The Spirit of the Riverwards - March 22, 2017

HYPE RLO CAL

D ONE DI FFER ENTLY

FISHTOWN + KENSINGTON + NORTHERN LIBERTIES + PORT RICHMOND + BRIDESBURG

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WEEK MARCH 22, 2017 VOL. 14 NO. 12

FLAGLOT DRAMA The curious case of 1323R E. Montgomery Ave takes a new turn.

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FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS SugarHouse boxing event provides knockout showcase.

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PHL PRE K Mayor Kenney looks to strengthen the City’s commitment to Pre-K. 6

CLEAN PLATE Recipe for cornmeal crust pizza.

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BALDSPOT Spirit's own weekly games and comics.

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ensington native Emmanuel Folly is the latest in the long line of local fighters that is making the neighborhood proud, but he almost never started boxing.

“The first time I went, I was 12 years old and I walked in and it wasn’t much space to really do anything,” Manny said about the early days at the Rock Boxing Gym, in the former Dennery’s Sporting Goods store at Kensington and Somerset. “The equipment wasn’t good; the ring was an eight-foot square with ropes tied to wooden poles. I said to myself, ‘This ain’t no gym. I’m leaving!’ It’s funny remembering where I started and how it has progressed.”

He almost never began training, but fate has a funny way of catching up to people. A few months later, trainer Buddy Osborne spoke to a group of kids playing flag football at McVeigh Playground. He convinced Manny and a group of about 10 boys to come and train at the Rock.

Spirit News previously wrote about Buddy Osborne and the Rock in October 2016. As we put it in that article, it’s a “gym like no other gym.”

“He was the only one who stayed,” Osborne said. “One by one the other kids stopped coming in, but Manny kept coming.”

Continued on Page 4.

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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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ear in and year out, March Madness has proven to be arguably the most heralded tournament on the collegiate sport level.

With so many historic plays, upsets and amazing championship runs, the NCAA Basketball Tornament has absolutely taken off. With the constant innovations in technology and how the media uses them to cover the tournament, the annual anticipation grows each year. Today’s athletes — two-way players and 6’10 hybrid swingmen alike — have raised every bar in the athleticism category, making way for plenty of entertainment and unpredictable outcomes.

During the tournament, there are always some college hoops to catch live

on television. Someone’s favorite team is always playing. So TVs get set, plans get canceled, homework gets done quicker — or maybe not done at all. Either way, a fan will not be denied their March Madness. Whether someone follows from the very beginning or randomly picks up in the middle of the Elite Eight, anybody can follow along with the excitement.

While most sports fanatics remain attentive to each matchup in these tournaments, you will always have the sector of folks that aren’t necessarily fond of college hoops, or college sports in general. They might make Continued on Page 10.

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017

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local lens

BY THOM NICKELS

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n March 14th of this year, the New York Times ran the following headline: “Mother Divine, Who Took Over Her Husband’s Cult, Dies at 91”. Mother Divine actually died on March 4th, but it took the Times a while to print an obit.

I met Mother Divine some years ago when I visited her estate at Woodmont in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. At that time, I teamed up with an artist friend who wanted to set up his easel and paint the Woodmont mansion for a possible book project. Mother was gracious during that visit. We were not only invited to dinner — Mother’s followers called it a “holy communion” service — but were also told that we could have a special interview with Mother after the meal.

The mansion is a multi-room French Gothic masterpiece designed by Quaker architect William Price for Philadelphia industrialist Alan J. Wood, Jr. in 1892. After the passing of the Gilded Age and the selling off of many of Philadelphia’s old mansions, it was sold to Father Divine for a relatively humble $75,000. Woodmont then became the headquarters for the Peace Mission Movement.

The Peace Mission Movement began as a force for peace and goodwill between different racial groups. The movement, as Mother Divine noted, was to make people “industrious, independent, tax-paying citizens instead of consumers of tax dollars on the welfare rolls.”

Since the passing of Father Divine in 1965, the Peace Mission Movement has been under the direction of Father Divine’s second wife, Edna Rose Ritchings, a white Canadian woman he met in 1946.

Father Divine’s greatest contributions were probably in the area of Civil Rights. As early as 1951, he advocated for reparations for the descendents of slaves and for integrated neighborhoods. Decades before the Civil Rights Act, before the NAACP, Stokley Carmichael, Angela Davis and the Black Panthers, Father Divine preached peaceful non-violent social change. Unfortunately, Father Divine’s “preaching” work on behalf of Civil Rights is a mostly understated fact.

Father Divine’s marriage to the second Mother Divine (the first was an African American woman named Peninniah, who died shortly after the Woodmont purchase) was a celibate affair, as members, both married and unmarried, were prohibited from having sex, or using alcohol and tobacco.

When I first saw Mother Divine she was descending the grand staircase in the mansion. She was dressed in a white 19th century ball gown while being escorted by a sentry dressed in red who also wore a small red beret tilted to the side in the style of Che Guevara. The sentry was a thin black woman and Mother was white — she had snow hair and skin much paler than the color of Dove soap. She carried herself with a confident elegance, her head erect and her eyes focused on some invisible point on the horizon. Her walk down the staircase was so slow it called to mind the walking styles of European aristocracy, namely Queen Elizabeth II of England.

Emblems of royalty were very evident in the mansion, not only in the grandiose architecture and design of the place but also in the studied attentiveness and seriousness of Mother’s other sentries, who also wore cocked berets. The sentries were stationed throughout the house like Swiss Guards in the Vatican. The atmosphere definitely evoked the formality of a royal court because it was obvious that the sentries would not tolerate any foolish action, like presupposing it was okay to sit on the furniture, which of course we did not do.

In situations like this, the human tendency is to be formal

even though I longed to see just one of the sentries smile or show some warmth. Feel-good camaraderie is not in the Woodmont style book, however. The sentries, when they did smile, did it in a fixed way as if they were ready to retract it and turn it upside down at a moment’s notice. I knew this to be the case when I asked one of them, a Miss something-or-other, if I could take a photograph. My request was met with a stern “No, you may not take photographs,” as if I should have known better. I replied with a somewhat stunned “Oh… okay,” the ‘Oh’ in my reply signaling my dismay at such a silly rule. What could possibly be wrong with taking a snapshot?

Often the “secondary” people around any high-ranking leader have an inflated sense of self-importance and behave in a manner that may “out-formalize” the personal style of the big boss, the very person one would expect to flaunt attitude. Mother Divine had an easy and light spirit and it was easy to see a mischievous glint in her eyes. She was quick to smile and laugh, yet she was surrounded by stiff wooden Cigar Store Indian types who were quick to scold.

Dinner began when Mother rang a large handbell. A female cook in a white uniform produced the platters from a small kitchen directly behind Mother. Numerous platters of salad items, including a wide assortment of vegetables, condiments and sauces, set the pace for more complicated platters offering meats and fish, rice, potatoes, breads, and more vegetables and meats until at last diners could devote their attention to the business at hand, eating, rather than the elaborate ritual of passing platters.

When platters were passed from one diner to another, they never touched the table. Diners were not allowed to hold two platters at the same time, so the synchronization of the plates had the movements of a dance. While this was going on, diners listened to old audio tapes of Father Divine sermons. The mostly elderly crowd, men in suits and women in Peace Mission uniforms, combined eating with the singing of hymns. A few elderly white women, European by birth, clapped their hands in a singsongy fashion in between mouthfuls, reminding me of the antics of patients in a mental institution.

After dinner, Mother invited my artist friend and me into her private office where she showed us old photographs of Father Divine. A sentry stood beside her as the four of us chatted. I found myself occasionally looking out of Mother’s office window at the tomb of Father, believed by followers to be God incarnate. The conversation was not profound but filled with cursory pleasantries. There were even several photo ops in which Mother snuggled up against my artist friend and me. Photographs were no longer an issue because the sentry who greeted us in the foyer was not the one standing by Mother’s side.

By the time my friend and I left Woodmont we had the feeling that the sentries around Mother were much like a covert army. It was like the feeling you get when you visit a couple who are in a bad marriage but who put on a happy face when company comes. You can somehow feel the tension and repressed emotion coming from the couple but there’s no way you can prove that it exists. Mother, after all, was sitting on a vast fortune and a huge empire. She was elderly and had to be helped around the mansion on her daily walks around the estate.

While in a cab leaving the estate, we passed Mother as she began her daily walk, escorted by several dour-looking sentries. During our chat with Mother she appeared strong but seeing her outdoors was a profound change. She not only

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

looked weak and vulnerable but also seemed to be almost totally under the care and direction of the women propping her up.

