The Spirit of the Riverwards - June 22, 2016 by The Spirit

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WEEK JUNE 22, 2016 VOL. 13 NO. 23

REPRESENTING UNDER I-95 State Rep. John Taylor discusses our "Life Under I-95” cover story with us. 9

REMEMBERING ORLANDO Faithful Laurentians hold vigil outside St. Laurentius Church. 8

OLD TIMERS GAME Fishtown baseball legends honored at annual Old Timers Game. 11

t’s officialy summer, so why not head to the beach? It's nice to get out of the city, feel the sea breeze pushing an ocean mist into your face, dig your feet into the sand and feel the grains hide between your toes. Well, now you can get the same sea-vibes close to home at Port Richmond’s newest restaurant, Bait & Switch, a seafood themed bar that takes you from Philadelphia and sets you into a Cape Cod-like beach getaway that does not disappoint. From the same folks who brought Loco Pez to Fishtown, Bait & Switch

has added a classic sense of flavor to the neighborhood north of Lehigh. The restaurant sits at the corner of Belgade and Somerset (2537 E. Somerset St.) in Port Richmond. Bait & Switch gives their guests a sense of coziness that assures them nothing short of a great experience. Inside the eatery, the hardwood floor looks as though beach sand and sun has worn it down for ages. The ceiling, open to the building's beams (a trent in the city) actually works well here. Famous fish from history are

“Over here, tonic water? Taxed. Ocean Spray? Taxed. All these here, any sparkling water with sugar in it? Taxed.” Don Petzak, general manager of the Thriftway supermarket on Aramingo Ave., is leading me through the aisles, pointing out all the items that will be affected by the new sugary beverage tax for the 2017 Philadelphia city budget. I have to admit, the visual aid is working on me. We’ve been down three aisles so far and haven’t even reached the shelves where more traditional sodas like Coke and Pepsi are sold. Petzak grimaces when I call the plan a “soda” tax. In his eyes, it covers much more of his inventory than what the word “soda” calls to mind. Petzak prefers the term, “gro-

cery tax,” the name used by the American Beverage Association’s (ABA) in their multi-million dollar campaign against the proposal. But Petzak isn’t a lobbyist, nor does he need to be lobbied. He’s just part of an independent grocery store that has served the Riverwards for almost 27 years. He maintains that his primary concern is for the community his store is based in. “It’s like when the cigarette tax happened a few years back, we immediately stopped selling cigarettes,” he said. “Listen, I can throw a baseball and hit [Interstate] 95 from here. Ten minutes in

ACCU-REGGIE

Continued on Page 7.

Seven day forecast for the Riverwards. 4

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Local events, meetings and more. 12-13

HOT OFF THE

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 22, 2016

THE

local lens BY THOM NICKELS

t’s hard to know what you or I would do if confronted with a gunman in a crowded nightclub. Any decision about where to run or hide would be a complete game of chance. Predicting the trail of a killer, where he will turn and shoot next, would be impossible to gage, so in the end we’d only have our instincts, hoping against hope that where we chose to hide would be the one place the killer would not look. In many horrifying accounts of mass murders, there are reports of people who pretend to be dead in order to fool the killer. But pretending to be dead takes a certain amount of risk. You pick a spot and you stay there, immobile, until the killer passes over you but one false move and it’s over. If you run and hide in a bathroom, as many in Orlando’s Pulse nightclub did on the night of the killings, you risk trapping yourself in a corner with no way out, hoping somehow that the killer will forget to check the stall where you are hiding. Since bathrooms generally only have one exit, this solution isn’t a good one. When a shooter is shooting there’s no time to debate the pitfalls of various hiding place. Of course, if you had a gun, you might get lucky and pick off the killer but a revolver is no match for the Sig Sauer MCX-semi automatic rife that killer Omar Mateen used in his slaughter of 50 people and the maiming of 50 more in Orlando’s Pulse. When Mateen began the shooting at Pulse he knew he’d be encountering people at a vulnerable time: at the end of a long drinking night when individual responses would be staggered or slow. As news reports indicate, as the shots rang out, patrons assumed they were a component of the music, a DJ improvisation. During the Paris massacre in 2015 at the Eagles of death Metal concert at the Bataclan, concert goers at first thought that the opening gunfire from the terrorists was fireworks or pyrotechnics. It took a couple of minutes before reality set in. By the end of that slaughter, 130 people had been killed, the largest public massacre in France since World War II. The massacre in Orlando got me thinking of a lot of things. I thought of the big gay dance clubs I used to frequent with their erotically charged reverely and music, of jam packed dance floors where thoughts of violence and death were as far away as the Arctic Circle. I also thought of sudden death: Why it is that some say that it is the worst kind of death? It's becasue it takes us unaware without time to pray, meditate or say good-bye to loved ones. St. Nicodemus the Hagiorite, an Orthodox saint who died in 1801, wrote that “death shows up like an unexpected thief and we do not know how or when he will visit us. He may appear today, at this hour, at this very moment and you, who woke up feeling fine, will not last until the evening, while you, who have reached the evening, may not wake up…Therefore, my brother, take heed and tell yourself: “If I die suddenly, what will become of the wretched old me? What would be my benefit even if I enjoy all the pleasures of the world?” The massacre also made me think of what a (now deceased) friend of mine was fond of saying: “Line them up and mow them down” whenever he talked about his political enemies. He was talking about mowing down mem-

