The Spirit of the Riverwards - July 13, 2016 by The Spirit

H Y PERLOC AL

DON E DI F F E R E N T LY

FISHTOWN + KENSINGTON + NORTHERN LIBERTIES + PORT RICHMOND + BRIDESBURG

THIS

WEEK JULY 13, 2016 VOL. 13 NO. 26

KNOW YOUR HISTORY Before there was Flint, Michigan, there was the Lead Bun fiasco of the late 1800s. 10

EVIL GENIUS Evil Genius Brewing Co. to host a series of pop-up events under the El. 5

WE CARE SOCCER CAMP We Care Soccer Camp is looking for participants and volunteers to sign up for this year’s camp. 11

DEVELOPMENT NEWS Find out what is being built in your neighborhood. 6

CLEAN PLATE Recipe for a grilled vegetable salad. 8

ike a good neighbor, a brewery is there. That sums up the sentiment of a unique event hosted last week by the Philadelphia chapter of the Urban Land Institute. More than 100 people filled the tasting room at Philadelphia Brewing Company (PBC) to listen to a roundtable discussion on the impact of breweries and brewpubs on neighborhood real estate. Brewing Success: How Breweries Are Transforming Real Estate featured an all-star panel, including Bill Barton, co-founder of PBC; Trevor Hayward, co-founder of Evil Genius Brewing Company; Joanna Winchester, Economic Development Director for the New Kensington Community Development Corp; and local developers Jacob Roller and John Longacre. The panel discussion highlighted the unique challenges and rewards

that breweries face when entering a neighborhood and strategies for engaging their new neighbors. When prompted to explain his interest in developing around beer, John Longacre, whose LPMG Companies is behind the wildly successful South Philadelphia Tap Room and American Sardine Bar in Point Breeze, put it succinctly. “People want to live near cool stuff,” he told the panel. It’s hard to argue that anything is cooler than craft beer at the moment. The Brewer’s Association valued the craft beer market at $22 billion in 2015 and the growth shows no signs of slowing down locally or nationally. Continued on Page 4.

ACCU-REGGIE Seven day forecast for the Riverwards. 3

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

HOT OFF THE

PRESS

unch Line Philly, the city’s newest comedy club, located adjacent to the Fillmore Philadelphia, hosted its grand opening on Friday, July 8. After a successful soft opening the week prior, in which comedic powerhouse Dave Chappelle delivered four gut-busting performances, the kid gloves came off for a full-fledged launch this past weekend. Ruben Paul, playing the role of MC, kicked off the night by acknowledging the string of tragic and racially charged news stories before delivering a solid set that centered largely on his background as the son of Haitian immigrants. After Paul, Steve “Short Bus” Krause took the stage and delivered one of the most “did he really just say that?!” sets a crowd will ever see. Krause was born with arthrogryposis, a rare condition that confines him to a

wheelchair and leaves him with extremely limited arm and leg movement. Krause used his condition as the basis for an extremely irreverent (and hilarious) 15-minute set that left the crowd squirming. Headliner Russell Peters (Last Comic Standing) brought down the house with an hour-long set that played up his Indian heritage. Peters began with a 20-minute riff fest with audience members before launching into a seemingly stream-of-conscious diatribe that ranged from the patently outrageous (being duped into buying a $10,000 “castle bed” for his daughter) to the hilariously mundane (painstakingly tiptoeing to the bathroom in the middle of the night, so as to not disturb his girlfriend). Sharing the spotlight with these three talented comedians was the venContinued on Page 11.

Page 2

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 13, 2016 THE

local lens BY THOM NICKELS

hen the DNC comes to Philadelphia, we can expect crowds, a cacophony of different accents filling the city’s hotel lobbies, more taxis and limos on the street than we’ve seen in a long time, and bands of politicos decked out in campaign buttons and hats crowding city sidewalks. Bars, restaurants and clubs in Center City will be packed to the gills. Well connected political operatives, aka “the Philadelphia Democratic Machine,” as represented by Bob Brady, will be in their processional glory. As a friend of mine put it, “This will be peacock strut time.” The city is expecting some 6,000 delegates and 15,000 members of the media, including, of course, Spirit News (I’ll be there too, getting my stories for The Local Lens). 30,000 protestors are also expected to attend, however they will be confined to the official protest area, FDR Park, dubbed the “free speech zone.” There will also be a few organized protest marches in and around the City Hall area. Mayor Kenney promised that the DNC would be a user friendly event and encouraged Philadelphians to stick around and enjoy the city while the convention was going on. Unlike the time when the pope was in town, Kenney said there’s no need to run away to the shore or to the mountains. But like the Pope’s visit, the city will still have secure perimeter boundaries around the Wells Fargo area. This got me thinking of Chicago’s 1968 DNC when protestors, all 10,000 of them, were vastly outnumbered by the 22,500 men in uniform. Although the 1968 Chicago protestors gathered in that city’s Lincoln Park, many protested outside the Airport Amphitheatre, where the convention was being held. By the convention’s end, 11,000 people had been injured and 36 journalists, including one from The Philadelphia Bulletin, were beaten up by police. The Chicago convention was one with actual purpose, occurring as it did right after the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. Eugene McCarthy, the peace candidate at that time, picked up a lot of support after Kennedy’s death but it still wasn’t enough to prevent his loss to Hubert Humphrey, who became the Democratic nominee. An untoward tinkering of numbers by President Lyndon Johnson and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley made sure that McCarthy’s candidacy went nowhere. The 2016 DNC will not be a convention as much as a coronation of Hillary Clinton. While we might see Bernie Sanders go through the motions of “The Still Viable Candidate”, it will only be a puppet show. The powers that be long ago decided that Hillary was the anointed one. The corporate media agreed and the race was over. There never was any contest. Hillary will be charioted into the Wells Fargo arena like an empress to thunderous applause while Sanders prepares his formal concession speech, his

Follow THE SPIRIT online

glasses riding down the bridge of his nose. Sanders supporters and other protestors will clamor and ring cow bells, shout objections, frown, and maybe give a thumbs down when Queen Hillary mounts the podium. There will be a show of unrest and dissatisfaction as assorted radical groups try to get TV airtime by shutting down the city. There will be pandemonium and noise and segments on the evening news as well as interviews with protest “leaders,” but in the end life will return to normal. Hillary will get elected, she will be inaugurated, and the Sanderites will reinvent themselves, forming another political base that in four or eight years will also fail to send one of their own to the White House. This is the way it was with Eugene McCarthy in 1968. Democratic primary voters then voted in huge 80 per cent majority squalls in favor of peace over war before President Johnson and Mayor Daley overturned that and installed war candidate, Hubert Humphrey. Although McCarthy’s star rose right after RFK’s murder, in the end it collapsed. George McGovern, the Democratic Party’s 1972 peace candidate, was often referred to as “an exemplar of modern American liberalism.” McGovern’s peace policies so enraged Southern Democrat hawks that they began a campaign called Anybody but McGovern. McGovern was another Bernie Sanders-type who was eventually swallowed up and sidelined. When Bernie Sanders is relegated to the dustbin of George McGoverism, Queen Hillary will be holding court in Washington. I can see it now: After a marvelous inauguration ceremony with flags flying high and speeches praising the wonderfulness of having the first woman president, there will be a brief honeymoon phase in which it appears that Hillary can do no wrong. But after the luster has turned into a grayish patina, the queen’s authentic colors will surface: her allegiance to the corrupt big pharma/health industry and her long-running connection to Goldman-Sachs. And who knows, she may even revert to her embarrassing habit of adopting fake accents to match that of the region she is speaking in. Hillary may feel a need to prove her presidential might so that she doesn’t appear inferior or weaker than a male president, so she’s apt to deliver a double or triple power punch — harder than any man’s — if she has problems with upstart internationals like Vladimir Putin of Russia, with whom she’s not on good terms. Should she start a war with Russia, we all know what that will bring: You might as well stop your career planning now, because by the end of that struggle, it won’t matter. But let’s cut back to the 2016 Philadelphia convention. After Hillary’s acceptance speech, a million balloons will fall from the Wells Fargo ceiling as a favorite rock song