The word “care” in this sense can also be a code word for power and control. We have all heard stories of what happens to some elderly mothers when their care is relinquished to their children, and how one child can claim power of attorney and have the mother committed to a nursing home while her assets are funneled into other family bank accounts.

My friend and I were certain that Mother liked us and so we were very surprised when we were turned down by a secretarial sentry when we called later to schedule a follow-up interview. The sentry told us that we were not permitted to visit. No reason was given but it was obvious that we were no longer welcome at Woodmont.

Since that time we have both felt that Mother was really a prisoner behind pearly gates and that she was not acting as a free agent.

This is why I think it is a good thing that the New York Times called the Peace Mission a cult. •

Did you know that Spirit News has it’s own radio show? Tune into Spirit News Radio every Wednesday night on WPPM - FM 106.5 from 6-6:30PM. We discuss local news, arts and entertainment pertaining to the various neighborhoods we cover across Philadelphia. Can’t tune in live? You can download our radio show each week in podcast form on iTunes, SoundCloud and Google Play. Thanks for tuning in!

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017

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

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ast week started very cold behind the big winter storm before we gradually eased up into the 50s, which is where we belong for March. This forecast period is going to start cold as well, but then turn very warm before cooling to seasonal temperatures. For everyone ready for spring after this cold and snowy March, I am pleased to tell you that winter is on major life support right now. Soon, it will be 80 and sunny, the Phillies will be playing baseball and we’ll all be headed down the shore!

Hang in there for winter’s last jabs, we’re almost through it!

The week starts cold as a strong punch of Arctic air drops in from Canada. This cold shot gradually eases as we go

through the week. You are going to absolutely love Saturday, as temperatures warm to where we were in February.

There’s something so wrong in saying that, but it’s true — the 70s return!

Wednesday is the coldest day of the week. Temperatures will be in the 30s, but the wind will make it feel colder.

Thursday is chilly, but the cold shot is already on the way out as temperatures begin to climb into the 40s. It’s really hard for cold air to stick around this time of year.

Friday takes another step toward warmer weather as a warm front moves through. Temperatures climb to 50 degrees, but it will be cloudy with the chance for a light shower.

Saturday looks amazing. Rain stays to our north and warmth surges up from the south for a beautiful day. Sun and clouds will dominate; the only wrinkle is a possible late day thunderstorm.

Sunday is the rainy day of the week and it will trail over into Monday. A shower will come through Sunday morning before steadier rains arrive for Sunday into Monday. It will be a chilly rain.

The rain clears out for Tuesday and temperatures stabilize in the 50s. Clouds increase ahead of the next storm, but we’ll worry about that later!

As always, follow us on social media for weather updates throughout the week! •

1428 East Susquehanna Avenue Philadelphia, PENNSYLVANIA 19125 TELEPHONE: 215.423.6246 EDITORAL INQUIRIES: NEWS@SPIRITNEWS.ORG ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: ADS@SPIRITNEWS.ORG OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY–FRIDAY, 9AM–5PM MATTHEW ALBASI

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EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

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SOCIAL MEDIA

WEATHERMAN

THOM NICKELS

sharon isabel curly

LOCAL LENS COLUMNIST

SPIRIT ASTROLOGY

GREGORY LABOLD

CHAD DRAVK

BALD SPOT COMICS

LITTLE FISH COMICS

BOB STEWART

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ANDREW MARK CORKERY

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MEGAN MATUZAK

MICHAEL HANISCO

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JOHN HENRY SCOTT

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SPENCER HOMAN

SEAN KEARNEY

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GRACE SHALLOW

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

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017

Continued from Page 1.

Soft-spoken and mild mannered, Manny (9-0 with seven knockouts) comes off as one of the nicest people you will ever meet. But there is also a major reason he earned his nickname, “Major Pain.” His hands can cause major pain to his opponents’ heads and bodies.

“Even in the very beginning, guys didn’t want to spar with him,” said Timmy Sinese, longtime Kensington boxing trainer who helped with the paperwork when Manny first went pro. “He hits hard. Real hard.”

Manny went 26-6 as an amateur, twice winning Pennsylvania Golden Gloves and a bronze medal at Nationals. He is the first professional fighter to emerge from the Rock.

“There are a lot of guys who had outstanding amateur careers,” said Buddy. “They go on to have good pro careers.

Manny had a good amateur career, but I think he’s going to have a great pro career. He’s not where he needs to be at this point, he’s where he wants to be, and that’s better.”

Manny went on to win the 2014 Briscoe Award for Rookie of the Year, Philly’s top honor in the tight-knit boxing community. Former cruiserweight champion Steve “U.S.S.” Cunningham has said that he believes Manny will be a world champion someday.

He has a bright future ahead of him, inside and outside of the ring.

Manny grew up near the intersection of Kip and Cambria and graduated from Stetson Middle School and Edison High School. At Edison, his favorite class was shop.

“I was always good with my hands,” he said.

In 2014, he graduated from the Philadelphia Police Academy. Because of his work commitments as a patrolman, he doesn’t get the time off that other fighters schedule for a full camp before a big fight.

“Right now, we’re taking it one fight at a time,” Manny told AbramsBoxing.com. “I’m making adjustments with the department, balancing out the two careers. I’m making it work.”

His co-workers have been nothing but supportive.

“They love the fact that they a have a professional fighter here, someone that the kids look up to. I come from an area where you see a lot of violence and drug activity. I want to be a positive influence in my city,” he told ABC News at his Academy graduation.

“I see every day as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the community and the police. We’re held to a higher standard, and have to set an example for the young people in our communities. The area I grew up in is no joke.

The kids at my gym, 60 or 70 on any given night, they are watching. They see everything. I want them to know that just because you come from a certain area, or grow up under certain circumstances, you don’t have to choose that lifestyle.”

Like too many families in the neighborhood, the Follys have been affected by tragedy. Manny is the youngest of seven boys. The week before Manny’s first professional fight in 2013, his oldest brother, Erving, was shot and killed.

“You see the caution tape,” Manny told Fox 29. “You see all the police out there. I remember I could see my brother’s foot hanging out of the door. That hit me hard. I just couldn’t bear losing someone that close to me.”

Manny “Major Pain” Folly is a Philadelphia police officer and pro boxer training out of Rock Ministries in Kensington./Max Pulcini In his honor, Manny now wears his brothers nickname, NEAK, on his trunks when he steps into the ring.

“He said, ‘Man, you can go as far as you allow yourself to go.’ I think that will always stick with me for my career.

That is the reason I go a hard as I do in the gym.”

Manny “Major Pain” Folly puts it on the line on Friday, March 31 at the 2300 Arena in South Philly, 2300 South Swanson Street (at Wolf). Doors will open at 6PM. For tickets and information, check www.VictoryBoxingPromotions.com There is a great photo spread of Manny around the way from 2012 at ThisIsKensington.com.

You can also follow him @Instagram.com/MannyFolly • Manny with fellow PPD officers./Instagram

Rock Ministries trainer Buddy Osbourne watches Manny bounce around the ring./Max Pulcini

/Max Pulcini

/Max Pulcini

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017 Delaware Avenue Extension Project Wins Environmental Engineering Award Urban Engineers is pleased to announce that the extension of Delaware Avenue in Philadelphia won an Honor Award in the environmental category at the Diamond Awards for Engineering Excellence — the highest award in this category.

The competition was hosted by the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC/PA) at the Lancaster County Convention Center.

“We would like to congratulate the City of Philadelphia and the Streets Department on the successful completion of this project and on this recognition from ACEC/PA,” said Angelo Waters, PE, an Urban vice president and practice leader for environmental services. “This award is also evidence of the success and technical expertise of our firm’s environmental practice, and our staff is worthy of the recognition.”

With the extension of Delaware Avenue, the Bridesburg and Port Richmond sections of Philadelphia became home to the city’s first new roadway in over 30 years. Prior to

construction of the 0.6-mile-long extension, residential Richmond Street provided the only access to I-95 and was heavily used by trucks. The extension, which is parallel to Richmond Street and closer to the Delaware River, has helped alleviate some of the neighborhood’s truck traffic.

Urban was the lead engineering consultant to the Philadelphia Streets Department for the project. When a pipe installation contractor discovered petroleum contaminated soil near an abandoned underground oil/water separator, the department requested our environmental consulting services, as well. The aim was to keep the project on schedule, while completing construction safely.

