H Y PERLOC AL
DON E DI F F E R E N T LY
FISHTOWN + KENSINGTON + NORTHERN LIBERTIES + PORT RICHMOND + BRIDESBURG
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WEEK OCTOBER 12, 2016 VOL. 13 NO. 38
SPOTLUCK New app helps users find discounts at local eateries. 8
MEN CAN Lutheran Settlement House holds 5th annual “MEN CAN” rally against domestic violence. 10
BALDSPOT The Spirit's own weekly games and comics. 9
ACCU-REGGIE Seven day forecast for the Riverwards. 3
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n the first weekend of October, hundreds of people turned out to Shissler Field, despite damp and dreary conditions, to commemorate Fishtown’s Ace Sean Murphy. The field played host to the inaugural Sean Murphy Field of Dreams Fall Classic, a youth baseball tournament dedicated to the memory of the late Fishtown pitching legend. Murphy’s story is one of both inspiration and tragedy. A Fishtown native, Murphy rose through the youth pitching ranks before starring at North Catholic High School and later in the professional minor leagues with the Oakland Athletics organization. Unfortunately, his inspiring story
ended in tragedy in April of this year. Murphy was well on his way back to a return to baseball following Tommy John surgery and a substance abuse suspension when he passed away tragically and suddenly. He was found unresponsive and alone in his car in a parking lot in Phoenix, AZ and declared dead by paramedics on the scene. The cause of his death remained a mystery for months. In September, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office finally reported that the cause of Murphy’s sudden death was “natural,” stemming from hypertrophic cardiomyopaContinued on Page 4.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Local events, meetings and more. 12-13
HOT OFF THE
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ast week, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced that Lightweight Champion and Kensington-native Eddie Alvarez (28-4) will defend his belt at UFC 205 against Irish megastar “Notorious” Conor McGregor (20-3) in Madison Square Garden on Saturday November 12 at 10PM. A battle of champions, the historic superfight will be the first title defense for Alvarez and pits him against the reigning featherweight champion McGregor. It will be the first UFC card in New York City since the sport of Mixed Martial Arts became legal in the state of New York earlier this year. This highly
anticipated announcement ended months of speculation and the event will likely be the largest and highest grossing in UFC history. As Alvarez told Ariel Niall McGrath of SevereMMA.com, the Morrell Park resident thinks McGregor is foolish for taking this fight. “I’ll do whatever I want, in any aspect, against him,” he said. “The opponents he has fought have allowed him to look great. That’s the issue, that’s what these WWF fans who follow him don’t see. They see a guy Continued on Page 6.
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – October 12, 2016 THE
local lens BY THOM NICKELS
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was talking with a former university professor recently who told me that he was very happy to be retired. He said that he was glad to be out of the hornet’s nest and away from a world filled with so much political correctness. Life on campus, he said, is rife with so many non-issue “issues,” that life there is like walking barefoot on a sidewalk littered with broken glass. He told me a story about how he once told a fellow professor that she “looked very nice today,” meaning to say that she had selected a particularly nice outfit. Rather than thank him for the gracious human compliment, the female professor took him to task for being a sexist and going out of his way to objectify her as an object to be admired. “You wouldn’t say the same thing to a male colleague,” she scolded. The male professor was taken aback and told her that she was wrong. “I do say the same thing to male colleagues,” he responded, “I do it all the time.” The male professor also happened to be gay, so his intention was not to objectify the female body. Welcome to university life in 2016, where every word out of your mouth has to be filtered and censored for risk of offending someone and where simply paying a colleague a compliment can get you into hot water. The former professor told me another story. He mentioned the time when his university invited a well known woman speaker to give a lecture. While the speaker’s presentation was compelling, during the Q&A, a well dressed young man stood up and said that the speaker had disparaged African-Americans. “I compliment you on a good talk, however you made one gross mistake that is offensive to the African-American community,” he began. The speaker asked in a soft voice what the offensive remark was. “In your introduction, you described yourself as being the black sheep of your family,” he said. “The use of the word black in this instance connotes negativity and undesirability and as such it casts a poor light on African-American students. It is racist.” The speaker swallowed hard, not quite sure what she should say when another woman professor in the audience stood up and complimented her on a stellar lecture and added that she was certainly entitled to express her views anyway she wanted to, including using any word she felt was appropriate to the lecture. Common sense won out in this instance. The student who accused the speaker of being a racist became so unpopular on campus that he eventually transferred to a school outside the United States. But this is a rare scenario. Generally, the triggered student is not reprimanded, but is joined by allies in the audience. Milo Yiannopoulos, the gay, conservative Senior Editor at Breitbart and self-proclaimed Internet troll, was scheduled to speak at Villanova University, but his talk was cancelled after protests from left-leaning students even though the event was arranged months in advance by campus Republicans. Milo’s multi-campus “Dangerous Faggot Tour” has sent many colleges and universities into cosmic tailspins, with left-of-center students who disagree with him engaging in many forms of protest. Some protesting students have stormed the stage, such as when Black Lives Matter interrupted Milo’s talk at DePaul University. Many of the protests occur outside the auditorium or lecture hall where Milo is scheduled to speak. In these gatherings, one can find students with signs and banners, many in full scream-mode while others attempt to block students from entering the lecture hall to hear Milo speak. Some of the more impassioned anti-free speech advocates will block doorways and wedge their bodies between security and the lines of students waiting to enter. People attending Milo’s lectures are taunted with epithets like racist, homophobe, Islamophobe, misogynist, xenophobe, fascist and bigot. The words come off student
tongues like machine gun bullets. Sometimes the ruckus is so uncontrolled, security guards have to escort Milo to the podium. Some protesting students wear face masks, an odd if somewhat adolescent theatrical touch which is supposed invoke revolutionary fervor, but which instead raises questions of cowardice. Why are you hiding your face behind a mask? Milo’s fans are generally right-of-center politically although large numbers of politically progressive students agree with some of his views. Milo’s liberal fans may not like Donald Trump (Milo supports Trump), but they are avid free speech advocates and want to hear what he has to say. Most of Milo’s fans are heterosexual students, especially fraternity types. The male jocks even cheer when Milo makes a pass at a male in the audience, or when a student stands up and asks Milo out for a date. This kind of gay liberation dynamic in a predominately macho male straight audience is about as rare as a moon landing or ice floes in the Delaware. Milo is not popular with the LGBTQ community because his views don’t match the official slate of beliefs that every gay man or lesbian is supposed to hold. Since it was the political left that facilitated the development of the modern gay movement, the left continues to hold the bulk of LGBTQ loyalty. This is understandable even if the left is changing. We can see that the left is changing because of the effects of the word policing described in the first paragraphs of this column. There was a time not so long ago when only the right wing was crazy over censorship. In the 50s, 60s and 70s, it was conservatives who banned books and movies and even speakers (communists, etc.) from college campuses. Today it is the left. That’s why the term regressive left has come into vogue. A regressive leftist can be described as someone who has an inability to listen to contrary, uncomfortable viewpoints without throwing out accusations of bigotry, racism and white supremacy. All too frequently these words are thrown out without any accompanying dialogue. Use of the word alone is supposed to shut down all debate. It’s what philosophy professor Christina Hoff means when she says, “In their war against intolerance, they take on the extremes of intolerance.” Hoff also adds, “It’s going to be hard for future historians to understand what happened on American campuses in this decade.” This is true because freedom of expression on campus is being replaced by the right to feel comfortable. It is true that sometimes Milo’s narcissism and showmanship can be off-putting. It also doesn’t help that he is not always a nice person. He’s unnecessarily hard on overweight people, but he also makes sense in his critique the body positivity movement. The body positivity movement teaches that you should love your body type no matter what size it is. Yes, being 300 pounds is beautiful and you don’t have to change a thing, but being dangerously overweight puts you at risk of death. Milo says there’s no such thing as a lesbian because so many lesbians have had affairs with men and seem to be able to move easily from one gender to the other. To be fair, I once heard a former editor of the Philadelphia Gay News say the same thing. Milo does not believe in gay marriage and says that homosexuality is caused by a mix of nature and nurture. Born that way is crap, he says; it’s a political line invented by the gay lobby. He has little respect for so called third wave feminism (which seems to obsess on issues like man spreading, which is when a man sits in a bus or subway with his legs spread far apart), or when a man tells a woman that she “looks nice today.” He views Islam as the greatest threat to Western civilization and says that as a gay man he cannot live in any “moderate” Islamic country because he would be subject to the death penalty. Milo has no respect for Black Lives Matter and calls the
THOM NICKELS IS A PHILADELPHIA BASED AUTHOR, JOURNALIST, POET, FILM CRITIC & FEATURE WRITER FOR SPIRIT NEWS.
