The Spirit of the Riverwards - September 28, 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 SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 VOL. 13 NO. 36

POPS PARK UPDATE Councilman Squilla, Parks and Rec, PWD outline plans for East Kensington playground. 10

"TONY N’ TINA" "Tony n’ Tina" show will benefit Kensington outreach program. 16

LOCAL TREASURE Friends of the Doughboy near fundraising goal for restoration of NoLibs statue. 5

WEEKEND PHOTOS Parks on Tap stops by Powers Park in Port Richmond. 11

ACCU-REGGIE

n Tuesday, September 20, the basement of Holy Name of Jesus Church was packed with more than 200 local residents. Those in attendance were set to take part in a meeting and non-binding vote on whether or not to approve a zoning variance for St. Laurentius Church. If granted, the variance would allow developer Leo Voloshin to adaptively reuse the interior of the building, turning it into 23 apartment units while keeping the exterior “entirely intact.” The building has been closed since March 31, 2014 and was deconsecrated due to the findings of an engineering report commissioned by

the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (AOP) and completed by structural engineering firm O’Donnell & Naccarato. In July 2015, The Philadelphia Historical Commission (PHC) designated the exterior of the church as historic, which has since protected the structure from previously impending demolition. The room was filled with a mixture of tension, hostility and eagerness from the start. Both Voloshin and Matt Karp, Executive Chair of the FNA Zoning Committee, stepped forward to explain the adaptive reuse plan Continued on Page 4.

Seven day forecast for the Riverwards. 3

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

HOT OFF THE

PRESS

t’s 8:30PM in the neighborhood on a quiet Sunday night. While many common folk start settling down for a new week, others are just now warming up their vocal chords. For the fallen prodigies and those with a newfound passion: Here’s a weekly guide to karaoke in the neighborhood so you can sing your heart out every night of the week. SUNDAY: THE BARBARY (951 Frankford Ave.), 10PM These lovely locals have hosted Karaoke every Sunday since the Barbary

opened 8 years ago. That’s a long playlist. Karaoke hosting duties are shared between the multi-tasking Adrian and Steve (while they bartend). It’s loud, there’s a disco ball, it smells of an empty beer can. And if all of that isn’t enough of an incentive… they offer a prize for best singer of the night! What more to say? Drink Specials: $1 PBR’s and $3 well drinks. Good for: Everyone! It’s usually not too crowded and if you get a little stage Continued on Page 7.

Page 2

The Spirit of the Riverwards – September 28, 2016 THE

local lens BY THOM NICKELS

s the streets of the city become more congested, bicyclists are giving up their bikes because they no longer feel safe. I sold my bike five years ago when I put it up for sale on Craigslist. I sold it to a Methodist minister from New Jersey. As he arranged the bike on the back of his pickup truck, I felt relieved that I would no longer have to dodge speeding cars at Front and Girard. Yes, I would be spared being hit from behind by a crazed drug dealer from Brewerytown or hit head on by a trucker who had one too many pitchers at the local pub. Talk to any (hyper) local cyclist and they will tell you how hazardous the traffic is by Aramingo Avenue as it merges into the Port Richmond shopping center. But it’s not easier on the other side of Aramingo, either. Cars there take shortcuts through Dunkin Donuts, race around Arby’s at speeds one should only see on I-95, then pull out onto Aramingo without looking and just miss smashing into oncoming traffic. On Girard Avenue, careless drivers yakking on cell phones pull ahead of buses in quick spurts, causing the bus drivers to slam on their brakes as passengers jolt forward like stuffed dolls. The bus drivers in turn, curse or blast their horns. Mega trucks with tires the size of small cities with those awful blacked out windows (why aren’t these windows illegal?) tear up more tiny back streets like Attila the Hun bearing down on a small animal. In 2014, 4,884 pedestrians and 726 bicyclists were killed in crashes with automobiles. If you were to round that out that would come to two people every day of the year. According to the Pedestrian and Bicyclist Information Center, the 2014 numbers are slightly lower than they were in 2013, when 749 bicyclists were killed by cars. California, Florida and Texas lead the nation in cycle fatalities. 88% of all bicycle fatalities are male and 71% occur in urban areas. In the early morning hours on Friday, September 2nd, 42 year old Matthew Matteson was riding his mountain bike to his second job along the 5700 block of Frankford Avenue when he was hit head on by a driver in a silver Buick Century going in the opposite direction. Something happened to make the Buick swerve into Matthew’s path, but what? Was the driver drunk, texting a friend or perhaps, talking on the phone? Matteson was safely in the bike lane on the other side of the road with his safety lights flashing when the Buick crossed the median strip and struck him, sending him on the hood of the vehicle, then 114 feet into the air until his body landed on the side of the road. His mangled bike lay nearby, its safety lights still flashing. A life ended, just like that. The driver of the Buick ditched his car and left the vicinity, turning himself in later to police who took him away for questioning. Matthew was given a Matteson family funeral on Monday September 12th, ten days after the tragedy. It is now almost one month after the tragedy and the name of the driver of the Buick has still not been released by the Philadelphia Police. Can this accident that seems so cut and dried be so hard to investigate? I did not know Matt Matteson but I have a close friend who is a friend of his uncle’s, so I was privy to some information about the deceased. Matt lived a pretty satisfying life with his father, worked two jobs and had just sold his car because he was concerned about pollution and making the world more ‘green’ friendly place. I heard that Matt did not own a computer and that he lived very cheaply. He lived pretty much like a monk who had taken a vow of poverty. The precise manner of Matt’s death, his being hit by a car going in the opposite direction after it swerved in his direction, seems pretty cut and dry. There have been engineered “accidents” like this in James Bond movies where the villain slams his vehicle head on into the car of the hero. Certainly there have been drivers who have had heart attacks while behind the wheel, then lost control

and gone over to the other side where they hit a pedestrian or a tree. I once spoke with a young guy who said that he had a stroke while driving on the expressway. He blanked out, after which his car swerved to the other side of the street where he rammed into a tree. He survived with very few injuries. When I first heard about Matteson’s death I assumed that the killer car had come up behind Matteson and hit his bicycle from behind. In all my years as a cyclist my biggest fear was that a car would jump the road and hit the bike accidentally. There are drivers, after all, who have a mortal fear of driving too close to oncoming traffic because they fear head on collisions, so they drive too close to the culvert, sometimes hitting road signs or going into the culvert itself. These were the drivers I had to watch out for as a cyclist. Hearing that the killer car hit Matt Matteson head on was a troubling thing to imagine. Presumably the car had been traveling in a straight path all along and then, suddenly, as if by osmosis, it swerves into the opposite bike lane as soon as a cyclist appears? Talk about a nasty coincidence. There’s a pronounced curve in the road at 5700 Frankford Avenue. At night the curve is an extremely dark (unlighted) patch of highway. It’s been almost a month since Matteson’s death and the DA still hasn’t finished its investigation. When I called PPD Media relations for an update on the case, I was told that the investigation was still “ongoing,” and that at some point a verdict will be reached. At that time an arrest warrant could be issued to the driver of the Buick. When I heard about the Matteson tragedy, I was reading a biography of French writer Albert Camus. Camus, who was born in French controlled Algeria in 1911, grew up in poverty but managed to become one of France’s leading writers and journalists, winning the Nobel prize for Literature in 1957. Camus died at age 46 when the car he was a passenger in suddenly started to wobble sideways, went off the road and hit a tree, then wrapped itself around a second tree. Camus was killed instantly (thrown out the back windshield) while the driver later died in hospital. The two women passengers survived, but a small dog disappeared. Camus always had a fear of speed, and on several occasions during that fatal road trip he had asked the driver to slow down. The driver did not listen. At the time of the accident the car was traveling on a beautiful country road bordered by a canopy of trees. It has just started to rain before the car began to wobble. As Camus biographer Olivier Todd noted, “The dashboard clock, which had been thrown into a nearby field, was stuck at 1:55 p.m. Camus had often told friends that nothing was more scandalous than the death of a child, and nothing more absurd than to die in a car accident.” Dying while riding a bicycle is just as absurd as dying in a car crash. When the PPD eventually announces the name, age and profession of the driver of the Buick, we may have a better understanding of this tragedy. Some possible verdicts: 1. The driver was an 80 year old man who mistook the accelerator for the brake.