Economic revitalization; job creation; decreased blight, crime, urban sprawl, and environmental risks; increased property values; and job creation are among the potential benefits of this new roadway.

This project next advances to the national American Council of Engineering Companies competition in Washington, D.C. The winners will be announced during the organization’s annual conference in April. •

No one understands small business like small business. We may be getting a bigger staff and more readers, but we’re still just like you. Work together with Spirit News to help grow your business and inform your neighbors. ads@spiritnews.org 215.423.6246

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017

WRITTEN BY JOHN HENRY SCOTT

PHL pre K

M AY O R K E N N E Y L O O K S T O S T R E N G T H E N T H E C I T Y ’ S C O M M I T M E N T T O P R E - K

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n March 16th, Mayor Jim Kenney sat down with prekindergarten providers, teachers and parents for a roundtable discussion at the R.W. Brown Community Center at 8th and Cecil B. Moore. The talk was centered around the city’s PHLpreK initiative, which is funded by the recent Philadelphia Beverage Tax, also known as the Soda Tax. Kenney wanted to hear more about the economic impact that the initiative has had on neighborhood-based pre-K centers and receive feedback on how to strengthen the program.

The PHLpreK initiative is part of a five-year plan, proposed

by Mayor Kenney, to enroll 6,500 Philadelphia children in affordable, quality pre-K programs. In its first year, PHLpreK has partnered with 88 pre-K programs across the city.

Many of these programs are independently owned by local residents, strengthening the economy of their neighborhoods. At the time of the meeting, 1,800 children had been enrolled through PHLpreK. Educators, providers, and parents sat around a circle of tables with the mayor. To begin the discussion, participants were encouraged to share success stories or positive experiences resulting from the initiative.

Participants touched on topics such as being able to connect families with jobs and resources, being able to give staff raises and allowing increased healthcare visibility for children under the age of five. Some programs have been able to bring in organizations such as Kids Smile Inc., a nonprofit which provides children in underserved communities with basic oral health care.

Clarence Morris of Amazing Kids Academy LLC said he was “grateful to be able to provide more jobs and prepare children for kindergarten.”

An educator from Catholic Social Services said that their program has 72 PHLpreK spots filled and has been able to give staff much-needed raises.

“Quality pre-K is not babysitting,” Mayor Kenney said. He then told a story about going to Jay Cooke Elementary to observe a kindergarten class. About five of the 20 students in the room were engaged with the teacher and asking questions. At the end of the class, Kenney discovered that those five students had been to pre-K. Kenney then began to talk about the national political climate and topics such as immigration and the proposed travel bans. He spoke of these policies as policies of fear and speculated on how this fear affects the nation’s children. He told stories of children he had met at political events who are scared of their parents being deported and scared of being deported themselves. “This isn’t how this country is supposed to be,” he said.

An educator in the room voiced her fear that some of her undocumented teachers and staff would be deported.

Kenney went on to address criticism of the soda tax. He talked about threats made by major soda manufacturers, such as laying off thousands of employees as a result of the tax. The mayor voiced his confusion as to why a company with profit margins in the billions each year would have to lay off workers earning an entry-level salary.

Latonta Godboldt, an administrator at Small Wonders FCCH, spoke up against criticism of the tax. “The bottom line is, kids are worth it. It doesn’t matter if it’s 10, 20, 30 cents, if we don’t do these kind of programs, we all end up paying,” she said.

More information about the PHLpreK initiative can be found at: http://www.phlprek.org/ •

/Photos courtesy City of Philadelphia

PENN TREATY PARK EVENTS

FISHTOWN FISHING DERBY March 25 registration 8am Competition ends at 11am Free to all participants Free prize for all kids Rods available for all children Adults must have fishing license to enter

EASTER EGG HUNT

April 8 at 11am Rain Date: April 9 at 11am Free Easter Egg Hunt Prizes for all Please arrive before 11:00am to ensure participation

Sponsored by the penn treaty special services district & THE FRIENDS OF PENN TREATY PARK

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017

WRITTEN BY JAMES RENNIE

poker night

SUGARHOUSE CASINO HOSTS PHILADELPHIA POKER CLASSIC

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hroughout March, SugarHouse Casino has hosted a month-long poker event that has seen the likes of professional poker players such as Phil Hellmuth, poker’s all-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) gold bracelet leader, and Olivier Busquets, a World Poker Tour title holder with 21 WSOP cashes and more than $7 million in total live earnings. In addition, a highly anticipated grudge match that had its roots in a Twitter argument between Mike Dentale and Cate Hall resulted in the pair battling it out in a heads up cash game on Sunday, March 19.

“I love Philadelphia, look what I’m looking at now, the casino is right on the river and it’s really a nice casino, so it was fun to come here and film for a couple of days,” Phil Hellmuth told Spirit News.

The month-long event is being highlighted by the return of the popular television series “Poker Night in America” on NBC Sports in May. The program will feature the grudge match between Dentale and Hall, the tournament featuring top professionals, and high-stakes cash games in which the professionals will also be competing.

“This is a really amazing opportunity for this casino. We’ve had great viewership numbers these past few days. We’re in the 4,000 to 5,000 range and last week at Pittsburgh they were right around 1,000. So for us to get this kind of publicity and coverage is really beneficial for the casino,” Vicki Sims, Poker Room Manager at SugarHouse, told Spirit News.

The main Philadelphia Poker Classic (PPC) event was the tournament that started on Sunday, March 12 and culminated on Sunday, March 19. The event that had a $200,000 prize pool saw the last day running for a grueling 20-hour period. Eventually, at 8AM on the morning of Monday, March 20th, Michael Hager was crowned champion, walking away with $46,000, with runner-up Joe Palma winning $35,000.

Speaking to Spirit News after the main PPC event, Phil Hellmuth said, “I just busted the tournament so that hurt a little bit, but I could have played better. I played pretty poorly and then got unlucky on the last hand. I also bluffed off some money, which I shouldn’t have. I played a very tight style.”

The tournament gave the chance for local players to play alongside the big shots they only usually see on television, providing for many what was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“We have a lot of big names come in from out of town, some who don’t frequent the smaller tournament series like this one, so it’s exciting to see the likes of Phil Hellmuth and Olivier Busquet here. We’ve got a lot of famous players. It’s really nice to see those kinds of faces, and local players like to see the big players in the poker room and like to play with them,” said Matt Glanz, a consultant for Rush Street Gaming (the parent company of SugarHouse), a producer for “Poker Night in America,” and a player himself with over $6 million in career earnings.

He added: “Poker is probably the only game where everyone is on the same level. If you have chips and a seat, you’re on the same level as everyone else and can compete.”

At the same time that the main PPC event was taking place, the heads up grudge match between Mike Dentale and Cate Hall kicked off at around 3:30PM on Sunday, March 19. The match was best of three heads up freeze outs at $15,000 each.

Hall is new to the poker scene with her first live cash in 2015. Since then she has been an unstoppable force, earnSugarHouse poker room./James Rennie

ing three WPT final tables and has $871,000 in live earnings.

Dentale is what could be considered a veteran of the poker circuit, with 11 years of playing experience behind him, 10 WSOP cashes and $1.4 million in total live earnings. However, he only plays poker part-time, as he runs his own business.

Both players are extremely outspoken and engaged in a Twitter argument with each other in early December over their political leanings. Hall criticized President Trump, of whom Dentale is an advocate. The argument quickly escalated and became about poker.

The insults over Twitter were severely heated as Dentale said, “You are irrelevant. The only reason you get coverage is because you have a vagina. Poker needs this, and you’re running good.”

Equally firing the insults back Hall said Dentale was a “scumbag,” a “coward” and a “trainwreck” of a poker player.

“I play at the Sugarhouse recreationally and I saw on Twitter these two feuding. The banter back and forth was awesome, so I had to come and see it,” said Connor Hughes, a spectator from Lancaster, PA. Speaking to Spirit News before the grudge match, Dentale said: “When we are playing heads up it’s the same deal even though it’s cash instead of tournament chips. I’ve got a good feel for heads up, I’ve got a good feel for the game, I understand values, and I understand pot sizes and math.

I’ve got a very good idea of the game and I think I’ll do well.”

He added: “She challenged me and of course I would never back down. I think she’s atrocious. I’ve never disliked her before but then she started making these crude remarks which I thought was disrespectful to the poker community, and that I didn’t like.”