organization “a bunch of black supremacists.” It’s my belief that Black Lives Matter would be greatly improved if they had a change in leadership. Overall, Milo isn’t the issue here, it’s the contagion known as political correctness. The chronic emphasis on political correctness in society has helped create Milo, just as it has propelled so many people to support Donald Trump. The fact is, people do not want to be told what to think or what they can and cannot say. •
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – October 12, 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
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ast week was a bit of a roller coaster. It started warm and then turned dramatically cooler to close the week with rains from Hurricane Matthew squeezed in the middle. Hurricane Matthew devastated Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas and it could have been terrible here too. Thankfully, we just got a minor glancing blow from the monster storm. Right now, my attention is turning toward winter….ah, the crisp cool air of the cold season is back! I am leaning toward an average winter with bouts of cold and snow typical for the region. However, that could all change; the key thing to watch for is consistent sub-normal temperatures this fall season (fall weather sets the tone for Winter). It
sure feels like we abruptly flipped to chilly weather and if we get a light snow event in November — look out, we are going to have a snowy winter! We still have the beautiful fall season to enjoy so we’ll worry about winter later. This week you will need a jacket until Saturday, but after that warmth returns! Wednesday is a nice day with temperatures getting to about 70 and lows in the 40s. It’s a perfect weather day! Thursday features the arrival and passing of a front from the West. The region should stay dry, but places to the west of Philly may see a brief shower. It cools down behind the front. Friday is a chilly and breezy day with temperatures get-
ting no better than the middle 60s. It will be cool and crisp at night. Some places in the burbs will get near freezing, not so much in the urban heat-island of Philly. Saturday is much like Friday, cool and fall-like. Sunday is when we start our warming trend as temperatures get to 70. Monday and Tuesday are probably some of the warmest days before “cool” to “cold” weather grips the region for good until next spring. Temps could get to near 80 some places on Tuesday. The weather winner of the week is Monday; the weather loser is Friday. •
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – October 12, 2016
Continued from Page 1. thy, a rare disease of the heart muscle. In the months since his tragic death, the Fishtown community has rallied behind the Murphy family, one of the most beloved fixtures in the neighborhood. “They were like the perfect family growing up. Like you would see on a TV show,” Billy Gorey said of the Murphys. Gorey largely attributes his success and the success of many of his friends in Fishtown to Ray Murphy, Sean’s father. “He’s the reason why most of us love baseball. He turned the baseball program around when we were kids,” Gorey said. He explained that his relationship with the Murphy family and the respect he has for Sean’s parents, Ray and Lorraine, were major factors in sparking his drive to keep Sean’s memory alive. Gorey and lifelong friend Dave Dougherty took the lead in planning a large-scale memorial event for Sean shortly after his death. When the idea for a youth tournament was floated, it seemed like a no-brainer to the duo, who both serve as local coaches. “We really wanted to make it about the kids, to put them at the center of it,” Dougherty said. The pair worked tirelessly to make the event something truly special. They spent hundreds of hours making connections, soliciting donations, and scrawling ideas in marble notebooks. Their hard work culminated in success, despite the unfavorable weather conditions over the weekend. There was festival atmosphere in and around Shissler Field all weekend long, with tee shirts, food, programs, and even a family-friendly block party at the Ukrainian Club. Three days of on-field competition ended with the 12-and-under Fishtown Aces team taking home the trophy, beating Roxborough 5-4 in a wild championship game. Away from the action on the field, the weekend was filled with raw, emotional moments. Before the first pitch on Friday night, Sean Murphy was immortalized in a pregame ceremony. Hundreds of Fishtown locals lined the field to see the unveiling of a mural dedicated to Sean’s memory in right field. Artists John Gowling and Jeff Kilpatrick captured the three phases of Sean’s pitching career in vibrant color: from his youth ball days in Fishtown, to his career on the mound at North Catholic, and his debut in Minor League Baseball. Before the unveiling, Gorey told the crowd that he hopes future generations of Fishtown players will see the mural and ask about Sean’s story. When I asked Billy what he would tell kids about Sean, he didn’t hesitate to answer. “I would tell them he was kid just like any of us, a kid that came from Fishtown who just worked hard. It goes to show it doesn’t really matter where you’re from. If you work hard enough, the sky's the limit. You can go wherever you want to,” he said. During the unveiling, local bagpiper Bear O’Driscoll played a stirring rendition of “Danny Boy” before young Bella Steinbrecher kicked things off with a goosebump-inducing performance of the “Star Spangled Banner.” On the mound, Dougherty presented Mr. and Mrs. Murphy with their son’s Oakland A’s jersey, framed and signed by the entire major league organization. It was an emotional
All Photos by Michael Hanisco moment that left few dry eyes around the field. Reflecting on the successful weekend, Gorey and Dougherty both said they plan on making it an annual event, expanding the tournament in the future to include more kids in different age groups. For now, they plan to reconvene in a few weeks to finalize a budget to renovate Shissler Field. They are currently in talks with the A’s organization to secure funding for the addition of dugouts at Shissler. Dougherty said they want to make the field a more welcoming place where kids can go to play organized ball and pick-up games on a regular basis. “When we were growing up, we could take a bag of balls and go play a pick-up game anywhere,” said Dougherty. “Now, neighborhood kids go to play at some of these fields and there is a padlock on the gate when they get there. We
want to give them somewhere that is their own.” The renovations are just the first goal for a non-profit organization that Gorey and Dougherty have set up in Murphy’s name, the Sean Murphy Field of Dreams Foundation. Going forward, they hope to use the foundation as a vehicle to guide local kids on and off the baseball diamond. “We’re going to give a few scholarships to student athletes every year. And then if we could get involved with other local [organizations], anything with kids – mentoring kids, inspiring kids – we would like to be a part of that as well, representing Sean’s name,” Gorey said. For more information on the Sean Murphy Field of Dreams foundation, please visit www.FishtownsAce.com. •
