EEO/ AA Employer/ Vets/Disability Drivers: $7,500 SIGN-ON!!

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Safety Bonuses, Great Benefits! 401k, $1k for driver referrals! Regular hometime!Owner Operators welcome! CDL-A w/exp.

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Installer needed for growing startup company. Opportunities for advancement.

For info call Greg at 844 469 3873.

FOR RENT Available June 1st, 2016.

Newly renovated 1st Flr Apt. 3BR, 1 BA, HW & ceramic flooring throughout, full size W/D, granite counter top, DW, garb. disposal, CA, refrig. & micro. Sep. entrance and on site parking. $1200.00 per month includes gas.

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Port Richmond 1 BR, kitchen, living room and bathroom. Clean and quiet. No pets. $650 + gas and electric 215-423-9746 For Rent Fishtown 2 BR House $1300 Richmond 2BR House $900 1 BR apartment $775/month + utilities.

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Landlords must allow you to make reasonable accommodations to ensure full use of your apartment. Telling you that you can’t install grab bars and ramps is against the law. You can fight back.

If you suspect unfair housing practices, contact HUD or your local Fair Housing Center. Everyone deserves a fair chance.

FAIR HOUSING IS THE LAW!

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Page 15

The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 8, 2016 WRITTEN BY MADISON HALL

Pruning Club

A

P H I L LY T R E E P E O P L E L A U N C H P R U N I N G C L U B I N T H E R I V E R WA R D S

fter noticing the lack of trees lining neighborhood streets, Nykia Perez and her two friends, Dina Richman and Jacelyn Blank, decided to dedicate their time to organizing and maintaining tree plantings within the communities they called home in the Riverwards.

In 2007, the three friends started Philly Tree People, a nonprofit organization that has tasked itself with bringing more tree coverage to the city’s neighborhood, after they met at a Tree Tenders workshop through the Philadelphia Horticultural Society.

“Nykia and I met at the East Kensington Neighbors Association meeting, we found a lot in common and she invited me to join her at Tree Tenders course,” Blank said. “We met Dina there and realized we were the only ones interested in planting in our general area.”

Since then, the organization has joined 41 other tree tender groups with a total of 3,000 members in Philadelphia.

According to PhillyTreeMap, there are 57,969 trees plant-

ed in the city. Philly Tree People has planted 1,283 of those trees in the last five years with the help of volunteers in neighborhood-wide plantings.

“Half of the process involves getting properly completed applications from property owners and organizing and preparing those for applying to get trees via the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society who then works with the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to get the sites inspected by a city arborist,” Perez said.

She added: “The next step is getting volunteers to attend our planting day event to get the trees in the ground which just takes a few hours out of someone's day and includes free breakfast, lunch, and the opportunity to win the several raffle prizes.

Philly Tree People recently held a Pruning Club meeting at the corner of York and Gaul across from the Mugshot Diner on Sunday May 22. Pruning is a horticultural practice involving the selective removal of parts of a plant, such as branches, buds, or roots. Pruning is necessary to remove

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diseased or storm-damaged branches, to thin the crown to permit new growth and better air circulation, to reduce the height of a tree, to remove obstructing lower branches or to shape a tree for design purposes.

“We schedule 3-5 pruning events between spring and fall.

It’s only a two hours event and we raffle a prize, said Perez.

With no experience needed, anyone is free to attend the event.

“When people attend they learn the benefits of pruning trees. What we do is prune for damaged, diseased, or dead limbs,” said Blank. “We also prune for clearance for pedestrians on the sidewalk and cars parking on the street.

Maintaining the overall health is important for health and aesthetics, but we want people to enjoy them instead of feeling they are a nuisance. “ The Pruning Club has been active for four years and became one of the first started by a Tree Tender group.

Along with the visual impact, the plantings have improved the community by bringing people together, reinforcing new relationships, and helping reduce crime and vandalism.

“Being outdoors and involved in the the planting of trees, pruning of them, or help with pit maintenance gets people active and is overall healthy for the mind and body,” Blank said.

The next Pruning Club meeting will be held Sun., June 26, 10AM-12PM at Belgrade and Tioga in Port Richmond. The following three meetings are set for Wed., August 3, 6:30-8:30PM at Marlborough and Wildey 19125; Thu., September 22, 6:308:30PM at Emerald and Dauphin 19125; and Sat., October 15, 10AM-12PM at Westmoreland and G St 19134. •

Penn Treaty Special Services District to Award More Than $188,000 in Grants at June Meeting

T

he Penn Treaty Special Services District (Penn Treaty SSD) announced Grants and Sponsorships to the following recipients:

Palmer Cemetery – $96,700 to install iron fencing along the Belgrade Street and Montgomery Avenue borders of this important, well-loved Revolutionary War Era space.

Palmer Doggie Depot – $41,500 to support capital upgrades to the Big Green Block, which includes solar lighting, a water source and support for Stan “The Cutman” Field.

Creative Kids Club – $13,632 to support after school, weekend, and summer camp hooping programs.

Code for Philly (co-sponsored by Tech Impact) – $10,000 towards SSD-sourced food and beverage for their monthly Hack Night Community Events.

Friends of Penn Treaty Park – $16,700 to support the park’s 2016 spring and summer events.

East Kensington Neighbors Association – $3,500 to support the 2016 Trenton Avenue Arts Festival and Kinetic Sculpture Derby.

Northern Liberties Neighbors Association – $3,100 to support their spring and summer fundraising events.

Fishtown Neighbors Association – $2,000 to support the 2016 Meet The Neighbors event.

Children's Crisis Treatment Center – $1,000 to support their Annual Cruise For Kids fundraiser fundraiser. •

The Spirit of the Riverwards â&#x20AC;&#x201C; March 2, 2016