Although Dentale showed initial confidence in his game, talking to Hall at the table and insulting her playing style, Hall came out the victor, showing just why she has burst onto the poker scene so quickly in the past two years, defeating Dentale in a clean 2-0 sweep, thus walking away from the table with $30,000. •

Mike Dentale competes in the “Grudge Match.”/James Rennie

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017

WRITTEN BY STEVE BOHNEL

soda tax

LOCAL GROCERY STORES VOICE OPINION ON SODA TAX

D

an Tocci has worked at Dan’s Market since he was 12 years old, providing sandwiches, hoagies and other snacks to the Fishtown community.

Tocci, 80, also sells soda — and given the new sugary beverage tax, he feels bad for the added price on his customers.

“It affected everything, because it’s an inconvenience. It’s an extra price they have to pay,” he said. “Soda I was getting for $1.50, now I gotta get for $1.80… everything’s up, and it’s not good for business.”

While several area grocery stores and delis said soda sales are down, they’re dealing with a tax meant to better their respective communities. Spirit News previously reported that $300 million of the sugary beverage tax would be used for Rebuild, a citywide initiative to improve parks, recreation centers and libraries.

According to city records, a bill was introduced by Councilwoman Cindy Bass earlier this month, authorizing the use of city bonds to help pay for Rebuild, which will then be paid back through the tax. Currently, however, the city remains in a legal battle with several beverage associations who have opposed the tax since its inception.

That case will be heard in the state’s Commonwealth court, according to court records.

David Gould, deputy director of community engagement and communications for Rebuild, said the city won’t issue bonds until a final decision is made in the case.

“Part of Rebuild is built on that revenue stream,” he said.

“But we’re confident in our legal team, and also from the decision that was supported by the Common Pleas Judge [Gary S. Glazer] already.”

Multiple grocery stores, however, still oppose the tax due to declining sales. Don Petzak, general manager of the Richmond Shops IGA in Olde Richmond, said soda sales have decreased 10 percent since the tax was implemented.

Petzak, 48, said his store donates $30,000 to local schools yearly and also helps out the community through fundraisers and various events.

“We’re obviously very interested in education, our children, our community,” he said. “But I think there’s ways of doing it and ways to not do it … I don’t feel it’s the proper way to go about raising that money.”

Consumers at various stores have been complaining about the increased prices, including at the 7-Eleven on Girard Avenue near Front Street.

“We do have people cursing us out because of the increase in prices,” said Dipen Patel, 32, manager of the store.

Patel said soda sales have decreased about 25-30 percent at his store since the start of the year. He acknowledged the impact the tax could have on smaller stores.

“For the small mom-and-pop stores, it’s a horrible experience for them,” he said. “They’re struggling to keep their businesses alive.”

One of those businesses is Garrison’s Market in Fishtown.

Owner Gregory Garrison, 65, said the tax has led to a 50-percent loss in soda sales.

“I don’t think they’re efficiently spending the money,” he said of the tax’s impact. “Nobody I know in this neighborhood is sending their kids to these daycares, recreation centers or wherever.”

“A lot of people are gonna lose their jobs,” Dan Tocci said.

“They shouldn’t put a tax like this, it hurts all the small people.”

“I’m not a politician … I don’t know the ins and outs of city finances,” Don Petznak added. “Tastykake is substantially down, the [representative] here is down 20 percent from last year, and that’s got nothing to do with soda … the effects go through the entire retail environment and go through the community … it’s obviously having an effect.” • /Steve Bohnel

Page 9

The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017

WRITTEN BY PTAH GABRIE

Flag lot Drama

T H E C U R I O U S C A S E O F 1 3 2 3 R E . M O N T G O M E R Y AV E TA K E S A N E W T U R N

W

e often find ourselves sitting in rec centers and churches in the Riverwards covering zoning meetings that concern our readers. These meetings can be mundane and are often filled with legal jargon that would put the average citizen to sleep. Sometimes they are interesting, like when they revolve around city-dwelling chickens and a man who just wants to eat fresh eggs in Northern Liberties. Regardless, you will always find passion at these meetings from someone with direct ties to the proposal.

Last Thursday, a large group of passionate and boisterous Fishtowners packed the First Presbyterian Church on East Girard to once again voice concerns over a proposed residential development on a lot in the heart of the neighborhood. This is the second variance the developer is seeking on this particular lot. The first proposal for 12 townhomes was voted down at an FNA zoning community meeting in January. Now the developers are proposing a six-townhome plan that is similar to the original plan, but with less residential density.

The lot in question is a rear lot located at 1323R E. Montgomery Avenue. The location of this parcel of land makes it a flag lot, which is a parcel located at the end of a long narrow street. When you look at a parcel like this from an aerial view, it resembles a flag on a flagpole. In this case the narrow street is the 1300 block of Wilt Street, which is located between Montgomery Avenue and Berks Street along Belgrade.

The changes the developer made to the plan include going from 12 to six dwellings, duplexes to single-family homes, 38 ft to 33 ft in height, one parking space to two spaces, a zero-foot setback to a five-foot setback for the houses and exterior trash storage to interior trash storage.

The developer also increased the open area from 52.7 percent to 54.9 percent and the overall square footage of the units will now be 1670 feet since the duplexes are now single-family townhomes.

There are two factors about this project that the public should be aware of. According to Matt Karp, FNA’s Zoning Committee Chair, the architect for this project, Kevin O’Neil, was recently on the zoning committee, but has since resigned from his position. Karp says the architect had recused himself from this process due to conflicts of interest.

“Kevin was on the FNA Zoning committee and was recused from the project as anytime he has had his own commissions come in front of the community,” Karp said.

“He also has recently stepped down from the zoning committee since it was too much time to commit to right now.

I can agree with him, that it is a lot of time to organize and hold these meetings.”

The second, more dubious issue is that on January 4, 2017, Elaine F. Mcknight, principal of St. Laurentius School and mother of Lawrence Mcknight, one of the potential developers on the proposed development at 1323R E. Montgomery Ave, encouraged parents of students at St. Laurentius to come out and vote in favor of her son’s projects throughout the neighborhood. Lawrence McKnight is the president of Urban Renewal Builders (URB), a local development firm.

According to the letter Matt Karp provided Spirit News, URB pledged $5,000 to help with a new roofing project for the school and an additional $500 for every house URB closes on in Fishtown.

Here is an excerpt from the letter: “In addition, Urban Renewal Builders has pledged $500 for each closing on a house they build in Fishtown! All they ask is that you come out and support them at any zoning hearing through FNA. I will notify you of any upcoming hearings, via email that will include time, place and a link to their planned proposal. If you agree, please take some time out of your busy schedule to support them.”

Karp told us at the zoning meeting that the FNA, Principal McKnight and her son had discussed this matter privately. There is no record of what was said at this meeting, but Karp was able to provide Spirit News with this official response which he says was written by FNA President Ian Wilson: “It was made clear to the FNA by the letter’s author that

there was no intent to encourage voting solely based on the potential for a donation to the school; the letter clearly indicates recipients should vote on a project’s merits. Parties agreed the optics were poor and a letter correcting the record is needed. The Principal of St. Laurentius offered and the FNA agreed to work together on a letter to send out to the school’s parents clarifying the statement. The FNA will address the letter publicly at the outset of any upcoming FNA Zoning Meetings with this developer to ensure the public is aware of the FNA’s position on the matter.”

The initial proposal was struck down with a fairly clear vote of no from the community and residents within 500 feet of the project. The FNA community zoning meetings have two votes: Residents within 500 feet of the project cast votes separately and the rest of the votes come from residents with addresses inside Fishtown.

The community once again voted the proposal down at this meeting. Residents within 500 ft voted one yes to 60 nos. The overall community vote was seven yes to 50 nos.

The results will be notated in a letter to be sent to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) for the final ruling on the project. The vote came at the end of one of the most heated zoning meetings we have ever attended. At times it took long-term FNA Zoning Committee member Marie Windfelder banging her gavel on the back of a metal folding chair to restore order to the meeting.

Architect Kevin O’Neill began by outlining the parts of their proposal that had changed.

“We’ve tried to adjust everything possible to make it a little more palatable for everybody,” O’Neill said. According to the architect, developers are seeking a variance for lack of street frontage due to the fact that Wilt Street is not legally a city street and is not on the city plan.

“Wilt Street, Pig Alley, whatever it is, according to the City Planning Commission and Streets Department, they don’t treat it as a street,” O’Neill said. “To them it’s a gray area, it’s a black hole. They don’t treat it as a typical city street and that ties into why we can’t subdivide these into six units.”