bers of the religious right, bigots who preached hate in the name of Christ, bigots who should not really call themselves Christian. “Line them up and mow them down” had an offbeat forbidden ring to it although my friend was far from violent. Saying this for him was a kind of catharsis or personal exorcism. I used to repeat my friend’s line myself line when feeling especially exasperated by certain groups of ignorant people. Line them up and mow them down. I’d laugh while saying this to offset the horrible sound of it. After Orlando, however, I’m through saying anything remotely like this again. The aftermath of Orlando set off a series of political fights of liberal vs. conservative, anit gun activists vs. 2nd Amendment advocates, Trump vs. Sanders and Clinton supporters. Orlando hadn’t been in the news for five minutes before certain people started blaming Christians for the slaughter. The reason? Because two or three crazy ministers announced that they supported the jihadist Marteen who murdered 50 gay men and women at Pulse. Blaming Christians for Orlando is as absurd as blaming Tony Orlando and Dawn for the floods in Paris. We also saw the antigun folks call for a ban on assault weapons as if banning assault weapons would make terrorism disappear. Jihadists, however, can just as easily don a suicide belt or “recycle” household items like gasoline or kerosene into fatal weapons. Assault weapons like the Sig Sauer MCX, however, do not belong on the open marketplace. Even Ronald Reagan (a man I do not admire) advocated their banishment except in the hands of the military. Assault weapons do not belong in the dens and kitchen cabinets of ordinary Americans. Next up was the Facebook wars over the Orlando massacre. These battles were disheartening to observe, mainly because of the polarizing opinions there. Some said that the massacre was caused by the easy access of assault weapons, while others blamed homophobia or radical Islam. It was the rare, intelligent commentator who put the blame on all three. God forbid that a card carrying progressive should admit that Fox News might be right when it comes to fighting radical Islam. Just because Fox News is wrong 90 per cent of the time doesn’t mean it can’t score a bull’s eye on one or two issues. Neither the right nor the left are infallible sources when it comes to political solutions. MSNBC, Truthout's Buzzflash, Alternet and Salon, all progressive news outlets, might be clueless when it comes to President Obma’s or western Europe’s immigration policies, but these sources get my vote every time when it comes to their opposition to tampering with Social Security and programs for the poor. Sadly, the “mow them down” mentality reigns supreme in America. The vitriol against Trump on Facebook is so thick that one can easily imagine an anti-Trumper edging towards violence. Obama haters are just as ferocious in their obsessive rage. Some of these postings on Facebook express the wish that some disastrous event would come along and end the Obama presidency. As for Omar Marteen, since the massacre it has come out that he was a frequent visitor to Pulse. There have even been reports that he picked men up there despite his mar-

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

riage to Noor Salman. Gay folks are all too familiar with this type of man, the downlow covert guy who lives one life on the outside and a gay one on the inside. As I used to tell people, the numbers of men who live this way are far more numerous than the ordinary person could imagine. It is, in many ways, America’s biggest secret. While there’s nothing wrong with a healthy, questioning, curious sexuality, in some men this secret life has adverse effects, especially when they hate themselves for what they’re doing. This rage, this self hatred of course might at any moment coalesce into violence, especially when fueled by religious fanaticism. This is why men who have nagging, persistent secret homosexual thoughts and fantasies they wish to get rid of are the ones who often lash out at gay men who feel comfortable in their own skin. In plain terms, the man who is always yelling “faggot” is somebody to watch out for and take note of. More often than not, this man is fighting repressed homosexual desires and putting on a show so that his friends and family will not suspect his secret desires. I experienced this on a Septa bus recently when a passenger, a male, lashed out at me as I pulled the cord for my bus stop. Perhaps I glanced at him too long when I boarded the bus at Front and Girard, but is this any reason to get upset? Whatever the reason, he yelled “pervert” as I got off the bus, then said it again. He wasn’t carrying a gun or a knife but he might have well been. I gave him the finger, although even after I got off the bus he was still making hostile gestures through the window. This fanatic would not stop. He wasn’t Middle Eastern; he was just your run of the mill neighborhood dude in black athletic shorts… with a very bad attitude. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 22, 2016

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 22, 2016

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ummer heat returned and turned up last week. We started the week cool and a bit rainy before 90s arrived by the weekend. This week will be similar to last week but a bit warmer. If you don’t like extreme summer heat I can tell you that nothing extreme looks to be coming our way. Overall, it feels like typical Summer weather that’s great for nighttime activities, playing outside and MLB baseball. Our two shots of rain this week are on Thursday and Monday. Thursday's storm is the larger of the two rain events along a slow moving front. Expect downpours for

a few hours. Rain on Monday is brought to us by a weak cold front and could feature some severe, but short lived, thunderstorms. We start the forecast on Wednesday on a warm note as temperatures climb through the 80s. Overall, a great day to be out and about! Thursday will be showery and humid as a weak storm moves through the region along a frontal boundary. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will be sunny and increasingly warm across the period. Temperatures on Friday and Saturday will mostly be in the 80s, with a pop up to

the 90s expected on Sunday. Monday will start hot and humid before a weak cold front comes through with thunderstorms, especially late in the morning and afternoon. Tuesday will be hot and humid as we get back into the 90s. The weather winner of the week is the Wednesday; the weather loser is Tuesday (too hot!). •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 22, 2016 WORDS AND PHOTOS BY THOMAS BECK

Michelle Winkis 26TH DISTRICT HONORS OFFICER MICHELLE WINKIS

n Thursday, June 16, the Philadelphia Police Department's 26th District honored former colleague Michelle Winkis, who died suddenly after a brain aneurysm on September 7, 2013. Family members, friends and the officers of the 26th District gathered outside the station at 615 E. Girard Ave. and planted flowers in a cement planter before releasing butterflies into the air in commemoration of the deceased officer. A plaque has been situated on the frontside of the cement planter facing the station on Girard Avenue. Captain Mike Cram, for whom Winkis served as an aid during the final years of her life, offered several remarks at the event. “What else can you say about Michelle, right?” said Captain Cram. “Everybody’s got a million stories. We all loved her. She was more than my aid; she was my friend. Not a day goes by when something doesn’t remind me of her.” Officer Jose Dones of the 26th District attended the police academy with Michelle. Despite having been assigned to different districts, the two remained close over the years. After several stints in the DA’s office and elsewhere, Dones reunited with Winkis in the 26th District. “She did anything for anyone,” said Officer Dones. “Whether it was a beef and beer for someone that was having a hard time or an officer that needed help with anything. Michelle was the first one that we reached out to.” Winkis' mother Mary was a police officer as well. She joined the force in 1981. Her daughter followed suit nine short years later. Upon entering the police academy, Winkis was so young that she had to be temporarily held back; she would have otherwise graduated before turning 19. “She was the best daughter anybody could ever ask for,” Mary said. “Everybody that met her loved her. Her nieces, her nephews, her brothers. [Her death] was a total shock to everybody. She came to work on Labor Day, and never came home. It was a total shock to everybody.” Officer Michelle Winkis served on the police force for 23 years, almost all of which in the 26th District. During her tenure, she partook in a plethora of initiatives, including the Blue Flames Police and Fire Football Club. Her colleagues have described her as a selfless and reliable workhorse who cared deeply about those around her. She is survived by her three children, Taylor, Carlee and Alex, as well as her husband Tom. “If something needed to be done, if somebody needed help, Michelle was helping them,” said Captain Cram. “Whether it was somebody in the police department or somebody in the neighborhood, she was the one that you went to to get things done. Just a great person.” •

Butterflies were released after the dedication.

