The Spirit of the Riverwards - July 27, 2016 by The Spirit

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WEEK JULY 27, 2016 VOL. 13 NO. 28

MUTUAL BURIAL GROUNDS OF KENSINGTON Philadelphia Historical Commission (PHC) issues ruling on Mutual Burial Grounds of Kensington. 8

MUSIC ROW Your guide to local music — Mannequin Pussy and The Claypool Lennon Delirium. 6

RICKIE JOLENE MORGAN A vigil was held on July 22nd to pay tribute to a murdered sex worker in Kensington. 10

PATRIOTISM AND PRIDE Drag Bingo returns to Fishtown’s Church of the Atonement 11

RIDE FOR PEACE

r. Jill Stein, presidential candidate for the Green Party, visited one of Kensington’s more infamous corners on Sunday, July 24. Stein spoke with activists and community members under the Somerset El stop before walking a block in one of the neighborhoods most affected by endemic poverty, unemployment and the drug trade. The Green Party’s candidate was led on a walking tour by Cheri Honkala of the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC). “We wanted to invite our presidential candidates on a reality tour,” Honkala said. “We wanted to talk a little about Kensington. We have three different stops that we’re going to.”

While Stein spoke at the Somerset El stop, an older man in a black polo exchanged cash and a handshake with a young man in a ratty grey t-shirt before they went separate ways. “We’re calling for a Green New Deal,” Stein said. “We have a crisis of racism and a crisis of economy.” A key part of Stein’s platform is to provide jobs and stimulate growth in marginalized communities. “This crisis is the elephant in the room in our economy, our culture, our world,” Stein said. “This is a crisis of racism, of economic violence,

“Clintonville,” a pop-up community that reflects the pain and anxiety of the poor and homeless, has been established in a lot at the corner of Somerset and American Streets in Kensington. “This is by poor people, for poor people,” Cheri Honkala, founder of the Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign (PPEHRC), said. “We’re here because of the growing equality of inequality in our country.” “The beginning thrust for this (PPEHRC and protest encampments) was when the first Clinton destroyed welfare,” she added. According to Honkola, “Clinton declared homelessness on America” by destroying the social safety net.

The encampment faced American Street and was largely a group of tents made from tarps and poles. The extreme heat slowed the development of “Clintonville”, but did not diminish the passion and commitment of the encamped activists. By late Sunday afternoon, a school bus had been repurposed as a place to sleep. An improvised tent was created by a sheet strung from the side of the bus. During the afternoon, about 15 people were living in “Clintonville.” It was unclear how many would leave and how many more would arrive to

Continued on Page 9.

24th and 25th Districts hold a block party and community bike ride in Kensington. 5

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

HOT OFF THE

PRESS

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 27, 2016 THE

local lens BY THOM NICKELS

omewhere in the Riverwards there was a little boy named Oswald. Oswald was 5 years old when he wondered why his parents never let him play with the ordinary kids on the block. Oswald’s dad, Franny, a physician, had decided that he would not subject his only child to the uncertainty of the neighborhood. It was his contention that the neighborhood was filled with too many bad influences that could have an adverse effect on the destiny of the children who lived there. Franny’s boy would not be exposed to renegade, rough, foul mouthed neighborhood rustics. That’s the term Franny used for them, rustics, or boys who rode their skateboards in parking lots late at night, boys without parental curfews and who sometimes thought it was way cool to go into Arby’s on Aramingo Avenue and yell bad words at the counter clerks. Franny was fond of saying that hooligans like this often turned into bad teenagers or high school dropouts and that some of them even became drug addicts who wound up as homeless panhandlers who slept under bridges and along Aramingo Avenue. Franny was very determined that this would not happen to little Oswald. He and his wife, Jayne, were so committed to keeping Oswald safe that they drew up a safe zone chart with felt tip pens in which they identified suspect areas of the Riverwards where Oswald wasn’t to venture. While the one block radius around the family house was designated a go-zone, anything beyond that was forbidden territory unless Oswald asked for a parental escort. There would be no bike riding with neighborhood kids and no walking to the shopping center alone. Certain streets on the safe zone chart were also marked with big red X’s. This signified major no entry areas where bums hung out or where druggies went to nod off an afternoon or evening fix. Franny felt that too many people in the area were on some kind drug: Heroin, amphetamines, Xanax, Valium, crack cocaine, Percocet and oxycodone were so prevalent that even grandmothers were selling their prescription drugs to make ends meet. When Oswald asked his parents to take him to remote areas of the Riverwards, his request was usually honored. Franny and Jayne, after all, wanted him to have some sense of the neighborhood even as they told friends they were keeping tabs on him for his own good, not out of a sense of meanness. They wanted Oswald to succeed in life but they also knew that meeting just one “wrong” friend could put him on a different path. They had seen this happen too many times to boys and girls in the neighborhood. Another notation on the safe zone chart, done up in blue ink, was a commitment to putting Oswald in a good Quaker school rather than abandoning him to the anarchy and mayhem found in the rustic Philadelphia public school

