The Spirit of the Riverwards - December 7, 2016

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 DECEMBER 7, 2016 VOL. 13 NO. 46

RIOT NERD Local couple runs a blog celebrating movies, video games, albums, concerts, indie wrestling and burlesque.

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BERNARD HOPKINS B. Hop stops by Joe Hand Gym in NoLibs in anticpation of his final professional bout.

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BALDSPOT Spirit's own weekly games and comics.

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D

uring a military deployment overseas, two men got to talking about finding a really good pair of jeans. Andrew Yi was working a private defense job. Chris Caquelin was with the United States Army. Their conversation started them on a search which yielded a host of small brand manufacturers making raw denim jeans in the U.S. This discovery eventually led to an idea for a business, one which would promote and distribute exclusively American-made clothing.

When the pair returned to the States, Caquelin settled in Baltimore, Yi in Philadelphia. They spent the next several years researching brands which designed, manufactured and distributed clothing all within the

U.S. When the time was right, they opened Franklin & Poe, a boutique clothing retailer, with a Baltimore location run by Caquelin and the location here in Fishtown, at Frankford and Berks, run by Yi. The two men describe their store as a resistance to an idea known as “fast fashion.” This term refers to inexpensive clothing which, while in keeping with current fashion trends, is made poorly and cheaply in factories overseas. Over the course of the last few decades, with more and more clothing manufacturers outsourcing production to cheap, factory labor overseas, fast fashion has become the dominant business model in

“What the heck is a Sepviva?”

Many have wondered about the mysterious street name that does not sound like an actual word. Even Spirit News reporter Bob Stewart was unclear about what a “Sepviva” might be, as he noted in his June 29, 2016 article about the Ampere Electric building at the corner of Norris and Sepviva Sts. The first place someone needs to go in the year 2016 to discover the definition of a word is Google and that is exactly where I began. Unfortunately, my search “define: sepviva” yielded no credible results. My journey to discovering the truth about Sepviva Street was beginning to look like it would take longer than your average definition search. With my schedule

consistently being filled to capacity, I decided to spend several hours researching it anyway.

The next step I took to find out the history of this street was looking at old maps of the city on philageohistory.org. On G.W. Bromley’s 1895 Philadelphia Atlas, Sepviva Street is named, but there wasn't any additional information I could find by viewing this map. Since streets are often named after people that lived along them, I assumed that if I kept searching for who was named Sepviva, I could prove that they were responsible for the strangely named street.

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ACCU-REGGIE Seven day forecast for the Riverwards.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Local events, meetings and more.

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HOT OFF THE

PRESS

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 2016 THE

local lens

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hile the reasons for homelessness are varied, many people are quick to assume that homeless people have no aspirations. While some attribute homelessness to drugs or being lazy, it's usually something much more complex and very often involves mental illness.

The homeless in 19th century America were referred to by many names: hobos, tramps, vagrants, etc. In 1909, a man named Edwin Booth pretended to be unemployed and toured America’s homeless shelters. Many of these shelters at that time were called “wayfarers lodges."

Writer Kenneth L. Kusner notes in his book, "Down and Out, on the Road: The Homeless in American History," that these lodges had similar characteristics: There was no promise of bedding, the food was almost inedible and, in Kansas City, the breakfast was dry bread, stewed prunes and watered down coffee without milk or sugar.

While no one expects a homeless shelter to rival the Ritz Carlton, very often the characteristics described above came with a price. In Louisville, Kentucky, in one instance, the homeless had to work for (free) water, soap, coffee and coarse bread by chopping wood. In most wayfarers lodges, the (free) meals distributed on a Sunday had to be worked for during the week. The usual lights out time was 10PM, when all talking in the lodges had to cease. Occupants were forbidden to drink, smoke and swear. In many ways, the homeless were forced to live as monastics, although modern day monks are sometimes free to indulge in wine or beer.

The 19th century was a very judgmental time. The poor were judged as being “worthy” or “unworthy” when it came to receiving charity. The Salvation Army, to its credit, refused to make any such distinctions and served all of the poor equally.

A Philadelphia connection can be found in “The Vagrancy Dockets of 1875”. The Dockets surveyed 614 men and 147 women convicted of vagrancy. The Dockets found that 63 percent of the homeless were not married, while 7 out of 10 were literate with the average age being 34.6 years. About 60 percent of the convicted were born in the United States while over half of the group was native to Philadelphia.

Why Philadelphia? Was there something in the water here that caused so many to become homeless? The Dockets do not say, but they do state that a man in 1875 with more than one conviction of vagrancy could expect to be sentenced to 24 months in jail.

In the 1870s, tramps would often band together in aggressive packs, attacking farmers while giving the police a rough time. After WWII, the homeless populations in American cities were mostly confined to skid row areas.

Philly’s skid row, or tenderloin district, (on Vine Street from 8 to 11th Street) as it turns out, was much smaller than the tenderloin districts in most other cities.

The assumptions many people made about the homeless in the 19th century or in our own time do not account for those homeless who defy categorization. In many ways, homeless people are just like you and me. Some former

BY THOM NICKELS

homeless go on to become public figures. Consider the personal homeless stories of Sylvester Stallone, Steve Jobs, Halle Berry and Drew Carey. If we look at homelessness through a wide historical lens, the field becomes even more diverse. Elijah, in the Hebrew Bible, often appeared in the guise of a homeless person during his wayfaring days of prophecy.

In our own time and in our own city, we have the person known as Philly Jesus, or Michael Grant. Grant comes to mind because he is an example of someone who conquered his drug addiction and then went on to become a kind of urban wayfarer or what is commonly referred to as a wandering holy fool or a holy fool for Christ. Grant has often talked about his time as a homeless drug addict going from place to place in the city in search of The Drug.

In his new rehabbed guise as Philly Jesus, he is still going.

Call Grant a desperado hungry for fame and notoriety or even a narcissist who loves getting his picture taken (those way cool pics of a skateboarding Jesus!), but the truth is that Grant tapped into a very old tradition when he made the decision to don theatrical Jesus garb and go out into the streets with a Shepherd's staff like Jeffrey Hunter in King of Kings.

I first encountered Grant in Center City about a year ago.

We were walking in opposite directions when I stopped and introduced myself. I told him that I had written some unflattering things about him in the past, but that I would like to try a new approach in the form of an interview.

Grant was open to the idea and gave me his cell number, but when I contacted him weeks later he was nowhere to be found. Months passed, and I eventually spotted him facing the throngs of ticket holders for the “Best of” Philadelphia Magazine party at City Hall’s courtyard.

Grant was standing above the party revelers, staff in hand, on a cement barrier. Whether he knew it or not, he was aping Saint Simeon Stylites the Elder, a Syriac who died in 459 and who lived 47 years on a platform atop a pillar near Aleppo, Syria. After Saint Simeon’s death, a number of other ascetics would escape to the desert to live on pillars. They were called stylites.

In today’s world there aren’t too many people who live on top of pillars, but here was Philly Jesus in a stylite pose reminding the Philly Mag revelers of their mortality and that a good party won’t necessarily get you into Heaven.

Of course, this message seemed lost on the bevy of long haired women in killer stilettos and form fitting dresses walking around with cocktails and chicken skewers. Philly Jesus, obviously, was missing out on all the fun but at least his years of real homelessness had finally paid off. I did, however, finally get to say something to him when the ticket line began to move and I found myself face to face with the pillared Grant. I waved and said, “Hey, you never called me back!” to which he answered, “I am the call!”

All of this reminds me of my acquaintance, Edsel, who’s been homeless in the Kensington area for a number of years now and who classifies himself today as “off drugs.”