Silvia’s Bakery serves traditional dominican pasteries, baked goods, & cakes at 2846 N Front St. SILVIABAKERY.COM

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

2. The driver was a 20 year old drug running hooligan who had just ingested a gram of speed. 4. The driver was somebody important, a public figure, and this is the reason for the long investigation. 5. The driver was just your average drunk driver coming from a bar on Lehigh Avenue where they shoot pool. The sad fact is, in Philadelphia there are too many cars on a small number of given streets and this makes for glutted traffic nightmares where it can take 30 minutes to travel 5 miles. Drivers, as a result, are more impatient and angrier than ever. New building construction in the city will increase downtown traffic, and this means that in the future there will be even less room on city streets for a new glut of vehicles. •

SUCCESS STORIES A loan alongside technical assistance from FINANTA has helped me develop my business. I now have plans to purchase my bakery’s adjoining properties to expand the operation. —Silvia Paulino, Silvia's Bakery

Do you need capital, technical assistance?

Page 3

The Spirit of the Riverwards – September 28, 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

ast week started warm before we flipped a switch into fall and temperatures plunged from the 80s to the 60s. This week is a continuation of that drop down. Remember all those dry, warm summer days? We will begin to pay for those this week too! A storm will spin over the region for a few days bringing with it cool temperatures and a dreary weather outlook. This is an exciting time of year! Football is back, refreshing breezes from the north are beating back the oppressive heat of summer, the leaves will begin to change color and fall, sweatshirts and jackets are becoming a necessity, and pumpkin pie will soon be in order. However, to the dismay of many, it’s only a matter of time before the arctic

wind of winter grips the region. Until then, enjoy the beautiful fall season! Wednesday starts off as a nice day but don’t be fooled! Clouds will move in as the day progresses and rain arrives at night. Thursday and Friday are both soggy days. The storm will spin over the region and provide “rounds” of rain. It will not be raining all the time but keep the rain gear handy. It will rain for a couple hours then turn to drizzle before steady rain moves back in. Not fun! The storm starts to loosen its grip on Saturday. We still have a good shower chance but any rain will occupy much less time of the day compared to Thursday and Friday.

Sunday is a nice day with sun, clouds and a cool breeze. It will feel noticeably warmer as temperatures are able to get near 80! Monday continues the nice trend as sunshine will tend to dominate more than clouds. The storm will move to our north slowly away from us. Goodbye! Tuesday is a breezy day with sunshine and temperatures continuing to camp out in 70s. Side note: I am still watching the tropics for another storm that could bring rain to us in the Monday-Tuesday time period. It’s too early to tell, stay tuned! The weather winner of the week is the Sunday; 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

MANAGING EDITOR

THOMAS weir

THOMAS HOWLEY

ADVERTISING

Patrick Clark

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

THOM NICKELS

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

LOCAL LENS COLUMNIST

BOB STEWART

JACK GRAUER

CONTRIBUTOR

PTAH GABRIE

ANDREW CORKERY

CONTRIBUTOR

MEGAN MATUZAK

MICHAEL HANISCO

CONTRIBUTOR

JOHN HENRY SCOTT

Justin helm

CONTRIBUTOR

NATALIE PISERCHIO

SPENCER HOMAN

CONTRIBUTOR

SEAN KEARNEY

GRACE SHALLOW

CONTRIBUTOR

MICHAEL CASTANEDA

GREGORY LABOLD

CONTRIBUTOR

BALD SPOT COMICS

CHAD DRAVK

kaitlyn moore

LITTLE FISH COMICS

EDITORIAL INTERN

JORDYN CORDNER

thomas beck

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 Continued from Page 1. and zoning requirements of the potential project. “Even though this has been a church for hundreds of years, it's zoned right now as RSA-5 and that is for single family homes,” Karp said. “So if you want to do something to the church that does not conform to that existing zoning, you are going to need a variance in order to move forward. So that is why we are here tonight.” After the zoning stipulations were laid out, Voloshin took his case for adaptively reusing the interior of the historic structure as apartments to a somewhat skeptical crowd. At times he was interrupted mid sentence — a sign of some people’s vocal hostility towards the proposal. Despite numerous interruptions throughout the meeting, Voloshin continued on, showcasing a few architectural drawings and artist renderings of his plan to community members in attendance. “We do not propose to make any changes to the outside of the church, except for addressing the costly L&I (License and Inspections) violations that currently exist.” Voloshin said. “So in order to save this building we need to find a new use in partnership with our architectural team at Continuum Architecture, which has done several other projects in this neighborhood. This is a chance for this property to be saved as a landmark in our community.” Following the presentation of Voloshin’s plans, the community had a chance to respond with questions and comments regarding the proposed adaptive reuse of the church and how it would impact the community. A number of issues were raised by those skeptical of Voloshin’s plan. The primary critique that was continually mentioned had nothing to do with what would happen to the church, but rather with how the renovation will impact parking in an already crowded neighborhood. “I really respect, first of all, that you (Voloshin) respect this building so much and something has to happen with it,” Jennie Shanker, a Fishtown resident living in close proximity to the proposed reuse, said. “I don’t know what the answer is, but I have a hard time taking the proposal seriously when there is not going to be sufficient parking with 23 units, given the kind of conditions we are living with already.” Shanker added: “Parking is an issue and I just want it to be known that I already look outside my house every night and see cars parked at the fire hydrants. There have been cars parked so deeply with their tails across Wilt Street that cars and trash trucks cannot even turn into our street.” AJ Thomson, a supporter of Voloshin’s plan and vocal community member, first helped lead the charge to restore St. Laurentius. Thomson responded to parking critiques, citing short sightedness when looking at the proposal. “I have been living the nightmare of trying to save this church for three years and this nightmare was started by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia,” Thomson said. “... We are here because we have a gun to our head. If this plan is not approved, the AOP is going to demolish this building just like they were going to do before. They had the demolition permits ready to go before we got the historic designation.” Thomson went on to address the issue of parking and why he felt it would not be wise to use this as a reason to deny the community of an adaptive reuse for the church. “When I walk my kids to school and they ask me why did they tear this building down. I’ll say some people were concerned about parking, which we don’t even have now,” Thompson said. “So don’t vote against this for parking.” Beyond the issue of parking, other residents questioning the motives of Voloshin and his partners. One attendee asked for the developer to disclose his projected return on investment into the church as a means of satisfying their uncertainty. Some residents felt as though they were providing a private developer with a public asset of the community and that they should have a clear understanding of what he is personally making from his investment in the church because of that. “Would you be willing to release the financials of what your estimated gain on this property is and does the contract that you signed for this building in any way preclude the LLC (Limited Liability Company) that you formed to purchase this building from declaring bankruptcy, or financial hardship,” the resident said, “then claiming this building can not be repaired and finally knocking it down anyway?” Voloshin responded by saying “financial information would not be disclosed to the public” and that he had “no interest in taking on this project except to save the church.” He then insisted that apartments would be rented for a fair market rate. “You know I have been grilled for about an hour now during this meeting. I’m fine with that because this is a beautiful building and it would be a damn shame to lose it in this neighborhood,” Voloshin said. Other community members and supporters of the Faithful Laurentians (FL), a group insisting on keeping the entirety of the church intact, interjected during the time

The Spirit of the Riverwards – September 28, 2016 (Left to right): Leo Voloshin and Matt Karp address the crowd at Holy Name./All photos by Andrew Mark Corkery

Votes are cast and tallied at Holy Name.