The Spirit of the Riverwards – October 12, 2016 PENN TREATY SPECIAL SERVICES DISTRICT ANNOUNCES OVER $50,000 IN GRANTS DURING THE SEPTEMBER 2016 MEETING. The Penn Treaty Special Services District (Penn Treaty SSD) announced Grants and Sponsorships to the following recipients Friends of the Doughboy (co-sponsored by Kensington AmVets Post146) – $18,348– to support the restoration of the The Doughboy Statue. Friends of the Doughboy is raising money to restore and renovate the Doughboy statue and maintain the park located at 2nd & Spring Garden Streets. This memorial, 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. Contact: Barbara Saverino at barbaraasaverino@gmail.com Friends of Fishtown at Palmer Park (co-sponsored by NKCDC)– $19,085 – To support the costs of manufacture and installation of iron fencing around entryway gardens at Palmer Park. As every square inch of open space in Fishtown gets developed the value of this rare community space simply cannot be overestimated. Because of the decades-long commitment of a small group of long-time Fishtown residents who first rescued the park from very dire straits. In time, it turned into a place loved and treasured by a whole new generation of Fishtowners. Contact: Carol Smythe at carol.e.smythe@gmail.com NLArts – $3,500– to support the cost of the 2016 Summer Camp. NLArts is a Philadelphia arts organization that expands each child’s appreciation for, and participation in, their community. This is accomplished through interaction with artists and educators in neighborhood-based performing and visual arts activities. NLArts provides innovative arts programs to children at weekend and summer workshops taught by local artists. Programs recognize and teach to children’s individual learning styles and interests by connecting them with the wealth of artistic, cultural, academic, and historic resources throughout Philadelphia. Contact: Natasha Mell-Taylor at nlartsorg@gmail.com Spooky Gardens (co-sponsored by Neighborhood Gardens Trust) – $3,000 – to support the 2016 Halloween Season. The Spooky Garden, located on two lots that stretch from North Fourth Street to North Leithgow Street, between George Street and Girard Avenue, acts as a “community backyard” for the nearby residents. Like many city
Page 5 gardens, the lots that compose the Spooky Garden were a former dumping ground that the surrounding neighbors cleaned up more than 20 years ago. The yard hosts community vegetable, herb & flower gardens, trees (including a magnificent elm that is estimated to be over 75 years old), shrubs, a community composter, sitting areas and a small open lawn. The name Spooky Garden is inspired by the garden’s annual Halloween celebration, which attracts hundreds of Philadelphians from across the city. Contact: Linda Conley Soffer at linconley@yahoo.com St. Anne’s Reunion Committee – $3,500 – to support the costs of their 2016 Golf Outing fundraiser. Founded in 2013, St. Anne's Reunion Committee is dedicated to continuing the reunions that were attended by all fellow classmates, old and new neighbors, and anyone who likes to stay connected to all those we have grown with throughout your lives. Contact: Theresa Stahl at puffmomma3@msn.com InLiquid – $3,000– to support the costs of the 2016 Art For The Cash Poor fundraiser. InLiquid is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to creating opportunities and exposure for visual artists while serving as a free, online public hub for arts information in the Philadelphia area. By providing the public with immediate access to view the portfolios and credentials of over 280 artists and designers via the internet; through meaningful partnerships with other cultural organizations; through community-based activities and exhibitions; and through an extensive online body of timely art information, InLiquid brings to light the richness of our region’s art activity, broadens audiences, and heightens appreciation for all forms of visual culture. Contact: Catherine Sirizzotti at Catherine@inliquid.org. •
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – October 12, 2016
Continued from Page 1. who’s fighting or playing to his strengths.” Alvarez also took Ariel Helwani of MMAFighting.com on a walking tour of K&A and explained his game plan. “I am the champion, I have the title,” he said. “This guy wants the title, he can come get it. Past the eight minute mark, I don’t see anything but being dominant. He can do well because it’s easy to be technical in the first round or two, but when the shit hits the fan and it turns into a fight, I will dominate this guy every step of the way. When he’s a little bit tired and he has to dig down, it’s all over. I can’t wait; it’s going to be a great time for me.” Throughout literary history, all great heroic sagas have certain elements in common: a humble origin, a journey to distant lands to battle formidable and cartoonish foes, the triumphant return home and a romance that produces many sons. Eddie Alvarez’s story checks all of these boxes and no one narrates this epic better than Bill Hunter. “I know Eddie better than almost anyone,” brags Hunter, Eddie’s wrestling coach at North Catholic High School and a veteran Philadelphia police officer. “His work ethic has always been there. He’s always a leader and not afraid of hard work, since he was young. It’s a cliché, but he really has the heart of Rocky Balboa.” Hunter, as he is simply known on the streets, first came to international prominence by introducing British filmmaker Louis Theroux to Philly’s intersection of Kensington and Allegheny Avenues for Theroux’s 2008 BBC documentary Law and Disorder in Philadelphia. (He appears at 02:07.) The comparisons of Eddie Alvarez to the fictional Italian Stallion are inevitable. The 19134 zip code that produced Rocky has more old-school boxing gyms per capita than just about anywhere in the country. These gyms don’t offer CrossFit and hot yoga, but they will teach you how to double-up a jab and finish with a straight right and an upper cut – all good skills to have growing up around K&A. It was in one of these gyms above a beer distributor, the Front Street Gym, where legendary Kenzo trainer Frank Kubach and Eddie’s father, Louis Alvarez, first taught the 8-yearold future champ the fundamentals of the sweet science. Eddie’s grandfather, Alberto, had been an elite amateur boxer back in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and fast hands ran in the family. “I met Eddie when he was this 11-year-old kid with a heart of gold and, excuse the expression, balls of steel,” said Hunter. “I still see him that way. I found him on the 800 block of East Madison Street. He was the funniest and most vibrant little kid out there.”