Edsel’s years as an addict living on the street has affected his ability to adjust to a 9 to 5 routine so he remains job-

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

less, “depending on the kindness of strangers.” Edsel likes to compare himself to Philly Jesus, although his street ministry is totally secular. He lives in a tent near the Conrail tracks but he often uproots his tent and travels to other parts of the city. Ironically, The Dockets describes a similar situation with the homeless in 1875: “Well acquainted with city life, many homeless men probably traveled up and down the eastern seaboard states in search of work; Philly was only one stop along the way.”

Edsel, who never leaves the city, is always telling me that the world is on the edge of extinction because of global warming. He sees a future ripe with food shortages and he says that when oil disappears, it will become too expensive to operate cars. After the cars disappear, crops will be affected, effectively raising the price of food an enormous degree until finally only the wealthy will be able to afford to eat.

As you can see, Edsel is no Disneyland prophet, so there’s no upside to his dire predictions. •

Christmas for Our Veterans It is that time of year already!! The American Legion Auxiliary Elm Tree Post #88, will be taking gifts to our veterans at Veterans Hospital and Veterans Nursing Home in December. Items can be dropped off at The Spirit Newspaper, located at Gaul Street & Susquehanna Avenue. We are in need of the following: Hand Lotion • Body Lotion • Body Wash • Knitted Hats • Knitted Scarves • Undershirts (L-3X)) • Batteries (AA,AAA,C) • Flannel Shirts (L-3X) • Gloves • Slippers • Board Games • White Socks • Lounging Pants (L-3X) • Puzzle Books • Card Games • Boxes of Cookies • Candy Canes • Boxed Candy • Sugar Free Treats • 2 In 1 Shampoo • Shaving Cream • Hoodies (L-XXL) • Boxer Shorts (L-XXL) So that the veterans can also select Christmas gifts for family members, we are collecting items for toddlers, children, teens and women. Thank you for your support! Further Information: Please contact Marge at 215-203-0270.

Congratulations to the Under-8 Samuel Crush Champions!

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 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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verall, this fall has been warmer and drier than average. We are close to turning the books on fall, so let’s talk about winter.

The weather pattern is changing in a BIG way! Arctic air is about to be unleashed from coast to coast so get ready for cold shots of air starting this week!

Storms will continue to attack the area once or twice a week, so frequent umbrella use and shoveling will be in order — yes it's going to snow in Philly soon (maybe even this week)! Expect dramatic temperature changes.

Storms that cut to our west will raise temperatures into the 50s only to crash them back into 20s and 30s the following day.

For this week, cold air arrives for the weekend setting us

up for our first chance for snow on Sunday. I think this is a snow/sleet to rain type of situation for the city with little accumulation. However, much can change between now and then.

On Wednesday, morning rain gives way to sunshine and progressively colder conditions as the Tuesday rain storm moves away. Wednesday night will be freezing for everyone!

Thursday features the advancement of cold infiltration into the region. Temperatures will squeak above 40, but most of the day will be in the 30s. Winter is here!

Friday and Saturday are both COLD with temperatures in the 30s for high temperatures and middle 20s at night.

The suburbs will be in the teens at night! BRRrrrrrrr! Get

the heavy winter jacket out!

Temperatures ease back into the 40s on Sunday, but a storm system approaches from the west. This storm could bring rain or snow Sunday evening and night. I will update the forecast as we get closer but for now plan for some sloppy weather. Best chances for accumulation will be in the northern and western suburbs of the city.

Monday could feature a lingering rain or snow shower as the storm heads out of here. One thing we know is that it will be cold again behind the storm with plenty of sunshine on Tuesday.

The weather winner of the week is Thursday; the weather loser is Sunday. •

FINANTA

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I reached another road block when searching for a person named Sepviva. On G.M. Hopkins 1875 Philadelphia Atlas, I found that Sepviva Street existed as early as that map was created. What was even better than learning that the street was older than I may have originally thought was finding the word “Sepviva” many additional times on this map.

Five blocks south of Sepviva Street, right underneath of the “31” designating the city’s ward, was a property marked “Sepviva Est.” This means Sepviva Estate. If there was an estate with the same name, surely there must have been a person who owned the estate. I assumed that the estate stretched at least as far north as Sepviva Street and it must have been where Mr. or Ms. Sepviva lived. In the area between two pieces of the Sepviva estate was the Pratt & McKenzie Putty Manufactory. In 1874, Pratt and McKenzie employed two men and four boys to make putty for their business. Pratt was also a part of Hasse & Pratt’s Steam Whitening Works that made whitening and chalk.

Referencing back to the 1895 Atlas, it looks like the last pieces of the Sepviva Estate had been purchased by other Philadelphians. The largest portion of the Estate remaining in 1875 had become part of William Cramp & Sons, a shipbuilding company that was famous for building vessels that would be used in the Spanish-American War, World War I and World War II. Cramps’ was so distinguished that the Imperial Russian Navy paid to have a cruiser made there in 1899 and President McKinley visited the location in December of the year prior.

The other piece of the Sepviva Estate on the same block was now owned by “Ed. A. Jessup.” Alexander Jessup was an editor who worked on “’Representative American Short Stories,’ ‘The Book of the Short Story,’ the ‘Little French Masterpieces’ Series, etc.” According to the inside of another book he edited: “The Best American Humorous Short Stories,” which is available on archive.org, the remaining two pieces of the estate were also purchased by Cramp & Sons, who merged two blocks together to create their brass works section of the company. Today, a Planet Fitness stands on top of that location.

Samuel L. Smedley’s 1862 Philadelphia Atlas is less detailed than the ones that followed, so it is unclear where exactly the estate is. However, Sepviva Street is already named and existing on this map as well, meaning that it was named before the end of the Civil War. Knowing that whoever Sepviva is must be pretty old, I kept viewing maps that were older and older.

R.L. Barnes’s 1855 “Philadelphia City” map shows that street was already created. The 1843 map of Philadelphia County by Charles Ellet, Jr. does not show the street, but it does show a few dots around the area with the name “Norris” identifying it. John Hills’ 1808 map, “Phila and Vicinity” also shows Norris at the same location. At this point, I was worried that Sepviva had lived at a time in between the dates of the maps of which were available to me.

Out of desperation, I began searching “Norris Sepviva” to see if there was anything I could uncover in my final efforts. At that point, I found an article by Joseph S. Kennedy of the Inquirer about Isaac Norris and his son (also named Isaac) who “put the ‘Norris’ in Norristown.” Ironically, neither of the Norris men had ever been to Norristown, but that is not important for the current mission of discovering the origin of Sepviva.

The article explained that Isaac Norris purchased 7,000 acres of land from William Penn Jr. in 1704. He built a mansion “just off the road from Frankford to Germantown” that he named Fairhill. His Fairhill mansion no lonSepviva 1855 Philadelphia City by R.L. Barnes

The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 2016 Sepviva 1875 Philadelphia Atlas by G.M. Hopkins

ger survives, but its influence obviously does in its name.

I decided to dive deeper into the background of Isaac Norris and his possible role. Perhaps this is what it would take to discover the secret behind Sepviva Street.

I found a book called “The Historic Mansions and Buildings of Philadelphia: With Some Notice of Their Owners and Occupants” by Thompson Westcott, written in 1877.

The Fairhill mansion was included within the pages of this book. It was with this resource that I finally discovered the creation of Sepviva Street. As it turns out, the Norris family was actually much more important to this area than I originally expected. The Norris family impacted the region in a more significant way than just naming Sepviva Street.

Isaac Norris was born in 1671 in London to a family of Quakers. When he was seven years old, his family moved to Port Royal, Jamaica where they traded rum, molasses, and sugar to Philadelphia. He moved to Philadelphia when he was 21 years old to “act as his father’s agent” in the trading business. He returned to Port Royal where he was “shocked to discover that an earthquake had killed his entire family.”

Being a wealthy trader, he purchased his land from Penn and started his family in Northern Liberties, an area that got its name from Isaac Norris himself. The second son of /Patrick Clark

Isaac, Isaac II, was very active in politics, and was a political opponent of Benjamin Franklin.