Streets like this are often confusing when it comes to basic city services like police, fire and trash removal. Many residents fear that police and fire response could be delayed because those services rely on maps that often don’t list small streets that are not on the official city plan, like the 1300 block of Wilt Street. One resident reminded the audience of a fire that had occurred there in the past.

“You aren’t getting a fire truck back there,” one person said, claiming to have 20 years’ experience as a professional truck driver. “There was a multi-alarm fire back there a few years back. The house burned down because they couldn’t get a fire truck in there. They didn’t even know where it was.

They were calling us and asking where was 1300 Wilt St.” Access to 1323R is limited to a small gated entryway off East Montgomery Avenue and Wilt Street, which is unpaved and a muddy mess after any rain or snow. According to Leo Mulvihill, the developer’s attorney for the project, since Wilt Street is not technically a city street, everyone, including the developers and new residents, are entitled to the same right of usage to the alley. “As much as anybody else who lives on the street does,” Mulvihill responded to one resident asking about usage of Wilt Street. “The address for this property was assigned by the city. We didn’t ask for it.”

Residents believe lack of sight will cause there to be no parking zones next to the entrance at Wilt and Belgrade Streets. However, other residents worry that the primary entrance will become the driveway off East Montgomery Avenue.

“Wilt Street is not big enough for two-way traffic,” one resident said. “You may as well have them come in and out on Montgomery Avenue and we’re not going to let you do that either. This is an unsafe project. You’re going to put families in the middle of nowhere. Not safe.”

At times exchanges between the architect and the community became personal. “You told me, Kevin, that you were going to build back there no matter what any neighbors had to say,” one resident said to O’Neill.

“I did not say that. I did not say that,” O’Neill sharply re-

/Ptah Gabrie

plied before being cut off by Windfelder’s gavel as well as Mulvihill jumping in to quell the situation.

“I think we’re getting a little heated and we didn’t actually address the concern. Let’s respect where we are,” Mulvihill said.

Shawn Hyska, pastor at the First Presbyterian Church, also had to intervene to bring order to the room. “Your voice will be heard. I will make sure all your voices are heard, but please let’s let everyone answer the questions. I’m not for this project or against it, but I’m gonna make sure your voices are heard and so is his, and that they answer the questions you ask,” Hyska said.

The developers argued that the size and shape of the lot prohibits them from making a profitable investment under the current RSA-5 zoning, thus causing them a “hardship.”

This term is used when developers are seeking a zoning variance.

“There’s a hardship here with developing this property.

The only thing that can be built would be, to the best of my knowledge, a 12-foot house that faces Montgomery Avenue, goes all the way back, allows a nine-foot rear yard and has all that [the remaining flag lot] belonging to that one house,” Mulvihill said.

One woman immediately jokingly chimed in: “That’s really good. Thank you, perfect.”

Another neighbor said, “This is a hardship you are bringing on yourself, not in terms of the zoning code.”

One neighbor claimed he was there along with other residents of Wilt Street. He offered a compromise. “I want the community to know we have all offered to purchase the land behind it to keep it green space. There’s no hardship here; it’s just financial gain,” the neighbor said, drawing applause from the audience.

A woman stood up at one point and described a situation she is having with the official ownership of her property at 1323 East Montgomery Avenue. Her property faces East Montgomery Avenue and 1323R, the lot to be developed, is directly behind her property. According to the woman, who wished to not have her name published, she has been receiving numerous requests to view the rear lot and has also been receiving mail addressed to the owners of the rear lot, Michael and Laurie Kavanagh.

The woman became suspicious and ran her property through the Office of Property Assessment (OPA) database and found out some disturbing news. According to the OPA’s website, the Kavanaghs purchased the lot at 1323 E. Montgomery Ave for $1 on November 2, 2016.

The woman adamantly denied this sale ever occurred and was very unsure of how this happened. Spirit News did check the OPA website and did confirm that the Kavanaghs are listed as the owners of both 1323 and 1323R East Montgomery Ave. We also checked property records through another source who deals with title transfers and this person was unable to find any official record of the $1 sale to the Kavanaghs. We have reached out to the OPA for clarification and will update this story when we learn more.

The heated zoning meeting for the flag lot was not the only project discussed that night. Kurant Cider was seeking a variance at 436 East Girard Ave for their new taproom. The cider house will not have a restaurant, but the brewers say they will offer lite fare with locally brewed beers as well. The local vote was 7-0 in favor of the project, 86-21 in favor from the community. If the ZBA goes with the community vote, Fishtown will be getting a new cider house. •

Page 10

The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017

Continued from Page 1.

/Photos by Patrick Clark

the claim that college — while just a level under the pros — simply doesn’t provide the same level of entertainment.

While this idea may hold some weight in certain aspects, an event like March Madness brings more pressure than a seven-game series in the NBA playoffs. ‘Tis the season to go hard or go home.

One game means one chance to win. A player simply knowing that a key missed shot or a slip-up on the boards can mean a couch vacation until next season adds a shot of adrenaline to each matchup.

I caught up with a few Temple students who share that sentiment.

One in particular stated, “It’s like added pressure. Here, you’re playing in front of everyone at your school and millions of people on TV or phone or computer or whatever.

You want to make it to the pros, and you only have, like, four years to win it big in college. There’s no series to give you chances. You have one, and that year might be the closest you ever get. That’s crazy.”

It is crazy, to be quite honest. The talented brows of collegiate basketball players can hold just as much sweat as the professionals.

Just imagine playing for a top D1 school, making it to the Sweet Sixteen, the Elite Eight. the Final Four and then finally to the NCAA Championship game. Now imagine losing the championship by a point and then going on to get drafted and becoming an NBA All Star.

Sounds great, right? Well, it is. But imagine having to look back on the big “what could’ve been.” No one wants to have to look back on getting that close and failing. It’s like an itch that never really bothers you too much, but never really goes away. While it might be hard to picture that frame of mind, just think about how competitive you are and how that last 2K match online that you lost via a buzzer beater had you feeling for half a day. I know I am not the only one in that boat.

Speaking of buzzer beaters, last year’s championship game had one of the greatest finishes in NCAA basketball history with Villanova’s Kris Jenkins draining the game winner for the title over North Carolina. It hit home because, once again, Philadelphia had something to be proud of. Now, of course, Villanova University is in Villanova, PA, and they do have a rightful claim there, but it isn’t even a full half-hour from Philly. Fans in Philadelphia lost their minds just as much as I imagine students on Nova’s campus did. I remember sitting in my apartment as that

T

shot replayed thinking, “Who better to be than a Philadelphian right now?”

And speaking of “who”, I have to revert back to our Temple Owls, a March Madness season that may be as disappointing as my jokes.

The men’s and women’s basketball squads respectively have found themselves ushered politely out of the first round of their respective tournaments, with the women falling to #10 Oregon in the women’s NCAA tournament, and the men to some healthy East Carolina three-point shooting in the American Athletic Conference tournament.

But that’s fine because this year’s loss is next year’s improvement. And now that Villanova has been bounced out

by Wisconsin in the second round, it shows how things can turn around so quickly during March Madness. Who knows, Temple could be cutting the nets come next year.•

WRITTEN BY CASEY ANN BECK

clean plate here are many ways to follow a day-to-day mapping of time. For example, the Gregorian calendar is our standard 12-month, January to December system of scheduling. With the lunar calendar the moon guides us with its many phases. Some religions start and end their year according to their holidays and businesses track their time with a fiscal calendar.

My family follows a calendar that revolves around pizza.

Plotting time with pizza is especially easy on a busy schedule. My oldest son celebrates Wednesday’s as “pizza day” because it’s what’s provided for lunch at school (which saves me from packing him something he’ll barely eat).

Pizza is served for dinner on Friday night and is the perfect meal to welcome the weekend; there’s a very little wait for delivery, there are no dishes to clean and we very rarely have leftovers. We even have one flexible pizza dinner during the week, which my husband or I use as a crutch when the other is working late.

The pizza calendar isn’t strict or formal. It’s just one small — and delicious — way we keep order in our household.

Also, it doesn’t require you to always order out; we find it especially fun to make mini-pizzas at home with our own dough and customized toppings. Though it does entail a bit of cleanup and extra time to account for the dough’s rising, it’s our special way of honoring the pizza gods. The recipe for this cornmeal crust has a bit more texture than your standard dough and I love it topped with roasted tomatoes and spicy sausage.