Alvarez with PPD. /Photo courtesy Bill Hunter “I have taken hold, and I will not let go." /Photo courtesy Bill Hunter Hunter convinced the 11-year-kid with the balls of steel to take up wrestling at the nearby Rizzo PAL on a team Hunter co-founded called the Junior Falcons. “Once I got him to join, the rest was easy. He was so good at it. I just had to make appearances on the block to let the drug dealers know he was off-limits. It was definitely worth the effort.” The rest is Philadelphia Catholic League history. When Alvarez graduated from North in 2001, he was a varsity letterman in football, wrestling and track. In football, he excelled at running back and a position normally reserved for crazy people – kick returner — but it was wrestling where he really shined. His record over four years was 120 wins with only a handful of losses (his younger brother Albert went on to notch 129 wins at North.) Alvarez was three times named All-Catholic, twice individual Catholic League Champion, and three-time team member of championship squads in a league that had previously been dominated by suburban powerhouses Archbishop Wood and Bishop Egan. He was a two-time National Prep All-American wrestler and placed 6th at the 2000 and 2001 National Prep School Wrestling Championships. But shortly after graduation, Alvarez’s parents moved to Florida, leaving Eddie and his siblings to fend for themselves in Kensington. Although he was offered several athletic scholarships, none were full rides. Alvarez humbly decided to forgo college and to support himself pouring concrete and fighting professionally. It wasn’t long before he and his high school sweetheart Jamie LeAnn were married and had kids of their own. With no amateur fights, Alvarez went straight pro. His
first fight came after only 8 months of training, in Edison, New Jersey against Anthony Ladonna (coached by former UFC champ Matt Serra.) Alvarez knocked Ladonna out in the first round. It would be the first of many knockouts over the next decade for the “Silent Assassin.” Alvarez paid the promoter $250 for the opportunity to fight “professionally,” but he knew right away where the real money was. He quickly became adept at selling tee shirts and organizing bus trips. “We sold tickets the way other people sold drugs,” he told MMA Noise’s Mike Strata. “We set up a lockbox with tickets in each neighborhood, at the biggest businesses. We’d then tell people to go there to pick up the tickets. We’d give the business owner his cut and pick up the money at the end of the week. That was our system, that’s how we got it done. Hopefully we can fight locally again and we’ll use the same system. We’ll still go grassroots. I like it that way.” At his final local fight at Temple University's Liacouras Center against Roger Huerta, Eddie and his crew sold over 1000 tickets at $25+ each, and sold an additional 800 shirts for $25. The “Underground King” quickly blasted his way through every promotion he joined, becoming champion at BoDog, DREAM, and Bellator. He fought in Canada, Costa Rica, Russia, Japan, Mexico and across the United States. A contract dispute with Bellator delayed his joining the world’s largest and most prestigious promotion. Finally, after a long and costly court battle, Eddie joined the UFC in 2014. Two years later, he shocked the word (but no one in Philly) with an impressive first round TKO of the reigning lightweight champ Raphael dos Anjos in Las Vegas. Alvarez brought a championship back to Philadelphia. “Where is Conor McGregor now?” shouted Bergen County comedian Joey Diaz after the fight. “This kid is Philadelphia. Nothing but heart… this was the fight of the year.” Continued on Page 7.
Happy Birthday Happy Birthday Charlie Hill. Charlie will be 73 years old on October 31, 2016. E-A-G-L-E-S/Photo by Waxman Photography
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – October 12, 2016 Continued from Page 6. “He looked spectacular,” said UFC announcer Joe Rogan. “Eddie Alvarez is the kind of guy who rises to the occasion… he’s a good dude, a great guy, and great for the sport. Good for him.” On his podcast, Rogan added “Eddie is a big boy. He can grapple, he’s a grinder. And whatever endurance issues Conor may have, he better iron those out.” It was at one of the early promotions where Alvarez met fellow MMA warrior and kindred spirit Frankie Edgar, who introduced Alvarez to his striking coach Mark Henry. Edgar and Alvarez now train together with Coach Henry and UFC veteran/Gracie Jiu-jitsu black-belt Ricardo Almeida in New Jersey. “Eddie is an awesome guy besides a fighter,” Coach Henry tells me after a sparring session. “He’s a great dad, husband, friend, teammate, and student. There is no better. The great thing about Eddie is he is the same person from when he was champion in Japan, to Bellator, to the UFC. His head is on straight and he hasn't changed. He's been a champion everywhere and he's a Philly kid so being tough and a champion is in his DNA.” The team is confident Alvarez will prevail at UFC 205. If Alvarez wins, McGregor will likely demand a rematch and the sequel could occur in Philly. As if the Rocky comparisons weren’t already enough, the next opponent in line is the undefeated Russian, Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomenov. It’s something out of Central Casting. And the payout? Alvarez’s overall take for the bout against McGregor could easily be in the millions. Not bad for a kid from G & Westmoreland. Alvarez has even called the opportunity to fight McGregor “a gimme fight,” insinuating an easy victory and that the bombastic Irishman has been given a relatively easy path in the UFC because of marketability and “Build-ABear suits,” regarding the exectives running the show. He derisively called McGregor “not a championship fighter,” implying that his opponent is not a complete MMA fighter. “I’m talking about how he deals with adversity. He deals terribly with being in bad situations.” Alvarez later questioned why Conor had two jiu-jitsu coaches, but got no direct response. McGregor has called Alvarez “a novice,” and just “a wrestler with an overhand right.” He also couldn’t help but get in a dig about Philadelphia. “I could buy and sell your whole bum town!” McGregor said at the press conference. After decades of relegation as only a minor spectator sport, MMA has finally cracked the national sports media, with Fox Sports commentator Colin Cowherd calling the recent Diaz/McGregor 2 fight as “a nail in the coffin of boxing,” the Los Angeles Times declared “boxing is dead,” and Vice called MMA “The Future of Fighting in Philadelphia.” That’s saying something given the rich
They are NC./Photo courtesy of Bill Hunter boxing history in this town, Balboa aside. On September 11, 2016, the Philadelphia Firefighter and Paramedics Union Local 22 awarded Alvarez its first-ever honorary membership along with a Golden Brick, signifying the traits of toughness and perseverance. Firefighter Mike Bresnan praised Eddie’s volunteer work and his commitment to underprivileged children in the community. “He has been an inspiration and a role model for kids in his pursuit of his dreams,” Bresnan said. “Eddie’s message is ‘Don’t let anyone tell you that you dreams are unattainable.’” In his acceptance speech, Alvarez thanked the firefighters and paramedics, calling them “real heroes, whose courage is truly inspiring.” Later that same week, Councilwoman Maria D. Quiñones-Sánchez honored Eddie’s hard work and community service with a citation from the city.
“I love when kids from the neighborhood grow up and bring home championships!” said Quiñones-Sánchez. “We are so happy to have this opportunity to celebrate with Eddie and recognize his fantastic career and this great achievement.” Win, lose or draw in November, Hunter sums it up best: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it until the day I die. I am so extremely proud of everything he has accomplished – he has been a winner in wrestling, track, football, at all the MMA promotions. But I’m more proud of the gentlemen that he has always been, and the good husband and the good father that he has become. I’m not big into predictions, but I guarantee he will give 100 percent. That’s all he knows.” It’s Eddie Alvarez versus Conor McGregor at UFC 205 on Saturday, November 12. Check your local listings or UFC. com. •
HAVE YOU BEEN INJURED? WHY SETTLE FOR LESS?