This planter was placed out front of the 26th District HQ in memory of Officer Winkis.

Captain Mike Cram addresses the crowd

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 22, 2016

BON BOUR & CH N A R B

BOURBO N & BRANCH

BOU RB BRA& ON NCH

Cloakz

BOURBO N & BRANCH

BON BOUR & BRANCH

BOURBON & BRANCH BOURBO N & BRANCH

Y O U R M O N T H LY G U I D E T O L O C A L M U S I C B R O U G H T T O Y O U B Y B O U R B O N & B R A N C H

omewhere nestled in between the fuzzy jazzmaster and pop chords of Philly’s CLOAKZ lies the smooth vocals of Zachary Ciancaglini. On the group’s debut record, Semi-Autographic EP, you can hear change, experimentation, and a band willing to take on new challenges in their music. If My Bloody Valentine and Mac Demarco found themselves cruising the beach, CLOAKZ would be the bottomless margarita pitcher at the bar. Ciancaglini, just like many other people (myself included), came to Philadelphia knowing that it is a great place to try new things. With a multitude of musicians, venues, and clubs, this city is becoming home to many transplants in search of a more hospitable creative atmosphere. Originally from South Jersey, Zachary Ciancaglini has lived in Northern Liberties since 2014. “People here are into local music and actually support it. They like to get rowdy and have fun and interact with the bands on and off the stage. It's such a great time to be a part of Philly's music scene," Ciancaglini said. Ciancaglini and his bandmates are very involved in the local music scene — all of them play in more than one band, including Raccoon Fighter, The Whips, Rhinestones, Phantasm, Passion Crimes, and Sunhat. When I asked Ciancaglini about his inspiration for music he said, “We all keep pretty busy musically. Moving from Brooklyn to Philly, changing up jobs and old habits all sparked something. I've always had a garage rocky background but CLOAKZ is more personal, lyrically and musically. It's mostly a me vs me type thing and the music is a blend of older and newer ideas.” One their EP, CLOAKZ does a good job of balancing guitar and drums. Ciancaglini’s melodic voice channels the city streets while sitting nicely forefront on the record. Overall, the record feels mysterious, challenging, and experimental. A solid start to the scene’s newcomers. We’re look forward to more work from Zachary Ciancaglini and CLOAKZ.

WRITTEN BY JUSTIN HELM

CONCERT PREVIEW

iverwards residents are in for a treat — Bourbon and Branch is bringing a killer show to the neighborhood on July 7th. It’ll be sample heaven, as eclectic synths and masked vocals take center stage when Dream Safari, Power Animal, and The Undercover Dream Lovers perform. Dream Safari is the one-man project of Chris Coulton, a local DJ and musician who is also known as the DJ of the Space Jams party at The Barbary. A mixture of pop and electronic music, Coulton superbly blends sidechains, minimal drums, and sampled instruments. On the track “Cosmic Canyon”, a xylophone floats effortlessly alongside of a synth. Meanwhile, tracks like “Mumbai” produce more of a world-music sound. Mixing many genres while remaining upbeat, fast, and focused, Dream Safari proves that you don’t have to conform to one genre anymore. An instant classic, this act is not to be missed. Be on the lookout for new music coming soon. Another radical band from Philly, Power Animal, will be sharing the bill as well. This group will make you dance like you do when you think no one is looking. The energy their music creates is fun, positive and sweet. Right now the band is selling their record on Bandcamp via Human Kindness Overflowing, and it’s selling for as little as $2. No reason to hold back — You should support these guys.

Mugshot Diner Owner Donates to Local Youth Sports Teams

fter the grand reopening of Mugshot Diner, owner Chris Voz gave 10 percent of the first week’s total earning to three local youth sports teams. The teams were selected by local resident Mike Marko. Three checks totalling $2,409 were given to the following teams: The St. Anne Falcons football team run by Jimmy Galasso, The Cione Strikers run by John Levy, and We Care Soccer Camp run by Pat Cain, Sr. Each team received $803, which will help each team with their needs. Jimmy Galasso and Mike Marko

CLOAKZ

Out of towners will also be playing the show. The Undercover Dream Lovers is a indie-pop project from producer/ musician Matt Koenig of Brooklyn, NY. Koenig’s record, While It’s In Style, may have been produced in a bedroom, but it doesn’t lack any energy of a big production. Instead, it focuses on songwriting and catchy melodies. Come pop by Bourbon and Branch on July 7th. Doors open at 8, tickets are going for $7-10. •

Dream Safari This week's Music Row is supported by Bourbon & Branch, Philly's premier boutique music venue. Join us any night of the week for local and touring entertainment in our live music venue, or visit our restaurant and bar for Northern Liberties' finest food and drinks. If trivia is your thing, we host Quizzo every Monday night, or if you just want to throw back some drinks, come out to our Lush's Lament double happy hour! Whatever you do, just remember to support the arts and be good to each other. Cheers!

The Undercover Dream

Email, call or drop off your calendar event to The Spirit. news@spiritnews.org 215-423-6246 1428 E. Susquehanna Avenue Pat Cain and Mike Marko

John Levy and Mike Marko

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 22, 2016 Continued from Page 1.