FOR ADDITIONAL MULTIMEDIA CONTENT AND IN-DEPTH LOCAL COVERAGE

THOM NICKELS

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

echoes throughout the arena. Hillary, Bill, daughter Chelsea and family will stand with the Obama’s in a hand holding extravaganza. They will blow kisses, smile and dance. Hillary will be in a blue pants suit as Bill shuffles this way to a casino luncheon buffet. The people will rejoice and try to relive that magical 2008 Obama moment, anticipating Utopian change and progress. As for Donald Trump, following a loss in November, I imagine he will retire like Howard Hughes to a penthouse suit atop a large Las Vegas casino. There never will be a wall separating Mexico and the United States. For a time it will appear as if the nation had been spared a great calamity, that being the election of The Donald, but very soon and in short order Hillary’s personal dragons will be so ensconced in the life of the nation that very few will be counting their political blessings. •

f WWW.SPIRITNEWS.ORG

Page 3

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 13, 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

he heat came and pummeled us last week. We had thee straight days in the middle 90s with nasty levels of humidity. Thankfully, the refreshing air mass after the heat wave was stronger than expected, leading to a spectacular weekend finish Don’t get used to the easy going weather, however — summer heat is still king. The 90s roar back during this forecast period along with more humidity. Like last week, we will cool down heading into the weekend and the start of next week. We have a splattering of rain chances this week. First, thunderstorms and showers are likely west of the City on Wednesday. They could creep into Philadelphia proper too. The excessive heat and humidity could spark some

storms on Thursday. Don’t change your Thursday plans, but be aware that they are possible. Sunday looks like the wettest day of the week as we could get a few hours of rain and thunderstorms. Tuesday throws us a shower chance as well. Wednesday kicks off the weather period warm and humid. It won’t be extreme heat so enjoy it! Thursday and Friday are very hot and humid as another heat wave grips the region. Be careful doing activities outside. Saturday looks like the better day of the weekend. It will be warm, but daytime temps will back off of extreme levels. It also should be dry for just about everyone. Sunday will feature continued warmth, but also rain. A

couple rounds of showers and thunderstorms should be expected, especially in the afternoon. Temperatures will finally retreat into the 80s on Monday; sunshine will be plentiful as we go back to perfect summer weather. Rain chances come back for Tuesday but the extreme heat stays away. The weather winner of the week is the Saturday; the weather loser is Thursday. •

FINANTA

No one understands small business like small business. We may be getting a bigger staff and more readers, but we’re still just like you. Work together with Spirit News to help grow your business and inform your neighbors. ads@spiritnews.org 215.423.6246 1428 East Susquehanna Avenue Philadelphia, PENNSYLVANIA 19125 TELEPHONE: 215.423.6246 EDITORAL INQUIRIES: NEWS@SPIRITNEWS.ORG ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: ADS@SPIRITNEWS.ORG OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY–FRIDAY, 9AM–5PM

MATTHEW ALBASI

MAX PULCINI

PUBLISHER

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

THOMAS weir

THOMAS HOWLEY

ADVERTISING

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

CASEY ANN BECK

THOM NICKELS

CLEAN PLATE COLUMNIST

LOCAL LENS COLUMNIST

BOB STEWART

JACK GRAUER

PTAH GABRIE

ANDREW CORKERY

CONTRIBUTOR

MICHAEL HANISCO

MEGAN MATUZAK

CONTRIBUTOR

Justin helm

JOHN HENRY SCOTT

CONTRIBUTOR

NATALIE PISERCHIO

SPENCER HOMAN

CONTRIBUTOR

ANDREW DEFFLEY

SEAN KEARNEY

CONTRIBUTOR

GRACE SHALLOW

MICHAEL CASTANEDA

CONTRIBUTOR

GREGORY LABOLD

CHAD DRAVK

BALD SPOT COMICS

LITTLE FISH COMICS

SHANE ENGLISH

Patrick Clark

EDITORIAL INTERN

WHITNEY JOHNSON

thomas beck

EDITORIAL INTERN

MADISON HALL

JORDYN CORDNER

EDITORIAL INTERN

No reproduction or use of the material herein may be made without permission. The Spirit of the Riverwards Newspaper will assume no obligation (other than cancellation of charges for the actual space occupied) for accidental errors in advertisements, but will be glad to furnish a signed letter to the buying public.

Page 4

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 13, 2016

Continued from Page 1. Take a look at new businesses opening in the Riverwards and you’ll find that many revolve around craft beer. Joanna Winchester agreed with Longacre’s blunt assessment. What developers ultimately want to do, she said, is “create destinations” and “cause a spillover effect” for patrons to discover the surrounding area. She referenced PBC as an excellent case study for potential future developers. PBC’s Bill Barton recollected to the early days of his brewery’s move to Kensington 15 years ago. The neighborhood was a much different place in 2001. The 125-year-old building at Martha and Haggart Streets, which at one time housed the Weisbrod & Hess Oriental Brewing Company, was perfect for PBC’s plans for future growth. However, it would not have worked without the community’s support and investment. Once a bustling, industrial neighborhood, Kensington bore the scars of decades of economic downturn. There were not many businesses heading into Kensington at the time, and certainly none capable of filling the massive 38,000 square-foot building. Engaging the neighborhood was imperative for PBC’s new home to truly take hold. “We hosted neighborhood association meetings early on,” Barton said of their neighborhood engagement strategy. They also hosted weekly cleanup events, inviting neighbors to work together over a couple of beers. The cleanup initiative focused on Frankford Avenue and soon spread to the surrounding streets. “Little by little, the neighborhood started to turn around,” he said. PBC also put a premium on keeping in touch with their building’s historic roots, something that Trevor Hayward and Evil Genius Brewing Company hope to do when they open their new brewery in a 6,000 square foot warehouse at Front and Palmer Streets later this year. Speaking in the un-air conditioned PBC tasting room with high ceilings and exposed beams, Hayward detailed the criteria his team looked for in a potential brewery site. While price and logistics were important factors, they weren’t the only defining qualities. “We definitely wanted an [existing] building with character,” he said, adding that “It was important for us to be part of a neighborhood and to be a good neighbor.” Jacob Roller, who has developed a number of properties in Brewerytown, echoed the rest of the panel’s sentiments that beer can play a central role in uniting a neighborhood and giving it an identity. “Brewpubs are places you can visit a couple of times a month. [Gathering places] are really what make a neighborhood a neighborhood,” he said. •