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – October 12, 2016 WRITTEN BY MICHAEL CASTANEDA
Spotluck
T
N E W A P P H E L P S U S E R S F I N D D I S C O U N T S AT L O C A L E AT ER IES
here is a popular new app that can save you money at restaurants near you. Spotluck, a fun and simple app, focuses on providing discounts to its users from different restaurants in your neighborhood. The restaurants listed are always locally owned businesses, so you won’t have to worry about getting a large chain like T.G.I.F. or Wahlburgers as a dining option. Spotluck started in Washington D.C. and launched in Philadelphia earlier this summer. Nearly 200 locally-owned Philly restaurants are participating and it has over 100,000 user downloads. Due to their rising success in Philly and D.C., the Spotluck founders plan to introduce the app in New York City later this year. (Editor's note: Haha, New Yorkers, we beat you this time!) The app, itself, is user friendly. You simply download it, create a profile and then click the green “spin” button to then get a discount from select restaurants in your area. When it selects one for you, you can win up to 25 percent off from that eatery. What’s also fun about this app is you still get ten percent off any restaurant it doesn’t select in your area. It’s a win-win. The app is great for the business, as well. It’s programmed to fill the empty seats of the restaurant when it might be in a lull, similar to how an airline sells tickets
Photo courtesy Spotluck
on an airplane. Ticket prices for airplane seats are much higher during peak times, but last minute tickets go down in price if there are empty seats. Cherian Thomas CEO of Spotluck says “[the app] gives the necessary tools a restaurant needs to succeed.” By providing restaurants with information about the Spotluck users it can adjust how it operates. It tells businesses what times they have most people in their restaurant, their age and where they’re coming from. It can also provide the restaurant with stats of how many people land on the restaurant, but decide to dine at other restaurants. The manager at Tandoor Authentic Indian Restaurant (1832 N. Front St.) says he likes the app. “People come in, we give them a discount. It’s nice. No problem,” he said. “Who doesn’t like discounts?” Some of the other restaurants using the app in our neighborhood include, Kraftwork, Bait and Switch, Cedar Point Bar and Kitchen, Kostas, Mood Indian, Liquid Room, Loco Pez, Sancho Pistola’s and Mugshot Diner. Discounts might not apply to alcohol. •
Philadelphia Creating New Hazard Plan Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management, which is tasked with managing disaster response, has been holding public meetings throughout the City about the new Hazard Mitigation Plan it is in the process of creating. On Monday, September 26th, OEM staff held one of the meetings in the Fishtown Free Library branch. During the community meeting, staff not only solicited resident views on hazards facing this city, but also gave attendees important safety and preparedness tips. To find out more about the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, and to fill out a survey to let OEM know what hazards in the City concern you, visit this link: https:// alpha.phila.gov/departments/oem/programs/hazard-mitigation-plan/ For the safety tips presented by OEM during the meeting, visit this link: https://alpha.phila.gov/departments/oem/ready-or-not/how-to-get-ready/ •
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – October 12, 2016
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – October 12, 2016 WRITTEN BY JORDYN CORDNER
"Men Can"
L U T H E R A N S E T T L E M E N T H O U S E H O L D S 5 T H A N N U A L “ M E N C A N ” R A L LY A G A I N S T D O M E S T I C V I O L E N C E
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n Wednesday, October 5th, in Center City’s Board Game Art Park at 15th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard, public officials gathered in collaboration with performers and staff for Lutheran Settlement House’s 5th annual “MEN CAN” Rally Against Domestic Violence. Lutheran Settlement House (1340 Frankford Ave.) is a non-profit, community-based organization committed to serving children, adults, and families living in Philadelphia. They offer a variety of programs aiming to aid the community. One of these programs is the Bilingual Domestic Violence Program. Hosted by Good Day Philadelphia’s Mike Jerrick, the event took place at the base of the “Government of the People” statue and ran from 11AM-1PM, featuring speeches, performances, food, and information and resources provided by Lutheran Settlement House. “The reason I got involved with Lutheran Settlement House, was because I raised two daughters. They’re older now but I tried to teach them all along, ‘Don’t let anybody lay hands on you,’” Jerrick told Spirit News. “We’ve got to get together as men and say, ‘We must get [domestic violence] stopped. We can get it stopped.’ And I think we can get it stopped.” The event opened with opening remarks by Omar Woodward, the leader of Lutheran Settlement House’s Men Can Steering Committee. Shortly after, Jerrick presented the CEO of event sponsor La Colombe, Todd Charmichael, with the LSH Advocate Award. Jerrick is a past recipient. Carmichael was “stuck in New York,” as Jerrick stated, so his associate Brian Spear accepted the award in his absence. Councilman William Greenlee also spoke, expressing in his remarks that the burden of safety falls on the community. “It’s great that this is called MEN CAN, but I’d add that men should. Men must. It’s all of our business,” Greenlee said. “It’s everyone’s business. We will continue to raise
awareness where we can. We hope that one day these rallies won’t be necessary, but until they aren’t, we will keep working hard. When we work together, we get things done.” Mayor Jim Kenney took the stage at the event, expressing the importance of responsibility and intolerance for abuse. “No one has a right, ever, ever,” he said in his speech, “to put their hands on someone else. [If] you’re that mad? Leave, there’s the sidewalk.” In an interview with Spirit News, Kenney deemed domestic violence “unacceptable,” stating that “no one should have to live like that. No one should have to be worried about going home from school, or going home from work and facing that every day of their lives. Women and children are killed [or] living an unproductive life [as a result of domestic violence.]” “The real warriors are people you see in those shirts,” Kenney said, referencing the volunteers and employees of Lutheran Settlement House donning black “MEN CAN” tee shirts. Kenney speaks highly of the efforts by organizations like Lutheran Settlement House. “[Service-based organizations like LSH] makes Philadelphia a more livable place. It drives down crime, it drives down dysfunction and addiction, and just general unfulfillment. You’re put on this earth by God to fulfill your life and meet your potential, and when you go home to a batterer every day or every night, you can’t meet your potential.” As echoed in the sentiments of many who spoke at and attended the event, domestic violence has not always been at the forefront of public attention or care. In fact, in the past, domestic violence was a misunderstood subject, kept behind closed doors. “I think a lot of men treat [domestic violence] as a taboo. It’s something that we don’t often talk about,” said Woodward. “We often talk about domestic violence as some-
thing that women should avoid, as opposed to something men should not do,” said Woodward, noting also that domestic violence is not always physical and can be emotional, financial, or otherwise. “Disproportionately, women are the victims in domestic violence cases. But, men are, too. And we have to remember that there are same sex couples, too. So, we have to be much more holistic and thoughtful in the way we talk about domestic violence issues,” he explained. Events like the MEN CAN rally have profoundly affected certain survivors of domestic violence, like Madeline Dawson and Michelle Austin, attendees of the event. “I am so grateful,” says Dawson. “I have been on this bandwagon since 1987. [...] What this says to me is that I matter. This lets me know that I am never alone even when I felt like I was alone. To know that people understand it, that they’re willing to fight for it, I’m not alone.” Dawson, a Philadelphia local, says that since the beginning of her involvement, societal strides have been made in the way of domestic violence, even at a local level. “Programs and events like this show me that we won’t be silent anymore,” says Austin, also a Philadelphia native, who is publishing a book about domestic violence. “We have a voice now. This shows me that this is not acceptable behavior.” Dawson appreciates the name “MEN CAN,” explaining that too often the focus is on why women stay rather than why men perpetrate. Lutheran Settlement House’s President of the Board of Directors and spokesperson, Ralph Wellington, told Spirit News that the meaning behind “MEN CAN” is derived from holding men accountable and empowering them to seek help or stand up against domestic violence. “Fundamentally, domestic violence can happen to [anyone], but we know that the vast majority are women or children. And, fundamentally, men have a responsibility in two ways: one, never to do it, and two, never to ignore it.” Wellington received an award for his time with Lutheran Settlement House at the event, as he will be cycled out of the board this coming December. As the event closed and members began to pack up, music played through the park and the purple balloons shivered in the wind. “Now it’s no longer under the covers,” said Dawson. “It’s no longer behind closed doors. The shades are no longer pulled down. There’s a voice.” To get involved with Lutheran Settlement House or to learn about the services they provide, visit www.lutheransettlement.org. •
Gun Lock Giveaway at Heitzman Rec On October 4th, Assistant Chief of the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office Danielle Walsh and the office's Victim Witness Coordinator Daniela Chacon participated in a Gun-Lock Giveaway at the Heitzman Recreational Center in the Harrowgate section of the 24th Police District. This event was coordinated in conjunction with the Harrowgate Civic Association, Councilman Squilla, and the Sheriff's Department.