During the American Revolution, the British burned down Fairhill mansion in 1777. Isaac Jr. was a patriot and he was responsible for choosing the quotation inscribed on the Liberty Bell, according to ushistory.org. “By Order of the Assembly of the Province of Pennsylvania for the State House in Philada.”

The Norris family owned slaves, but freed all of them periodically throughout their lives. Their Quaker background was a big influence in that decision. “To the eastern portion” of their property, the Norris family had a large plantation. Their plantation was “estimated to be about one hundred and fifty-five acres.” Upon purchasing his 7,000 acres of land, “Mr. Norris gave the name Sepviva” to the area that would become his plantation. The Norris family slaves would work on this land until the 1740s when the final slave was freed. And today, we have the name Sepviva Street.

I was hoping that the story behind the name “Sepviva” would be as funny as the word itself. But in actuality, Sepviva was the name of a slave plantation. I guess that would not have been such a big deal in the 18th Century, but in 2016, the silliness of the Sepviva mystery seems to have lost its same light-hearted feeling after discovering its true origin. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 2016

W R I T T E N B Y PAT R I C K C L A R K

Bernard hopkins

FORMER-WORLD CHAMPION BOXER VISITS HOME GYM IN NOLIBS PRIOR TO UPCOMING FINAL FIGHT

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ernard Hopkins is not shy about his age. The 51 year-old boxer showed up at Joe Hand Gym in Northern Liberties on Monday, October 5th in an old-man disguise not unlike Kyrie Irving’s “Uncle Drew” alter-ego. The geriatric get-up successfully fooled the present media for about 15 seconds before the photographers sniffed out the ruse and cameras started flashing. Hopkins laughed it off as he entered the locker room behind his entourage.

“You’ve gotta have charisma. You’ve gotta have style,” Hopkins said as his hands were being taped. “Ali had style.

Capricorn, baby.”

The North Philly-native and former two-division champion returned to his home gym at 3rd and Green Street for a workout to prepare for his December 17th fight against young upstart Joe Smith Jr. Hailed for his longevity, Hopkins held the middleweight title from 1994 to 2005, successfully defending his title a total of 20 times. There’s no question that Hopkins will find his way into the Boxing Hall of Fame, but not before one final fight at the Forum in Los Angeles.

Hopkins has confirmed that his fight against Smith will in fact be his last, concluding his 28-year career. “It’s not because of lack of speed, lack of this or that,” He said in reference to his impending retirement. “When you see that now I’m doing it despite the level of age. That’s one of the reasons I’m really key to not only winning the fight but [also] making it the final one.”

Oscar De La Hoya, now a full-time promoter, accompanied Hopkins to Joe Hand Gym. The two have been working together for close to a decade on several promotions, with Hopkins being a minority partner of Golden Boy Promotions, De La Hoya’s promotional firm and the organizer of the upcoming fight. De La Hoya is the first American of Mexican descent to own a combat sport promotional firm.

“I see him as a guy who’s 51 years-old and still doing this simply because he can,” De La Hoya explained. “He’s had

an amazing career.”

De La Hoya stated that Hopkins signed a contract guaranteeing that this will officially be his last fight. “I don’t know how he’s stretched [his career] this long. But this is the final one,” he said. “This is a young guy [Joe Smith] who’s undefeated, I believe. Tremendous punching power. I believe this is a fight where Bernard Hopkins can be at his best and I believe we’re gonna see Hopkins shine on December 17th.”

Hopkins returned to Joe Hand Gym to show his respect for his hometown and to help “bring the brand back” for Philadelphia boxing. “We’ve been lost in the shuffle for a minute,” Hopkins explained. “I’ve been trying to be

productive in the city with Mayor Kenney, who I was with two hours ago at 26th and Master at the recreation center where they just got a grant for half a million dollars to renovate that facility that I came through when I was nine yearsold.” Hopkins indeed made an appearance.

When asked again why he was ready to retire, Hopkins responded, “You know how many times they laughed at me when I was having these long speeches that I’m having now? Nobody’s laughing at me anymore. And that laughing made me motivated... How do I know it’s time? I can’t find nobody laughing anymore.” • More photos on Pages 8 and 9.

Hopkins enters Joe Hand Gym in an old-man disguise, making light of his advanced age. /Patrick Clark

North Philly-native Bernard Hopkins is interviewed before a workout at Joe Hand Gym in Norhtern Liberties./ Patrick Clark

Evelyn, God took you too soon. You’re always in our hearts. You will never be forgotten. We miss you everyday!

We love you!

Your husband and kids

Page 6 Continued from Page 1. the American textile industry.

“People buy something cheap, wear it for a little bit, then they throw it away,” said Yi. “And that’s something that has become part of our culture. The U.S. has the highest rate of disposed clothing in the world.”

“Clothing used to be an investment,” added Caquelin.

“You look back at your grandfather’s boots, those weren’t cheap to him. Even though we might look back at the price and think it’s cheap now, those were an investment.

You wear it, you love it, and it becomes as much a part of you as you are of it.”

This is the kind of clothing Franklin & Poe aims to distribute: durable, handcrafted items that will transcend fashion trends.

“Certain things never go out of style,” said Caquelin.

“White t-shirts, blue jeans, boots. None of these go out of style. And all of these are hard-wearing, durable items.”

Yi and Caquelin make no secret about the fact that the clothing sold in their stores is on the more expensive side. They have no intention of competing with other retailers on price. Instead, they have chosen to compete on quality and message. The products they sell will last the buyer much longer than their cheaper counterparts so Yi and Caquelin hope customers will view their purchases as long-term investments.

“The average person, right now, wears an article of clothing between 5 and 10 times,” said Yi. “The clothing we’re selling could last them 20 years.”

Caquelin talked about the relationship between Franklin & Poe’s products and the vintage market.

“The thing people are drawn to in a vintage shop is the story behind the item. Man, I wonder who had this and what did they do in it?” He said. “Our shop gives people a chance to be that original owner. You get to imbue it with your life. You get to create from the beginning something that will become vintage someday. Because it will be around that long."

“I still have my Army t-shirts from the 1990s,” Caquelin continued. “They’re threadbare, but they don’t have holes and the ones we sell here are of even higher quality. These shirts saw combat duty. And that’s why I won’t get rid of them because I look at those t-shirts and I can essentially see my entire army career.”

For more information on Franklin & Poe, check out their website at https://franklinandpoe.com/ • (Top and bottom) A look at Franklin & Poe's exterior./Patrick Clark

The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 2016 Andrew Yi runs the Fishtown Franklin & Poe location./Patrick Clark

A look inside of Franklin & Poe./John Henry Scott

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 2016 WRITTEN BY SEAN BARRETT

riot nerd

Letter to the Editor

LOCAL BLOGGERS CELEBRATE COMICS , M OV IE S AN D G E E K CULTURE

N

ot much more than a decade ago, speculative debates concerning whether Iron Man or Batman would emerge victorious in hypothetical mash-ups were confined to basements, primitive web-forums and isolated cafeteria tables. Between now and then, much has changed due to, among other things, DC and Marvel throwing their weight around Hollywood in unprecedented ways. And thus, we the nerds, have made significant social and cultural advancements.

Travel to the year 1994, or even 2004, and tell some 13-yearold Tolkien geek that one day an in-depth knowledge of a fantasy world’s political happenings will win them respect around their workplace and make their Tinder dates go more smoothly. First, you’ll have to explain what Tinder is, and second, the contrast between how their nerdiness is/will be valued would fry their over-active imagination.

Reveling in the dork’s path to daylight are Kevin and Megan Hawkey, a married couple who, here in Fishtown, coalesced the endless cascades of burning nerdgasm that flow through their spare time into Riot Nerd, a blog started in February 2015 that puts out write-ups of movies, video games, albums, concerts and even stuff as far flung as indie wrestling and burlesque performances.