system, with its overcrowded classrooms filled with rowdy, uncivilized (and obnoxious) ragamuffins. Oswald would be driven to his special school every morning and then driven back in the afternoon. Taking a Septa bus alone was not an option. Bad things can happen on buses: He’d hear bad language, meet ill-intentioned strangers or become a bully’s target. Oswald was encouraged to participate in school sports. Sports, Franny felt, would help squelch any teenage desire that might come along later, such as wanting to ride his bike alone without parental accompaniment. Franny knew that bad things can happen even while riding a bike. What if a rustic attacked his son and tried to steal his bike? What if, what if…. Franny knew the neighborhood’s potential because as a kid he briefly fell under the spell of some bad kids. It was only through his mother’s determination that was he able to remove himself from this group and then go on to medical school. Oswald’s chart showed bright red arrows pointing to the name of a nearby family. The boys in this family were chronic troublemakers: In and out of jail for numerous drug offenses and domestic violence, they’d also been booked for small felonies like stealing large boxes of candy bars from WAWA. They were predatory opportunists always looking to get over. Police squad cars visited the house regularly. It didn’t help that none of the sons worked but hid behind the generosity of desperate girlfriends. The smallest members of the family, the 3 and 4 years olds, had a habit of yelling “fuck off” to strangers. Franny viewed the family as a warning to everyone that an upbringing like this could only have disastrous results. Many neighbors other than he and Jayne disliked how the toddlers were allowed to run the streets until midnight when everybody else was either asleep or going to sleep. “They’re going to be unmarried mothers by the time they’re fifteen, maybe even earlier,” he often said to Jayne. When Oswald went for walks with his parents many neighbors would look at them and think to themselves how funny it was that this little boy always had an escort. Sometimes the neighbors would point: There goes the little boy who isn’t allowed to play with ordinary kids. Because Oswald had lived so long in a controlled environment, he looked pale and thin like the young Alexei Nikolaevich, heir apparent of the last Russian Imperial family. The persistent shielding of Oswald from the realities of the neighborhood made him into a different sort of teenager. One feared what would happen to him if for some reason he was locked out of his house and had to make his way around the neighborhood alone. Would he know how to talk to the rustics? Would he be able to roll with

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

the punches if confronted by a bully? As it was, he never had the experience of confronting or defending himself against a bully, which for some boys can be a good “rounding out” experience. Suffice to say that Oswald was not streetwise, would never be streetwise, and that the isolation he experience growing up would give him a sense of being different and removed from everyone else. Franny, because of his diverse upbringing, was streetwise to the core. The older Oswald got the less the family would take walks together. Soon Oswald became like someone who had moved away or died. Older residents would reminisce: “Wasn’t there once a little boy who lived in that house who used to take walks with his parents?” By the time Oswald went to college—of course it was to a school far, far away—he lost what little connection he had to the Riverwards. In fact, he could not even recall the face of a single neighbor. Even as a grown up young adult, he was not aware that over time his parents’ rules had become second nature to him, so that he simply no desire to explore new places, meet new people or extend himself to others in any way because that sort of thing made him feel…unsafe. He did, however, remember envying some of the rustics when he’d spot them from his father’s car. They’d be riding their bikes on the street unattended by a single adult with the wind blowing through their hair. His weak connection to the neighborhood also made it easy for him to move far away from the Riverwards after college graduation. But he could only do that after a very lengthy consultation with his parents. “Where should I go,” he asked them, “how do I get the ball rolling?” He was afraid, he said, to come up with ideas on his own. It was just too risky to do a thing like that without their help. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 27, 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

Kay, I give up. As if a near entire week of 95 degree heat isn’t enough, the weather sticks its tongue out at us once more and decides to tack on a few more days of monster heat just for good measure! This is just brutal. It's been easy forecasting the weather these past two weeks since we’ve been locked into this sweltering pattern. If anyone asks you what the weather is going to be tomorrow just say “95.” Well, I do have some good news: The heat will be letting up somewhat heading into the weekend. Thursday looks like it’ll be our last day of 90+ for the immediate future. The best chances for storms is on Friday, Saturday and to a lesser extent Sunday. No day will be a complete wash-

out, but Friday could feature a couple rounds of thunderstorms and showers. On the other side of all this storm activity will be cooler temperatures and lower humidity. A fine trade off after all this heat I’d say! Wednesday kicks off the weather period very hot and humid. Temperatures will be in the 90s for the 6th straight day. Thursday continues the heat wave to a 7th day. Enough is enough. Thankfully this should be the last of the monster heat for this week at least. Friday features temperatures topping out in the middle 80s with periods of rain beginning in the morning and lasting until the early evening.

The weekend looks very nice as temperatures remain warm enough for us to enjoy the weather without the suffocating aspect we’ve been dealing with. There is a chance for a shower each day but don’t count on it. Monday and Tuesday continue the nice streak of weather, but brace yourself, I have a pretty good feeling the big, bad summer muggies will return soon! The weather winner of the week is the Monday; the weather loser is Thursday. Accu-Reggie will be out of the country with limited access to internet between July 27th and August 10th. During this time, daily weather updates will unfortunately very rarely occur. We apologize in advance for the inconvenience. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 27, 2016

Continued from Page 1. spend the night. The core group of residents were connected with PPEHRC and activists from different groups came and went throughout the afternoon. “We sleep everywhere,” Honkala said. “Last night Galen slept half in the truck and half in the air.” According to Honkala, people slept on chairs pushed together into a makeshift bed, sections of couches and even the grassy field. The “community from nothing,” as Honkala described it, is a knowing homage to the Hoovervilles of the Great Depression, “Clintonville” is a symbol of how the policies of Democrats and Republicans have starved poor communities, said Honkala. Although it is a political statement, there are practical benefits to the encampment. Throughout the afternoon, several passers-by are offered cold water and shade. “Clintonville” continues Honkala’s history of creating encampments in order to protest injustice and to alleviate some of the pain of extreme poverty. “Clintonville” is a microcosm of poor communities, said Sandra, a homeless mother of a 1-year-old child. “It demonstrates what life is like for people abandoned by government services and neglected by corporate interests,” she said. “We can only rely on each other. We have to come together and see that individualism isn’t going to save America,” said Luciano, a young man bouncing between a few different temp agencies. Recently, Luciano lost a job after missing a day to assist Honkala’s work. He didn’t regret it because Honkala has treated him like family and, he said, he believes that families need to have each other’s backs. The residents of “Clintonville” gathered under the tent nearest American Street to get out of the heat and shared a prayer. Though led by a visiting pastor, the prayer was directed to God in all traditions. Each member offered a prayer for the group, the country or the marginalized communities they stand with. The location of the encampment is significant in the history of marginalized American communities. Mother Jones (the labor leader, not the magazine) lead the March of the Mill Children from American Street in Kensington to the New York home of President Teddy Roosevelt in 1903. “American Street is symbolic of the rest of the US. It used