allowed for questions and comments. Some members of FL insisted that the church could not be altered in any way because it was “blessed” and that Canon Law would not allow for apartments to be built on the “hallowed ground of this sacred space.” Canon Law — ecclesiastical law laid down by papal pronouncements — does not supersede U.S. Law and is in no way enforceable on real estate contracts. Still, FL dismisses Voloshin’s adaptive reuse plan and claims it does not meet the concerns and needs of many former parishioners. In recent months, leading members of FL have put forth an alternative plan they view as a means to “save the entirety” of the historic structure. The two-part plan would, in theory, create a non-profit 501(c)(3) group called The Faithful Laurentius Institute. The new organization would be charged with writing grants, seeking donations, doing public outreach and setting up educational programs to teach people about the church. The plan’s second facet would include a cooperative business arm called the St. Laurentius Polish Cultural Center, which would be heavily engaged in event planning, hosting weddings, corporate events, community functions, concerts and other events. However, there are no available funds for such a plan at this point in time. Additionally, FL’s repeated attempts to gain support for their proposal from the AOP and Holy Name of Jesus Parish, who currently own the church, have been unsuccessful. Still, a number FL supporters urged Voloshin and others in the room to look deeper into the potential benefits of an alternative plan for the church. “If this plan for the apartments goes through you will never again be able to get into that building without knowing someone and that is a huge loss to this community,” Jesse Gardner, director of the Unsung Hero’s Gallery and supporter of FL, said. “To have the threat of demolition hanging over our heads, basically saying if you fight this apartment reuse proposal it will be torn down, is very unfair. You will never realize what you have lost until it's gone.” The Faithful Laurentians also maintain that they are in discussions with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office for legal aid in a multi-faceted Trust Violation claim against the AOP and Holy Name. Posts on Facebook by members of the FL claim that there has been at least some level of back-and-forth between the parties. Spirit News reached out to the AG’s office for comment, but a representative could not confirm or deny that they had been in contact with members of the FL. Thomson, however, vocally opposed the FL plan during

Leo Voloshin goes over his plan.

the meeting. “You don’t have any money for this plan and the archdiocese already told you no,” Thomson said, in response to Gardner. “So don’t tell all these people that your plan is a possibility. You can’t just say things and not be held accountable for it, that is what is happening in America right now with Trump and it's nonsense.” Despite disagreements over how the church building should be used in the future, parking was ultimately the deciding factor when the votes on Voloshin’s adaptive reuse plan were tallied. According to Karp the final vote count read: 107 “Yes” to 165 “No.” The community vote was nearly split down the middle 73 “Yes” to 74 “No.” The local vote (residents living in close proximity to the proposed project) came out strongly against the zoning variance, 34 “Yes” to 91 “No” due to the lack of parking in the immediate area. A few of the voters took time to catch up with Spirit News after the meeting to share their thoughts on the voting outcome and what they got out of the meeting. “It's already been several years of a lot of people investing a lot of thought, money, research and time into what is going to happen to this building, and I expected tonight to be a culmination of that, which it was,” Rene Horst, a resident of East Kensington, said. “I came in tonight not understanding a lot about Voloshin’s plan or his intent, but after leaving tonight I have to say I think he took the time to really consider this properly and has done the community a service.” Voloshin, in spite of the losing vote at the meeting, will continue to move forward with his plan for adaptively reusing the church as apartments. He will meet with the Zoning Board of Adjustments for a public hearing on his proposal on November 1st at 9:15AM. • Designs of Voloshins plans for the building.

Page 5

The Spirit of the Riverwards – September 28, 2016

WRITTEN BY MICHAEL HANISCO

Local Treasure

FRIENDS OF THE DOUGHBOY NEAR FUNDRAISING GOAL FOR RESTORATION

hanks to tireless efforts from local residents, careful coordination by the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association (NLNA), and generous contributions from the public, the bronze Doughboy memorial at 2nd and Spring Garden will soon see a complete restoration. Friends of the Doughboy have been chipping away at a $22,000 fundraising goal to restore and maintain the statue this summer. Northern Liberties resident Katrina Mansfield reached out to AMVETS Post 146 in Kensington for assistance. AMVETS is a national veterans’ organization with local chapters that focus on serving and honoring men and women who fought for their country. Edward Hepworth with Post 146 worked with the NLNA to secure a grant for the project through the Philadelphia Department of Public Works. Transport Workers Local 234 on 2nd Street also committed $2,500 to the cause. The remaining balance will come from a GoFundMe campaign that is quickly closing in on its $4,500 goal. The Doughboy statue, officially named “Over the Top” and sculpted by John Paulding, was commissioned in 1918 and dedicated in 1920 to recognize men from the Riverwards who lost their lives serving in World War I. Like many Riverwards landmarks, it has an intricate and somewhat contentious history. Decades after its dedication, it was “unceremoniously” moved from its original 5th Street location west down Spring Garden to 17th Street, according to longtime Northern Liberties resident Mary Dankanis. That move didn’t sit well with locals. Neighbors waged a successful campaign to return the statue to Northern Liberties in 1981. Dankanis cited the movement to reclaim the statue as a rallying cry for residents to reinvest in their neighborhood during a Spirit News profile of her last year. The Doughboy has continued to be a focus of improvement for neighbors over the years. In 2011 the area around the statue, Madison Park, was redeveloped as a green space connector between Northern Liberties and the riverfront. The statue, however, was left untouched during that renovation. On the day the statue was returned in 1981, there was a parade down 2nd Street that featured a wine and cheese party, Dankanis recalled. It was a big deal, she said. Barbara Saverino of the NLNA said the group is currently brainstorming ideas for a similar celebration to commemorate the statue’s restoration, tentatively scheduled for Memorial Day 2017. The group envisions a celebration that honors the men who lost their lives and introduces a new generation to their sacrifice, 100 years on. “I’d like to see the Bodine High School for International Affairs students get involved in this and pick a name out of [the plaque] and research the person. Wouldn’t that be interesting? They would be learning about World War I and about someone who actually fought in the war,” said Dankanis. As part of restoration, workers will reproduce and install one of the bronze plaques of 400 names that had previously been stolen, replicate and attach a missing bayonet, and apply a protective covering to the entire sculpture. There will also be an annual budget to support the ongoing maintenance of the statue and Madison Park. To learn more about the Doughboy and donate to the GoFundMe campaign, visit www.gofundme.com/doughboy2016. •

Page 6

The Spirit of the Riverwards – September 28, 2016 WRITTEN BY SEAN BARRETT

“We Are All Doomed” M O N T H LY M E TA L A R T S H O W C A S E C O M E S T O T H E F I R E

“Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be shouted from the housetops for all to hear!” - Luke 12:3 Almost by definition, the freakiest among us, those who make art, music, and write are people who spend hours on end in quiet rooms creating, and do so by choice. As far as trades go, this is a group of people who are very difficult to unionize. It’s harder still among those who feel drawn towards dark, morbid, and occult expression. Whether they do what they do off the clock, driven by an insane psychic compulsion, or if they do it to earn a living, what we end up with is a lot of people in small bedrooms with six-packs complete in their solitude embracing communion with the non-existent. This disinclination to gather makes it pretty goddamned hard to get things done in the world. Existing as a center of gravitational density around whom artists, musicians, and other industry folk orbit and meet is Shannon Void of Anthropic Records and Perfect World Productions, who also sits on the chair of Dark Arts Collective. “The joke in the metal community is that I’m the dot-connector. I always try to bring people together.” Though she does this by her very nature, it’s been an uphill battle given what brings these people out of the house: shows. This is an event in which everyone is silently together sideby-side with their collective focus at a single point. Sure, there’s those cigarette-length breaks between bands, but it’s really just not an environment for getting to know anyone. Her solution for getting around this? Multimedia art showings of the dark side’s finest. “It was just me doing it, and I wanted to have a place where heavy metal people or people that are into weird art and music get together and it wasn’t a show setting so people could actually talk and get to know each other and network.” Since February, she’s been hosting these things with a different artist featured each month and her curated playlist of doom metal, black metal, and industrial, which tend to favor Philly acts. Where? The Fire. A large, unpretentious bar at 4th and Girard which you’re likely already familiar with. In their venue space adjacent to the bar, ledges line the wall which can easily hold fifteen large pieces and easels on the stage hold more still. Without exception, the artists end up selling prints, finding tattoo clients, being commissioned for pieces, and sometimes earn enough to make rent. This has a lot to do with the fact that she carefully curates the event, making sure to consistently pick talented artists to feature. Who’s up this month? A man named Brian Mercer, whose name you may not have heard, but whose work you have definitely seen. As Shannon giddily explained over coffee, “He’s legendary; he’s done art for bands, he’s done - I can’t even tell you how many pieces of work for bands. He does print work and he does really beautiful drawings of nature and animals and incorporates these into beautiful pencil drawings and stipplings and all these things.” A quick google search reveals that he’s done pieces for everyone from Eyehategod and Mastodon to Soundgarden, Skrillex, and Muse.