Obviously, dessert is a must when dining out. I recommend Bait & Switch's Key Lime Pie, which the menu states is “Momma’s original 1914 recipe!” The pie is big enough to share, but not too daunting to eat entirely by yourself. Having spent six years in Florida, I’ve had quite a few key lime pies in my day, so I feel it’s fair for me to say Bait & Switch does this dessert right. Usually Key Lime Pie comes in a slice from a bigger pie, but having a personal one with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top was the end to a wonderful night. This restaurant is going to be a new pearl in the city and you’ll want to go there the next chance you get. •

Shrimp and Grits

displayed on a shelf alongside a wall adorned with noble captains, such as The Skipper from Gilligan’s Island, Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek and, my personal favorite, Kurt Russel from the hit 1992 classic, Captain Ron. The Happy Hour Ahoy is reason enough to visit Bait & Switch. With $1 oysters, half-priced draft beers, $4 Schuylkill Punch (we’ll get to that later), $5 red and white wines, their happy hour is certainly worth the trip. Happy hour features half-off on the Bait Bucket, which is a dish of Old Bay French Fries topped with Cheese Curds and New England Clam Chowder. Is this the New England version of gravy fries? Ocean gravy fries? Imagine Crab The wall adorned with famous captains is a great touch at Fries from Chickie's & Pete's, but instead of simply being Bait & Switch./All photos by Michael Castaneda fries with Old Bay seasoning, Bait & Switch adds the sharp flavor of cheese curds tossed with fresh clams and chowder. This is Crab Fries times 1,000. My order didn’t come in a bucket as advertised on the menu, which was a bummer because I was excited to see that. However, the Bait Bucket was still my favorite dish of the evening and is a must-order if you go. I also reccomend the Schuylkill Punch — a drink consisting of Farber Light Rum and Myers's Dark Rum, guava, lime and a house made grenadine. Farber is a distillery located in Quakertown, Pa., and Myers Dark Rum is a Jamaican rum. These two liquors — when mixed with the sweet hint of guava, lime and grenadine — make for a tropical, yet northern special that goes down quicker and smoother than the Titanic. I ordered quite a few while I was there and sure did not regret it. For dinner I ordered the Shrimp Fry, which came with Mexican Golden Shrimp, two sides and two sauces for $17. For my sides I ordered Hush Puppies and the seasonal vegetable, which was broccoli. For my two sauces I ordered cocktail sauce and tartar sauce, but received two orders of tartar (no biggie, I like tartar sauce and I used both, almost needing a third). Bait & Switch does a great job of giving you classic seafood. The shrimp was perfectly cooked, crunchy and soft, and the hush puppies were some of the best I’ve had in the city. The broccoli was cooked very nicely, but I would love to try them grilled, not because I didn’t like them, but because I know Bait & Switch would do a great job with grilling them. Along with their Shrimp Fry, the menu featuers Fish and Chips, Shrimp and Grits or Taco Pezcado, which Key Lime Pie Somers Team Spirit Half Page Ad 2 copy.pdf 1 5/2/16 Bait 8:13 Bucket AM is blackened fish, spicy super slaw, salsa verde and crema.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 22, 2016 WORDS AND PHOTOS BY MEGAN MATUZAK

remembering orlando FA I T H F U L L A U R E N T I A N S H O L D V I G I L O U T S I D E S T. L A U R E N T I U S C H U R C H

“We usually gather here to pray for them to open the doors, but today we put that aside to pray for the victims, the survivors, the families and friends and first responders of Orlando,” local resident Venise Whitacker says while standing next to St. Laurentius Church in Fishtown. In the early hours of June 12th, Omar Mir Seddique Mateen opened fire on unsuspecting patrons of Pulse Nightclub. After Mateen was taken down by police, 49 people were confirmed dead and 53 were reportedly injured. It was the largest mass shooting in America to date. This past Sunday, six locals huddled in the shade next to the fence surrounding St. Laurentius to light candles and pray. “Even though this happened a week ago we still wanted to do something. No one is here because the buzz is over and that is sad,” Whitacker said. Whitacker started the vigil by reading the names of all the victims. The group then read and recited from a booklet titled, “Prayers to St. Michael”. The prayers called on Michael the Archangel to guide and protect: “...to you the Lord has entrusted the souls of the redeemed to be led into heaven.” A fitting line in light of such tragedy. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 22, 2016 WRITTEN BY PTAH GABRIE

Representing Under I-95 S T A T E R E P. J O H N T AY L O R D I S C U S S E S O U R " L I F E U N D E R I - 9 5 ” C O V E R S T O R Y W I T H U S

n June 8, Spirit News published an article titled “Life Under I-95.” This "slice of life" piece highlighted three groups of people and how their lives are affected by living under the intersate. In that piece, local resident Dan Dugan was very outspoken about his dealings with 177th District Rep. John Taylor and James J. Anderson construction. Dugan claimed Rep. Taylor wasn’t doing enough to mitigate the problems he was having from the ongoing construction. Spirit News reached out to Rep. Taylor for comment, but our request for comment overlooked. After the article was published, Spirit News was contacted by Rep. Taylor who wished to speak with us about Dugan’s claims and about his relationship with James J. Anderson Construction, whose owner, James Anderson, is a financial donor to Rep. Taylor. We spoke to Rep. Taylor, who is also the Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, and gave him the chance to respond to the article: Spirit News: Obviously you read our article. What is your response to some of the claims Mr. Dugan made about you?

Rep. Taylor: The city certainly has a role in it. Like every other problem, we’ll come out and try to rectify it. We’ll go out, do what we can and repeat the process. Spirit News: What should neighbors do when they feel like their lives are being negatively impacted by highway construction? Rep. Taylor: They can certainly contact us. We did have some problems up at Cottman Ave. They can call us, they can call the legislator. This particular district, District 6, is unfortunately five counties... They should definitely call any or all of us when that pops up and we’ll get the proper response. I often said to him, Dan (Dugan), what do you want? The last thing we want is the notion that we didn’t respond. Sometimes we can solve the problem, sometimes we can’t, and in this particular issue, we certainly can. • Photo by Michael Klusek