In the nearly two-year life of the blog, it’s grown and evolved to include around six other regularly contributing writers as well as a segment called “We’re All Nerds”, in which “celebrities” such as Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder (He’s a celebrity to us nerds and that’s all that matters, OKAY?!) are interviewed not about what they’re known for, but the geeky passions that fuel and sustain their imaginations.

As Kevin puts it, “Something we recently started doing is video interviews. It’s worked out pretty well so far. We did Ultramantis and some of the Chikara [wrestling] guys, Skeletonwitch, Tribulation, Black Dahlia Murder, Napalm Death. It’s something I’m nervous about until I actually meet the people and start talking to them. The concept for the interview is ‘We’re All Nerds’, the name of the interview series, and I get them to talk about something not-music related that they’re interested in and nerdy about. It’s worked out really well. Once they’re into it, and once they understand it, they’re really enthusiastic about it.”

After growing more, the blog reached some tentacles out from the Internet into real life with events that Kevin and Megan (mostly Megan) book, organize, and host. Their first event was a hardcore/extreme metal bill starring Ultramantis Black at Kung Fu Necktie on October 20th.

About this side of their operations, Megan explained, “I really wanted to try to get something from every aspect of our website, but that really hasn’t worked out quite yet.

For the most part we’ve done music. We’ve got movies.

We’re working on some burlesque, events with nerdy burlesque themes.”

Here, Kevin jumps in, saying, “And we’ve covered that, because we’ve got a friend that’s really into that. She’s written about that for us and kind of gotten us an in with

the woman Liberty Rose who does it. We’re working with them now on kind of a combination burlesque/punk rock show for Trump’s inauguration night and it’s working out pretty well.”

They’ve also recently partnered with CineMug to put on a public screening of David Cronenburg’s excellently disturbing horror/sci-fi classic “The Brood”, and don’t seem likely to stop showcasing other great films.

When I asked what’s next, Megan said, “December 15th, a concert at the Barbary. It’s two bands from New York: Sharkmuffin and Fruit & Flowers. The opener is Red Queen Lilith, and the woman who fronts that was formerly in Cheerbleeders. I really wanted girl-rock, female-fronted bands, to go a completely different direction from the Ultramantis thing.” Megan goes on to say that the plan is to keep these events in Fishtown from here on out.

Much of our interview/chat from there on out was, appropriately enough, us being breathlessly excited in nerdiness with each other on subjects including, but not limited to, metal, moshing, gothic dance parties, vegetarianism and the logistical headaches of booking shows.

Care to dive deeper into the collective nerd-conscious?

Want to get more details on the aforementioned events and other ones? Recently read, seen, or played something cool and wanna write about it? Find out what’s happening at www.Riot-nerd.com, get in touch via Twitter/Instagram @riotnerdblog (same handle for both), or on Facebook. •

After researching and analyzing Jared Solomon’s stances on several issues, we would like to critique them and provide suggestions to future actions.

As students from the School District of Philadelphia, we suffer from lack of funding. We appreciate that Representative Solomon recognizes this and is trying to fund more schools in Northeast Philadelphia. However, we would like to point out that he has previously stated: “To truly reduce crime and blight in our city, we need to fully fund our education system, adapt the way we educate our kids, and get our residents good paying jobs.” We just felt that this statement sounded vague and slightly unrealistic.

How is he going to ensure that every child in every school is receiving a proper education? In addition, during our research, we didn’t fall upon any programs or plans that he would establish that would encourage kids to stay in school and reach for a higher education. We think that it is extremely important to try and prevent our youth from dropping out of school as well as to prepare them to move onto college and we hope Representative Solomon has intentions of creating such organizations.

Representative Solomon also stated that providing good paying jobs would reduce crimes. We respect that he is sticking true to his words as he plans on working with “Shared Prosperity: Plan to Fight Poverty” to establish neighborhood-based organizations that will provide services such as career training and job placement.

We have also read about his environmental organization, Take Back Your Neighborhood, that he has created and we believe it is a great idea. We also appreciate that he has worked with the Philadelphia Eagles to create the first-ever playground at Gilbert-Spruance Elementary School. There is a lack of parks in Philadelphia, so we hope to see the development of more parks so kids can grow up active, healthy, and happy. He has also concentrated on promoting a cleaner environment by installing more big belly trash cans around the neighborhood.

Although trash cans is a good way to reduce litter itself, people will continue to litter. Besides highlighting these installations, we would like to know what other things Representative Solomon has in store for our future environment.

Another one of Representative Solomon’s issues is public safety and to our knowledge, his stance on that is to be “tough on crime while building healthy relationships between the police and the community”. We were wondering on how he would collaborate with local law enforcement. Would there be patrol officers? Or do you plan on implementing security cameras? Whatever he decide, we hope that he chooses something effective enough to deplete the crime rates.

While reviewing his stances on several issues, we could not find his stance on two topics that we think are super important to today’s society: gay marriage and gun control. We would like to know if he supports gay marriage and in what other ways will he support the LGBTQ community? We would also like to know if he supports the Second Amendment. Would he call for a ban on all guns or would he think that everyone has the right to bear arms as long as there is a background check? Does he think background checks are necessary in the first place? We hope Representative Solomon can come forth with his stance on these issues.

After looking through his stances and our critiques, we have come up with a few suggestions. Our Vice President-elect, Mike Pence, has advocated for conversion therapy. We hope Representative Solomon is not like him.

We suggest providing a safe environment for the LGBTQ community to the best of his ability, whether it be through programs or legislature. As for the minimum wage, previous state representative, Mark Cohen, pushed to raise the minimum wage to $15 over a four-year period. We would like it if Representative Solomon continue on pushing for what Mark Cohen was fighting for. We also think it would be a good idea to extend the Take Back Your Neighborhood organization into a community service or volunteer program where mentors teach kids about healthy environmental choices. Another organization that we suggest implementing is one where we can reduce deforestation that happens due to development of infrastructure. These are just basic suggestions we thought of for future actions Representative Solomon can involve himself in. We wish Representative Solomon the best of luck during his time in office.

From, Joan Nguyen and Alayna Keo Seniors from Masterman High School

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 2016

Continuned from Pages 5.

Hopkins poses with former-boxer turned promoter Oscar De La Hoya. / Patrick Clark

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.

The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 2016

Hopkins spars with a trainer in the ring at Joe Hand Gym on Monday. / Patrick Clark

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215-739-9221 316 E. GIRARD AVE

HANDLING NJ & PA CLAIMS

no fee unless recovery · free consultation · injury cases

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 2016

WRITTEN BY JAMES RENNIE

tough broad

YA R D S A N D P H I L A D E L P H I A D I S T I L L I N G C O L L A B O R A T E F O R B E E R - I N S P I R E D W H I S K E Y

Y

ards Brewing Company has collaborated with Philadelphia Distilling to create a beer-inspired whiskey called Tough Broad — a unique twist on a classic drink.

Founded in 1994 by friends Tom Kehoe and Jon Bovit and specializing in producing ales of the English tradition, Yards Brewery has become one of the city's most well-known breweries. Its most popular ales include The Brawler, The Philadelphia Pale Ale, General Washington's Tavern Porter, Poor Richard's Tavern Spruce, Alexander Hamilton's Federalist Ale and Thomas Jefferson's Tavern Ale. Philadelphia Distilling itself is a pioneering distillery in Pennsylvania. Founded by Robert Cassel, Andrew Auwerder and Timothy Yarnell in 2005, it was the first distillery to open its doors in Philly since before prohibition. Upon the application for the distilleries opening, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board was forced to draw an up a new application from scratch, as there had been no previous attempts in the city to open a distillery before.