RECIPE FOR CORNMEAL PIZZA CRUST Cornmeal Pizza Crust From Martha Stewart 2 teaspoons active dry yeast Pinch of sugar 2/3 cups warm water 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface ¼ cup cornmeal, plus more for pizza peel or baking sheet 1 ½ teaspoons coarse salt 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for bowl In a small bowl, sprinkle the yeast and sugar over the warm water. Let stand until the yeast is dissolved and mixture is foamy, about 10 minutes. Combine flour, cornmeal, and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center, and add the yeast mixture and oil. Slowly stir ingredients with a wooden spoon just until dough starts to come together. Dump dough on a lightly floured work surface, and knead until smooth and elastic, seven to 10 minutes.Divide the dough into four 4-ounce balls. Place balls in a shallow oiled bowl, turning to coat with oil; cover with plastic wrap, and let rise one hour at room temperature.

Preheat oven to 500 degrees with a pizza stone on lowest rack. Stretch dough into 6- or 7-inch rounds. Sprinkle cornmeal on a pizza peel or inverted baking sheet. Place dough rounds on top, and cover with toppings, as desired. Slide rounds onto pizza stone, and bake until crust is crisp and golden and toppings are bubbling, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from oven; serve immediately. •

Page 11

The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017

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Page 12

The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017

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

me e tings Thursday, March 23, 7PM GREEN PARTY MEETING The Green Party of Philadelphia (GPOP, www.gpop.org) will hold a membership meeting at 7:00 pm on Thursday, March 23, at Shissler Recreation Center, 1800 Blair Street (near Girard Ave) in Fishtown, Philadelphia. At the meeting, Green Party members will discuss ways to be seen being Green. Shissler Rec Center is wheelchair accessible.

The meeting will be open to the public with no admission charge.

For more information, please contact 215-843-4256 and gpop@gpop.org.

EKNA MONTHLY MEETINGS East Kensington Neighbors Association (EKNA) meets at 6:30PM on the third Monday of the month at Philadelphia Brewing Company (2440 Frankford Ave.) Topics will include: Committee Updates, including Zoning and Development; Committee Meeting Time. Not able to make our meeting in person but interested in joining via livestream?

Email info@ekna.org for more information!

FNA MONTHLY MEETINGS Fishtown Neighbors Association (FNA) meets at 7PM on the third Wednesday of each month at Fishtown Rec Center, 1202 East Montgomery Avenue.

HCA MONTHLY MEETINGS Harrowgate Civic Association (HCA) usually meets at 6:30PM on the first Thursday of each month at Heitzman Recreation Center, 3631 Amber Street. However, this month's meeting is on ORCA MONTHLY MEETINGS Old Richmond Civic Association (ORCA) meets at 7:30PM on the fourth Tuesday of each month at Cione Rec Center, 2600 Aramingo Avenue.

PROPAC MONTHLY MEETINGS Port Richmond on Patrol and Civic (PROPAC) meets at 7PM on the first Wednesday of each month at Columbia Social Club, 3529 Almond Street. Next meeting: February 1.

SNBL MONTHLY MEETINGS Somerset Neighbors for Better Living (SNBL) meets at 6:30PM on the first Monday of each month. This month's meeting is on Monday, January 9. Meetings alternate between two locations. This month's meeting is at Rock Ministries, 2755 Kensington Avenue. The February 6 meeting is at Firm Hope Baptist Church, 2313 East Auburn Street.

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. AlAnon meetings are free, anonymous and confidential.

Wednesdays, 11AM OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS MEETINGS Those who suffer from eating disorders can find support at Circle of Hope (2007 Frankford Ave.) Follow the OA signs and head upstairs follow. For more information, call or text 267-752-3779.

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, March 23, 3:30PM 16TH ANNUAL FISHTOWN MARCH MADNESS ACADEMIC COMPETITION Cheer on local students with neighbors and Fishtown Neighbors Association as they use their smarts to advance in the Final Four and Championship rounds for the 16th Annual Fishtown March Madness Academic Competition at Shissler Rec Center. Sponsored by Penn Treaty Special Services District, a celebration to honor Fishtown Teachers and Educators of the year and Joseph and a group that has been working with Fishtown-area youth will be held as well.

For more information and to volunteer contact A.J. at ajthomson7@gmail.com.

Summer Lifeguarding Jobs Screening Days

Saturday, March 25, 7PM ST. ANNE’S PAINT PARTY NIGHT At St. Anne’s “New School” gym at Tucker and Memphis. $35 per ticket, tickets are not available at the door. Includes art supplies, coffee, tea, water and pastries. BYO snacks and preferred beverages.

For more information, contact Nellie (215-34-4665) or Theresa (215-425-3219)

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR) is hiring 400 lifeguarding to staff is 70 outdoor and four indoor pools.

The job pays between $12.33 and $14.60 an hour. Interested candidates do not have to be strong swimmers, if they start being assisted by the staff early. These candidates should take the first step and attend a screening day offering now until June at the following facilities:

Sunday, March 26, 10AM 13TH ANNUAL BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER The Ladies of Port Richmond Breast Cancer are holding their annual breakfast fundraiser at St. George’s Church Hall (2700 Venango St.) Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. For more information contact Marylou at 215-427-3222.

Sayre Morris Swimming Pool (5825 Spruce St.) Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 6-8PM

Sunday, March 26th FISHTOWN'S FAMOUS CHILI COOKOFF AT THE FILLMORE Our annual Chili Cookoff is back and spicier than ever!

We're back at The Fillmore Philadelphia for Year 8, and we're now taking submissions from residents and restaurant contestants who want to show off their chili chops.

This friendly competition brings the whole neighborhood (and beyond!) together every year to cook and sample tons of food, enjoy local beers and listen to live music. Stay

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

Pickett Swimming Pool (5700 Warne Ave.) Monday through Thursday, 6:30-8PM Lincoln Pool (7437 Rowland Ave.) Monday Through Thursday 7:30-8:30PM For more information, please visit phila.gov/lifeguards.

tuned for ticketing details. Want to enter?! Come on, you know you do! Just fill out this quick form. This event could not be possible without volunteers. Wanna help? Shoot us an email at events@fishtown.org. See you March 26th!

Saturday, April 8, 11AM EASTER EGG HUNT AT PENN TREATY PARK Easter Egg Hunt will be held at Penn Treaty Park. Don’t forget to bring your basket!

Saturday, April 8, 10AM - 1PM PORT RICHMOND TRAIL OPENING DAY This Saturday is “Opening Day” for parks and trails across the area. The Delaware River City Corporation is hosting a cleanup event on the Port Richmond Trail and we need volunteers. Meet at Pulaski Park: Allegheny Ave. at N. Delaware Ave. For more information, call or email:215-425-8350, info@ drcc-phila.org. Visit drcc-phila.org for more about DRCC.

Sunday, April 9, 11:30AM PALM SUNDAY AT OLD BRICK "Old Brick" will be celebrating Palm Sunday, April 9, 2017 with an outdoor service (weather permitting) beginning at 11:30 AM. In the event of inclement weather, we will celebrate in our Chapel (entrance at 929 Marlborough Street).

The service will be held on the Richmond Street side of the Church.

Throughout Lent, 6:30 ST. MICHAELS LENTEN SERVICES Located at the corner of Trenton Ave. and Cumberland (a block below Frankford Ave.), Philadelphia, PA 19125, will be offering Lenten Services, beginning Thursday, March 9th. Soup and Sandwich served at 6:30 PM, followed by Devotions in the Chapel at 7PM, with bible study in Parish Hall. All are welcome, mark your calendars for Thursday study.

If further information is required, please contact me at 215425-6190, or St. Michaels at 215-423-0792.

Weekdays, 9AM-9PM BRIDESBURG FOOD PANTRY Bridesburg Recreation Center (4625 Richmond St.) is accepting nonperishable food and clothing donations for the neighborhood needy. For more information, call Jackie at

Page 13

The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017 215-685-1247, 215-533-6448.

Third Mondays LOST PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBER SUPPORT 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.

3rd and 4th Tuesday 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.

Mondays and Thursdays, 7:30PM CATHOLIC TALK SERIES Join St. Michael’s Parish (1445 N. 2nd St.) for their new series of talks to learn more about or deepen their Catholic faith. The talks are open to both youth and adults, and free babysitting services will be provided.

For more information visit the parish website or call the rectory at 215-739-2358.

Last Tuesday of every month, 7PM SPIRITUAL INQUEERY A safe space to explore and study the intersection of faith and sexuality for LGBTQIA+ Christians and Inquirers.