to be the mecca of, say, the textile industry and there used to be tons and tons of jobs,” said Galen Tyler, a leader of PPEHRC and formerly homeless father. “There were so many jobs where people with the minimum education could get a job making anywhere from $11 to $16 an hour in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s,” he said. “All the manufacturing jobs have left this country and are never coming back just like the factories have left this neighborhood and are never coming back.” Tyler’s past experiences with the kind of reinvestment that Democrats and Republicans advocate fuels his skepticism. He lived in the area the last time a politician promised to reinvest in Kensington. “In the late ‘90s the federal government gave $45 million to rebuild this strip and look at what the people in power thought was necessary,” he said. “They gave you a beer

plaza, a Wine and Spirits, a McDonald’s, a Checker’s.” Although Honkala said she has permission from the lot’s owner to establish “Clintonville,” she is still skeptical of police attention. A young man approached the encampment and asked if a resident of “Clintonville” could call the police for him. He said his bike had been stolen by some teens and he could see that they were just hanging out on a nearby street. Most residents said nothing. The few who did respond told the young man that the police wouldn’t help him anyway. “Do you want me to call the police for that guy?” said a friend of Honkala’s. “I don’t think so,” Honkala said. “Because there’s a million people out there and this right now, we’ve got to think about the implications of doing that.” •

All photos by Megan Matuzak

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 27, 2016 W O R D S A N D P H O T O S B Y PAT R I C K C L A R K

ride for peace

2 4 T H A N D 2 5 T H D I S T R I C T S H O L D B L O C K PA R T Y A N D C O M M U N I T Y B I K E R I D E I N K E N S I N G T O N

ommunity members and police officers gathered on Wednesday July 20th at the Ride For Peace, a block party and community bike ride event organized by the 24th and 25th Police Districts. The event featured activities geared towards children including a moon bounce, dunk tank, face painting, and a meet and greet with the K9 unit. Captain Michael Cram of the 25th District was in attendance. One of the primary organizers of the block party, Cram spoke to Spirit News about his past experiences with community outreach. “We like to do a lot of community stuff. It’s our main focus other than fighting crime,” he explained. “I did a ton of this stuff in the 26th District. We started the 5th and York community fair when I was down there so I wanted to do something similar here. So I figured, let’s do it here because we have the PAL Center. People around here don’t get a lot of peace and quiet so we wanted to get those kids out of the house to have some fun.” Councilwoman Maria Quiñones-Sánchez of the 7th District rode as well, citing the importance of events such as this in the wake of the recent tragedies leading to growing tensions between police and community. “Given what’s happened in the last couple of weeks, it’s a different country,” Quiñones-Sánchez said. “We understand now more than ever the value of the community working with the police.” The block party was held at 100 W Somerset, west of the intersection of Front and Somerset, a hotbed of drug activity. “This is also a community that has a lot of need in it, two of the poorest zip codes in Pennsylvania,” Cram explained. “So we figured, let’s do our event for the kids where they need it most.”

All photos by Patrick Clark

Children from Lighthouse PAL at 141 W Somerset came flooding out to the block party once the riders continued on their route, waiting eagerly to jump in the moon bounce or play tug-of-war with one of the K9 dogs. Inspector Mike McCarrick of the East Police Division, explained, “It’s a great way to engage kids from the neighborhood in a positive manner and to give them an opportunity on a nice summer day to get out and have some fun.”

“This intersection of Front and Somerset has become ground-zero for heroin and safety issues,” Quiñones-Sánchez explained. “It’s great that the 24th and 25th District understand the importance of coming out and talking to the community. Because we want to show the neighbors that we’re not leaving and we’re gonna be here, fighting with them to reclaim their community.” •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 27, 2016

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: Mannequin Pussy After being friends for over twenty years, longtime friends Marisa Dabice and Thanasi Paul decided to form the creation that would soon become Mannequin Pussy on one dreary east coast night. If The Breeders and Crass’s Penis Envy where to kindle the flames of Philly’s underground music scene, Mannequin Pussy would be the red hot coals. Self described as sounding “like a bat stuck in a tent”, crushing guitars, and a beautiful balance of both punk and early indie vocals create a thick concrete jungle of sound that you can’t help but bob your head to. While originally writing their earliest material, Thanasi helped lay the foundation on drums while Marisa played guitar and vocals. As many bands do during the beginning, Mannequin Pussy’s lineup rotated in search of just the right fit. Their increasing urge to flee New York City prompted them to move to Philadelphia where they are happily settled in The Riverward. Philadelphia remains a constant source of inspiration for the band during their songwriting process. When asked to comment on Philly’s music scene Thanasi replied, “It's pretty amazing to watch everyone in the scene feed off each other in a spirited display of musical friendship and appreciation.” Marisa’s honest lyrics continue to revolve around observing daily life subculture as well as the constant socio-political environment of our own cryptic democracy. With the new album, "Romantic", founding members Dabice on vocals and guitar, Paul shredding away on a custom Strat, and now featuring Colins ‘Bear’ Regisford on bass with Kaleen Reading on drums the band is tip top Mannequin Pussy