Offering Pennsylvania’s first original line of legally produced craft spirits, Philadelphia Distilling’s most popular drinks include a Bluecoat American Dry Gin, introduced in 2006, and is distinguished by its subtle citrus flavors in comparison to the traditional London Dry Gin. In 2011, the distillery introduced its most popular whiskey product: XXX Shine Corn Whiskey, a family of high-proof white whiskeys in the style of moonshine.

Tough Broad was distilled based on the recipe for the Yards classic Thomas Jefferson’s Tavern Ale, instead of being distilled from a traditional whiskey wash, giving the drink a unique but indulging flavor.

After the whiskey is distilled, it is set to rest in a highly-charred 53 gallon barrel. The resulting product is a 90 proof hybrid, the first of its kind in Pennsylvania.

The whiskey's name is a tribute to Philadelphia’s underdog spirit and gritty nature. According to Yards, it’s a tribute to Philadelphia’s “history and character.”

This collaborative effort is a limited edition with just 300 bottles being produced. Pre-orders of the 375ml bottle are available for $45 by emailing or calling Pete at Phila-

delphia Distilling: Call (215) 671 0346 x13 or email pete@ philadelphiadistilling.com.

With each bottle purchased, the recipient will also receive an invite to the exclusive launch party at the future home of Philadelphia Distilling in Fishtown. The party includes complimentary Bluecoat Gin, Yards beer and an early look at the new facility. •

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.

The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 2016

PTSSD GRANT NEWS P T S S D T O AWA R D O V E R $ 6 0 , 0 0 0 I N G R A N T S A N D S P O N S O R S H I P S AT D E C E M B E R M E E T I N G The Penn Treaty Special Services District (Penn Treaty SSD) is proud to announce Grants and Sponsorships to the following recipients:

St. Anne's Church/Google Street View

• South Kensington Community Partners – $50,148 grant to support community outreach and strategic development of the organization. SKCP's mission is to connect our community to resources and opportunities, the land, and each other. SKCP acts as, and encourage others to become, engaged stewards of the neighborhood. They advocate for responsible development that builds upon the physical, social and economic fabric of the neighborhood. Contact: Nichelle Hill at nhill.skcp@gmail.com\ • Fishtown Neighbors Association – $2,700 sponsorship to support the 2016 Fishtown Spelling Bee on December 9th. The Fishtown Neighbors Association is a nonprofit, volunteer-run civic association dedicated to making Fishtown the best neighborhood it can be. Contact: Jamie Ware at fna@gmail.om • Northern Liberties Neighbors Association – $1,000 sponsorship to support the 2016 Children’s Fall Festival at Liberty Lands on October 30. The Northern Liberties Neighbors Association is a civic organization that advocates for neighbors, businesses, and visitors to Northern Liberties. Contact: Don Phillips at donjmp@gmail.com • St. Anne’s Church – $3,500 sponsorship to help gather gifts, food and clothing for Operation Santa 2016. The Annual Christmas Beef & Beer will be held December 3rd.

Proceeds to Operation Santa. Contact: Regina Post at regina.post@phila.gov • St. Laurentius School – $2,400 sponsorship to offset transportation costs of field trips throughout the 2016/17 school year.St. Laurentius School serves the children who are entrusted to our care by providing a quality academic education while proclaiming the Catholic faith and enforcing a strong value system . Utilizing a variety of resources, we provide opportunities for individual formation in a safe, caring and challenging environment that meet the needs and challenges for future lifelong learners in a global society. Contact: Elaine McKnight at emcknight@stlaurentius.org • St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church – $1,000 sponsorship to support the 2016 Russian Festival fundraiser in October. Located in the Northern Liberties section of Philadelphia, the Orthodox Church is the original Christian Church, the unbroken line of Christianity from the Day of Pentecost to the present time. Saint Michael’s is well-known as a friendly church, welcoming new parishioners, visitors, and individuals and families interested in exploring Orthodoxy. Our parishioners are themselves very much of a family in the best sense of the meaning -- worshiping, rejoicing and celebrating together, and always concerned about the well-being of each other. Contact: Father Vincent Saverino at saintmichaels@verizon. net The awards will be presented at the December 21, 2016 meeting.

The Penn Treaty SSD, incorporated in 2009, is a 501(c) (3) community-based organization that works to enhance the quality of life for residents of the immediate neighborhoods surrounding SugarHouse Casino—including Fishtown, South Kensington, Old Richmond and Northern Liberties.

Funding — which to date has totaled more than $3.7 million — is provided by SugarHouse Casino through an annual donation. Allocation of funds is determined exclusively by the Penn Treaty SSD Board through a grant request form and a review process.

For more information on the Penn Treaty Special Services District, or to apply for a grant, visit www.penntreatyssd.com •

St. Laurentius School/Google Street View

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 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.

Tuesday, December 13, 7PM FNA ZONING MEETING 1315 E Berks St. Proposal for the subdivision of an existing lot into two lots and for the construction of two single-family houses, two roof decks, and one accessory parking space. 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.

Monday, December 19, 6:30PM EKNA NOVEMBER MEETING Our December meeting will take place at Philadelphia Brewing Company. Join us for the monthly general meeting. Topics will include: Holiday celebration, Committee Updates, including Zoning and Development, Committee Meeting Time, April Mini-grant Awardee Updates.

Not able to make our meeting in person, but interested in joining via livestream? Email info@ekna.org for more information.

Monday, December 12, 7PM EKNA SMALL BUSINESS & ARTS COMMITTEE At Soup Kitchen Cafe (Frankford and Susquehanna). Believe it or not, it is almost Trenton Avenue Arts season again! Join EKNA's Small Business & Arts Committee for help expanding our small business connections in and around East Kensington! Planning for the next Trenton Avenue Arts Fest is just starting, and you can be a major part of making this coming TAAF a huge success!

Thursday, December 15, 7PM FRIENDS OF H.A. BROWN MONTHLY MEETING Join the Friends of H.A. Brown for their monthly meeting Thursday, December 15th at Liberty Choice (Front and Norris). Learn more about how to support your local elementary school!

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 Thursday, December 8, 4PM CHRISTMAS CONCERT BY ARCONET Please join us at Kensington Library (104 W. Dauphin St.) for a fun-filled free concert! All are welcome to sing and play along to your favorite Christmas songs with hand bells provided by ArcoNet of Montgomery County. Bring the whole family!

Call 215-685-9996 for more.

Saturday, December 10, 2016, 1PM - 3PM CHRISTMAS PENNY PARTY First Presbyterian Church (Kensington, 418 E. Girard Ave) will be hosting a Christmas Penny Party from 1-3PM. There will be fun, food, and prizes. Admission is $5 and includes one strip of tickets.

Saturday, December 10, 4PM CHRISTMAS CAROLING AND COOKIES Come attend our 2nd annual Community Sing followed by cookies and refreshments. All are welcome. Saint Michael's Russian Orthodox Church, 4th & Fairmount in Northern Liberties. Questions? Please call 215-627-6148 or email saint.michaels@verizon.net.

Saturday, December 10, 9AM-5PM FIRST ANNUAL ST. NICHOLAS BAZAAR At Atonement Lutheran Church (1542 E. Montgomery Ave.). Handmade Gifts, Silent Auction, Baked Goods, Holiday Decor, Crafts, Raffles, Flea Market Finds, Kids Secret Santa Shopping, Food and Drinks. Vendors wanted, $25.00 table For more information call 215-866-7133 Saturday, December 10, 10AM-2PM ST. MICHAEL’S CHURCH CHRISTMAS BAZAAR St. Michael’s Church (Trenton Ave & Cumberland St.) will be having their Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 10, from 10 AM until 2 PM. Mark your calendars for a visit with Santa, shopping at all the “goodie” tables that will be available, including those for baked goods, Santa’s Workshop, Tombola Table, raffles, and much more. The Parish Hall will offer homemade food. Plan to stay for one of our favorite lunch specials or homemade soup and dessert.