Come share, listen, learn, and find community support in navigating the trials and tribulations of this life. We meet on the last Tuesday of every month at 1542 E. Montgomery Ave. Wednesdays, 6PM YOGA AT TOWEY REC Roots2Rise will hold yoga classes at Towey Rec (1829 N. Howard St.). Cost is $5 per class. Participants must bring a mat For more info, visit roots2rise.com Wednesdays, 6:30-9:30PM SCRAPBOOKING Bring your photos and a book for scrapbooking at Bridesburg Recreation Center (4625 Richmond St.) It cost $5 to attend, and other materials will be provided.

For more information, call Jackie at 215-685-1247, 215-5336448.

Wednesdays, 6-7PM 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.

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).

Thursdays, 5-8PM GAME ON! THURSDAYS Bring or borrow games and players at Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse (2578 Frankford Ave.) for a night devoted of video game play. For more information, contact amalgamphilly@gmail.com.

2nd Fridays, 7:15PM MOTHERHEART KIRTAN Welcoming everyone in the neighborhood to take part in MotherHeart Kirtan. Kirtan is the recitation of spiritual ideas through songs of devotion. Style is call and response singing of mantra and sounds. It is an easy, safe environment to experience group, harmony, healing, and community. Kirtan can be peaceful, uplifting, and ecstatic. MotherHeart Studio (2359 E Susquehanna Ave.) Donation only.

Third Saturdays, 12-2PM FREE SOUP AND PRAYER Trinity Presbyterian Church (2905 Frankford Ave.) is provided a free hot cup of soup and a place for prayer on the third Saturday of each month. For more information, call 267-216-8996.

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!

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.

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 12:302:00PM. 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 215-426-9799.

Portside Arts Center GIRL POWER ARTS Students learn about famous women in art history and work on interesting and engaging 2D and 3D projects.

Each Wednesday, March 1st - March 29th 8-12 years - 6:30-7:30 - Register: tinyurl.com/GirlPowerOne 13-17 years - 7:45-8:45 - Register: tinyurl.com/GirlPowerTwo Art Projex: In each lesson students study different art forms and their history. This class is fun, creative and contemporary, and great for building a well-rounded portfolio. We provide all materials!

13-17 years: Each Wednesday, March 1st - March 29th 6:308:00. Register: tinyurl.com/ArtProjex Visual Arts: In this class students will experience drawing, painting, printmaking, stop motion animation, fiber arts, clay sculpture, found object sculpture and more!

8-12 years: Each Wednesday, March 1st - March 29th. Register: tinyurl.com/ChildrensVisualArts To learn more, please visit www.PortsideArtsCenter.org or call us at 215-427-1514 LUTHERAN SETTLEMENT HOUSE JOB READINESS CLASSES Lutheran Settlement House (1340 Frankford Ave.) is hosting a month worth of job readiness classes as part of the Pathways to Employment Program.

Welcome to PA CareerLink and JobGateway: February 6th, 13th, and 27th, from 10am-noon Getting Your Resume Right: February 1st and the 15th, from 10am-noon Interviewing Skills: February 8th and the 22nd, from 10amnoon Career Drop-in: Drop into our computer lab for assistance with your resume, cover letter, or online job application.

Every Thursday in February, from 1pm-4pm. NO APPOINTMENT REQUIRED! All the classes are free and are held at 1340 Frankford Avenue. Interested individuals can call 215-426-8610, Ext. 2006. Visit www.lsheducation.org or email for more info: pep@lutheransettlement.org

Happy Birthday, Liam!

Happy birthday to our favorite superhero, our son Liam, who turns 5 on March 20th!

You've grown and learned so much over this last year.

We are so proud of everything you do and can't wait to see what your 5th year brings! Hope you enjoyed your party with your friends and Batman and Batgirl. We love you a bushel and a peck!

Love, Mommy, Daddy, Sashi, G-dom, and your aunts, uncles, and cousins. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017

COMMUNITY

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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.

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Page 15

The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017

WRITTEN BY SHARON ISABEL CURLEY

Spirit Astrology YOUR DOSE OF HYPERLOCAL SPIRITUAL ADVICE

Aries: Last week, CNN reported that a group of construction workers surprisingly found bones and coffins six feet beneath their site. These coffins are said to be from the First Baptist Church burial ground, which was established in 1707. The story continued with something about how the coffins should have been moved across the city in 1860, but this never happened. When I was living in Tucson, AZ, some pretty strange things happened because the neighborhood I resided in, Dunbar Spring, was built on a burial ground, i.e. construction in certain places came to a halt for a very long time due to bones resurfacing. Not to mention bones would float among the muddy waters during the monsoon season here and there. Sometimes we bury things to stay as such. Sometimes, something comes along and digs up these things. And sometimes, when these things are dug up, they come with new meaning. Let this be a lesson for you in the coming weeks as you or someone you know is about to dig up some parts of your past you thought you’d keep buried forever. Let whatever this is have a cool, new meaning.

to someone or something you’ve been missing. Perhaps it’s time to allow yourself the space to fill the void you’ve created in its stead. If your outcome is anything like mine, you’re going to feel pretty damn good about it.

Taurus: Last week, I took an Uber pool with a girl called Smurf. She wore a full mouse suit covered in pink paint.

She smelled like candy, and she played video games on her phone. As the driver was dropping her at the Save-A-Lot on Lehigh, I turned to look at her more. She was really pretty, and as she stepped out of the car, she said good-bye to the Uber driver and me. Something about her good energy resonated with my otherwise flu-recovering attitude for the rest of the day. You never have to look too far for good energy, it turns out. It comes to you when you least expect it. Taurus, if you are feeling like you are in some mind-altered, out-of-your-control sour attitude, take a look over your shoulder and see what awaits you to lighten your load.

Virgo: It’s the first day of spring, and I just called to order another cord of firewood. I can’t tell you how much this excites me, as I am not looking forward to the warmer weather days. This winter has been full of productivity, staying inside, hanging with the old Sharoni in my brain, and really digging the fireside atmosphere. I do love seasons, but I think I only love seasons, because it helps me not get too jaded with my love for the cold, wintery weather. I am so happy there’s still snow on the ground, and the sounds of the wood burning stove are my muse for my artwork. Virgo, allow yourself to stay in your warm, cozy womb-like state before the spring weather comes. This rebirth ought to be pretty powerful, so I recommend being well prepared. The blossoming of this year’s crops will bring an entirely new look on life. If you’re not prepared, this could overwhelm you.

Gemini: My first trip to Flotation Philly was about two years ago. I went to relive some severe anxiety and get into some ultimate sensory deprivation. I remember lying there, floating there, a little scared, and noticing some light coming from somewhere. I was moving my hands around, trying to find out where the light was. I began to imagine that the light was in my head. I convinced myself that I had created the light. This freaked me out a little bit more, and so I sat up. Just as I was about to open the door, I could see the spots of light much clearer, and remembered that I had painted my nails with glow-in-the-dark polish just a few days before. Mystery solved. I laid back down and floated the rest of the time. Gemini, please remember that whether your mind creates it or your body makes it, there’s really nothing to fear. Just let yourself be free with yourself, and you’ll be just fine.

Cancer: On Sunday night I went to Kung Fu Necktie (still the worst venue name in existence, but a great venue, no less). I saw a band I really love called Green Meteor. They killed it, of course, in case you were wondering. It was an early show, and although I didn’t feel like a beer at all, I went ahead and ordered myself a Hamm’s. I don’t even like Hamm’s beer all too much, but I got it because I have a friend who drank Hamm’s. He also, for some odd reason which I never understood, kept a can of Hamm’s on a shelf all alone in his refrigerator. This friend recently moved across the country, and now resides in the Northwest. Maybe better for him, I didn’t realize what an effect this would have on me. Now I know- enough that I will get a Hamm’s beer, just because I miss him. Cancer, maybe it’s time for you to pay homage

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Leo: I’ve got some acupuncture seeds in my ears. They’re supposed to stay for a week or so. I had an epic breakdown of flu and hormones last week, and was lucky enough to be held up and snowed in with some acupuncturists who love to spread the wealth. So, I’ve got these pretty little gold dots in my ears. I can’t tell if they’re working, but I like the way they look, so I am keeping them in until they fall off (which most of them have done by now). I tried the mind over matter rule for my illness, and it sure as hell didn’t work, so I am transferring it to these acupuncture seeds and allowing them to work, even if they aren’t. In other words, I feel great. Perhaps you’ve got something trying to help you, but you’re not sure if you believe in it. Go ahead and give it a try. It might not cure your ailments, but if you let it, it can surely ease them.