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – October 12, 2016
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.
Thank You, 26th Temple Health/FCCC, Dr.Police Quien District Spirit of the River Wards – Half Page – B&W 9.75”wnjelica x 7.5”hMurat’s son, Brayden, 4, was having
A
a bad day. After feeling sick the night before, Brayden had to be up early for school. His mother says that Brayden is “not a morning person.” But while Brayden hates mornings, he loves police officers. He has his own police officer uniform and has dressed as a cop for the past three Halloweens. And you can all guess what he’ll be dressed as come this Halloween. In the Wawa parking lot before going to school, Brayden saw a police squad car in the parking lot. The little boy, who wants to be a cop when he grows up, said hello to the officers from the 26th District. The officers responded in such a way that it made Brayden’s rough day a whole lot brighter. The officer came up to Brayden and put on his police hat on the little boy’s head. He even let Brayden sit in the driver’s seat of the car and play with the lights. Thanks to the officers of the 26th who helped put a smile on one little boy, and who keep our community safe day-in, day-out. •
Insertions: Wednesday, October 12, 2016 Wednesday, November 2, 2016 Wednesday, November 16, 2016 Wednesday, December 2016 in your neighborhood? Anything you want Is there something going on that’s a little7,funky Wednesday, January 4, 2017 us to look into? Have something juicy you want to leak? Know of something fun or interestWednesday, February 8, 2017 ing going on that you think we should know about? Wednesday, March 8, 2017
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.
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – October 12, 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 NKCDC OPEN OFFICE HOURS NKCDC is hosting open office hours in the 19134 zip code at two locations. They will be at the Firm Hope Baptist Church on Tulip and Auburn Streets every second Wednesday of the month from 4-7PM. They will assist you with signing up for benefits like SNAP, connecting to housing counselors for any housing needs, rent and property tax rebates, food referrals, health insurance and safety or quality of life issues in your community. For further information contact Tess at tdonie@NKCDC.org or 215-427-0350 x 139. AL-ANON AT HOLY NAME CHURCH HALL Meetings are held every Monday night from 7-8PM at Holy Name Church Hall at 701 Gaul Street. Anything shared at a meeting stays there and everyone is welcome to attend. Al-Anon meetings are free, anonymous and confidential. Monday, October 17, 6:30PM EKNA OCTOBER MEETING Our October meeting will take place at Philadelphia Brewing Company. Join us for the monthly general meeting. Topics will include: Preview of November elections for Vice President and two Board Members-at-Large Committee Updates, including Zoning and Development Commitee Meeting Time October Mini-Grant Approval: Please submit applications to info@ekna.org Please review previous months minutes here for approval: http://ekna.org/meeting-minutes/ Tuesday, October 18, 7PM FNA ZONING MEETING 1100-28 and 1130-54 N Delaware Ave (Civic Design Review) Proposal for • the renovation of the existing building at 1100-28 N Delaware Ave for mixed-use with 10 dwelling units and ground-floor commercial; • the demolition of an existing structure at 1130-54 N Delaware Ave and construction of a mixed-use building with 170 apartments, 100 parking spaces and ground-floor commercial; and • the consolidation of 1100-28 and 1130-54 N Delaware Ave into one lot. NOTE: This project meets all requirements by the city zoning code therefore does not require a zoning variance. The community meeting is being held to provide input to the Planning Commission for a Civic Design review triggered by the size of this project. This meeting will take place at Location: First Presbyterian Church – 418 E Girard 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.
events Saturday, October 15, 2PM SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEE 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. 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/ Tuesday, Oct 18, 5:30-8PM NLNA AT 40 A once-in-a-generation neighborhood event!, 3rd & Fairmount. Neighbors, local and state officials, and guests from the NLNA's 40-year history, plus free food & drink, and groundbreaking of a new outdoor event & gathering space designed by award-winning architects KieranTimberlake. Friday, October 21,7PM CANDLELIGHT NAME READING AT THE PHILADELPHIA VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 266 will hold it's annual name reading at the memorial. Please come out to show your respect for the 648 men and women from Philadelphia who made the ultimate sacrifice. The chapter is also looking for new members. For info call Chuck Bauer at 215-722-3518 Friday, October 21, 10AM-1PM FREE FLU SHOTS Stop by 3503 North B. Street (Corner of B and Tioga) for a free flu shot from St. Rep Angel Cruz’s district office. For more info, call 215-291-5643 Saturday, October 22, 4-6PM FISHTOWN COMMUNITY DINNER First Presbyterian Church (418 E Girard Ave) community dinners return where we open our doors and welcome every and anyone who wants to come out for a meal and be in fellowship with their fellow neighbors. As always, there is no cost for the meal. We want everyone to feel welcome. For more information contact:office@1stpresbykensington. org or 215-739-5695.
Fundraiser at St. Phillips Church (700 E Tioga St.) Cost $2 for kids 10 and under, $3.50 for adults. No takeout. Menu includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, dessert and more. For more info, call 215-954-2735 Saturday, October 22, 11-4PM HECHO EN NORRIS SQUARE CRAFT MARKET Join in the 1st Annual Hecho en Norris Square Craft Market at Norris Square Park (2141 N. Howard Street). Featuring: Local artists & craft vendors, Art activities for all ages, Food Trucks, Music and more! The Hecho en Norris Square Craft Market, in collaboration with Norris Square Neighborhood Project and Village of Arts and Humanities, focuses on the creative community in eastern north Philadelphia and utilizes public space in Norris Square Park as a venue to showcase emerging and established vendors from 19122, and 19133. In partnering with the Food Trust, local food trucks will be selling a variety of good eats to satisfy all appetites. The craft market vendors will also be featured as part of the Center for the Emerging Visual Artist, Philadelphia Open Studio Tours east of Broad Street. Hecho en Philly is supported by LISC, Norris Square Neighborhood Project, Village of Arts and Humanities, Leeway Foundation, Philadelphia Food Trust, and Puffin Foundation. Rain or Shine. To sign up as a vendor email: Anne at hechoenphilly@gmail. com . To volunteer email: Linda at hechoenphilly@gmail. com . Visit www.hechoenphilly.com for more details 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, 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.