We are asking those who join us to bring a canned good to support St. Michael’s Food Pantry. Call 215-423-0792 to reach the church.

Saturday, December 10, 1PM TREE TRIMMING FOR PENN TREATY PARK Meet up at Penn Treaty Place (1341 Delaware Ave.). Bring a decoration for tree and receive a candy cane.

Sunday, December 11, 2PM to 4PM COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS LUNCH Join FACT, FNA and Sugar House Casino as we celebrate the Holiday Season at Holy Name of Jesus Church. Lunch, Santa & Mrs. Claus, holiday music and great neighbors!

This is a FREE event. We will also be collecting items for Christmas for our Vets (socks, scarves, puzzle books, personal care items) and toys for the 26th Police District Toy Drive.

Sunday, December 11, 6PM BEAUTIFUL WORLD ART BOOK FAIR Free and open to the public, Beautiful World Art Book Fair is a venue for artists, writers and publishers to feature new releases and present their publications. The one-day event features work by independent publishers, artist books, zines and local art. Kung Fu Hoagies will be on site serving up vegetarian and vegan friendly snacks! In addition, there will be an donation-based open bar, with drinks provided by Sailor Jerry and QC Malt. All proceeds will be split between Planned Parenthood Southeastern Pennsylvania and Art-Reach. At the Maas Building (1325 N Randolph St.) Saturday and Sunday, December 10 & 11, 10AM–12PM ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS @ GREENSGROW Stop by the craft table to make something fun to take home. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Appropriate for 12 and under.

Saturday and Sunday, December 10 & 11 • 10AM–4PM GREENSGROW FARMS HOLIDAY BAZAAR Shop local, support local artists! Looking for local, handmade gift ideas from some of the neighborhood’s most talented crafters and artists? Make a dent in your Christmas shopping at the Greensgrow Holiday Bazaar! This is a festive neighborhood favorite, get your tree or holiday greens and check out all of the cool wares our elves have made. We’ll have a range of fine art, crafts and gifts; jewelry, ceramics, wood working, accessories, green gifts, bath/ body, Greensgrow made edible and growing gifts, and lots more. There are different artists each day of the event.

Check out the photo gallery from last year’s event here.

The farm will be bursting with evergreen swags, holiday trees, and more for your winter décor. Our trees range in size from tabletop to tall. We have great gift items like

rosemary bushes, dwarf Alberta Spruce, mini-evergreens, and winter flowering plants like cyclamens, amaryllis, Christmas cactus and paperwhite bulbs.

For more: greensgrow.org/holidaybazaar Location: Greensgrow Farms, 2501 East Cumberland Street Wednesday, December 14, 5:30-7:30PM NKCDC WEATHERIZATION WORKSHOP Held at Firm Hope Baptist Church (2311 E Auburn Street), this indoor education session to cover how to weatherize a home, at the end of which all attendees will receive a free weatherization kit. The session will be followed by a neighborhood-led holiday party with card-making and cookie decorating to encourage neighbors to get to know one another. This event will help residents lower their utility bills by properly weatherizing their homes and providing them free resources to do so.

Thursday, December 15, 6PM FABA SOCIAL AT FISHTOWN SOCIAL It's time for our next social, this time at Fishtown Social.

Meet members (and supporters) of the local business community while enjoying delicious food and drink. Let us introduce you to fellow business owners and help you grow your personal professional network. Ticket includes a free drink. Light fare will be provided. FABA members can RSVP for their free ticket (+1 guest). Non-members pay only $5.

For more info visit https://www.fishtownbusiness.org/ Thursday, December 15 & Saturday, December 17 OPERATION SANTA –NORTHERN LIBERTIES’ OWN TOYS FOR TOTS (AND SENIORS) Come out and wrap presents —the more the merrier and the sooner it gets done! Thursday, December 15th at the Northern Liberties Community Center (700 N. 3rd) 6:00pm to 8:30pm — Drop in to help wrap holiday gifts* for neighborhood families in need this season. Always a great time, with lots of cheer, neighbors, drinks for the kids, beer for us and plenty of pizza! Or, help package food and gifts for delivery on Saturday, December 17th, 9am at the Community Center (700 N. 3rd Street) Please Contact Janet at park@nlna.org, and let her know you’re coming to help.

Friday, December 16, 6:30 - 7:30PM CAMPBELL SQUARE TREE LIGHTING Our annual Christmas tree lighting is fast approaching.

It will take place at Campbell Square, Belgrade and Allegheny. Santa will be there for the kids, along with candy canes, hot chocolate and cookies.

Saturday, December 17, 4PM NOLIBS PARADE OF SPIRITS A family-friendly winter parade through Northern Liberties now in its sixth year! Bring your own belief system.

Gather at Liberty Lands parade starts at Sundown. NLNA thanks the Penn Treaty Special Services District for support of the 2016 Parade of Spirits and festivities!

3rd and 4th of Every Month, 6:30PM-8:30PM WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE CLASSES Fishtown Recreation Center is hosting a Women’s Self Defense class 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM on the 3rd and 4th Tuesdays of each month for $10 per class starting 11/15/16.

You can register in person at the Rec on weekdays 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM or on Saturdays 9:00 PM to 12:00 noon.

Third Mondays LOST PARENTS & FAMILY MEMBER GROUP December’s meeting will be December 12th at Cione Rec Center (Aramingo and Lehigh Ave.). For anyone who is suffering the loss of a loved one, a friend, whoever, is welcome.

Wednesdays, 6 to 7PM WEDNESDAY EVENING CLEAN-UPS IN EAST KENSINGTON At Huntingdon Emerald (Huntingdon & Emerald) and Arcadia Commons (Kern Street, Mid-Block). Join us each Wednesday evening for clean ups at two of our beloved neighborhood parks! Help keep our green spaces beautiful by supporting Arcadia Commons. Monthly board meetings, open to the public, take place on the third Thursday of each month at 2614 Amber Street.

Sundays, 12-4PM AMALGAM ADVENTURER’S LEAGUE

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 2016 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!

Every Sunday morning, 10AM LET THE CHILDREN COME. Progressive, child-led Christian education for children ages 3-13. Storytelling (with ample time for wondering) with a focus on processing through art. All children and families welcome, regardless of religious affiliation. At Atonement Lutheran Church, 1542 E. Montgomery Ave. ART ON THE ROCKS: JEWELRY MAKING Join Portside Arts Center on Friday, December 16th from 7:00 to 9:00 for a one-night BYOB jewelry making workshop! $20 - all materials included.

To learn more, please visit www.PortsideArtsCenter.org or call us at 215-427-1514

children SIXERS NEIGHBORHOOD BASKETBALL LEAGUE Hancock Rec has more openings for players in their SNBL league held at Moffett Elementary School. For more information please contact Coach Larry @215-685-9877, or come to Moffet to register on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-6PM. FISHTOWN LIBRARY Tuesdays: Toddler Storytime: Join Miss Dana for stories, songs, and silliness! Tuesdays @ 10:30AM. For ages 0-3 ½ . Runs through November 15 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.

December 27, 28, and 29th, 8:30AM - 3:30PM NOLIBS WINTER CAMP REGISTRATION Science, Art, Cooking, and Museums. Payment is Due by December 15th Please email nlartsorg@gmail.com to register

seniors EXERCISE CLASSES FOR PEOPLE AGES 50+ Stay Healthy and Active with a variety of exercise classes at St. Anne’s Senior Center. Latin Rhythm on Mondays at 10:00am; Chair Yoga on Tuesdays at 9:30AM (excluding the 2nd Tuesday of each month;) Tai Chi on Wednesdays at 10:00AM; EnhanceFitness on Thursdays and Fridays at 10:30AM; St. Anne’s Senior Center (2607 E. Cumberland St.) For more info call 215-426-9799 CREATIVE ART CLASSES FOR PEOPLE 50+ The Clay Creations class meets weekly on Friday afternoons from 12:30 – 2:00pm. Learn about the art of hand building to create spectacular pots and other clay forms.