If you work creatively, want creative work done, want to work with someone else creatively, meet new people, or hell, even just enjoy art, music, and/or beer, well then, I can’t think of a better way to spend a Tuesday night, more specifically the first Tuesday of every month. On October 4th, at 9PM, we shall gather. Check out We Are All Doomed on Instagram @wearealldoomedphilly or email wearealldoomedphilly@gmail.com for more info. •

WRITTEN BY THOMAS BECK

development news FIND OUT W H AT’S BE I N G BUILT ON Y OUR BL OC K

Kensington Five new homes are to be constructed at 2319 Amber Street in East Kensington. The homes are currently being framed. Developers purchased the 4,000-square-foot lot in early 2015. There had previously been a one-story auto repair shop on site. Two new triplexes are being constructed down the block at 1814 - 1816 North Front Street. Upside-down U-shaped projections will surround each window. The purpose of this architectural detail is unclear, but it will certainly set the new triplexes apart from the other homes on the block. Several weeks ago, the Designation Committee of the Philadelphia Historical Commission selected the Frankford Avenue Baptist Church in East Kensington for nomination as a landmark to be added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. The church was sold in April and is currently on the market as a rental property. Its future is very uncertain. Kensington and Olde Richmond LLC and the East Kensington Neighbors Association (EKNA) prepared the nomination. Fishtown Two new homes are under construction at 2336 East Fletcher Street in Fishtown in place of what used to be a small parking garage. The supposedly vacant property

next door shares a plot of land with a Victorian-era home on Susquehanna Avenue that sold for $300,000 several years ago. It is in fact unclear whether the building on Fletcher is still in use or not. Since 2013, Friends of Adaire (FOA) has been working to recondition the Adaire Elementary schoolyard at 1300 East Palmer Street in Fishtown. Ian Smith Design Group will be handling the architectural details pro bono. The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) has communicated its support as well. City Council President Darrell Clarke pledged to fund the project at the time of its inception. However, for reasons unknown, this is no longer the case. The project will ultimately be funded by the Trust for Public Land and the School District of Philadelphia. Domani Developers purchased the property at 1523 North Front Street (and the adjacent lots) for a fraction of the original asking price after it received historic designation a little more than a year ago. The almost 170-year-old building functioned previously as a church and a warehouse. It is uncertain at this point in time what will become of the property. Lululemon Athletica will be opening its fourth concept store in the United States at 1424 - 1432 Frankford Avenue by the end of November. It will serve as both a retail store and a meeting place for the members of the community. The other three Lululemon Athletica concept stores are located in Colorado, Oregon and Idaho.

Northern Liberties Developer Mark Rubin plans to construct two large apartment buildings at the intersection of 4th and Callowhill Streets. There will be 454 units, 233 parking spots and two retail spaces on site. Due to the enormity of the project, the proposal must first go to the Civic Design Review (meeting to be held next month). PRDC Properties is currently building 26 new homes at 312 - 330 Fairmount Avenue on the former site of a cluster of old warehouses. The Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) approved the project earlier this year. The initial proposal called for 27 homes to be built on the property. The cause of this discrepancy is unclear. • 1814-1816 N. Front St./Kaitlyn Moore

t y

Page 7

The Spirit of the Riverwards – September 28, 2016 Continued from Page 1. fright, it’s pretty dark. Top Songs: “Criminal” by Fiona Apple (sang by a dude) and “Kiss Off” by the Violent Femmes

Photos by Natalie Piserchio

MONDAY: EL BAR (1356 N Front St.), 9PM El Bar is a one-stop-shop for Monday night fun: Karaoke, a big backyard, pool and pinball all harmoniously coexisting under one roof. Dr Thunder, aka Alex Spencer, hosts karaoke (See: Friday night). He even serenades the crowd as a background guitar/tambourine player, when necessary. Drink Specials: $1 Hamm's lager until 11, $4 citywides Good for: Group songs, themed nights (90s anyone?), a loud crowd. Top songs: “Crush” by Jennifer Paige and “Oh, Darling” by The Beatles. TUESDAY: ORTLIEB’S (847 N. 3rd St.) 10:00PM-2:00AM Every Tuesday, hosts Mike V and Pat Pharari bring Indie/Punk/Emo Karaoke to NoLibs. Karaoke is held in the lounge where you’ll find a brightly lit stage with draped theater curtains for a classic look. Mike V also brings his set of windchimes, which add a special touch to your favorite solos. If you want a bite, Ortlieb’s offers dollar tacos until 10pm on Tuesdays, so come early and hungry. Drink Specials: $3 PBR drafts. Good For: Singers who want the spotlight. Top Songs: “F**k it i don’t want you back” by Eamon, and “Alone” by Heart. WEDNESDAY: THE YACHTSMAN (1444 Frankford Ave.) 9:00PM-1:00AM A tropical paradise away from your... Fishtown paradise. The Yachtsman’s tiki decor and warm, friendly atmosphere is like a mini vacation. Karaoke is hosted by Pat Pharari, who’s known to sing a few of his own. There’s a smaller vibe here, so you can expect to sing more than one song throughout the night. Singer Eli Snyder-Vidmar notes that this is one of his personal favorite karaoke nights, in comparison to other more crowded venues, where “you can only get one or two songs in”. Drink Specials: $5 Sailor Jerry’s mixed drinks or 4$ Sailor Jerry’s shots. Sidenote: When at the Yachtsman, it’s only proper to get a pina colada, even if it’s full price. Good For: Jimmy Buffett fans… nobody will judge you here! Top songs: “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane, “Head Over Heels” by Tears for Fears and “Wake Me Up” by Evanesence THURSDAY: TONY’S WAY (1900 N Front St.) 9:30PM2:00AM If you’ve ever walked by Tony’s Way, you can only imagine what goes on during Karaoke on Thursday nights. This place is an all-out fiesta. Key words: Merengue. Flamenco. Beautiful garlands of white roses falling from the ceiling. Well, maybe not that last part. But the hosts play special instruments to accompany your song of choice, like maracas and cowbell. And you can’t miss their recurring motto “Who Cares, What Ever”. The crowd here is diverse, and everyone is welcome. Drink Specials: The notorious $10 for 10 cans of beer take out special. Good for : The bi-lingual singer, the dancer, and the travelin’ type. Top songs: “Summer Lovin’” from the Grease Soundtrack and “Tell it to my Heart” by Tina Turner FRIDAY : THE NUT HUT SALOON (1873 Frankford Ave.), 9:30PM- 1:30AM You want to go where everyone knows your name, right?

Familiar faces and familiar tunes is what this night is all about. Dr. Thunder is back at it again with the local karaoke with partner Dr. Dazzle. Remember to show up before 11, to avoid a long wait to sing. If you do a damn good job, you get an “Officially Awesome” ticket. The ticket is good for use to cut in the karaoke line on another night of karaoke. Good for: The avid singer, the neighborhood kids. Drink Specials: $10 Narragansett (tall boy) buckets, $4 Pabst Citywides during karaoke. Top songs: “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper SATURDAY : LES AND DOREEN’S HAPPY TAP (1301 E. Susquehanna Ave.) 9:00PM - 1:30AM We just profiled Les and Doreen’s in last week’s issue of Spirit News and neglected to mention Happy Tap Karaoke. I perfect mix of old and new, Saturday nights are always a blast at the corner of Susquehanna and Thompson. Sarah hosts “Sing Your Life Karaoke”, and she’s been in the game for 20 years. (Karaoke Pro-tip, if you’re all out of karaoke spots in the neighborhood, you might want to try her karaoke night on Tuesdays at 12 steps down). You can also get tasty little Bahn Mi snacks thanks to “Bao Wow Wow”, serving up $4 Chinese Buns, which includes vegan and vegetarian options. Drink Specials: The prices here are so good, you really can’t go wrong. Good for: Lovers of timeless classics. The budgeted singer. Anyone and everyone. Top karaoke songs of the night: “Brass in Pocket” by The Pretenders, and “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey I know what you’re asking yourself, and unfortunately, the answer is “No,” I’m not a professional vocal coach. However, the good news is that you can shake off those butterflies, grab the mic, and show ‘em you’re that shining star your mama always knew you’d be, every single night of the week — Literally. Practice makes perfect, people. And if you conquer all the karaoke nights in Fishtown, you might even be able to make it outside our little neighborhood one day. •