Photos by Michael Hanisco

letter to the editor MAIL YOUR OPINIONS TO NEWS@SPIRITNEWS.ORG

July 8, 2016 “I’m not on the outside looking in, I’m not on the inside looking out. I’m in the dead center looking around.” As a young adult in today’s society, I see many problems with how situations are handled. With platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, you would think it would be easier to unite and solve our problems. The problem lies, however, with a mass of biased opinions that in turn forces people to turn against one another — Not to mention trying to solve a serious problem in 140 characters or less. The incidents across the country in the past few days have left me feeling extremely uneasy. From the Alton Sterling shooting in Baton Rouge, to the Philando Castile shooting in Minnesota, all the way to the attack on police officers in Dallas that left five dead and seven injured. So many times when I see people weigh in their opinion on matters like this, I see a changing of sides. This is exactly what I want to stay away from because instead of turning on one another and causing further problems, we need to come together as a collective and solve these issues. When I was in high school a few years back, I saw a sim-

ilar situation in the case of Trayvon Martin. At the time, I was ignorant to the situation — not ignorant in the sense of not caring, but ignorant in not understanding the situation and why people were so upset over it. Having had time to grow older, however, I can now understand the problem with a young man losing his life. And coming from someone who was ignorant to the situation before, I can honestly say I see this issue FAR more when the victim is a person of color. This goes further than race because yes, all lives do matter, but right now this issue mostly affects the black community and black lives are being targeted out of simple fear. I completely understand the fear behind putting your life on the line every day and want to thank the police officers who keep me and my community safe night in, night out. My respect for you is tremendous — I would never bash officers who put their lives on the line so they can truly make a difference in the world. But, sadly, that isn’t always the case. When a police officer kills a man in cold blood, people like to jump to “well, don’t break the law and this wouldn’t have happened.” This is the saddest excuse I have ever heard, and that’s exactly what it is, an excuse: An excuse

to get away with murder. Where does our law say that if you break the law, you will be shot and killed? Because, I thought this was the 21st Century, not the Dark Ages. It sickens me that, even after watching these videos, people can say with a clear conscience that someone deserved to die. NO ONE deserves to die. And how can you get mad at families for trying to bring light to their situations in search of justice? Because if someone (not to mention someone who you’re supposed to feel safe around) killed someone close to me, I’d be devastated too. I have been passive on this situation for far too long and it’s time to shed light on the issues that I see. I am past turning to social media to voice my opinions because nothing I say on there will be taken seriously. What’s done is already done and there’s no changing that, but how these situations are handled still need to be determined. I pray justice is served to all of those who have recently taken a life. -Michael Beck •

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 13, 2016 WRITTEN BY PTAH GABRIE

evil genius

EVIL GENIUS BREWING CO. TO HOST SERIES OF POP-UP EVENTS UNDER THE EL

vil Genius Brewing Company (EGBC) has been quietly renovating a building along Front St, right in between Columbia Ave. and Palmer St. for several months. Sadly, co-owner and brewer Luke Bowen believes their new brew pub and beer garden won’t be open until the fall. In the meantime, EGBC is making use of the former used-car lot next door, which will become their beer garden once they are fully opened, by hosting a series of outdoor events leading up to their opening later this year. The lot is wedged tightly between two buildings and rumbles every time the El blows past, reminding you that you’re in Kensington. This past weekend EGBC had their own pop-up beer garden, and invited the neighborhood to see what could possibly become the next coolest outdoor dining and drinking area in South Kensington. Spirit News was there to get a glimpse of what can be expected. The space is not much wider than two rowhouses, but extends pretty far back where there were a couple porta-potties. Patrons had their choice of EGBC favorites like, Stacy’s Mom and Ma! The Meatloaf, but also available were Philadelphia Brewing Co. ciders and drinks from St. Benjamins Brewing Co who recently opened a taproom of their own, just a few blocks away. So what happens when you put a pop-up beer garden in soon to be “brew garden?” You get baggo, or cornhole if you prefer. Super sized jenga will keep your motor skills on point while you cool down with a summery heffeweizen or wit beer. Nothing compliments a pop-up beer garden like a food truck, and Chef Donte’s Delicious Dishes fed the crowd while musician Evan Cory Levine provided some tunes. Evil Genius Brewing Company will be holding events like this on several weekends between now and October. The events benefit local community organizations. This past event helped raise money for the Fishtown Neighbors As-

sociation, and co-owner Luke Bowen hopes his business will benefit the community. “I just want to do good for the community,” Bowen said. Sadly we won’t be able to get the full brew pub, and beer garden experience until this fall. With this cool addition to the neighborhood scheduled to open in October, Halloween plans for this year might just get a little more evil. • Photos by Ptah Gabrie

For physicians you can really connect with... make a connection. Mercy Cardiology at Nazareth Hospital

This practice has been dedicated to the heart health of my Northeast Philadelphia community for years, which means they’re dedicated to me. Mercy cardiologists get to the heart of my health issues with diagnostic testing like echocardiograms and stress tests and by helping me manage my chronic heart disease. They can also provide access to more advanced treatments like cardiac catheterization and heart surgery and help me navigate through if I should ever need them. These cardiologists take their time with me, forming a real connection. Mercy Cardiology is accepting new patients so don’t just take my word for it. Find out for yourself and make an appointment today!

Mercy Cardiology at Nazareth Hospital Phone: 215.332.3972 Cheryl Leddy, MD; Swarna Bheemreddy, MD; Thomas Metkus, MD; Oren Friedman, MD; Edward McGinley, MD; William Strimel, DO 2701 Holme Avenue, Physician Office Building, Suite 100 Philadelphia, PA 19152

Accepting new patients! Find your closest connection by calling 1.877.GO MERCY or visiting mercyhealth.org

Page 5

Page 6

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 13, 2016 W R I T T E N B Y T H O M A S B E C K , P H O T O S B Y PAT R I C K C L A R K