Creating with the Color Wheel on Tuesday afternoons from 12:30- 2:00PM. Participants will mix paint to create a color wheel and use this technique to create colorful paintings and eye-catching designs. Registration and material fees will be charged for these workshops. St. Anne’s Senior Center (2607 E. Cumberland St.) For more info call 215-426-9799 BINGO St. Anne’s Senior Community Center has bingo on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Bingo supplies are on sale starting at 11:00AM. Lunch will begin at 11:30AM. Bingo will begin at 12:30PM. Please make your meal reservation in advance to dine with us. Free parking is available. CCT Transportation is offered to members who are 65 years of age or older. St. Anne’s Senior Center (2607 E. Cumberland St.) For more info call 215-426-9799 NUTRITION ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS Did you know that if you are age 60 or older, or disabled and have low to modest income that you may be eligible for SNAP benefits? Snap is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps) and can provide assistance with purchase of groceries. If you are single and your income is less than $1962/month, or less than $2656/ month for a couple, you may qualify. There is no limit on how much a senior has in savings and checking accounts.

Don’t miss out on this important benefit for which you may be eligible!

For assistance in completing an application, contact the Social Service Coordinator at St. Anne’s Senior Center 215-4269799.

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

Call 215-739-4590 for more details.

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

For more details call 215-426-9799.

SENIOR EXERCISE CLASSES Exercise classes for people 50 and older will be offered at St. Anne’s Senior Center, 2607 E. Cumberland St. Class schedule will be Enhance Fitness on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30 AM, Chair Yoga on Tuesdays at 9:30AM, Tai Chi on Wednesdays at 10AM, and Line Dancing on the first and third Friday of every month.

For more information call 215-426-9799.

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.

GIRL SCOUT TROOP AT GLAVIN PLAYGROUND Welcomes New Members. Meetings will start week of Sept. 19 at Glavin Playground (2600 E Westmoreland St.) with breakdown of age level meetings as follows: Brownies – 1st – 3rd Grade – 6:45 – 8:00 – Monday Nights; Daisies – K – 1st Grade – 6:05 – 7:00 – Tuesday Nights; Older girls – 6th – 12th Grade - 7:00 – 8-00 – Tuesday nights; Juniors – 4th – 6th Grade – 6:45 – 8:00 – Wednesday nights.

Information about registration and the troop management will be available from the troop leader at the meetings.

COHOCKSINK PLAYGROUND (2901 CEDAR ST.) Zumba is on tuesday nights from 7:30-8:30 with Ms. Jamie. Only $5 a class.

Yoga is on Wednesday nights from 7:15-8:15 with Ms. Amanda. Only $5 a class.

Both classes are held at Cohocksink Playground, 2901 Cedar St. Our phone number is 215-685-9884 BRIDESBURG REC CENTER (4625 RICHMOND ST) Zumba – Classes are Mondays and Thursdays from 7-8PM, and the cost is $4.

Pre-school — 3-year-olds. Thursday and Friday, noon2:40PM Pre K — 4-year-olds, age as of September 1, 2016. 8:5011:30AM or noon-2:40PM Monday and Wednesday.

Food Pantry - Please donate nonperishable food and clothing for needy in the neighborhood. Drop off donations at the Rec weekdays from 9AM-9PM. Scrapbooking – Scrapbooking group meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-9:30PM. The cost is $5 per class and everything will be supplied except a book and photos.

Ladies Bowling League — Tuesday mornings at 9AM @ Erie Lanes. Interested? Come an join us any Tuesday.

For more information call Miss Jackie at 215-685-1247.

CIONE SIGNUPS Zumba: Fridays 7:30 to 830PM. Cost is $5 per class.

Chess: 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. 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)

FREE ENGLISH & CITIZENSHIP CLASSES Can you or someone you know benefit from English as a Second Language (ESL) or Test for Citizenship Classes?

The Richmond Library at 2987 Almond St. presents free English and citizenship classes. Tuesday and Thursdays from 6-7:30PM at the Richmond Library.

For more information, call the Library at 215-685-9992.

trips Tuesday, December 13 PEDDLER’S VILLAGE MURDER MYSTERY The Sodality of Our Lady of Fatima from St. Adalbert Parish in Port Richmond is sponsoring a one day trip on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, to the Peddler’s Village Murder Mystery Dinner Theater. The group will be departing from St. Adalbert Church (2645 E. Allegheny Ave.) at 9:45AM. A luncheon will be at the Cock & Bull Restaurant followed by “A Dickens of a Murder” Mystery Show. Following the show. You will have time to do some shopping for Christmas gifts. Departure for Philadelphia will be 4:30PM and approximate time of arrival home will be 5:45 PM. The total cost including gratuities is $88.00. A deposit is required to hold reservations.

For reservations/information call Theresa Romanowski 215922-1700 or 215-813-2780.

26th District Seeking Donations for Children’s Christmas Party The holidays are fast approaching and we are requesting donations to make our annual Holiday Gift Drive a success. Last year, due to kindness of donors, the 26th Police District was able to reach more than 200 children in our community through our annual gift drive. This year, we hope to exceed that amount and brighten the lives of many more children.

As in the past, we hope to provide low income school aged children with toys during the holiday season.

This year, our annual event will take place on December, 15th between the hours 11AM and 2PM at the Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center (2646 Kensington Ave.). On the day of the event, the 26th Police District Officers along with the School Crossing Guards volunteer to provide a holiday party for children. Also, Santa and various special guests pay the children a very special visit during the festivities.

Please let us know at your earliest convenience if you are able to partner with us on this event. Our event is to have all donation picked up by December 7th. If you would like further details feel free to contact us at 215-686-3260 or 215-686-3233. Thank you for your support and Happy Holidays! •

BaldSpot Trivia Nov. 30th Answers The answers to last week's BaldSpot Comics Trivia were cut off in final production. For anyone anxious for the answers, here they are!

1) Mark Twain 3) Rosa Parks

2) Evel Knievel 4) Manifest Destiny

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

Page 14

The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 2016 COMMUNITY

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No responsibility is assumed by the newspaper for errors. Errors will be rectified by reinsertion in the following issue only.

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Page 15

The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 2016

Taylor to Co-Host Energy Fair at Vogt Recreation Center

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.

Rep. John Taylor will host an energy fair to show residents how to become more energy efficient and reduce their utility bills.

It will take place Thursday, Dec. 15, 4-7 p.m., at the Vogt Recreation Center, 4131 Unruh Ave. The event will be co-hosted with Rep. Mike Driscoll and Councilman Bobby Henon.

“I’d like to invite everyone to come out and meet with representatives from local utility companies and learn about programs designed to save energy and money,” Taylor said. “Everyone will find some way to benefit their household.”

PECO representatives will be at the event to show low-income customers how to make energy service even more affordable through the company’s Customer Assistance Program.

Also attending will be representatives from the state Public Utility Commission, the Philadelphia Gas Works, the Philadelphia Water Department, the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, the Energy Coordinating Agency, the Water Revenue Bureau, the Utility Emergency Services Fund, and the Mayor’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity.

Call 215-708-3139 with any questions. •

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Page 16

The Spirit of the Riverwards – December 7, 2016 WRITTEN BY SHARON ISABEL CURLEY

Spirit Astrology YOUR DOSE OF HYPERLOCAL SPIRITUAL ADVICE

Aries: Back in the In the day when Johnny Brenda’s had a big bathroom near the bar downstairs, I once saw an amazing band from Fishtown cover a song by another amazing band from Fishtown. It was Blood Feathers covering the Mazarin song, “The New American Apathy”.