perfection. "Romantic", will be out October 28th. John but still retaining his own unique qualities both voYou can catch Mannequin Pussy here in Philly, August cally and through impressive guitar work. 10th with Kitten Forever, Royal Brat, and Blowdryer at All The Claypool Lennon Delirium started after Lennon’s, Night Diner. The Ghost of the Saber Tooth Tiger opened for Primus. Which in turn led to a backstage jam where the two muCONCERT PREVIEW: sicians immediately began sparking ideas. Having tried THE CLAYPOOL LENNON DELIRIUM many different combinations it seems that Sean Lennon has created perhaps his best effort to date. During his onSome musicians need an introduction, but Les Claypool going pursuit as The Ghost of the Saber Tooth Tiger the and Sean Lennon (John Lennon’s son) aren’t in that cate- rock star legend’s son seemed oddly experimental and gory. This unique pairing is enough to leave almost any- perhaps a bit unsure. Rumored to be fueled by psychedelone intrigued. Throughout the debut, "Monolith Phobos", ics and most definitely good genes Sean flows effortlessly written and performed by The Claypool Lennon Delirium, between funk, rock, and psych on Monolith Phobos. His both Lennon and Claypool’s voices blend triumphantly. guitar work seems heavily inspired by the talented Ler Heavily inspired by the Monkees movie “Head”, Monolith LaLonde but retains a little soul from his father, a blazingPhobos is a must for fans of early psych rock and Primus. ly good combination. Les Claypool has captivated audiences for years with A bit Primus with a touch of of Piper at the Gates of Dawn world class bass lines and storytelling collaborations fea- the record is sure to be an entertaining one to re envision turing more talented musicians than most people would on stage. With Claypool at the helm you can be sure to see ever even dream of, from his Primus days featuring Tom all sorts of abnormalities accompanied by the legendary Waits on “Tommy the Cat”, to the radical days of the Frog thumping bass riffs, creating a spectacular show on AuBrigade. Now the legend has returned with none other gust 31st, The Fillmore at 8:30. • than the late Beatles son, Sean Lennon. Creating an immersive atmosphere filled with talent and a voice echoing

Mannequin Pussy The Claypool Lennon Delrium

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!

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 27, 2016 WRITTEN BY THOMAS BECK

development news KNOW WHAT’S GETTING BUILT ON YOUR BLOCK

ostgreen Homes is currently constructing a nineunit condominium called Arbor House at 2318 East York Street in Fishtown. Each unit, the least expensive of which priced at $275,000, will include either yard space or a deck. Developers aim to obtain platinum-certification status from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). Postgreen Homes has worked on innumerable projects in the Riverwards, including Awesometown in Fishtown, which we covered last week. Several months ago, an unnamed buyer purchased the vacant church at 1217 - 1223 North Hancock Street for $515,000. The structure, originally the Hancock Street Methodist Episcopal Church, was built sometime during the nineteenth century. (There is some debate as to the exact date of establishment.) There is approximately 11,000 square feet of interior space. No one yet knows what will become of the church. In 2013, developers presented a plan to the South Kensington Community Partners (SKCP) to redevelop a warehouse on the 1400 block of North Howard Street. The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) granted a variance after the community backed a proposal to construct 52 new homes and four small mixed-use buildings on site. A now expired demolition permit was issued the following year. Each unit will include approximately 3,000 square feet of space as well as a parking spot. A green space will be situated in the middle of the parcel. Earlier this month, State Senator John Sabatina announced that the Commonwealth Financing Authority has provided the Delaware River City Corporation (DRCC) a $125,000 grant to update its plan to transform the largely industrial shoreline. Tom Branigan, executive director of the DRCC, hopes that the grant will jumpstart a new phase in the North Delaware River Greenway Master Plan. A handful of issues, including zoning changes and competition for land, threaten to disrupt the plan. But the Somers Team Spirit Half Page Ad 2 copy.pdf 1 5/2/16 DRCC remains optimistic. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 27, 2016 WRITTEN BY JOHN HENRY SCOTT

case closed

M U T U A L B U R I A L G R O U N D S O F K E N S I N G T O N S A G A C O M E S T O A N E N D W I T H O U T H I S T O R I C D E S I G N AT I O N

he heated debate over a phantom cemetery at Frankford and Berks has finally come to a close. On July 8th, the Philadelphia Historical Commission (PHC) ruled that ground under 1834-48 Frankford Avenue is not historically significant in a vote of 6-2. This ruling comes after months of deliberation on the part of the PHC and an emotionally-charged debate between Ken Milano (local historian and nominator of the property) and Ori Feibush (developer and owner of the property). The lot was under review because it was purported to have been part of a 19th Century cemetery known as the Mutual Burial Ground of Kensington. In a previous hearing, Feibush alleged that Milano’s efforts to preserve the ground under the property are a calculated attempt at sabotaging his plans for developing on the lot. Milano insisted that his motives are purely historical. However, the July 8th hearing afforded a more civil discussion. Both men seemed content to focus on the property itself and no accusations were leveled. Granted, the discussion came after almost seven hours of previous hearings. It seemed like many people in the room wanted the matter resolved as quickly as possible. One PHC board member openly lamented the fact that they had all missed lunch and admitted to feeling “cranky” because of it. In the discussion before the board, Milano was joined by Andrew Fearon, a local preservationist and Jed Levin, head archeologist at Independence National Historical Park. Feibush was joined by his attorney, Sean P. Whalen as well Philip Ruth, Director of Research for Cultural Heritage Research Services (CHRS, a private archeological research firm which Feibush keeps on retainer) and Rachel Fowler, an archeologist at CHRS. Milano restated his claim that he has only been able to find evidence of about 200 bodies being exhumed from the cemetery and that, based on the number of death certificates recovered and the three decades the cemetery was active (1832-1868), far more bodies remain buried there to