Rep. Taylor: I’ve had a long relationship with Dan Dugan going back to my childhood. I know him very well. When the construction started near his house, he first contacted us, and as you can see from the emails [provied by Taylor's office], we did everything we could to get this addressed. The engineers, [and] PennDot contacted Anderson a number of times. The relationship with every contractor is always difficult, whether they break the curb, or crack the sidewalk, it’s always a battle. In terms of attention from PennDot, the engineers and Anderson, I think we got an active response from all concerned [parties]. That’s what we would do with anybody, but particularly Dan because he lives right there in the path of a lot of construction chaos, and as your article aptly depicts, that’s not a pleasant thing. In terms of trying to mitigate his problem and [Dugan's neighbor] Mr. (Bob) Taylor’s, I think we did that. It’s going to be an ongoing thing. Spirit News: Do you feel like Mr. Dugan is being unreasonable with some of the things he’s doing? Rep. Taylor: Dan’s a unique character. There’s no doubt about it. He’s flamboyant with language and analogies. Look, if I was there and those things were going on, I’d be frustrated too. One of the theories around this office is, “would I live here?” If I wouldn’t want it next to me, they (residents) shouldn’t have it next to them. Whether it’s a bad neighbor, or outrageous business, or bad bar, we try to mitigate the concerns of those neighbors, whatever the problem is. I think he is unreasonable in terms of the particular concerns he has. Although, the overriding issue of the reconstruction of 95, that’s going to be hard to solve. Spirit News: Could you clarify your relationship with James Anderson and why you think he contributes money to you? Rep. Taylor: Jim Anderson has been a contributor of mine for 30 years. I know him personally. I think Jimmy knows what kind of job we do. He’s a strong advocate for proper dollars for road construction and bridge construction throughout the commonwealth. We try to be an advocate for that funding. That is to the benefit of the citizens of Pennsylvania, but certainly to the benefit of people wanting to get work. In the case of every contractor, they have to bid [for jobs]. They have to go through the process. Sometimes they win, sometimes they lose. We have a woeful record throughout PA of bridges that are imminently dangerous, of roadways that have to be fixed. It's not just in Philly, it's throughout the Commonwealth. The Chairmanship of the Transportation Committee goes beyond the legislative branch. We have a statutory involvement with the Secretary of Transportation. We’re consulted for every project under the sun. I think if you ask Jimmy, I think he thinks I do a pretty good job. He’s a generous guy. It’s not just politics. Unfortunately, it’s a necessary evil in this business. You have to have money to defend yourself, you have to have money to get your message out. I’m very successful at fundraising. I think he (Anderson) is someone who believes very strongly in what we do. Spirit News: Have you received any other complaints from neighbors? Rep. Taylor: From 95 directly, there haven’t been a whole lot, but I expect there will. Spirit News: Are you aware of what the current measures workers are supposed to be taking to cut down on the toxic dust? Rep. Taylor: We keep in contact. We certainly ask them what has to be done, whether it's wetting [the dust] down or whatever. Spirit News: Is the city monitoring construction sites for dust, or are the contractors left to check on themselves?

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The Spirit of the Riverwards â&#x20AC;&#x201C; June 22, 2016 PHOTOS BY ROMAN BLAZIC

weekend photos S E N S AT I O N A L S O U L C R U I S E R S P E R F O R M AT P E N N T R E AT Y PA R K

Is there something going on thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little funky in your neighborhood? Anything you want us to look into? Have something juicy you want to leak? Know of something fun or interesting going on that you think we should know about? We rely on sources like you for news that effects our neighborhoods. No tip is a bad tip. Drop us a line at news@spiritnews.org.

Thinking of You In memory of Dennis Turner, 6/22/1952 to 3/23/2016 Dennis Turner was my angel that my good Lord sent to me. -Stanley Zwolinski

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 22, 2016 Continued from Page 1. either direction and you’re out of the city. I’m not going to tell my customers they have to pay an extra two dollars on something when they can get it for the old price ten minutes away.” Petzak posits that the main problem with Philadelphia’s “vice taxes” is that they deny businesses within the city the ability to compete with the rest of the state. The fact that these taxes are only collected within the city limits is a major concern for him. Ross Feinberg, a Republican candidate for State Senate in Philadelphia’s 5th District agrees with this view. Feinberg, who has called the tax “one more nail in the coffin for businesses here,” wants to draft legislation at a state level to prevent municipalities from creating “vice” or “excise” taxes without the consent of Harrisburg. He believes such taxes prey on the working class and on small business owners. “This hurts everyone,” he said, referring to his potential constituency. The characterization of this tax proposal as predatory towards the working class has been a common argument among those who oppose it. Erica Motter, an employee at Liberty Choice, the popular food market at Front and Berks Streets, feels like her customers are “targeted” by the tax. Her argument is almost an inverse of Petzak’s, but also addresses the issue of the tax being confined to the city limits. “A lot of our regular customers don’t have cars,” she said. “They can’t take weekly grocery trips out [of] the city the way the people proposing this tax can.” She resents that the tax asks for money from people who don’t have any to spare. “It’s backwards logic,” she said. Todd Calistro, Director of the McVeigh Rec Center in Kensington, has a different opinion. He believes residents near the center support the soda tax, which would increase its funding. “They’re pro-McVeigh so they’re pro-soda tax,” he said. The center is currently trying to fund a new computer lab. “Our recreation centers are more than just athletics,” said George Matysik, executive director of the Philadelphia Parks Alliance. “If you want to invest in communities, here is where you should do it. Level the playing the field by investing in the playing field.” This is what complicates the debate over the tax; while it would potentially draw most of its revenue from the working poor, they are

Photo by Patrick Clark

also the people theorectically who stand to gain the most from it. And so it begs the question, is this the right way to help these communities? Over the past few months, City Council struggled to find a less controversial alternative to the tax, but one which would also generate the amount of revenue needed to fund more of these initiatives. City Council President Darrell L. Clarke suggested a tax of 1 cent per ounce to Mayor Jim Kenney’s original 3 cents per ounce. Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown offered up the idea of a container tax, similar to the one in effect in Baltimore. Both plans came under fire from supporters of the original tax such as the nonprofit organization, Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) and the mayor’s office itself. Advocates of the original plan said these alternatives would fail to generate enough revenue to allow the proposal keep its promise of community Pre-Kindergarten education. “It would appear that some members of council are settling for less when we need to do more,” Donna Cooper, Executive Director of PCCY, said in a press release.