Follow THE SPIRIT online

f WWW.SPIRITNEWS.ORG

Page 8

The Spirit of the Riverwards – September 28, 2016 PHOTOS BY MATTHEW RAMER

Rock the Block R O C K T O T H E F U T U R E A N D T H E E A G L E S C L E A N U P P O P ’ S D O G PA R K

ast week, Bennie Logan, Rodney McLeod, and Jalen Mills of the Philadelphia Eagles joined students from Rock to the Future’s MusiCore afterschool program for a “Rock the Block” Cleanup. Together, more than 15 bags of rubbish were gathered to beautify Pop’s Park in East Kensington. Students were able to give back to their community alongside their favorite players. The professional athletes took time out of their week to get dirty and sweaty to cleanup a local playground. The Eagles also presented Rock to the Future with a $25,000 check to support the MusiCore after school program. Pop’s Playground is receiving a full renovation over the next year in partnership with the Philadelphia Water Department. Rock to the Future is thrilled to be part of the kick-off to that renovation. •

Page 9

The Spirit of the Riverwards â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 28, 2016

Somers Team Spirit Half Page Ad 2 copy.pdf

5/2/16

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 10

The Spirit of the Riverwards – September 28, 2016 WRITTEN BY JOHN HENRY SCOTT

pops park update

C O U N C I L M A N S Q U I L L A , P A R K S A N D R E C , P W D O U T L I N E P L A N S F O R E A S T K E N S I N G T O N P L AY G R O U N D

op’s Park is one step closer to its projected renaissance. On the evening of September 20th, the Friends of Pop’s Park held a meeting on the grounds which featured representatives from the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) and the Department of Public Property (DPP) as well as Councilman Mark Squilla of the 1st District. Squilla opened the meeting by praising the effort of the Friends Group. “This doesn’t happen without community involvement,” he said. He went on to promise city funding for the project, which will be made possible by the Soda Tax. The tax will go into effect at the beginning of 2017 and the funding will come shortly thereafter. The councilman seemed excited about this investment, saying, “when you have a good playground, you have a good community.” The renovations to Pop’s come in the form of a two-tiered plan. First, the PWD will begin their set of improvements as part of a citywide green initiative to reduce stormwater runoff. Then, later in 2017, the DPP will begin a separately funded project to replace the old playground equipment and create more welcoming community spaces within the park. Maggie Dunn, a representative of the PWD spoke about the stormwater initiative. She explained that when it rains on asphalt and concrete plains, the result is large amounts of diluted sewage which run into the Delaware untreated, further polluting it. “The work we do here will help improve the Delaware River,” she said. “Our whole goal is stormwater management.” Dunn went on to detail PWD’s plan, explaining that they would entirely resurface the dog park with a special turf. Underneath this turf, a rock bed would be installed for the purpose of storing rainwater and allowing it to slowly seep into the soil. There are also plans for a rain garden, a small area of the park which would be depressed into the ground and populated with plants that soak up a lot of rainwater. The rain garden will feature an additional rock

(Left to right): Francesco Cerrai and Nobuki Iijima review the preliminary plans for Pop's Park./Max Pulcini bed beneath it. Francesco Cerrai and Nobuki Iijima, landscape architects from the DPP showcased their ideas for a new playground. “This playground has been sitting idle for 25, 30 years,” said Cerrai. This is like a blank slate for us.” The DPP plan on consolidating the two sides of the playground currently divided by the Rec Center, adding in all new equipment, safety surfaces and ADA approved access ramps. They also want to use the park’s existing water hook-up to create a “sprayground” which would be a kind of recreational fountain. Additional ideas for park fixtures include a seating area surrounded by foliage. In response to a question from the crowd, Andy Ortega, a neighbor and organizer for Friends of Pop’s told those assembled that it’s the community’s responsibility to

staff the rec center. Currently the city provides only one seasonal employee who works from May to October. “Her name is Millie and she does an amazing job,” Ortega said. “However, any further staffing will have to come from the community. “ A member of Friend’s of Pops who declined to be named said she was “impressed with the turnout but we really need more people to get involved.” She said the best way to connect with Friends of Pop’s Park is through Facebook. Tom Berg, a neighbor and member of Friends of Pop’s is looking forward to bringing his young daughter to the renovated park. “I’m excited for the increased greenery. This park could be so much more.” Berg also urged residents to get involved with the project. “Parental involvement changes the culture of the community for our kids,” he said. •

FOX CHASE CANCER CENTER NOW AT TUH – NORTHEASTERN CAMPUS Two of the region’s most trusted healthcare providers have come together at the Fox Chase Cancer Center at Temple University HospitalNortheastern Campus. At TUH-Northeastern campus, medical oncologist Dr. Emmanuel Quien works with a team of specialists from both hospitals to provide the high-quality, compassionate care that patients with cancer need and expect – right here in the community.

2301 E. Allegheny Avenue | 215-926-3880

Emmanuel Quien, MD Hematologist/Oncologist

Temple Health refers to the health, education and research activities carried out by the affiliates of Temple University Health System (TUHS) and by the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. TUHS neither provides nor controls the provision of health care. All health care is provided by its member organizations or independent health care providers affiliated with TUHS member organizations. Each TUHS member organization is owned and operated pursuant to its governing documents.

Page 11

The Spirit of the Riverwards – September 28, 2016 PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KLUSEK

weekend photos PA R K S O N TA P C O M E S T O P O W E R S PA R K I N P O R T R I C H M O N D

his summer, Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation launched their Parks on Tap program, a mobile beer garden that will travel to parks across the city through October. Last weekend, the party came to Port Richmond, as residents enjoyed some cold brews and each other’s company at Power Park. •

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

Page 12

The Spirit of the Riverwards – September 28, 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

meet ing s

events

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.

September 27 - October 1 BEYOND THE SEAL AT GRAVY STUDIO The filmmakers of Beyond the Seal are partnering with Gravy to create an immersive multimedia exhibit bringing the stories of small farmers in Ecuador to Philadelphia. The documentary Beyond the Seal tests the boundaries of film, journalism and education. It explores the exploitative nature of the banana industry, it's impact on small farmers, and alternatives to the traditional supply chain and multinationals. It has been highlighted on Worldview WBEZ in Chicago and won two Real Food Films awards. Gravy Studio (910 N 2nd St.)

Wednesday, September 28, 5:30-7:30PM LEGAL CLINIC: LANDLORD TENANT RIGHTS At Community Center at Visitation (2646 Kensington Ave.), this indoor workshop with organizations equipped to educate residents on Landlord-Tenant Rights and how to access resources for common problems encountered by residents. There will be additional organizations present to provide residents with resources for their household and to help residents navigate issues Wednesday, September 28, 6:30PM SOUTH KENSINGTON COMMUNITY PARTNERS ZONING MEETING To be held at the Finanta Building (2nd & Thompson). Community Zoning Meetings are typically held on the fourth Wednesday of the month, serving as a forum for the community to hear about proposed developments that require zoning variances in the neighborhood, ask questions about projects, and cast votes either in support or opposition of variances. This month we have four projects on the agenda: 6:30pm - 1220 N Front Street [Vote];7:00pm - 1712-28 N 2nd Street (High Impact) [Info Only]; 7:30pm - 1739-65 N Howard and 1740-58 N Hope (High Impact) [Vote]; 8:00pm - 1752-70 N Howard (High Impact) [Vote] Tuesday, October 4, 7PM FNA ZONING MEETING Proposal for creating (2) new lots from (4) existing lots at 1311-19 N Front St. This meeting will take place at the Fishtown Rec Center, 1202 E Montgomery Ave. 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. October 20, 6PM FABA NETWORKING EVENT The Fishtown Area Business Association invites you to our Welcome to the Neighborhood! Annual Networking Event. Welcome new area business owners, network & enjoy delicious food and drink. Event is free for FABA members, $5 for non-members. Ticket includes one free drink. Location: Martha, 2113 E. York St. Please RSVP at: fabasocial.splashthat.com/ 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.

El Profe Appliances 4120 Torresdale Ave. - We sell used/scratch/dent washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators - Repairs on all major appliances - View our merchandise on www.offerup.com 267-650-0372 Se habla espanol. Free delivery. Three-month warranty.