this day. Fearon, in turn, cited an obligation to “multiple stakeholders” within the community. “We have the descendents of those buried there, the German societies [those buried in the cemetery were predominantly of German descent], and local RCOs, all of whom are concerned with [the resolution of] this issue,” he said. Whalen began his argument by asserting that at least 75 percent of the property in question was not part of the burial ground at any point. He pointed to the complications arising from the fact that the designation is not concerned with any specific building but instead with the ground under the building. “It’s a question of is there a there there,” he said. Both CHRS representatives presented their findings on the property, discussing about 14 different maps in painstaking detail which were not visible to the audience. When questioned directly by the Commission if the property “would be likely to yield unrecovered bodies,” Philip Ruth answered, “it would appear to be vacant.” Rachel Fowler gave an anecdote about finding some bones during mechanical surveying on the site. Feibush interjected here to say said construction on the site was halted and the police and coroner's office were notified. Fowler said the remains turned out to be cat bones. The purpose of the anecdote was to illustrate the developer and project managers understand the proper protocol if remains were to be discovered. That a professional archeologist could not immediately distinguish between cat and human bones was attributed to the fact that “the skull was not fully excavated before the authorities were notified.” The discussion concluded with Jed Levin making a statement about how “archeology is about reading data” in regards to all of the newly presented evidence by the developer. His point was that the committee should rule solely on the contents of the application as it contains the

only information that has been thoroughly vetted over the course of the last few months. The committee then took its vote and denied designation for the property. Milano lamented the outcome saying, “we are in a great development period and the Philadelphia Historical Commission seems to be at a breaking point as many applications are being presented to preserve what we can before the wrecking ball gets it. Preservation has been suffering.” Feibush has a different take, calling the entire process, “infuriating and fraught with misinformation.” He believes that “enormous amounts of money” (the city’s and his own) were wasted on this endeavor. Meanwhile, the existing property at 1834-48 Frankford, two garages, once home to the Philadelphia Sculpture Gym, are currently being demolished. Construction on 41 residential units is expected to begin sometime in the next 2 to 3 months. •

Photo by Patrick Clark

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Page 9

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 27, 2016 Continued from Page 1. of violence in our housing which is being gentrified out from under us.” Stein, if elected, said that she will ensure employment through public works progress, in the spirit of the Depression-era Works Progress Administration. “We’re here to say enough is enough. We can’t go on like this,” she said. “We have a crisis in our housing system. We have more empty houses than we do homeless people.” “A Green New Deal creates jobs that we need and puts money in the hands of the community,” Stein said. “We need to ring back small businesses and community coops and nonprofit organizations.” During her walk through Kensington, Stein spoke with potential voters. Bernard Gur spoke with Stein at the corner of East Somerset and Boudinot Streets. Gur said he was struck by Stein’s discussion of oppression abroad. Gur asked Stein what she would do relieve pressure on over-policed communities. Stein explained her plan to include communities in police review boards and to demilitarize the police. She briefly touched on her plans to combat unemployment and homelessness. “She listened to me. I don’t know that anything will happen soon,” Gur said. “But I’m glad I talked to her. Her ideas are different and I like what I heard.” Gur was unsure if he would vote for Stein. Dante Jones stopped under the El to listen to Stein. Jones, a volunteer at Prevention Point and a Kensington resident, admitted that he had never heard of Stein before. “I’m a Democrat and I plan to vote,” Jones said. “I’m not excited about Hillary. I don’t know how much worse Trump would be for a community like this.” Jones said he’s lucky that the block he lives on is mostly warehouses and active businesses. “Nobody sells dope on my corner. But I know it could be different if I lived a few blocks over. It’s out of control in some places,” he said. “When I think about it, though, Hillary nor Trump are going to change anything about this.” Jones said he’d have to see what else Stein stood for but that he’d be happy to see her on the ballot. Frustration with Democrats and Republicans was a common theme among both the residents of Kensington and the activists who organized the brief tour. “The people’s only solution for hope is to get behind a candidate that has enough vision and grassroots connection so that all of us can live,” said Connie Burton, an activist from Florida visiting Philadelphia during the DNC. “All of us have the right to live.” “These are solvable problems,” said Stein. “How do we solve them? By reinventing our democracy. By refusing to have our democracy intimidated out from under us. By saying that we the people are in charge.” •

/Natalie Piserchio

Stein visted "Clintonville" as part of her Reality Tour./Natalie Piserchio

/Natalie Piserchio

Stein addresses the crowd under the El tracks in Kensington. /Natalie Piserchio

/Natalie Piserchio

Bernard Gur/Natalie Piserchio

/Natalie Piserchio

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 27, 2016 WRITTEN BY SHANE ENGLISH

Rickie Jolene Morgan VIGIL HELD FOR MURDERED SEX WORKER

funeral march gathered during the stagnant afternoon of July 22 at the St. Francis Inn. The procession continued to the corner of Jasper and East Cumberland Street to remember a friend, cousin, daughter and mother who was murdered. Her name was Rickie Jolene Morgan and to her Kensington family she was Layla. She was born on October 8, 1980 and she was approaching her 36th birthday when she was murdered. “Whether you knew her as Rickie or Layla, you loved her,” said Carol, a close friend of Morgan’s. “Layla would sit with women and teach them how to be safe,” said Johanna Berrigan of the Catholic Worker Clinic. “Layla was fiercely intelligent and fiercely justice oriented. She wanted justice for the women in the community.” Friends said that Morgan was a woman passionate about the treatment of her peers in Kensington. The sentiment that passed through the crowd was that Morgan was so much more than the headlines that confirmed her death. “She had an open mind and a hungry spirit,” Berrigan said. “She walked many paths to seek divinity. At one time she was interested in the Catholic Faith. More recently she was interested in Islam. Layla had an open heart.” Following a moment of silence, mourners, most with flowers in hand, walked down Kensington Avenue and turned on Letterly Street. The funeral marchers turned on Jasper Street and stopped at the memorial at Jasper and East Cumberland Streets. Morgan had a butterfly tattoo on her left hand. A mourner passed photos of butterflies, torn from an old calendar, among the people gathered. Friends taped the photos to the chain-link fence that supported the memorial. “Our greatest resolve is each other,” said Kit Horan of Thea’s Women’s Center at St. Francis Inn. “We should never have to tolerate violence. We need to know that it is not okay and cannot continue.” Morgan was a mother: She had two children according to the poster at her memorial. A family friend said that Morgan’s kids were around 10 years old. Christopher Moraff, of The Daily Beast reported that Morgan’s daughter is 11 and her son is 10. “Nothing will ever diminish the role she had in my life,” said Carol, a friend of Morgan’s. “Miles don’t matter. What is and always will be is friendship.” Carol was shaken and appeared near tears as she read from a composition book. The cover of the notebook featured two kittens, nestled together.