Saturday, October 22, 11AM AUCTION AT BETHEL BAPTIST We will be having a penny auction, flea market, and food sales at Bethel Baptist Church (2210 E. Susquehanna Ave.) We have gift cards, gift baskets, flyers tickets and much more. Call 215-426-1909 for more info.
Saturday, October 22, 3-5PM SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER
Saturday, October 22, 11:30AM KENSINGTON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LUNCHEON Annual luncheon for Kensington High School alumni, all years. Williamson’s Restaurant (500 Blair Mill Rd., Horsham, PA) For more information call Barbara Carrier (609-654-6120) or Altha Burgee (althaburgee@comcast.net)
Tim Breslin 2nd Annual Memorial Golf Outing Join us in remembering the life of a Fishtown great, Tim Breslin. The 2nd Annual Tim Breslin Memorial Golf Tournament will be on October 15 at Bensalem Golf Course. Registration begins at 12PM, $100 per golfer. The tournament will be followed by a Beef & Beer ($30) at the Plumber Local Union 690, 2791 Southampton Rd., Phila. PA 19154 from 7-11PM.
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.
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – October 12, 2016
Saturday October 22nd, 4-6PM ARTIST RECEPTION: DALE RIO Joins The Resource Exchange (1701 N. 2nd St.) and reCreate Featured Artist Dale Rio to celebrate our October gallery, "A Glimpse Inside: Experiments with X-Rays." Dale Rio is a local photographer who shoots primarily in film and experiments with alternative photographic methods. Her reCreate gallery will feature work made using reclaimed x-rays from The Resource Exchange. This is a FREE event! More information: http://www.theresourceexchange.org/create/recreate-artists/dale-rio-october-2016/ Sunday October 23rd, 12:30-3:30PM SPIRIT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP With Halloween upon us, it’s time to push your pinhole photography to the outer limits! Learn how to create pinhole cameras and experiment with them at The Resource Exchange (1701 N. 2nd St.). reCreate Featured Artist of October, Dale Rio, will lead participants in this fun, fall themed photography workshop. $20 all materials included Details on our website! http://www.theresourceexchange. org/workshops/spirit-photography-workshop-with-dale-rio/ Sunday, October 23, 10AM-12PM ADAIRE WALK-A-THON Adaire's active Home & School Association wants you get active with them in support of this great K-8 in the heart of Fishtown! We're raising money to support Adaire, we're building community, and we're burning off some calories! We're starting from the Adaire schoolyard, walking up to Hackett, and then back to Penn Treaty Park — 1.5 miles in all! There'll be free water and snacks for sale at Penn Treaty Park. A $15 donation gets an adult ticket and an Adaire pint glass! Or participate for $12 (adults, no glass) and $5 (kids)! https://adairehsa.ticketleap.com/ adaire-2016-walk-a-thon or stop by the main office at Thompson & Palmer! Sunday, October 23, 9-10AM PSPCA HOSTS YOGA WITH CATS The Pennsylvania SPCA will host Yoga with Cats, a yoga class where adoptable cats will roam the room freely, at the PSPCA’s Fishtown Center (1546 Frankford Ave.) While a common yoga pose might be downward dog, it is no secret that the agile movements of cats often mirror the movements of yoga masters. The PSPCA, when approached by volunteer and animal advocate Rachel Shaw, decided to make that connection a beneficial one for its adoptable cats by hosting a yoga class in the calming and open Fishtown Center. Meredith Magoon, a well-known local yoga instructor, will lend her services to the class, which is just $15. All proceeds from the event will benefit the PSPCA’s life-saving mission. For more information, or to sign up, visit: http://pspca.org/ yogawithcats Friday, October 28, 8PM-Midnight PO1 MICHAEL J. STRANGE BEEF AND BEER 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. Thursday, November 3, 7-8:30PM PUB THEOLOGY: FISHTOWN A monthly conversation exploring the intersection of faith and life. All are welcome, whether you consider yourself very religious, or not at all. This monthly gathering is a place where people from all walks and faiths can gather and be in conversation about topics of faith and life. Hosted by: Rev Noah Hepler (Pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Atonement) & Rev Shawn Hyska. (Pastor of 1st Presbyterian Church in Kensington) at Front Street Café Wednesdays, 6-7:30PM FALL NIGHTS IN THE MEADOWS Have you joined us in The Meadows? Since last month, The Philadelphia Photo Arts Center has been hosting free arts programming every Wednesday, 6-7:30PM, in our pop up park across the street from the Philadelphia Photo Arts Center (1400 N American St. #103). Check out the lineup: October 12: "20G" Film Screening, & Conversation w/ Director, Gilberto Gonzalez October 19: "Rise of Tigers" Screening & Talk w/ Directors Max Pulcini and Matthew Albasi October 26: Bring-Your-Own-Knife Pumpkin Carving Party November 2: The Dirty Soap Blues Band Acoustic Party November 9: "Waste" Experimental Film Screening & Augmented Reality Walk Video by Termite Collective November 16: Night Photography Class w/ Lori Waselchuk November 23: Community Service Project November 30: The Meadows Closing Party 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!
children 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 in-
BridgeSet Sound is a family owned business in South Philadelphia whose mission is to connect you to music. They provide music gear and supplies for purchase & offer individual music lessons. Visit them at: bridgesetsound.com
formation please contact Coach Larry @215-685-9877, or come to Moffet to register on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-6PM. FISHTOWN LIBRARY Tuesdays: Super Storytime: Join Miss Dana after school for stories and crafts! Tuesdays @ 4PM. For ages 3 ½ and up. Runs through November 8 Tuesdays: Toddler Storytime: Join Miss Dana for stories, songs, and silliness! Tuesdays @ 10:30AM. For ages 0-3 ½ . Runs through November 15 Wednesday, October 12 and 26: PAWS Read to a Dog: Sit with our therapy dog, Miracle, and read him a story! All ages. Wednesday, October 12 and 26 @ 4-5PM Saturday, October 22: Little Learners Monthly Play Day: An hour of free play for ages 0-5. Saturday, October 22 from 10:30AM-11:30AM. Thursday, October 27 @ 4PM: Pumpkin Painting. Paint a mini pumpkin! Ages 4 and up. Supplies limited; first come, first served. Friday, October 28th @ 10:30AM: Halloween Storytime. Come for our not-so-scary stories, crafts, & surprises! Wear your costume! Ages 3 and up. 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.