Libra: Mother nature is preparing herself for a lot of new life this spring season. Fighting against all odds, she needs to be both a shining sun and a perfect amount of rain for our plants. She wants to provide the right amount of energy in each moon cycle to help us humans balance our desires. She is at a battle with the state of our little Earth to try and save us all, and to protect us, yet sometimes she is sadly overpowered by the disgrace we humans have created. Therefore, allergies could become worse, moods could shift more, plants may not grow as intended, etc. Libra, your usual caring nature must first focus on yourself, like the mask on an airplane. You need to protect yourself before you go protecting everyone else, or you will wear yourself down.

Scorpio: Have you ever felt happy? I mean truly, sincerely happy. The kind of happy that makes you want to do everything good in your power. The Scorpio is often battling against himself/herself in ways that stunt the the pure degrees of happiness our minds can allow us. Yet, the Scorpio is also a mecca for happiness to the world around him/ her. See this through your own eyes and allow this joy to be bounced back to you. The rest of us want to give it to you, but you often feel bad taking it, so you hold onto it and give it to someone else. The time is yours. Grab it, swallow it, and let it work wonders through your body. Feel the weightlessness and the freedom of a few moments in the joys of you. You deserve it.

Sagittarius: I’m getting back into reading books, without feeling bad about just sitting there thinking I should be doing something else, and realizing the rewards of reading have done nothing but benefit me my entire life. It’s a tough place in this society to feel like if you’re not moving or producing something, perhaps you’re being lazy.

Eh, maybe that’s just me. Either way, take it from me, Sag, it’s way cool to take time to rest your little bod and stimulate your big mind all at once. I’ve been kicking with some Richard Brautigan re-reads, and Koren Zailckas’ “Fury,” all while finishing up my favorite book ever, “The Stench Of Honolulu” by Jack Handey. Whatever it is you might find to stimulate your mind while resting your body, go for it.

It’s going to be worth it now before that spring fever sets in.

Capricorn: I’ve recently been blessed with a living space that feels very good to me. It’s full of light and life, and it inspires me. I’ve been on some crazy cool eating habits, I’ve been exercising, I’ve been more creatively productive, and I sleep well with dreams to remember. It’s not a permanent situation, I guess, but what even is permanent really? I’m just trying to suck up what I’ve got and enjoy while I have it.

Although it’s not full of my entire fabulous wardrobe, and although it doesn’t allow for the most convenient walks, it’s exactly where I want to be right now. Capricorn, there’s a song I’d like to dedicate to you. It’s an old tune by Ted Lucas called “Baby Where You Are”. Catch my vibe while you take a listen. Breathe in this glorious joy I am feeling. I’m willing to share it with you if you’ll let me.

Aquarius: Last week, Philadelphia comedian Aaron Nevins contacted me to be a guest on a show at his comedy club, Good Good Comedy, located in Chinatown. The show features four comics on a panel and the guest (me, in this case). The job of the guest is projected onto a screen behind the panel for the audience to see, and the comedians then have to guess this job by asking only yes-or-no questions to the guest. Although the four comedians did not guess “Astrologer for the Spirit Newspaper” within their allotted time frame, one of them eventually did get it. And even though he had already lost, his joy in guessing anyway took him to the audience, smiling and giving high fives. I decided I should take such a notion into my own life. Aquarius, it doesn’t matter if you are getting all of your work done according to others’ time frame, just get it done and feel proud of yourself and your hard work.

Pisces: When I was living in Tucson, I drank very pure water, which I had to purchase in five-gallon refillable jugs. It was a bitch getting them out of my car, into my kitchen, and lifted up onto their little porcelain spout. However, knowing I had pure, clean drinking water was worth the struggle.

Here in Philadelphia, I drink all of my water from the tap.

Unfiltered tap water, at least four cups a day. I don’t feel as good about it, and I often wonder how safe my drinking water is. Perhaps I’m doing damage to myself? Pisces, if you’re feeling like there’s something in your life you know you can do to make yourself feel better, why limit yourself to your current ways? You’re of the part of our zodiac that doesn’t cope well with change, but what if it promises a better future? Find something that you’ve been wanting to make a change to and go for it full force. Where there’s a will, there’s a way. •

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The Spirit of the Riverwards – March 22, 2017

W R I T T E N B Y T Y R E L L WA L K E R

Friday Night Fights SUGARHOUSE BOXING EVENT PROVIDES KNOCKOUT SHOWCASE.

O

n Friday, March 10th, the SugarHouse Casino hosted a boxing showcase that spotlit a myriad of pro-fighters, both up-and-coming and wellknown. As the sport of boxing has always been a cornerstone of Philadelphia, it came as no surprise to find the venue packed with plenty of press and avid boxing fans alike to show support to their athletes. Events such as this truly embody the soul and unrelenting vigor of the City of Brotherly Love. Everyone was amped, everyone was having a good time.

The pro-amateur card held eight total fights, with the longest match being the main event at a total of eight rounds.

Though presentation and announcing was thorough and spot-on, no time was wasted bringing the fighters out and getting things started. Philly legend — and boxing legend, for that matter — “Smokin’” Joe Frazier’s daughter, Jackie, made an appearance, showing love to the competitors from her ringside seat.

The card consisted of: - Sharif Jones (Philadelphia/0-1) vs. Edwards Ortiz (Texas/3-0-1) - Vincent “Vinny” Floyd (Philadelphia/1-2) vs. Blaine Donkor (DC/debut) - Brandon “B-Y” Robinson (Upper Darby/1-1) vs. Lamont McClaughlin (Philadelphia/debut) - Sam Oropeza (Philadelphia/debut) vs. Joe Parkinson (Philadelphia/debut) - Mike Fowler (Milwaukee/5-6) vs. Victor Vasquez (Yon-

kers/6-2) - Carlos Rosario (Philadelphia) vs. Rocco Espinoza (Philadelphia) - Juan Rodriguez (Virginia/6-6-1) vs. David Gonzales (Philadelphia/8-1-2) - Main Event: Tyrone “Youngun” Brunson (Philadelphia/23-6-2) vs. Brandon Quarles (Virginia/18-3-1) The first contest between Sharif Jones and Edward Ortiz had a fairly even feel to it from the start and ended in a draw. However, by the end of the night, almost half of the matches ended via KO/TKO starting with Vinny Floyd scoring a second-round KO win over Blaine Donkor.

The third bout between “B-Y” Robinson and Lamont McClaughlin, though not a knockout, was certainly a good showing for both. Robinson showed poise and edged a decision after the four-rounder went the distance.

The energy in the venue became increasingly contagious as the night went on. Onlookers—even the officials, openly reacted to impactful punches or an elusive dodge with a “Yeah, that’s it!” or a “Wooo, almost!” Adamant cheers were lent to both winners and losers respectively.

In what may have been the knockout of the night, Sam Oropeza had an explosive debut against Joe Parkinson, who was also fighting his first bout. Oropeza, representing Philadelphia, is from Darby Township (right outside of Philadelphia) and is with Balance Studios Boxing Gym. The match ended with a first-round KO. Victor Vasquez out of Yonkers, NY added another tally to his win column with an aggressive performance versus /Photos by Tyrell Walker

Tyrone Brunson following his victory over Brandon Quarles.

Mike Fowler, achieving a first-round TKO. Vasquez fights out of Animal Gym. Carlos Rosario emerged triumphant in an impressive third-round victory. Rosario remained on the offensive for the majority of the fight, knocking Espinoza down multiple times and eventually snagging the TKO. In the second to last bout, Juan Rodriguez out of Haymarket, Virginia won in a split decision over David Gonzales.

The main event with Tyrone “Young Gun” Brunson and Brandon Quarles proved to be rightfully anticipated. The fight went the distance and there were big shots landed from both sides throughout. Brunson later admitted that he had been stunned at least once. Brunson also went without a mouthpiece in the third round, but somehow fought just as effectively.

In his post-fight interview, Brunson graded his performance a C. It was a modest though fairly honest grade, as Brunson was hit with several shots that he probably could’ve done better to avoid since he was the quicker of the two. The defensive Quarles, however, was no pushover.

His strong guard and constant composure in clinches and flurries put the pressure on Brunson for all eight rounds.

But “Young Gun” Brunson showed ring savvy and landed when it counted. The fight capped off what was a consistently engaging and entertaining event, showing again why Philadelphia has so much respect in the boxing world. •