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

Northern Liberties

Polish American Veteran Hall/Patrick Clark

Several weeks ago, developers presented a plan to the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association (NLNA) to construct 43 new homes on the 600 block of North 5th Street. The large warehouse currently on site will be demolished sometime within the foreseeable future. The Civic Design Review (CDR) meeting took place on Tuesday, July 5. David Perlman, the chief developer, is also behind several other sizable projects within the area. Last week, we reported that Yards Brewery will be moving from 901 North Delaware Avenue to the intersection of 5th and Spring Garden Streets. Tom Kehoe, the president and co-founder of Yards Brewery, considered more than a dozen locations before finally making his decision. The project is still in the preliminary stages, and, according to Kehoe, the brewery will not open until 2018 at the earliest. Port Richmond Bob Metry of RJM Property Group purchased the former Polish Army Veterans Hall at 3178 Richmond Street for $300,000 last September. Metry hopes to lease the space for approximately $12 per square foot. Consider, for comparison’s sake, the fact that many of the units along Frankford Avenue are being leased for approximately $40 per square foot. It is located down the block from the new River Wards Cafe. Kensington Developers purchased the property at 2418 - 2424 Frankford Avenue near the Philadelphia Brewing Company for $400,000. According to the posted permits, two seven-unit buildings will be constructed on the parcel. There still is, however, much ambiguity regarding what will become of the project. More than a year ago, developers proposed renovating the vacant building at 1821 - 1845 East Hagert Street. According to the recently pulled permits, more than 50 apartment units will constitute the property with additional space allocated for commercial use. It is unclear whether or not the property will include a coffee shop and additional “creative” space, as was proposed in the developers’ initial plan. Developers purchased the overgrown property at 1840 - 1850 East Cumberland Street earlier this year. They plan to construct six new homes on the parcel with rear-access parking to boot. The proposal will be presented to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) next month. Members of the East Kensington Neighbors Association (EKNA) voted 4 - 1 in favor of the Woods Square mixed-use project on Frankford Avenue. Virtual renderings of the project suggest that 178 residential units will constitute three parallel buildings with commercial space on the ground floor as well.

Fishtown The small, set-back cottage at 2015 - 2017 Tulip Street was put on the market several months ago for $235,000. It is already under negotiation. It is currently unclear what is to become of the property. Adam Diltz, who has served as chef at Johnny Brenda’s for the past two years, hopes to open a BYOB called Elwood at 1007 Frankford Avenue next year. It will be located directly across the street from the Fillmore, a popular entertainment venue. Diltz’s wife and sister-in-law jointly own the Fillmore. • 1840-1850 E. Cumberland St./Patrick Clark

2015-2017 Tulip Street/Patrick Clark

1007 Frankford Ave./Patrick Clark

Page 7

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 13, 2016 WRITTEN BY CASEY ANN BECK

clean plate RECIPE FOR GRILLED VEGETABLE SALAD

ntil these heat waves take a break, I’ve made a vow to ignore my oven and stovetop. Though it means I need to venture outside and brave the sweltering temperatures, I’m depending on my grill for as many meals as I possibly can. For starters, I find that cooking outdoors means less dirty dishes. And, it seems to take a fraction of the time. So, instead of sweating over a hot stove or laboring over a sink full of pots and pans, I’m enjoying an efficiently cooked, tasty dinner in the air conditioning. We’ve been spending a lot of quality time with our grill, cooking everything from barbecued chicken and fancy sausages to hot dogs and burgers. We even celebrated the 4th of July by searing a steak bavette from Kensington Quarters in our own backyard. It’s also an opportunity for us, toddler included, to enjoy our outdoor space while we let the grill do its job. Meat isn’t the only thing that tastes better from the grill, though; vegetables are delicious, too. A good char on the surface of corn, onions, or even eggplant contributes so much flavor that you need little more than a coating of olive oil, salt, pepper, and some grill marks. I took an assortment of vegetables, oiled them up, and threw them on the grill, leaving them alone as much as I could stand. After a few minutes to cool, I simply cut them into bite-sized pieces, tossed them with fresh herbs and seasoning, and had a flavorful and healthy side dish. Grilled Vegetable Salad From A Family Feast 1 medium eggplant, peeled and sliced 3 ears corn, husked 1 bunch of beets, peeled and sliced 2 small or one medium summer squash 1 whole red onion, peeled and quartered at the root end 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed at the bottoms 1 red pepper, cut in half and seeded 2 pints cherry tomatoes ½ cup olive oil ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped ¼ cup balsamic vinegar Salt and pepper to taste

Somers Team Spirit Half Page Ad 2 copy.pdf

5/2/16

Lay the slices of eggplant on a plate lined with paper towels. Salt both sides and set aside for approximately 10 minutes. When ready, rinse and pat dry. Brush all vegetables with olive oil and heat grill to high heat. As each side chars, turn and grill the other side (cooking times will vary for each vegetable). Remove to a platter and allow to slightly cool. Chop each vegetable into bite-sized pieces and add to a bowl. Toss in basil, vinegar, salt and pepper and serve. •

8:13 AM

The Riverwards Neighborhood Experts T h e R i v e r w a rd s N e i g h b o r h o o d E x p e r t s

215-400-2620 Buy Sell Develop Rent Invest

215-400-2600

1033 N. 2nd St. the 5th Floor P h i l a , PA 1 9 1 2 3

thesomersteam.com thesomersteam.com

Page 8

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 13, 2016 BY MAX PULCINI AND SHANE ENGLISH

riverwards produce W E V I S I T E D R I V E RWA R D S P R O D U C E AT T H E I R O P E N I N G PA R T Y

iverwards Produce opened their storefront at 1822 Tulip Street on July 8, welcoming members of the community to check out their locally sourced, old-school farm stand. The open house also featured craft cocktails made with locally sourced produce and liquor from Saint Benjamin Brewing Company and W.P. Palmer Distilling Company. The store, on Tulip Street between E. Berks and E. Wilt Streets, is run from a repurposed garage with stable style doors. The store will be open on Saturdays from 8AM-3 PM. Riverwards Produce will also take wholesale orders from everyday folks, allowing canners to stock up and for people planning large events to save money off the retail price. This is the first physical location for Riverwards Produce, a company that previously only distributed produce to quality-conscious restaurants throughout the Riverwards. •

"It's a great small business additon to the neighborhood. The prices are competitive" - Meg Dooley, Fishtown resident

HAVE YOU BEEN INJURED? WHY SETTLE FOR LESS?

-AUTO & MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS -WRONGFUL DEATH -SLIP & FALL -DOG BITES -DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS -JOB INJURIES -MEDICAL & PROFESSIONAL MALPRACTICE

DIVORCE ~ CRIMINAL DEFENSE ~ ADOPTIONS "I think it's an exciting addition to the neighborhood" -Colleen Rudolph, Fishtown resident

"Local bodegas don't have local produce like this." - Meg Dooley, Fishtown resident

FRIEDMAN, SPALLETTA & LEGOME HOME VISITS ARE AVAILABLE

215-739-9221 316 E. GIRARD AVE

HANDLING NJ & PA CLAIMS

no fee unless recovery · free consultation · injury cases

Page 9

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 13, 2016 WORDS AND PHOTOS BY SHANE ENGLISH