Rep. John Taylor (R-Philadelphia) will hold his annual Senior Expo on Friday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Cohocksink Recreation Center, Cedar and Cambria streets. The expo is a free, one-stop information fair for senior citizens and their families, which will provide access to information on a wide range of topics. This year, door prizes will be awarded throughout the expo. “This is one of the highlights of the year,” Taylor said. “It gives people a chance to meet with state and local government officials, as well as local businesses and other nonprofits that have information that will benefit seniors. I also will be on hand to answer any questions residents may have pertaining to state government.” Among those scheduled to appear are the Philadelphia Police Department, PGW, PECO, Philadelphia Water Department, insurance companies, local podiatrists, chiropractors, senior help agencies, medical equipment companies, hospitals, and city and state agencies. Blood pressure and cholesterol tests will be given, and massages will be available. Transportation will also be available throughout the district at locations to be announced. Bus service will be available for those attending the expo; however, there will be only one pick-up at each location. The bus will leave the Cohocksink Recreation Center at 11:30 a.m. to drop seniors off at pickup locations. The pick-up sites include: Mayfair Recreation Center, 2901 Princeton Ave., at 9 a.m. Taylor’s Bridesburg office, 4725 Richmond St., at 9:20 a.m. Our Lady of Port Richmond, E. Allegheny Ave. & E. Thompson St., at 9:40 a.m. St. Anne’s Senior Center, 2608 E. Cumberland St., at 10 a.m.
SUCCESS STORIES
“
When we opened our store on South Street, we needed capital, but were too small for a regional bank. We went to FINANTA, and were provided the capital and technical assistance we needed to increase inventory and hire employees. With FINANTA’s help we have become the staple neighborhood resource for people who love to play and learn music.
“
October 22, 12-2PM FISHTOWN COMETS CLOTHING DRIVE The Fishtown Comets soccer team will be hosting a clothing drive from 12-2PM at Shissler Rec Center. We will be accepting clothing, shoes, toys, bikes, curtains, pillows, blankets, and baby items.
— Steve and Thao Harner, Founders, BridgeSet Sound
Do you need capital, financial advice and technical assistance?
Contact us today! 267-236-7000 FINANTA.ORG
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The Spirit of the Riverwards – October 12, 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
& I NSTA L L ATIONS
LOW RATES FAST SERVICE UPFRONT PRICES LICE NSED
I NSUR E D
BONDED
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House wiring, 100 amp circuit breakers, ceiling fans & a/c lines. LICENSED & INSURED - LIC #PA040852/16493
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SHINGLES - GUTTERS - SPOUTS
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2 1 5 -92 7-1 100 YARD SALES
Multi-Family Yard Sale, 1400 block of East Hewson St., Fishtown Yard sale is for both days, October 15 and 16 from 9am to 3pm Rain Date October 22 and 23 Saturday October 15, 11am7pm Block party/ Yard Sale with Hand-crafted beer by Motor Cycle James. 2900 block Tilton St Port Richmond Philadelphia.
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: CDL-A 1yr. Exp. Excellent Home Time. Great Benefits + Incentive Pkg. 100% No Touch Freight. 70% Drop & Hook. 855-842-8498
FOSTER PARENTS
YOU HAVE A NICE SET OF WHEELS BUT CAN’T FIND A PLACE TO PARK THEM.
REAL ESTATE SALES: new or experienced; free training program. Call Mike Dunphy at 215-840-8399
Help Wanted: Looking for lunch room manager for La Salle Academy. 3 hours a day M-F, from 7am until 10am 215-739-5804 ask Neni 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 PRAYER
Furnished/Nice area near bus and stores. washer/ dryer included. Reasonable price. 267-504-2487
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
32xx Frankford Ave. efficiency $550 + electric Immediate possession, no pets 215-840-8399
Efficiency 25xx Frankford Ave. Private bath $625/month Utilities included 215-941-3000
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.
The Spirit of the Riverwards – October 12, 2016
Page 15
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FINANTA's 20th Anniversary Celebration FINANTA recently celebrated 20 years of mission driven non profit lending at the SugarHouse Casino Event Center. The event brought together major players in the Philadelphia community development culture, including funders from banks, nonprofit leaders, and small business owners. FINANTA president Luis Mora and Board chair Jane Sobieski spoke of the importance of FINANTA’s work: that of providing access to capital and technical assistance to the Philadelphia regions underserved entrepreneurs, consumers, homebuyers, and job makers. FINANTA recognized major partners and exceptional clients at the events. Awards were given to their first two PRECAPS Groups, a lending circle program that brings together groups of peers to borrow credit building microloans while receiving financial training. FINANTA also recognized the support of individuals and nonprofits whose work supports FINANTA’s mission. Among those awarded were: The Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Norris Square Community partners. Major Banks Santander, PNC, TD, Wells Fargo, Customers Bank, and BB&T were recognized for the commitment to an inclusive economy. Over the past two decades FINANTA has served hundreds of individuals seeking to expand their business, purchase a home, or increase assets. To these deserving clients, over $47 Million has been lent and 40,000 hours of technical assistance provided. In return, their clients have created or retained over 1,500 jobs, revitalized business communities through the city, and enriched the cultural fabric of our city. FINANTA marks these past 20 years with many exciting accomplishments. This year they have expanded their service area to 8 counties in and around Philadelphia. They also had the honor of receiving the SBA’s 2016 Jody. C. Raskind Mission based Lender of the Year, and award given annually to a mission-driven lender that has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the creation, growth, and expansion of small businesses in underserved markets with a demonstrable impact on the communities it serves. FINANTA is proud to continue this momentum for years to come, serving even larger numbers of entrepreneurs, and expanding into new markets. •
The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 2, 2016
John Taylor … well-liked and respected by Democrats & Republicans for all of his hard work and results.
The Taylor record... • A recognized problem solver -- always helping people. Well deserved reputation for providing some of the best constituent service in the city. • Fought for passage of a comprehensive transportation bill to fund major road, highway and bridge repairs -- creating thousands of jobs in the process. • Leading the fight to eliminate blight through “Land Banks” – a vital tool in the fight against unsightly vacant lots and abandoned, blighted properties. • Provided local authorities with the power to seize personal assets of negligent landlords and homeowners for unpaid property violation fines. • Led the fight for increased funding for public schools and help for parochial school students through the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, which provides incentives for businesses to give scholarships for local students. • Long-time advocate for medical coverage for drug and alcohol addiction rehab and recovery programs. Produced a powerful video entitled “some good-byes are forever” as a tool to educate parents and youth to the dangers of illegal and prescription drug abuse. • Authored legislation to create a four-year pilot recovery high school program for students in recovery from substance abuse. • Authored legislation that created Office of the Safe Schools Advocate - the first of its kind in the nation aimed at helping to reduce violence and bullying in our schools. • Supported by thousands of Democrats and Republicans because of his bi-partisanship and fight to make sure Philadelphia gets its fair share of state funds. www.electjohntaylor.com
Push But ton
#208
FIRST!
JOHN
TAYLOR
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
Working hard for our local schools and neighborhoods.
Vote - General Election - Nov. 8th Paid for by Committee to Re-Elect John Taylor