On June 20th, the sugary beverage tax was signed into law at a rate of 1.5 cents per ounce. The tax will be extended to include diet drinks (beverages sweetened with sucralose, aspartame, or other artificial sweeteners). The tax is expected to bring in nearly $410 million over five years, but it was announced that some of that money will also go towards the city’s general fund — a stipulation to the law that took many in the city by surprise. Many residents and politicians feel duped by the Kenney adminsitartion for allocating $24 million through 2020 to bolster the fund balance, which has dropped from $150 million last year to $70 million this year. In Riverward businesses, the mood is one of resignation. “It seems like they’re just going to go through with it,” said Petzak. “It’s done, right?” said Eddie Cruz, who, just ten days ago, opened a store called Norris Grocery on Almond and Norris Streets. He tells me that the previous store owners sold almost exclusively cat food and soda. “It’s over,” he said. •

PHOTOS BY KERRI TODD

old timers game FISHTOWN BASEBALL LEGENDS HONORED AT ANNUAL OLD TIMERS GAME

n Saturday June 11th, folks from the neighborhood gathered at Hetzel’s Field (Columbia and Thompson) for the annual Old Timers Game. The league used to be called the Dave Rotan Men’s softball league. William Shank II, 83, was honored for his numerous years of umpiring and dedication to the league. He was presented with a clock/plaque by Greg Fox and William Wilcox. Shank threw out the first pitch and all the men passed around the "game ball", which was signed by each player. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 22, 2016 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 NKCDC OPEN OFFICE HOURS NKCDC is hosting open office hours in the 19134 zip code at two locations. They will be at the Firm Hope Baptist Church on Tulip and Auburn Streets every second Wednesday of the month from 4-7PM. They will assist you with signing up for benefits like SNAP, connecting to housing counselors for any housing needs, rent and property tax rebates, food referrals, health insurance and safety or quality of life issues in your community. For further information contact Tess at tdonie@NKCDC.org or 215-427-0350 x 139. AL-ANON AT HOLY NAME CHURCH HALL Meetings are held every Monday night from 7-8PM at Holy Name Church Hall at 701 Gaul Street. Anything shared at a meeting stays there and everyone is welcome to attend. Al-Anon meetings are free, anonymous and confidential. NETWORKING MEETINGS Philadelphia Mastermind Group – Every Friday, 8-9:30AM, B2B Networking at Front Street Café (1253 N Front St.) HAPCO/DIG/GPAR – 2nd Thursday of the Month, 12:001:30PM. Lunch & Learn, real estate meetup at the Greater Philadelphia Association of realtors (341 North Delaware Avenue, Suite 200) DIG/HAPCO – 3rd Wednesday of the Month, 6:30-8:30PM. Philly Riverwards Sub-Group, Diversified Investors Groups meet up at Front Street Café (1253 N Front St.) For more information contact Joe Scorese 215-290-5108 or jscorese@firstrust.com. June 23, 24, 25 2016 ST ADABLERT'S SUMMER FESTIVAL The parish summer Festival serves as a means to bring the parish and neighborhood community together for the purpose of social entertainment and fundraising to the parish. The Summer Fesitval (formerly known as the Parish Bazaar at Saint Adalbert's has been a Port Richmond tradition for many years. After hearing suggestions from many bazaar volunteers and parishioners, the Fesitval Committee voted to change the dates of our festival. The 2016 Parish Summer Festivalwill take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 23, 24 and 25. Please let your family and friends know about the date change. Saturday, June 25 REPAIR FAIR Join the Philly Fixers Guild for their 8th repair fair. The public is welcome to carry in their inoperative/damaged/ broken possessions and learn how to fix them. Their talented troupe of Fixers will be on hand to help and inform so that we can all create less waste and be more self-sufficient. The fair will take place at the Portside Arts Center, 2531 E. Lehigh Ave., from 10AM-2PM. Saturday, June 25 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 pourand-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. Saturday, June 25 11AM-3PM FRIENDS OF RODRIGUEZ LIBRARY BOOK SALE (600 W GIRARD AVE.) Join the Friends of Rodriguez for a book sale, flea market and gift card raffle on June 25. For more information or to reserve a table contact friends. de.rodriguez@gmail.com. Thursday, June 23 6-7:30 PM MUSICAL POETRY WITH DAVID LIVEWELL AND WALTER MILLS (PPAC: 1400 N. AMERICAN ST) The Philadelphia Photo Arts Center will host a performance by David Livewell and Walter Mills. Livewell will recite poetry while Mills provides bluesy accompaniment. Come join this two native sons in a celebration of South Kensington. For more info, call PPAC at 215-232-5678 Saturday, June 25 3-6 PM SANDART FOR KIDS/FISHTOWN COMMUNITY DINNER Join the First Presbyterian Church for a night of food and fellowship. The meal is free and is a wonderful way to become a part of a local community. The dinner is at 4 PM but from 3-4 PM kids are welcome to come make sand-art fishes and fish necklaces. For more info, call 215-739-5695 Saturday, June 25 8-10 AM BODINE HIGH SCHOOL GARDEN DAY Help restore and grow the outdoor green space at our neighborhood’s national award-winning high school. The students and staff of Bodine High School plus the Philadelphia Mural Arts program will working to clear the garden, which is open to the public. For more info, call Linda Soffer at 215-908-9035 June 26-July 2 PERFORMING ARTS CAMP AT SUMMERFIELD-SILOAM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH A summer camp for children entering grades 2-8. Kids will learn acting, music, movement, and other skills in the retelling of timeless Bible stories. Normally $145, now only $25. Full scholarships available. Lunch included. For more info, call 215-634-1372 Sunday, June 26 10AM - 12 PM PHILLY TREE PEOPLE PRUNING CLUB Philly Tree People’s Pruning Club will meet at the corner of Belgrade and Tioga Sts to teach volunteers how to care for the neighborhood’s trees. Certified arborists will teach pruning and watering lessons as well as offer tips for identifying dying or sick trees. For more info Jacelyn Blank (215)-756-1841