October 8 and October 22, 8AM-3PM FRIENDS OF KONRAD SQUARE FLEA MARKETS The Friends of Konrad Square will host a few flea markets in the coming weeks at Konrad Square (Tulip and Dauphin Streets). Anyone interested in renting a space should call Vicky at 215426-9654. Wednesday, September 28, 5:30PM GOLDMAN CLINIC MEET & GREET It's that time again, as you know we at North Philadelphia Health System, Girard Medical Center, at Goldman Clinic pride ourselves on being “good neighbors.” This quarterly MEET & GREET will be at our old location. Ramonita de Rodriguez Branch, The Free Library of Philadelphia located at 600 West Girard Ave, Philadelphia, Pa 19123. The purpose of this meeting is to continue our exploration of how we can collaborate to serve the community and to give you an opportunity to see were we are at. We asked that community, businesses leaders, district leaders, and home association as well as political leaders meet with us. Light refreshments will be served. For more info contact 215-787-2361 or e-mail at cbrown@ NPHS.com. Thursday, September 29, 5:15-7PM ADAIRE OPEN HOUSE Friends of Adaire are hosting a family-friendly open house and school tour on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 5:15-7PM. Fun child care available for participating parents. Tour the school, learn about Friends of Adaire's work including our upcoming schoolyard project, and hear from Principal Anna Jenkins! Enter on Thompson near Earl Street, doors open at 5:15, FoA chat at 5:30, tour starts at 6. RSVP necessary only for parents who need childcare, to friendsofadaire@gmail.com. Thursday, September 29 from 6-9PM MOVIE NIGHT The story of a nobody who saved everybody. Come to The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons for The Lego Movie! Emmet Brickowski a normal, everyday normal minifigure goes on a adventure with the master builders Wyldstyle, Benny, Unikitty, and even Batman. The master builders have to defeat the evil Lord/ President Business from Kragling (gluing) the world of Lego. BYOC (Bring your own chair/blanket), food & drink available for purchase. Thursday, September 29 7-8PM FRIENDS OF H.A. BROWN MEETING Join the friends of H.A. Brown for the first monthly meeting of the school year. Thursday, September 29th from 7 to 8PM at Five Sisters Ice Cream. New faces are welcome as the Friends seek to fill open leadership positions in the next couple of months. More info: https://www.facebook.com/ events/1756991397846913/ Friday, September 30 5-9PM HISTORY OF THE BANANA INDUSTRY Meet fair trade pioneers from Equal Exchange to learn about the history, present and future of the banana industry. Gravy Studio (910 N 2nd St.) September 30-October 2 SEAN MURPHY FIELD OF DREAMS The Sean Murphy Fall Classic will be played on Friday, Sep. 30 - Sun., Oct 2. All Games will be played at Shissler Rec (Berks and Blair Sts.) in Fishtown. Opening ceremonies will start at 6PM on Sep. 30. We will be unveiling a mural of Sean to start the festivities. The weekend will include the following activities: Baseball tourney, food

vendors, kids activities, concessions, live music, golf ball drop with a chance to win $10,000, Beef and Beer, raffled items. All proceeds will be used to renovate our neighborhood fields and provide a scholarship to local kids. For more info, or if you want to make a donation, please contact Billy Gorey (215-901-2017 or goldenbeargarage@gmail. com) or Dave Doc (267-312-5869 or djdave05doc@aol.com) Saturday, October 1, 3-7PM DISCUSSION WITH BEYOND THE SEAL FILMMAKERS Filmmakers Leah Varjacques and Katherine Nagasawa answer questions about the documentary, their inspirations and how to take action to create a better food system. Gravy Studio (910 N 2nd St.) October 1, 9:30 24TH POLICE DISTRICT ADVISORY COUNCIL GOLF OUTING Join us for the 4th Annual 24th Police District Advisory Council Golf Outing at Juniata Golf Course. Registration starts at 11:30AM, 1PM Shotgun start (scramble format), Beverage/snack carty, 5PM Awards, warm snacks, nuts, beer, soda and ice cream. Prizes awarded fromr First Place, Longest Drive, Closest to Hole, Hole in One, Most Honest Golfers. Register early: Only accepting 84 golfers. 24th PDAC is looking for the following sponsors: Event sponsors, food and beverage sponsors, gift sponsors, hole sponsors, donations for the raffle. Please contact Pat Healey at 215-426-8851 for more info. October 1, 9:30AM THE PINK ELEPHANT RUN: SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE OPIATE EPIDEMIC 5K race/1 mile walk will be taking place in the streets of our city neighborhoods in order to bring to light the drug addiction crisis that is crippling our neighborhoods. This is not only to bring hope to those struggling with drug addiction, but also to support the families and friends of those suffering and to change the path for the future of our younger generation. Starts and ends at Cione Playground. There will also be food, fun and entertainment. Sponsors are also still needed. Register today at www.racemenu.com/pink. For more information or to have a loved one remembered on race day, please email thepinkelephant215@yahoo. com October 1, 8AM-1PM FLEA MARKET Bridesburg Rec Ctr 4601 Richmond St 19137 Spaces $15/2 for $25 Benefits the Bridesburg Community Food Bank For more info call 215-870-3819 Sunday, October 2, 12-4PM BENSON PARK MERCADO Join us for a community market to buy and sell your used goods, crafts, art, produce and sundries of all sorts at Benson Park (1445 N. Lawrence St.). Market Vendors still needed, registration $10, bring your own table; table rentals for $10 in advance; $20 day of. Registration due by September 30. Any unwanted items can also be donated to our donation table. All proceed will go to fun new walls for Benson’s handball court. Rain date: October 9th. Contact bensonpark19122@gmail.com for more info. Sunday, October 2 from 2-6PM MADE ON AMERICAN STREET: A BARBECUE AND HOMEBREW COMPETITION Cooks will be slinging slow-smoked ribs and chicken, but that's not all. Each team is bringing their own side to perfectly pair with their savory interpretation. We are wrapping each portion of meat and side up in a neat package for you available at each cook's station. Barbecue ain’t all we’ll have cooking for you—the Philly Homebrew Club members have the beer game on lock. Compliments of the club, dozens of varieties of fresh and original beers will be available for you to sample all afternoon and into the evening. Last year the club provided over 250 gallons so there's plenty to choose from! $15 admission in advance gets you in with a souvenir Philadelphia Homebrew Club glass, access to our vendors and a full concert, homemade non-alcoholic refreshments, 2 food tickets to start you off, and endless samples of fall brews. Kids under 12 enter for free. Food portions of either ribs or chicken, and sides, will be ticketed. At $2.00 a ticket, there's plenty to stuff your face! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit philly-

Page 13

The Spirit of the Riverwards – September 28, 2016 hbc.org. October 2, 10AM-2PM 4TH ANNUAL LADIES OF PORT RICHMOND BREAKFAST BUFFET Join and support the Ladies of Port Richmond in their fight for a cure for breast cancer. The fundraiser will be held at the SugarHouse Casino. $30 donation, $10 free play. For more info, contact Marylou Leuters at 214-427-3222.

teers. All volunteers will also have the chance to win prizes during two cleanup games: weirdest trash find and total weight guess. Groups of all sizes are welcome! Please wear closed toe shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty or wet. This event is free and open to the public! Help us to keep Penn Treaty Park beautiful! Learn more about the cleanup by visiting our website at www.unitedbyblue.com/ honeygrowtemple Contact Kelly Offner with any questions or concerns by calling 215-278-7858 or emailing cleanup@unitedbyblue.com

Sunday, October 2 THE PULASKI PARADE The Pulaski Parade will be held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City Philadelphia (reviewing stand at Logan Circle,19th & Parkway) beginning at 12:30PM. Everyone is invited. Free seating. Parade will be televised live on WPVI-TV 6 ABC from 1PM until 2:30PM. For more information call 215-922-1700.

Saturday, October 15, 2PM SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEE AT 1ST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH We’ll be showing the classic movie “Casablanca” at 1st Presbyterian Church (418 E. Girard Ave.). Come enjoy an afternoon at the movies and relive when you first this timeless film. Popcorn and snacks are provided for free. Everyone is welcome.