police protests

P H I L LY C O A L I T I O N F O R R E A L J U S T I C E M A R C H E D T O " S H U T D O W N " L O C A L P P D D I S T R I C T S REPORTER’S NOTE: A complete video of this protest can be found on our Facebook page. The language used by the protesters was often fiery. There was anger and there were nonviolent confrontations. You’ll see those in the first 20 minutes of my video and in the coverage provided by every other news outlet in the city. If you stick around (or skip ahead) you’ll see more nuance. You’ll see speakers articulate their fear of death at the hands of police. You’ll see speakers share what America is like when you are marginalized. I stand by my video, but it is not perfect. What I failed to show was the love: The love and pride between protesters and the swell of warmth and strength that came from a community forming one voice and speaking its mind and its messy truth. I was unable to stream the protesters dancing to Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” in the streets of North Philadelphia and singing, “we gon’ be alright.” If all you want to see is the anger, you can, but you’re deliberately throwing out pieces of the puzzle and claiming you see the whole picture. *** Philly Coalition for Racial, Economic and Legal (REAL) Justice marched against police brutality in poor communities of color on Saturday, July 9. The protest started at Cambria and Mascher Streets, where the coalition said one of its members was arrested for videotaping the police a few days before. The protest marched to the 24th and 25th Police Districts’ headquarters on 3901 Whitaker Avenue and confronted the police. The march zig-zagged through North Philadelphia, changing direction when the protest organizers felt that the police were beginning to guide the direction of the march. “There’s no tomorrow. Your children will be slaughtered in these streets if you don’t do the work right now,” said Niecee Cornute, an activist from Dallas and the founder of the Black Women’s Defense League. “Dallas stands with Philly, that’s for damn sure,” she said at the corner of Clearfield and Front Streets. When she talked about communities standing together, the frustration in her voice warmed and she sounded proud yet welcoming. Throughout the protest, Cornute reminded the crowd that she was not a protester: She was here for revolution. “Most of these cops in the community who police us don’t even fucking live here,” a protester said to the crowd. Standing at the corner of Front Street and Allegheny Avenue, she said it feels like an occupation of their communities. The protest was spirited and the language was often revolutionary (to those who believe in the group’s cause) or inflammatory (to those less committed or outright hostile to the pro-black movement). Despite the language used, the protesters did not directly incite imminent violence so their speech is still protected. “No justice, no peace, no racist police,” the protesters chanted as they marched from Kensington, through Fairhill and onto the 24th/25th Police District headquarters. The exasperation and pain expressed by the protesters grew from a simmer to a fierce boil, though they never blew their tops. “We’re tired of the police stopping and frisking us. We’re

tired of being treated like third class citizens when we built this country,” Erica Mines said. In fact, protest organizers encouraged protesters to stay within arm's length of each other and walk away from the police. The direct confrontation between the protesters and police at the foot of the 24th/25th District was a small part of the larger protest. The in-your-face, direct confrontation lasted less than a half hour during a protest march that lasted from 6PM to nearly midnight. Initially, the crowd of a few hundred protesters wrapped the few pro-police demonstrators who were standing by the line of police holding the protest at the steps of the station. There was shouting and name calling — especially directed toward black and latino police officers. Protesters were incensed by the few smirking police officers but, minus ranking officers, most officers remained silent. One officer appeared nervous and had extended his baton and held it across his crotch. One protester was arrested after allegedly shining a flashlight at a police helicopter. The arrested protester was not affiliated with the group organizing and leading the protest. All reports indicate that he acted on his own. The protesters returned to peaceful chanting and marched away within 10 minutes of the arrest. The march progressed through neighborhoods that protesters said are policed like war zones. The demonstrators stopped traffic at various intersections to allow protesters to share how racism and the codification of aggressive tactics like “stop and frisk” and broken windows policing have affected their lives and challenged their peace. “Who do you protect? Who do you serve?” Mines chanted at the police. “Not us,” the protesters answered. The overlapping call-and-response between Mines and the protesters formed a song of their pain and frustration. Mines sang the melody and the protesters punctuated her cadence in counterpoint. “They did not protect or serve Philando Castillo. His fouryear-old daughter watched him get murdered,” Mines said. “What is her life going to be like now. What are her dreams going to be like now.” The protesters refused to forget the names of the people killed by the police. “Alton Sterling, say his name,” a protester shouted. He implored the crowd to respond with “Alton Sterlin, say his name, say his name, say his name.” The crowd chanted name after name until it appeared that exasperation set in. After the confrontation between protesters and police subsided, the protesters formed a loose circle and listened to each other speak. “The change doesn’t come from talking, the change doesn’t come from praying, the change doesn’t come from just thinking about the horrors that are happening. The change happens when we make it happen. Acts of God happen through us. We pray with our feet,” Cornelius Moody, an activist with Philly Coalition for REAL Justice, said. “We’re building a movement. We’re not out here just to be upset with the way things are. We are out here because we want to understand the way things are. We want to learn about the way things are. And then we are going to change the way things are,” Moody added. “We are social justice

warriors. But we seem to be standing across from a bunch of status quo warriors over here. It’s a part of the job description of being a cop.” *** Despite the violence of their rhetoric, the protesters are addressing valid inequalities. According to the Guardian’s “The Counted,” per one million people of the same race: 3.33 black Americans and 1.49 white Americans have been killed by the police in 2016. The raw numbers show that the police killed 140 black Americans and 281 white Americans this year. The raw numbers, though technically accurate, do not tell the full story: black people make up only 12.6 percent of the US population whereas (non-Latino) white people make up 62.8 percent. In short: there are nearly five times as many white Americans as black Americans yet only twice as many white Americans have been killed by the police. No matter how you cite it: when population differences are accounted for, the police are more likely to kill a black American than a white American. With the Democratic National Convention approaching, expect more protests in the coming weeks. •

Page 10

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 13, 2016 WRITTEN BY SPENCER HOMAN

know your history! G E O R G E M . PA L M E R & F R E D E R I C K S C H M I D : K E N S I N G T O N ’ S L E A D B U N B A K E R S

n Philadelphia in the late 1800s, consumers in Kensington demanded yellow buns made from the extract of eggs. Bakers in the neighborhood worked tirelessly to produce a product that met the needs of their customers. When the right ingredients were unavailable or too expensive, bakers were forced to protect their livelihood by any means necessary. Between 1884 and 1887, 11 people in Kensington died from lead poisoning that was traced back to poisoned buns. In total, 78 people were confirmed to have lead poisoning that had eaten these harmful products. There are stories from all over the country about people adulterating food, and in this neighborhood, two bakers were found guilty of that crime and served time in prison. Replacing the eggs in their batter with yellow lead chromate, George M. Palmer and Frederick Schmid sold their baked goods to customers for several years. Lead poisoning was a common occurrence in Kensington, and some physicians attributed this medical phenomenon to “tainted drinking water, canned or foil-wrapped foods, leadbased ointments on nursing mothers’ breasts or faces, and lead nipple shields, or from sugar of lead taken as a quick medical remedy.” Palmer (504 Lehigh Avenue) and Schmid (1830 Frankford Avenue) surrendered themselves to police after a warrant was issued for their arrests. The New York Times reported that the two men “were greatly agitated when they walked into the office of the magistrate.” Although Palmer’s case was considered more serious, reports poked fun at Schmid, stating that his “pale, cadaverous face plainly shows the results of eating his own buns,” and he looked especially troubled in his appearance. Both men had their bail set at $600, and they were found guilty on the following Tuesday by a jury who believed “the deaths…were undoubtedly due to chrome lead poisoning…in buns and other breadstuffs.” The American Society for the Prevention of Adulteration of Food dictates three punishments for offenders of the crime: six months in jail, a fine of $100, or both. Schmid never admitted that he was guilty, but his business was ruined, just like Palmer’s. All Philadelphia bakers experienced financial troubles when the news of lead-infused buns was published in the media. In order to save the reputation of bakers all throughout the city, one man visited the coroner’s office and “dissolved several ounces of the yellow paint in a bowl of water and offered to drink it.” However, when the coroner responded with “Go ahead,” the man was too nervous to fulfill his bold claim. The coroner stated that he would not have allowed the man to actually drink the lead, but he wanted to prove that it was dangerous. Palmer’s case is much more disheartening than Schmid’s, who had almost zero evidence against him that he was guilty of knowingly using lead in his baked goods. George M. Palmer was a German immigrant who came to Philadelphia with his wife Catharine in the early 1860s. The couple lived on Otter Street together, and they had five children: George, Anna, Emma (possibly adopted), Clara, and William. Both George M. and Catharine had cases of lead poisoning along with three of their five children. George’s second wife, as well as his children William and Emma, died of lead poisoning between 1884 and 1886. A man named Hans Hannis lived with George until June of 1887, and he had a confirmed case of lead poisoning in that year, as well as Palmer’s journeyman John Rosenberger (who lived with Palmer at Lehigh Avenue). Two other relatives of George M., George and Mary (both lived with him as well), died of lead poisoning caused by his yellow buns. Dr. David Denison Stewart investigated Palmer’s home and found a pitcher of yellow lead chromate in his cellar, but Palmer denied using it in any of his baked goods. Dr. Stewart made Palmer promise not to use it, and warned him of the consequences he would face if he were to continue.