/All photos by Patrick Clark

“She’ll always be with me,” Carol said. “Like I said earlier, friendship doesn’t end like this, because of this.” Police received a call at approximately 11:30PM on July 16 reporting screaming at the corner of Jasper and East Cumberland Street. They found Morgan, bloodied and beaten, in the street where she passed away. Morgan was a sex worker who, according to The Daily Beast, was murdered by a man posing as a client. She was

beaten and stabbed in the neck. She fled the abandon house she was working in and collapsed in the street. An employee from the Catholic Worker Clinic said that she knew Morgan was murdered as soon as she heard about the tattoo on her left hand. Police believe that this suspect is responsible for at least one other assault in the area. At this time, police do not have a clear lead on their suspect. •

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Patriotism and Pride E VA N G E L I C A L L U T H E R A N C H U R C H O F T H E AT O N E M E N T ’ S 4 T H D R A G B I N G O

ast Saturday's bingo night at the Church of the Atonement (1542 E. Montgomery Ave.) was not typical church social/bingo night. Pearl E. Gates, the emcee, dressed in Nancy Reagan drag sang “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from the Disney classic, "The Little Mermaid." Later, in Hillary Clinton drag, she stood on top of a table belting “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Holliday. With the DNC right around the corner, the theme “Patriotism and Pride” was never better executed. “[Church leaders] saw what was happening in the community around Fishtown. Gentrification has bad and good qualities, but it brought in a more metropolitan crowd coming in, which includes gays,” Pearl E. Gates said. “Doing this Drag Bingo was a way to say, ‘You don't have to join this church but we want to be a part of this community and we want to do fun things with this community. So come, see what we are like.’” It was the 4th Drag Bingo night the church has ever hosted. In the past, approximately 80 people have packed the basement. The proceeds from the night were split 50/50 between two charities, a common practice for the church’s bingo nights. For this Drag Bingo, the proceeds were split between the Pulse Nightclub general fund, which goes to the families of the Orlando Shootings, and By My Side, the children's program at the church. “We are a small congregation but how can we take as many people as we can and speak as loudly as possible? Drag bingo can be pretty loud,” Pastor Noah Hepler said, with a chuckle. Hepler is the congregation leader and is openly gay. In 2009, the governing body of the Lutheran church, known as The Assembly began peeling away restrictions on their relationship with the LGBTQ community at a surprisingly rapid speed, according to Hepler. “They chose what we call ‘Reconciled In Christ' which is the designation that they chose to say that this is an open and affirming entity,” he said. “Different congregations can make up their mind about how open they wanted to be.“ "They had to rewrite all the rules,” Hepler explained. “What surprised me how quickly we moved from people being ‘homosexual and self understanding’ to gay and lesbian to LGBTQ really fast.” The parishioners of the church not only approached the LGBTQ community with open arms, they are standing strong beside them. “You can be a parishioner, you can pastor, you can get married here,” Kate Larsen, an organizer of Drag Bingo and a member of the church said. “The LGBTQ have a place to go here.” Once the irony of gambling in a church and that the LGBTQ community is often called to “atone for their sins” subsides, it’s clear that this drag bingo night is a popular night for the Church of Atonement. Mothers from the community come with coolers filled with booze, Pearl E. Gates delivers punchy zingers and each time someone gets bingo they are met with a loud “YOU BITCH!” from everyone else. “O 69!” Pearl E Gates yells. The crowd, clearly in on the joke, calls back with a resounding “oOoOoh! Ahhh!,” their best orgasm moan in other words. The night ended on a sober note. This particular Drag Bingo would be Pearl E. Gates last go around. Gates is becoming ordained and next the step is to intern at a Lutheran church. Judging from the boos that followed this announcement, the parishioners of the Church of the Atonement were sad to see their emcee go. “Thank you for coming out tonight and sharing this with me. Share this on Facebook, Instagram, whatever. People need to know what this church is all about,” Gates, or rather Hillary Clinton, said. “Now feel free to come up here and get pictures with me!” •

/All photos by Megan Matuzak

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 27, 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. 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. Tuesday, August 2 FNA ZONING MEETING 1420-1422 E Susquehanna Ave – Proposal for the consolidation of multiple deeded lots into (1) lot and for the reuse of an existing convent structure for (9) dwelling units with (3) accessory surface parking spaces.1117 Leopard St – Proposal for the demolition of an existing structure and for the creation of an attached structure for use as a (2) family household with 2nd and 3rd floor front balconies and (1) accessory parking garage. This meeting will take place at the Fishtown Rec Center, 1202 E Montgomery Ave., at 7PM. All residents and business owners in Fishtown are eligible to vote. Please bring proof of residence or business ownership in the form of a driver’s license or a photo id and a lease, utility bill, or recent piece of mail addressed to your home or business. Thursday, August 4 HARROWGATE CIVIC MEETING Includes a neighborhood update, town watch update, Friends of Harrowgate Park update, 24th District update and stats Heitzman Recreation Center 3631 Amber St., at 6:30PM.