Monday, October 3, 6:30 PM GIRLS POSITIVE IMAGE PROGRAM The Rizzo PAL Center's Girls Positive Image program will be holding signups for the 2016 Fall session on Monday, October 3, at 6:30 PM, for girls ages 10-18. Positive Images is a tool to help build self esteem and self worth in the young ladies of PAL thru strong minds, bodies and spirit. Positive Images meets on Monday nights from 6:30 8:00 pm. On October 3rd, We will also be holding our Ice Breakers and team building session immediately after registration. We will end the session at 8:00 pm. The program is free of charge but ask that at least one parent attend the registration with their child (s), to fill out paperwork. Rizzo PAL is located at Belgrade and Clearfield Streets in Port Richmond. For more info, you can contact Police Officer Ernie Rehr, Rizzo PAL Director at 215-426-6583.

October 15, 10AM–12PM SUSTAINABLE TEXTILE & DYE WORKSHOP In conjunction with Design Philadelphia instructor Kelly Cobb joins Greensgrow with her mobile textile lab. Learn how to get more out of your wardrobe and used fabrics! We’ll explore upcycling and re-design with weaving, knitting, dyeing techniques, alteration and repair. Our sustainable fashion expert, Kelly Cobb will be demonstrating a variety of techniques from her mobile studio; weaving on a loom, using rope making equipment, sewing machine and dye station. This is a great workshop for looking to reduce waste, as well as anyone curious about working with textiles. Location: Greensgrow Farms (2501 E. Cumberland St.) Contact: nursery@greensgrow.org Register: http://www. greensgrow.org/event/sustainable-textile-dye-workshop/

October 4, 2:30PM ST. FRANCIS VILLA DEDICATION Mark your calendars for the dedication of of St. Francis Villa. The ceremony will take place Tuesday, October 4 at 2:30 pm at 2450 Emerald Street. RSVP to Linda Rothwein by September 26th at lrothwein@chs-adphila.org. October 7, 6PM NEIGHBORHOOD ROSARY Upper Church at Nativity BVM (Belgrade and Allegheny). Everyone is welcome to participate. St. Georges, MDG, Nativity BVM, and St. Adalbert's. For more info call 215-739-2735 Saturday, October 8, 12-6PM RIVERCITY FESTIVAL With great pride and anticipation, the Fishtown Neighbors Association is pleased to announce the Ninth Annual RiverCity Festival on Saturday October 8th, 2016 beginning at Noon until sunset at 6pm at historic Penn Treaty Park. Free and open to the public, the RiverCity Festival reinforces friendships in our community, promotes exciting local businesses, and showcases everything that makes Fishtown stand out as a neighborhood with tremendous history and vibrancy. Organized by the dedicated volunteers of the Fishtown Neighbors Association and featuring over 100 local arts and food vendors, RiverCity Festival attracts nearly 10,000 attendees to raise funds for neighborhood projects and revitalization. We also invite you and your employees to email, friend and tweet the RiverCity Festival, so all of our friends and family know that fun is to be had in Fishtown at the Penn Treaty Park. For more information visit rivercityfestival.org. Saturday, October 8 FISHTOWN RIVERCITY FESTIVAL The Fishtown Neighbors Association is hosting the 9th Annual RiverCity Festival at The Penn Treaty Park (1341 N Delaware Ave). October 9, 3-7PM "WELCOME TO FISHTOWN" BEEF AND BEER AOH Division 51 "Welcome to Fishtown" Beef and Beer, Sunday, October 9 from 3PM to 7PM outside Holy Name Church, Gaul and Berks Sts. Live music, DJ, food and beer. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the event or in advance by calling 215-817-1919 Sunday, October 9, 8 AM 5000 YARDS DASH RACE In a race series celebrating the best of local craft brewing, we had to add a race with Yards Brewing Company. You will see that this is the must do race of 2016! Join us Octobert 9, 2016 for the 5,000 Yards Dash! October 11, 4-6PM UNITED BY BLUE'S DELAWARE RIVER CLEANUP Join United by Blue and Honeygrow for a cleanup of the Delaware River at Penn Treaty Park. United By Blue will provide water, trash bags, supplies, and gloves for volun-

Saturday, October 22, 5PM DESIGNER BAG BINGO Bingo starts at 6PM at St. John Cantius Auditorium (4415 Almond St). Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Also: 50/50, Chinese auction, door prizes. Donation includes 3 cards a game for 10 games of Bingo, a hot roast beef sandwich, and light refreshments. VIPs can reserve table close to auction and an additional card per game. Event is BYOB and sponsored by the parents of Troop 11 Auxiliary. To purchase tickets please contact Sarah Melin at 804-605-3882 or s_melin@live.com. Tickets can also be purcashed at Grace Church and the Incarnation (2645 E Venango St.) on Mondays, 6-8:30PM. Saturday, October 22, 12-4PM FALL CRAFT FAIR Holy Innocents St. Paul’s Episcopal Church presents our Fall Craft Fair. Saturday, October 22nd from 12PM to 4PM at 7701 Torresdale Avenue (Torresdale and Tyson Aves) in our lower hall. 20 tables featuring unique crafters and vendors. Fun kids area including face painting, photo booth, fall crafts and other surprises. Tables are still available for $20. For information please contact us at hispepiscopal@aol.com or call 215-651-5159. Saturday, October 22, 10AM-3PM FRIENDS OF PENN TREATY FLEA MARKET Join us for a Flea Market at Penn Treaty Park! Spaces available for $15. Fee due no later than May 14, please make check out to “The Tamanend Fund” and mail to Barbara Moorehead at 2171 E. Letterly St, Phila PA 19125. For more info call 215-425-0393 Saturday, October 22, 10AM-2PM REPAIR FAIR #10 The public is welcome to carry in their inoperative/damaged/broken possessions and learn how to fix them. Our talented troupe of Fixers will be on hand to help and inform so that we can all create less waste and be more self-sufficient. The fair will take place at Greensgrow, 2501 E Cumberland St. Friday, October 28, 8PM-Midnight PO1 MICHAEL J. STRANGE BEEF AND BEER FUNDRAISER Come out to St. Dominic’s Marian Hall (8532 Frankford Ave.) a night of food, cold beer, dancing and Philly’s greatest funny man, Joe Conklin. Tickets $30. Benefits healing retreat for Gold Star Families and will kick off fundraising for a Memorial Wall in tribute to the 289 Heroes killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Call for tickets 215-983-4470. October 29, 12-4PM BY MY SIDE’S SECOND ANNUAL FAMILY FALL FEST Fall Fest raises money to support the critical programming By My Side’s non-profit parenting program provides to over 100 hundred Fishtown and Kensington families on a weekly basis. Last year over 200 families joined us, and we know this year is going to be even BIGGER! Parents

and children will partake in food truck fare, participate in activities to include story telling by local elected officials, music performances, and safety activities by law enforcement. We are proud to partner with the New Kensington CDC as the host at the Garden Center located at Frankford Avenue and Berks Streets in the heart of Fishtown. The recently renovated Garden Center will be transformed into a celebration of fall with a hay bale maze, harvest crafts, and spooky fun. All funds raised will directly fund the critical programming By My Side Parenting has been providing to build community and nurture families for nearly a decade through playgroups, parenting resources, and two playschool programs for children 18mo-5yrs old.

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.

Sundays, 12-4PM AMALGAM ADVENTURER’S LEAGUE Adventurers! Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse is now hosting Adventurers' League play on Sundays from noon to 4PM. Bring your level 1 character, or just yourself and our DM will have pre-gens, and join us as we begin the new season of Storm King's Thunder with the Great Upheaval adventure. New and experienced players welcome!

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. Oct. 7th, Friday, 7-9PM "ELVIS" TRIBUTE NIGHT Interested in volunteering? We want YOU! For example, help with scheduled gardening and maintenance at Campbell Square on Wednesday nights, 6:30-7:30PM, Spring/Summer park events and all year round!

sign ups

Wednesdays, 7PM ST. ANNE’S CHURCH CHOIR St. Anne’s Church Choir is back with a new director, April Anderson, and assistant director, Rich Burns. We’ll be rehearsing on Wednesday evenings at 7PM at St. Anne’s Church (Lehigh and Memphis). Former director Nick Pignataro will return to conduct St. Anne’s Annual Christmas Concert later this year. All are welcome to come and sing. Call 215-426-8422 for more information.