Following the divorce from his first wife and the death of his second, Palmer was on to his third wife. Allegedly, she “urged him to use [chromate] again, because…the customers demanded yellow buns.” After disobeying the warning from Dr. Stewart, Palmer was discovered, along with Schmid, and the two men faced the penalty of selling dangerous products to innocent people. Schmid was responsible for poisoning 38 people with 1 resulting in death. Palmer was responsible for poisoning 40 people with 10 resulting in death (including 5 family members and 1 friend). Even with a lack of evidence against him and far less harm connected to his bakery, Schmid was forced to pay the $100 food-adulterating fine as well as serve six months in jail. Palmer had to serve six months in jail, but he did not have to pay the fine, even though his product killed ten times as many people. Schmid was vocal about his dissatisfaction regarding the sentencing. Regardless of the time in history or the product being sold, businesses do whatever they deem necessary in order to generate as much revenue as they can. Whether the act is manipulating crop DNA to make GMOs, fracking for oil near underground water reserves, or dying breadstuffs with lead chromate, punishments do not always fit the crime. On February 27th, 1888, it was determined that the poisoning of 78 people and the deaths of 11 of them was worth a combined punishment of 12 months in jail and $100. Information in this article was taken from: Ancestry.com, Brush with Death: A Social History of Lead Poisoning by: Christian Warren, Geneology.com, Kennethwmilano.com, Official Documents of Pennsylvania 1888-1889 Comprising the Department and other Reports made to the Governor, Senate, and House of Representatives of Pennsylvania Vol. VI, July 9th, 1887 Philadelphia Press, July 14th, 1887 Monroe County Mail, July 10th, 1887 New York Times, and ushistory.org. •

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY TO BOBBY SLAVIN! Before Bobby celebrated his birthday on Sunday, July 10th, the Slavin family took a box of 100 pretzels to the men and women at the 24th and 25th Police Districts to show their gratitude and respect. Others also stopped by the police stations following Saturday’s protest to show their support for the Police Department.

28th Annual Sean Daily Tournament The Port Richmond Tigers will host the 28th annual "Sean Daily Memorial Sports Tournament" on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 29-31. This years events include men's and women's softball, basketball, soccer (all ages) and women's volleyball. All events will be held at Cohox Playground (Cedar and Ann Streets). Teams are asked to register by Friday, July 22. If you cannot participate, come out and be a spectator. There will be t-shirts available and plenty of good food. Visit our ever popular food court with a menu guaranteed to have something to please every appetite! The tournament has become an annual meeting place for old friends! For more info, call Tom Mack 215-275-8838 or Tigers Clubhouse at 215-423-7611.

Page 11

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 13, 2016 Continued from Page 1.

Photos by Michael Hanisco

ue itself. For most in the crowd, this was their first look at the 300-seat club that will compete with dozens of entertainment venues nearby. While Punch Line Philly doesn’t stray too far from the traditional comedy club aesthetics, there are a few reminders that this is a brand new facility. While waiting for the show to begin, audience members are treated to a rotating array of jokes and reminders (Two drink minimum! No heckling!) on a state-of-the-art projection screen. The industrial feel of the building is complemented by modern furniture and lighting. Like the Fillmore next door, it’s clear that promoters want to make the club a destination, not just a detour. A fully stocked detached bar (with accompanying outdoor patio) encourages club goers to come early and stay late. General Manager Asyia Ahmed acknowledged as much in a conversation with Spirit News. “The Fishtown entertainment scene is growing rapidly and with the success that we’ve seen with Live Nation’s Fishtown music venue, The Fillmore Philadelphia, we knew that it made perfect sense to bring Punch Line right next door. The combination of the two venues makes it an entertainment destination where you could potentially see a comedy show and a concert all in the same evening while enjoying great food, drinks, and atmosphere,” she said. When asked if Punch Line plans to expand beyond the realm of professional comedy to embrace and engage the local Fishtown community, Ahmed didn’t hesitate. “Yes, absolutely. We will look to host open mic nights eventually as well as private events. We have an amazing Special Events team that coordinates parties, fundraisers, banquets, and more,” she said. •

WRITTEN BY MAX PULCINI

we care soccer camp

WE CARE SOCCER CAMP LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

e Care Soccer Camp, a free annual summer camp established by Fishtown and Roman Catholic High School soccer legend Pat Cain, offers neighborhood children a fun and free chance to learn the game of soccer each summer. Founded in 1994, the camp has grown each year, now attracting over 200 children ages 4 to 12 from the Riverward communities of Philadelphia. We Care Soccer Camp provides weeklong activities to its campers. This year’s camp begins on July 25th and con-

cludes on the 29th. It runs from 9AM until noon each day. Volunteer counselors help teach fundamentals (like footwork, passing and on-field communication) through various drills and scrimmages. At the camp’s conclusion each camper receives a ball, soccer bag, a tee shirt, and a week full of memories spent with friends, teammates and mentors. We Care Soccer Camp operates thanks to monetary donations from the neighborhood and from the time of volunteers. “Donations are the only way that something like this can work,” Cain, who is extremely proud that his camp doesn’t

charge children and their families a dime, told The Spirit. “I’m disappointed that other people with soccer knowledge charge kids for camps.” This year, Mugshot Diner owner Chris Voz donated more than $800 to We Care Soccer Camp. The camp has also been supported by Penn Treaty Special Service District grants. We Care Soccer Camp is looking for volunteers to help train this year’s participants. If you’re a freshman in high school and eager to help, come by Shissler Rec to speak with Pat and sign on. •