events Wednesday, July 27 CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND MOVIE NIGHT Join us at 8pm for movie night at the Ruba Club (416 Green St.) with Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Doors open at 7:30PM. Amazing shorts start at 8PM. Great drinks by mixologist Sam and as always, our special popcorn. See this classic on our giant 16ftx9ft screen. Admission is $8. Thursday July 28, 7-10PM DNC WATCH PARTY DNC Watch Party at Schmidt’s Commons (1001 N 2nd St.) The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons hosts a DNC watch party on Thursday, July 28th at 7:00pm. Watch the grand finale on our Jumbotron. Bring your own chair/blanket and enjoy special dishes and discounts outside. Thursday, July 28 GOONIES MOVIE NIGHT The Goonies at Schmidt’s Commons (1001 N 2nd St.) Bring your own blanket or chair and enjoy a screening of the Goonies at Schmidt’s Commons. The screening begins at 7PM. Saturday, July 30 POKEMON GO BAR CRAWL Live out your childhood and "Catch 'em all" ... while drink-

ing, from 12-5PM! Invite all of your friends, the more people we get, the better the specials. Stops on the crawl are The Yachtsman, Bottle Bar East, Saint Lazarus Bar, Loco Pez, Ortlieb’s, the El Bar, Cedar Point Bar and Kitchen, North Bowl, and Fishtown Tavern Sunday, July 31 BUILD A LIFE-SIZE COMMUNITY MAP Join the South Kensington Community Partners at NextFab (1227 N. 4th St.) to help create a collaborative South Kensington neighborhood map to be displayed at the American Street Feast on September 9th. Paint, draw, build, and learn to use a laser cutter! All ages and experiences are welcome. For more information visit SKCP's Facebook page. Tuesday August 2, 5:30-8:30PM NATIONAL NIGHT OUT Join officers from the 26th District for a night of community food at the Cruz Rec Center, (6th and Master.) There will be food, games, activities and music for the whole community. There will also be a moonbounce. Wednesday, August 3 NERD NITE Nerd Nite #64 will take place at Frankford Hall (1210 Frankford Ave.) from 7:30-10PM. Join us for talks by three lovely, nerdy ladies who will be sharing some very niche expertise with you. They include: Kelly McCarthy with “Mapping the Arctic from 1500 Feet: A Glimpse into our Changing Earth," Katie Bohri presenting on ””Smoking Grass for the Environment - Managing native grasslands with fire," and Kae Lani Kennedy will discuss “The Secret Life of Beanie Babies.” The cover is $5. Wednesday, August 3 ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS Come meet and mingle with Engineers Without Borders Philadelphia! Part networking event, part drinks with friends (drinks optional). This is a great opportunity for members old and new, as well as anyone interested in our initiatives, to come hang out. Leaders will be present to field questions about our projects, membership, and how EWB Philly can help develop your career. New and non-members strongly encouraged to attend! Casual dress. The event will take place from 6-8PM at Frankford Hall. RSVP to receive updates. Saturday, August 6, 6:30-8:30 PM TWILIGHT GARDEN TOUR AT GREENSGROW FARM The evening at Greensgrow Farm (2501 East Cumberland St) will include curated, small group tours of the nursery that are designed to inform and inspire you. Enjoy seasonal fruit, locally made cheeses and refreshments. Philadelphia Brewing Company and Rowhouse Spirits will be serving beer and spirits made just blocks from the farm. Jazz pianist, Patrick Fitzgerald will play throughout the twilight. Tickets are $35. For tickets or more information, contact events@greensgrow. org. 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. Tuesday, August 9 THE MAKING OF THE ARCHIVE COLLECTIVE Join us at 6:30PMin the PPAC gallery (1400 N. American St., #103,) for a discussion on the role of archives and working in the community through arts driven projects Curator Kaila Brooks, Project Coordinator Lori Waselchuk, and Archive Researcher Alysson Biermaier will host a panel entitled “The Making of Archive Collective.” Moderated by Temple Contemporary’s Director of Exhibitions and Public Programs, Robert Blackson, the team will share the process of behind the creation of this unique visual narrative. Wednesday, August 10 GREENSGROW FARM DINNER WITH BALBOA CATERING Join us for a seasonal, 4 course dinner on the farm with