CIONE SIGNUPS Support Group.Lost Parents and Family Members Grief Support. Meetings once a month. The 3rd Monday of every month starting October 17 from 7 to 9pm. For more info call 215685-9880. Tumbling/ Hip Hop Dance Registration, Wednesday September 28, 6:30 to 7:30pm, $20 Registration fee non-refundable. Tumbling must be at least 3 1/2 years, Dance must be at least 5 years old.Classes will start Wednesday Oct 5. Zumba Class: Zumba will restart Friday October 7, Fridays 7:30 to 830pm, Cost is $5 per class. Chess will start again Thursday October 13. Chess will be on Thursday from 6:30 to 8pm and Saturday 12 to 1:30pm. No cost. All ages. All Skill Levels. Arts & Crafts: Saturdays 12 to 1:30pm. Starts October 15. Ages 5 to 12. Tot Recreation: Still have openings. Must be at least 3 1/2 years of age. Call 215-685-9950. Leave name and number and teachers will get back to you.

TOT SOCCER SIGNUPS Sign up now for Tigers Tot Soccer. Girls and boys ages 3 ½ to 6. The season will begin soon, so sign up now at the Tigers’ clubhouse (2423 E. Ann St.) Also, t-ball pictures are in, please pick them up! For more info, call Tom Mack (215-275-8838)

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

Page 14

The Spirit of the Riverwards – September 28, 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.

HOME SERVICES A DVA NCED

ELECTRIC REPAIRS

& INSTA 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

215-743-8599

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.

JOBS

PARENTS

FAIR HOUSING

Drivers: Excellent Wages + Monthly Bonuses up to $500+. Guaranteed Hometime. BCBS Benefits. No Touch. CDL-A 1yr exp. 855-842-8498

FOSTER PARENTS

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

Help wanted driver Fuel oil delivery needs class-B CDL with hazmat and tanker, Part-time, drug free. Slabek Fuels 215-535-6050

FREE ESTIMATES - CALL GERRY

“WE DO IT ALL” 215-396-2206 AFFORDABLE

HANDYMAN

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

215-743-8599

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

ELECTRIC

FAST SERVICE & LOW RATES LIC. - INS. BONDED

2 1 5 -92 7-1 100

FOR RENT Rooms for rent 25xx Frankford Ave $515 Clean and Furnished 215-941-3000 2900 Block of Frankford Ave. One bedroom efficiency Two bedroom also available on 1900 Block of Cambria St. Call 856-305-2782 for pricing

Apartment For Rent 215-667-1085 Need proof of income Ask for Steve JUNK CARS Up to $1,100 cash for cars or trucks with bad engines or transmissions. $550 CASH for any complete junk car or truck with or without title. Call 215-669-1000

Good, Loving homes needed for children of all ages.

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

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

Back to School Collections Spirit News is accepting donations for back-to-school supplies. We are accepting all school materials, such as bookbags, pencils, pens, crayons, colored pencils, paper, tape, markers, chart paper, bulletin board supplies, and anything else you can think of. We’re collecting through August into early September. Supplies will be donated to local school in need.

Meet Tinker! She's a 3-year-old hound mix. This 54 lb. former mama will bring a smile to your heart. She knows several commands including sit, paw, catch and touch. She's a dream when it comes to walking on the leash. Tinker is playful with other dogs and she's very excited to go home with a great family! Tinker is located at ACCT. 111 W Hunting Park Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19140 If you have any questions, or if you'd like to meet her in person, please call (267)-385-3800 and ask for the Lifesaving Department, or email lifesaving@ acctphilly.org If you rent, please bring written permission from your landlord that you are allowed to have a dog. Animal ID A33074976 Breed - Hound Mix Colors - Chestnut Brown with Frosty White markings Spayed

The Spirit of the Riverwards – September 28, 2016

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

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!

Page 15

Rep. Taylor Hosted Community Shredding Event Sept. 24 Rep. John Taylor (R-Philadelphia) hosted a free community shredding event to give residents the opportunity to safely destroy personal paperwork. At the event, local residents shredded 28 containers of more than 300 pounds of paper. Residents brought their paper to the Lowe’s Parking Lot, 3800 Aramingo Ave. and watch as their documents were destroyed. The event featured an on-site industrial paper shredder and electronic disposal service. “Identity thieves are dogged in their search for credit card numbers, bank account information and Social Security numbers,” Taylor said. “It’s why you must destroy documents containing this sensitive information. I encourage everyone to come out to my event and take the proper steps in fighting identity theft.” For more information on upcoming events, please call Taylor’s office at 215-744-2600. •

The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 2, 2016 WRITTEN BY JEN COLLETTA

"Tony n’ Tina"

‘ T O N Y N ’ T I N A’ S H O W T O B E N E F I T K E N S I N G T O N - B A S E D A N G E L S I N M O T I O N

early every day, Carol Rostucher is out walking the streets of Philadelphia and the nearby counties. “Today I started in Glendolden, then over to Street Road, then to Darby, then back to Glenolden, to Kensington, to 33rd and Susquehanna,” Rostucher said. “Today was a crazy day.” Along her journeys, Rostucher passes out bags of food, hygiene products and resource fliers to the homeless and addicted, counseling those who are open to advice and listening to others who wish to tell their stories. Rostucher’s Kensington-based Angels in Motion program was born about a year-and-ahalf ago, growing out of her experiences with her son, who was an active-user of heroin for five years. He’s now been in recovery for 19 months. “He was in Kensington and I’d go down looking for him. You’d see all these individuals, just lost people, and everyone walks by them like they don’t exist,” Rostucher said. She began striking up conversations with the people she saw on the street and eventually started bringing them bags of supplies. “I’d put in things I know my son loved: chocolate pop-tarts, apple sauce, peanut-butter crackers, granola bars. I’d run out so fast, I was like, ‘How am I going to keep doing this?’” Rostucher shared her experiences on Facebook and donations and volunteers poured in. The movement exploded after the Daily News covered her efforts. The organization has now officially been incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit and has about 100 active volunteers who distribute 250 “blessing bags” each week in Kensington and other areas. The food bags include non-perishable items, and the hygiene bags offer items like sample-sized toothpastes, alcohol swabs and Band-Aids. Rostucher said she encourages people she meets on the streets to seek recovery if they’re ready, and the organization continues to work with people once they do start a program, offering them resources, along with clothing and care packages, with notes of encouragement. The group has 4,200 members and holds twice-monthly meetings, one for support and the other for education. Most volunteers and members are loved ones of those in addiction or recovery. “Though we do have some people who don’t have addiction in their family; they just are so compassionate and all people matter to them,” Rostucher noted. Despite the flourishing support, AIM survives solely on private donations and proceeds from fundraisers, which Rostucher said go quickly. “I’ll get a call from a treatment center and they’ll say, ‘Carol, we have five people here who need to get an ID card or they can’t stay in their program. And it’s $28.50 for an ID,” she said. “How do you say no to that, knowing that, with this $28.50, this person can be off the streets and off heroin?” Karen Cellini also knows the scourge of heroin. After her nephew was shot and killed at a Northeast Philadelphia playground, his brother turned to self-medicating, opening the gate to a heroin addiction. Cellini went on to found The Good Mother Project as a creative outlet for people touched by violence and addiction. Last year, Cellini heard about Rostucher’s work and the two went out for a ride through Kensington, discovering their shared interest in empowering those facing addiction — in addition to their commonalities of growing up in Kensington and attending Little Flower High School.

“I was amazed,” Cellini said about watching Rostucher interact with those they encountered. “She’s so connected to everyone, and everyone is so connected to her. She’s an angel.” After learning of the program’s dearth of funding, Cellini, a co-producer of “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding” — the iconic interactive play founded in the 1980s — suggested staging the production to fundraise for AIM. A benefit performance is set for 5PM October 9th. The “ceremony” portion of the event will take place at the Church of St. Luke & The Epiphany (330 S. 13th) followed by the “reception” at Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St. Tickets are $75 and include the show, music, dancing and an Italian-dinner buffet. The event is BYOB. “We’re going to have a lot of laughs, but it’ll also be a fun, really nice, down-to-earth group of people, all helping a great cause,” Rostucher said. “The people on the streets cannot help themselves and somebody has to speak up for them and guide them. That’s what we’re trying to do.” “It takes a village,” echoed Cellini. “A whole community has to come together with open hearts, love and trust. You can’t be afraid to look into people’s eyes, so they know they’ve been seen.” For tickets to “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding,” visit aimangelsinmotion.org. • Photo by Michele Delsol

Photo by Pete Curran

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

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