Page 12

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 13, 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

m eet ing s 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. Monday July 18, 6:30-8:30 PM MONTHLY EKNA MEETING The East Kensington Neighbors Association will host its monthly meeting at Circle of Hope (2007 Frankford Ave.). On the agenda for July are committee updates (including zoning and development) as well as meeting time for individual committees. Tuesday July 19, 7PM FNA ZONING MEETING (1202 E MONTGOMERY AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19125) The Fishtown Neighbors Association will hold a zoning meeting to allow community members to vote on one proposal: A proposal for the relocation of lot lines to create six lots from one deeded lot and construct six single family homes, each with a roof deck and accessory parking space at 1801-21 Blair St. Wednesday July 20, 6PM EKNA SPECIAL MEETING EKNA’s Crime, Safety and Infrastructure committee will hold its monthly meeting at Liberty Choice (1839 N. Front St.). Sunday July 17 (and 24 and 31), 12 PM Join Arcadia Commons at the Kern Street Park (2500 Kern Street) to learn about the animals that live all around us. Meet some of local animals that call our neighborhood home. Free capes and patches for the first 20 children. Wednesday July 20, 4-8PM The City of Philadelphia has received federal funding to improve American Street between Girard and Indiana Avenues. Learn about the project and offer your input at an open house event held at Pan American Academy (2830 N. American St.). 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.

events 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 June 27-September 1 2016 EVA RUBIN MEMORIAL WINDOW BOX AND PLANTER CONTEST Once again the FNA is holding a window box and plant-

er contest to reward the best flower boxes helping to keep the neighborhood green and beautiful. The contest entry deadline is September 1st. Submit entries to beautification@fishtown.org, or to FNA’s Facebook or Instagram page with the tag #FNAFlowerBox. Be sure to include a photograph and the address. June 28-August 4 SUMMER PROGRAMS AT BEACON (2364 E. CUMBERLAND STREET BETWEEN MEMPHIS AND CEDAR) Join us at Beacon this summer from 6/28-8/4 in the yard for two fun programs: Open Yard on Tuesdays from 122pm (games, reading, fort-making & more) and Garden Hour on Thursdays from 2:30-3:30pm (urban gardening education). Both programs are free, drop-in, non-religious, and open to all (children under 5 must be accompanied by an adult). Questions? For more info, email info@thewordatbeacon.org or call 215 423 6216. July 14-August 27 LOCAL COLOR: CUT PAPER COLLAGES A solo exhibition of artist Joseph Opshinksy’s work, will be on display at the Hall in Crane Arts (1400 N. American St.). Receptions will be held on July 14 and August 11 from 6-9PM. Wednesday, July 13 5-7:30PM A WELCOME 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 Saturday, July 16th, 2-4PM MIXED MEDIA AND RECLAIMED MATERIALS WORKSHOP WITH STEPHEN MILLNER Meet re Create Featured Artist Stephen Millner and learn about how he creates his intricate and thought provoking assemblage pieces…then create one of your own! Join us at The Resource Exchange for a workshop focused in creating mixed media and collage works with salvaged materials. Beginners can learn how to organize and start a collage while experienced artists can learn how to take advantage of the properties of various found media. All participants will create one or more mixed-media works. At The Resource Exchange (1701 N. 2nd St.) More information and RSVP details: http://www.theresourceexchange.org/workshops/mixed-media-and-reclaimed-materials-with-stephen-millner/ 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. Thursday, August 25 8PM

Cat-A-Strophe at the Papermill Theater (2825 Ormes St.) Cat-A-Strophe is coming to Philadelphia August 25: A new play written by playwright Yoel Wulfhart will premier at the Paper Mill Theater. Cat-A-Strophe is what would happen if Samuel Beckett, Dario Fo and Hannoch Levin cowrote a sitcom. Tickets are $15. For more information, contact the Papermill Theater at thepapermilltheater@gmail.com.

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 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 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. 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!

children 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 Face Painting with Miss Stacy at Fishtown Free Library Come get your face painted by Miss Stacy! Recommended for ages 3-12. Supplies limited; first come, first served. Thursday July 7, 2-4PM 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 be opened Wednesday nights from 6-8 pm and Saturday mornings 10 am-12 pm.. 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/ 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.

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 13, 2016

seniors 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.

w LUTHERAN SETTLEMENT HOME EVENTS t Lutheran Settlement House Senior Center, 1340 Frank- ford 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. t Dancercise with Rita, Mondays at 9AM and Tai Chi with Milt on Wednesdays at 12:30PM. For further information call 215-426-8610.

Fridays s ART WORKSHOP FOR SENIORS d St. Anne’s Senior Center, 2607 E. Cumberland St., is ofe fering an art workshop for people age 50 and older. “Clay y Creations” will meet weekly on Fridays, from 12:30-2 PM - Participants will learn about the art of hand building to e create pots and other clay forms. Those interested should - register in advance. s For more details call 215-426-9799.

a y SENIOR EXERCISE CLASSES s Exercise classes for people 50 and older will be offered at g 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.

m d

faith

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 ine formative, exciting and lively open discussions. As always, 9 everyone is welcome. e f Thursdays ST. ANNE WEEKLY NOVENA St. Anne weekly Novena Thursday evening service, 7:30PM Church of Saint Anne, Memphis St. and Lehigh Ave. t 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.

sign ups July 15-17 The 18th Annual Margaret McCook Sports Tournament" will be held. Anyone interested in registering a soccer, basketball, softball or foot hockey team, please let us know on Facebook by leaving your name, sport, team name and email address and we’ll send out the registration. For more info call: Joe at 267-767-9123 or Mark at 215-9199373. 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. 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. PORTSIDE ARTS 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! www.portsideartscenter.org/summer-arts-pass 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.

Page 13

Page 14

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 13, 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.

HOME SERVICES

FOR RENT

FAIR HOUSING

Efficiency 32xx Frankford Ave. $550 + electric Immediate possesion, no pets 215-840-8399

YOU HAVE A NICE SET OF WHEELS BUT CAN’T FIND A PLACE TO PARK THEM.

WASHERS DRYERS STOVES REFRIGERATORS

Port Richmond - 2BR Townhouse. Central air, hard-wood floors, $975 + utilities. 1st floor 1BR apartment $775/month + utilities. Security check, application fee, NO PETS. 215-425-3086

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.

24-Hour Emergency Service $10 Charge For Estimate

Efficiency 30xx Frankford Ave. $535 215-941-3000

B&A

APPLIANCES

REPAIRS ALL MAKES ALL MODELS

A DVA NCED

ELECTRIC REPAIRS

& I NSTA L L ATIONS

LOW RATES FAST SERVICE UPFRONT PRICES LICE NSED

I NSUR E D

BONDED

S KI L L E D

100-200 AMP BREAKERS TROUBLESHOOT REPAIRS OUTLETS - LIGHTS - SWITCHES

BARRY FISHER

ELECTRICIAN OVER 27 YEARS EXPERIENCE

House wiring, 100 amp circuit breakers, ceiling fans & a/c lines. LICENSED & INSURED - LIC #PA040852/16493

215-327-3817 PAY LESS

ROOFING

NEW RUBBER ROOFS MINOR ROOF REPAIRS ALUMINUM ROOF COATING

SHINGLES - GUTTERS - SPOUTS

215-588-1671

AFFORDABLE ELECTRIC FAST SERVICE & LOW RATES LIC. - INS. BONDED

2 1 5-92 7-1 10 0

215-743-8599 HANDYMAN FREE ESTIMATES - CALL GERRY

“WE DO IT ALL” 215-396-2206

No Charge With Repair

PLUMBING - WINDOWS PAINTING - DOORS CARPENTRY - CEILINGS CEMENT - FLOORS

215-743-8599

25xx and 30xx Frankford Ave. Clean and furnished. 215-941-3000

JOBS Drivers: Great Hometime. $1,250 + per week + Monthly Bonuses. Excellent Benefits. Newer Trucks. No Touch. CDL – A 1 yr. exp. 855-842-8498

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

FAIR HOUSING IS THE LAW!