Thursday, June 30, 7:00PM-9:30PM SEXY SADIE A Beatles Tribute band will play two sets with a brief intermission between sets at Powers Park, 2601 Ann Street, behind the Richmond Library. For more information visit facebook.com/powersparkconservancy or email the Powers Park Conservancy at powersparkconservancy@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 13 5-7:30PM PICNIC FOR NEW AND CURRENT ADAIRE FAMILIES At Penn Treaty Park, join Friends of Adaire for a potluck picnic in a fun, relaxed setting and meet other families and friends about to join the Adaire community this Fall. Bring any toys you want; we'll bring some. Same with food: Bring any food you want, we'll bring some too! Rain date TBD. Facebook invite here: https://www.facebook.com/ events/798426860291552/ Please RSVP (and include food allergies) to Kate Hughes & Denis Devine at friendsofadaire@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 20th, 5:30-7:30PM PLAY-DOUGH AND PIZZA PLAY DATE At the Fishtown Rec, join Friends of Adaire as we host our first play date for preschoolers/kids entering kindergarten in 2017 and 2018. We’ll have time for art and food, and hopefully some outdoor fun! We'll bring play-dough and toys, but feel free to bring your favorite play-dough toys to share! Please RSVP (and include food allergies) to Kate Hughes & Denis Devine at friendsofadaire@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 20 AMERICAN LEGION POST #152 CASINO TRIP Trip to Resorts Casino in Atlantic City, NJ. Tickets are $26, you get $25 back. Bus leaves from Post #152 (3524 Thompson Street) at 11:30AM. We will leave Resorts at 7PM, be back in the neighborhood by 8:30PM. For more info, call Walt at 215-426-1056

Sunday, August 7 EIGHTH ANNUAL 2ND STREET FESTIVAL The 2nd Street Festival, held between American and Green Sts. will feature over 150 vendors and food trucks. Additionally, the bars and restaurants along 2nd St. will be serving beer and cocktails in outdoor tents. Art Star will host its Craft Bazaar on the block between Fairmount Ave. and Green St.

FISHTOWN LIBRARY EVENTS Glitter Tattoos for teens/tweens on Tuesday July 14th at 2PM Scott Prior’s Snake Party! Tuesday, July 19th at 2PM Philadelphia Federal Credit Union Presents: Understanding Credit Tuesday, July 26th at 6PM

Mondays 6:30-7:30 PM ST. MICHAEL’S LABYRINTH On Good Friday during Holy Week this year, St. Michael’s Church at Trenton Avenue and Cumberland Street opened their doors to walk the labyrinth that was installed on the

The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 22, 2016 second floor in the sanctuary of their church. Monday evenings from 6:30 until 7:30 the doors are open on Trenton Avenue for anyone who would like to experience the labyrinth. There is no right or wrong way to walk the labyrinth, and there is plenty of literature available that offers suggestions for your walk. You are also welcome to bring a journal or do art in that allotted time. Come one Monday and meet Yvonne Walker who will answer any questions you might have on the labyrinth and take the walk to bring faith, hope and love into your daily life. Contact St. Michael’s Church at 215-423-0792.

,Thursdays POWERS PARKS FARMER’S MARKET -Come attend the Farmers’ Market on Thursdays from -3-7PM at Powers Park (Ann & Almond Streets). Fresh food available from local farms and kitchens. More information (vendors, etc.) is available on the Powers Park Conservancy Facebook page.

2016 CAMPBELL SQUARE EVENTS kWhile every effort will be made to reschedule events canscelled 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 ecancellations, or check us out on facebook at Friends of /Campbell Square. -July 13th, Weds., 7-9PM CHARLIE GRACIE BAND &-July 27th, Weds. Dusk-FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT 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! r -CIONE TOT REGISTRATION ,Due to construction at Cione playground, registration for hour tot program will be available by phone. Call Cione at h215-685-9950 to obtain registration forms and information. Call between the hours of 9AM and 12PM. or leave &message and we will return your call.

LEPRECHAUNS SIGN UPS Leprechauns Sports Association is now accepting registration for Football and Cheerleading. This is open to boys ages 5-14 and girls age 6-14. The clubhouse will e be opened Wednesday nights from 6-8 pm and Saturday 4 mornings 10 am-12 pm.. t The clubhouse is located at 2973 Gaul Street 19134. For more information call 215-423-6309 Check out our website http://leprechaunsysa.wix.com/leps#!blog/chi3, or find us on facebook.https://www.facebook.com/Leprechauns-Sports-Association-347773417784/

dTIGERS SIGN-UPS .Sign up now for the Port Richmond Tigers upcoming lt-ball, softball, and baseball seasons at the Tiger's clublhouse (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. tFor 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 sand playground, on site. We also go on weekly trips. Busdes transport the children to bigger trips, and we also go eon walking trips to the Rodriguez Library, Everybody Hits (batting cages), North Bowl, and Liberty Lands. The camp is for kids ages 6-12. For more information and to register, visit NoLibsRec.org.

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. Sundays SUNDAY BINGO St. Anne Church will host bingo on Sundays in the Social Hall, Memphis and Tucker streets. Doors open at 4PM; bingo starts at 6PM. Cost is $12. Call 215-739-4590 for more details. 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. 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.

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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. Thursday, June 30th FISHTOWN AC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE The Fishtown Athletic Club Alumni Association offers $1250 in scholarships for members of the Fishtown Athletic Club or for students living in the 19125 zip code. Please visit facalumni.com for more information or stop by Spirit News for a copy of the application. 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. 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. For more information call Miss Jackie at 215-685-1247. SUMMER ARTS PASS AT PORTSIDE ARTS CENTER Purchase you children, teen or adult Summer Art Pass and get access to multiple classes and workshops throughout the summer of 2016! For more info call (215) 427-1514 or http://www.portsideartscenter.org/ FREE ENGLISH & 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.

Thursdays ST. ANNE WEEKLY NOVENA St. Anne weekly Novena Thursday evening service, 7:30PM Church of Saint Anne, Memphis St. and Lehigh Ave.

SIXERS NEIGHBORHOOD BASKETBALL LEAGUE Hancock Rec has more openings for players in their SNBL league held at Moffett Elementary School. For more information please contact Coach Larry @215-685-9877, or come to Moffet to register on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-6PM. Wednesday PRESCHOOL STORYTIME AT RICHMOND LIBRARY This program is intended for children ages 1-4 and their caregiver. Siblings are always welcome. Daycares should call for separate appointments. Richmond Branch of the Free Library, 2987 Almond Street. For further information call 215-685-9992. 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.