Knowing these bands quite well, both from their music and the members themselves, I do remember this cover bringing chills to my skin. It’s nice how a memory can give you a chill just the same. Sometimes it’s this time of year, in the cold, dark hours, where we are forced to face some old memories. This is in your control, Aries. I suggest you choose your favorite memories and chill with them.

Taurus: Jerry Seinfeld, a Taurus himself, likes to start some jokes with “What’s the deal with?..” and then he says something so regular and makes it so interesting.

Maybe you’re in a rut? Maybe you’re feeling too regular?

Well, what’s the deal with that, Taurus? Get out into this world and turn that regular you into interesting you. Maybe become a Mummer in this year’s parade with The Rabble Rousers Brigade? Put on your Halloween costume and go buy your groceries at Acme? Rent a cargo tricycle from Transport Cycle and fill it with thrift store stuffed animals while blasting your favorite tunes from a boombox? Find out what the deal is!

Gemini: I once wrote a poem, “People always say to just wing it; to go with the flow. But If I could wing anything, It would be my arms, and I would fly away.” I wonder, Gemini, as an air sign, if you ever imagine yourself flying away? Like a little bird, a superhero or a 747 — free and soaring through the air. Not embarrassed to break wind!

Flying away with your head in the clouds. Well, if this is true for you, I say come down to Earth, dude. It’s time to be a little more grounded. Buy yourself a pair of red Chakra Shades and wear them for 15 minutes, take them off for 30 minutes, and repeat this throughout the day. Get with your core.

Cancer: I have a good conscience, his name is Jesse Moynihan. He is a comic genius. Not so much in the “haha funny” way (no offense, Jess), but as in the “he makes comics” way. As an artist, and as I mentioned, my good conscience, he is full of decent intuition and purity in his soul. He made his own Tarot Card Deck (Listen to him on Duncan Trussell for more on that). He gave me a reading, remotely, from France last year. We did a reading on love, about this guy I wanted to start dating. The cards said to go for it. I went for it. It’s been over a year with and without this person in my life. Do I regret it? Well, no, I suppose not.

Do I feel a little dead? Yes, I suppose a piece of me died when it ended. You see, sometimes you get the right kind of guidance, but the journey is yours. You’re going to have

to make some tough choices of your own along the way, a warm hearted creature, Scorpio, you better start showing Cancer. Find what you love and let it guide you. those sides of you or someone will be reciting this poem about you soon enough.

Leo: In Michael Talbot’s 1991 book “The Holographic Universe”, a study is documented about 24 people on or off Sagittarius: Some people find ways to “protect” themLSD. 6 people were given LSD and told they were, 6 people selves, which, from an outsider’s perspective, looks a lot were given LSD and told they weren’t, 6 people weren’t giv- more like running away from their problems or even hiden LSD and told they were, and 6 people weren’t given LSD ing or avoiding an issue. Rather than seeking help or workand told they weren’t. The results were outstanding, with ing through a problem, these types walk away and try not true, delightful, helpful, mind-altering LSD becoming for to look back. Then, shortly later, are haunted by their own some, nothing but a placebo. Imagine yourself in this sit- decisions. If you are a runner, an avoider, or a “protector”, uation, Leo. Which group would you prefer to be in and as it were, I strongly advise you to face some issues in the why? How do you think you’d like to take the effect on? I coming weeks. Ignoring them or keeping a distance will think it would be neat to get contact high from LSD and only bite you in the end. Learn what the true meaning of use my own brain to hallucinate. Take on your character staying true to yourself really looks like, and include the and cross over beyond this world to the next! world around you in this discovery.

Virgo: The Boutique “Rock and Roll” Hotel that is planned for Frankford Ave is sure to make way for more traffic and more people around Fishtown. I’m sure those of us that have been supporting this neighborhood for 10+ years are having trouble supporting so much new development.

But isn’t that selfish? Shouldn’t we accept the change?

It seems a Virgo loves an idea unless it’s someone else’s.

Taking the reign makes you proud, and you’re certainly good at this. However, maybe let someone else come up with the grand idea this time. You never know what you can add to it to make it the grandest!

Libra: Polka dots or stripes, Libra? Fun or serious? Dare to mix the two? Whether you know it or not, you often do mix the two, you just don’t realize it. A hard worker, a natural nurturer, you also like to have fun, to drink a little too much or say a little too much, etc. You’re the type of person that is trustworthy to most. You’re a well balanced Zodiac sign. Take comfort in this. As there are only a few weeks left in this autumn season of yours, it’s really your time to shine. Be as confident as you can for the next few weeks.

Nail a job interview or a new lover or a new painting to your bedroom wall. Whatever you choose to nail, be confident that you’re doing it just right.

Scorpio: Richard Brautigan wrote “A Love Poem”. It reads, “It’s so nice to wake up in the morning, all alone, and not have to tell someone you love them, when you don’t love them anymore.” Yet, what if you don’t like waking up alone? What if you never told the person you loved them anyway? I know someone who confuses his heart with his actions and words very well. Not nearly a poet, he says things all wrong. Not nearly a lover, he does things all wrong. I imagine him instead, waking up all alone and wishing someone was there to tell him they love him. If you are a lover, a cuddler, a wordsmith, a poet, a dreamer,

Capricorn: The great Charlie Chaplin once said, “Anyone can make them cry, it takes a genius to make them laugh”.

I wonder if he thought most people were cruel? I certainly do. People are dishonest and deceiving, and truly out for themselves, which is fine; to each his own. And yet, to make a cruel person laugh - to truly laugh from way inside of themselves; to enjoy themselves from another’s actions or words is really something special. In the days to come, you will find yourself being that genius to someone, or someone providing you with such amusement.

Aquarius: On his album, “A wizard, A true Star”, local legend Todd Rundgren sings in his song, “Never Never Land”, “I know a place where dreams are born / And time is never planned / It’s not on any chart / You must find it in your heart.” Take it from me, a true Aquarius, these words are very real. Dreams come from your heart, and if you follow your heart, your dreams will come true. Look at me, I am your Astrologer now! A dream come true! This song goes on to transition into his song “Tic Tic Tic” (the second best moment in Rock and Roll history) just as your dreams can transition into reality. Nothing happens for a reason. You need to make things happen for yourself. Set a goal, follow your heart, and make a plan, Aquarius. You’re in for a real treat soon enough!

Pisces: Thom Nickels, the author of The Spirit Of The Riverwards’ featured opinion column, “The Local Lens”, keeps me waiting every week for his new story. Sometimes, he covers current events, sometimes he recalls his past and sometimes he writes pure fictional pieces. He is all over the place, yet he is just one column. It’s like that golden moment in life, Pisces — it seems like there’s just one, but there are so many. You ought to find a way to spread yourself out. Be your own Thom Nickels or your own golden moment. Be everything you can be, but embody it all in the one that is quintessentially YOU. •

WRITTEN BY THOMAS BECK

Development News F I N D O U T W H AT ’ S B E I N G B U I LT O N Y O U R B L O C K

Kensington There is a new apartment complex at 2008 North Front Street under the Market-Frankford Line. From the outside, there is no apparent commercial space, though it was proposed that there would be in the initial plan.

Across the way, at 2021 North Front Street, another apartment building will soon be going up. Next door, the Northern Treaty Lofts, an 18-unit mixed-use building, was recently completed.

A little less than a year ago, Core Realty purchased several vacant lots at 1431 - 1433 North 5th Street. A seven-unit complex is currently being constructed on the lots with two parking spaces in the back. Two of the units are already under agreement.

Core Realty also purchased the former Umbrella Factory nearby at the intersection of 5th and Master Streets. They plan on converting the structure into a 181-unit apartment building. •

Umbrella Factory (5th and Master./Patrick Clark