610-604-4411 - FJCSP.COM PARENTS

JUNK CARS

FOSTER PARENTS

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

Good, Loving homes needed for children of all ages.

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

Page 15

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 13, 2016

community notices PENN TREATY SPECIAL SERVICES DISTRICT ANNOUNC- Impermanent Society Festival in October, which will feature free activities and workshops. ES OVER $66,000 IN GRANTS DURING THE JUNE 2016 South Kensington Community Partners – $3,100 – to supMEETING. port the costs of the 2016 American Feast event, which The Penn Treaty Special Services District (Penn Treaty hopes to bring together stakeholders in the community. SSD) announced Grants and Sponsorships to the follow- Friends of Penn Treaty Park – $23,300 – (balance of $40,000 granted in May 2016) to support the costs of the ing recipients Second Street Festival (co-sponsored by NLNA) – $15,000 2016 season of park events. – to support costs associated with the 2016 festival in AuThe Penn Treaty SSD, incorporated in 2009, is a 501(c) gust. Art Sphere – $11,060 – To support childrens 2016 arts and (3) community-based organization that works to enhance the quality of life for residents of the immediate neighborclay programs. Cione Strikers Soccer Club (co-sponsored by The Joey F. hoods surrounding SugarHouse Casino—including FishCasey Memorial Foundation) – $7,225 – to support the town, South Kensington, Old Richmond and Northern Liberties. cost of uniforms. Funding — which to date has totaled more than $3.5 Fishtown Neighbors Association – $3,500 – to support the million — is provided by SugarHouse Casino through an 2016 River City Festival. Impermanent Society of Philadelphia (co-sponsored by annual donation. Allocation of funds is determined exFractured Atlas) – $3,500 – to support the two-week 2016 clusively by the Penn Treaty SSD Board through a grant re-

AFFORDABLE ELECTRIC INC LOWEST PRICES! “We Do It All” POLICE, FIRE & SENIOR DISCOUNTS

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL FAST EMERGENCY SERVICE

quest form and a review process.

For more information on the Penn Treaty Special Services District, or to apply for a grant, visit www.penntreatyssd.com. • How to Commute by Bike During SEPTA contingency plan

SEPTA recently had to remove 120 Silverline V cars from service due to structural defects, reducing its entire fleet by about one-third, and reducing the number of seats available to commuters by 13,000. Trains are arriving less frequently, and are more crowded than usual. In light of that, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia urges Regional Rail riders to utilize bicycles in combination with available public transit to get to their destinations. People in the Greater Philadelphia Region can easily utilize hundreds of miles of bike lanes and Circuit Trails throughout the Delaware Valley, as well as SEPTA’s bus racks and bike parking at Market-Frankford stations, Broad Street Line stations, the Norris High-Speed Line, and trolley stations. “This is a learning moment that gives people an opportunity to use their bike for part or all of their commute, and see if it can become part of their everyday transportation routine,” says Sarah Clark Stuart, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. “Between the 350 miles of trails, bike lanes, and low-volume, low-speed streets, there’s lots of routes to use for bike commuting in the Philadelphia Region.” The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia’s website features several maps which will make it easier for commuters to find a route to work and school throughout the region. You can find maps online at http://bicyclecoalition. org/ride-your-bike/bike-maps/#sthash.sTxQgf6d.dpbs In addition to the bike lanes and trails in the Greater Philadelphia Region map, the Bicycle Coalition has created the "Transit and the Circuit Trails" map, showing all regional rail, high-speed line and bus stops within a quarter-mile of the Circuit Trails.

All information, including how to commute using Circuit trails throughout the region, is available at http://bicyclecoalition.org/tips-bike-commuting-septas-contingency-plan/#sthash.QEIDgnVX.dpbs •

100 AMP • Breakers Lighting • Outlets • Fuse Repair • Ceiling Fans Switches • Dryer Lines Doorbell Repairs

10% OFF WITH THIS AD

215-722-5993 State License #PA068325 City of Philadelphia Electrical License #17027 We will BEAT ALL ESTIMATES!

HANGIN’ WITH REV. ED Megan Brown, working her first day at Shenanigan's

The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 2, 2016 WRITTEN BY JORDYN CORDNER WRITTEN BY JORDYN CORDNER

trenton meets fishtown

love & honey

SLICE TO REPLACE ART OF PIZZA ON GIRARD

CHICKEN AND PIE SHOP SET TO OPEN NEAR THE FILLMORE

ccording to Philly.com, a new location from the SLiCE pizzeria chain is coming to Fishtown, replacing the old “Art of Pizza” at 431 E. Girard Ave. The shop will be all-organic, setting it apart from the overabundance of pizza shops in the area. Owned by Marlo and Jason Dilks, parents of four with twins on the way, the new location will open sometime in August and feature expanded gluten-free options and family-style seating for 10-12, as well as 2-tops that can accommodate 8-10. The menu will feature 4 types of chicken wings, made-to-order donuts with speculoos sauce for dipping and Main Root fountain soda, which is also on tap at P’unk Burger, SLiCE’s sister restaurant. According to Philly Eats, the other shops are located in South Philly, Rittenhouse, and South Jersey, and these other “Trenton-style” pizzerias will soon follow the newest in using organic ingredients. You, like we in the newsroom, may be wondering, “What exactly is ‘Trenton-style’ pizza?” According to NJ Monthly, “Trenton tomato pies are put together backwards. Cheese and toppings go on first. Only then comes the tomato sauce—seasoned, crushed plum tomatoes, to be precise—spooned on with the individual pizzamaker’s signature flair.” The shop will open daily from 11 AM to 10 PM and will offer a unique late night menu for Friday and Saturday nights. • SLiCE will replace Art of Pizza along Girard Ave./Patrick Clark

ccording to Philly.com, Culinary Institute of America (CIA) graduates Todd and Laura Lyons will be bringing chicken and pie to the neighborhood with their new restaurant, Love & Honey Fried Chicken. The couple met at CIA, where Todd was a student and Laura was a program director. Laura calls it, as she told Philly.com, “quite the scandal.” They will be leasing a spot in the repurposed commercial building located at 1100 N. Front St., right down the way from The Fillmore. The restaurant is all comfort, offering buttermilk fried chicken, rich side dishes, authentic matzo-ball soup, and 4-6 pies. It will be predominately focused on takeout and delivery, with just a handful of inside seats. Laura Lyons says that, despite the Southern-inspired cuisine, the fare draws from many cultures. She told Philly.com that she has gained ten pounds from testing pie crusts, but “the pastry has to be perfect," she said. "You want them to swoon." • Photo via Love & Honey's Facebook