Hangin' With Rev. Ed at the Ye Old Blarney Stone Tavern

Congratulations to Layla DiCesare for graduating from St. Laurentius! Love, your Great-Grandmother Bonnie

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 22, 2016 COMMUNITY

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Available June 1st. 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. 215-416-6945

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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.

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Page 15

The Spirit of the Riverwards – June 22, 2016

letters to the editor “Miss Flomenhoff & My First Taste of Education”

dismissed to their neighborhood homes for their noon meal. The short interval passed quickly and it was back to school for the afternoon session. Miss Flomenhoft, attending to her lunch items, usual of rye bread sandwiches, would carefully cut off the crusts and return to class with them, offering them to whomever raised their hand. Lucky for me that my desk was near the front and my raised hand quite visible. I developed a special taste for using rye bread then. Many years later, I caught sight of an obituary article for Ms. Flomenhoff, with a large heading announcing “Ms. Flomenhoff, Life Long Teacher, passing at 106 years.” It described her tenure at Thomas J. Powers and her preferences for teaching only first graders during her long career. Her longevity was no surprise to me and wouldn’t be to you, if you were fortunate to be one of her first graders! •

In 1938, Miss Flomenhoff was my first grade teacher at the Thomas Powers Elementary School, Frankford Avenue & Somerset Street. Neither are around anymore, but both are etched in a durable corner of my memory. Her effects instilled my first, A,B,C’s & 1,2,3s, starting me down the education trail. Her humanity wasn’t something taught, but rather radiated about her. The Depression of the 1930s was present but not a concern in the tender minds of six year olds. There was a limited food program for pupils, but it created a negative envy toward pupils using it. If your parents could afford the low cost of a few pennies, a pint of milk and two cookies were passed out at the opening of morning class. Less than half the class enrolled as the other half looked on longingly. As one of six siblings, I was one of the “lookers.” -Robert Faulds School lunch programs hadn’t arrived yet, so pupils were

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“Ignorance and Arrogance” As Kenney is just starting out to play the role of a mayor , he brings to his role-playing his ignorance and arrogance, which he accumulated from his years spent on City Council. Kenney’s TV ads on his Pre-K program show him playing the role of a bleeding heart, expressing his absolute need for Pre-K and what it would mean for our children. It turned out to be a ruse! He deceived the people of Philadelphia into believing his soda tax was essential to fulfill the financial needs his Pre-K program needed to succeed, using our children as the sole purpose for an outrageous soda tax was purely unreasonable to begin with. Let’s not forget! Kenney set aside between $15-20 million of taxpayers money to fix up Love Park so our city’s skateboarders can have a place to play. Would those millions of taxpayer dollars serve a more needed purpose with more value called Pre-K? Our common sense tells us, yes it would! Jimmy’s time as mayor is showing us too much ignorance, arrogance and pure incompetence is being used when deciding what holds more preference, more value and more meaning: our children or concrete. Jimmy’s ignorance, arrogance and incompetence showed its ugly face on the podium when he revealed that the real purpose for his soda tax was far greater than his bleeding heart program called Pre-K. Kenny played the role of a sneak. He deceived the people of this city. Kenney believes he has the right to be a sneak at any time for any purpose or reason he may choose. He opened the door — the people now can truly believe Jimmy is incompetent, untrustworthy, unreliable, undignified with a high rate of uncommon sense. The shame of it all is the people of Philadelphia have three and a half more years of putting up with Jimmy’s play making. • -Patrick Dio

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The 26th District

CRIME REPORT From June 6th to June 12th

Robberies with Other Weapons 12XX E. Columbia Ave - 6/11 23XX Cedar St - 6/12 12XX N. Hancock St - 6/11

Burglaries 17XX Mascher St - 6/6 14XX N. 4th St - 6/11 12XX N. 7th St - 6/7 9XX N. 6th St - 6/6 Aggravated Assaults 19XX N. 2nd St - 6/10 with Other Weapon 18XX N. Front St - 6/11 1XX E. Huntingdon St - 6/11 9XX N. 2nd St - 6/6 26XX E. Thompson St - 6/12 24XX N. Marshall St - 6/11 9XX N. Delaware Ave - 6/6 9XX W. Susquehanna Ave - 6/9 13XX N. Front St - 6/10 23XX N. 7th St - 6/7 21XX N. 5th St - 6/11 3XX W. York St - 6/12

Thefts 25XX Aramingo Ave 6/6 (3) 24XX Aramingo Ave - 6/8 (2) 25XX Richmond St - 6/9 26XX E. Huntingdon St - 6/6 1XX E. Lehigh Ave - 6/10 23XX Emerald St - 6/10 17XX Blair St - 6/8 18XX E. Lehigh Ave - 6/10 25XX Collins St - 6/12 2nd & Girard - 6/6 17XX Mascher St - 6/6 6XX W. Berks St - 6/10 1XX W. Oxford St - 6/6 19XX N. 6th St - 6/7 13XX N. 5th St - 6/10 8XX W. Girard Ave - 6/10 11XX N. Orianna St - 6/10 1XX W. Girard Ave - 6/9 23XX Fairhill St - 6/10 2XX W. Lehigh Ave - 6/8 20XX N. Front St - 6/6

Rapes 1XX W. Berks St - 6/8 6XX W. Master St - 6/12

Thefts from Autos 12XX Frankford Ave - 6/10 25XX Sepviva St - 6/9 (2) 10XX N. Front St - 6/12 4XX E. Girard Ave - 6/7 18XX Memphis St - 6/7 25XX Tulip St - 6/10 5XX E. Wildey St - 6/11 2XX W. George St - 6/9 5XX W. Poplar - 6/8 9XX N. 5th St - 6/9 11XX N. 3rd St - 6/12 19XX N. Hancock St - 6/12 13XX N. Lawrence St - 6/6 10XX American St - 6/9 18XX N. Howard St - 6/12 20XX Mascher St - 6/12

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