Balboa Catering, a premier Philadelphia caterer. Chef Alex Garfinkel hosts a series of pop-up dinners at his beautiful dining room in Kensington and at regional farms. Chef Alex works with the best farmers and producers in the region to get top quality food for his supper club dinners, many of whom also provide produce for our CSA. BYOB, one drink pairing is included. For more information and to buy tickets, visit greensgrow. org/event. Wednesday, August 10 MOVIE NIGHT Join the Friends of Penn Treaty Park and the Philadelphia Parks and Rec Department for a spooky, family fun movie under the stars and the film Hotel Transylvania 2. Bring your blankets or chairs for a great night out, starting at 7:30PM. Saturday, August 13 KENSINGTON GARDENS Join us for a pop-up beer garden event at the site of the store, starting at 5PM. More information about the beer garden is available on the Kensington Gardens website. Saturday, August 13 PUPS AND CUPS A favorite activity, especially in the summer months, is going to a sidewalk café with your pup. We are introducing a continuing education course for people who have already attended a training class with their dogs but would like to bone up (excuse the pun) on this very specific behavior. If you’re interested in your pup learning sidewalk behaviors, attend this class from 11:30AM-12:30PM at the PSPCA Fishtown (1546 Frankford Ave.) Sunday, August 14 SEED AT SUGARHOUSE CASINO Home Brewed Events and Eat Your PHL are proud to present S.E.E.D, a new vegan craft food and beer festival from 2-6PM at Sugarhouse Casino. The food and beer community in Philadelphia is one of the best in America and the time has come to feature the flourishing vegan food scene in the city. S.E.E.D, Sustainable Everyday Edibles and Drinkables, will be the area’s first fully vegan food and beer festival, an inclusive and sustainable experience that everyone can enjoy – vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike. For more information and to buy tickets, visit phillyseed.ticketleap.com. Thursday, August 18 HAPPY HOUR TO BENEFIT FRIENDS OF PTP, FNA & FACT Join the Friends of Penn Treaty Park and Parks on Tap for the only event of its kind in the area. Parks on Tap is hosting beer gardens in parks throughout Philadelphia. They have selected Penn Treaty Park as one of their sites this year. The event will run from August 18-21. August 18th night will feature a Happy Hour fundraiser for 3 neighborhood groups - Friends of Penn Treaty Park, FNA & FACT. Come out and have a drink in our waterfront treasure. Thursday, August 25 DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE NIGHT Tall Short People will be performing The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars in its glorious entirety. 4 Lads Insane will bring their eclectic sound and interpret songs from throughout Bowie's career. The event will take place at Ortlieb’s (847 N 3rd St.) at 8PM. For more information and for tickets, visit ortliebslounge. ticketfly.com. Thursday, August 25, 8PM CAT-A-STROPHE AT THE PAPERMILL THEATER Cat-A-Strophe: A new play written by playwright Yoel Wulfhart will premier at the Paper Mill Theater (2825 Ormes St.) Cat-A-Strophe is what would happen if Samuel Beckett, Dario Fo and Hannoch Levin co-wrote a sitcom. Tickets are $15. For more information, contact the Papermill Theater at thepapermilltheater@gmail.com. Saturday and Sunday September 10-11 COMMUNITY GARDEN DAYS AT GREENSGROW FARM Join local gardeners at 2501 East Cumberland St. to learn more about community gardening and managing a nursery. Come out and meet other local gardeners.Come out

Page 13

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 27, 2016 this fall weekend to get goods for your community garden. Community Gardeners will receive 10% off of purchases made for their community garden. Your garden must be preregistered to receive the discount at the time of purchase. Discount applies to nursery items only–produce and other food items are not included. For more information, info@greensgrow.org. 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 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. June 27-September 1 2016 EVA RUBIN MEMORIAL WINDOW BOX AND PLANTER CONTEST Once again the FNA is holding a window box and planter 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. 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 27th, Weds. Dusk-FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT Aug. 17th, Weds., 7-9PM BIG HOUSE BAND Sept.9th, Friday, 7-9PM DOO WOP NIGHT (tentative) Sept. 18th, Sunday, 8AM-l:30PM FALL FLEA MARKET 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

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 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.

sign ups 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.

FISHTOWN LIBRARY EVENTS Scott Prior’s Snake Party! Tuesday, July 19th at 2PM Philadelphia Federal Credit Union Presents: Understanding Credit Tuesday, July 26th at 6PM 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.

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. 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.

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.

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

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 27, 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 A DVA NCED

ELECTRIC REPAIRS

& I NSTA L L ATIONS

LOW RATES FAST SERVICE UPFRONT PRICES LICENSE D

I NSUR E D

B ONDED

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

215-743-8599 FREE ESTIMATES - CALL GERRY

“WE DO IT ALL” 215-396-2206

B&A

APPLIANCES

REPAIRS ALL MAKES ALL MODELS

WASHERS DRYERS STOVES REFRIGERATORS 24-Hour Emergency Service $10 Charge For Estimate No Charge With Repair

215-588-1671

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

FOR RENT

FAIR HOUSING

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

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

Rooms for Rent 25xx Frankford Ave. $515 Clean and Furnished 215-941-3000 Fishtown 3BR Newly Rennovated $1500 + utilities 215-941-3000 FOR SALE Club Charter For Sale Call 267-3257112 Ask for Joe

2 1 5-92 7-1 10 0

HANDYMAN

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

215-743-8599 Missing ID Found Claire Alexandra Kuehnel, from Cali. and previously Mass., lost her ID that was found on Dauphin St. on Sat., July 16th. Ms. Kuehnel's purse was with ID was found on the sidewalk and has been turned into the 26th Police District. Please call 215-686-3260

Landlords must allow you to make reasonable accommodations to ensure full use of your apartment. Telling you that you can’t install grab bars and ramps is against the law. You can fight back. If you suspect unfair housing practices, contact HUD or your local Fair Housing Center. Everyone deserves a fair chance.

FAIR HOUSING IS THE LAW!

610-604-4411 - FJCSP.COM JOBS

JUNK CARS

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

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

REAL ESTATE SALES: new or experienced; free training program. Call Mike Dunphy at 215-840-8399

PARENTS

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

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

Page 15

The Spirit of the Riverwards – July 27, 2016

Help Jerry’s Kids! After 45 years, Walter Pomroy is still devoted to helping Jerry’s Kids and it’s time for him to hit the sidewalk once again. Pomroy, also known as Fishtown’s Good Samaritan, will hold his annual campaign to raise funds for the Jerry LewCongratulations, Graduate! is Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. He’ll be on the sidewalk at 314 E. Belgrade St. from August 12 to September 5th. Stop by Congratulations to Jared Fraley for graduating high to make a donation and support a worthy cause. If helping school. On behalf of the entire family, we are so very proud kids is not enough to rouse you into action, Pomroy will also of you, son! be selling hot dogs and soda cans for $1.

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RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL FAST EMERGENCY SERVICE 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!

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